Annie Bauer who spent a wonderful summer in Southern California is now happily back in the Seattle area (and maybe wishing she was still in SoCal…) and is a member of the Northwest Region SCCA. She competed this year representing her adopted region Cal Club driving a 2006 Subaru STI on Dunlop Direzza Star Spec tires. Annie had a very productive year taking both the STUL Solo Championship and the L2 Championship in Pro Solo.
RR: Is this your first attendance at Nationals?
AB: Nope.
RR: How many times have you attended?
AB: Every year since 1999.
RR: Is this your first national championship?
AB: Nope.
RR: How many others?
AB: Three others, this is number four.
RR: What class(es)? What years?
AB: 2003 DSL, 2004 BSL, 2007 CSL. This is my second Pro Championship – I won L1 back in 2003.
RR: What was your favorite memory of the competition?
AB: Too many to list! Most of them having to do with friends and the people rather than the racing, although I do love the racing. Racing related would have to be the launches at the Pro – I LOVE launching the STI!! Hmmm, maybe that’s why I just picked up a 2006 STI myself – it’ll be next year’s play toy!
RR:What do you think was your key to success?
AB: Having great codrivers that would push and encourage me to be better, be faster. Also driving a different car every year – it would always throw me out of my comfort zone and make me think harder and work harder in order to get consistent again.
RR: Who has most influenced you?
AB: Oh gosh, I’d have to say all the fast ladies in SCCA!
RR: Who inspires you?
AB: Same as above. Mainly the fast ladies!! But, without the support and encouragement of all of the SCCA “family� across the country, I’d never have gotten to where I am today!
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
AB: Not usually… I just try to get and stay focused, without getting *too* serious!
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
AB: The past few years my codrivers have had data and/or video – that has been really helpful. Except when my codrivers would post video of me screaming out on course without me knowing… that always got some “interesting� responses!!
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
AB: I don’t think there’s anything specific. I do take it seriously and I am naturally competitive. I had a friend once say to another friend (both autocrossers) “she’s the most competitive person on the planet� – so maybe that’s all it is? Ha ha!
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
AB: Evo schools, local autox schools and SCCA / Road Race Schools
RR: Describe your driving style.
AB: A bit aggressive (ha!) – dive into a corner with my hair on fire, stand on the brakes, and hope like hell the car will turn!!!
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
AB: My first was a 1998 Integra Type R – I liked that car enough to buy three others after it! My favorite that I’ve driven: Sharon Levy’s SM Audi S4 – that car made me grin!!! My favorite that I haven’t driven: Rob Boynton’s ASP GT2 – that is one amazing car…
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
AB: I’m not sure – I’d probably adjust some of the Street Touring rules such that it really matched what the “typical� newbie autocrosser might do to their cars. There are a few “gotchas� in there that only make sense to someone who understands SCCA classing.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
AB: All my great codrivers over the years, and the great support of the Northwest and Cal Club Regions…
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