September 12 - 13 | By Darlene Longacre
Why is it called Oktoberfest, when it’s held in September? VARA’s annual Oktoberfest is named after a German beer festival that begins in mid-September and runs a few days into October each year.
So what better way to celebrate the storied German racing marques? This year’s Oktoberfest, Sept. 12-13 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, certainly did not disappoint.
It was a family reunion of sorts, and great to see some of VARA’s finest back at the track. The Plavan family was there in full force, and Chad was the overall winner of the All German Race after a close battle with cousin J.P., with the BMW of Craig Hillskemper also in the mix. Back in the pack there was great racing among the BMWs and Porsches. Everyone in this special race was a winner, taking home the prized VARA checkered flag as a souvenir of the weekend.
On Saturday a special race for Formula Vees celebrated the Volkswagen-engined cars. Bob Hatle took the win after mechanical issues sidelined Kim Madrid, who had won of the qualifying race. Eric Inkrott and Larry Whittemore had a great run. Once again, all the drivers who participated were winners!
The Saturday night celebration was a blast, and although no one shouted “O’zapft is”* the keg of Beck’s was indeed tapped and a great feast of bratwurst, sauerkraut, red cabbage and potato salad was served.
The entire weekend featured great racing in every class, with tons of track time and most importantly the fine time that VARA is known for. As always, it’s a treat at Buttonwillow to enjoy the photos taken each day on big computer monitors, along with good old bench racing.
* Ozapfa (v.) to tap a beer barrel. Oktoberfest is inaugurated each year with a ceremonial tapping of the first barrel of beer by the mayor of Munich. When the tap has been attached, the mayor shouts "O'zapft is!" (It is tapped!)
- Darlene Longacre
