By my count, there will be 33 WDCR members competing next week in the SCCA Solo Nationals in Lincoln, Neb. Because of the power of the internet, it should be easy to keep track of everything from the comfort of your computer (tell the boss you are researching social relationships or something).
Here is a guide to who’s who from the region and when they will be running:
Tuesday-Wednesday First heat (9 a.m. EST first car off)
STS – Ian Baker, John Vitamvas
F125 – Danny Kao, Edwin Liu, Mike Kline, Justin Neal, Brian Garfield
Second heat (around 11 a.m. EST)
BS – Your’s truly, Clyde Caplan, Eric Kriemelmeyer, Brendan Bengermino
GS – Andrew Baker, Kenny Sorensen
Third heat (around 1 p.m. EST)
STX – David Ogburn
F125L – Lisa Garfield
FJA – Julian Garfield
FJB – Carson Garfield
Fifth heat (around 5 p.m. EST)
STU – Rod McGeorge, Shane Chinonn-Rhoden, Josh Luster
Thursday-Friday Second heat (around 11 a.m. EST)
FSAE – Mike Cook, Mike Stanley
Third heat (around 1 p.m. EST)
ASP – Courtney Cormier
SSM – Jason Becker
SMF – Brian Karwan, Little Mike Snyder
FSL – Holly Schwedler
CSL – Learic Cramer
Fifth heat (around 5 p.m. EST)
CS – Andy Thomas, Robert Robeson
FS – Big Mike Snyder, Sam Strano, Terry Baker, Lee Piccione
Solo Week actually begins this weekend with the Pro Solo Finale, and many people will be heading out tomorrow for the roughly 20-hour trek to Nebraska. Competition begins at 10 a.m. EST on Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday.
Competitors include:
FS – Mike Snyder, Sam Strano, Lee Piccione
GS – Andrew Baker, Kenny Sorensen
STS – John Vitamvas, Ian Baker
ASP – Courtney Cormier
SSM – Jason Becker
SMF – Brian Karwan
F125 – Danny Kao, Lisa Garfield, Mike Kline, Justin Neal, Brian Garfield
FJA – Julian Garfield
FJB – Carson Garfield
L1 – Holly Schwedler, Learic Cramer
Steve Hyatt, a WDCR member also on the Region’s Board of Directors, has been appointed to the SCCA National RallyCross Board. Steve, who has been participating in SCCA events since 1979, will help guide the newest and fastest growing SCCA activity into the future.
Steve invites all region members to come out to the RallyCross events which are held at Summit Point. The WDCR series has three dates left: Sept. 12, Oct. 17 and Nov. 14. Register online at DLBracing.com.
Rallycross is the most widespread and readily accessible form of extreme dirt motorsport in the SCCA and the perfect place to see if you have what it takes to powerslide your way to victory. Imagine a scaled down version of a rally stage laid out on a non-paved plot of land where the course is delineated by traffic cones instead of trees or rocks.
The entry fees and equipment requirements are considerably less than those necessary to enter any other forms of performance rally, so in most locations competitors only need a sound, hardtop vehicle and the entry fee.
Many SCCA regions have helmets to loan and will assist the first time competitor with entering the appropriate class, making their way through technical inspection and finding their way around the course. Best of all, its great fun!
Coming into this event, I have received numerous complaints (numerous complaints from one person) about not covering Mr. Bob Hausmann’s dominating win in XP’s six-cylinder class. I decided to give Bob special coverage for this event, but he was a no- show. I am wondering with just one eye, Bob might have had trouble finding the way to Fedex Field in the rainy day.
What about Bob?
Early Morning News
Ms. Karen Kraus woke up early in the morning and announced on Facebook that she “will not be flaking out of autocross today.” That is almost like Babe Ruth calling the homerun before the pitch.
The new course configuration threw everybody into a loop. But folks didn’t realize mother nature was about to put everybody into many loops. The registration at the timing trailer was located right next to the stadium, and the competitors could park all the way up next to the course, but had to walk a half mile to registration. You should see the joy faces of Rob Kiernan and Franklin Dam when I told them they could park right next to the course; but they quickly turned sour faced when they had to walk to registration. Franklin needs some exercise anyway – he needs to lose weight for karting.
All day, the novice competitors were treated and taught by the best novice coordinator ever. The tips given by the novice coordinator were so good, that every novice ran the faster than the coordinator. That’s some serious novice coordinating.
Morning Competition
First heat started out a little damp, but quickly dried up. By the third run the course was completely dry and people were putting down their fastest times of the day. Pat “Nice Tan” Griffith set the tone in the morning with the fastest run of the morning at 60.907, just edging out Eric Kriemelmeyer with Eric’s car. It’s still kind of premature, but I think we are approach caution territory of calling the black Solstice “Nice Tan’s car.”
Steve Mitchell and Rob Kiernan both drove their lights out to edge fast young Tommy Radford in D-Stock. It’s nice to see Steve representing us old dudes. Stu “Paula Abdul” Fain finally got revenge on Jim Harris’s in ASP action. I think Jim already held too many trophies this past weekend and decided to be charitable. Jason Zapol, my hero and my best buddy, won in dominating fashion in CSP. (Oh Jason, I still have your trailer tire, I can just keep it? Buddy?) Mr. Thomas Bleh walked away with the DSP win. I think Mr. Bleh is so fast, he scared Kevin Henry to beat up on a couple old dudes in D-Mod instead. (The other two old dudes crushed Kevin in D-Mod, but that’s a later story.)
Well, Pat’s FTM (Fastest Time of the Morning) was short lived when Ms. Karen “Babe Ruth” Kraus swung for the fences (or slap shot a puck into the net for you hockey freaks). Karen destroyed Brian “Big Enos” Burdette with the FTM of 60.555 and took the ESP win. In STR action, Brian Hair edged crazy fast Eric Simmons for the win. You STR guys should be ecstatic because you just did something I haven’t done before – out run reigning F-Mod National Champ Sal DiPompo at an autocross, but I am sure that’s a freak occurrence so enjoy it while you can.
The "Babe" is FTM.
The rain came before the end of the first heat, and paused for about 20 minutes at the beginning of the second heat. Mr. John Nicolaysen took the E-Stock win while Justin Neal watched nervously at his MR2 spun piloted by DJ Sneeringer and Laura Buch. Mark Liller once again won the F-Stock/Other-Than-Mustang class. The normal F-Stock class was again taken by Mr. Sam Strano. I think Sam was missing a couple of hood stripes though.
In STS, two of the top STS drivers in the country were duking it out in the rain; but none of us care — we were all wondering how to steal John Vitamvas’ nine-pound rims. I wonder how many shirtless autographed pictures John had to sell to afford those puppies.
Dave Edsinger mastered the rain with a big win in CP. I think it must have been all that off-season indoor karting that Dave was doing. In Street Touring, AJ Aviles, made famous by Lady Gaga, refused the help graciously offered by the novice coordinator and still took the win somehow. Steven Brown just edged Patrick Olsen in Street Mod, while Scott Blair blamed his third-place finish on the paint job of his front bumper. In Street Mod Female, Brian Karwan easily won the class because David Rittenhouse could not decide whether to look through the windshield, or look through the sunroof during his runs.
Over or under?
The rain really came during the later half of the second heat, and the condition got really sloppy. Everybody was getting a soaking. Mr. Larry Olsen, our master safety steward, was constantly monitoring the weather station for thunderstorm warnings; and here is a conversation between Mr. Olsen and your’s truly:
LO: Danny, any beeping on the weather monitor?
ME: Yes, and it says “Warning, Asian approaching!”
LO: * Speechless *
Beautiful Yenko whachumacallit getting a car wash
Lunch
Lunch was Italian sausage with pepper and onions, plus a Diet Pepsi.
I also discovered during lunch it was impossible to have a normal conversation with David Sann. It was only possible if we are both on walkie-talkie channel 1.
FJ Heat
The FJ heat went by so fast, I didn’t even know what happened. I heard it was a Klosky sweep; and I overheard Josh Luster say: “Man, this is the easiest work assignment ever! I am going to celebrate it by drifting the entire top section and sideways across the finish line.”
Afternoon Competition
The rain really separated “Real Men” from Wusses. Since no one in the ladies class changed classes, the ladies are considered Real Men today. The battle of the Real Men class showed Holly Schwedler out-duel Katie Orgler. Learic Cramer, who is really a man and not a “Real Men,” took C-Stock by over a half second.
Bunch of F125 wusses wimped out of the class at the last moment. Some went to the Geritol class, some decided to work only, some decided to bail, and some decided to run later. After the smoke settled, Vic Buenconsejo Madrid dominated the field with a 2.437-second win, with Josh “the Hurricane” West finishing second, his career best.
Buenconsejo two wheeling
In D-Mod (Geritol class), young Scott Lentz showed absolutely no respect to his elders (If my mom found out about this, she would spank Scott until he apologized; a good Chinese boy will never do that) and won even with a cone penalty. In FSP, after trying out tire combinations 16 times, Darren Mass won by three seconds in “Darren’s” Civic. In XP, Larry Casey, after beating up on some poor dude in Friday’s Cumberland shootout, continued his domination on Sunday. Poor Fast Freddy Kelly once again finished second again this weekend. In SM2, my other Chinese brother Jason Becker won, but what else is new?
Geritol class participants
The sun came out in the beginning of the last heat, which made everybody that ran earlier very upset. Since I am one of the people that ran earlier, I decided not to give the last heat any press. All I can say is Ayodeji Oshinnaiye won Super Stock, James Sheridan won A-Stock, Ron Shurie won G-Stock, Justin Neal won STX — so now the entire STX class wants to shoot Justin now — GREAT!
There are a couple of exception that I would like to report: Peter Appell was so fast in H-Stock, my camera couldn’t even pick up the car under daylight. There is no way Marshall Cone can beat Peter; but since Marshall works as the timing chief, I can understand.
Was that a car just went by?
For you fifth heaters who are complaining about being called off course erroneously, here are a few pieces of hard evidence:
Not Sam's car
Rubber ducky, you're the one
Days after the competition, Josh Luster was petitioning to have the autocross scoring system to include “artistic impression” as a part of total scoring. Last news I heard: Shane Chinnon-Rhoden still won STU, and Josh is starring in the new movie “Blades of Glory II” with Will Ferrell.
Final Tally
Top PAX of the event was Mr. Pat Griffith. Unfortunately by winning top PAX, Pat will be punished by sleeping on the sofa for the rest of the seven weeks until the next event.
Pat "Nice Tan" Griffith, driving Eric's car by night, sleep on the sofa by night
Our BD Craig Garfield is the best course safety steward in the business. He personally tried to make the biggest spin so he could to see how close to get to the poles. No one else will do that in his own car.
And this:
Tells you that 118 of the of us have done all we can accomplished in our autocross career. It’s our best autocross showing ever! Enjoy and see you after the Nationals.
StraightpipeMagazine.com is looking for a few good stories.
Help promote the Region, by authoring a story about a MARRS event, your class competition, your experiences volunteering with the SCCA, Solo, Ralllycross, Road Rally or anything else WDCR related. Articles can vary in length from 250 word recaps to longer articles detailing the events. The creator of the site, Eric Kriemelmeyer, and the editor Pat Griffith will work with you to finalize and publish your stories, videos and photos. No experience necessary.
Today the Region publication, The Straightpipe is an online magazine that utilizes Wordpress, Flickr, YouTube and more to provide up-to-date multi-media information on the Regions activities.
In return for your efforts you will be credited accordingly and recognized by the Region for your contributions.
If you are interested in authoring for straightpipemagazine.com please contact
Eric Kriemelmeyer at straightpipe@studio553.com
or Pat Griffith at patred48@verizon.net
Take the opportunity this weekend to write an article for straightpipemagazine.com
Not email and internet savvy? No worries! We will take articles
written by hand or typed, prints of photos to be scanned and
publish it for you.
Want to receive the Straightpipe via real mail? Yea, in your
mailbox! Call the club office to find out how.
(Editor’s note: Thanks to Google translate, we are able to provide Danny’s recap of Sunday’s WDCR autocross.)
Pre-Event Hype
Coming into the WDCR Championship Event No. 5, the biggest buzz was the weather. People jockeyed for heat positions to avoid forecast thunderstorms and went though the extreme to change from open-wheel stuff to roofed cars, and/or getting unprepared Civics running in Street Touring Unlimited (STU). All that effort just to avoid a grand total of four rain drops at precisely 2:22 p.m.
The second biggest buzz was everybody tried to run “flat out” and bragged about their Koenigsegg and their GT2s; and there were also a few attempts made on driving a Caterham at 200 mph in the dark and rain. Those Caterham did go about 65 mph, but it was overcast and dry. We also found out Jim Harris is the Miata instructor, and the “Exterminator’s” real name is Richard Alistair.
The least buzzed is someone (who will remain nameless to protect the innocent) knocked over the port-a-john the day before the event.
Morning News
Apparently everybody had a rough night on Saturday. Over 95 percent of people who came through the gate looked sleepy; even the normal hyperactive Shane Chinnon-Rhoden was in sleep walking mode. However Shane quickly recovered when the ladies arrived, and once again took the STU title. If this continues through the end of the year, I will officially name 83 STU “Shane’s car” to follow the tradition of 64 STU as “Neary’s car”.
With that said, Darren Mass continued to lead FSP in “Darren’s car”.
All that talk of the rain really made me want to take my newly acquired 2002 Focus SVT a shot at H-Stock; but I saw Jason Burns, the lovely Heather Burns, and Marshall Cone all registered, so I gave up.
In G-Stock, Kenny Sorensen must have thought he had mastered the wheelie on Eric Kriemelmeyer’s SE-R and took the win by 0.4 seconds. But the true story is Ron Shurie was having problems fixing the timing computer, and his final fix backfired on him.
Ron’s computer fix also messed up A Stock: The normal two-car field went to six cars for some strange reason, but James Sheridan’s domination continues.
There were a bunch of cars in C Stock (CS), Street Touring Xtreme (STX) and X Prepared (XP), and that’s all I am going to say about that. There is no news coverage in CS because Andy Thomas told me if he didn’t win, he doesn’t want hear anything from me. No news in STX because John “Buttdyno” Wilemin refused to give me free Phillies tickets; and nothing for me to say about XP because little Mike Synder didn’t win, so now he is going to charge me double on wrapping my trailer – thanks a lot Brian Karwan! (And you too, Larry Casey!)
In B Street Prepared, aka “Battle of the Sexes,” Eric Eskandari edged Jennifer Eskandari to take the win. This is particularly upsetting to me because Jennifer was doing just fine until I gave her some driving advice.
In the lawn mower class, Formula 125, Brian Garfield took one run and left to feed some hungry kids. Mike Kelly Kline and Don Miller’s karts were sabotaged by themselves. So this gave a rare opportunity for old geezers like me (King Yang) and Vic Buenconsejo Madrid to move up. Unfortunately Justin “The Natural” Neal ruined the AARP sponsored party, and took the class win and FTD. The punishment for Justin’s win is you won’t hear from him again until he is in his mid-40s.
Lunch Break
My Italian sausage sandwich was very good, except the bun was too big and the sausage was too small. It kind of ruined my Adkins diet, which gives me an enormous advantage on my racing ability.
Afternoon News
The Garfield boys got the mowing down pat with their little lawn mowers. Mommy Lisa Garfield must enjoy her perfectly manicured lawn.
During the Formula Junior heat, if you happened to see nothing but a helmet driving a little kart, that’s little mean Mac Klosky. Little Jack Vracar took the FJ title this weekend, but “Mac Attack” will be back in full force at event No. 6.
After using the online PAX calculator, I am pleased to announce that Katie (Shawn’s boss) Orgler just edged out Vanessa Farret Martin by 0.531 second for the Ladies class win. I am glad I took calculus in college.
The “soft-PAX” Street Touring Sport dominated the afternoon session. Ian “The Squirrel” Baker took top PAX win for the event with an impressive 46.230. The smooth sounding Scott Blair was not smooth enough to catch the Squirrel after eight attempts, so he had to settle for second. I think it’s time for Johnny Vitamvas and Greg Olsen (the better looking one) to lose some weight in order to catch the Squirrel, but John and Greg at 85 pounds might ruined their popularity with the ladies as them topless would be unsightly.
In B Stock, it was Eric Kriemelmeyer that spun more than Pat Griffith, which is unusual. I think Pat has been working on that nice tan of his and is softening him up somewhat.
Folks in E Street Prepared (ESP) rejoice! There is a serious attempt to steal Brian “Big Enos” Burdette and Sam Vassallo from ESP to the Lawn Mower class; so “Dr. Phil” Knowles, please come back – now you have a chance to win and have your own racing show on TV.
Every time I took pictures for Street Modified, I have this overwhelming urge to cut up Mike Towery’s fender and put Domokun stickers all over his car for some reason. Mike’s car is missing something and I just can’t figure out what.
If Shelby Mustang wasn’t invented and Mark Valera wasn’t born, Mark Liller would win F-Stock this week.
For some reason I get Street Touring R (STR) and C Street Prepared all mixed up. It’s must be because both classes induce big tire smokes under braking, and follow up a big spin. Since I can’t make out who won in all that smoke, I am going to assume the ragin’ CRX won because it’s the loudest, and all the STR guys pointed at Christopher Lin with a frown face so the answer is clear there.
I am sorry I have nothing to report for the rest of the classing during the afternoon session. I was busy checking out the paint job on Dave Scheel’s Evo 8 in B Stock, which matches my intimating looking helmet so you know.
Post Race Wrap Up
The rain was over rated.
If you want to move to the advance autocross group, do not have Lee Piccione as
your driving instructor.
Paging Mr. Steak (Steve Salisbury): Please make the gates less than five-feet wide so Sammy Strano and Squirrel can’t dominate the next event.
Now “Robert Redford Junior” rules DC with the FTD – Until next time, of course …
Note: 95 percent of this report is fictional, so please don’t sue me. If don’t like any of this writing, please blame “The Natural”, he made me do it …
WASHINGTON D.C. REGION
SPORTS CAR CLUB OF AMERICA
Flagging and Communication
Newsletter
August 2010
BRIDGE LIGHTS
The last two MARRS events we’ve experienced problems with the lights under the bridge, to the point that we were unable to use them at the last MARRS event. We returned the controller and the receiving unit to the manufacturer, who determined that there was a failure in the receiver. The problem has been fixed, and the lights should be fully functional at the next MARRS. Speaking of which……
MARRS 7
MARRS 7 is only a week away! Come join us at Summit Point on August 7th and 8th for another fun-filled round of the Mid-Atlantic Road Racing Series. If you’re near a computer (which you must be, because you are reading this), go to the DLB website and register now! As usual, the DLB website can be accessed from the main page of the Region’s website, www.wdcr-scca.org.
MARRS 7 Schedule:
Saturday Flag Meeting: 7:30 am at the base of the tower
Registration Schedule: Friday – 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Saturday – open 7:00 am for workers
Sunday – open 7:45 am for workers
MARRS 8 at NJMP and the POCONO NATIONAL
The eighth round of the MARRS series will be held August 21-22 at New Jersey Motorsports Park on the Thunderbolt circuit. Come on out and support the MARRS drivers, as well as our New Jersey friends. You can register on the DLB website, the South Jersey Region website (http://www.sjr-scca.org/clubracing.html), or by e-mailing Dan Zane at zaner439@aol.com .
Also don’t forget the Tri-Region National at Pocono, held this year August 13-15. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Tri-Region, and to celebrate the weekend is jam-packed with special events, including a 3-hr Enduro on August 13, National qualifying and a 40 minute vintage race sponsored by Historic Racing Group on August 14, and National Races and a restricted regional for “Miatas and Friends” on August 15. And of course it’s Pocono, so it is practically guaranteed to be perfect weather….. You can register for this event at the NESCCA website (www.nescca.com).
LABOR DAY DOUBLE – RACING, CHARITY, AND A CHANCE TO BE HEARD
It is not too early to start planning for the annual Labor Day Double MARRS, to be held this year September 4 – 6. In addition to a fantastic three days of racing, this will be your chance to be heard, as the annual open competition meeting will be held outside of Chez Summit on Sunday, September 5. Everyone is encouraged to attend and share with the Club Racing Committee what they think is working and what they think might not be working. As for the latter, the BoD’s decision to eliminate the WDCR National race this year was probably the decision that caused the greatest amount of angst amongst the members. You will likely hear at the open competition meeting that the current BoD supports the return of National Racing to the region in 2011, and are actively working to that end.
As usual, the Labor Day Double is also our annual charity fundraising weekend. This year there are two main goals for the fundraising efforts: raise $20,000 for the Middleway Volunteer Fire Department which serves Summit Point Raceway, and donate 500 new books, toys and games to Jackson’s Toy Box which benefits Dr. Bear’s Closet at Children’s National Medical Center.
All fund raising activities will be held on Saturday, September 4, on the Washington Circuit at Summit Point Raceway. There will be transportation from the Summit paddock to the Washington Circuit and parking is also available. Plans are still be formalized but attendees can look forward to Kart Races, casino games and a kids carnival. The hospitality party and dinner will also take place near the Washington Circuit. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Wendy Collins at wcollins@hrconstruction.com. Keep an eye on the region website for additional details as they become available. All participants are encouraged to bring a new book, toy, or game to donate to Jackson’s Toy Box.
WORKER LUNCHES
The following race groups will be providing worker lunches the rest of the year.
Sunday, August 8 – ITB/ITC/ITS (with the Region)
Saturday, September 4 – SM/SSM
Saturday, October 9 – Small Bore/Big Bore
Sunday, October 10 – ITA/IT7/SRX7
Please make sure to thank the drivers of those groups for their hospitality!
BALTIMORE GRAND PRIX
I know that everyone is anxious for news on next year’s IRL race in Baltimore. Rest assured that our Regional Executive, Evanthe Salisbury has been on top of this project from the beginning. She has already had meetings with the organizers and promoters and will be working on a contract for the Region in the not too distant future. Look for updates from Evanthe on the Region’s website.
BoD NOMINEES
The Nominating Committee has approved the following WDCR members to be listed on the ballot for the Board of Directors elections, to be held beginning September 1, 2010 (note the names are in order of member number):
Jack Burrows #80303
Lin Toland #251753_1
Brian Burdette #259989
Eric Kriemelmeyer #276167
Kim Ratcliffe #287515
Marshall Lytle #299596
Gregg Ginsberg #300661
Chris Windsor #330405
Please remember to cast your vote when the voting window opens September 1. Vote early! Vote often! No, wait, forget that last one. But make sure your vote is heard! Candidate bios will be up on the region website soon.
THE STRAIGHTPIPE
Don’t forget that the Washington D.C. Region’s newsletter, The Straightpipe, is now an online-only publication, with its own website www.straightpipemagazine.com. If your inner Chris Economaki (you younger folks can google him) is just begging to be released, consider writing an article for The Straightpipe. The editors are always grateful for submitted articles and pictures, and F&C even has its own section!
F&C NEWSLETTER
In addition to the e-mailed copy and to help you keep in touch the newsletter is also posted on the WDCR web site each month and available through:
CONTACT INFO
There is a common e-mail address for the WDCR FM staff; FandC@wdcr-scca.org automatically sends a note to each of the WDC Flag Marshals.
If you would like to contact us individually (please note new e-mail addresses for Dale and Cheryl):
Greg McDermott: gjmcdermott@cox.net
Wayne Armbrust: sccaflag@visuallink.com
Dale Ferril: dale.ferril@gmail.com or 301 322 3240 (M~F 8am to 5pm)
Cheryl Hasychak: hasy1977@gmail.com
Please note: This e-mail message was sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming e-mail. Please do not reply to this message.
Please support WDCR’s sponsors!
Apple Ford (http://www.appleford.com)
Apple Ford Lincoln Mercury in Columbia, MD is one of the premier dealerships, and offers one of the most comprehensive parts and service department in the automotive industry. Their website is a convenient place to get all the information you’re looking for about them, and their extensive selection of vehicles.
OG Racing (http://www.ogracing.com/pages/Home)
OG Racing’s full line of Sparco racing suits to their custom built Porsche roll cages are “Making Racers Safer”.
Radial Tire (http://www.radialtire.com/)
Since 1976, Radial Tire Company has been providing the Washington D.C. Area with quality tires and the finest service. They have earned a reputation as the premier specialist in hard to find performance tire and wheel applications. They stock tires from all of the top manufacturers, for whatever you drive, from small economy cars, to SUVs and trucks. Their mission is to assist you in getting the most out of your tires and car.
Summit Point Kart (http://www.summitpointkart.com/)
Summit Point Kart is bringing “arrive and drive” karting to the region’s favorite race facility, Summit Point Motorsports Park.
The Washington D.C. Region SCCA Time Trials program held its second event of 2010 on July 17th and 18th, 2010. Drivers took to the beautiful and tricky Shenandoah Circuit at Summit Point Motorsports Park for a weekend full high temperatures, clear skies, record times and clear track for all groups.
The PDX event Saturday started off the weekend with driver education programs on track, in the classroom as well as on the wet skid pad in the Shenandoah Circuit paddock area. All levels of track driver were welcomed with clear track, as each group had plenty of space on the 2.2 mile circuit. Advanced drivers enjoyed track time with the instructors group with passing anywhere on track with a point by. Adding a new level of enjoyment and the next level of on track education for our most experienced drivers.
By the time last car rolled in, the PDX Ladies Auxiliary had rolled out a spread for everyone. A good time was had by all, even though Matt left the coconut bra and grass skirt at home. A special thanks to Jo Anne Edmondson and Janet Toland for making the Saturday PDX parties such a treat. Later the paddock became the campground, several parties and a number of four legged friends decided to make camp over night at the track.
Sunday came early for the PDX and Club Trials participants, a new day with new challenges. Several new competitors had come out seeking to set a new lap record for Region Club Trials. The record was reset by Fred Kelley after a valiant effort in second place by Scot Knott and his awesome Lotus Elise, and third place Joe Rausa in his Cheeta Sr-1. Kelley dropped his lap record time around the Shenandoah Circuit to a blistering fast 1:36.221 in his FFR Cobra. Kelley set the lap record in the Regions first ever Club Trial on the Shenandoah Circuit and has reset the fast time in every subsequent event, never having surrendered the record to another driver in two years of competition.
We caught up with several participants in the event and asked them a few questions after the event:
Prashanth Dayanand First Track Day
Ed: Tell me about yourself briefly, driving experiences, the cars you’ve driven, and the car you drove in the PDX?
I am an avid auto enthusiast and always appreciate anyone who takes care of theier cars even if it’s a Civic, Corolla, etc. I have been following all the top motorsports like F1, motoGP and WRC for several years now and its become an addiction for me. Currently own a 2006 Subaru STI and 2003 Subaru Forester. Also driven Honda Civic Si, BMW 330Ci and M3, Audi A4, VW GTI and R32, WRX. I have done a lot of road trips in my Subaru STI along with my friends and family. Never had the chance to really get to know the limits of myself and the car. I was looking for a track in and around Maryland where I can take my car on the track and found WDCR SCCA club which organized HPDE events at Summit Point racing. I took my STI for HPDE event along with my brother in his 2005 Subaru Legacy GT and my cousin in his 2004 Subaru WRX.
Ed: You visited a PDX event and went on a lunch time parade lap on the Shenandoah Circuit. Was that the first time you have ever been on a racing circuit in a car, and what was it like for you?
That was my first experience on track and that too in my own car. It was an awesome feeling and decided right at that time to register for the next event. There was no way that I could miss it.
Ed: What did you do to prepare for the PDX event?
For my first PDX event, I did a lot of reading on the forums (IWSTI and NASIOC) on what basic things are needed for a track event. Everybody suggested to get some kind of track brake pads and high temperature brake fluid. I got the Hawk DTC 30’s all round for my 06 STI and Motul RBF600 brake fluid.
Suspension upgrade (TEIN Flex coliovers, TEIN Strut front and rear bars, Whiteline front and rear Sway bars 24mm) and car was Stage 2 protuned at IAG Performance long before the event.
Ed: How would you rate the classroom and in car instruction that you received?
I was very happy with the classroom sessions and also the in car instructions. Presentation was nice and Class room instructions covered the basics of event, the different flags on the track and most important was tips on improving driving skills. Also covered the basic upgrades for the car required for a HPDE event.
Real time instructions during the track session helped improve my cornering skills and also guaging the braking point. I also got to ride with the instructor (Tyler) in his BMW which really helped me push my car in the right way during my third session.
Ed: How quickly were you able to find the line on track with your instructor, and was there an “Ahh Ha!” moment for you on track or in the classroom?
Orientation ride with the instructor gave me an idea as to how to go about the track. I spent the first session getting to know the track, racing line, brking points. Second session was improvising on taking the corners quicker. Practiced braking before the turn, hitting the apex properly in the corner so as to get a better exit speed. “Ahh Ha!” moment I can think of is when I braked late during the second session coming down the back straight, took the corner a bit fast. Car’s tail started to come out and I had to counter steer to correct it. That was a great moment for me and was pretty happy on how I handled that curve.
Ed: Do you feel that attending the PDX event has helped your driving ability?
Yes. It’s just not about speeding. I have gotten to know that car can do a lot more than what a normal person can handle. I feel more confident in my car since I know my limits and also the car and how to take evasive action in case of emergency. Skid pad was a good experience and also to learn the limit of your car during slippery conditions. It was difficult to induce oversteer in my AWD Subaru. I was able to get to oversteer once, but was not able to hold on to it.
Ed: After returning home from such an extremely hot weekend on track, I mean it was brutal out there, are you excited to attend another PDX event?
Of course yes. I am excited to attend another PDX event which will be on a high speed circuit.
Ed: You came to the PDX with a group of friends, it seemed like everyone had a good time. Would you suggest this as a great activity for a group of friends to do together?
I would definitely suggest this to all my friends who are into cars. My freinds were very happy that I suggested this event and they are looking forward to the next event.
Peter Kimball Advanced Group Driver
Ed: Tell me about yourself briefly, driving experiences, the cars you’ve driven, and the car you drove in the PDX and Club Trials?
I grew up in Connecticut in a family of Camry drivers and somehow ended up the car nut in the family. Started out autocrossing and doing PDX events, and attended the Skip Barber School this spring. The only cars I’ve really driven in anger are Miata’s, with the exception of Mike Snyder’s FSP Fiesta. FSP Fiesta, wow. At the PDX/Club Trial I rented a Spec Miata from Darrell Wheeler. I had a lot of fun in that on Saturday, but someone blew the engine in that car, so I drove a King Rat Spec Miata in the Sunday event.
Ed: You’ve participated with our PDX program and other HPD programs. What do you prefer about our program?
I come down for the people. I’ve tried other events, NJMP, Lime Rock, and there is just something about the DC Region that’s a lot of fun. I’m still in touch with the Chesapeake Roadsters, the DC Miata Club, they’re a bunch of fun folk and they have a real strong presence at these events. They make it fun to come down and I also know a lot of the volunteers at the PDX events. Chuck Edmondson still gets a kick out of telling the class how I managed to get my instructor covered in mud. It was an artful move, it took a whole bunch of talent to get his side of the car to go into the mud puddle first. Its a good group, and you know I’ve been black flagged before, and it was not so bad being sent to the skid pad. Its just a whole bunch of fun people to hang out with. Another plus is there is just so much on track time, compared to other more closer events. The safety level at DC events is much better, and the Pork BBQ sandwich is so good.
Ed: You live outside the DC Area in New York City. Explain how you go about attending our events these days?
This qualifies me as insane. I take an Amtrack train from Penn Station in New York to BWI, walk to the rental car center, pick up a car and drive to a Winchester hotel, and drive into Summit Point in the morning. Last time the trip took 7 hours, and if Amtrack is on time I could save an hour. It sounds crazy, but its worth it.
Ed: How did you like participating in the Club Trial competition?
It was amazingly fun. I can’t believe how much time we got to be out on track, and every lap was a hot lap without traffic. It was really on us as drivers to make every lap good. When there is no one in front of you there no reason that you should be messing up that corner: every corner should be perfect. That’s a lot of responsibility and fun. Knowing that the clock is ticking and fighting that red mist, its competition and thats always fun.
Ed: Since the Spec Miata is good for Track Trial competition, will you join us for the Fall events on the main circuit?
I would love too. I have Powerball tickets, and am on the lookout for overturned armored trucks. So I’m just waiting for a large bundle of money to hit me so I can rent another Spec Miata and come down to run with the Washington DC Region SCCA.
Thank you as always to the volunteers.
Fred Kelley Advanced Group Driver, Shenandoah Circuit Lap Record Holder
Ed: Can you tell me about yourself briefly, driving experiences, the cars
you’ve driven, and the car you drove in the Club Trial?
I’ve always known I’d end up racing cars, it just took a while. I grew up in New England, I started ski racing when I was 5 or 6. We had a place right on the trails at Stratton Mountain, our coaches were all Austrian Olympic medalists and I skied every weekend, tough childhood!
I saved every penny from a summer job as a laborer and bought my first car in ‘73, an MGB GT, I loved that thing. I went of to College in Maine, I’d get together with a group that included a Datsun B2000, a couple of 2002’s, one was a tii, and we’d go to an abandoned missle site, set up a course and trash our cars. We also did a lot of really crazy back road racing. After my sophomore year their was only one car left…my MG, everything else was wrecked. Whenever it snowed I went driving, always.
I got into Bicycle racing after college within a year I was building my own frames, quit my job and spent a few years on the road racing. BTW, bike racing involves standing in line at registration, nasty porta-johns, standing around all day, some racing, and lot’s of BS about why you didn’t win, sounds familiar. I raced until ‘05.
My first real track experience was at a BMW event at Pocono. They were introducing the new M5 and had a two day event for BMW employees. They wanted to create some excitement about the new cars, and brought a handful of well prepped M5’s and what they considered their competition.
My instructors were Jeremy Dale and David Hobbs! It was one of the more memorable events of my life. When they had us ride with the instructors/pros is was unbelievable, to this day and still can’t believe how those guys drove..in was 1989. I was sure I’d race cars someday.
In the fall of ‘05 I was lying in bed after my um-teenth back surgery, my doc said the bike racing days were over. I’d seen those factory five ads in the back of the mags, hmmm. Two day later I ordered a kit with the plan to make a track day car. My daughter and I drove up to Mass. in February to pick the kit up. The first one I’d ever seen was the car in their showroom. I got right to work.
I was almost done by the end of summer and had heard about the Capitol Area Cobra Club. They autocrossed at the Cumberland airport. Wade Chamberlain was there in his supercharged monster, holy crap! He was crazy! I knew I was in trouble, and was about to get into autocross.
I got my car done and painted, bought a ‘95 Miata and a traler and couldn’t wait for spring. I did the SCCA level III school at Ripken the week before my first autocross, Greg Olsen was my instructor. I thought I was doing well, then he drove it…Lesson learned, be a nut!
A week or so later I did my first PDX at the Shenandoah, Brian Hair was my instructor, I thought I was pretty good, then I took a ride with him, once again..lesson learned. I was lucky to get those two as my first instructors.
From then on I’ve been doing track events or autocrosses basically every weekend from March through October. I’ve done track events with about 15 different groups. The SCCA events are the best, they are better organized, safer, and provide the best classroom sessions. I do some of the other event either because it’s at a track I want to drive, or it’s timed. I really like having the clock on me and the competition. Track days in the Cobra can get a little frustrating because of the traffic, the Miata not so much of a problem. I’ve done a few Red Line time attacks’ in my car and a Daytona coupe (not Ben’s). Those event are not well run, and have some crazy drivers, but if you survive they are exciting. EMRA does TT’s too, lot’s of down time there as well, towing wrecked cars takes a while.
I enjoy the mix of autocross, track, Cobra, Miata. I even did the BMW kart series a couple of winters ago, it was a blast, very competitive, and you even get to see some 50 year olds act 10. Autocross and karting definitely help improve your track skills, learning to control the car at or beyond the limits makes the track seem tame. It always takes me a few runs at autocross to get aggressive enough to be fast after doing a track event. I love going back to the same track over and over trying to find more speed, autocross is hit and run.
Ed: You’ve been trying all year to get out in Ben Lambiotte’s Blue/
White FFR Type 65 Coupe, what advantages does that car have over your Roadster?
Bens Coupe? I had a great time building his Coupe over the ‘08/’09 winter. I had missed the buiding part since finishing mine. Ben had always wanted a Coupe, and he wanted the ultimate track Coupe. We’ve been trying to get it out to the club trials for a while, but between our schedules and some very annoying little problems it hasn’t worked…yet. I’ve got a total of 8 laps in it, and that’s with no power steering fluid.
The Coupe was built with one goal in mind, to be the fastest track Coupe ever. It may not be that, but it will be a fast one. Compared to my Cobra the Coupe is much more aero (imagine that), has about 150 more HP , 1000 more RPM, huge six piston Wilwoods, Koni DA race shocks, much more rubbber front and rear, a full cage, and whatever else Ben could think of. Hopefully we’ll get to see what it can do at an upcoming TT. He was talking about doing some hillclimbs, but I think he’s grown fond of the shape of the body and wants to keep it in one piece.
I was planning to get into wheel to wheel racing a while ago, I still am, but I’m a Realtor, so for now I’m going to keep having fun doing what I’ve been doing. I’ve met a lot of great people these past few years and really enjoy being a part of the SCCA.
Thanks for all the good times.
We thank Carrol Little for posting this video of laps in his Legacy Spec B.
And here is a group shot of Subaru friends after the event.
Even though the Labor Day Charity Event details are still in the planning stages, it will be held on Saturday, September 4th, on the Washington Circuit at Summit Point Raceway, featuring Featherweight and Heavyweight Kart Races, an evening of Casino games, and a Kids Carnival. Start your Kart training regiment now… Will you qualify for the Featherweight (Small Bore) or Heavyweight (Big Bore) race?
The event will benefit two charities:
Jackson’s Toy Box to benefit Dr. Bear’s Closet at Children’s National Medical Center
The Middleway Volunteer Fire Department
We ask that attendees bring a new toy, game, or book to donate to Jackson’s Toy Box and all money raised will benefit the Middleway Volunteer Fire Department.
We have set a goal to raise $20,000 for the Middleway Volunteer Fire Department and to donate more than 500 toys, books, and games to Jackson’s Toy Box for Dr. Bear’s Closet. As we plan the MARRS Labor Day Charity Event, we hope that we can count on your support to help make it a big success!
Corporate Sponsorship
Over the next month, we will be searching for Corporate and Individual sponsors for the MARRS Labor Day event. There are a wide variety of sponsorships available, including Platinum Signature Sponsors to Casino Night Black- Jack/Roulette Table Sponsors. If you or your company are interested in donating and receiving exposure to the over 2000 members of the Washington DC Region, plus the attendees of the MARRS Labor Day event, please contact Wendy Collins, chair of the Labor Day Charity Event.
Want to help or would like more information?
Please contact Wendy Collins via email or by phone at (301) 996-1401 if you would like to support the Labor Day Charity Event or if you would like to receive more information.
Jackson’s Toy Box
Jackson’s Toy Box was created to benefit Dr. Bear’s Closet at Children’s National Medical Center in memory of Jackson “Jake” McCarthy Collins, son of Wendy and Michael Collins. At the age of 4 months, Jake was first diagnosed with being developmentally delayed and was referred to Children’s National Medical Center. Over the next twelve months, Jake remained in the care of the doctors at Children’s National Medical Center while they searched for the cause of his illness. Throughout those twelve months, Jake developed seizures, lost his eyesight and eventually was tube fed. Even though he could not sit up, walk or talk, he maintained a happy disposition through his numerous doctor’s visits, tests, and daily therapies. At thirteen months old, Jake was finally diagnosed with a mitochondria disorder. At fourteen months old, when the disease became too much for Jake’s weakened body, he passed away.
The doctors and nurses at Children’s National Medical Center were a constant source of support and love for both Jake and his parents. In an effort to return the support and love to others, Jackson’s Toy Box was created to collect new toys, books, and crafts for Dr. Bear’s Closet. Often times a deck of cards, a doll or even a stuffed animal can put a smile on the face of a child who hasn’t smiled in quite some time. Dr. Bear’s Toy closet is a room full of donated toys, games, books and other items which really help boost the spirits of patients of all ages. A well stocked Dr. Bear’s Toy Closet is essential to ensure that every patient has a gift for the holidays, their birthdays, and most importantly as a little something to serve as a reward for their courage in fighting an illness. The Closet provides toys to thousands of patients in Children’s Inpatient Units, the Emergency Room and Outpatient Treatment Centers. Toys from the closet are also used to stock playrooms on each clinical unit. Play, which is so important to all children, is even more essential when a child is undergoing difficult treatment or procedures due to illness. Providing a new game or toy and watching a smile light up a child’s face is a special moment for families, staff and volunteers. We look forward to collecting an amazing amount of toys, games, and books to Jackson’s Toy Box.
Middleway Volunteer Fire Department
Middleway Volunteer Fire Department is one of the Fire Departments that serves Summit Point Raceway. They are a dedicated group of emergency trained individuals that respond to our emergency calls at Summit Point Raceway. Middleway has a deep need to replace expiring Fire and Rescue equipment including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus’ and Fireman’s gear. It costs $2,000 to replace a full set of Fireman’s gear and it is $5,000 for one Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
Several WDCR members made the trek to Peru, Ind., Independence Day weekend for the SCCA National Tour at the former alert facility at Grissom Air Reserve Base, and leading the way were Sam Strano and Carrie Snyder, who won in F Stock (FS) and Street Touring Sport (STS) Ladies, respectively. Ian Baker took home a trophy for his second-place finish in STS.
In FS, the big news was going to be the debut of Sam’s new 5.0-liter 2011 Mustang GT. Mike Snyder brought his familiar black Mustang GT, and after back-to-back testing and a little tweaking on Friday’s test course, Sam and Mike decided to go with the new car.
Also competing in FS was Lee Piccione, who was on the “arrive and drive” program co-driving with Ohio Valley Region’s Jim Zeisler in his blue 2008 Shelby Mustang.
On Saturday, Lee set the pace with a best of 49.609 that came on his second run. Sam and Mike were having problems with the new Mustang mysteriously cutting out power in one section of the course. Sam, who recently switched membership to the WDCR, could only muster a best of 50.009 with Mike about four tenths in back of that.
On Sunday, Sam and Mike switched back to the more reliable Shelby. Sam’s first run turned out to be his best, a 49.324, which gave him the overall lead. Unfortunately for Lee, his 49.902 on his first run turned out to be his fastest time. He coned a 49.5 on his second run that would have given him the win, but Sam finished at the top by less than two tenths. Lee did end up in second in the only other trophy spot in FS. Mike held on to finish third overall and complete the WDCR podium sweep in the class.
In STSL, Carrie found herself in second place after Saturday by just under two tenths of a second. Carrie was driving her 1988 Honda CRX Si and couldn’t match Central Kentucky Region’s Cindy Duncan in a 1991 Mazda Miata.
But Sunday was a different story. Carrie came out on fire and took the overall lead on her first run. She knocked off another nine tenths on her second run with a 50.770. She slowed down on her last run, but Cindy’s best of 51.6 on her last run wasn’t enough to regain the overall lead, and Carrie took home the win by 0.649.
In the CRX-Miata battle in STS, the Miata had the upper hand there. Ian, driving Carrie’s CRX, had the early lead Saturday, but Indianapolis Region’s Geoff Chambers ripped off a 49.843 to Ian’s best of 50.192. On Sunday, Geoff and his Miata were again too much as he again set fastest time in class to take the overall win by 0.677 over Ian.
Other WDCR members competing included:
Learic Cramer, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, fifth, ASP
Andrew Baker, 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, fifth, GS
Holly Schwedler, 1988 Honda CRX Si (Carrie’s, not Ian’s, car) fifth, STSL
Me, 1992 Nissan Sentra SE-R, fifth, FSP
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2010) – A hearty crop of 238 Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo® competitors descended on the Nation’s capital for the 2010 Washington, D.C. ProSolo, June 18 – 20 in the parking lot of FedEx Field. When the competition concluded, Corey Ridgick, of Allentown, Pa., stood atop all competitors, winning the Gumout Super Challenge over WDCR member Brian Karwan, who was the top qualifier.
In the Ladies Challenge, Carrie Snyder took the win in her (not Ian’s) 1988 Honda CRX Si. Carrie pulled through after finishing second in Ladies 1 behind WDCR’s Learic Cramer in her 2009 Nissan 370Z.
The D.C .ProSolo began with questions on how much grip the newly-sealed asphalt at the home of the NFL’s Washington Redskins would offer under the scorching sun. In reality, there was plenty of grip to be had, but the alternating surfaces challenged drivers to find the mix and added to the course’s difficulties.
To further complicate matters, the ProSolo layout led competitors onto the sealed right side, but the older pavement on the mirrored circuit left drivers battling throughout the competition.
As typical of any difficult conditions, driver skill clearly shone through, and there was no shortage of talent this weekend on the east coast.
For the eventual winner Corey and his 2006 MODERacing Mitsubishi Evo, the initial competition came from Cy Lee, of Glenmoore, Pa., his teammate in the B Street Prepared class. Corey topped the class by 0.707-second, and won his first three rounds of the Gumout Super Challenge to advance to the semifinals.
Michael Johnson’s path to the penultimate round of the Super Challenge took him through the Bump Class in his 2002 EvoSchool.com/OS Giken Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The Glen Allen, Va. racer topped teammate and WDCR member Courtney Cormier and scooted past the early rounds to set-up the Corvette versus Evo battle for a shot at the finals.
Jinx Jordan, of Terrell, N. C., scooted away from the F Street Prepared field by 1.464-seconds in his 1993 Hoosier/SoloPro Driving School to advance to the Super Challenge, also advancing into the semifinals.
It was in that semifinal match-up that he would meet Street Modified FWD class champion Brian Karwan. In addition to a trip to the finals, the Honda Super Challenge title was also on the line with Brian behind the wheel of his 1994 Karcepts.com Honda Civic.
Brian grabbed both the Honda Challenge victory and the trip to the Super Challenge finals, where Corey would earn his victory.
Just to advance to the Gumout Super Challenge was an honor, though, as class competition was fierce all weekend long. Two classes were decided by less than a tenth of a second, with 0.126-second separating the winner from the runner-up in a third class.
The 19-car B Stock field hosted the closest competition of the weekend. WDCR member Pat Griffith laid down some times early in the weekend in Eric Kriemelmeyer’s 2008 Studio 553 Pontiac Solstice GXP to set the bar in B Stock. Two by two, the field tried to chase down Pat’s runs. When the dust settled, Paul Kozlak came the closest in his 2007 Red Haus Racing Pontiac Solstice GXP, but fell just 0.026-second short. Eric finished third while WDCR member Brendan Bengermino took the sixth and final trophy spot in his 1989 Chevrolet Corvette.
While Eric didn’t win, he was the only person with two class-winning cars. In addition to the Solstice in B Stock, Kenny Sorensen took the victory in G Stock in Eric’s familiar 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. Kenny won by 0.239 seconds and also advanced to the second round of the Gumout Super Challenge.
In F Stock, it was like a normal WDCR or Autocrossers, Inc., event with Sam Strano and Jason Burns trading punches for the top spot. Sam, driving a 2007 Strano Performance Parts Ford Shelby Mustang, scored his best runs on two of his final four circuits of the weekend. Jason, in a 2007 Strano Performance Ford Shelby Mustang (his is white), one-upped that drama with keepers on his final two trips around the layout. In the end, however, it was Sam with the class win by 0.093-second over Jason.
In Street Touring Sport, WDCR members swept all three trophy spots. Ian Baker took the win in a 1988 Honda CRX Si and Greg Olsen and John Vitamvas finished second and third, respectively, in John’s 1990 Mazda RX-7 GTUs.
In Street Touring Xtreme, WDCR’s John Willemin cruised to a 1.4-second win in his 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX.
The Garfield clan swept the three karting classes. Brian won Formula 125 in his 2000 CTS Honda shifter kart, Julian won Formula Junior A in a 2006 Arrow AX-9 4S, and Carson took the win in Formula Junior B in a 2007 CRG Cadet.
Other WDCR members finishing in trophy positions included:
Marshall Cone, 2nd place, H Stock
Jason Becker, 3rd place, Bump 2 Index Class
Mike Snyder, 4th place, F Stock
Mike Kline, 5th place, Formula 125
