At least, that’s what the event organizers tell us! Several of our EIM mates made the trip to Verona, WI this past Sunday to test ourselves at the SCCA Roads Scholar Road Rally, which included first-time sponsorship by MINI of Madison. This event was a time-distance rally, with the goal of following a predetermined course and arriving at precisely the proper time at each checkpoint based on a set of written instructions (which often included a few “traps” that, if followed, made you early or late at the next checkpoint). The rally was tailored for first time participants — just like us — and wound its way through the beautiful bluffs and valleys of southwest Wisconsin, culminating in a nice meal and awards ceremony at Gray’s Tied House in Verona.

What did we learn in our first try at a time-distance rally?
(1) to arrive at each checkpoint on time takes a lot more work than it might seem, requiring concentration and constant attention and communication;
(2) the folks who are serious about these types of events are really, really good at it (rarely more than a fraction of a second off);
(3) our EIM ladies can hold their own in the twisties with the best of ’em; and
(4) it takes planning, preparation, lots of special equipment, and a bunch of volunteers to put these events on. We thank the organizers for inviting us and putting on such a first class rally.

In the end, our MINIs managed to take the top two spots among the MINIs that were entered, including the award for Best MINI!

Special recognition to Jeff and Sue N. who celebrated their 30th Anniversary on the day of the rally and brought along Sue’s new Clubman (one of three MINIs in their family). Congratulations!

We’ve posted a few photos from this event over in our Photo Gallery. You can access them directly by using the following link:

Photos from the SCCA Roads Scholar Road Rally, Verona, WI, 6-7-15

Hope to see many of you at the Re-Skirmish on the 20th!

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