The mad scientist and his latest creation. "T2" on display at the Detroit SCCA awards banquet exactly one week prior to Sno*Drift 2000. Photo by Marianne Mickle.

The results of nearly a year's worth of hard work were about to be tested. The 2000 Sno*Drift Pro Rally would be the debut event for the latest rally car from Team Harco, the PGT class Eagle Talon #519. Bob Martin agreed to navigate for this rally so in late January we made our way to Atlanta--Michigan, that is.

The debut rally for the Team Harco rally Talon - 2000 Sno*Drift. Scott Harvey and Bob Martin attack the frozen roads near Atlanta, Michigan. Photo by Jerry Winker.

A lack of planning on my part kept me from obaining my Pro Rally license in time for the rally. Thus we were relegated to running the two Club Rallies over the same stages as the Pro Rally, the big difference being that we had to start later on the road, and deal with more polished ice. On the positive side, we saved a little on the entry fee.

A stage on Henry Joy's Lockwood Lake ranch. This is one of the wide spots! Photo by Jerry Winker.

The rally went well. We had our share of slips, slides and offs. One particular "off" was more of a road block--I got the car sideways while coming down a narrow hill on Henry Joy's Lockwood Lake ranch. There are banks on either side of the road, so there was no way for the following cars to get around us. After about five cars were stopped, we had enough helpers to push the car straight with the road again. The delay cost us at least five minutes and the others progressively less time. After the first Club Rally ("Sno") we claimed 8th overall and 2nd in PGT.

The second Club Rally was run after dark. For "Drift" I drove a little more cautiously (after spinning twice early on the first stage). We took 6th overall and again 2nd in PGT. It was quite a success and the car proved to be completely trouble free. A little more familiarization with the car and a proper wheel alignment would have netted better results.

All loaded up and ready to go to Atlanta -- Michigan, that is. Photo by Scott Harvey.

Ultimately I was quite happy with the car and its performance. I must also mention what a fine job Bob did. He is one of the best navigators I have run with.