December 2012
Volume 57, No. 12
The Official Publication of the Finger Lakes Region, Sports Car Club of America.
General Membership Meeting - Tuesday, December 4 Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, 705 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617
Finger Lakes Region - SCCA Elected Positions
2011 Board of Directors
Regional Executive Michael Toombs............ (585) 328-2617 152 Gillette St. Rochester, NY 14619-2227 re@flr-scca.com Assistant Regional Executive Dave Ciufo .................. (585) 346-5002 6488 Coe Rd. Livonia, NY 14887-9306 assist-re@flr-scca.com Treasurer Elizabeth Thiel ............ (585) 671-9995 Fax (585) 266-0942 753 Klem Rd. Webster, NY 14580 treasurer@flr-scca.com Secretary Carl F. Dresie .............. (585) 544-6482 119 Brookview Dr. Rochester, NY 14617-3903 secretary@flr-scca.com Activities Director Mary Hartman ....................................... 2840 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624-4807 activitiesdirector@flr-scca.com Directors Chris DeMinco ............ (585) 330-5456 980 Rush Scottsville Rd Rush, NY 14543-9781 director3@flr-scca.com Charles Tanck .............. (585) 467-4993 175 Eastgate Drive Rochester, NY 14617-4104 director1@flr-scca.com Mark Eksten ................ (585) 766-2777 872 North Winton Road Rochester, NY 14609-6836 director2@flr-scca.com Fran McAllister ........... (585) 750-4674 33 Red Bud Rd. Rochester, NY 14624-4717
Appointed Positions Race
Competition Board Fran McAllister (585) 750-4674 clubracing@flr-scca.com Dave Ciufo................... (585) 346-5002 Peter Kummer.............. (585) 624-2853 Russell Jaslow ............ (585) 724-5890 Mary Hartman ............ (585) 426-3288 Erik Shepard ............... (585) 269-7097 Rich Smith (585) 703-0631 “Westware HO!” Race Chairman Lew Giesy..................... (315)597-9637 “FUN ONE” Race Chairman Chris DeMinco ............ (585) 467-4993
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www.flr-scca.com
funone@flr-scca.com Chief Registrar Marsha Toombs ........... (585) 328-2617 registrar@flr-scca.com Chief, Timing & Scoring Carl F. Dresie ............... (585) 544-6482 ts@flr-scca.com Chief, Flagging and Communication Barbara Lissow............. (585) 773-7912 fc@flr-scca.com Chief, Starter John Flowers................ (607) 546-2369 starter@flr-scca.com Chief, Grid ........................................................TBA Chief, Pitts and Paddock ........................................................TBA Chief, Scrutineering Bruce Perry................... (585) 382-9234 tech@flr-scca.com Chief, Sound Control Jim Craven ................... (585) 889-5363 sound@flr-scca.com NYSRRC Representative Mary Hartman.............. (585) 426-3288 flrrep@nysrrc.org
Rally
Rally Chair ........................................................TBA Interim RoadRally Chair Tom Langdon............... (315) 524-2260 rally@flr-scca.com RallyCross Chair Tony Zanni.................. (585) 281-2510 rallycross@flr-scca.com
Solo
Solo Board Jeff Colegrove ............. (585)678-1322 solo_chair@flr-scca.com Brian Buchman .......... (585) 747-3808 bbuchman@johnholtz.com Dave Avery.................. (585) 415-8003 david.avery@kodak.com Alan Smith .................. (585) 359-4688 asmith2357@aol.com Mike Stutzman............ (585) 889-2564 stutz@eartling.net Chief Registrar Shaun Hallam ................ (585) 455-9607 shallam@rochester.rr.com Chief, Safety Steward Dave Avery.................................. (585) david.avery@kodak.com Chief, Technical Inspection Jim Hoelscher.............. (585) 247-9596 jhoelsch@rochester.rr.com Chief, Novice Program Alan Smith .................. (585) 359-4688 asmith2357@aol.com Chief, Timing & Scoring and Results Tom Weaver ................ (585) 978-2966
thomas.w.weaver@gmail.com
Chief, Sound Control Edwin Jeffries ............. (585) 730-2778 edwinjeffries@gmail.com Chief, Workers George Modlin ........... (585) 265-9599 gandemo@gmail.com Chief, Waivers Brian Buchman (585) 747-3808 bbuchman@johnholtz.com
Administrative Positions
Membership Mike Brunner (585) 752-7233 membership@flr-scca.com TOP END Editor Carl Dresie (585) 544-6482 editor@flr-scca.com Merchandise Chris McAllister (585) 872-2530(days) merchandise@flr-scca.com Equipment Chairman Alan Blood (585) 242-9039 equipment@flr-scca.com Regional Historian Lynn Randall (585) 451-5298 historian@flr-scca.com Webmaster MaryAnne Shults (949) 768-2609 webmaster@flr-scca.com
STPR® Motorsports, LLC
Managers Meridith Croucher........ (315) 331-5354 chairman@stpr.org Lewis Giesy.................. (315) 597-9637 lgiesy@localnet.com Alan Smith ................... (585) 359-4688 rallymaster@stpr.org Treasurer Joyce Bucknam............ (315) 597-5668 treasurer@stpr.org
NEDiv Administrative Positions
Area 10 Director John Walsh .................. (585) 546-5670 244 Mendon Center Rd Honeoye Falls, NY 14472-9335 NEDiv Executive Steward, Race Earl Hurlbut ..................(585) 219-4891 ehurlbut@rochester.rr.com NEDiv RoadRally Steward Steve McKelvie.............(508) 520-7135 shanna12@comcast.net NEDiv RallyCross Steward Scott Beliveau...............(603) 524-4305 beliveau@aavid.com NEDiv Solo Steward David Newman ........... (610) 433-5690 dn59@verizon.net NEDiv Solo Safety Steward Bruce Bellom ............... (914) 739-6815 brubel51@aol.com Additional positions: see http://www.nescca. com/nescca_main/contacts.html
November 2012
The Official Publication of the
Finger Lakes REGION
SPORTS CAR CLUB OF AMERICA
Staff TOP END is the official publication of the Finger Lakes Region (FLR), SCCA, and is mailed to all members in good standing and to advertisers. Opinions expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of FLR. Permission to reprint articles is granted to all SCCA regional publications and its national magazine, SportsCar. Full credit must be given to FLR, TOP END and the author. Non-membership subscription rate: $15.00 per year. Submit subscription orders and address changes to the Circulation Editors. Bulk rate mail is not forwarded by the Post Office when you change your address, even if you file a forwarding request with your Postmaster. Submit materials for publication to the Editor or any of the Editorial Staff. Contact Editor for information regarding submission of classified advertising. Contact the Advertising Editor for commercial advertising. Deadline for submissions to TOP END is the 10th of each month. Typed, printed and electronic files are acceptable. Contact Editor regarding electronic file formats and fonts. All submissions are subject to revisions that may be necessary to meet the requirements for publication.
2012 November
EDITOR/ADVERTISING Carl F. Dresie 119 Brookview Dr. Rochester, NY 14617-3903 (585) 544-6482 e-mail: cfdresie@cs.com CO-EDITOR/COPY EDITOR Lynn Randall 15 Diana Dr. Scottsville, NY 14546 (585) 889-1289 e-mail: lynnscca@rochester.rr.com TOP END CIRCULATION Change of Address Notify the SCCA National Office in Topeka and the Membership Chair: Mike Brunner 228 Robert Quigley Dr. Apt-1 Scottsville, NY 14546 (585) 752-7233 e-mail: membership@flr-scca.com And/Or: The EDITOR (see above)
Contents RE’s Report..................................................4 November Membership Meeting........... 4 - 6 October BOD Minutes .......................... 6 - 7 FLR News .................................................. 7 Membership News ................................ 7 National News ....................................... 7 - 8 Annual Banquet Flyer ................................ 9 Rally .................................................. 10 - 18 Rally Meeting Notes .................... 10 - 11 Museum Rally Results ................. 12 - 13 November RallyCross Results ............ 14 Rally Fliers .................................. 15 - 18 FLIR Flyer ............................................... 19 Targa Story ....................................... 20 - 22 Classified Ads .......................................... 23 Membership Application .......................... 24 Calendar ......................... Inside Back Cover Last Pit ...................................... Back Cover
Cover Photo: Breckley Ellard and Tony Zanni took 1st with a zero time and all questions answered correctly in the Nov. 3 “Rally to the Glenn H Curtiss Museum.” Mike Brunner photo
Fran McAllister and his Curtis Museum navigator Franklin Photo courtesy of Fran McAllister 3
REPort Mike Toombs Regional Executive The end of the year is right around the corner. All we need now is to plan for the year end awards and parties. Our region Awards Banquet is scheduled for Jan. 12 at the Green Lantern Inn in Fairport and I would like to see everyone there. Make this an opportunity to meet other members, an opportunity to thank the people who work to put on the events you enter, an opportunity to be more than someone who only pays the dues once a year. The region resurrected the destination rally. There were seven teams competing in the rally. The rally started in Avon and finished at the Glen H Curtis Museum in Hammondsport. There were four Finger Lakes Region teams and three non-region teams. Not exactly the turn out I would like to have seen, but Marsha and I did win the novice class so I’m glad you all decided not to come out. We are going to try again in the spring to get more people, so look for more information next year. The Solo picnic was on Nov. 18 in Scottsville. I can’t list out the award winners because it has not happened as I write this. The Solo group moved their awards to a separate picnic some years ago, because most of the membership felt the awards banquet in January was too long. A couple of things have changed and I would like the Solo group to think about moving their class winners back to the annual banquet. The first difference is that we are no longer doing membership awards at the banquet. The second change is that Solo has decreased 4
the number of classes they are running, hence fewer awards. So I would like to purpose that next year that Solo class awards be presented at the region year end banquet. Early in November was the North East Division (NEDiv) mini-convention in Ithaca. At this convention one of the things discussed is the upcoming race season. After the 2013 season there will be no more National Races. Club racing will consist of Major Races and other races – whether there are going to be called Regional Races or something else is still under discussion. The club’s board of directors has set up four conferences in the United States for the Majors program. The Eastern Conference includes NEDiv and the South East Division (SEDiv) together in one conference. Three of the races will be in SEDiv and three in NEDiv. This year the three in NEDiv should be Summit Point, if confirmed by Washington DC Region, New Jersey Motorsport Park, if confirmed by Southern New Jersey Region and Watkins Glen, confirmed by Finger Lakes Region. These six races will be one of the ways to get an invitation to the Run Offs®. One of the things to take note of, a seventh place finisher in a 2013 Majors race will get the same points as a first place finisher in a 2013 National race. Also, all Majors races in the Eastern Conference are doubles. That is they will be three day race weekends. Now hopefully I haven’t confused everyone and if I have, please stop by the December meeting and I will venture to explain this again. Tom Campbell stepped down as the NEDiv Council chairman over the weekend. Tom has found that his work as president of SCCA Pro has taken up too much time and he needed to step back as chair. Well, the MoHud people at the convention did some talking – starting last September, and talked me into taking over the position. So starting next year, as well as being Regional Executive, I will also be the NEDiv Council Chairman. So to go from having
never been on the council to chairing it is quite a jump. I am sure that I will need some help and that Tom and a lot of other people will be there to help me. So I will finish up this column and wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year, and I hope to see you next year. Until next month… Mike
Meeting Minutes Finger Lakes Region, SCCA General Membership Meeting Minutes November 6, 2012 Location: Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, 705 Titus Ave., Irondequoit, NY 14617 Regional Executive Mike Toombs called the meeting to order at 8:12 p.m. The following is arranged by topic and may not be in chronological order. The October general membership meeting minutes as printed in the November issue of Top End were approved on a motion by Mike Brunner, seconded by Barb Lissow. Activities – Mary Hartman The Finger Lakes Region Yearend banquet is scheduled for Saturday Jan. 12 at the Green Lantern Inn in Fairport. Cost is $25 per person. The region is subsidizing the cost by covering $7 of the total per person cost. Chris DeMinco presented the plans for the Finger Lakes Ice Racing Association. Events are scheduled for January, February and March. If ice is not available they will race at Black Rock or Go-Karts. An organization meeting is scheduled for Dec. 2 at Parkers in Geneva. Contact Chris or Kurt Thiel for more information.
November 2012
Membership Report – Mike Brunner The region currently has 434 members, an increase of two from the October count. Twenty one members and guests attended the Solo and general membership meetings. New Business Mike has a copy of the schedule for the NEDiv Mini-Con on Nov. 9, 10 and 11. The slate of officers as given by the nominating committee has been accepted. The survey results will be given to the board at their next meeting for their action. Another location is being investigated for the general membership meetings. Officers for 2013 are: Regional Executive - Mike Tombs, Assistant RE - Dave Ciufo, Secretary - Marcus Kroll, Treasurer - Elizabeth Thiel, Activities Director - Mary Hartman, Directors - David Avery and Fran McAllister. Returning directors are: Charlie Tanck and Chris DeMinco. Race Report – Mike Toombs Westward Ho! 2013 Our Nelson Ledges race is scheduled for June 22 and 23. Lew Giesy will be
PROVIDING THE RACING COMMUNITY WITH INSURANCE AND DISABILITY INCOME FOR OVER 40 YEARS. 2012 November
race chair for this event. Glen Major 2013 On July 5, 6 and 7 we will be doing a double race at Watkins Glen. This event will be part of the SCCA’s “U.S. Majors Tour” as requested by the national office. Being part of the Majors, the event will be well defined and will be similar to the other Majors races throughout the U.S. Chris DeMinco will chair this event. Watkins Glen International is asking that there be ticket sales to support a three-day weekend. The region may need to provide some promotion for the event. Fun One 2013 The Fun One will run Sept. 14 and 15. A race chair needs to be named. A debriefing meeting for Fun One 2012 was held prior to the October board meeting. Rally Report The 2012 RoadRally and RallyCross Holiday Party and Awards presentation will be held Dec. 22 at Cheap Charlie’s in Bloomfield. Cost is $25 per person. Pre-registration is required by Santa so that appropriate gifts can be presented. Cocktails at 6, diner at 7 and Santa at 8. Rally Cross – Chris DeMinco The Oct. 27 started in the late afternoon followed by rain. That made it a slippy-slidey event. As a result, the last few competitors had times of up to five minutes for the fourth run. The 21 competitors entered all had a good time. The event ended with hamburgers, hotdogs, chili sauce, etc. Social Road Rallies The “Genesee Valley 2012 Colour Tour” with Rick Barnes as rallymaster had the entering teams searching for the answers to questions to be found along the route. All but one team answered the same number of questions correctly. That team missed one more. The “Rally to the Glenn H Curtiss Museum” toured to Hammondsport on November 3. Seven teams ran this “fun” rally. Competition was based on
the ability to maintain an average speed of 36.5 mph and eight questions. Lynn Randall will be preparing a story and results for publication in the December issue of Top End. Entries may have been impacted by snow Saturday morning. A similar rally will be run in the spring. STPR® - Alan Smith Work is starting on the Wellsboro Winter Rally and STPR 2013. Mike reviewed the status with Rally America. Winter Rally Series A “Dust Off The Cobwebs” event is scheduled for Dec. 1. Registration opens at 2:45 at Charlie Riedel’s in Canandaigua; with the first car off at 4:01 p.m. Finish will be about 10:30 at MacGregor’s in Canandaigua. This is a paved and smooth unpaved road rally designed to bring the competitors back up to speed on navigating skills and to give new rallyists a chance to learn the skills needed to navigate a winter series rally. Some of the more experienced competitors may also use this opportunity to try new procedures and/or equipment. The first event of the Finger Lakes Region’s “Winter Rally Series,” “The Long Way Home,” with Alan Smith as rallymaster, is scheduled for Jan. 5. It will start and end at the Yard of Ale in Piffard. The Jan. 19 rally will have Gary Thomas and John Kastenhuber as rallymasters. That event will run out of Ithaca. Solo Report – Chris Bucknam The Solo picnic is scheduled for Nov. 18 at the Scottsville Fire Hall. Start time is noon, with food served at 12:30. Cost for the catered picnic is $15 per person. Chris reviewed the Sept. 30 event held at Delphi. It was noted that Mike Toombs was fastest in the “slow” group in the challenge runs held at the end of the day. Rochester Institute of Technology lot 5
rental fees have gone up for 2013. Tom Weaver has accepted the Solo chair position for 2013. Treasurer’s Report – Elizabeth Thiel Elizabeth reported the checking account balance. All bills submitted to date have been paid. Mike will be writing checks at the Mini-Con for the race events we have scheduled for 2013. A check from the insurance company covering damage to guard rail and barrels has been deposited. This brings the Fun One balance into the positive. The deposit for the 2013 Westward Ho! weekend has been paid. Sanction fees for the recent RallyCross and RoadRally events have been paid. Financial statements are available for review from Elizabeth. The treasurer’s report was accepted on a motion by Mike Brunner, seconded by Barb Lissow. The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p. m. on a motion by Dave Ciufo, seconded by Mike Brunner.
Finger Lakes Region, SCCA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
banquet is Jan. 12 at the Green Lantern in Fairport. The $25 fee represents a subsidy of $7 per person.
October 30, 2012
New Business Chris raised the question of what can be done to bring splinter activities and participants back into the region.
Location: Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, 705 Titus Ave., Irondequoit, NY 14617 Mike Toombs called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Officers and directors present: Michael Toombs, Regional Executive; Elizabeth Thiel, Treasurer; Carl Dresie, Secretary; Mary Hartman, Activities Director; Chris DeMinco, Fran McAllister and Charles Tanck, Directors. Others present: Meridith Croucher, Barb Lissow and Lew Giesy Items are presented by subject and may not be in chronological order. The minutes of the September 25, 2012 board of directors meeting were approved on a motion by Charlie, seconded by Elizabeth. Activities Report The annual membership recognition
Suggestions for general membership meeting sites are being sought.
Old Business The ballot includes a survey on meeting date. The results will be compiled and presented to the board for action. Other meeting dates may also be moved. Race Report The May race date has been offered to us by the Glen Region. We would be interested in rotating with them alternating the national race and a May regional. We cannot do both the May date and a national in the same year, along with Westward Ho and the Fun One. Chris offered to meet with the Glen Region on running races at Watkins Glen. Mike will talk with Larry Emery at the MiniCon. Charlie will talk with Dan Glueck about wireless scales for use by Tech. Fun One 2012 – Chris DeMinco A debriefing meeting was held prior to the board meeting. Westward Ho! 2013 – Lew Giesy Dates for this event are June 22 and 23. Lew has volunteered to chair this event. A budget is being prepared for the January board meeting. Fees will be increased for those running the Enduro only. The format of the 2012 Westward Ho! race received positive comments in all of the e-mail replies. Watkins Glen National (U.S Majors Tour) – Chris DeMinco Dates for this event are July 5, 6 and 7.
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November 2012
The national will be part of the SCCA’s Majors race series. The weekend will be a double. This is contrary to the NEDiv plans for rotating the double national races.
WGI track rental. Part of that money will go back into those accounts.
Fun One 2013 Dates for this event are September 14 and 15.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m. on a motion by Elizabeth, seconded by Mary.
Rally Report The Fall Colour Tour rally was an interesting event.
Respectfully submitted, Carl F. Dresie, Secretary
The Glenn H Curtiss Museum destination rally will run on Nov. 3. The Dec. 1 rally will start at Charlie Riedel’s in Canandaigua and end at MacGregor’s. Solo Report The Solo picnic is scheduled for November 18 at the Scottsville Fire Department. Tom Weaver will be assuming the job of Solo chair next year. STPR® - Meridith Croucher The performance rally organizers are meeting in Denver on Nov. 10. Options for the series organization will be discussed. If the event is not run in 2013 it will be gone forever. Treasurer’s Report – Elizabeth Thiel The Profit and Loss by Class for January 1 through October 30 was distributed for review. All region bills have been paid. The entry fees for the last two RallyCross events have been received. Hospitality for these events and field use fees are to be paid. All of the Solo audits have been paid. We were not fined for the late audits. The Solo picnic site rental has been paid. Memberships and printing are included in the P&L statement. The deposit for the Year End Banquet has been paid. The Nelson Ledges deposit is due soon. Funds were moved from the money market and investment accounts to cover
2012 November
The treasurer’s report was accepted on a motion by Chris, seconded by Mary.
FLR News
Membership News and Information Welcome to the Finger Lakes Region, SCCA David Krieger Regular Pro Racing Piloti Watkins Glen
Darren Ohara Regular Club Racing, Rally and Solo Web Site Ted Strang & Karen Gibson Family
Don't forget to renew Jonathan Manuele Kevin Murray Sandra Murray Sean Andrew Rasmussen
National News Rev ised Point Structure for 2013 Majors, National Races
TOPEKA, Kan. (October 26, 2012) The Sports Car Club of America’s Board of Directors today announced the point structure to be used for the 2013 U.S. Majors Tour Conference Championships, the National Points Championship and Divisional Points Championships. The point standings will be used for all 28 SCCA National Championship Runoffs-eligible classes. The 2013 point structure eliminates the bonus points previously used for the National point championship, and weights the Majors races more heavily than in the past for each Championship. All 28 Runoffs-eligible classes will crown a Majors champion in each of the four Conferences, as well as a single overall National point champion in each class. “The National Point Standings included bonus points to weight better attended races more than lesser attended races,” Jerry Wannarka, SCCA Chairman, said. “The goal of the U.S. Majors Tour is to cluster competition, eliminating the need to count bonus points. Instead, those races will simply be given more weight, with more drivers scoring points.” Races held during the Majors weekends that will be a part of the 2013 schedule will award points to the top 20 finishers in each class. Race winners will earn 22 points, followed by 19 and 17 for podium finishes. Beginning with 16 for fourth place, points will decrease by one for each of the remaining top20 finishers, with 19th and 20th each receiving one point. 7
“After much discussion, it was determined that keeping the points as simple as possible was the desire,” Wannarka continued. “The simple way to view the Majors event points is that the events are on a ‘plus 10’ schedule from the traditional points. The top nine finishers earn the regular points, plus 10. Then from 10th on down, the points start at 10 and decrease by one through 19th, with an additional point for the 20th place finisher to round the points-paying positions out.” Points for the non-Majors National races will remain on the traditional point scale for the top nine, with no bonus points. 2013 Point Structure Finishing Position Majors 1 22 2 19 3 17 4 16 5 15 6 14 7 13 8 12 9 11 10 10 11 9 12 8 13 7 14 6 15 5 16 4 17 3 18 2 19 1 20 1
Traditional National 12 9 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The races scored toward each of the four geographic Conference Championships on the U.S. Majors Tour will be based on the number of actual races held in each conference, with a driver getting a number of “drops” in his or her Conference. While most, but not all, Majors events will be doubleheader weekends, a Conference that hosts 11 or 12 races will count the top eight finishes toward the Championship. A Conference that hosts nine or 10 races will score the best seven finishes, and if a Conference 8
held only eight races, the top six would score toward the Conference Championship. Outside of the new point structure and the elimination of the bonus points, the National Point Championship will be tallied in the same way as 2012, with a driver able to count his or her best seven races regardless of Division or Conference affiliation. Similarly, the Divisional Championships will count both non-Majors Nationals and Majors races, with the only change being the revised point structure for Majors events. The qualification path to the 50th National Championship Runoffs will be announced during the PRI show in Orlando, Fla., in December, following a discussion and vote at the SCCA Board of Directors meeting. The complete U.S. Majors Tour schedule will also be announced in the coming weeks. Additional information on the U.S. Majors Tour is available at www. sccamajors.com.
U.S. Majors Tour Specialty Staff Announced By SCCA TOPEKA, Kan. (November 1, 2012) –The SCCA National Office in Topeka today named a host of members to serve in administrative and Chief Steward roles for the U.S. Majors Tour for 2013.
managing victory circle ceremonies, the live timing system and other customer service-related components. The Series Chief Steward will be the same at every Majors race within the Conference, tasked with setting the Majors “tone” and bringing consistency for drivers at each event. Local stewards will operate the event under the guidance of the Conference’s Chief Steward, who will oversee the event. “We put together this staff, each of whom has experience in Region activities, to give the Majors program and its participants the attention they need,” Butch Kummer, Director of Club Racing, said. “These individuals serve as additional points of contact for racers and Region Officials who may have questions as we move forward.” A Conference Administrator and a Chief Steward has been appointed in each of the Eastern, Mid-States, Northern and Western Conferences: Eastern Conference (NEDiv & SEDiv): Gayle Lorenz, Conference Administrator, and Bob Hudson, Chief Steward Mid-States Conference (MWDiv, RMDiv & SWDiv): Marina Kraft, Conference Administrator, and Barrett Braun, Chief Steward Northern Conference (CENDiv & GLDiv): Melinda Frame, Conference Administrator, and Costa Dunias, Chief Steward Western Conference (SoPacDiv & NorPacDiv): Dave DeBorde, Conference Administrator, and R.J. Gordy, Chief Steward
The complete U.S. Majors Tour The Conference Administrators Schedule will be released in the coming will serve as liaisons between the weeks. The Conference Administrators will National Office and the SCCA hit the ground running following a training Regions hosting the event, as well as session in Topeka early in December. a local information post for drivers More information can be found at www. and participants. The role will include scca.com and on the U.S. Majors Tour at working with the Regions on pre- www.sccamajors.com. event logistics and preparation and Follow the SCCA on Twitter @ post-event awards distribution and SCCAOfficial, or like the Club on Facebook follow-up with the participants. at facebook.com/sccaofficial. During the race weekends, the Administrator will assist with
November 2012
2012 Annual Awards Banquet Saturday January 12, 2013
Green Lantern Inn One East Church Street, Fairport, New York 14450 ph. (585) 223-0556
Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. Registration, Open bar*, Hors d’oeuvres**
*Beer, wine, soda, juice - Cash bar for mixed drinks Beverages will be available for purchase during and after dinner. ** Cheese, crackers and vegetable tray
Dinner & Cash Bar at 7:00 p.m. -
Sliced USDA Choice Sirloin in Gravy, Chicken on the Bone, Pasta with Marinara Sauce, Roasted Potato, Steamed Vegetables. Green Salad, Assorted Warm Rolls
Presentation of awards Following dinner
The Green Lantern Inn has been a landmark in the Rochester New York area for over 125 years. Originally built as a private residence, the Inn was converted to a boarding house, a tavern, a full service restaurant and is presently a banquet facility. The Deland House, now known as the Green Lantern Inn was designed by Mr. John Thomas and is in the style of a French chateau. Started in 1875 and occupied in 1876, it is considered to be the best local example of high second empire architecture. Handicapped accessible entrance and parking off Route 250.
PLEASE R.S.V.P by January 3, 2013 Mary Hartman, ph. (585) 426-3288 e-mail: MKHartman@Genesee.edu or activitiesdirector@flr-scca.com Name(s)
Number of Adults _____ x $25 = $_______ Number of Children ____ x $15 = $_______ Total enclosed
2012 November
$_______
Checks payable to “Finger Lakes Region, SCCA” At the door or mail to:
Finger Lakes Banquet 2840 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624
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Rally Tom Langdon Interim Rally Chair
Rally Meeting Notes October 16, 2012
96 Church Street, Victor, NY These notes are grouped by subject and are not in chronological order. The following six RoadRally and RallyCross enthusiasts were present; Rick Barnes, Carl Dresie, Ben Gilmore, Jerry Kerwin, Tom Langdon and Alan Smith. RallyCross Series The plan is to have the October 27th RallyCross to run late afternoon into the evening. The remaining 2012 RallyCross events are Sunday Nov. 18 and Saturday Dec. 15. The first two events in 2013 have been scheduled for Saturday Jan. 26 and Feb. 23. The RallyCross series will be budgeted separately from the RoadRally events for the 2013 season. Rally Yearend Party Alan Smith will contact Cheap Charlie’s to schedule the rally Christmas party. The best open date is Dec. 22. If the date is available, it will be scheduled with Activities Director, Mary Hartman, and the restaurant. STPR® The Wellsboro Winter Rally has not been scheduled. There are issues with the sanctioning body. The charity rally will be sanctioned and conducted as a social rally. Summer and Fall Rally Series Rick’s Genesee Valley Colour Tour 2012 social rally was run on Oct. 14. Scoring was based on finding the 10
answers to20 questions found along the route. Four of the five teams answered 16 of the questions correctly and therefore tied for first. An article and results will be printed in the November issue of Top End. The turnout at the social rallies is disappointing in light of the request from some of the club’s members for more social events. Alan reported that he had run the safety steward check for the “Rally to the Glenn H. Curtis Museum” scheduled for Nov. 3. There are some nice roads; this should be a good event. Winter Rally Series Flyers have been generated for Alan Smith’s “Long Way Home” rally to be run on Jan. 5 and for Gary Thomas and John Kastenhuber’s “4th Annual Ithaca Winter Rally” scheduled for Jan. 19. John Werner has expressed an interest in doing a winter series rally. Jamie Hayslip has also offered to write a rally. Rallymasters need to be named for the last three events in the series. First timers could be paired with an experienced rallymaster for training. The B speed factor for limited and stock classes will be changed from 1.10 to 1.13. The 2013 Winter Rally Series General Instructions will include this change. Let Tom know if you want to make any other changes. The 2013 Rally budget will be based on 18 entries per event. Entry fees will be held constant. Tom will prepare the budget. Miscellaneous Discussions The general membership meeting may be moved from Tuesday to Wednesday. The results of the survey included with the ballot will be passed along to the board for action. The site may also be changed. Do we want to change the date of the Rally meeting? Anyone having a preference let Tom know. Tom will be involved in a plant shutdown for about a month and will
not be able to cover time consuming rally errands. The region’s Year End Awards Banquet is scheduled for Jan. 12 at the Green Lantern Inn in Fairport. Adrienne Hughes and Roy Hopkins ran Targa Newfoundland in Grand Touring driving a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. They placed fourth in class with a total score of 1:29. SCCA membership could be used as payment to Eric Hobron for building new check point signs. Tom is shopping for a replacement wiener dog. Compatibility with a current dog is important. The puppy under consideration is a wire haired Dachshund. Important events in our lives are sometimes dated by the cars we owned at the time. Limited access onto a submarine required that the ice cream machine be cut in half and then reassembled on board. CO2 is not permitted on a submarine. Using nitrogen makes the ice cream grainy and the Coke machine also had problems.
November 13, 2012 96 Church Street, Victor, NY These notes are grouped by subject, not in chronological order. The following ten RoadRally and RallyCross enthusiasts were present; Rick Barnes, Carl Dresie, Ben Gilmore, Jamie Hayslip, John Kastenhuber, Jerry Kerwin, Tom Langdon, Alan Smith, Gary Thomas and, John Werner. Rally Year-end Party It is important to get your reservations in early for the Christmas party. Santa needs time to gather up the presents he distributes at the party. Santa also needs stories to pass along while distributing the “packages.”
November 2012
STPR® Committee meetings for the 2013 running have not been scheduled. The Wellsboro Winter Rally is being discussed. The committee may seek insurance by some entity other than Rally America. Greg Lester has expressed an interest in writing the charity rally run on the Friday of STPR weekend. Tom circulated an e-mail from Greg. The charity rally will be sanctioned and conducted as a social rally. The VIP bus may not be run on Saturday. It is difficult to find an exclusive location that a bus can reach. Last year the rally transited by the second location.
78 Bennington Drive Rochester, NY 14616 585-621-8200
www.ekstenautoworks.com CLUB RACING AND TRACK EVENT PREPARATION FULL IMPORT MAINTENANCE MACHINE SHOP SERVICES & FABRICATION ENGINE BUILDING AND CUSTOM CYLINDER HEAD WORK DYNOMAX CHASSIS DYNO BY LAND-AND-SEA 10% Off Labor to Club Members
5 Time HSR 4 Hours of Sebring Class Winner 2006-2010
Summer and Fall Rally Series The Dec. 1 rally will start and end in Canandaigua with the break being at the truck stop on Rt. 414 near the thruway. Jerry will do the safety check. Carl will contact Jerry to make arrangements. The turnout at the social rallies is disappointing in light of the request from some of the club’s members for more social events. Winter Rally Series Jamie Hayslip volunteered to be rallymaster for the Feb. 16, 2013 rally. This rally is tentatively planned to start in the Canandaigua area. Miscellaneous Discussions Tom noted that Rally Safety Steward Licenses have been John Werner will write the March rally. The idea is to start at the Yard of Ale in Piffard and go north and west to the issued to several of the region’s rallyists. Batavia area. Rally mileage is to the sign. In the absence of a sign, it is Frank Beyer has offered to conduct a rally in the Tug Hill to the apex. area as part of the Finger Lakes Region Winter Rally Series. December and January weather is predicted to be warmer The proposal is for a ten hour event. To meet the spirit of the than usual. Winter Series it should be shortened to about six hours. Jerry Steve McElvie’s web site is cool. Kerwin will contact Frank. Tom passed around copies of e-mail If the sign cannot be read (it might have been turned messages from and with Frank. around) is the road still “seasonal?”
Gary and John K. gave an overview of the 4th Annual Some cars such as Miatas, GT6s’ and other sporty cars Ithaca Winter Rally. It will go east toward Whitney Point on may be a tight fit for some people. Interstate 81. The roads being used are “new stuff.” The first The web site Special Stage occasionally has rally car off time will be moved to 3:30 to insure that the end time computers advertised for sale at reasonable prices. is early enough to be convenient. MaryAnne Shults should be notified immediately of the time change. John K. noted that using the 798 has the possibilities of The 2013 Winter Rally Series General Instructions have serious errors due to multiple options in throwing the switches. A Scottish Ale labeled “Used Engine Oil” is available at been updated and will be posted soon. Workers will be Beers of the World. compensated to cover part of their costs. The replacement weiner dog was purchased. Being a John K. has copies of Phil Barnes’ rallies. If there is interest, “howler” was a consideration. the Ithaca rally could be moved to Cortland.
2012 November
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Rally to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum not hindered by tail-end of hurricane By Marilyn Randall Hurricane Sandy made landfall in the U.S. the evening of Monday, Oct. 29, striking near Atlantic City, N.J., with winds of 80 mph. By Nov. 1, now dubbed “Superstorm Sandy” by the news media, had dissipated. However, remnants were circulating across the lower Great Lakes region and moving into Canada. Some areas were getting residual rain and snow showers. When all was said and done, Sandy affected more than 50 million people. Although the Finger Lakes area didn’t suffer the devastation of the coastal areas, there were still lingering effects on Saturday, Nov. 3, when seven teams ventured from Avon to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport. I was a bit disappointed the sun was not out, plus most of the trees were bare, with only remnants of fall color left after the devastating winds, so there went my vision of a perfect fall day. Some of the competitors had some interesting comments. Breckley Ellerd, who was Tony Zanni’s navigator, said that she really enjoyed the experience. This was her first rally. “We travelled over roads I would never have explored,” she said. “There was a variety of weather, rain, snow and sunshine. It was an engaging course for a novice.” It has been several years since I have been a rallymaster, so had forgotten the resiliency of those who love this 12
sport, and weather doesn’t matter; in fact, it often makes a road rally more interesting. This was what SCCA terms a “Game, Tour, and Adventure” Rally, with the subcategory being a destination rally where the participants know the ending location of the rally. Three experienced teams, and four novice teams competed and all made it to the museum with few problems. It began at Tom Wahl’s in Avon at noon. The course was a mix of approximately 55 miles of paved roads, with a few gravel and dirt roads thrown in to keep the experienced people happy! There were mileages, tulip diagrams, and written instructions, and included eight questions to be answered along the way, to be used in case of a tie, which we needed to use for the final scoring. Zanni declared it was “fantastic”. He loved the dirt and the TTT parts (terribly twisty turns,) a phrase first coined by John Robinson, a veteran rallymaster who passed away many years ago. David Schwaner, president of the Finger Lakes Porsche Club had not rallied in many years, said he would do another rally similar to this. His navigator, Sue Miller, joked “as long has he did what I told him, we were fine!” Spoken like a true navigator. Unfortunately, Barbara Lissow, an experienced and passionate rallyist, ended up finishing eight minutes late due to a miscalculation by her rookie navigator. She didn’t lose her spirits, however, because she knows that’s rally! Sometimes it is this type of learning experience that turns on the competitive human nature and they’ll return because they want to win next time. Mike and Marsha competed in the Novice class and took first place. As many other competitors will confess, sometimes a husband/wife team doesn’t work. “We’ve both got lots of rally experience,” he said, “but, not together.”
Thanks to Alan Smith who taught a rally novice briefing, and to Andy Smith, who demonstrated what a checkpoint sign looked like. Alan also did the safety check of the rally route. Thanks to Mary Hartman who worked a checkpoint. Special thanks to my co-rally master, Mike Brunner, who course checked the routes several times, donating his time and gas, so this would be a success. He also formatted all the instructions and forms we needed, and stopped my fussing and snit fits when things were not going well! Also, a very big thank you to MaryAnne Shults, our West Coast media guru. She helped promote the rally by sending out a flier and press release to the local colleges and car clubs, inviting them to join the fun. Finally, thank you to the competitors who came out on a Saturday afternoon. After a hiatus of 20+ years, I survived the rallymaster experience, and like childbirth, will have forgotten the prerally angst, and will be ready to write another rally in the summer of 2013. I hope to bring back the old Rally to the Valley Bully Hill event that I originally wrote in the 1970s. Results: Novice class: First Place: Mike Toombs/ Marsha Toombs Second Place: David Schwaner/ Sue Miller Third Place: Greg Hogan/ Steve Cunningham Experienced First Place: Tony Zanni/Breckley Ellard Second Place: Brian Fallon/John Simonson Third Place: Fran McAllister/”Franklin” McAllister Fourth Place: Barbara Lissow/Christopher Hawkin
November 2012
Winners of the Rally to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum at the awards presentation. (Barb Lissow and Chris Haskin not pictured.) Mike Brunner photos
Rallymaster Lynn Randall with the experienced class winners Breckley and Tony
Mike and Marsha took 1st place in the novice class. This was their first rally on a number of years.
Brian and John, long time rallyists took 2nd place in the experienced class
Sue and David, 2nd place in the novice class
Fran McAllister’s navigator (missing) and Fran 3rd place in the experienced class
Greg and Steve (and the rest of the team), 3rd place in the novice class
2012 November
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October 27 RallyCross Results, Perry’s Park Rain shortens the October RallyCross Yesterday's Haunty RallyCross was more like Rainy Muddy Slidey RallyCross. Only 4 runs before the rains put an end to it. Thanks for everyone who came out, regulars and a lot of new faces! Thanks Brandon West for the sloppy joes, Chris Thompson for being Safety Steward and Head Chef. and to John Walsh for stopping out to say hi! Tony Zanni Rallymaster
Place
Car RallyX No. Class Name
Car
40 1 7 32 36 30 8 948 17 16 33 611 15 0 944 608 41 18 45 29 10
WOD WOD2 Subaru Beast WOD WCRX OBS Golf Civic WRX RS RS Impreza 2.2 Impreza 2.2 WCRX Porsche 944 RS Miata WRX Miata WOD Impreza 2.2
U4 U4 O4 U4 2WD O4 2wd 2wd OPEN O4 O4 U4 U4 OPEN OPEN O4 2wd OPEN 2wd U4 U4
Nate Michals Jim Perrin Brandon West Darren Ohara Tony Zanni David Cleckinger Kurt Thiel Chris Thompson John Bathgate Corey Jenkins Jake Vallee Jeremy Keck Josh Glassby Rich Smith Charles Tamerli Jeremie Snyder Paul Laylo? Tom McIntyre Chris DeMinco Michelle Richau Robert Parmisani
Run plus number of cones
O.A. Cls Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
1 2 1 3 1 2 2 3 1 3 4 4 5 2 3 5 4 4 5 6 7
run 1
run 2
run 3
run 4
8.80 2.27 2.20 2.15 2.18 8.80 2.22 2.19 2.14 2.25+1 9.18 2.37 2.26 2.34 2.21 9.42 2.33 2.33 2.34 2.42 9.48 2.33 2.34 2.33 2.48+1 9.54 2.41 2.36 2.36 2.40 9.66 2.36 2.46 2.40 2.44+1 9.69 2.49 2.40 2.42 2.38 9.75 2.50+3 2.56+2 2.37+1 2.32+1 9.76 2.39 2.44 2.43 2.50+1 9.84 2.38 2.54+2 2.36 2.56+2 9.93 2.36 2.34 2.43 2.80+1 10.01 2.48 2.58+1 2.54+1 2.41 10.56 2.57 2.58 2.76+2 2.65+1 10.56 2.45 2.76+1 2.80+2 2.55 10.81 2.62+1 2.62 2.57 3.00 11.01 2.68 2.79 2.82 2.72 11.05 2.52 2.53 3.00 3.00 11.40 2.65 2.75 3.00 3.00 11.59 2.59 3.00 3.00 3.00 12.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 times include all penalties
A AKES SCC FINGER L
RALLYCROSS 2012
Drive Fast. Take Chances. Get Dirty. RallyCross is the easiest way to get into the action of Performance Rally Racing. Perry’s Park offers a challenging dirt course that will test your drving skills slding sideways over dirt and gravel. Put your foot to the floor and join us this season! For more FLR-SCCA RallyCross information email rallycross@flr-scca.com or call RallyCross Chairman Tony Zanni at 585.281.2510 All events held at Perry’s Park, 4538 Caledonia Rd, Liechester NY. Dates and locations subject to change. Weather can cancel an event on short notice please visit www.flr-scca.com or facebook.com/flrscca for updates. Photo Monica Roche
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November 2012
GET READY FOR THE 2013 WINTER RALLY SERIES
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Dust off the Cobwebs An opportunity to learn the skills and techniques needed to navigate a TimeSpeed-Distance RoadRally using the instructions typically found in the Winter Rally Series events. Or, for the more experienced rallyist, the opportunity to “dust off” those navigating skills, test and tune new equipment, move up a class or try a new method of staying on time, all the time. START LOCATION:
Charlie Riedel’s 3140 Townline Road, Canandaigua, N.Y. (Intersection of Rtes. 5&20 w/ CR10)
FINISH LOCATION:
MacGregor’s 759 S. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.
SCHEDULE:
Registration .............................. 2:45 to 3:45 PM Novice school ........................................3:15 PM Drivers’ Meeting ....................................3:45 PM First car starts ........................................4:01 PM First car finishes ........................ about 10:30 PM
ENTRY INFORMATION: • Road Rally of approximately 130 miles through the Finger Lakes area of New York State. • Fees: $35/car, SCCA members, $40/car, guests. • Series classes— Equipped, Limited, Stock, and Novice; Three Speed groups (where A = fastest, C = slowest) • Snow tires are recommended (all-season tires may limit your speed group eligibility), tow rope/strap, and 90 minutes of flares or one DOT triangle are required to compete.
For further information contact: Carl Dresie cfdresie@cs.com • (585) 544-6482 news.flr-scca.com
Visit our website and/or social media for more information: www.flr-scca.com/rally
2012 November
www.twitter.com/flrscca www.facebook.com/flrscca 15
FINGER LAKES REGION, SCCA
Rally Christmas Party Saturday, December 22, 2012
Cheap Charlies Restaurant, 8 Elm St., Bloomfield, N.Y.
Coc k t ail s at 6 p.m .
Social hour with cheese/crackers/cash bar
Dinne r at 7 p.m . Entree choices:
» » » »
12-oz. Prime Rib Chicken & Shrimp Scampi over Linguini Veal Parmesan with Spaghetti Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Salad, Baked Potato, Vegetable, Bread, Coffee, Dessert $25 per person (includes tax/tip) RSVP to Alan Smith by Wednesday, Dec. 12 asmith2357@aol.com or 585-359-4688.
Santa promises to race through after dinner!!
Design by Kati
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November 2012
Event #1 of the 2013 Winter Rally Series
Saturday, January 5, 2013
It is once again time to enjoy the winter roads of the Southern Tier with the Finger Lakes Region’s 2013 Winter Rally Series. The first rally of the series consists of approximately 160 competitive miles using mostly unpaved roads in the New York Southern Tier.
START/FINISH LOCATION:
The Yard of Ale and Canal House Inn 3226 Genesee Street Piffard, NY
ENTRY INFORMATION: • Fees: $35/car, SCCA members, $45/car, guests. • 35 car limit - pre-registration is recommended
SCHEDULE:
Registration .............................. 3:00 to 4:00 PM Novice school ........................................3:30 PM Drivers’ Meeting ....................................4:10 PM First car starts ........................................4:31 PM First car finishes ........................ about 11:00 PM
• Series classes —Equipped, Limited, Stock, and Novice • Snow tires are recommended (all-season tires may limit your speed group eligibility), tow rope/strap, and 90 minutes of flares or one DOT triangle are required to compete.
Contact the rallymaster to pre-register and for answers to questions: Alan Smith asmith2357@aol.com • (585) 359-4688
news.flr-scca.com Visit our website and/or social media for more information: www.flr-scca.com/rally
2012 November
www.twitter.com/flrscca www.facebook.com/flrscca
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Event #2 of the 2013 Winter Rally Series
Saturday, January 19, 2013 4th Annual
a Thomas and Kastenhuber production
A rally of approximately 185 miles using both paved and unpaved roads in the southern parts of central New York State. START/FINISH LOCATION: Manos Diner 357 Elmira Rd (Route 13) in Ithaca, NY
ENTRY INFORMATION: • Fees: $35/car, SCCA members, $45/car, guests • 35 car limit - pre-registration is recommended
SCHEDULE: Registration ....................2:00 to 3:30 PM Novice school .............................3:00 PM Drivers’ Meeting .........................3:40 PM First car starts .............................4:01 PM First car finishes ..................... ~ 10:45 PM Want to stay overnight after the rally? Meadow Court Inn, (607) 273-3885 529 S Meadow St. (1/2 mile north of start/finish) Double for $59.00 + taxes There are also several other hotels in the area.
• Series classes —Equipped, Limited, Stock, and Novice • Snow tires are recommended (all-season tires may limit your speed group eligibility), tow rope/strap, and 90 minutes of flares or one DOT triangle are required to compete.
Questions? Want to pre-register? contact Rallymaster Gary Thomas gary.george.thomas@gmail.com 607.277.0501
news.flr-scca.com Visit our website and/or social media for more information: www.flr-scca.com/rally
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www.twitter.com/flrscca www.facebook.com/flrscca
November 2012
2012 November
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Targa 2012 (An adventure in Highs and Lows) By Mark Laitenberger
This was the sixth year I got a chance to compete in Targa Newfoundland, and as we all know, half of any trophy is the stories you bring home. Sometimes that’s the only trophy, but those are usually the better stories. For those who are unfamiliar with this event, let me explain what Targa is and how it works. Targa Newfoundland is a sixday event, with one day of qualifying and five days of competitive auto racing. The first day, “Prologue,” has three stages, and times from these are used to assign the start order for Monday morning. Unlike Performance Rally, in Targa they start the slowest cars first and the fastest cars last. This keeps the group together and provides an opportunity— or challenge—to pass cars on the longer stages. Every night the organizers assign a new start order for the next morning based on the times to date. Each car is assigned to a group based on its age; and this year for the second time all cars 1983 and newer were thrown into a single class called Modern and had the same base or target time. This means that if your stage time is the same as, or faster than, the base time, you get a zero. If your stage time is slower than the base time, you are penalized one point per second slower. And unlike draw poker you can 20
not discard a stage (or time) you don’t like for something better. This year I got an opportunity to move from the Modern field to
After spending most of Thursday afternoon flying to St. Johns Newfoundland I caught up with Chip and our service crew Robert and Randy. Then Friday we headed to Brian’s Speed Shop in Holyrood NL to get a final look under the car, finish wiring the intercom and check the Terratrip to get an initial factor. Saturday is Tech inspection, paperwork, odo run, and the evening car show in the arena. Sometimes this is done quickly and the rest of the day is spent relaxing or helping other competitors, this was not one of those years. The Terratrip seamed to work fine on Friday, but during the odo run, every time Chip broke hard the odometer
would stop counting until he let off the brake. Sometimes I would have to jiggle the wiring harness to get the count resumed and other times it was a random event. After spending some time checking every wire and solder connection, with plenty of trial and error, it was discovered that the sensors were mounted too far from the bolt head. With this corrected and a few kilometers under varying driving conditions it was decided that the problem was fixed, and just in time for Chip, Rodger, and Randy to get in a round of golf at Pippy Park. Of course I had to go along, who else goes to Newfoundland to compete in the Targa Auto race and still gets in a round of golf. After 9 holes Randy had had enough and I played his last 9. I think I’ll stick with auto racing. Sunday was Prolog, a final chance to shake down the car and get an idea of the road conditions. The organizers use these times to get a start order for Monday morning with the fastest cars starting last. Because these stages are not scored some competitors choose to go a little slower in the hopes of getting an earlier start time the next day. Chip wasn’t one of these and he drove almost as fast as he would the rest of the week. This put us starting Monday morning second from last in front of Matt and Brian Oldford in a 2004 Subaru WRX. Monday started with some sun and the first four stages went by without any problems and no points. The fifth stage was long with a combination of turns in the middle called “The Horseshoe”. This is after a long run (about 0.6 miles) into a crest, easy kink right, crest into Hard Right down hill into Acute left, up hill into medium right over crest. All this happens within 0.2 miles and has a dropoff on the driver’s side. A little before
November 2012
the first crest the Oldfords passed us at a much higher speed (about 190 KPH) and over the crest, as I was calling out the second turn I felt the car slow down a lot and Chip said we had to help the Oldfords. I looked up in time to see the dust settling. As we jumped out of our car I could see where they has caught a guardrail on the wrong side and landed in some pine trees. They ended up about 30 – 40 ft below and about 80 ft off the road facing on coming race traffic. They were both fine and we helped them out of their car and had to leave them on the side of the road as we headed to the finish. Later I talked to Matt and he said he didn’t see the kink and thought the road went straight to the crest, and was still accelerating as the car left the road. We finished the day in a four way tie for first with a zero for the day.
Tuesday was the day hurricane Irene blew into the area and started with Niagara Falls being poured over our windshield. I had expected the first stage, Appleton, to be cancelled. But when we showed up there were the workers waiting for us. There are three levels of road condition 1 – Dry, 2 – Standing water, 3 – Rain, with level 2 & 3 they lower the speed about 6% & 12% or extend the time allotted to get a zero. We managed to zero this and the next two stages and about half way through the fourth stage we were about a minute ahead of our average time. As we came over the last crest we could see the finish line with only an easy left into a downhill long right to finish. We decided to back off a little more. No sense taking chances this close to the finish line, of course this is were we lost control and the back of the car came around. We very slowly slid into the ditch on the side of the road, and because
2012 November
everything was muddy, we couldn’t get out. The sweep vehicle pulled us out pretty quickly, because we started fourth from last. We crossed the finish line in front of the sweep vehicle. As we came into the finish the display and timing area was being taken apart because it had to be reset up as a start line so we didn’t get a finish time. The rest of the day went well, and we even did well in Gander, a very tough in town stage with only two short straight sections. I had planned to put in, and had even written an inquire to try to get the last recorded time on stage four, but as luck would have it the timing line was still up and it just wasn’t displayed. Wednesday started out with better weather but we were pretty bummed about 3:29 (209 points) of penalty points for an error on Tuesday. Wednesday included the Greenspond stage, another of my favorite stages. Greenspond has a couple of hard turns and a finish line on a long uphill climb with a slight kink in the road after the finish line. The stage is pretty short with most of the turns in the middle less than 0.10 miles apart, and has an elevation change at every turn. One of the instructions is an acute left uphill climb into hairpin right. The acute is very sharp and the uphill is very steep, all the way up to the hairpin that brings
you right back down into a left at “T” with a triple caution (!!!). This wanders thru a small town for a few more turns into a hard left into the uphill climb to the finish. Everyone is down on speed at this point and races up to the finish, and we were no different. As we crossed the finish line we almost lost control in the kink, but Chip kept control and we kept our penalty down to six seconds (points). Wednesday ends with two runs in Marystown with a long run in and a bunch of quick corners the rest of the way to the finish. Two runs at this earned us a few more points for the day and we finished with 25 points for the day. We moved from sixth (on Tuesday) into fourth in Classic. As we were finishing checking the car for the night an official came over to inform us that the Finish line for the stage we got stuck on, the previous day, was in the wrong location and we had actually crossed the finish line before getting caught in the ditch. Another inquire form and some help from friends to word it right and we turned it in, hoping the officials would see it our way. Hey you never know.
Thursday started out with some cold weather and the clouds were supposed to clear with more sun for the day. Our inquiry was not posted on the Official Notice Board, but because we had named other people that had seen where we stopped we figured that they had not had a chance to talk to everyone yet. The first two stages are a long run out and back followed by the Mooring Cove stage. This leads into our first run at Marystown and again a few fun turns on an in town stage and the Acute Right by the highway. This acute is very wide (2 – 2 ½ lanes) with a large apex, because there is a pretty good straight run after this turn, this is one of the few turns that I look up and out the windshield. 21
Chip accelerated towards the turn and past where my breaking point would have been, spun the steering wheel around braked hard and let go of the steering wheel, grabbing it again when the wheels were straight again, already on the gas. At that point I realized why I was sitting in the right seat and went back to my job. The next stage is Garnish, a long run along the water into a small town that has some tough turns and has been known to have a lot of gravel. The exit out of town is over a long, mostly straight section that is very bumpy with a note in the route book that states, ”Road surface deteriorates” almost to the finish. Last year Bruno Rodrogues and I lost a suspension bushing on this section in his Porsche. We finished adding 34 seconds (points) to our total, and another 34 seconds on Frenchman’s Cove (Garnish in reverse). A second run at Marystown, in reverse this time, and we finished the day with 1:58 minutes (118) points for the day. This was almost a minute faster than the third place car but not enough to overcome our three minute
22
error on Tuesday. By the end of the day, and a lot of discussion with some of the organizers, we had found out that they were going to deny our claim. We weren’t done arguing yet but the result wasn’t going to change.
Friday started with some tougher stages and we took some points here and there. This includes two runs at the “Carbonear” stage and two runs at “Brigus” as well as three other stages and the traditional finish at “The Keg” in downtown St. Johns. The stage for Carbonear was set up differently from previous years and included a number of uphill or downhill runs into an acute or blind corner. This turned out to be more difficult than we had expected and we took a few points. After running the Freshwater stage the second run at Carbonear was run with an average speed set faster than the first run, but having seen it once we were able to zero it the second time. The Brigus stage has traditionally been the final stage of the week and had a minor change last year to include a sharp right just after the start onto a narrow concrete bridge. Last year and again this year I had expected someone to have trouble with this because of how narrow the bridge is and the sides are solid concrete and come half way up the cars. I don’t believe there were any problems again but I still see someone wedging a car into the bridge in the future. Brigus also includes a separate road with a short straight into 90 right onto a
separate bridge with a steep ramp up onto and off the bridge. Some drivers have been known to take this very fast and the spectators show up in force to see who will “Jump the bridge”, or try. We took it a little slower and most of the stage is a series of short runs into a right or left at a side street with the roads being little more than one lane wide. The only saving grace is a long (for Brigus) straight 0.40 miles, into the finish. This was probably the only spot the entire week where we were looking for a little more horsepower. Needless to say we took 11 seconds (points) the first time, and with a faster average speed the second run, 15 seconds the final run. With only a long drive back to St. Johns and a drive across the finish line left our 2012 Targa event came to a close. So where does that leave us after a week of racing. We finished second in Group 1 behind Bill Shanahan and Murray Smith in a 1969 Porsche 911, and fourth in Classic with Scott Giannou and Ray Falice winning in a 1981 Porsche 911, Ben Gill and David Didcock in second in a 1979 Ford Escort RS1800, and Bill and Murray in third. As always there are plenty of people to thank. I would like to start by thanking Chip Brunner for bringing an amazing car, and having the skills to keep it near its limits. Rodger and Robert for always being where we needed them, even if it was just to check the tires and wipe the windshield. Adriane Hughes and Andy Proudfoot for helping me to get my intentions clearly written on my Inquiry forms, even if they weren’t all turned in. And as always I want to thank all the workers that help to put on an event like this. I have spent a number of years involved in the racing community and have stood on the other side of the window, so thank – you for being out in whatever the weather conditions were so we can have some fun.
November 2012
For Sale: Wheels and Tires: Circle Racing wheels, 14 x 6 front, 14 x 7 rear. Less than 12 lbs fr, 13 lbs rr. Bolt pattern 5 x 114.3 fits MKII Toyota MR2 (1990 - '99). All four for $400. Hoosier tires, 225/50 ZR15, two R3S03, one R3S04. Stored in garage until 2011, used five days at WGI driving schools. Lots of good "tread" left. $75 each, three for $200. Dunlop Sport 9000 tires, 225/50 ZR15. Lots of tread left, $160 for all four. Call Andy, 585-7372250 (9/12) For Sale: 1998 Open Car Trailer. 4-new tires, electric winch,storage box,electric brakes,removable tire rack,requires 2 5/16" tow ball. Very nice condition. Asking $1,595.00 Contact Larry at 585-621-8233 or ekstenauto@frontiernet.net (8/12) For Sale: 1988 Toyota Celica All-Trac ProRally car. This car has less than 18,000 miles on it and has never been titled. It was prepared as a rally car when new and has competed in a number of SCCA Pro Rallies through the years, winning its class on a few occasions. It has a bolt in cage that is removable, a TRD rally suspension an HKS adjustable turbo boost system, original ABS system, etc. Although the drive train is “young” in terms of mileage, the body has become corroded under neat and will need some attention. The car can be seen and driven by appointment at Wheeler Auto in Geneva, NY. Asking $4900. A rare model with the potential to be a “winner” again! Call Bob Henderson at (561) 222-6686. (7/12) For Sale: 1993 Toyota Supra race c ar. This car was raced recently at Watkins Glen in the “May Madness” Glen regional race in ITR and won its class in both races. It was originally prepared as a race car when new and has never been titled. Although it is 19 years old it is a “modern” car in appearance and in well maintained mechanical condition. It features a sophisticated “double wishbone” suspension and an excellent brake system. It is really “fun” to race and easy to drive. It has won its class in numerous national and regional SCCA races through the years and has potential to keep on winning. Asking $7500 including numerous spares. Call Bob Henderson at (561) 222-6686. (7/12)
2012 November
Classified Ads
For sale: 2 x 235/35/19 Michelin PS2 tires - nearly new - $200; 1 x 295/30/19 Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 tire - nearly new - $100; 4 Acari Racing forged one piece wheels, made by Aluminum Precision Products - $1,500, Custom made for 996 Porsche 911, 19" staggered setup, 5-130 bolt pattern, Polished metal finish, Includes Porsche centercaps, Originally $900/ wheel; 15x7 Borbet wheels - $500, 4x100 bolt pattern, Powder coated key lime by Rochester Vibratory; 225/45/15 Hankook Ventus Z214 race tires, C71 soft compound tires - $500, brand new tires, never driven on, 0 miles. ; 15x6.5 BBS wheels, 4x100 bolt pattern - $500; 185/55/15 Michelin X-ice tires. Brand new, tires have less than 100 miles on them - $300; 15mm spacers for 4x100 bolt pattern, plus bolts, brand new, includes longer bolts - $50; 20mm spacers for 4x100 bolt pattern, plus bolts, never opened, brand new in bags, includes longer bolts - $70. Contact Marcus Kroll at 202-352-2627 or marcus.kroll@gmail. com. (7/12) For sale: 2002 Dodge Neon; eligible for SCCA ITA racing; will also make a great ice racer. Car and assorted parts for $2900. Contact Mary Hartman at 585-426-3288. (7/12)
For sale: 1999 Ford Escort ZX2, races in SSC or ITA, 8073 actual miles, 2.0L DOHC, 5 speed, Momo seat and removable steering wheel, Enkei rims, kill switch, fire system, ACT racing clutch, Hawk brake pads, RCI belts, extra set Enkei wheels and rain tires, spare parts, documented race history. Ready to race. $3600 or reasonable offer. Call 5585-467-4993 (6/12) For Sale: Racing Items: 1 Can Am Cycle Jacket Medium (New); 1 Set Nitrogen Gages for Racing; 1 7 Qt. Dry Sump Tank (New); 1 Set Engine Leak Down Gauges; 1 Tanner Racing Scales, 4 Pads and Module; Mini Sprint Rolling Chassis (No Motor), Most Body Pcs, Many Shocks, SpringsWheels-Body Pcs., Wing-Seat-Fuel Tank (Not Raced); 1Spex MK1 Road Racer DSR; Suzuki GSR-1000 Modified, by Orient Express, Wing, Extra Nose, Slicks & Rains, Road Racing or Solo, Complete DSR or CSR Body by Beasley, Great Paint Job; 1 Small Plane/Race Car Windshield (New). Many shop tools, automotive items, marine items, lawn and garden items, household items, miscellaneous items. Call for updated list. Jim Nolan 1969 Eddy Rd. Walworth, NY 14568. Ph. (585) 314-1500 (6/12)
Free Classified Ads for FLR Members To place a Classified Ad: Contact the editor at cfdresie@cs.com. Ads will run for three issues, or longer if space allows. Be sure to notify the editor if your item has been sold or is otherwise no longer available. Your ad will also be published on the Finger Lakes Region's Web site in the Forum section ("Classified Ads") at http://www.flr-scca.com/phpBB3/ viewforum.php?f=13. Classified Ads are free to members, $5.00 per issue for non-members.
Commercial Ad Rates
# of Issues Full Page ½ Page ¼ Page Business Card
12 $500 275 150 75
6 $275 150 80 40
3 $150 80 45 20
1 $100 40 25 10
Contact the editor at cfdresie@cs.com for more info. 23
Membership Application Dear Prospective SCCA Member:
To apply for a membership in the Sports Car Club of America, the world’s largest motorsports enthusiast organization, please complete the form below and return, with payment, to SCCA Member Services Department, P.O. Box 299, Topeka, KS 66601-0299; Fax: 785.232.7213.
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE Name __________________________________________________________ Birthdate _________________________ Address _______________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ City _____________________________________________ State ______________ Zip _________________________ E-mail ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Spouse Name ___________________________________________________ Birthdate _________________________ Child’s Name ____________________________________________________ Birthdate _________________________ Child’s Name ____________________________________________________ Birthdate _________________________
Primary Interest:
Please indicate the area of SCCA in which you plan to participate, or interests you enjoy the most.
oClub Racing
o Time Trials/PDX
oRally
oRallyCross
Membership Dues (includes National and Regional dues) oIndividual ......................... $80 oFamily ........................ $100 oIndividual, 2-year ............$140 oFamily, 2-year ............ $180 oIndividual, 3-year ........... $200 oFamily, 3-year ............ $245
oSolo
o Vintage
oPro Racing
oFirst Gear (24 yrs & under) .............$45.00 oFirst Gear, 2-year ......................$75.00 oFirst Gear, 3-year ......................$95.00
Amount Due:
Membership Amount............................................................................ $ __________
Weekend Membership #1 _______________________________
-$15.00
Weekend Membership #1 _______________________________
-$15.00
Referred by __________________________________________ -$15.00 (FIRST/LAST NAME & MEMBERSHIP # REQUIRED) TOTAL DUE.............................. $ ____________ I will become a member in the FINGER LAKES REGION (#62). By accepting membership in the SCCA and any SCCA region, I agree to conduct myself according to the highest standards of behavior and sportsmanship in a manner that shall not be prejudicial to the reputation of the Club or fellow members. __________________________________________________ APPLICANT’S NAME (signature required)
Payment Method:
oCheck
o Auto-renew with Credit Card
oMoney Order
__________________________ DATE (required)
oCredit Card
Credit card listed below will automatically be charged National and Regional dues prior to membership expiration date.
__________________________________________________
__________________________
Visa/MasterCard/Discover Acct # Applications submitted by fax must be accompanied by a Visa or MasterCard account number for payment.
Exp.
Dues include payment for subscription to SportsCar magazine ($24 value). Dues not deductable as charitable contribution.
24
09/2012
November 2012
Calendar of events for the Finger Lakes Region November 2012 27
FINGER LAKES REGION Board of Directors meeting - 7:30 p.m., Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, 705 Titus Ave., Irondequoit, NY (Contact re@flr-scca. com for further information)
December 2012 1
4
4
Finger Lakes Region Winter Rally Series, Dust off the Cobwebs, Charlie Reidel’s, Canandaigua, NY, (Contact Carl F. Dresie at cfdresie@cs.com or (585) 544-6482) FINGER LAKES Region SOLO Meeting - 7:00 p.m. – Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, 705 Titus Ave., Irondequoit, NY (Contact re@flr-scca.com for further information) FINGER LAKES Region General Membership Meeting - 8:00 p.m. – Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, 705 Titus Ave., Irondequoit, NY (Contact re@flr-scca. com for further information)
11
FINGER LAKES Region Rally Meeting, -7:30 p.m., 96 Church St., Victor, Rick Barnes (rbarnes@ torsen.com / (585) 967-3762)
15
RallyCross, (FLR)
18
FINGER LAKES REGION Board of Directors meeting - 7:30 p.m., Murph’s Irondequoit Pub, 705 Titus Ave., Irondequoit, NY (Contact re@flr-scca. com for further information)
22
Rally Party and Awards - 6:00 p.m., Cheap Charlie’s, Bloomfield, NY, Alan Smith, (asmith2357@aol.com / (585) 359-4688)
26
RallyCross, (FLR)
February 2013 2
RoadRally, (FLR), TBA
16
RoadRally, (FLR), TBA
23
RallyCross, (FLR)
March 2013 TBA RoadRally, (FLR), TBA
June 2013 22-23 Westward HO!, Nelson, FLR
July 2013 5-7
SCCA Majors Race, Watkins Glen International, FLR
September 2013 14-15 Regional Race, “FUN ONE ’13”, Watkins Glen, FLR 2013 dates for the region’s Solo, general membership, Rally and board meetings will be determined in the November board and other meetings. Watch www.flr-scca.com for updates. Dates are subject to change. Request 2013 dates from the Activities Director. RallyCross events are subject to field conditions.
January 2013 5
Finger Lakes Region Winter Rally Series, The Long Way Home ‘13, Alan Smith, (asmith2357@ aol.com / (585) 359-4688
12
Finger Lakes Region Awards Banquet, – Green Lantern Inn, One East Church Street, Fairport, NY 14450
19
Finger Lakes Region Winter Rally Series, Ithaca Winter Rally, Manos Diner, 357 Elmira Rd (Route 13) in Ithaca, NY, (Contact Gary Thomas @ gary. george.thomas@gmail.com / (607) 277-0501)
Finger Lakes Region Social Media: (Website) www.flr-scca.com, (News/Announcement) new.flr-scca.com, etc. Facebook: www.facebook.com/flrscca - YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/flrscca - Twitter: twitter.com/#!/flrscca Yahoo Groups: Solo - sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/flrsolo/, RoadRally - sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/FingerLakesRally/
2012 November
25
Treasurer ebster, NY 14580 753 Klem Rd. W TOP END Editorial Staff 119 Brookview Dr., Rochester, NY 14617-3903
Finger Lakes REGION, SCCA INC.
TOP END
The LAST PIT
Racing
The Finger Lakes Region has many ways to enjoy the sports car scene.
Photo courtesy of Jim Tyo
RallyCross/RoadRally
Andre Skandar photo
Solo
Photo courtesy of www.gotcone.com
Social
Mike Brunner photo