CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
From 500 mph jets, like the C-17, to 200 mph cars like his Honda S2000, Maj. David Ball, a Reserve flight nurse with the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, seems addicted to speed.
Major Ball is in his second season as an autocross racer and loves the excitement the sport offers.
"Racing cars is exciting," said Major Ball. "Unlike using an automobile to transport you somewhere, racing is all about getting there, usually very fast."
According to the Sports Car Club of America, autocross is a form of motorsport that emphasizes safe, low-cost competition and active participation. An autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate one at a time through a temporary course marked by traffic cones, rather than racing on a track with multiple other cars, as in road racing or oval racing.
Also, according to the organization, autocross tends to place more emphasis on car handling and driver skill than on sheer horsepower which was evident in a recent race where Ball competed. With cars ranging from supped up Porches to Mustangs and Corvettes, the fastest time of the day came by way of a modified 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Major Ball was actually encouraged to start racing by his wife Anne, whose coworkers are involved in the sport. "After I bought my Honda, they invited me to start racing with them the next weekend," he said.
When asked about his best finish in a race, Major Ball jokingly said, "Turtle Wax," but the Major was being modest. In his second season, he already has a first place win under his belt.
Major Ball's ultimate goal in racing is for the Air Force Reserve to sponsor his car.
"The great thing about autocross is it draws large numbers of young adults interested in mechanics and adventure - something the Air Force has in abundance," he said. "Unlike NASCAR or other high end sponsorships, autocross cars and drivers are readily accessible to all spectators. We spend as much time talking and visiting as we do racing.
I would love to see a big Air Force Reserve logo on my car. For 18 years, military service has been a constant in my life. Of all the jobs I've ever had, being an Air Force Reserve flight nurse has been the best. I just want the chance to tell people the reasons to make the Air Force Reserve a part of their life, and I'll make them a believer. Something tells me that the people that challenge themselves at the track are the same people we want to recruit to defend the nation."
According to Major Ball, "Orville Wright was once asked what his favorite part of flying was. He thought for a long moment before saying, 'Dreaming about flying, before we ever flew.' As exhilarating as autocross is, racing is like that too."
To see the YouTube "Hood Cam" mounted to Major Ball's car during the race, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Gzew-pipw.