START YOUR ENGINES!

It was bright and clear as we sped northerly. Christian nimbly ran through gear changes. Alpine villages appeared in the distance and moments later became distorted flashes of color quickly lost behind us. My mind at first sought shelter but soon I was enjoying the sensation of living on the edge. I had no idea as to where we were going. We coursed off the Autobahn and passed a signpost announcing SALZBURG. A short distance down the valley road we passed through an open gate. "We are here!" Before us was a collection of trailers, cars and lots of people. We stopped alongside one of those trailers upon which were two Porsches. As we got out of the car I realized that all of the cars around us were Porsches. "Welcome to the annual Vienna Porsche Club Rally. Gerhart this is Charles." "Ah yes Christian phoned me yesterday and said he was bringing you along. This will be fun." "It is incredible. Charles you arrived just the right time. Gerhart the green one don't you think?" "Yah, why not." "We have decided you will drive that green car." "What?" Christian explained the details of the rally as I followed and lent a hand to both he and his brother as they unloaded the vehicles from the trailer. Every year all of the members of the auto club get together and race their cars, one against the other. There are two days of practice and on the third day the actual event. The real kicker is that there are professional race car drivers who critique the individual owners and offer suggestions that should increase their skills. Emphasis is put on the speedway's turns. 
We checked into the hotel that bordered the raceway. The entire place was booked by the club. By day the attire was the helmets and goggles and the sounds of high pitched whining engines. By night it was lederhausan, umm paa paa, and large quantities of beer. I was guest and witness to an elitist extravaganza. 

I came in last!
I also had a great time.
At the victory celebration I had the occasion to meet the winner. "Great race!" "Ahh...that was child's play. You know the big semi rigs.., those diesel ones. I race them! Now that is fun!"