
When most people think of Motorsports, the thoughts either run from glamorous Formula 1 cars, the Prime-time excitement and personalities of NASCAR, or modified stockers running around a dirt track in the middle of nowhere. Spectating big races is certainly a family affair, but one doesn't get the vibe that participation is. To those with some knowledge of the sport, racing is widely regarded as a rich man's game, but neither of those assumptions has to be true.
I have spent a weekend at Summit Point Raceway the past two summers helping crew for (read: watching) my good friend Chris Ridgley race his 1991 Honda CR-X Si in the ITA class. This is SCCA regional amateur racing, under the MARRS chapter, and they have 8 races per year.

Improved Touring racing is one of the least expensive classes to enter. Cars must be 7 years old or older, and run the gamut from shiny BMWs to old Rabbits and Datsun Z cars. On a typical SCCA weekend you are likely to see more Miatas and RX-7s than anything else. You won't see any big-name sponsors, if you see any at all. Chris estimates he has about $17,000 tied up in his CRX, but he had the car built himself. Most people buy race-ready cars of other racers. $10,000 will buy you a car ready to compete mid-pack.

Despite the amateur nature and friendly atmosphere, the racing action is very exciting. I enjoyed watching the Spec Racer and Formula Ford heats the best, along with Chris' ITx race.
Most everyone brings their families to camp at Summit Point, and my daughter Stella was happy to spend the day playing with friends in the back of Chris' Pilot. To a man the other car owners were friendly, approachable, and willing to talk about (and try to sell you) their race cars.

As we were heading across White's Ferry back into Maryland, Stella exclaimed it was the "best.day.ever!" and while I think that might have been for my benefit, I'm confident she'll have just as much fun next year.
Here is a full gallery of photos from our trip, but be warned, I'm far more amateur of a race photographer than Chris is a driver.