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Racers Garner Five NASTAR Platinum Medals

The snowfall earlier in the week added to a good base which was nicely groomed out for the Thursday race. Unfortunately the storm in the metropolitan areas kept some members from attending and several other regulars were off on ski vacation in Canada which led to a smaller than usual turnout. No matter, the nice weather brought others out and gave them a chance to place higher in the standings.

The dual course set by the Sugarbush Race Department was fun but was a bit unusual in that there was a difference in the pacesetter’s time of over one second between the yellow and green sides. Although they looked the same, some commented that the yellow course was more difficult.

The battle among the top three women continued with Danielle Hampton taking first place over Liz Walker this week. Danielle smoked the Green course with one of the fastest runs of thue day – 1.4 seconds faster than Liz. Laurie Landau gained third place for the fourth consecutive race. All the podium finishers earned Platinum medals. The rest of the field continue their charge to break into the top led by Cheryl Brayman and Caryl Hurwitz who earned a Gold medal. Janella Pennington brought out her speed suit but was just bested by an improving Carol Miner.

The Woman’s Race Clinic scheduled for Friday was postponed due to snow. It will be held February 7th.

Rick Duckworth was once again atop the podium with his Platinum performance. Bob Kogut and Dave Seymour were the second and third place finishers. Dave Seymour, Jim deFau, Peter Wicklund and Brook Weston were close behind and look like they might soon be on the podium. The four finished less than a second apart. The venerable Rich Jones had a banner day earning the First Platinum medal of his long racing career. He finished just behind daily ski partner David Ellison. They were followed by Gunnar Sievert and Ray Bollerud who continues to move up the ladder. Alvan Carr had a strong performance finishing after Chappy Chapman but ahead of Peter Koch. Jerry Griffiths, Phil Waier and Bernie Pistilli were in a close battle with Griffiths finishing slightly ahead despite needing sharper edges according to some observers. Too much Mad River, Jerry? Manny Apigian and Wheaton Simis continued their challenge with Manny finishing ahead of Wheaton. View race results here.

Post-race, the Club retired to Bongoirno’s to view a video of the Day’s race and engage in some bragging and friendly challenging for the next race. Bongiorno was a great host. Raffles were held with Bill Freeman coming away a double winner taking both the 50-50 and a raffle prize. The Club’s weekly 50-50 benefits VASS. The coveted Kate Jones Super Bowl basket was won by Sheila Hoffman.

Members will be retuning to the Racer’s Edge course on Thursday, February 5th. The Club will see action on the featured Legends Course on Spring Fling February 12th. There will be no race February 19th as it’s President Week. Next week, the Club will have it’s second annual Winter Dance for members and their guests organized by Deb Koch on Feb 9th.