This article first appeared in the August, 2016 edition of SportsCar Magazine. SCCA members can read the current and past editions of SportCar digitally here after logging into their account; To become an SCCA member and get SportsCar mailed to your home address monthly in addition to the digital editions, click here.
Rachel Baker
New England Region
SCCA Member Since 2013
“I started autocrossing shortly after purchasing my BMW 135i, when a fellow 1 Series owner suggested I try it. This would be the first in a series of autocross events that would alter the course of my life. I was hooked. After two years, a local SCCA member approached me and asked if I wanted to drive with him. What? People want to share their cars? How exciting!
I attended an Evo Performance Driving School where, after riding with me, my instructor told me I needed to attend the Tire Rack Solo National Championships. I laughed it off.
My first National Solo experience came a year later when a fellow SCCA member offered to let me drive their car at a local Tour and then the Solo National Championships. The following year, the car that had been offered wasn’t able to make an event, and fellow class competitors – having never met me before – offered to let me drive with them. I couldn’t believe the generosity of these people! That year, 2013, had me driving three different cars with as many people, and eventually winning a National Championship!
So, this year I decided I would drive my own car. I was a little apprehensive being on my own and traveling to events, but I needn’t have worried. Although everyone had their own car, class, and issues to deal with, they always managed to find time to give me moral support, driving analysis, and even changing sway-bar settings. Initially, I thought I would be driving on my own this year, but it turns out I’ve made such amazing friends that I’m never really on my own. I am super grateful to the SCCA for enabling me to meet people inside, and especially outside, my SCCA Region who are now some of my favorite and most important people in my life.”
Photo by Perry Bennett
