Spectators endured rain and hail to witness drivers maneuver their vehicles through a winding course at this year’s “Duel At De Anza,” the 42nd anniversary Autocross. The event was held on May 15 in De Anza College Parking Lot B and was this year’s main fundraiser for De Anza’s Auto Tech Club.  

Recent worry about the future of Autocross has grown since the announcement of the construction of a Photovoltaic system over parking lot B.

“I just heard about it last week,” third year Auto Tech student Eric Estes said. “If they have to put it in the middle of the parking lot, that kind of screws us. Obviously our club members are not very happy about this. It is jeopardizing our one and only fundraiser for the whole year.”

However, a solution has been found to allow Autocross and the future solar array to coexist. “The solar array has been planned and developed so that the Autocross can run underneath it,” said Randy Bryant, head of the Auto Technology department. “[The array] shouldn’t have an impact other than a lack of sunlight on the asphalt. Right now I don’t see any problems.”

Autocross drivers raced against the clock in a circular course marked by orange traffic cones. The course consisted of sharp turns and straightaways, provided multiple situations to test the skill of the driver and the quality of that driver’s machine.  For every cone struck along the course, one second is added to the driver’s final time. The winner is decided by whoever has the fastest time, including any cones they might have knocked over.

A wide range of cars were driven, ranging from stock Mini Coopers to heavily modified Mitsubishi EVOs. Open wheeled race cars, Chevy Corvettes, VW dune buggies, Datsun 510s, Subaru STIs and many other makes and models were registered to compete. Even a Prius was seen swerving between the cones.

Vehicles were separated into multiple classes allowing for fair competition between stock and modified cars. Drivers consisted of De Anza Auto Tech club members, as well as representatives from Independence High School, Fremont High School and Gunn High School Auto Tech programs.  De Anza alumni from the Auto Tech program were also there in force, continuing their tradition of racing at the Autocross each year.  The race was also open to the general public, so several individuals who race competitively across the state were in attendance as well.

Boris Simbirsky, first year Auto Tech student, had the opportunity to represent De Anza and his club on the race track.  “I drove the Datsun 510, the De Anza built car. It was built by students for the students,” he said.  

“I had a lot of fun. [I raced] just after it had poured, the whole course was a giant puddle.  It wasn’t optimal conditions, but the fun factor was there.” Simbirsky went on to add that “driving a car isn’t really about getting the best time, it’s about making the best with what you’ve got at that time.”

The race was also open to all De Anza students. Environmental Science and Economics major Brenden Fant raced his 1975 BMW 2002 and won first place in his class. “I just experienced the fastest minute of my life,” he said. “It was a blast sliding around corners, getting on the gas and feeling the wheels spin. I will definitely come back next year.”

For complete race results, visit http://www.norcalufo.org/main/attachments/149_2011DeAnzaResults.pdf

RACIN’ FAST – This 1973 Tui BH-3 is an open-wheeled racecar known for its sleek design and blinding speed. Driver Barry Goldine was able to achieve a blazing fast 52.859 seconds on the Autocross course. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAISLEY HENDERSON)

LET THE TIGER ROAR – Clark Stan drove his 1966 Sunbeam Tiger through the Autocross’ course, achieving a total time of 54.053 seconds. This allowed him to take first place in his vehicle class. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAISLEY HENDERSON)

MY OH MY MIATA – This silver 1992 Mazda Miata was driven by Abe Martinez who ran the Autocross’ course in 59.455 seconds. Though he did not win any trophies as driver 343, his skill was still praised. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAISLEY HENDERSON)

AUTO TECH REPRESENTS – This 1969 Datsun 510 has become the De Anza College’s Auto Tech Club’s mascot. Seen in the main quad at multiple events, its drivers engaged courses with vigor. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PAISLEY HENDERSON)