volume 2016 issue 01 - jan 2016 - colorado region scca · welcome to the new redline. we are trying...

Volume 2016 Issue 01 - Jan 2016

Volume 2016 Issue 01 - Jan

From the Editors 3

Letters to the Editors 3

2015 RMDiv Champs Crowned 4

SnakeBytes 5

Jerry’s Bleachers 7

Deja’ Zoom: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata 8

2015 Traveling Award Honorees 10

The Good Ol Days 11

Membership Meetings 13

The Quest 14

Schedules 18

Colorado Region Christmas Party 19

Late Breaking News 21

Classifieds 23

Advertiser Index 26

Rearview Mirror 27

2


From the Editors

Letters to the Editors

3

Welcome to the new Redline. We are trying a new format that should be viewable on a smartphone, as well as a full size computer screen. This format has cool animation and provides more layout capability. We hope you enjoy the results of our efforts. The editors would love to hear from readers with comments and suggestions. All feedback is welcome. Feel free

to send your comments to [email protected]

Also LIKE us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Colorado-Region-SCCA-142377545821488

… and you can now follow us on Twitter @Colo_SCCA

This issue begins with a new Letters to the Editors section. The only reward the editors receive is your feedback. We will periodically choose topics from the ColoradoSCCA.org message boards to include in this section. SnakeBytes starts things off with a detailed 2016 Rocky Mountain Sidewinder Calendar with dates from all the clubs. It’s going to be a busy season. Next a review of the 4th generation Mazda Miata shows new features with old strengths. Several volunteers stepped forward to assist with Jerry’s Bleachers, a project designed to keep you cool at HPR. Bob Wilson’s article The Good Ol Days helps us remember what the SCCA was like before Redline became a print publication. The boys continue the development on the Mysterian Formula Vee in The Quest. And much much more. Enjoy.

REDLINE FEEDBACK

Bravo, great Redline.

Stories and pictures of "us" is a BIG DEAL. The story of the V that wants-to-be needs to be a continuing serial. Keep up the great work ...

Guy Ruse

PDX Improvements I think an area we can improve upon for our PDX program is how and when we recruit instructors to help with PDX. Along with Club Racing, I also instruct for Porsche Club DE events, and for the past two years, I heard about the need for PDX instructors while in impound after our Saturday morning qualifying session. Honestly, this is more than a little late to be soliciting help for instructors. Last year, I was able to volunteer, but this I was not. If we were able to build a pool of Club Racing drivers who are willing to be instructors and work with them ahead of time, I believe we would have an opportunity to really build a strong PDX program.

I have contacts on the East Coast where they've built a strong PDX program, and would be willing to engage with them to get info on their instructor training program... if anyone would be interested in signing up to help.

Dan Brooks

on the cover - the 2015 Torro Rosso SRT10's main bodywork at the 2015

USGP Photo by Ed Shuler

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/Colorado-Region-SCCA-142377545821488

http://coloradoscca.org


https://www.facebook.com/Colorado-Region-SCCA-142377545821488

http://coloradoscca.org


2015 RMDiv Champs Crowned By David Muramoto

Front Range Club Ford Championship presented by Colorado Pen Inc. & Road Racing Services Inc.

1st - Seth Letterly 2nd - Jared Letterly 3rd - Allen Letterly

RMDiv Formula F 1st - Andy Melvin 2nd - John Copple

E Production 1st - Tex Arnold 2nd - Guy Ruse

Improved Touring S 1st - Cedric Donohoo

Improved Touring B 1st - Marcus Hall*

Spec Racer Ford 1st - Michael Cameron 2nd - Jim Tibor Jr.*

Spec Racer Ford Gen 3 1st - Dan Brooks 2nd - Jim Nelson

Spec Miata 1st - David Zippie

Spec 7 1st - Patrick Frank

Touring 4 1st - Lothar Kremer

Touring 3 1st - David Muramoto Trophies and Jackets were presented at the RMDiv Convention and Christmas Party Dec 5th.

* - Not present to pick up award. Please contact David Muramoto ASAP. (303-752-9777)

4

2015 FRCFC Champion Seth Letterly’s Crossley 60


SnakeBytes by RMSidewinder

Welcome to 2016, which promises to be a very busy year! SCCA has added Track Night in America (TNiA) events at High Plains Raceway that will need corner marshals. So Colorado Region will be involved and rumor is, corner workers will be rewarded with free track time during the event. All of the TNiA events are scheduled for midweek dates in the late afternoon/early evening. I hope Glenn gets those corner station panel lights working.

Below is the preliminary 2016 RMSidewinder Schedule:

5

Date Host Event Track

Mar 04-06 SCCA Pro Pirelli WC CotA

Mar 19-20 SCCA - RMVR Crash&Burn School North Wash FD

Apr 08-09 MRA New Racers School HPR

Apr 16-17 NASA — PMP

Apr 23-24 RMVR Drivers School PPIR

Apr 30-01 SCCA Quad-Reg/CTT/PDX HPR

Apr 30-01 MRA Round 1 PMP

May 11 SCCA Track Night in America HPR

May 14-15 RMVR Spring Race HPR

May 21-22 MRA Round 2 PPIR

May 28-29 NASA — HPR

May 28-29 SCCA Majors PMP

Jun 04-05 24hrs of Lemons BFE GP HPR

Jun 11-12 RMVR Pueblo Grand Prix PMP

Jun 11-12 NASA — MMP


RMSidewinder Schedule Continued:

Looks like it’s going to be ‘All hands on Deck’ again this year. If you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting to get involved, now is the time. See you at the track. Track Legend: CotA - Circuit of the Americas, Austin TX MOSCC - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington OH HPR - High Plains Raceway, Byers, CO PMP - Pueblo Motorsports Park, Pueblo, CO PPIR - Pikes Peak Intl. Raceway, Fountain, CO MMP - Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, UT MPH - Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings NE

6

Date Host Event Track

Jun 15 SCCA Track Night in America HPR

Jun 18-19 MRA Round 3 HPR

Jul 02-03 SCCA Majors HPR

Jul 02-03 NASA — PMP

Jul 09-10 MRA Round 4 HPR

Jul 20 SCCA Track Night in America HPR

Jul 23-24 SCCA Quad-Reg/CTT/PDX PMP

Jul 30-31 RMVR RAKC HPR

Jul 30-31 NASA — PPIR

Aug 06-07 MRA Round 5 HPR

Aug 10 SCCA Track Night in America HPR

Aug 12-13 Pit Rally Central City Hillclimb Central City CO

Aug 13-14 NASA KoolAid Days MPH

Aug 20-21 SCCA Quad-Reg/CTT/PDX HPR

Aug 27-28 MRA Round 6 PMP

Sep 03-04 RMVR Labor Day Gran Prix MPH

Sep 03-04 NASA — HPR

Sep 16-18 FIA Lone Star Le Mans CotA

Sep 17-18 MRA Round 7 HPR

Sep 19-25 SCCA Runoffs MOSCC

Oct 01-02 RMVR Fall Race HPR

Oct 20-23 NASA — PMP

Oct 20-23 FIA USGP CotA

Oct 22-23 RMVR Spooktackular PPIR


Jerry’s Bleachers By Keith Hall

Three SCCA volunteers (Bob Melvin, Ed Shuler, Keith Hall) took part in groundbreaking for the Jerry's Bleachers Project at HPR on Sunday November 15th.

The project was organized by the RMR-PCA and will provide 1600 square feet of shade space in the viewing area of the west paddock. The PCA obtained a permanent metal structure with a flexible vinyl cloth shade cover from CSU last year. Installation requires a long formal permitting process with Arapahoe County and the construction finally began Sunday with the digging of four 6' x 4' diameter holes to act as anchors for the support posts.

The holes will be filled with concrete within the next few weeks followed by assembly of the metal structure over the winter as the weather allows.

Many volunteers will be needed in the coming months so if you have the time and want to help improve our race track by providing a space where friends can watch us race in comfort then email [email protected] and I will make certain that you get on the volunteer notification list.

The project is dedicated to the memory Jerry Schouten, a long time Porsche racer, and friend of HPR. These improvements are paid for by donations from his friends.

Photos Courtesy Mike Pappas

7


Deja’ Zoom: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata By David Muramoto

Ever had that feeling of déjà vu so strongly, that you actually looked around in wonder? Whether it was a smell, a song or some other sensory trigger that awakened some long lost feeling or memory fragment, you know you’ve been there before. Such was my reaction to driving Mazda’s newest 2016 MX-5, finished in a metallic blue (factory label: blue reflex) that was vaguely similar to a bright blue Miata I’d driven almost 25 years ago. Both cars remind you of the pleasure of driving a sportscar with more handling and brakes than horsepower and torque. As many of us know, Miatas just beg to be run up to redline, with the stubby little gearshift snicking from gate-to-gate in each gear. Drive it hard and the Miata’s small, compact chassis responds by rattling over the bumps and potholes, and flying across roads and highways.

This 2016 MX-5 Grand Touring model is much the same—a car that begs to be driven hard most of the time--as I traversed the twisting mountain roads near Tabernash, Colorado. The MX-5’s sleek new styling, with a swoopy front end and angular headlights sweeping back to bulging fender flares, seems to portend greater performance than its predecessor. But the 155-hp, 2.0-liter SkyActive engine delivers almost the same grunt as the older 1.6

mill did. Even the engine note seems to mimic the coarse sounds of a smaller engine at redline. But the power curve remains delightfully consistent from just below 3K until you are forced to shift. The six-speed manual transmission in this MX-5 remains a joy to drive, and is paired with brake and throttle pedals well-positioned for heel-toe downshifts. Oh, and a word about those brakes- Mazda engineers did some stellar work to make them easily modulated- with just the right amount of stroke and feel. You can effectively threshold brake and feel the ABS pulse slightly on any less-than-pristine surface. Together with the handling, those brakes continue to add a different dimension to the Miata for those who can use them!

Other positives include the sport seats, which offer good lateral support and seem supportive and comfortable enough for an extended drive. The low hip point might make it challenging to those who find a lower entrance and egress point difficult. Seating is certainly more in line with a traditional sportscar, as is the small trunk. But those drawbacks don’t apply to raising or lowering the manual cloth top behind the seats. It remains almost a one-handed operation, and makes this fourth generation MX-5 both weathertight and a joy to drive on days when the weather isn’t predictable. What isn’t as successful is the 7” navigation/center display screen, which sticks out like a sore thumb on an otherwise clean instrument panel (IP). This color screen can’t be retracted into the IP and looks a bit washed out in sunlight. I also found the digital maps to be clunky and almost useless in the

8


mountains. Even changing radio channels wasn’t all that easy using the small, round silver dial located behind the gearshift. That’s too bad, as the rest of the cockpit is refreshingly clean and direct, but taking a driver’s attention off the road is never a good thing.

As might be expected, steering is razor sharp and direct. Turn-in is so quick that you might find yourself correcting slightly until you adjust to the steering angle. Weighing only 2,332 pounds, yet still complying with modern crash safety standards, this 2016 MX-5 is a modern wonder. The low mass, combined with RWD and a

manual transmission, even manages to score efficiency points. With mileage figures of 27 city/34 highway/30 MPG combined, it’s almost a utopian version of cars like the MG Midget, TR3 or even the original Miata. Overall MSRP of this Grand Touring model remains appealing at $31,015, which includes $130 keyless pushbutton start option. Do I expect to see this latest version of the MX-5 Miata on the racetrack? Absolutely, as Mazda backs Club Racing so well and this Miata looks like a (relatively) easy build for a class like Touring 4. For those more interested in a factory built racecar, there’s the MX-5 Global Cup version, which includes a rollcage, safety equipment and sealed powertrain components for $53K. All-in-all, Mazda has done a superb job in crafting this modernized version of the Miata and allowing us to carry a little déjà vu into the future.

9


2015 Traveling Award Honorees By Redline

The 2015 Rocky Mountain Division Traveling Awards honorees were named at the Christmas Party / RMDiv Convention held December 5th at the Man Cave in Westminster.

Sid Langsam Award Outstanding contribution to racing in Colorado - Guy Ruse

Shirley Burtis Memorial Award Outstanding service as a worker to the Colorado Region - Rick Cody

Jim Eichorn Award Good sportsmanship in racing - David Muramoto

Alex Keller Award Long standing contributions to Colorado Region - Ann Marie Stinehelfer

Les Gaylord Award Family participation in racing - The Wogrin Family

National Driver of the Year Driver of the Year - Bob Schader

Ron Hunter Award Rookie Driver of the Year - Andy Melvin

Leadfoot Driving in a spectacular and unwarranted fashion - Andy Melvin

Guy Ruse - Proud recipient of the Sid Langham Award.

10


The Good Ol Days by Bob Wilson

Editor’s note: Redline is pleased to bring our readers stories penned by the late Bob Wilson. As a longtime Colorado SCCA member, he witnessed a time when the line between club and pro racing was blurred and road racing remained a “extreme sport”; yet to be established in the U.S. Those halcyon days are worthy of a reprint and Redline Magazine appreciates his estate providing permission to do so. This month Bob recalls seeing Continental Divide Raceway, a bygone Colorado racetrack once located near Castle Rock.

Last month we dwelled on my first experience as a spectator at an SCCA Sports Car Race. That was in 1956, and time faltered on with some adventures, interspersed with sheer boredom (if you ever lived in Wichita, KS you could easily understand). For instance, we spent several months in northern Maine during 1958. That was an interesting adventure from start to finish. But that’s off of the chosen path, so let’s move on.

The first race that Ila and I went to together was the 1959 Lake Garnett Grand Prix. Lake Garnett was another venue similar to Ponca City and Lake Afton. The course was laid out in a city park and around a small lake and for sheer danger, this place had no peer. But we will talk more about this later. For the uninitiated, it was a nice place to watch a motor race. On Saturday night we camped at the park and slept in our Rambler station wagon. Now camping has never been one of our favorite pastimes - why do you think we now use a motorhome? We had every item Ila needed: Cub Scout stove, coolers, food, etc. We also had air mattresses we bought just for the occasion. It was nice and snug, as we bedded down that night, but

11

Volume 2016 Issue 01 - JanThe Good Ol Days Cont’d

next morning, Ila still floated blissfully on air, but I was stiff and sore all over. For my air mattress had collapsed and I was relegated to the hard wagon floor. This one simple mishap brought great enjoyment to my wife and still yet, 33 years later, she derives lots of mirth from it and tells the story with much relish!

The racing at Lake Garnett is a bit hazy now except that it was dominated by Jack Hinkle in his Blrdcage Maserati. The Blrdcage was one of the magic cars of all time and Hinkle’s was always the nicest of them all. Bright red with sparkling chrome wire wheels, this car was the epitome of a purpose-built, pure racing car. Fast, you bet, and in its day, nearly unbeatable. But, alas, the ‘Cage’ couldn’t produce the marvelous sounds of the Ferrari V-12. Guess you can’t have everything!

In September 1960, we uprooted ourselves and moved to Denver. Seems a large missile manufacturer had offered me job here in Colorado. Crummy outfit to work for, but great country to live in! Several months after moving to town, we became acquainted with a couple who was from our hometown in Kansas. Warren and Linda were near our age and, though we never knew them before, we became and still remain fast friends. Through them we were introduced to activities which altered our lifestyle a great deal. First we started going to the Exodus Club which was a small, smokey, 3.2 beer joint that featured live folk music. In the early 60’s folk music was in its heyday. The many evenings spent there supplied us with wonderful entertainment and the chance to make many friends that later became major stars in show biz. Once again, that is a whole different phase of our lives that I could write a book about.

During the winter of 1961, my friend Warren called and asked if I’d like to go to a race car shop with him. Naturally, I jumped at the offer and went to a place operated by the Terry brothers, somewhere near 7th and Sherman streets. There I was introduced to a soft spoken, studious, southern gentleman named Bob Riley. Bob it seems had built a Chevy powered special called the Lynx. It was very low, with a racy body and I felt honored to be allowed to stand next to it. However, I was about to become involved because, when Bob found that I knew something about electrics, he asked me to completely rewire the Lynx. So I used the techniques I had learned and wired into the latest aerospace thinking. Most amazing of all, everything worked the first time out!

Ila began going with us and was soon pressed into service, washing parts and doing similar duties. Ila still likes messing with cars and has even become a passable mechanic. Some really crazy things went on at that little shop, not the least of which had to do with the consumption of truly heroic quantities of beer. Often when a race car was deemed ready for the track, it naturally followed that it should be tested. Many times I stood in the alley door listening to an unfettered exhaust rocketing around amongst the buildings. We would wait until the car came through the door, then down with the door and douse the lights. About one millisecond later a cop car came cruising by with spot lights flashing around, while we were inside, giggling, in an alcoholic haze.

As spring approached, plans were being made to subject the Lynx to the rigors of competition, so we were recruited to be the pit crew. Needless to say, we hardly had a clue what to expect, but at least we had become pretty familiar with the Lynx. The first outing was to the Regional races at Continental Divide Raceway (CDR). CDR was about three years old at the time, but to me, it was already hallowed ground. As we pulled into the track I looked around and was awestruck with the place. This was a feeling I never lost. Even yet today as I drive past where CDR was, and even though it has been plowed up, I can still see it as it was and relive many of the events I was witness to, at this queen of race courses. But I digress. The Lynx was never a very successful race-car, but it was very fast while it ran. However, the builder of the Lynx went on to much bigger things.

After Bob Riley left Denver he eventually went to Detroit, where he was part of Kar Kraft which was Ford’s racing division during the great days of the factory LeMans racing efforts. Bob gave up on driving and began a career using his talent as a designer. He also took time to design and build the Lynx formula car, certainly one of the most durable and successful of that class. Riley also went to the Indy boys and designed the first Wildcats, plus Foyt’s Coyotes during the 70’s. Later, Bob teamed up with two other guys and formed a company known as Protofab. This means that every successful TransAm car currently running owes most of its design and technology to Bob. The latest from this visionary is the IMSA GTP car known as the Intrepid. These are a few of the accomplishments of the guy who dragged Ila and me into the sport. This looks like a good place to stop, Stay tuned next month when we start working races.

12


Membership Meetings by Redline

13

Colorado Region membership meetings are held at 7:00pm on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Hoffbrau Bar and Grill in Westminster. Stay involved and support your club!

Next Meeting Jan 19th

Hoffbrau Bar & Grill 9110 Wadsworth Pkwy Westminster, CO 80005

A packed room at the RMDiv Convention


The Quest by Ed Shuler

Chapter 9

START BEFORE YOU’RE READY

“Don’t prepare. Begin. Remember, our enemy is not lack of preparation; it’s not the difficulty of the project or the state of the marketplace or the emptiness of our bank account. The enemy is Resistance. The enemy is our chattering brain, which, if we give it so much as a nanosecond, will start producing excuses, alibis, transparent self-justifications, and a million reasons why we can’t/shouldn’t/won’t do what we know we need to do. Start before you’re ready.”

—Steven Pressfield from Do the Work

Winter Projects

Having completed the season without much drama, it is now time to make some changes in an effort to make the car go faster! The project list includes (in no particular order):

Lower front end I noticed our car sits up like an off-road vehicle compared to the other formula vees.

This project involves welding an adjustable spring rotating fixture to the front beam. The front springs on a VW Beetle consist of a pair of torsion spring packs inserted into the front beams.

14


The springs are secured to the front beams with a set screw at the center of the beam. To change the ride height, you twist the spring pack which in turn rotates the ‘L’ shaped arms (turkey legs) that attach to the front wheel spindles. By allowing the set screw location to be adjustable, you can adjust the ride height.

The vee is much lighter than a beetle, so the top set of springs is removed and replaced with a anti-sway bar.

Turn rear drums

Although we had no problems, the rear drums could use a fresh face.

Refresh engine

The engine now has about 10 hours of track time. Based upon compression tests and recommendations by the engine builder, it’s time to replace the bearings and piston rings etc.

New heads

The modifications to the engine are strictly controlled by the GCR. It is a stock, 40 horsepower 1200cc VW engine. I’ve often wondered why a stock 1200 beetle engine costs $1200, but a regional quality FV engine costs $4000, and a national quality FV engine costs $7000? I’ve discovered there are heads and then there are HEADS!

15


How could you modify the engine to go from the stock 40 horsepower to 60 horsepower and still be considered ‘stock’. After talking to certain racers that know about these things, it’s all about blueprinting the engine. Blue-printing is the process of eliminating any differences between the original engine design and what is actually produced by the factory.

The case crankshaft and camshaft journals must be line-bored. You have to make sure the camshaft lobes are the correct shape and the flywheel is the exact weight and perfectly balanced. The crank throws are exact and the combustion chamber is the crafted to be exact volume. It is a time-consuming process requiring a lot of specialized equipment, training and machining. To get from $1200 to $4000 is only 35 hours @ $75/hr of someone’s time. The next step involves hours of dyno time, parts matching, trying different carbs and intake manifolds and exhaust systems.

Adjust seat

Andrew and I are still not as comfortable in the car as we need to be. We have tried a couple of seat inserts. The third time hopefully, will be the charm.

Rebuild rear axles

When replacing the brake shoes, I noticed some play in the right rear axle. I should check it out.

New paint

Optional, if we get the other items completed, I have some ideas to make the car distinctive.

Electronic ignition

The points need adjusting after each race weekend, which is more often than I like. I am considering installing a CompuFire electronic system. No more points, rotor, capacitor or distributor cap. Set it once and forget it.

The Mysterian Shakes During a track day we noticed a shudder or low frequency vibration when we hit the brakes hard, like at turn 6 or turn 8 at HPR, or turn 7 at PMP. The vibration felt like it was originating from the back of the car, but the entire car would vibrate. Very un-nerving! It seemed to come and go based upon tire temperature (as the tires got warm the vibration went away). After we put the CarboTech brake shoes on, the shudder became violent. I thought the back half of the car was falling apart, but tire temp had no affect. It was purely a function of brake force applied. This has become the top priority on the list of winter projects for this car.

I went to the source of all racing knowledge.. The ApexSpeed.com message boards. I described the symptom and waited for advice. I didn't have to wait long.

The advice I got included 'add bigger tie-rods' to 'center the steering box on the front beam' to 'make sure the car isn't sitting in the grass between sessions' and even 'every Mysterian does this, learn to drive with it.’ I spoke to Paul Eric Taylor (current Mysterian racer), he recalled having the issue, but couldn't remember how he cured it. I asked Bob Neumiester (former Mysterian racer), he too recalled the issue, he tried several things and the problem went away, but he couldn't recall the exact remedy either. Bob did direct me to Bruce Livermore (east coast racer). Bruce apparently is the go-to guy on Mysterian issues.

After contacting Bruce, and described the symptom, Bruce confirmed that most Mysterians have this problem. Bruce said he eliminated the issue on many Mysterians and in every case, the shudder was eliminated by changing something in the rear suspension, usually adding some kind of rear roll damping or roll resistance.

Bruce said “On a standard Mysterian M2, the cure is simple: tighten up the rear rocker bolts until there is just a slight amount of resistance to movement.

To set it up, remove the rear shock and the pushrods from the rockers so they are free to pivot.

Tighten each pivot bolt until each rocker just supports its own weight. The rockers should move easily, but not quite fall freely.

Put it back together and go. You're done. You can try tightening or loosening at the track, but I've found it takes very little to fix the shudder.

But while you have it apart, check the bushings and bolts for wear.

16

http://apexspeed.com


With the bolt just snug (no friction but no end play) the rocker shouldn't have much free play front to back at the shock end. There will be just a bit, but the shock end of the rocker shouldn't be moving too much, say 1/16" at most if I recall correctly.

The bushings are standard 7/16" ID flanged "oilite" bushings, two pressed into the chassis and two pressed into the rocker on each side (8 total on the car).

The ones in the rocker need to be cut to length or carefully filed flush with the arms after installation. The bolt required is a 7/16" fine thread bolt with some hard washers and a nylock nut.

AN grade stuff is probably best, but a grade 8 bolt is fine (even a grade 5 is OK but it might wear a bit faster). Just make sure the bolt is long enough so the threads aren't in the bushing. If the threads are in the bushing the threads act like a slow speed saw and will wallow out the bushings in a hurry.”

I did find some play in the bushings in the chassis side of the rocker assembly. After buying some new bushings and bolts we installed all the bits. We plan on doing a track day to verify the issue is resolved. Fingers crossed.

It is going to be a busy winter. Can't wait for spring.

17


Schedules by Redline

2016 Mid-States Majors Schedule

2016 RMDiv Championship Racing Schedule

Event Legend:

Quad-Reg - Quadruple Regional (4 Regional Races per weekend) Dbl-Reg - Double Regional (2 Regional Races per weekend) Dbl-Majors - Double Majors (2 Majors Races per weekend) CTT - Club Time Trials PDX - Performance Driving Experience Track Night in America - Evening track event

Date Circuit

Feb 27-28 NOLA Motorsports Park, Avondale, La. (With Southeast)

Apr 09-10 Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Jennings, Ok.

Apr 30-01 MSR-Houston, Angleton, Tx.

May 14-15 Gateway Motorsports Park, Madison, Il.

May 28-29 Pueblo Motorsports Park, Pueblo, Co.

Jul 02-03 High Plains Raceway, Deer Trail, Co.

Date Event Circuit

Apr 30-May 01 Quad-Reg/CTT/PDX High Plains Raceway

May 11 Track Night in America High Plains Raceway

May 28-29 Dbl-Majors/Dbl-Reg/PDX Pueblo Motorsports Park

Jun 15 Track Night in America High Plains Raceway

Jul 02-03 Dbl-Majors/Dbl-Reg/PDX High Plains Raceway

Jul 23-24 Quad-Reg/CTT/PDX Pueblo Motorsports Park

Aug 10 Track Night in America High Plains Raceway

Aug 20-21 Quad-Reg/CTT/PDX High Plains Raceway

18


Colorado Region Christmas Party By Redline

Eighty people attended the 2015 Colorado Region SCCA Christmas Party and RMDiv Convention and Awards Banquet held December 5th at ‘The Man Cave’ in Westminster CO.

It was a pot luck affair. Three tables were filled with all types of salads, entrees and deserts. Ann Marie Stinehelfer, Annie Christian and Michelle McColl were the primary organizers and have already made plans to host the event in a larger facility in 2016.

Guest speakers included Aaron Coalwell from 3R Racing, Jim Christian, Colorado Region RE, Howard Duncan from the SCCA National Office in Topeka, Jason Brandt - Colorado Region CTT/PDX Chief, Jeff Hugo, Continental Divide Region Solo Coordinator, Michael Bergen - owner of the Man Cave Auto Detailing facilities and Michael Pettiford, Central City HillClimb promoter.

Thanks to Ann Marie, Annie and Michell, the evening was filled with great food, great friends and good cheer towards all.

<- Jim Christain outlines the 2016 Colorado Region SCCA Racing plans.

Aaron Coalwell briefs us on 3R’s plans for 2016->

19


It was a tight fit on the second floor of the Man Cave.

<- The Letterly family dominated the Front Range Motorsports Club Ford Championship.

20


Late Breaking News -The City of Pueblo has elected to reopen bids on the contract to operate Pueblo Motorsports Park (PMP). The current operator, Judy Faass, has elected not to participate in this process and will no longer be operating PMP after 12/31/15. On behalf of the road racing community, Redline Magazine would like to thank Judy and her business, Fasst Motorsports Inc, for successfully operating PMP during her tenure and wish her the best of luck in the future.

-The Pueblo County Commissioners reiterated their desire that PMP remain open to road and drag racing, as well as other forms of motorsports. They have indicated the bidding process to operate PMP in the future will continue into January. The bids that meet the council’s guidelines will then be evaluated in February and a new operator selected.

-In Utah, the Tooele County Commissioners are mulling over their options in the sale of Miller Motorsports Park (MMP). MMP was sold last year to Mitime Utah Investment LLC for a reported $22.5M, but became involved in a lawsuit by another bidder. After reviewing the facts of the case, the sale was subsequently declared null and void in December by the judge presiding over the lawsuit.

-Another track many RMDiv racers have been to in the past is Heartland Park Topeka (HPT). HPT hosted the SCCA Runoffs from 2006-08 and was recently sold to Shelby LLC after the last operator, Ray Irwin, elected to bow out. The new owners have pledged to reinvest in the facility and bring NHRA and other racing groups like SCCA back to HPT after the sale was completed in December.

-In SCCA FasTrack news, the competition racing board (CRB) issued their latest road racing formula vee rule changes for 2016. Like the Grinch who stole Christmas, most competitors who submitted requests for their cars where told ho- ho- NO! Despite most of these requests being turned down, there were some noteworthy changes made to the GCR.

-In Formula Vee, a spec tire is under consideration and the CRB will be sending out a survey to Vee drivers to better define what qualities that spec tire should have. In GT2 and T2, Porsche competitors were the exception and granted a few concessions to make their models more competitive. For full details, see the December FasTrack.

-In Formula B, the eligible engine table was simplified into two types: engines built before 2008, and after. Speed restrictions were imposed on shaped velocity stacks, which are allowed with a 37.5 mm restriction at the interface between the upper and lower stacks. In the Touring 2 though T4 classes, the CRB has eliminated the prohibition on automatic transmissions in racing.

-In Spec Miata, the CRB is seeking input on whether the older ’94-97 models are still competitive in the class, or will they need some concessions? With all the changes made to GT2 in recent years, there has been a call for a GT2 Compliance Chief to be appointed (with costs covered by an addition to GT2 entry fees). For either issue, competitors in Spec Miata or GT2 may submit feedback through crbscca.com.

-Formula F, new clarifications to the exhaust system construction were issued and loopholes closed off. There were a slew of changes to SRF3, and current competitors should take a close look at the pertinent sections of the GCR to determine if they affect you. Formula car homologation rules were also in a for an extensive rewrite and racers should re-examine this section if a new car is being considered.

-Getting a concussion or losing consciousness during a race weekend may now be sufficient grounds to stop a competitor from continuing to race. This change to GCR section 2.3.2.D bears an uncanny resemblance to many rule changes in pro sports leagues (NLF, NHL, NBA, etc) to address potential traumatic brain injuries and the after effects.

21

Volume 2016 Issue 01 - JanLate Breaking News - continued

—Touring 1 and T2 Mustangs, which have been dominant the past two seasons, received new restrictions (weight, intake restrictors or tire size) in an effort to slow them down. The Honda S2000 and Mazda RX8 were granted allowances (weight or tire size) to make them more competitive in Touring 3.

-In the Production car ranks, several models had allowances and/or changes made, based on competitor letters. Best to check the GCR, or FasTrack for specifics, as it’s impossible to list them all here.

22


Classifieds Driver Gear for Sale The following is for sale: • 2 driver suits , blue, one full suit and one two piece will fit a driver from 175 to 225 lbs. • 1 newly painted Bell helmet, size “large” • 1 Hans device • 1 pr shoes , black size 9 1/2 • 2 pr socks, one new • 2 pr gloves, one new • 1 Nomex set, short sleeve shirt and shorts • 1 set arm restraints I’m asking $1000.00 for the complete set, will discuss pricing. Inquiries can be made to Richard Fischer at 406-842-5026 or [email protected]

2001 Camaro T4 SCCA Race Car For Sale Car is in great condition, competitive, reliable, and sorted. Extensive spares package including 4 sets of wheels

and tires. Holds current T4 track records at High Plains Raceway. 2014 and 2015 SCCA T4 Rocky Mountain Divisional Champion.

Please call 303-549-7754 for details Asking $8,500

Thank you, Lothar Kremer SCCA # 452146

2003 Z4 built and prepped by Bimmerhaus. Car built by Bimmerhaus. Car is prepped and ready to race, nothing is needed. Car holds the SSB track record at

HPR. Refreshed engine with 25k miles. Suspension components are all new. Added in 2014 was a custom LSD by Performance Gearing. 11 wheels and 4 rain tires (mounted on new wheels). Price includes spares but does not include RaceKeep and Aims dash.

Asking $18,500. Email or call Rick at 303-666-8486 or [email protected]

NEW AND USED TIRES 315/35-17 Kumho 710s and Toyo R888s, Call Michael @ 303-666-4113.

23



GT3 Mustang – Price Reduced Tube frame construction with 1997 Mustang body. Esslinger 2.3 liter, 4 cyl engine, freshly rebuilt. 12 wheels, one set is brand new still in boxes. Borg Warner T5 tranny. New clutch slave installed.

Several thousand dollars in new, high performance upgrade parts waiting to be installed, including high flow intake manifold and new dual Weber hi volume carbs, upgraded exhaust manifold. New brake ducting. New Koni double adjustable gas shocks. 12 sets of springs. 6 sets of new brake pads.

The car currently does not have the body on it, new owner needs to complete the reassembly and installation of upgrade components. Engine and drive train is installed. Been in storage for 5 years.

Asking $6,500. Bubba, 303-229-5893, or email [email protected]

2007 VW Jetta GLI 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI- SCCA STU & World Challenge TC- Build from a body in white from VW, seam welded and caged by Built by Bones, and the rest of the car was built by SCR Performance. 2012 and 2013 SCCA RMD STU Champion, multiple lap records. Many spares. $45,000./OBO Call Michael 303-666-4113 see the car on www.go4itservices.com.

Race Tire and Wheel Inventory Sale One set of refurbished Panasport Ultralight wheels. 15 X 7.0” with 3.5” backspacing on a 4 X 4.5” bolt pattern.

Never run after being checked, magna-fluxed and refinished with fresh silver powder-coat. $600/set These are all used R-compound radial tires that have been properly stored in a climate-controlled basement. All have multiple heat cycles, but would be well suited for practice, testing and lapping days. Year of manufacture listed after description: Three (3) Goodyear RS - 275/35-18 - (2011) $20 each or $55/all Two (2) Hoosier R6 - 285/30-18 - (2010) $25 each or $45/pair One (1) BFGoodrich R1 - 285-30-18 - (2010) $30 Two (2) BFGoodrich R1 - 275-35-18 - (2011) - $30 each or $80/all Contact David Muramoto: [email protected]

Miscellaneous Race equipment Black vacuum-formed plastic twin air inlet for bumper or air-box. Measures 15.5 X 9.5”. $30 Two 1/2” plastic socket holders from Craftsman and Pittsburg Mfg. These are designed for deep metric sockets and go from 10-34 mm. $5/each Contact David Muramoto: [email protected]

Formula Ford, FF2000 and Formula Atlantic mechanical and body parts Crankshafts, camshafts, front and rear suspension, steering, anti-sway, front and rear uprights, pistons, rods, rocker arm assemblies, intake manifolds, headers, flywheels, clutches, bolt-on and knock-off wheels, noses, side panels, crush boxes, tails and snorkels for Lola, Van Diemen, Swift, etc. A trailer-load of parts, located in north Denver. Buy some or buy all. Call Ron Kessinger at (303)287-7092.

24


http://www.go4itservices.com




Post Your Stuff SCCA member? Advertise your personal racing stuff here for free. Ads in by the 3rd of each month will be in the same month’s issue. Contact [email protected].

More classifieds are posted by forum users and updated more frequently on the Colorado Region Forum

David Muramoto - 2015 Jim Eichorn Award recipient.

The Jim Eichorn Award is for good sportsmanship in Racing

David let another driver use his race car during the 2015 season in an effort to encourage participation.

Well done David.

25

http://www.coloradoscca.org/msg/


Advertiser Index

Please support these loyal Redline advertisers

Go4It Racing Services: 303-666-4113 Go4It Racing Schools

The McColl Team: 303-940-9128 www.homes4racers.com

3R Racing Services: 303.781.0774 shop.3rauto.com

Rocky Mountain Autosports: 970-282-3446 Rocky Mountain Autosports

Road Racing Services: 303-973-8005 Road Racing Services

REV UP YOUR SALES

COLORADOSCCA.ORG is the official website of Colorado Region SCCA (Sports Car Club of America). Advertising on the site presents an excellent and affordable opportunity for Denver metro businesses to attract customers from the local racing community. The SCCA has the largest amateur racing presence in the state and draws drivers, crew and spectators to the website and newsletter. The club recently won a national award for it‘s accelerated membership growth, and that growth is expected to continue now that High Plains Raceway has opened it‘s doors just east of Denver.

Redline is the official newsletter of the Colorado Region SCCA , published online monthly January-November. In January 2009 Redline was adapted to a web-based format. In just a few short months readership has increased dramatically and currently accounts for about 25% of the club‘s (non message board) web traffic. READERSHIP • 15,000 page views each month; 25% are regular readers of Redline • Ads are displayed at random on each page, so readers may see every ad on the most

popular pages. • The average reader spends about one full minute reading each page. • The website and Redline magazine reader base is a targeted car and racing enthusiast

audience, based primarily in Colorado. • Several times each month, the entire local SCCA membership (2,000+) receives

reminder emails about events, website postings and a Redline publication notice.

26

http://www.go4itservices.com/

http://www.homesforracers.com/

http://shop.3rauto.com/

http://www.rockymtnautosports.com/

http://www.racetracktires.com/RaceTrackTires/HOME___CONTACT.html


Rearview Mirror By REDLINE

Andy commented “Anyone with a race car with lots of spares and no driver, I’m available.”

Andy Melvin accepts the 2015 Leadfoot and Rookie of the Year trophies.

The Leadfoot trophy is awarded to the person that drives in a “spectacular and unwarranted fashion”. Andy crashed his FF racing at the Kansas City Majors resulting in his nomination for the Leadfoot award.

But then went on to finish a spectacular 5th place at the Daytona runoffs resulting in the RMDiv Rookie of the Year honors.

27


28

image your full-page “back-cover” ad herecontact [email protected] for information

DavidMuramoto,IllusionMotorsportsandZorroRacingwouldliketoTHANKourloyalsponsorsforanincredible2015season:NissanMotorsports,NISMO,BFGoodrichTires,CobaltFric;onracingpads,Enkeiwheels,Motullubricants,SummitRacingequipmentandlast,butnotleast,mywonderfulwifeKathy!



volume 2016 issue 01 - jan 2016 - colorado region scca · welcome to the new redline. we are trying...

Documents