Another individual with somewhat local knowledge is next up. Craig Wilcox hails from the Kansas City Region SCCA and competed this year in G Stock driving his 2007 Mini Cooper S. As for tires Craig says “I ran Hoosier A6 tires, of course, they are the stickiest available DOT compound on the planet�. Hmmm, I wonder how he really feels about his tires…
RR: Is this your first attendance at Nationals?
CW: No, this was my 6th Nationals.
RR: Is this your first National Championship?
CW: No, this was my 2nd National Championship. I secured a Championship in 2006, also in G-stock.
RR: What was your favorite memory of the competition?
CW: There were so many good memories, but, if I had to pull one out, my favorite memory of the 2008 National Championship was probably driving to the line before my final run. I had secured the Championship before that run and the feeling of winning the Championship was overwhelming. I accidentally left the radio on and Danny Pedroza was announcing. I can’t really remember what he said; I just remember laughing at his commentary during that final run.
RR: What do you think was your key to success?
CW: I would say having a good co-driver who gave perfect input on how the car handled after his first run, we made slight adjustments so when I got in, it was perfect. Also, the hard work put into tuning the Mini to Heartland Park.
RR: Who has most influenced you?
CW: I would say Grant Barclay; he has shown me how to be very meticulous with car prep. Of course Tim Heron and the Hollis clan for being fantastic instructors over the past few years.
RR: Who inspires you?
CW: My brother Jeff for sure. He passed away in 2005 from brain cancer and was the best human being I have ever known.
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
CW: Yes, I always relieve myself before big events; you never know when you might need that extra 0.001 for a win. LOL! Also, I always try to focus on having fun while driving, that always helps me go a bit quicker since I just drive rather than think about things too.
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
CW: None that I use regularly. I tried to use a Garmin GPS in 2007 while driving on course, but, I hit a cone due to a delayed instruction and have not used it since. LOL! Actually, I have tried a camera and a data acquisition system, but, I actually find them distracting. I like to just focus on driving.
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
CW: That’s tough since we are usually talking about 0.1 seconds or less. I know it’s not my weight. I guess my ability to deal with pressure. I definitely don’t like pressure, but, it seems I respond well to it for whatever reason.
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
CW: I have attended several Evolution schools.
RR: Describe your driving style.
CW: My driving style is controlled aggression. Sometimes not so controlled aggression.
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
CW: My first autocross car was a Nissan 350Z, I started in B-Stock and within a month, I was in SM2/BSP. My favorite autocross car was probably my 2007 Mini Cooper S.
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
CW: I would add a high HP FWD Street Prepared and/or Street Modified class. There is just no where to play for the high HP FWD guys.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
CW: Wow, the list is so long, I hate to leave anyone out. You guys know who you are. OK, here is a crack at it… All the MIDIV competitors who have given input over the years, Grant Barclay, Joe Silva, Steve Sulatycki, Tim Herron and the Hollis clan for teaching me that occasionally being smooth is good. Ron Williams and Greg Reno for showing me what how fast that fast can really be on a consistent basis. QuickSilver Exhaust, Hoosier Tire, SoloRacer.com, Way Motorworks, MiniUSA. The list is twice as long I am sure. Finally, I would like to thank my beautiful, understanding wife who puts up with me running around the country all summer while autocrossing. 
Photos courtesy of www.gotcone.com
For copies of photos email me at david @ evorticity.com
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