It's HPDE Season

17 Pages·2015·6.42 MB·English

Summer 2015
Volume 2
2,104
It’s HPDE Season
DelVal Members take on summit point and Palmer!
Mike Woeller Adrenalin & More
Member profile vintage group events
Member Feedback Tool Talk
We published your emails New column from taylor handwerk
Delaware Valley Chapter - BMW Car Club of America
Martin Bullen @ Chapter President
Club Contacts Over Drive
A Generation Gap? or borgdroid, there’s now software that lets you plug in
(or dongle-in via Bluetooth) to learn about what ails your
President Driving Events Chair Street Survival Chair ride. It’s positive, and it’s the tool we all need.
Martin Bullen Scott Reiman Rich Dunbar Last issue I expressed my disappointment with the
610-202-0915 [phone] 484-949-4100 direction BMW is taking with its new cars. I received But as this latest iteration of the brave new world is being
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] several heartfelt responses that echoed my own position fine-tuned, the right to repair is running headlong into the
Vice President & Social Events Chair Driver School Registrar Vintage Events Chairs (thank-you!), and just one dissenting voice, from one of world of copyright protection. Just like all the “accept”
Dave Wollman Lisa Mellott Bill Foster and Dennis Brennan my close friends. buttons you click when you install the latest version of
215-275-8240 203-858-0262 215-990-2087 - Bill Foster Microsnot’s latest bits and bytes, you’re increasingly
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] His point was an interesting one: That every generation assumed to having accepted that the software that runs
Vice President & Social Media Chair Instructor Coordinator Race Events Chair goes through this. The 2002 folks complained about the your car doesn’t belong to you (OK), but that you’re not
Dave Flogaus William L. Mellott Jr. Taylor Handwerk e21. The e30 aficionados complained about the e36. It allowed to modify it (whoa!).
610-742-0684 203-856-9987 610-248-3042 has always been so: With hindsight, we see the picture
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] as one of evolution and positive growth, while looking How will this be resolved? Well, my crystal ball is a
Newsletter Editor forwards we see a murky future that feels alien and bit cloudy at the moment, but I’m going to assume that
Secretary Technical Chair
Bob Kelly Dave Somma Patrick McHenry uncomfortable. the deepest pockets will prevail. That won’t be good.
215-285-1643 914-960-7273 858-213-2610 The app developers represent the forefront of a long
[email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
Treasurer & Chief Instructor Sponsorship & Business Manager
Michael Dion Webmaster
215-431-1822 Daytime
Board Member at Large
[email protected]
Bob Solomon
SRC Chair; Board Member at Large 610-649-4846
[email protected]
James Murphy
610-687-0760
[email protected]
2015 Sponsorship
Certainly, I remember at several times in my life older tradition of innovation and creativity. They’re our bridge
generations expressing that “cars are just too complicated to keeping our cars accessible, as enthusiasts, to our
to work on yourself these days”. They genuinely felt they desire to tinker, modify and repair. Support these folks.
From Left: Michael Dion, Bob Kelly, Dave Flogaus, Martin Bullen, Dave Wollman had a point, and yet, the backyard mechanic is alive and And let your government representatives know that you
kicking even today, in 2015. feel this way!
So is anything different this time? Is it just the continuation
“I can only hope that the new 3-series
INSIDE THIS ISSUE of a trend that’s been going on for decades, assaulting
the sensibilities of each new generation of luddites, or ... will match the passion of Alfa, the
Mike Woeller Member Profile - pg 06 have things materially changed? suave handling of Jaguar, and the
On the one hand, I can see my friend’s point, but then solidity of Mercedes to produce a
DelVal Vintage Events - pg 08
I would counter that there’s an increasingly slippery
product we can’t resist.”
slope of complexity that we’re sliding down. It’s not
Summit and Palmer HPDEs - pg 12
just unfamiliar technologies, as in the past, but multiple
layers of them that will make backyard mechanical
Tool Talk with Tayler Handwerk - pg 14
repair more challenging going forward. So, back to where BMW is heading. As I noted in my
last column, I’m disappointed, but not disenchanted,
A Lap with Benjamin Rodgers - pg 16 The good news for my fellow luddites is that there are with the current direction of our favourite car company.
answers that promise to ameliorate this headlong rush But I’m also optimistic. Part of what encourages me is
Cover Photo
Member Feedback - pg 20 towards complexity! Whether it’s on your laptop, i-thing actually the competition. (Continued on next page.)
credit Wiki
Commons
2 Summer 2015 (V2) 2015 Upcoming Events: http://delvalbmwcca.org/Events.php 3
The new Mercedes C63 (which Automobile preferred
to the F80 M3/4), the new Jaguar XE and especially the
upcoming Alfa Romeo Guilia. They all look fabulous,
and promise more than the current 3-series. So, why
both on and off the track.
am I encouraged? Because BMW is primarily a 3-series
company. Competing product that seriously challenges
the car that puts bread in the mouths of the children of
Munich might hurt BMW in the short term (wow, that
Alfa!), but it will hopefully only encourage BMW to re-
evaluate, dig deeper, and make a better car.
I can only hope that the new 3-series (reportedly known
as the g20) will match the passion of Alfa, the suave
handling of Jaguar and the solidity of Mercedes to
produce a product we can’t resist. Heck, there was even
a piece in the most recent Roundel that hinted that BMW
might actually offer a choice of non-runflat tyres on some
models in the future. Surely that’s a sign that they’re
finally listening to the customer! Maybe they’ll even
produce a decent cupholder eventually, too! I know,
that’s just too much to ask for (and I don’t even drink in
the car anyway).
Finally, on an adjacent theme, as those of you who’ve met me
probably already know, not only do I love cars, but I enjoy
working on them, too. I mentioned in the past the collective
efforts of my friends and I to build our own racing car (check
out Team Mancave, racing two cars this year in the AER series:
http://www.americanenduranceracing.com).
Well, in the last few weeks, I learned a salutary 801 Bethlehem Pike
lesson: You have to take care of yourself or it can have Erdenheim, PA 19038
undesirable effects on your leisure activities. One We have been providing the Delaware Valley
example is that working with tools means working with
with excellent service for 27 years
care. I won’t bore you with the details, except to say that
my injury is minor, and not permanent, but that I’ve been
put frustratingly out of commission for working on cars . .
and seriously driving for a few months. It didn’t happen CNC manufacturing Custom machining services
while working on a car, but my experience has reinforced
. .
for me the care you need to exhibit while working with Dyno tuning-2WD, AWD Roll cage fabrication
any sort of tool: Take care when working in the garage,
. .
workshop, kitchen or anywhere you work with tools. Engine building Full service body shop
Always watch the follow-through, and don’t work angry.
. .
Trust me on this…. Race car prep. General maintenance

Timothy Trexler
First Vice President N
Financial Advisor Y CS
TB6©W1r y20nO0-1 5M2T4 OMa2wWo-2rrN,g 9Pa 3PnA6 L S1A ta9Cn0Ele1 y0 S mithC Boamrnperye LhLeCn.s CiMvRoeeel mtlfieirnbgeaeemrn sSceaIinPvatilCn pp.gllaasnn pnnlaiinnnggs GP10-01506P-N06/10 7181378 BC008 10/12

4
Dave Gilbert Presents:
Mike Woeller
a member profile of
“Folks, time to meet one of the newest members
of our chapter. Many of you know Mike from the
fantastic pictures he takes at track events. I met
him about four years ago and immediately was
struck by his passion for not just taking pictures
but individually processing each one before he
posted them on his site. I always made sure to
give him a ride at any event where I was able.
Fast forward to 2015 and Mike has gone from
zero to MINI in a few years. He joined the club
after he got his new car. I have a feeling some
club HPDE’s are in his future. Welcome to the
club, Mike!!!”
-Dave Gilbert Family members: Wife, Kim All Photos Courtesy Mike Woeller
First Car: ‘81 Dodge Aries K
What’s in your garage now: 2015 Mini Cooper S
4 Door
Other Interesting Info: “Professional Ballast & Track Rat....”
Other interesting cars you’ve owned: I loved my
96 Ford Probe SE
I’m coming to cars kind of late in the game. I My new MINI is my first somewhat performance
Best part of being a Del Val club member: The have always enjoyed cars as “things” since being car, and maybe one day it will tackle DE and
people that I have met at DelVal events, and a kid. I started to really take an interest in 2009 Autocross. Right now I’m just learning to enjoy
the support they show towards becoming a “car when I started photographing races at NJMP, driving for driving’s sake, and learning what makes
guy.”
which lead to gigs at track days. I have become a cars behave as they do.
volunteer photographer for NJMP and the official
photographer for Jeffapalooza and Povoledo Track
Days. I’ve even managed to shoot for high profile
series such as ARCA and AMA Pro Road Racing.
Since I didn’t have the means to drive on track and
race, photography was my way to stay involved at the
track. I have always approached track photography
Name: Mike Woeller
as an artform rather than just documentary, which

has helped me stand out in a crowded field.
Profession: Office Manager @ Hi Fi Sales

& Semi-professional Photographer @
WindShadow Studios Next thing I knew, I had my own helmet purely to
Favorite saying (that can be reprinted): “I can
be “professional ballast” in other people’s cars and
make you look fast.”
Home Town: Millville, NJ take rides. I keep a list of cars and tracks I have
ridden at. The closest to actual track driving I have
Other hobbies/interests: Photography,
Now resides in: Vineland, NJ been is participating in one Autocross and some
Computers, LEGO, Star Wars
parade laps at Lightning and Thunderbolt.
Member since: April, 2015
6 7
Vintage Vintage
Del Val Events Del Val Events
Import/Kit Car Nationals
Adrenalin Screening
Saturday, May 16 - Carlisle, PA
Saturday, June 20 - Doylestown, PA
On a beautiful spring afternoon in May, a Long-time club supporters and
number of DelVal members converged on members Ziggy and Chris Muzlowski
Carlisle, Pennsylvania to take in the 2015 were generous enough to have club
Import & Kit Car Nationals. The event was members join them for a social event
a phenomenal success for all involved as at their barn in the beautiful rural
the weather was gorgeous thoughout. countryside outside of Doylestown, PA.
Over a thousand cars were on display, The event featured a screening of the
representing at least 7 countries, and recently released ‘Adrenalin: The BMW
37 unique manufacturers. Of course, Touring Car Story’ as well as a corral of
there was a healthy contingent of members’ new and classic BMWs. Food
BMW’s present as members were was provided by the vintage group, and
treated to an event that really can’t it’s safe to say this was our most attended
be rivaled by any other import show on social event since the annual banquet!
the East Coast. With everything from 2002s to The club would like to extend a special
French kit cars, parts vendors of all types, on- thank you to Chris and Ziggy for hosting
site autocross, and of course the sort of food a very special event that was enjoyed by
you can only get at a fairgrounds, Carlisle had everyone in attendance!
everything you could want in a car show.
All Photos Courtesy Dennis Brennan
For more information regarding the vintage group:
Contact Bill Foster and Dennis Brennan
[email protected]
Bill Phone: [phone]
8 9
16_17_BMN11_V3_BMN_MAC_2011 8/21/11 4:00 PM Page 3
BMW service since 1976
Wright Consulting
& Training, Inc.
Zygmunt Motors Inc.
113 Pine Drive, Phoenixville PA 19460
Continental Tire
Jeffrey A. Wright - Owner/President

email: [email protected]
Wholesaler and Installer
We are your complete
computer solutions partner.
New! Cloud Computing
from cloudecity
Visit www.wrightconsulting.net
today to learn how you can 2sa1ve5. 348 3121
25 years computer experience
Complete System Solutions
Computers/Training/Networking/HW/SW
PC network installations, support, repair and sales.
20% discount for all BMW CCA Members
(for 40hr service contract)
Visit us at www.Wrightconsulting.net
or call [phone]
www.zygmuntmotors.com for tire catalog17
BBBMMBMMWWWW CC C aaCarrra CC Cr llCuulubblub bMM M Meeemmemmbbbeeberrer EErE xxExcccxllcluuulssusiisivvvieeev e DDD Diiisssiccscoocoouuuunnnntttt
An Exclusive BMW Car Club Member Exclusive Discount
Financial Benefit for 1111155555%%%%% OOOOOFFFFFFFFFF 2222000011114444 BBB BMMMMWWWW 333 322220000iii i x xxxDDDDrrrriiiivvvveeee
2014 BMW 320i xDrive
Delaware Valley
BMW Car Club LLLLiiifffieeefesssstttyytyyllleeele MMM Meeeerrrccrcchhhhaaaannnnddddiiisssiseeee $$$$$333300009999*****
Lifestyle Merchandise 309
of America Members
VVVaaalliiVddlida ool ionndnll yyoly naa altty tBB aBMMt MBWWWM ooW off f AA oAttfll taaAlanntnlttaiitccinc tCC iCciitt iCyyty.. i.tMM yM.uu Musssttu tpp sprrtee rpessrseeeennsnettt n t
tVthhtahiilssiitd shcc ocioosonuu culppyopoo uaonntpn Baao attnM ttt iiatmmWitm tee ioem oof oeffA f pp topluuafu rrnpccrtcuhhihcraac assChseeaiet..s y.EE e.E xxM. xppEpuiixrrieesrpetssi rsp e88 8rs//e33 /83s11e/13//n11/11t44 /41...4.
this coupon at time of purchase. Expires 8/31/14. PPPPeeeerrr rMMM Moooonnnnttthhhth///333/36666 MMM Moooonnnnttththhhssss
Per Month/36 Months
XCEL Federal Credit Union offers: New,pre-owned or BBBBMMMMWWWW PPP Peeeerrrffrfoofoorrrmmrmmaaaacccceeee
BMW Performace
• Outstanding rates on vehicle, home equity, and mortgage loans. refinanced vehicle rates AAAcccccceeessssssooorririeeiesss
Accessories
• No minimum balance checking. 2.99% Accessories
AS
• Attractive rates on money markets and certificates.
See our complete product and rate listings at www.XCELfcu.org. LOW ASFOR 60 MONTHSAPR* 11110000%%%% OOOOFFFFFFFF
10% OFF
Other rates and terms available
Your Delaware Valley BMW Car Club of America exclusive contact:
AAlllliissoonn MMaacceeyy@ axtc 8e0lf0c-u2.o8r4g-.8663, ext. 3034or VtVVthhVtaaahiialllssiiiiVtdddl sihccda ooociools ioonnnuud cnulllpp yyyoolpooy nuaaao nnaltttpyn tBBBaao aBattnMMM tttt M BiiatmmWWWitmWM tee ioooemW ooofff oefff AAA ofA pp tttofpllluu taaafAlu arrnnnpcctrnltttcuhhaiiithcccrinaacc asstCCCh isCeecaiiiettt.. is Cyyyt.EE ye...E i.xxtMMM. xyMppE.puuu iixrrMuieesssrpestttssui trsppp es88p 8rrrts//eee r33p /e83sssr11seee/e13e//nnn11s/n11ettt44t /4n1 ...t4 . PiPPiPiPPPPirrrrPoooeeeerddodmmmemd///mUUUiiii/uuuuUSSiSummmmSBBBm BPPP P AA AP aaaaAdddaccccdaaackkkkapppkaaaapatttggggeeetgeeeeerrr,e,, r((((,BBB MMMM (BMllluuuoooolueeeoooooetttonnnnoootnorrrrooooooorotottoooohhhtohffff ,,,,afaa ,CCCCa nnnCnodoooddodm mmm DDDm Dffffeeeoooofeosssrrrrsttrttttt itt iinAnnAAA inAaaaccccactttccccitiiocooeieeeoennnssssns s sssc ccs,c,,,h hh, Sh SSSaSaaaaraaarragrtggtttgeteeeeeeeelslllllsslllisliiit.ittt..et.eeee R RRRRaaaaadddddioiiiioooo)))),),,, ,
this coupon at time of purchase. Expires 8/31/14. iPod/USB Adapter, Bluetooth and Destination charges.
www.XCELfcu.org
*$309/mo. lease for 36 mos. with $3,784 due
**$$330099//mmoo.. lleeaassee ffoorr 3366 mmooss.. wwiitthh $$33,,778844 d duuee
*a$t3 s0ig9n/minog. (lienacslued feosr 3$63 0m9o 1ss. tw mitoh. $ p3a,y7m8e4n dt,u e
6037 Black Horse Pike a*at$t ss3ii0gg9nni/inmnggo ((.i inlneccallusuded eefoss r $ $333600 m99 o11ssst.t w mmiotoh.. p$paa3yy,m7m8ee4nn tdt, ,u e
*ROAPathtRees=r tAqeunrmontusea dal nPadree rr casetuenbstja eagcreet tRaova catehil.aa bnglee b waisthedou otn n oouticr elo. aNno ut nedveerrwyorintien gw pillo qliucaielisfy. for this rate. 666E6E000Eg0g333gg3g777 g7 HH BBBHBaalllralraaaabbrccccbookkkkorr HHHrTHT Tooooooowwrrrrwssssnneeeenss sPPPhPhhiiiiiippkkkkipeee,e, ,NN NJJJ $$a$a$$$$$tt272227 ss27,2,,,27777ii,25gg5755555 nn 5a0a000 iia0ccnn cccccq qggcaaaaquu assss((uiiiishshhhsnnihsi i cctotoooi iitlloorouurrri o rntntttdd rnrrrt a eefaaarf eadefssdddedeee eee$$e)e ) .e.)eee33 .MeqM qqq00MquuuuS99SuiSiiit RtttiR11ytRyyyPy,ssP,,, P, $tt $$$ $$ $mm0$000303 3 soo6 sss6se6..eee, e,8c,pp8ccc8c7.aa7... 7. d5 yyddd5d5emm.eee. e.p Tppp p eeT.To... .nnoa o aaa attw n wnnn,,wn deddddee l lll ll
Egg Harbor Township, NJ $q7u2a5li fiaecdq uciussittioomn eferse )t.h MroSuRgPh B$M36W,8 F7i5n.a nTcoi awl ell
Egg Harbor Township, NJ q$quu7aa2ll5iififi eaedcdq ccuuuissstittooiommnee frresse tt)hh. rrMoouuSggRhhP BB $MM3W6W, 8 FF7iin5na.a n nTccoiai awl l ell
10 666006009999...555.566668888...999.9222200000000 SqSqSSauueeeteaarrr vlvvllreiiiviifificccaieeceseeddesesss. ..cc e . I uuIIn nnnIssdnccctt clllooiuuuslummd dd$deeeee2esssrr3s ss 111 , 16tt000hh00kkkrrk0 oo mmm .muu Eiggii///iyx/yyhhyrprr. r.. BBi. Pr PPPeMMuuusurrrWW crcc7chhh/ h3FFaaaas1iissnnse/ee1eaa onn 4ooopcc.ppptiittaaitoiiioollo nnnn
609.568.9200 aSatte llreevaaicsseees ee. nn Iddn ciisslu $$d22e33s, ,6160000k0. .m EEixx/pyprii.rr ePessu 7r7c//3h31a1s//11e4 4o..ption
at lease end is $23,600. Expires 7/31/14.
at lease end is $23,600. Expires 7/31/14.
HPDE REPORTS
by Scott REIMAN
Summit Point - April 18-20, 2015 Palmer motorsports park - may 16-17, 2015
It only rained once…

For those that didn’t get to join in drinking water, and did I
...did it really have to be while we were us, perhaps you followed the mention the dust?
eating? rest of that extra beer with us as
we then traveled to the brand new But it was a great time at a brand
Those of you that have been to track events know long circuit on Saturday Palmer Motorsports Park… new venue that I’m sure we’ll
that weather is a factor that has an important and Sunday, moving over to be visiting regularly in the
bearing on the size of the smiles, and in fact, main track on Monday evening. The …350,000. That is the number of years to come. And there was
the numbers of miles that are driven on the aforementioned opening of the heavens tons of rock that was blasted off what no rain, allowing us to finally
particular track you are visiting. Wet conditions did however get us twice; envision a caravan of the locals call Whiskey Hill during the finish off that extra beer on
on track are not all bad – learning can increase cars and trailers breaking camp in one paddock construction of an extraordinary new Saturday evening!
exponentially as drivers learn to contend with and setting up in another during that BBQ rain race track in central Massachusetts. 2.3
reduced grip. But speeds are reduced, visibility (the only joy generated that evening was for miles long, 13 turns, 190 feet of elevation If by some unfortunate
is more challenging, and, well, you’re going to those in the presence of some of our tech team change, great sight lines and a clear run of bad luck you were
get wet driving around with you windows open. where we incurred a loss of some of that extra commitment by the track management not able to join us at SPR
So when it rained at our 18th annual Jefferson/ beer…). Monday was spent in what turned out to safe, high speed motorsports all or Palmer, you’ve got two
Summit Point Main event this past 18th, 19th and to be a dry and beautiful day on the 10 turn, 2.0 combined to make for a fabulous two more chances this season
20th of April, the heavens pretty much chose the mile SPR main track that is one of our favorites days in May at Palmer, where DelVal to enjoy the fun, camaraderie
worst possible moment to open up – right as the in the Northeast. was one of the very first organizations to and excellence in instruction
barbeque on Sunday night was being served. To run. that DelVal BMW CCA offers.
give context to the catastrophic consequences If you were one Please come out and join us
this led to, people fled, and WE ENDED UP of the Sure, there are challenges being early at either Watkins Glen on
WITH LEFTOVER BEER! (I’ll pause here to give respected DelVal instructor corps, or one adopters; the paddock was dustier than July 8th and 9th, or New
our readers time to compose themselves…). of our even luckier students at Summit, I know anything ever described in “The Grapes Jersey Motorsports Park’s
you had a great time because your survey of Wrath”; every time two wheels Lightning Circuit on August
The good news (and there is a lot of it) is that responses said so (the event overall earned went off the curb-less track , 21st and 22nd. Please see
the rest of the time the DelVal chapter spent in 4.7 out of 5 possible points on there was a delay as the flaggers the DelVal website for links
West Virginia was dry and hugely enjoyable. DrivingEvals.com). climbed down (some were perched providing information and
You may recall that Summit Point expanded the 15 feet above the track surface) registration details.
Jefferson circuit last year; we spent two days to sweep the rocks off the
on this technically challenging 1.7 mile track. And there were some See you at the track!
absolute firsts – one of our
students supplied 3 gallons Scott Reiman
of gas for the radio repeater Driving Events Chair
generator, we all had to bring DelVal BMW CCA
Photo Courtesy Ben Rodgers
12 Photo Courtesy Richard Roth Sign up today for any of our scheduled HPDEs: http://dvc.motorsportreg.com 13
Taylor Handwerk presents:
Main Line’s BMW of Devon
Tool Talk
Ultimate
BMWofDevon.com
Luxury Destination.
these to charge my cell phone, and negative battery terminals, times before being fully drained
Welcome to “Tool Talk” with
AiM solo data logger, and jump plug the clips into the jump box (can vary based on engine size).
me, Taylor Handwerk from
a friend’s race car while at the and start the car. That’s it. The unit After using one of these units,
bimmertools.com. In this column,
track in a single afternoon. is intelligent as well; it will alert you may find yourself leaving
I will be discussing tools that I
The units have USB ports and you if the polarity is reversed. that dome light on all night just
believe to be extremely useful
adapters for cell phones and Once you’re done, simply put the for fun. Never dread that “click,
to the automotive enthusiast. As
laptop computers. Keeping the unit back in its carrying case and click, click” sound again!
this is our first article I feel like I
units charged is a breeze by using
should tell you all a little bit about
either the wall or cigarette lighter I hope you found this article to
myself and my company before
adapter plug. Once charged the be informative and fun. I look
we get into the tool review.
unit will hold the power for up to forward to the next installment of
one year without discharging. “Tool Talk” where we will discuss
My first car was a 1994 325i; I
another great tool for the BMW
know, I know, poor me. As a
Jumping a vehicle with one of enthusiast. If you would like more
matter of fact we still have that A Sloane Automotive Dealership
these is safe and simple, unlike information on the Micro-start
car over 20 years later. I guess it

t6he1 o0ld- 6w8ay7 -o9f u3si5ng0 a second car please visit bimmertools.com.
is fair to say I have BMW colors
and long - but never long enough -
pumping through my veins. I have 20 Lancaster Ave. Devon, PA
jumper cables. All you need to do drive away. A fully charged unit Thanks for reading!
been a member of the club for 5 BMWofDevon.com
is attach the clips to the positive has the ability to jump up to 10
years and enjoy the many social
events, track days and races the
club provides year after year. Last
year I raced in the SE36 class and
it exciting to test new tools and Don’t let the size of this thing
won the National Championship
learn how to do different jobs. fool you; it is powerful enough
as well as the Rookie of the Year
The best part about the business to jump a full size vehicle with
award. This season I successfully
though is the fact that it gets me ease. The XP-1 unit produces 400
completed the Instructor Training
out into the community. I love peak jump starting amps and can
School (ITS) and look forward to
talking with enthusiasts about handle V8 gas engines. The XP-
helping drivers move up the ranks
these cars and I always enjoy 10 unit produces 600 peak jump
just as previous instructors helped
hearing “creative” solutions to starting amps and can handle up
me. I am also the new Race Chair
problems. Working on a car with to 8 liter diesel engines. Not only
for the chapter. I have met some
friends is a great way to pass the can they jump almost anything,
amazing people and made tons
time; having the opportunity to but they can power your personal
of great friends over these past
make a living doing so should electronic devices as well. I have
five years. In fact, I enjoyed the
almost be illegal. used one of these to charge my
journey so much that I decided to
cell phone, AiM solo data logger
find a way to make it part of my
For our first installment I have and jump a friend’s race car while
professional life.
chosen a tool I believe everyone at the track in a single afternoon.
should have. I have one in my
In January of 2014 I took over a
car and my wife has one in hers.
company called bimmertools.
This tool has gotten me out of a
com. The previous owner was
jam more times than I can count
ready to see it lead a new life and
already and I’ve only had it for
I was ready to give it a shot. It has Book Your Event Now!
about 6 months. I’m talking about
been a fun ride so far despite the
the Micro-start Pocket Size Jump
many hurdles to overcome and
Starter and Battery Back-up.
new information to learn. I enjoy
Scott Willitts Samantha Krause
working on my own cars so I find
Corporate Account Executive Event Coordinator
14 [phone] [phone] 15
My two friends and I stood in the paddock, heads
The main straight isn’t a straight in
the literal sense. In fact, by time you
at a forty-five degree upward angle, cocked slightly
leave it you’ll have crossed almost
the whole width of the track three
in a mix of awe and befuddlement. “What in the
times. The car will have run out
to the right for the entrance to the
hell’s the track doing all the way up there?!”
straight, the line will bring you back
left near the pit wall and then you’ll
track right again into the uphill
braking zone for turn one. Turn one
is an awfully busy left hander, which
requires heavy braking, a downshift
and immediate turn in with a good
deal of carried speed. Oh, and the
apex (which is blind – seriously, I’m
not making this up) is pretty much
right next to the concrete barriers.
There’s a thin strip of runoff on the
exit, but you don’t want to go there. resumes an uphill charge to turn nine, a very fast left
that crests the hill at exit.
For those still living, turn two is
a left downhill kink leading into Downhill hard braking for turn ten, which is a 180+
turn three, a very fast left sweeper degree right hand bowl with an apex so late you’ll
where the track levels out for have forgotten it even exists by the time you get to it.
approximately six millimeters Turn eleven is an easy throw away right that sets up
before beginning the climb up to for the next turn, a double apex left (officially, for now,
turn four, a tremendously quick called turns twelve and thirteen but there is talk of
left hand kink (90mph in our bone referring to both as a single “turn twelve”). The final
stock E46 330i sedan) that I took two turns, a right that’s all too tempting to cut and an
with only a slight lift to weight the immediate left, comprise the downhill esses leading
front and an early turn in. Heavy back to the main straight.
Take a lap at: uphill braking sets you up for turn
five, a sharp, uphill right hander so Still not convinced? Check out my onboard video
steep and ridiculous that it induced from the 330i, which doubles as a cure for insomnia,
PALMER MOTORSPORTS PARK a “one-wheel peel,” El Camino- by searching for user “BKRM3” on YouTube. If you’re
style burnout in our open diff 330i still reading, though, just find a way to drive this track,
the one time I attempted to summit which is sure to become a club favorite.
BY BENJAMIN RODGERS it with maximum drama in second
gear.
The worrying video shot a week or two prior they actually pulled it off. The “they” in question, of
The climb continues, this time
showcasing Chevy Spark sized boulders made it look course, being the New England Region of the Sports
to the left, for turn six, and the
a lot flatter. In person, it was enough to make your Car Club of America. That’s right, the SCCA folks built
following uphill straight was
palms sweat. It was all around us, charging through it for themselves, citing rising costs and accessibility
so steep that it gave me the
the downhill esses to meet us on the main straight, concerns related to other area racetracks as the
opportunity each lap to work
then cresting at the braking zone for turn one and impetus. A spendy solution, sure, but impeccably
on a sweater I’d been knitting.
dropping out of sight to the left until the climb up to executed.
Turn seven is a quick right
turn five and up and up from there until the concrete
hander requiring gentle braking
barriers disappear and then reappear along the outside Our event was held on May 16 and 17, with the track
and its exit, which feels like
of turn ten. To my pack of dudes accustomed to New opening in earnest only the week prior. I will tell you that
driving off the edge of a cliff,
Jersey Motorsports Park and Summit Point Raceway, the lack of permanent bathrooms, classroom facilities
spits you directly into the entry
the first impression was surreal. Just shy of 200 feet of and other amenities in no way hindered our enjoyment
for turn eight, a savage downhill
elevation change, they told us. No kiddin’. of this place. Yeah, that’ll all be done (probably) by
decreasing radius left with a
Who builds a track in a quarry anyhow? Ten year- time the next DelVal event olls around, but if you have
late apex and a compression
old me would’ve thought it a completely reasonable the opportunity to go before, by god you had better do
point that is wildly satisfying
proposition, but lawyer me could scarcely believe that it. It’s unlike anything else. Let’s do a lap, shall we?
when done correctly. The track
16
All Photos Courtesy Ben Rodgers
16 17
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Archibald, Ethan, Wayne, PA McNair, Tim, Blue Bell, PA
Back, David, Wilmington, DE Mealing, Douglas, Sinking Spring, PA
Baker, Bryan, Bala Cynwyd, PA Negoianu, Dan, Philadelphia, PA
Barnes, Kyle, Philadelphia, PA O’Brien, John, Chester Springs, PA
Baxter, Megan, Wynnewood, PA OConnell, David, Gladwyne, PA
Belmas, Slavik, Horsham, PA Oke, Babatunmishe, Blue Bell, PA
Berman, Peter, Narberth, PA Gelles, Keith, Perkasie, PA Palma, Anthony, Wilmington, DE
Boettge, Phil, Lumberton, NJ Gibson, Melissa, Downingtown, PA Partee, Blaine, Sicklerville, NJ
Bolton, David, Philadelphia, PA Gilbertson, Gabrielle, Honey Brook, PA Peters, Michael, Walnutport, PA
Bolton, Marcia, Philadelphia, PA Girardot, Jake, Doylestown, PA Pienkowski, James, Philadelphia, PA
Boots, Franklin, Bangor, PA Glick, Kenneth, Newtown, PA Pippins, Don, Newark, DE
Bouikidis, Savvas, Broomall, PA Goldman, Frank, Newtown, PA Pitone, Matthew, Downingtown, PA
Bradley, Jeff, Kennett Square, PA Gonzalez, Jeremy, Holland, PA Pivenshteyn, Daniel, Furlong, PA
Brennan, Rosemarie, Warminster, PA Grzywacz, PJ, West Chester, PA Quillen, John, Malvern, PA
Brown, Eli, Gladwyne, PA Hahn, Eugene, Pocono Pines, PA Reino, Dominick, Schwenksville, PA
Bublitz, Richard, Townsend, DE Hicks, Grant, Bethlehem, PA Rhyder, Paula, Hamburg, PA
Canale, Julius, Coatesville, PA Hilbert, Tracy, Fairless Hills, PA Robbins, Jason, Philadelphia, PA
Capone, Anne, Philadelphia, PA Hoilien, Trent, Haddon Heights, NJ Roesser, Matthew, Glenside, PA
Clay, Paul, Wenonah, NJ Jacques, Deborah, Mullica Hill, NJ Rzasa, John, Berlin, NJ
Coble, Timothy, Downingtown, PA Jones, Leonora, Sicklerville, NJ Sanders, Sean, Bridgeport, PA
Cook, Spencer, Bala Cynwyd, PA Kaliner, Brett, West Chester, PA Snyder, Darrick, Eastampton, NJ
Crehan, Shirley, Elverson, PA Kane, David, West Chester, PA Sonderby, Max, Exton, PA
Custer, Brady, Pottstown, PA Kane, Ruth, West Chester, PA Stein, Robert, Wayne, PA
Dadd, Elias, West Chester, PA King, Eferm, Philadelphia, PA Stuart, Ross, Downingtown, PA
David, Kaplowitz, Havertown, PA Kirwan, Patrick, Wayne, PA Sullivan, Grace, Whitehall, PA
Davidcarv, Clyde, Middletown, DE Komp, Justin, Collegeville, PA Tarity, Eric, Langhorne, PA
DeCou, Miller, Riverton, NJ Kouroupas, Stephen, Ardmore, PA Tatum, Charlotte, Margate City, NJ
Deichert, Farrah, Swedesboro, NJ Kraftson, Raymond, Villanova, PA Thompson, Bobby, Broomall, PA
DeLosReyes, Francisco, Chalfont, PA Lauder, Duncan, Kennett Square, PA Tjinatsoi, Every, Wilmington, DE
Derkrikorian, Robert, Wayne, PA Lauder, Kim, Kennett Square, PA Tong, Que, Philadelphia, PA
DiBianca, Margaret, Wilmington, DE Lee, Brandon, Blue Bell, PA Tran, Cao, Philadelphia, PA
DiCioccio, Lucas, Narberth, PA Leuschner, Rudolf, Malvern, PA Vasylkiv, David, Rydal, PA
Donohue, David, West Chester, PA Lou, Chengfeng, Newark, DE Velletri, Bryson, King Of Prussia, PA
Drabick, Jovan, Coopersburg, PA Lucia, Christian, Galloway, NJ Venner, Matt, Lumberton, NJ
Drabick, Julian, Coopersburg, PA Lukens, Charles, Philadelphia, PA Villani, John, Villanova, PA
Edelstein, Jared, Penn Valley, PA Maisel, Mitchell, Newtown, PA Villwock, Max, Phoenixville, PA
Evans, Paul, Haverford, PA Maisel, Nicholas, Newtown, PA Welkie, Manda, Philadelphia, PA
Fino, Sam, Green Lane, PA Manno, Bruno, Huntingdon Valley, PA Woeller, Mike, Vineland, NJ
Foehl, Mark, Shoemakersville, PA Maritch, Mark, Bethlehem, PA Wong, Christopher, Lafayette Hill, PA
Forst, Karl, Avondale, PA Markos, Ronald, Sellersville, PA Worontzoff, Nick, Wayne, PA
Fox, Brian, Pottstown, PA Martin, Keith, Philadelphia, PA Yao, Chao, Philadelphia, PA
Gallagher, Thomas, Mount Laurel, NJ Masterson, Patrick, Broomall, PA Yau, Stephen, Philadelphia, PA
Geiser, Scott, Philadelphia, PA McDaid, Ronan, Eagleville, PA Zarolinski, Michael, Bolton, CT
Chapter Resources
Free Used Car Purchase Inspection
Chapter Lending Toolbox Free Club Window Logos
As a great support of the
The Chapter maintains a club accessible Want to display your club loyalty? Free Del Val Members, Otto’s BMW offers a
“lending” tool box that contains some Chapter window logos are available free pre-purchase inspection of ANY
special BMW-specific tools. These are to all members in good standing. For used BMW. Call for details or to set up
tools you may want to borrow, rather than a FREE set of 2 handsome removable an appointment.
own for yourself. This valuable service DVC logos (which affix to the inside of
Free Pre-track Inspection
is available to DVC members in good the window by static cling), send a self-
standing. Contact Toolbox coordinator addressed stamped envelope to: Free tech inspection is available at
James Murphy. Michael Dion Otto’s BMW prior to any HPDE Event for
610 687-0760 PO BOX 385 Del Val BMW CCA members. Call to set
or Flourtown, PA 19031-0385 up an appointment before your next
[email protected] HPDE event.
19