dampers; otherwise, SCCA rules require that tires be stock sizes and street legal. In recent years, the association has added a "street tire" grouping, which would seem like a better home for the Beetle.

As he explained the Beetle's rubber shortcoming, he also estimated that "[street-legal] racing tires would be worth three seconds on this course."

After six clean runs, the Beetle was right where I wanted it to be: second place. The Alfa and its amazing pilot shot through the course with a blistering time of 50.768 seconds. My best time was 53.032 seconds. Made even better was the fact that my Swedish rival had scored a best time of only 54.860. But the Alfa was also the final car to run that Sunday afternoon.

I watched the Aero from start to finish, knowing I had more than a second on his best time, and that second place was as good as mine! The Saab crossed the finish line and the announcer, standing just feet to my left, reported his time. My heart sank. He and his racing-tired Saab clocked in at 52.035 seconds, beating me by just shy of one second.

Disappointed, Jeff's words rang in my head. "Racing tires are worth three seconds on this course." Looking over the final times, I noticed that my trusty Beetle completed the course a fraction more than two seconds behind the Alfa. So much for the Beetle being a "chick car."

Racing and learning continues. In the parking lot of Dover International Raceway a few weekends later, driver and car finally gel as one unit. Unfortunately for others, the track