Back in 2008 after we just formed the Gateway Cobra Club, we (as a club) wanted to take part in RunNGun. We met with Clois and Dean at Gateway, and suggested that they set aside a new and special class for newbies like us - The RNG Experience Class. We were so thrilled once the weekend rolled around. We got plenty of instruction about apexes, braking points, acceleration, and mechanical details – all from pros. We had lead/follow sessions and lots of track time. I even signed up for the TestNTune day to get my feet wet. I was so excited to participate, I made a run to a nearby auto parts store to get a helmet, and a dual-spring carburetor return. I didn’t even know what that was at the time – and needed help to install it.
Now, at the time, I had never even been to a race track, much less driven on one. I was a car show guy – a waxer. Still am really. What I learned about myself that weekend, and my car, has made me a much better driver on the street – and clued me in on various aspects of my vehicle that I could easily improve on my own – which I have done. Being at the track that weekend was a blast. The emotions ranged from complete elation to the kind of freight one might get from a roller coaster, a total adrenaline rush, and a huge sense of accomplishment. Truth be told, I was probably the slowest guy at the facility that weekend – but it didn’t matter. The bug had bit – I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve been to several track events, upgraded my vehicle with the help of some friends here, our club, and from SCOF. I have purchased and outfitted a trailer, track wheels and tires, and some tools. I have moved from novice level driver to intermediate class, and I hope to get more track time and skill in the years to come.
Now, with a tip of the cap to Clois Harlan and Dean Lampe, I (along with my team) are the new Event Directors for RunNGun as it makes it’s return to St. Louis. This year, we’ll have plenty of instruction available for everyone – including an expanded RNG Experience Class. RNG Experience drivers get the same amount of track time as all of the other classes, plus classroom sessions, and the usual banquet ticket and T-shirt – all at a greatly reduced rate.
If you have never driven on a track, like me just a few years ago – this event is for you. This is one of the things that makes RunNGun more than just a track weekend with a twist. We know that there are plenty of track opportunities around the country. They all have 3 classes (novice, intermediate, advanced) but at RunNGun we take special care to include and help the newbies, because we know that with the positive experience you will get that very first time – you’ll get hooked like we did.
Because of the excellent way Clois, Dean, and everyone treated us back in 2008, we are here this year to further that tradition. We have 25 positions open for RNG Experience Class, and 25 positions open for Novice Class. But to be honest, if we had twice that many sign up – we would adjust the entire grid to accommodate those new drivers.
Please consider your participation at RunNGun this year and take a minute to review our website at
Run 'N Gun - and feel free to contact me or any event director.
Here's my first session at RunNGun in 2008 - notice the street tires on a bone stock Superformance.
