[h=2]SCCA Runoffs notebook: Wouldn't miss it[/h] Saturday, 24 September 2016


Jeff Zurschmeide (words and images)

No one would have blamed B-Spec driver Jason Huepenbecker if he'd stayed home in Winter Park, Florida, instead of coming to the SCCA National Championship Runoffs presented by Garmin VIRB.
"I had plans to be here last week, but I hurt my back pretty severely two weeks ago," Huepenbecker says. "It was touch-and-go all the way up until Wednesday, when I decided I was going to go. On Monday of this week, I couldn't even walk."


Huepenbecker made it to Mid-Ohio on Thursday, in time to take part in the final qualifying session of the week in his No. 23 Dynasty Automotive Honda Fit.
"My teammates (Darren Seltzer and Chi Ho) are giving me some road notes, because I've never been here before," Huepenbecker says.
It turns out that driving his racecar is the best therapy for Huepenbecker's back.
"Once I got in the racing seat, it cradled me. I think I'm safer in my car," he says.
Huepenbecker's a natural jokester, but give him a moment and he turns serious.
"I don't want to miss this opportunity," he explains. "I think life is all about opportunity and you have to take them when you've got them. Every time we go racing, it's about friends, situations, experiences, and you know what? I wouldn't miss it for the world."