2008 Woodie Awards
Auto technology day program prepares for Duel at De Anza
Sarah Bogen
Issue date: 4/24/06 Section: Sports
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Members of auto technology programs are working hard to prepare for the upcoming Duel at De Anza on May 21.
They are required by their advisors to go out and secure donations from local businesses and collect money in order to pay for trophies, plaques and security for the event. Many businesses have been loyal in donating for De Anza's auto events.
"A lot of independent automotive businesses around the area have graduates of De Anza's auto tech program working for them," says Phil Green, advisor of the Auto Club.
"When they support the duel we refer students of the program to work for them. It's a 'you scratch my back I scratch yours' kind of deal."
Many students in the auto tech day program will be participating in the event. Returning drivers get priority over new drivers, then De Anza students get priority over non-students. The space for drivers was filled up immediately.
The event is sold out for drivers. If they want to be put on a waiting list for this year they can call (831) 336-2444.
If they want to participate next year they can come to this year's Duel and stop by the registration table where they can leave their contact information in order to be contacted next year about participating.
"There are going to be 30 more cars and it should be more organized this time, so it should be better than last year," says Peter Pascoal, president of the Auto Club.
"I'm ready," says Skylar Shultz who will be driving his 1996 Volkswagen GTI Vr6. "I have a roll cage, racing seats, and harnesses".
Others still have some work to do. "I have to take care of my steering box, a tire, and ball joints," says Alex Vandevere who owns a 1995 Impala SS.
Most De Anza participants were required to go through the autocross lesson held on April 23.
In the lessons, drivers can do many runs, have room for error, and do not feel much pressure. But the Duel's rules and huge crowd make the event more serious for the drivers.
"The Duel doesn't go by normal Sports Car Club of America rules. It goes by old school SCCA rules where you get one practice run, and the best total time of two laps," says Josh Mabie, vice president of the Auto Club.
The event is free for anybody who wants to watch. Although the event is limited to 100 cars running, spectators are always welcome. Last year many spectators from the community came to watch the Duel at De Anza.
"The neatest thing is late in the afternoon when the competitive people like national champs, put on a good show for a big crowd," says Green. "It's pretty amazing what they do and to see the skill that's involved."
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