The 2008 Summer Jam at Miller Motorsports Park marked the first multi-region crossover in NASA 944-SPEC. Drivers from five NASA regions came from as far as 1300 miles to participate in this first annual 944-SPEC super crossover event. The event was held at the amazing new Miller Motorsports Park and hosted by the Rocky Mountain NASA region. In attendance were racers from all five of the major 944-SPEC regions most new to the fast corners and long straights that make up the 4.5 miles super smooth racing surface. Friday was scheduled as a test day using the fast flowing 3.0 mile outer course. With four 30 minute practice session and 20 minute late day fun race there was plenty of time to get a feel for the course and used to new competition.

So many things were flying through my head, but I kept coming back to: Have Fun and Stay Out of Trouble. It was a hot, windy and clear blue day of racing at Thunderhill in Willows California. I could feel sweat pouring out of my body. My once-used race suit wasn't uncomfortable, but it doesn't feel like any other piece of clothing. Sliding the side net into place. Rocking my head from side to side to get used to the HANS device. Once over the gauges. Being ready for your first race isn't something you'll ever be. It is something you get after you see checkers that first time.

Some great racing and many memorable stories were made at the Midwest’s regions first 944 Spec event this year. First up was Gateway International Raceway – a fun banked “roval” in St. Louis. Four new 944 Spec drivers went through comp school enjoying the support and enthusiasm of the Rocky Mountain region, led by 944 Spec Drivers Chuck Taylor and David Dirks.

It was strange running Thunderhill backwards for NorCal's May 3-4 race.  It was a new track for most people and there were more vehicle carnage in all the run groups than I ever remember.  Our morning warm-up session started on a strange note as the opening lap yellow turned into a full course black as some cars trying to find the track got confused on Turn 5 and went up on the Cyclone and some cars took the Bypass. It was a good thing there were no car to car contact when the track joined up again.