September 14th: while working on the underside of the car yesterday evening, I have a doh! moment—the oil filter is not an AC Delco service replacement (it's an off-brand). That's a full deduct for no good reason—and somewhat embarrassing for someone who has experienced a previous NCRS regional judging.

I stop by the local Chevrolet dealer and score not one but two PF454 filters (there's no point in not having a reserve one). There's all kinds of symbolism here: the dealer (now Armen Chevrolet) was once Frankel Chevrolet. I worked there part-time while I was in high school—between 1984 and 1986. Full circle.

This evening, I'll finish the underside cleaning and bring Lauren down off the lift.

7 days and 1 weekend to go.