In a class that is comprised of a bunch of cars that by no stretch of the imagination could be considered ‘simple’ Dawn Odoi has bravely stepped into the deep end of the pool with a car that she owns and helps maintain with help from her ‘pit crew’, boy friend Eric Graunke and all-around good guy Pat Bullis. As confident behind the wheel as she is with a wrench Dawn is the 2008 C Mod Ladies National Champion. Driving a 1983 Reynard Formula Ford on Hoosier tires she proudly calls the Chicago Region SCCA home. To relieve the ‘stress’ of racing Dawn spends her days as a Chicago suburban policeman working with kids!
RR: Is this your first attendance at Nationals?
DO: No. 2008 made my sixth trip to Nationals.
RR: Is this your first national championship?
DO: No. I won F Mod Ladies in 2000 driving the 1965 Bobsy Solo Vee owned by Ricardo Gonzales.
RR: What was your favorite memory of the competition?
DO: The constant support of my Chicago Region friends and from others who have known me through the years who were checking on me throughout the competition.
RR: What do you think was your key to success?
DO: Again, I can’t say enough about having the support of friends and a good pit crew (Eric Graunke and Pat Bullis). But, in addition, my focus, concentration and intensity reached the level that was needed. I have become more comfortable and I have a greater faith in the car than the last time I brought it to a National competition in 2007. And, I wanted to leave everything “on the track and not look back�.
RR: Who has most influenced you?
DO: Danielle Engstrom is a very experienced driver and she is not hesitant to try something new. She has managed to drive in every class except Prepared, but I’m sure that opportunity will present itself eventually. Danielle strives to bring out the best, in her driving and in what the car can accomplish on the track.
RR: Who inspires you?
DO: I think I may have provided the answer in the previous question. But, I would also say that I like to see those who are great competitors while they are behind the wheel of their race car and then go out of their way to help others when they are not racing. To me, that gives an overall experience to this sport and the “racing family�.
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
DO: Prior to the race, I like to walk the course alone a few times and get my thoughts in order. While sitting in grid, I pray.
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
DO: I rely on my fellow C-Mod competitors’ knowledge and experience. Also, a Ty Beanie Baby, “Slippery Seal� rode with me for my first Nationals and continues to accompany me.
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
DO: I am not sure that I do anything differently than my competition. No matter who you compete against, I think that it is usually enough to challenge yourself to drive well and achieve your potential.
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
DO: The Evolution Driving School, but that was many years ago.
RR: Describe your driving style.
DO: I believe that my driving style is “smooth�, but that I am becoming more assertive / aggressive, as time passes, to add and balance with the smoothness.
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
DO: My first autocross car was a 1985 Honda Civic Si in C-Street Prepared that was available to me. As for my favorite autocross car, it has to be the one I own (1983 Reynard Formula Ford). It is nice to win in the car that you own.
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
DO: I am not aware of a Solo rule that needs changing, but I am sure others may have an answer for you.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
DO: Chicago Region! I am serious, because they have been helpful to me throughout my time in SCCA and kind enough to lend me a car when I did not have a “ride�. It is difficult to name specific people, because you don’t want to forget anyone. But, I do want to “Thank� my boyfriend, Eric Graunke, who unconditionally supports me in everything, especially when it comes to my car. Also, I would like to recognize Pat Bullis, who is a great guy. From the time that I became a C-Mod owner, he has tended to my car and continues to monitor (and help) my progress as a C-Mod driver.
Photo courtesy of Dawn Odoi
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