NSLA - May 16, 1999
Hanging Rock & Roll - Madison, Indiana
The second event of the 1999 season was held in the warm
and friendly town of Madison, Indiana. A challenging 1.1 mile course that was
as smooth as glass. Technical at the top and fast and furious at the bottom. Pilots
had to put on the rubber while traveling an estimated 65 mph after crossing the
finish line giving the fans a good look at braking technique. The turn to learn
was the "hanging rock" turn where the 180 degrees looks at you in front of a gaping
mouth of limestone. It seems Travis Tripp learned the secret line because he was
well ahead of the pack when the finish line approached a half mile later.
Between 1800 to 2000 spectators watched the event throughout the day. They were
treated to a show of speed and shoulder to shoulder racing. Many stayed the entire
day bringing enough food and drinks to stave off the swealtering heat. Some even
took advantage of the free clinic we held for would be future pilots during the
lunch break. Several walked away talking about building their first luge including
a state trooper who was quite excited about his run down the bottom of the course.
The pro event was held first with early strong showings by Dave Auld, John Frey,
Travis Tripp and Beagle Jarvis. Beagle was hungry for his second win of the season.
After several heats John was knocked out of it by a close pass by Ed Bryant. The
final heat was the most exciting to watch with a battle for 2nd, 3rd and 4th almost
too close to call. Ed Bryant said it best, "you could have thrown a blanket over
the three of us as we crossed the finish line." Travis crossed the line first
with the "blanket bunch" trailing a good hundred feet behind.
The amateur division was next and one to stick around for. Some exciting moments
were to be had for those who did. A couple of hay bales bit the dust, but the
spot to have was at the hanging rock where Cheaha winner Al Braun took a closer
look at the Indiana limestone kicking up rock and dust while his racing buddies
left him behind. Al was unhurt and picked up his board and finished his heat taking
fourth. Entering his first race, Ed Bryant protege Doug Anderson took home the
gold while young Michael Gilmore continues to show us what the future of street
luge will be. Louisville native, Jim Glasscock was able to hold onto third - his
first podium.
The junior class was smaller than usual (yes, pun) and clean as these guys run,
some of the pros could learn a thing or two.Scooter took home the Gold again while
Mark Stroman went home smiling with a silver.