When someone offers you a ride, a two hour ride, in their 1912 Packard race car, you say “Yes”! That’s what happened to me last weekend after being asked by past Cars Yeah guest, Wayne Craig, to attend the Ironstone Concours as their Guest of Honor.
The racer and caretaker of this incredible car is Charles Test.
Charles is the great-grandson of National Motor Vehicle Company’s Founder. I raced vintage cars and know it takes a bit of bravado and skill to jump in to an old racer and drive at speed. However, to do it in this car, takes an incredible tool kit of skill and knowledge.
Charles has a large tool box.
My respect for Charles, and those daring young men back in the day who raced these cars is immense. The term manhandle comes to mind as I watched Charles drive and he didn’t spare the ponies either. It was an experience I’ll never forget and cherish forever.
My cheeks hurt that night from the constant grin on my face.
You can learn more about Charles Test at Chucktoyland.com. A side note, we had pulled off the tour and I was checking our location on Google Maps in this photo. Otherwise I was hanging on for dear life while do my job as the “mechanician” who is in charge of keeping the fuel pressure between 1.5 and 2 during the tour. Photo courtesy of Carl Madson.
Dear Mark –
It was definitely a Bucket List item for any car guy/gal. I found hanging on to the tiny seat handle was useless, so it became like skiing; balancing your body with every movement and shift of G-force. A bit alarming with no seat belts as well. I think those guys wanted to be thrown out if a crash occurred. Not sure the leather helmet was much protection. Loved the low rev-torquey engine and the waves from everyone as we took a 100-years off their perception. Thanks Mark for all you did for us at the Ironstone Concours.
Wayne Craig – Race Car Chair
Ironstone Concours d’Elegance