Plans Changed, So Jerome Cahuzac Volunteered
Plans Changed, So Jerome Cahuzac Volunteered
Had all gone as intended, Jerome Cahuzac would have been ripping around Sebring International Raceway during the April 1-3, 2022, Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials National Tour Powered by Hagerty event. But when Jerome’s plans unraveled, the Chicago Region member headed to the famed Florida racetrack anyway, albeit with a different goal.
“I was coming [to Sebring] to run in the Time Trials,” he explained. “I have a friend [in Chicago Region] and we were planning to come and codrive.”
The plan involved Jerome flying to Florida while his friend drove her car from the Chicago area. They would share the car during the event, then she would fly back and he would drive the return trip. Unfortunately, her plans got cancelled and Jerome was left without a ride. But rather than skipping the Time Trials National Tour, he headed to Sebring anyway.
“I was like, I’m already going to be there, so let’s enjoy Florida sunshine and be helpful,” he explained from the tech table during the event. “I’ve been doing tech and grid [during the event], getting people sorted and ready for action.”
Jerome isn’t new to Time Trials or the SCCA. “This is my second season with Time Trials, although I’m usually in the car,” he laughed. “I was at the Time Trials Nationals at NCM Motorsports Park last year and will be there this year.”
His personal vehicle is a 2016 BMW M2, which he uses to compete in Sport 2 in Time Trials and B Street in SCCA Autocross.
While his SCCA involvement began with autocross, then TrackSprints and Time Trials, his connection with the Club doesn’t end there as, among other things, he flags at SCCA Road Racing events.
“I have an F&C license, so I’ve been flagging at some of the local wheel-to-wheel races in the Chicago Region – that’s my way to be closer to the racing action,” he said. “You’re three feet from the action with cars buzzing by you. It’s a ton of fun.”
During Sunday afternoon’s KONI Podium Celebration at the Time Trials National Tour at Sebring, Jerome’s contributions to the weekend were recognized with the event’s Spirit of Time Trials award.
“If there’s an event and I can’t compete and there’s an opportunity, I try to volunteer,” he said.
Photo by Philip Royle / Staff
