Denise Kugler has been an active participant on the national solo scene for many years. This past year at Topeka she took a relatively undeveloped Honda CRX named Fester on Hoosier tires to the E Prepared Ladies championship. Denise hails from the Susquehanna Region SCCA.
RR: Is this your first attendance at Nationals?
DK: No. 2008 was my 11th trip. I was at the last Salina in 1994, and I’ve been to Topeka every year since 1999.
RR: Is this your first national championship?
DK: No. This was my 4th championship. I won CSPL in 2001 and 2002 in a Honda CRX, SML in 2007 driving the Janusz Civic and then 2008 in EPL in our ‘new’ CRX.
RR: What was your favorite memory of the competition?
DK: Being able to compete with a great group of ladies.
RR: What do you think was your key to success?
DK: I did a lot of course walks, and I think that car placement was crucial, especially on the East course.
RR: Who has most influenced you?
DK: Definitely, my husband Allen, who, on our 3rd date took me to an autocross and the rest, is history!
RR: Who inspires you?
DK: Again, it would have to be Allen, he always seems to wring every last bit out of the car.
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
DK:Â I get in the car really early. When I get to the line, I check helmet strap, lap belt, and then make sure that the car is in first gear. And I make sure the seat is locked in place.
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
DK: Not really, but we have a great group of friends that we walk with and compare notes.
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
DK: I take every event seriously, like its Nationals, and then Nationals becomes like any other event. I also watch a lot of results to see who’s fast.
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
DK: No, back when I started there weren’t any schools.
RR: Describe your driving style.
DK: I try to be smooth, although it doesn’t feel like it in the car, and I really try to have the car exactly where I want it. I try to brake early, turn early and gas early.
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
DK: My first auto-x car was, of course, a Honda. It was a really beat up, 1984 Civic that was classed in ES at the time. There actually were a couple first generation Toyota MR2’s in there, so I haven’t always been in Hondas. Favorite is definitely Fester, I can’t wait to develop this car and have more power!
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
DK: Not a rule change, but I would like to see the Northeast Tour/Pro schedule be more spread out. Every year, all of the events are condensed into June and July on back to back to back weekends, and some of us just can’t get to all of the events that you want to.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
DK: Allen, for building another awesome car. Dave Newman, Chris & Kristell Janusz, Corey Ridgick, Anthony DeFiore and Cy Lee, all who have been super supportive and encouraging, or who have lent a hand working on something, or lent parts when we needed. Nationals wouldn’t be the same without them!
Photos courtesy of www.gotcone.com
For copies of photos email me at david @ evorticity.com
You must log in to post a comment.