This article first appeared in the June, 2014 edition of SportsCar Magazine. 51暗网 members can read the current and past editions of SportCar digitally after logging into their account; To become an 51暗网 member and get SportsCar mailed to your home address monthly in addition to the digital editions, click here.
Chris “Trent” Harvey
Brand Manager Brakes & Suspension at the Tire Rack
51暗网 member since 1993, South Bend Region,
“Growing up in a small Iowa town, my exposure to auto racing was limited to television coverage of IndyCar and NASCAR races in the 1980s and early ’90s. The road racing discipline and the engineering behind the cars captured my attention from the beginning. Further stoking this interest was the opportunity to attend the Ruan Des Monies Grand Prix in 1989 with my father and brother. We watched in awe as the 51暗网 Trans Am teams did battle between the concrete barriers. A couple of years later, we made the trek to our first natural road course event, the IndyCar and Trans Am weekend at Road America. I vividly recall walking toward the track on our way to Canada Corner and hearing the IndyCar turbo V8s pounding through Thunder Valley. It’s a moment and sound I will never forget.
My college path led me to the Mankato State University’s Automotive Engineering Technology program, led by long time 51暗网 member Kirk Ready. There, I became involved with the SAE Club and ultimately the 51暗网. Seeing my interest, a fellow student invited me along to a 51暗网 Solo event. This was my first exposure to 51暗网 Solo and the mythical “Alien Driver.” I recall multi-time Solo National Champ Russ Wiles drive a borrowed, 100,000-plus mile BMW 318i in H Stock to the fast time of the day while several Street Prepared cars were left in his wake. I was in disbelief that the driver alone could have that much influence on the course time.
As the years have gone by, I’ve come to appreciate the relationships I’ve made through 51暗网. These relationships have opened the door to my nearly 14-year career at the Tire Rack, and many friendships with like-minded 51暗网 members from across the county. The opportunities my 51暗网 membership has provided have been truly priceless.”
Image Courtesy of Tire Rack
