MMW V5 Issue 2

© MotorWerks Magazine - 1

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2 - DEC 2015Published by TreeFree Publishing

a Division of Webtronic Enterprises

THE ULTIMATE READING EXPERIENCE

HARD WORK PAYS OFFSeason wrap-up for LAP Motorsport

2 - MotorWerks Magazine - The Ultimate Reading Experience!

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HOW TO REACH US

Hals t on Pi tman

Norman Ne lson

Craig Ne lson

Fos t er Pe t er s

John Scr oeder

A l ic y n Dr ew

Jake Gals t ad

Michae l J. Deschamps

Janis Rae

Dir ec t or Pho t ogr aphy

Pho t ogr apher

Pho t ogr apher

Pho t ogr apher

Pho t ogr apher

Pho t ogr apher

Pho t ogr apher

Pho t ogr apher

Pho t ogr apher

PHOTOGRAPHY

Norman Ne lson

Dav id Lew is

Cra ig Ne lson

Thom Ross i

Chr is Knox

Ashle igh Morr is

John Vend i t t i

Michae l J. Deschamps

Wes t Coas t USA Ed i t or

Mid Wes t USA Ed i t or

Eas t Coas t Ed i t or

Sen ior Wr i t er

Sen ior Wr i t er

Sen ior Wr i t er

Sen ior Wr i t er

Sen ior Wr i t er

EDITORIAL

Ian RaeEdi t or - in -Chie f / Publ isher

a Division of Webtronic Enterprises

Pub l i shed By Tr eeFr ee Pub l i sh ing

Phone: (905) [email protected]


CONTENTS ***

FEATURES

38 Hard Work Pays Off

56 Christi Says Release your Inner Ego

68 Flying The Flag - MINI USA Corrals

74 Are We There Yet?

76 British Car Day 2015

126 My First Track Day


CONTENTS ***

REGULAR COLUMNS

4 On The Grid

10 On The Schedule

22 Product News

134 Featured Photographer

142 Contact Point

RACING

80 Through The Mists of Time

88 2015 BMW Season Wrapup

102 Hume Media Rocks Targa

118 End of an Era


ON THE GRID ***

Start of the Silly Season!

We have a bit of good news for BMW fans if the rumor proves correct. Back in 2013 we met a nice young racer called Michael Essa at Sonoma Raceway. Essa would go on to win that year’s

Formula DRIFT championship in a BMW M3 without factory support of any kind. In 2014 he partnered with SLP Motorsports running a Chevy Camaro but the rumor we have heard is he is returning to the BMW for 2016. As they say, watch this space!

TLSS Wins 13 Hour at VIR

The Little Speed Shop Motorsports #89 Car Finishes First Overall at VIRginia International Raceway

Alton, Virginia (October 25, 2015) – It was a grueling 13 hours of driving for Ken D’Arcy, Sam Schultz and Peter Argetsinger on Saturday for SCCA’s HalloweenDay/Night 13 Hour Enduro at VIR. But the #89 car ended up in victory lane with the overall and class win. In a field of over 40 cars, this win solidified the bright future that lies ahead for this young, new race team. The team qualified P8 (P3 in

class ITE) on Friday night and started the race at 8am Saturday morning with D’Arcy behind the wheel of the #89 BMW M3. Under perfect track and weather conditions D’Arcy, Argetsinger and Schultz shared driving responsibilities and worked their way up the field throughout the day. The Little Speed Shop crew performed pit stops every hour and a half; changing drivers, tires, refueling and checking the over the vehicle. The meticulous preparation of the car allowed for a maintenance-free operation during the race.As the sun went down and the headlights went on the #89 car found itself sitting comfortably in

P4 overall (P2 in class). D’Arcy, followed by Argetsinger, drove their stints without incident moving the car up to P3 (P2 in class) with a 2-lap lead. An endurance race of this length requires focus and consistency, where a minor mistake or mechanical failure could take any car right out of the race. The #89 car held steady and Argetsinger handed over the final driving stint to Sam Schultz at around 9pm. Schultz did not let up, turning some of the cars quickest lap times in the dark in the last couple hours of the race. With 40 minutes left, the lead car fell out of the race with electrical problems, moving the No. 89 car


ON THE GRID ***

to P1 overall with a two lap lead. Schultz kept steady and drove home the win for the team. The consistency from the drivers and preparedness from The Little Speed Shop crew proved to be the winning combination. The e92 BMW M3 competed in the ITE Class, which showcases the world’s most prominent auto manufacturers such as BMW, Porsche, Chevrolet, Mazda and Ford. The team completed 333 laps in around the historic VIRginia International Raceway during the 13 hours. The fastest lap time turned by the #89 car was 2:02.818 on lap 110.Ken D’Arcy: “The best thing about endurance racing is it is truly a team effort, and it took a great team effort to win this race!”

Peter Argetsinger: “Our plan was to run consistently, stay out of trouble, and smooth pit stops- everyone executed that plan and did their jobs. Congratulations to the entire Little Speed Shop Crew and my fellow co-drivers. It was great fun.”Sam Schultz: “It was a great showing by the entire team from start to finish. Consistency was what we set out to do, and my co-drivers and I did our part. The teams strategy and stops kept us right on step. This truly was an awesome win!”Kevin VanValkenburgh, owner of The Little Speed Shop: “Winning the 13 hour race is a milestone for our team, what a great way to end the season! There is so much hard work and preparation

that goes into an endurance race like this to have the car, drivers and crew perform flawlessly is quite an accomplishment. We look forward to carrying this momentum into next season.”The Little Speed Shop is Rochester, NY Premier automotive service and race specialty shop focusing on BMW, Porsche, Audi and Volkswagon. Located at 1770 Emerson St. Rochester, NY 14606. The Little Speed Shop prepares and fabricates vehicles for all levels of competition and track use. For more information please call 585-647-0339 or visit www.thelittlespeedshop.com .

Keep up with the latest team information on The Little Speed Shop’s Facebook page.


The Roar Before the 24 - Testing at Daytona International Speedway

MINI JCW Racing TeamWe were talking to Luis Perocarpi of LAP Motorsports as the MINI JCW Racing Team continued to impress during the weekend test. He said, “ I am really happy with the test so far. We have been working with our suppliers KW Suspension and Wavetrac and they gave us various options that we shared between the cars and you can see we have found things that work. The Wavetrac diff change has taken away our power on understeer and you can see by our mph on the banking (150 mph) we are having no trouble getting onto the banking at speed. KW gave us three options for our shock package and their engineers are working with us to make the best one even better.”Team engineer Rob Ridgely elaborated on what Perocarpi said, “The Mini JCW Team was very happy with the fruits of our off season development. This was shown as the cars rolled off the transporter in very competitive form as was shown when they posting the third and seventh fastest times of the first practice session, then with some small balance adjustments improving to second and fourth fastest in the second practice session.It was a welcome surprise when BMW regular Ashley Freiberg posted the fastest time for the team in the fifth practice session, in only her second session in the JCW Mini. Considering most of her career has been spent in rear wheel drive cars this foreshadows

an impressive future with the team as we continue to develop the performance of the car and adjust it to suit Ashley’s handling preferences.The test was very successful as we were able to validate all the development that was done in the short off season, being able to test the many new parts and ideas to increase the performance of the JCW Mini ecourages us heading into the Rolex 24 weekend and the BMW Performance 200 race. Now it is back to the shop to address what we have learned and consolidate all we have learned into all three cars before heading back here to Daytona in three weeks.”Newcomer to the team, Canadian James Vance told us, “I could not be happier to of signed with the MINI JCW team. After spending the weekend at the Roar test with them, i have never felt more at home within a team. The key to success in racing is to have

a good group of people behind you that will have your back no matter what, and work tirelessly to find solutions to any problem so we can move forward, and thats exactly what the guys at LAP Motorsports do. It gives me great pleasure to wake up each day and be able to represent such a great brand with so much heritage, it really does, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. The car itself in a handling respect is probably the most fun I have ever had driving a race car. The balance of it was flawless and once we got around the little bugs in the electronics the power delivery utilizing our little turbo was incredible! All in all, I cannot wait for the season to start, and I know without a doubt that I have made the right decision in going to MINI, and I hope to be able to repay them with the results they deserve on track!”

James Vanceclimbs aboard.


BimmerWorld BMWTeam principal James Clay was happy with the results from the Roar. He told us, “On the new front, Kyle Tilley and Jerry Kaufman are in the #81 car progressively came up to speed and will be a good duo going forward and we provided another positive data point for our upgrades to improve last year’s cooling issues that have been the focus of our development this winter. On a more familiar front, Tyler and I work well together and being in the same car this year pushes us both for results. It should be a good race and a good season.”Jerry Kaufmann elaborated, “I’m not a stranger to the Bimmerworld team and I’m certainly not a stranger to racing in a BMW. The Roar felt surprisingly comfortable, so I’m very excited to be back this week for the race. The Bimmerworld team has been busy doing a full nut and bolt check out on the car, so I am comfortable we should be very quick.”

Jerry Kaufman

Photo: Halston Pitman, MSM

A happy Tyler Cooke said, “Getting to partner with James Clay is exciting for me. James and I have worked and raced alongside each other for three years, but in other cars. It’s going to be a strong year for us both having experience under our belt with the new F30 and the team developing the car in the off season. Thank you to OPTIMA Batteries, Lifeline Fire Systems, and A Natural Difference Skin Care for the support for 2016.”

Turner Motorsport New Car, Same Attitude!We had a discussion with Turner Motorsport team principal Will Turner in the days running up to the Rolex 24 and he told us, “I was pleasantly surprised at how things went with the new cars at the Roar. Being the first time that these cars turned a wheel, I was cautiously optimistic in regards to their reliability. Both cars ran flawlessly throughout the three-day test, although we were not the fastest car, we were not the slowest, so we will work on being consistent and staying out of trouble during the race and see where we end up” He continued, “It’s nice to have some straightaway speed this year- the Z4 never had the top end that is needed to keep up at Daytona.” When questioned about new driver Ashley Freiburg stepping into the M6 GT3 with more power and grip than she is used to he replied, “Ashley has been doing a great job – she really seemed to gel with the team right away. She likes the car and we are happy to have her onboard”


Other Racing News!

Morgan Hill, Calif. (January, 2016) – Dinan Engineering has a long standing in the world of racing, having been involved in motorsport at all levels for decades. From successful Grand-Am campaigns to autocross events all over the country, BMW enthusiasts who want to go racing call Dinan. In an effort to further expand their support for grassroots motorsport, Dinan has entered into a partnership with D’Arcy Racing/The Little Speed Shop to provide engines for their E36 M3 and E92 M3 race cars over the coming year.

D’Arcy Racing/TLSS Motorsports has been competing in both professional and club racing event since its inception in 2011. While the team competes in sprint races on occasion, the main focus is endurance races of 2 ½ hours to 24 hours. The car has finished in the top half of the field in every race it has competed with multiple podiums in the 4 hour and longer races, most recently an overall win at the prestigious 13hour Charge of the Headlight Brigade held at VIR (Virginia International Raceway).

Ken D’Arcy had previously done a great deal of amateur racing at various tracks through the US and Canada. In his very first endurance race, Ken finished 2nd in class and 3rd overall and was behind the wheel for three hours

of the four. Ken has successfully competed in BMW Club Racing, NASA, SCCA, PBOC, HSR and IMSA Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge events with numerous podium finishes.

This year they will continue to campaign the E92 M3 in numerous events sanctioned by multiple organizations, including BMW Club Racing, SCCA, PBOC and the highly competitive Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) series. The team will also attend many HPDE (high performance driver education) events with both the E92 and E36. Dinan will contribute engines, parts, as well as both technical and financial support. Race fans should expect to see D’Arcy Racing and their Dinan-equipped cars at a variety of events and would welcome the opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts and answer questions about Dinan product. Events will

be posted on all Dinan and The Little Speed Shop social media sites.

“Dinan has been deeply involved in racing for almost as long as we’ve been a company. Steve always made racing a priority as he felt that the race track was the best possible place to develop potent and reliable parts. We see this partnership with D’Arcy Racing and The Little Speed Shop as the perfect opportunity to not only support racing at a grassroots level but to continue to test and develop our product,” said Stephen Freeth, motorsports manager for Dinan.For more information on Dinan’s products, signature vehicles and motorsports activities, visit www.dinancars.com. Follow Dinan on Instagram, Facebook and Google Plus.

Dinan continues to embrace motorsports at all levels through their involvement with D’Arcy Racing.


Neal family updatesAt the PRI Show we caught up with three-time British Touring Car Championship Champion, Matt Neal. Beside talking about his great range of Team Dynamics wheels the conversion got around to his son Henry, who has been racing MINIs in the 2015 UK MINI Challenge. Third generation racer Henry is stepping it up for 2016 and will be racing a Gen3 car along with Mark Wakefield. Henry’s car will be run out of the Team Dynamics shop in Pershore, Worcs along with Matt and Gordon ‘Flash’ Sheddon’s BTCC Honda’s. An excited Neal Jr told us, “I absolutely can’t wait to start the season, in February we’re testing in Spain with Honda Yuasa BTCC cars and we’re going to take the Gen3 with us, which I’m obviously super excited about!” When asked if about having his father on hand at races he

replied, ‘Luckily not many of the rounds clash with the BTCC so hopefully the old man and the ‘old-old’ man (grandfather Steve) will be able to come to a few to give me a hand! Dad always talks me through the circuits and gives me lots of guidance & advice so I’m well prepared for each race. The grid this year is full of talented drivers so it really is going to be a challenge. I just hoping for some exciting clean racing!”Henry is not the only Neal making changes, twin brother Will who is currently in Australia will be taking over the MINI Cooper that Henry drove to his maiden MINI Challenge win in 2015.

Editors Note:While many know about Matt Neal and his racing pedigree many on the West side of the Atlantic may not know about his father Steve’s motorsport

heritage. Steve is currently team principal of Team Dynamics Motorsport as well as owner of the Rimstock wheel manufacturing business. Back in 1965 he joined the famed Equipe Arden team for half of the season’s races. His best finish was a podium at the last race of the season. 1966/67 saw the midlander again run partial seasons with Arden, highlighted by his first win in the British Saloon Car Championship beating out works driver John Rhodes. 1968 saw Neal move over to the works Cooper Car Company team to partner Rhodes where he was a constant threat and collected many podiums but only one more win at the famed Crystal Palace circuit in London. After losing factory backing in 1969 the team reappeared as the Britax Cooper Dowtown team and another great rival became his teamate. Gordon Spice and Neal were in great form, Spice challenging for the championship and Neal attaining seven podiums through the year. He would also miss one event in the hope that would help Spice win the season title. Even with beating the works cars Neal decided it was time to leave the championship and move onto other things. While Matt never raced a Mini in his career he did drive some BMWs for his fathers new Team Dynamics concern winning the Independent drivers title in 1993. So with lots of Mini and racing heritage on his side young Henry should be one to watch in 2016.


ON THE SCHEDULE ***

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 24 – After much anticipation, MINI USA today announced the official route for the 2016 running of MINI TAKES THE STATES . The legendary biennial cross-country owners rally will kick off at Road Atlanta in northeast Georgia on July 9, 2016 and finish at the Thermal Club in Palm Springs, CA, on July 23, 2016. In true MINI TAKES THE STATES fashion, the route will not take a direct path from point A to point B. The more than 4,000-mile “track-to-track”

adventure will travel up the east coast, across the Great Plains and over the Rocky Mountains before arriving in Southern California. The legendary adventure, which attracts thousands of MINI owners and enthusiasts every other year, will pay tribute to the brand’s motorsports heritage by stopping at several professional race tracks to host driving experiences along the way. “MINI TAKES THE STATES is one of the most anticipated experiences that the MINI community takes part in every other year,” said David

Duncan, Vice President MINI of the Americas. “Owning a MINI is about being a part of a community and never is that more evident than during MINI TAKES THE STATES. We can’t wait to hit the road this summer!” MINI TAKES THE STATES 2016 will leave Atlanta making stops in Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, and Baltimore, MD. The route then turns slightly west heading towards stops in Pittsburgh, PA, and Detroit, MI. The group of owners and MINI employees will then head north and cross over the legendary Mackinac Bridge,

MINI USA ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL ROUTE FOR MINI TAKES THE STATES 2016


ON THE SCHEDULE ***

considered to be a rite of passage for thousands of MINI owners who have participated in the biennial MINI on the Mack event before arriving in St. Ignace, MI. After crossing over into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the route heads along the banks of Lake Michigan to Green Bay, WI, before heading west for stops in Minneapolis, MN, and Sioux Falls, SD. The rallying MINI owners will then motor across the Great Plains and through the Black Hills where they’ll make a pit stop in Sturgis, SD, home of the legendary motorcycle rally. The route then heads south for the final legs of the epic journey making stops in Cheyenne, WY, Park City, UT, and Las Vegas, NV, before finally crossing the finish line in Palm Springs, CA. Stay tuned for more updates or visit MINITAKESTHESTATES.com to receive email updates. For blog posts and press images from MINI TAKES THE STATES 2014 please visit the MTTS 2014 page on MINIUSANEWS.com. Media interested in updates on MINI USA can also follow us on Twitter at @MINIUSANEWS.

Our very own West Coast Editor Norman Nelson will again be joining MTTS with his lovely wife Jesse for the whole event and is currently looking at transportation for West Coast MINIacs to Atlanta. Right: Photos from 2014 MTTS courtesy Peter Iannaco


As part of a “State of the Series” presentation that included the introduction of WeatherTech as new entitlement partner and the announcement of a 10-year extension of official partnerships with TUDOR and ROLEX, IMSA officials unveiled a 12-event schedule for the 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.The schedule opens with the 54th Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31, which will be the debut event at the new Daytona International Speedway motorsports stadium following the completion of the $400 million DAYTONA Rising project. The WeatherTech Championship Prototype (P) class will feature a 10-race schedule, while an 11-race calendar is planned for the Prototype Challenge (PC), GT Le Mans (GTLM) and GT Daytona (GTD) classes. Every venue on the 2016 WeatherTech Championship schedule hosted the series in 2015. Notable modifications include the addition of the PC class alongside the P and GTLM classes at Long Beach on April 16, the inclusion of all four classes (addition of GTD) at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on July 10 and the addition of GTLM to the PC and GTD classes at Lime Rock Park on July 23.

“The schedule of world-class venues that host WeatherTech Championship events continue to be one of IMSA’s most significant assets for our stakeholders and race fans,” said IMSA President Scott Atherton. “We’ve been able to confirm our following year’s schedule in August for the second consecutive year, which provides clear direction for our teams as they make their plans and speaks to the great relationships

we’ve developed with our event promoters. Wherever possible, we’ve also preserved date equity and made strategic additions to the content at some venues, giving us 12 strong events in 2016. I’ve said it before, but our 2016 calendar provides our teams, marketing partners and most especially, our fans, with one of the best schedules in the industry – we couldn’t be more pleased.”The WeatherTech Championship will continue to be anchored by four prestigious endurance events – also collectively known as the Tequila Patrόn North American

Endurance Cup. Following the Rolex 24, the series moves to Sebring International Raceway on March 19 for the 64th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida. The Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen moves back one week from its traditional date in 2016 to July 3, and the season will conclude on Oct. 1 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia with the Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda.

In addition to the endurance events and the previously mentioned event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, all four WeatherTech Championship classes also will be featured at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on May 1, Road America on Aug. 7 and

Circuit of The Americas on Sept. 17.Detroit’s Belle Isle Park again hosts the P, PC and GTD classes on June 4 as GTLM teams take their traditional break for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and VIRginia International Raceway will showcase the two WeatherTech Championship GT classes on Aug. 21.In addition to the race schedule, IMSA officials an IMSA-sanctioned test for all four WeatherTech Championship classes at Daytona International Speedway on Nov. 17-18. This test will be the first of two IMSA-sanctioned preseason

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 2016 Schedule Unveiled

12-Race Calendar Featuring North America’s Most Iconic Sports Car Events And Venues Confirmed


tests at Daytona, joining the Roar Before The Rolex 24, which will be held on Jan. 8-10, 2016. Complete broadcast details will be released later, but all races again will be televised by FOX Sports. 2016 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Schedule Date Event/Venue/Location (Classes Participating)Jan. 30-31 Rolex 24 At Daytona (All)Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, Florida March 19 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida (All)Sebring International Raceway – Sebring, Florida

April 16 Tequila Patrón Sports Car Showcase at Long Beach (P, PC, GTLM)Long Beach Street Circuit – Long Beach, California May 1 Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix (All)Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – Monterey, California June 4 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix (P, PC, GTD)Belle Isle Park – Detroit, Michigan July 3 Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen (All)Watkins Glen International – Watkins Glen, New York July 10 Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix presented by Hawk Performance (All)Canadian Tire Motorsport Park –

Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada July 23 Northeast Grand Prix (PC, GTLM, GTD)Lime Rock Park – Lakeville, Connecticut Aug. 7 Continental Tire Road Race Showcase (All)Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Aug. 21 Oak Tree Grand Prix (GTLM, GTD)VIRginia International Raceway – Alton, Virginia Sept. 17 Lone Star Le Mans (All)Circuit of The Americas – Austin, Texas Oct. 1 Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda (All)Road Atlanta – Braselton, Georgia


At the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) “State of the Series” presentation to industry stakeholders tonight in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, IMSA officials unveiled a 10-race schedule for the 2016 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.The schedule features a return to every venue that hosted the Continental Tire Challenge in 2015, and all events will be run as a companion to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Every race will be two hours, thirty minutes in length and will include both the Grand Sport (GS) and Street Tuner (ST) classes. “The consistency from year to year in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge schedule speaks to the depth and quality of the racing in the series,” said IMSA President Scott Atherton. “The Continental Tire Challenge plays an important role in many of our event weekends as the featured race on the day before our IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship headliner. IMSA fans love the nonstop action provided by the Continental Tire Challenge.” The 2016 Continental Tire Challenge schedule follows its traditional configuration and opens with a race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Jan. 29 as part of the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend. The 2016 event takes on added significance as it will be the showcase for

2015 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge schedule finalized

10-race schedule begins at Daytona on Jan. 23

the debut of the new Daytona International Speedway motorsports stadium after the completion of the $400 million DAYTONA Rising project. From Daytona, the Continental Tire Challenge moves to Sebring International Raceway on Friday, March 18 as part of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh From Florida event weekend. The series then heads west for its lone California race of the season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday, April 30.Watkins Glen International again will host the Continental Tire Challenge on Saturday, July 2, followed by the lone trip north of the border for the series to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park one week later on Saturday, July 9. Lime Rock Park hosts the series on July 22-23, followed by Road America on Aug. 6 and VIRginia International Raceway on Aug. 20.

The Circuit of The Americas will host the penultimate round of the Continental Tire Challenge on Sept. 16, and the 2016 season wraps up at Road Atlanta on Friday, Sept. 30.

2016 IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Schedule Date Event/Venue Jan. 29 - Daytona International SpeedwayMarch 18 - Sebring International RacewayApril 30 - Mazda Raceway Laguna SecaJuly 2 - Watkins Glen InternationalJuly 9 - Canadian Tire Motorsport ParkJuly 22-23 - Lime Rock ParkAug. 6 - Road AmericaAug. 20 - VIRginia International RacewaySept. 16 - Circuit of The AmericasOct. 1 - Road Atlanta


The big news out of the Ontario road-racing arena on the strike of midnight Dec 31st is the merging of the newly announced Canadian Sportscar Sprint Series with Alan Balinsky’s Ontario Road Racing Association for 2016. Balinsky explained, “The ORRA is merging with CS3 to give all of you the best, biggest and

most fun bang for your buck in amateur racing!! Talking to CS3 they are exactly what I have been seeking for the ORRA, they want to give you the best experience, best time possible for the lowest $$$$$!” He went on, “Yes, the series will be ASN sanctioned with full fire, medical, safety and insurance. The rules will strictly

enforce NON-CONTACT as we have in previous years and racers will require minor updates to comply with rules that satisfy the insurance company. Drivers will not require a license but those with no experience will have to attend an orientation in the morning prior to going on track. Wendy Edwards-Sanfilippo and

ORRA to merge with fledgling Canadian Sportscar Sprint Series

Non Contact Racing and Lapping at CTMP GP track for an amazing $299



Sal Sanfilippo are the people behind CS3 and they share my vision of the series. They run ChumpCar Canada and their vast experience running a top flight race series is why I asked to merge with them and I see only good things going forward.”The event will comprise of three twenty-five minute races and lapping. The price for the CTMP Mosport GP events of which there are three is an affordable $299. Calabogie is also on the calendar for Ontario racers but there are races at Atlantic Motorsport Park and Edmonton for those wishing to travel further afield! Short track races at either Shannonville

or TMP are being considered and will be announced in the futureBalinsky continued, “There will be three classes, tube chassis cars, tub chassis cars on street tires and cars that run street tires! Those with transponders will be able to have timing and scoring. Rental transponders may be available and for those that aren’t concerned with scoring you are welcome to race too. Lappers are welcome to enter just the lapping sessions at the same price of only $299.00.More details will follow over the next few weeks as we finalize the small details. You vehicle will be teched, however as long as

your car can pass any road race sanctioning bodies tech you won’t have an issue. With a program like this we will have to limit entries to a first come first served basis. As with the ORRA you will be required to pre pay your entry, no payment at the track. This is the biggest news to hit amateur racing in years! Be ready to join this amazing new series that will be the envy of every amateur road racer in Canada!”Until permanent Social Media sites can be set up further information can be found on the CS3 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1436689883249278/?fref=nf


With 2016 not too far away, fans of the MINI JCW Race Team are already anticipating the opening Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge race at the famed Daytona International Speedway on January 27-29. In an effort to give fans the ultimate trackside experience MINI USA has worked with DIS and are pleased to offer three-day tickets for both the CTSC and the Weathertech Sportcar Championship Rolex 24 at Daytona races. Our ‘MINI Patio Hospitality at DIS’ will feature a private Patio located on the front straight with views of the pitlane and the start/finish line. Admission to the patio is limited to the first forty fans signing up. The first twenty-five MINIs that sign up have the added bonus of

being able to reserve MINI/Mini Only parking right by the tram stop to the infield. In addition to the great views of the Daytona front stretch the fans will have two TVs to see all the on-track action. Tickets are going on sale at the incredibly attractive price of $110 per person. Refund policy goes here! Those wishing to see the MINI JCW team run their practice and qualifying sessions on Wed/Thurs will have to organize their own tickets to gain entry to the facility.

The tickets are for Friday to Sunday, allowing fans to take in both the Continental Tire race where the MINI JCW Racing Team will compete and the entire Rolex 24 event for sports cars. Friday’s

MINI JCW activities starts with a final practice at 9:35 to 10:05 before the cars are assembled for the CTSC grid walk at 12:45. The grid will be cleared at 1:35 for the formation laps. The two and a half hour long BMW Performance 200 event will start at 1:45.

The WeatherTech Championship drivers will be available Saturday morning in the Fanzone for an autograph session before being introduced to the fans at 12:40. The grid opens up for the Grid Walk at 12:45 – 1:45. The race starts at 2:10 and runs until 2:10 on Sunday afternoon.

3-day tickets can be purchased by signing up at www.msreg.com/minidis

Amazing MINI USA Patio available for the complete Daytona Race Weekend

Great views over the front straightaway at DIS from reserved patio


Private covered patio tickets Fri - Sun

$115 per person

MINI Only parking for first 25 MINIs

Admission limited to 40 people

Come join our MINI Patio Hospitality on the Front Stretch at Daytona for both the CTSC and the Rolex 24 Hours.

January 29-31 at Daytona International Speedway

BMWPerformance . . . . . . 200

Lunch provided Friday by MINI USA

Soft drinks provided on Sat / Sun

2 TVs with track feed

Located on front straight with view

of start / finishGet your tickets from

http://Motorsportsreg.com/minidis

Brought to you by MotorWerks Magazine



Our West Coast Editor Norman Nelson recently sat down with Miles Ahead principals Ted Woener and Stephan Gregoire to discuss the new track day format they will be using at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The new format will offer more access to the MINI motoring enthusiast with broader options and more affordable opportunities.Miles Ahead will remain at the world famous Indy race track and have the same talented professional instructors, but incorporating what they have dubbed the “Hypercross” which will be somewhat of an autocross and driving experience. The participants will still get the introductory laps following some

A New Look for Miles Ahead MINI Driving School in 2016

of the Indy instructors, but add in some autocross exercises and friendly competition. By splitting up the sessions into shorter spurts, they can offer packages starting as low as $99. They have also worked with the Indianapolis Museum to offer package tours to make the day a complete motoring experience.The program will continue to use the F56 John Cooper Works MINIS as this car offers the optimum performance to the widest range of drivers. From the first timer on course to the experienced racer, the JCW is capable of providing the challenges and stability for everyone.In our next issue we will provide a full report on the new and

improved program with all the details.

Editors Note:Having completed the Miles Ahead school in the Fall of 2014 I have to say that this change will allow many more MINIacs the chance of adding to their bucket list at a very affordable cost. Believe me, there is nothing like crossing that yard of brick at speed; up to recently it was something restricted to Indycar, NASCAR, Grand Am or Formula 1 drivers. And adding in a ‘Hypercoss’ event to the experience just gets your competitive juices flowing. Without a doubt this will become a favorite of MINIacs come Christmas and birthday time.


PRODUCT NEWS ***

LIFELINE USA IS GO!

Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems are pleased to announce that a new facility has been set up to cater for the North American market. The new entity, called Lifeline USA, has been set up in partnership with racer, team owner and founder of BimmerWorld, James Clay. Lifeline USA will be based in Dublin, Virginia and will distribute, service and re-fill the entire range of Lifeline fire suppression systems, giving the North American market unrivalled access to Lifeline’s unique service and maintenance expertise.In addition to the entire fire suppression systems range, Lifeline USA will also offer Lifeline’s ranges of quick releases, rain lights and mirrors. Initially, Lifeline USA will focus on the Road Racing market, but development plans for dedicated Circle Track and Drag Racing SFI systems are already underway and will be on offer in the future.“I am very proud to set up Lifeline USA” commented James Clay. “It is an honour to be working with a fantastic company like Lifeline to be able to bring a superior product line to the American market. I am very much looking forward to bringing

the existing Lifeline products to the market, as well as developing brand new, US racing series focussed, ranges.”Jim Morris, Managing Director for Lifeline, stated; “James not only has a very good understanding of the needs of the racer when choosing fire suppression

equipment, he also has great expertise in distribution and so we are delighted to have him on board for Lifeline USA.”

For further information, visit www.lifeline-fire.com or contact [email protected].

PRI Show report


PRODUCT NEWS ***

Powerbrake Expands Into North AmericaConcord, NCNoted South African brake manufacturer was present at PRI to showcase their line of brake products that will be available in North America in 2016. Started in South Africa in 2004 by a small team of technical people that all had extensive prior experience in the braking industry, the company was established in the city of Pretoria, which is home to a strong base of high-tech manufacturing companies and research institutions that service the automotive, aerospace and other high-tech industries.South Africa has strong motorsport heritage with a wide range of different race series and National Championships, ranging

from circuit and rally to a very competitive national off-road racing series. Many of the leading off-road race cars in the world (for FIA Cross Country World Cup and Dakar Rally use) are designed and built in South Africa and tested and developed in the South African national off-road race series. These race cars are sold to off-road race customers world-wide. Racing in South Africa has always been extremely competitive and this has been proven by the number of South African drivers that have achieved successes in international motorsport over the years.South African motorsport teams place a particularly high priority on the durability

of the components that they use. In addition to this, South Africa has a number of short, tight race circuit’s that place extreme demands on brake components. Powerbrake’s founders carefully studied the race brake components that were being imported from Europe and supplied to South African race teams at the time of the companies inception. The components were expensive and, while typically fairly light-weight, these products often had a poor reputation in terms of durability under South African circuit and off-road race conditions.Powerbrake was formed to develop a range of high-performance and race brake products that would offer local race teams and enthusiasts a range of extremely tough, durable race components that would offer exceptional brake performance at a competitive price.Many brake manufacturers world-wide start off supplying their brake components to the high-performance street market and then eventually move into the track and race markets. At Powerbrake the primary focus from the outset was on racing. Powerbrake’s very first brake system design, that included their X-Line PB44L caliper (featuring separate pad-per-piston design) and heavy-duty 2-piece floating rotor assemblies (featuring staggered cooling vane design) was supplied to the factory-backed BMW Super Production


Car team competing in the premier A-Class of the Bridgestone Production Car National Championship race series. At the time the team moved from a well know European brand to Powerbrake. After fitting the Powerbrake system to the first factory car, the team reported significant gains in brake performance and durability. They immediately ordered the same Powerbrake system for the second car in the team. The BMW Super Production Car team remained Powerbrake customers for six years after this until withdrawing from the race series. During this time they achieved countless race wins and won the National Championship running Powerbrake in 2014.When MINI joined the Bridgestone Super Production Car series in later years, the team again chose Powerbrake as their brake system supplier (based on the BMW success). Other teams in this premier National Championship race series who chose to run Powerbrake race brake systems included: Nissan, Opel, Renault, Ford and VW. Many of these teams chose to run Powerbrake’s first race caliper design, the X-Line PB44L, which remains in the Powerbrake range to this day and has proven time and again to be one of the leading 4-piston race calipers on the world market. As with all Powerbrake X-Line calipers, the PB44L is machined from solid billet aerospace-grade aluminum and with it’s ‘separate-pad-per-piston’ design it regularly outperforms competitive 6-piston race calipers.

Above: General Manager Delon Murphy explains what different calipers are used for.


The engineering team at Forgeline Motorsports has worked VERY hard, over the past few months, to complete eight brand new wheel designs that made their public debut at the 2015 SEMA Show , followed by the PRI show IN Indianapolis. These latest designs represent a broad range of styles and applications, while remaining focused on Forgeline’s deeply-rooted commitment to motorsport and performance engineering.

Forgeline has added three new models to the incredibly popular One Piece Forged Monoblock Series, including the brand new VX1, MT1, and GE1. The VX1 continues an exciting evolution in Forgeline monoblock styling, featuring a split five-spoke design (with long spokes that wrap around the lug holes), striking sharp angles, deep concave profile, and radically-chamfered outer edge. The MT1 shares the VX1’s deep concave profile and radically-chamfered outer edge and features a ten spoke mesh design with unique deeply-cut diamonds machined into the base of each spoke around the center of the wheel. And the GE1 is an 8-spoke center locking wheel that combines the latest in advanced wheel technology (forged monoblock construction, motorsport engineered design, I-beamed spokes, and I-beamed spoke spans) to deliver head-turning good looks with track-

ready capability. (A racing version of the GE1, the Competition Series GE1R, is also available. It is very similar to the GE1 but features a slightly more open design, making it ideal for competitive motorsport applications.) As with other Forgeline monoblock wheels, the

VX1, MT1, and GE1 wheels are available in 18, 19, 20, and 21 inch diameters with a range of widths and offsets and the usual full set of customizable finish options.Two of the new wheel designs, the TA3 and RS6, are part of

Forgeline’s new Heritage Series, classic designs that are retro-cool and work well with virtually every class of automobile. Designed to capture the nostalgic snowflake

look of iconic pony cars from another era, the TA3 wheel was first launched back in 2006. But though it was a popular design, it was available only in limited sizes and was eventually removed from the catalog. But now, in the spirit of the Heritage Series, we have re-launched the TA3 in both 18 and 19 inch diameters. The RS6 Centerlock is a brand new wheel design that was developed in cooperation with the skilled craftsmen at the Roadster Shop and debuted on their award-winning ’64 Corvette Coupe project, commissioned by Barry Blomquist. The RS6 is a unique retro-look six-spoke wheel with a shallow concave profile and stepped-lip outer that is available exclusively for center lock applications in 19 and 20 inch diameters. Both of the new Heritage Series wheels are available in a large range of widths and completely customizable offset and finish options.

Forgeline has also launched the latest three piece Concave Series wheel, the CV3C Concave. The CV3C features a muscular concave 7-spoke design with strong chamfered machining details around each spoke and a flat reverse-lip outer. This wheel is available in both

a deep concave profile (for the most striking appearance) and a shallow concave profile (to create a staggered look or to accommodate higher-offset

Forgeline unveils Eight New Wheels for SEMA/PRI

VX1

MT1


applications). It is available in 18, 19, 20, and 21-inch diameters and is fully customizable in fitment and finish, including center lock applications and your choice of exposed or hidden hardware.

And the latest wheel in Forgeline’s venerable Premier Series is the brand new CH3P, a clean and modern five-spoke design with subtle styling details that create a versatile wheel suitable for a broad range of vehicles. The CH3P was designed around a flat reverse outer (though it can be combined with a stepped lip outer, in limited sizes), and each spoke features a slight inverted taper and a sculpted dimensional valley machined into the spoke face. The CH3P is available in 18, 19, 20, and 22 inch sizes and, like any Forgeline wheel, is fully customizable in fitment and finish, including center lock applications and your choice of exposed or hidden hardware.More info at www.forgeline.com

GE1

We got this the other day from our good friends at BimmerWorld

New BimmerWorld Website Comes Online

Our new website, launched while you were sleeping last Wednesday night, is almost as revolutionary as our switch from pen and paper way back in 2003, and makes buying the best BMW performance parts from the market leader in customer service easier than ever before. The new site has taken both a cosmetic and functional leap forward:Search by car model and/or part numberAdvanced search result filtering to zero in on the parts you need quickly

Updated studio-quality product photosResponsive design for improved mobile device browsing performanceJust like a racecar, we will continue to dial the new site in to improve your experience. And as always, our knowledgeable staff are a phone call (or email, or live chat) away, and remain our most valuable asset when you need guidance or post-sale support.I can’t wait for you to visit the site and see it yourself.

This is just the beginning. Here’s to many more years together. James Clay - BimmerWorld

CV3C

TA3


Buoyed by a successful Performance Racing Industry show in Indianapolis this past December, NA CARRERA Tires are pleased to announce their North American operation, NA Tires USA is now importing and distributing the NA Racing Tire full product line to competitors in the US and Canada. Using advanced and highly developed enhanced bias-ply technology and race proven compounds they are able to offer discerning drivers a new way to improve their on track performance. Many years of success in Latin America brings NA Tires USA the confidence that they have the right products at the right time to meet North American Motorsport Competitors needs and assist them to win on track

The sales team out of South America was ably assisted at PRI by three of the racers with the most experience of the tires in the Northern Hemisphere. Eric Nummelin and Mark Clyde and Malcolm Strachan of Nummelin Motorsports had recently won their class at the BEMC Indian Summer 3 Hour Enduro at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Canada. Nummelin explained why he

is totally sold on the NA Tires product line, “I went for it as hard as possible and I was very pleased with the high levels of grip and feedback. The car was substantially more nimble than I had ever experienced before and I had to keep pushing the limits to see where they were as they were far higher than before. One important thing I noticed was that the car pulled far harder coming out of the turns and substantially reduced the power on understeer it had previously. Part of this is the increased grip levels and part of this is the substantial reduction in camber required which provides a much larger contact surface under acceleration. As well, I was able to brake far later and harder into the corners. I had superior braking and acceleration,

what more can you ask for. Besides that, after a twenty-lap run the tires were still looking brand new with only a small amount of graining on the inner edge of the front tire. I loved how this as it really shows the tires and car working good together. I am not exaggerating when I say that the car flat out flew through the tighter parts of the track.” He went on, “The lap times dropped from 1.22s to 1.18s and the temperature had risen. The 1.22 was on Toyos in 70 degree weather and the BEMC event was run in the 90s, so we were pretty happy with that improvement!”

All NA Racing Tires use an advanced evolutionary system of bias-ply technology to maximize driver feedback and vehicle performance. The tires benefit from a manufacturer led program of continuous compound development to better optimize on track results. NA produces racing tires with a wide range of compounds that are designed to fulfill a variety of racing vehicle application needs.

NA Tires USA coming to North America in 2016


NA Tires was founded in 1987 to supply the racing market in Argentina. From humble beginnings, the company grew within the fast growing Argentinian racing market and has become the recognized standard maximum performance racing tire that

Incognito at The Little Speed Shop

When we stopped off at The Little Speed Shop in Rochester, NY a few months back the owner, Kevin Van Valkenburgh gave me a tour of the Service shop and the Race shop. Tucked away in a corner of the race shop is the perfect melding of new and old Bavarian goodness. I am not going to give too much away but when completed this beauty is going to have the classic CSL look with the unpinnings and power of an e92 M3.

other International manufacturers are measured by. In the period since, NA has grown to become the largest racing tire supplier in all of Latin America. The NA Racing Tires line up of offerings includes a wide range of sizes and compounds that can fulfill the specific needs of different series, racetracks and a wide variety of cars, including GT, Formula and Sports Racers. From the beginning, the company has been dedicated to developing, designing, and producing the best racing tires possible to fulfill the needs of all levels of competition cars and the demands of the best drivers.More information can be found on the NA Tires USA website at www.natiresusa.comPhoto left Coburn Pix l Richard Coburn



While we were at PRI we got a chance to talk to Brian Vinson of Air Lift Performance who introduced us to their new bolt-on, direct OEM replacement 3H system. Being a bit of a purist when it comes to things like lowering cars I am one who believes that many slammed cars are not engineered properly and therefore can be dangerous. Vinson convinced me that their system are not only properly engineered but perfect for the many different looks people want these day. Lower and slam it for a show, lift the front to get over a curb or set it up for a track day and some spirited driving. This system can do it all, I was impressed.

LANSING, Mich. – Air Lift Performance, a leader in high-performance air suspension systems, has taken air management technology to the next level with the new Air Lift Performance 3H system. A powerful, reliable height and pressure system, 3H is the most advanced product ever created by Air Lift Performance.A result of three years of development and testing, the new 3H system combines pressure-based control with ride height sensing technology to factor both height and pressure together, so the right

height can be achieved without radical differences in pressure. With up to five custom presets, the system quickly adjusts to and maintains height and/or pressure with the push of a button.The 3H system is designed to improve the way consumers interact with their vehicles. The user-friendly controller, with a black, anodized, billet aluminum casing, features a full-color display with adjustable backlight for at-a-glance status of height and pressure conditions, tank pressure displays, and four corner height or pressure readings for individual air springs. The buttons on the soft-touch keypad provide physical feedback so the system can be adjusted without having to look at the controller. The controller can be dash-mounted or installed in any custom configuration, with a micro-USB cable flush-mounted on the back of the controller to maintain a low profile. An innovative alternative to using the controller is the free mobile app available for iOS, and coming soon for Android devices, which communicates directly with the manifold. No additional components are required, and users receive the latest system firmware updates through the app over a Bluetooth connection.

New Game Changing Air Lift Performance 3H Air Suspension System


The compact, fully-integrated manifold features advanced 32-bit processing power to drive the height and pressure algorithms for precise four-corner control. A unique, angular sensor arm provides improved height-sensing, reduced tension and increased sensor life. It has been torture-tested over 3,000,000 cycles, simulating 300,000 miles driven, for maximum performance. Air Lift Performance also conducted rigorous environmental testing on all hardware and software. The manifold and controller were baked to 167 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), and chilled to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure the manifold will stay free of water and dust, a 1,500 PSI water spray test was performed, and 100 percent of manifolds produced are end of line tested using advanced validation equipment.To handle changes in load or driving conditions such as cornering, the system’s anti-cross loading and axle equalization allows the system to consider both height and pressure measures together, to achieve the right height at the right pressure.The 3H features a show mode that allows users to

turn the car off and continue to control the system with the controller or the free mobile app. A rise on start function allows users to turn the key and the system takes the car right to the programmed ride height. For clean and easy installation, the 3H system’s key components require less drilling, wiring and take up less space than other air management systems. The user-friendly focus of the 3H system continues after installation with easy to follow calibration documents and intuitive controller menus.Created to offer maximum system value, the 3H system comes with everything for height and pressure control, and can be connected to existing, compatible height sensors. Users can also start with the Air Lift Performance 3P pressure-based system and then upgrade to the 3H system.Air Lift Company supports the Air Lift Performance 3H and 3P control systems with a Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original purchaser against any manufacturer defects. To learn more and see the 3H in action, visit: https://www.airliftperformance.com/product-lines/3h/.


Have you ever tried to fit a pedal box to a race car and found out that it is not a one size fits all proposition? Daryl Perusic have been thru all the busted knuckles and copius swearing that goes with an installation and decided thare had to be a better way to design a pedal box to make installation easier. And this is what he came up with.

The Ultimate Pedal Box from PE Racing

HISTORYCombine three decades in mechanical engineering with a deep passion for on- and off-road motorsport and the result is Perusic Engineering & PE Racing.Owner Daryl Perusic’s extensive background in production mechanics, thermo dynamics, fluid dynamics, and structural analysis as well as material science has seen Perusic Engineering work with companies and institutions as varied as the CSIRO, the Australian Defence Force, and Corse Automotive & Motorsport.The passion for motorsport has seen PE Racing work for clients across a range of motorsport disciplines that shared one key focus – performance. PE Racing is highly experienced with engineering components not only to meet CAMS and FIA requirements but also deliver that edge on or off the track.In-house design and manufacturing capabilities coupled with innovative and scientific approach to design ensures that PE Racing is able to deliver both engineering services and motorsport products that deliver results. LIGHTER AND STRONGEROur capability for precision engineering and a passion for performance made sure we focused on the important things: weight, strength, and reliability.By using aircraft alloys, titanium, and our patented pedal frame design, we’ve delivered on all three fronts in spades. The result is one of the strongest and most reliable pedal box units on the market

that remarkably weighs only 2kg.

PRECISION ENGINEERINGIt’s the little things that count and we’ve left nothing to chance. Engineered and built in Australia, PE Racing has taken the high road in ensuring quality by only using high performance materials and a quality controlled fabrication approach.Extensive CAD modelling and FEA simulations along with hours on and off road has seen us deliver the strength and rigidity to withstand the demands of brake lever loads, while continually delivering the precise control that motorsport demands.

INNOVATIVE DESIGNInnovation and being trackside is in our DNA. We looked at existing Pedal Box designs and knew we could do it better. The result is a next-generation patented design that makes it easier in the workshop and better on the track.We’ve lowered the floor stresses, reduced the need for floor modifying & stiffening, and delivered easier installation through our patented dual-adjustable mounting feet. This means a simpler and lower weight installation process that benefits you off and on the track.All drivers are different and we’ve designed a pedal-box that understands this. Inbuilt throttle spring return and easily and precisely adjustable linkage geometry ensures you’re able to get it exactly right


when it comes to the throttle. And our patented adjustable pedal system allows you find the incline angle, face position, and mechanical advantage that serves you best. THE MECHANICAL ADVANTAGEWhen it comes to mechanical advantage, pedal ratio is only part of the story. Too often we spoke to drivers who were using what they believed to be an ideal pedal ratio only to be let down by cylinder stroke and bore choice or the geometry of the pedal box design.Like any racer or engineer worth their salt, we went back to the beginning and looked at the physics and what we found astonished us. Through redesigning the pedal linkage system and master cylinder integration, we were able to maximise the mechanical advantage available with a geometric ratio varying between 3.5:1 to 3.9:1.This meant that we were able to deliver the same mechanical advantage in a more compact, lighter, and simplified way. For us, we consider that a win-win.

ENGINEERED TO PERFORMWhen it came to designing a performance-based pedal box, we saw it as a case of delivering the technical and racing advantage to drivers whether they are on the road, the track, or off-road.We’ve tested and developed for competition success across a range of disciplines including:• Road and Circuit Racing• Endurance Events• Open Wheel and Formula Racing• Rally and Off Road• Drifting

It’s through working along those on the track that has allowed us to develop a performance racing pedal box that is giving drivers that edge over their competitors.

We always welcome the opportunity to work with established racing drivers and teams.Web: www.peracing.com.auPhone: +61 415 586 890Email: [email protected]


BehindThe Lenswith David Lewis at PRI

Above and Below: VAC Motorsports were again on hand at PRI showcasing all their great products for BMWs and much more.Below Right: Former BTCC Champion Matt Neal talks wheels on the Team Dynamics stand.


Left: The BimmerWorld/Red Line Oil Chump CarAbove: Great wheels and great people, Forgeline showed off eight new wheels this year.Below: James Clay showed us how you can now put out a fire using a much smaller packege. Watch for an upcoming article.


Above: Gary Savage of Braille Battery checks out the MWM issue about batteries and in particular the GU1R that will be fitted to Cooper RSR. Braille is expanding into Canada in 2016.Below: Dana Clark talked to us about the LSD units the MINI JCW Team is using in the CTSC.


EVERY DIGITAL ISSUE is

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‘PRINT ON DEMAND’Our Advertising Rates are

LOWContact us at:

(905) 467-5148 or e-mail

[email protected]

We are pleased to announcewe will be back at the

Motorama Show in Booths 1317/1418

Come meet us and our advertiserslike NA Tires USA, Racepak,

Forgeline Wheels



Left: Time to work with Shari Arfons of McCullough Public Relations. Great catching up again Shari!

Right and Below: We catch up with Wei Lin of NEO Motorsport who were attending their first PRI as an exibitor. They were showcasing their well made brakes and suspension systems.


HARD WORK PAYS OFF

Words by Ian Rae, photos by author and Norman Nelson


HARD WORK PAYS OFF

In the last issue we left Watkins Glen where the MINI JCW Racing Team had seen much carnage in the form of a twice damaged #52 car. For the next race they ventured North into my backyard, the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park where a good run by the Zack Meyer/Dan Clarke pairing was negated by a drive thru penalty when Meyer was running in fourth.Lime Rock Park would see the JCW Team put on a good show for the visiting journalists who had just finished their road car F56 trip. The team had decided on a differnt strategy where Meyer would run longer before pitting and hopefully taking advantage of a yellow flag that normally so common in the CTSC series. However everyone behaved and the expected yellow flag never came.


At Road America qualifying was washed out and both MINIs had to start at the back of the grid. As noted elsewhere in this report the #37 was barged out of the way and finished down the field. The #52 and its new pilot Ramin Abdolvahabi had an interesting moment when the hood blew up and cracked the windshield.VIRginia International Raceway was an event to be forgotten with both cars not running at the finish.It was almost unbearably hot in Ausin for the round at Circuit Of The Americas, kuddos to the drivers for giving it their all in weather like that. It would finish up being the first event where both cars would finish without being involved in anybody elses

incident and the #37 ran in first place for a while. Electrical gremlims had limited the #37 to only four laps in practice and qualifying. Having to start last the Meyer/Aaron Nash duo did a great job to finish in eighteenth spot by race end, something they both attributed to the upgraded brake package the team had installed. Without a doubt 2015 was proving to be a learning year for Perocarpi and his hard working team. But they would learn hard work does pay of at the season finale where all MINIs were running strong in the awful conditions.In a see-saw race where many cars ran up front the #73 MINI of Pombo/Jones ended taking the MINI JCW Team’s first podium in second place.



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Road America was another track where the hard working MINI JCW crew had to pull out all the

stops. After being forced off line on the first lap the #37 had to complete almost a full lap of the

4.048 mile circuit before being able to pit for repairs and a new wheel and slick.



Top Left: Side by side racing is the norm in the ST class.Middle: A pair of Porsche Caymans chase the #37 in the wet at Road AtlantaTop Right: The #37 heads a pack of ST cars through the Road Atlanta Esses.Main: The new boy rivalry with Audi lasted all year.

# 37


Top Left: Rear wheel in the air at VIR’s Oak Tree corner.Middle: Focused at VIRTop Right: Another Cayman chasing down the #52Main: Dan Clarke pushing hard at Road America


# 52



Above: It was tough getting Zack Meyer to smile but once we moved the Meet and Greet into the paddock he came into his own.Below: Luis Perocarpi has a great time interacting with fans like Ross Gobble with love seeing MINIs racing.


#73


Far Left: It was wise to stay off the curbs in the severe wet conditions at Road AtlantaLeft: The #73 leads the 2016 ST Champion Stevan McAleer up through the EssesMain Mat Pombo’s FWD experience payed dividends in car setup in the wet. He and Derek Jones drove a solid race to the MINI JCW Team’s first podium.


Great Memories!Main and Top Right: MINI USA head honcho David Duncan had the honor of throwing the green flag for the CTSC

race at Lime Rock Park.Middle Right: A happy Luis Perocarpi punches the sky as the #73 crosses the line in second at Road Atlanta.


Bottom Right: Mat Pombo and Derek Jones celebrate their first MINI podium.




Release yourInnerEGO

Christi Says

Words by Christi Bintliff, photos by Alicyn Drew



My obsession with MINIs started back in 2006. I was living in Camden, ME at the time and remember seeing a caravan of MINIs parked along the harbor, each one different and unique to its owner’s personality. I was lucky enough that one of the owners let me sit his R52 and that was the defining moment when I knew that a MINI was the car for me! It reminded of when I owned and raced/modded Go-Karts as a teenager, the MINI really seemed like a big Go-Kart. Less than three months later I

had my first MINI which was a R53. It Is still in my Mini family, but is far from being stock these days. And with these mods it really does perform like a Go-Kart. I have owned many others through the years; a 66 MK1 which during its early stages of restoration was found to be beyond saving. A R50, R52, R53, (2) R58, (2) R60S all followed and my current ride is a R60 JCW All4. My love of Minis and the MINI community runs deep and I don’t see that ever going to change. Currently, in our MINI family

we have my 2014 JCW R60 All4 (D3M3NT@R), a 2013 R60 All4 (WRAITH) 2003 R53 modded street race (S1N1S73R) and a 2013 JCW R58 (AN1H1L8R). MINI is the one brand that I can truly say fits my unique personality. I had gone with the street racer look for my MINIs for many years and I knew that was not what I envisioned for the CM. It now looks nothing like when I drove it off the lot in February 2015. The very next day I started its transformation. All



the chrome has been blacked out with plastidip, joey mod on the headlights, 35% window tint and sun strip on the windshield, installed carbon fiber interior/exterior door handle covers from CARBONMINI.COM, added a Thule “MOAB”basket with a center extension piece so it expands the entire roof, swapped out the run flats for Berin Barvaria 19” wheels painted flat black with Michelin Super Sport Pilot 235/35/19, I also swapped out the original OEM tail lights for the OEM blackline series tail lights and scuttle lights, Wetokolie seat covers (grey with red piping, JCW Pro Sport mats (red,black&grey), carbon fiber decals on the rear hatch windows. I went on to add a bumper guard, my LXM membership above the door, removed the stock JCW badges with a black JCW decals for low profile. A customized stealth license plate cover for the rear and customized front europlate on the front, carbon fiber exhaust tips give a great look to finish off the exhaust system. A M7 monster strut bar ties the strut tops together and I upgraded to a K&N filter for better engine breathing.

Not that I will stop there, I have new mods sitting ready for install. A M7 25mm sway bar, CRAP 2” rear hitch, 2” lift kit and BSH oil catch can will all find their way onto the car in the next couple of months.


‘Magic on a Forest Road’ - In this composite my alter ego is Madame Messina who is a shapeshifting sorceress who can’t go anywhere with-out her MINI Countryman.


My Inner EgoI’ve been celebrating the end of each decade with a birthday photoshoot since my thirties. I created a fiftieth birthday bucket list with fifty items that I wanted to complete before I turned fifty. The photoshoot was on the list and I wanted to

create a cosplay character which was a combination of a badass goth, dark futuristic assassin and a storyline incorporating my CM as we save the world from destruction. I created my costumes and accentuated it with real swords, throwing knives, spikes and stars, as well as, an


arsenal of firearms (less ammo of course) from my husbands collections. I called this photoshoot MINI-Impossible

My day job consists of marketing and managing a large dental practice depicting strong Leadership And Professionalism. In my off time, I very much enjoy unleashing my creative spirit through photos, cosplay characters and my CM.

So, in 2016, I will be collaborating with various photographers to start a photo series involving my MINI(s). It will me give a chance to continue to do what I loved as a kid; the adult version of dress up and make believe. (PS: Yes, I definitely plan to work with Ali again!!.)

I also have a YouTube channel called Motoring Motivations - just me, my MINI and some words of motivation.

Like many others I am a member for many MINI clubs. These include, Tarheel Mini Motoring Club, League of Extraordinary MINIacs, LXM NCHickory Area MINI Club and the MINI Motoring Club of the Carolinas

I like to keep active on Facebook through the following pages, MINI Countryman’s Owners Lounge, Rebel Mini Society, JCW Adventures, Modded Mini Coopers, MINI Hardtops.

What I want to say to you the reader (1) inspiration comes in many forms allow it to help awaken your soul (2) you are never too old to live the life you see in your dreams; that which is uniquely and exquisitely YOU, (3) be bold a and courageous to veer from traditional mainstream in order to be happy and feel alive and (4) get a MINI and embrace all the adventures it brings

Left:For this photoshoot my alter ego is Kali, she is a dark, destructive aspect of the goddess and is known for giving life and then taking it away again. She is worshipped primarily by other assassins and symbolizes the moon, protection, divination, creation, necromancy and combat.



From Behind The Lens - Alicyn Drew

As a photographer I’m not known for my light and fluffy pictures of love and light. I am more known for my love of the edgier side of life. I create what I am drawn to and badass photography makes me happy. So when I got a FB message from Christi it was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know her but she had seen my work and liked it. She was nearing fifty and told me she wanted a very special photoshoot, she said goth and dark and moody, then she sent me a few sample ideas. I started up a Pinterest board and started to tentatively pin. I didn’t want to scare her off with something over the top. Well then Christi started to pin and I realized that SHE WANTED over the top. This was like my dream client, no fear! So we planned for weeks her vision never waivered, she knew what she wanted and that was to look badass. We met for dinner the night before the shoot and hit it off right away. She’s so fun and cute and has this soft southern accent that makes her sound like she is sweet like honey and pie. We decided that in order to get her MINI Countryman Dementor into the shoot we would do two shoots in one

day. First shoot was at the now closed Lorton Prison and the second one in studio. I brought along fellow Countryman owner Melissa along as an assistant and off we went for our shoot. The outdoor shoot was a blast; Christi and Dementor were shining and fun. We used a paintball gun as a prop; I later replaced it with a real weapon in Photoshop. We didn’t want to have actual weapons out at the prison, as it’s now a county park property.The studio shoot was after lunch. Christi was a trooper. Her husband Mark laced her into the corset and helped her with the weapons. Safety first and he had no ammunition with him and we made sure that she never pointed a weapon at the camera. She hauled weapons, posed and Melissa fired up the fog machine. We used colored gels so that she would glow red like the fire of the composite that she would later be added to. We laughed so hard that we couldn’t stop. When we were done, we were all exhausted. Christi giggled like a schoolgirl as she looked at the previews. She was done and happy and I was inspired and ready to edit. I hope you enjoy the images that resulted from our collaboration.

Why I chose Alicyn Drew for my 50th Photoshoot!

I am really a creative spirit at heart. I could see the image I wanted in my head and was capable of putting the costume and concept together for my fiftieth photoshoot, but finding someone to bring it to life in photos seemed like a daunting task. Many of my friends thought it was insane to chose a photographer that I had never met never mind one that was located five hours away from where I lived. But my close friends know thats how I roll. I am anything but traditional mainstream. I tend think outside the box. I had seen some of Ali’s photography at Minis On The Dragon and, after reviewing her website I knew she was into creating an edgy modern style of photography that would work for this project.

At first, I was afraid Ali would think I was crazy or too over the top (Which I am by the way) with what I envisioned. I mean who does a cosplay/movie concept photoshoot incorporating their car? Very few I would imagine.I was never nervous about the process, I believe we gravitate to those that share a commonality, which is how I felt with Ali. Once we started chatting and pinning ideas on the Pinetrest board it was like BOOM we were in sync which made for an amazing collaboration.So, we had that part handled, but there was still the matter of meeting each other. I was like OMG what if our personalities dont click? How are we gonna pull this off? But, in less than a few minutes after meeting her at dinner I knew we would be soul sisters forever. We instantly clicked. Our personalities are very much the same, we don’t hold


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back! Our husbands were conversing about how excited both of us had been working on this venture. Lol, never mind the fact that both of our husbands are named Mark, we both share an obsession with MINIs and we are creative and crazy - IT WAS A WIN WIN SITUATION!!The morning of the shoot, I was a bit under the weather but once I got in costume and got to Lorton Prison for the outdoor shoot I was in my element. Then we had lunch and got to the studio for the final costumes and poses. We spent a total of seven plus hours together that day. We were both exhilarated and exhausted. I had so much fun with Ali and her assistant, Melissa. I haven’t

laughed that hard in a long time. And, they were both so cool with my husband tagging a long with his arsenal of weapons. It felt like being on a movie set. She sent me a photo later that night and I was jumping up and down screaming in shear excitement. She nailed it! I could not imagine entering my fifties any better way than this. She captured images that made me look stunning and badass. It was a true reflection of my inner ego. It was such an Amazing experience and one I will cherish for a lifetime. If you are looking for a unique photography experience I would definitely get in touch with Ali. She is so much fun to work with

and she makes the entire process seem effortless. You will not be disappointed!!

Editors Note: Having met both ladies at MINI functions I know both these ladies are something special. Christi is deep south charm and you could imagine her as Scarlet O’Hara but as you can see from Alicyn’s work nothing is further from the truth. Both have to be congratualted, Christi for turning fifty and embracing that fact with this photoshoot that is so edgy and alive. Ali for taking Christi’s thoughts and turning them into reality, producing exactlly what was asked for. And all this came from a mutual love of MINIs.


Flying the FlagWhen LAP Motorsports and MINI USA

announced MINI was returning to racing, MINIacs all over North America started

asking if there were going to be MINI Corrals at the events.

That is when our very own West Coast Editor Norm Nelson jumped into action

and started talking to the great people over at Laguna Seca about putting on an

event like we did in 2012 for the R53 MINI Swansong.

It turned out MINI USA was also looking into it and from that contact grew the MINI

USA Corrals brought to you by MotorWerks Magazine.

So what is the Flying the Flag title about? Well, it is like this, when it comes to a

people supporting a specific marque in the Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge there

are no better people than all the MINIacs that came from all over North America to

the Corrals to support MINI and the MINI JCW Race Team.

The first event as I noted above was at Laguna Seca and what a surprise Norm

got when he arrived for the first event, the venue for the Corral was none other than

Central Island complete with paving and great views of the track. Norm hooked up

with Tonine McGarvie of MINI USA and the duo set about turning the island into

MINI Central for the weekend. The large tent was used for hospitality as well as a

Meet and Greet with the drivers. Event one was in the books and everybody loved


it. This would be the format that was used for most of the following MINI

USA Corrals until we reached Virginia International Raceway; there we

would move the Meet and Greet into the paddock beside the MINI JCW

race team cars. That environment allowed the fans to see the cars and

ask questions about them at the same time. It also put Zach Meyer

back in his comfort zone being close to his racecar. From there on in there were

plenty of smiles from the Toronto-based racer as he interacted with the assembled

MINIacs. Team principal, Luis Perocarpi told us, “We love having the fans around,

the MINI fans are so passionate about the cars, they interact with us on Facebook,

they hang around watching the team work away. Some like Mike Bober even





get stuck in and help us when we are under the gun, like at Watkins Glen where we had to work overnight to get the #52 fixed ready for Saturday’s race. Another MINIac even loaned us his wipers to allow us out for first practice.”When the series reached Circuit Of The Americas we had to rethink our Corral plan. Our intention throughout the year was to provide affordable hospitality along with a great viewing and social experience for the fans. At COTA we could not do this because the circuit would only provide a Corral with the full weekend pass. Because IMSA was running along with the FIA World Endurance Championship it meant qualifying for the MINIs would be on Thursday with the race on Friday, this did not suit most of the people wanting a Corral. So after putting our thinking caps on, we talked with Luis and arranged for the hospitality and Meet and Greet to be under a tent at the MINI JCW paddock. I have to say the food was awesome; there was more than enough for all our MINIacs and even some for the crew to eat on the way home. Road Atlanta for the season finale was another where we ran everything out of the MINI JCW tent. There was Corral parking but it was at the other end of the track and the conditions over the weekend were wet to say the least and the fan count was down. Those fans that did attend were in for a treat as the MINIs excelled in the wet conditions with all

three cars running competitively. If everything had gone to plan all three would probably have finished in the top ten but strategy calls that would have paid off, didn’t and stuff just happened. But it was a happy JCW crew that was jumping up-and-down in the pits as the laps counted down and the #73 got closer and closer to the front. After 2 ½ hours Mat Pombo and Derek Jones brought their car across the line for the team’s very first podium finish. Second place may not have been first place, but for the crew and fans it may as well have been. At a few of the events we had the added bonus of a few parade laps of the circuit, this depended on time and schedule. Those who went out had a great time and were ready for more.Summing up the year of MINI USA Corrals brought to you by MotorWerks Magazine I have to say it was a lot of hard work. Working with different tracks brought all sorts of challenges, ones that were very different track to track but to see the fans faces and being able to meet all those great MINIacs, Norman and I have to say it was worth it. We really did get to meet some fascinating people and some spectacular MINIs/Minis. Our thanks go out to everyone who attended and to Tonine McGarvie who was great to work with, even when she had one foot in plaster and was hobbling around making sure everyone was having fun.

Above, Below: Watkins Glen Parade Laps in the wet!

Below: A big screen right in front of our Corral at VIR


Above, Below: Watkins Glen Parade Laps in the wet!

Below: A big screen right in front of our Corral at VIR Below: Meet and Greet

Above: A great lunch


“Are we there yet?, “Are we there yet?”, “Are we there yet?” – Isn’t this annoying when your kids are saying this from the back seat? Do you want to know what my wife thinks is more annoying? When I am asking the GPS the same thing on our way to a race in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin at Road America. Sure, I’m driving, and sure, it tells me when I’m going to get there, but what’s better than a day watching the races? Especially at one of MINI USA’s corrals!Road America was built in 1955 and is a four mile, 14 turn road circuit on 640 acres of property. The park offers karting, supermoto, group event programs, and Motorcycle and Advanced Driving schools. But this time, I was there specifically to watch Team LAP and their JCW MINI Coopers race.Getting there was a quick trip from my home south west of Chicago. Well, not quick enough for me, but the yells of “Slow down!” from my wife and kids

tells me that it was probably a bit too quick and I may have been a bit too excited. The IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge was running today and I didn’t want to miss a minute of it.

Once we arrived getting the wife and kids in was no problem, but it appeared that my ticket was misplaced. But quickly my amazing editor quickly jumped in to help and got me in with my media pass. All was right in the

Are We There Yet?A rookie’s view of Road Racing

Words by David Lewis, photos byauthor and Ian Rae


world again and I drove with him to the MINI Corral; Nirvana, if you will. We pulled up to a large tent and Tonine McGarvie, the events coordinator for MINI USA, greeted me. After a quick hello she proceeded to tell me that my wife and kids locked the car with the lights on and had walked away toward the paddock. What a way to start the day!We got my car squared away, which shared the MINI Corral with many other MINIs. We lined the path next to the road to get into the paddock. We were hard to miss! Other MINI owners were coming up and asking how to get in with us, it felt great to see everyone out together supporting the LAP MINI JCW Team!Seeing people we knew, and meeting new friends was the order of the day. We met up with Mike Bober and Luis Perocarpi on pit row before the races. My kids got autographs from some of the drivers and we all enjoyed the cars that we saw.Then the racing began! My kids (11 and 7) had never been to a race before so this was a brand new experience for them. And boy did they soak it up! Before the race was even half over they were asking when the next race was and if they could come with me. I think we have a couple little fans here.They also enjoyed the MINI Corral’s hospitality. Tables to rest weary legs right next to the track, great food to eat during lunch and a planned driver’s meet and greet! While the meet and greet never actually happened at

the Corral, it did happen at their trailer. The food… let me tell you, brisket and pulled pork! That was a great surprise considering I had no clue what to expect. My wife and I enjoyed the race, also. Watching the cars race around the track mixing it up with cars that should be lots quicker is an amazing experience; one that I am going to have to repeat many more times in my life. Even without the media

access, hanging out with my family and friends was great. I’ve been to races before for other types of events – including lawnmower racing (where I was a participant). And this was one of the best experiences I’ve had. I will be doing this again, and I will be taking my kids with me. If you see a couple trying to keep up with their kids, and they are wearing MINI gear, say “Hello!” It may be me.

A serious stare sometimes sorts out the problem.

The paddock was well laid out with plenty of access for fans!


Well, yet another monumental “BRITISH CAR DAY” (BCD) has now been written into the history books.

Although we did enjoy the company and the cars of several MINI and Mini owners, we were once again outshone by hundreds of Triumph cars and quite rightfully so as BCD is organized and run by the Toronto Triumph Club.

Each year BCD attracts more and more participants and spectators, this year was no exception with a new record for participant cars, the great weather no doubt helped. According to the ticket sales for entrants, there were 1,097 cars entered with a total of 8,825 people at BCD 2015. However, I have been told that as far as entrants go, another 8% should be added to the totals to compensate for those who did not register in advance and just “popped in” to see the show and decided to stay.

At first, I thought that the majority of MINI’s and Mini’s were going to be drastically outnumbered by many other British cars and that was true until a little further along in the morning the late risers finally woke up and headed to out BCD. After all, the event is held early on a Sunday morning and although I arrived there before

8:00am after about a seventy km drive, I found that it wasn’t until about 10:30am that the majority of MIN”s and Mini’s started appearing in droves. I suppose that they all got together for breakfast somewhere and a wake-up cup of coffee before they ventured out to Oakville’s Bronte Park to the BCD as a group, something MINI owners often do.

As usual, the DeLorean owners showed up en masse with thirty-six cars. McLaren however was a no-show despite all of my best efforts and we only had one McLaren come, a 12C from an owner in Niagara-on-the Lake and thankfully for my liking, his car was painted Papaya Orange, also referred to as McLaren Orange.

Since I was there to enjoy myself, I did not even take my badge bar with me this year, nor did I hang around the car once parked. Despite this, my much-loved MINI still managed to squeak in the “3rd in Class” award and I was also personally thanked (over the loud speakers) for my volunteer efforts in the social media marketing for the event.

BRITISH CAR DAY 2015. ….an entrant’s view!Words by Michael J. Deschamps Photos by Author & Radu Repanovici (Racing in Focus)


82 - MotorWerks Magazine - The Ultimate Reading Experience!2 - MotorWerks Magazine - The Ultimate Reading Experience! © MotorWerks Magazine - 3

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‘Fresh from SEMA'

STREET SMARTWIRE POWER MODULEAdd the electronic automation of late model vehicles to your early model BMW or MINI untilizing the programming and flexibility of the Street SmartWire. Pro labeled wiring harness and pre-programmed for street functions. 30 Outputs, 12 Hard Wired Inputs, 125 Amps total output.

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Through the

Mists of Time

Words and photos by Norman Nelson


Through the

Mists of Time


Entering the gates at Sonoma Raceway, I could hear a familiar sound from the past; it was instantly recognizable to me, it was a Group 7 sports car lapping the 2.52-mile circuit at Sonoma Raceway or was it Sears Point? The deep roar of a 1973 McLaren M8F as it accelerated out of the hairpin turn number eleven and up the main straight towards the start finish before climbing the hill toward turn two brought back such great memories from the USRRC and Can Am days. But this was 2015 and I was not

imagining things.The CSRG (Classic Sports Racing Group) Vintage Racing series has been running for forty-seven years with the aim of keeping vintage racing alive in California. The Charity Challenge series was established in 2003 after the CSRG Board of Directors decided it was time to give something back to the community. The money raised at the event benefits the Speedway Children’s Charities of Sonoma County. The major source of funding comes from “Track Rides for Charity” which allows anyone to take a three-lap ride at speed in one of these immaculate vintage

racecars for a tax-deductible donation. Imagine that, you pay to get the pants scared off you in a vintage racecar around Sonoma Raceway and get a tax deduction too! A win, win situation for sure! With all the voluntary donations by the participants and all the gate receipts the Charity Challenge has raised over $700,000 since its creation.It was Friday noon when I arrived at the 12th Annual CSRG Charity Challenge Races at Sears Point ready to watch a day of practice, testing, adjustments, and tech

inspections. Friday is a bit low key with a smaller crowd of spectators showing up, but all the cars, teams, and drivers are there focusing on the upcoming challenge. It is the best time to stroll the paddock and get some great uninterrupted views of the cars and a chance to chat with the owners and hear their stories of years gone by. One thing for sure is that even though the atmosphere is laid back, these folks are serious. The cars are race prepared and “spit polished” and when you see them strap on their helmets and head out on course, they mean business.I was amazed at how hard these

vintage cars were being pushed. “Full throttle” was the word of the day. As they lapped the circuit, they would dice back and forth through the turns and pass back again under hard braking, no quarter was being given. Many of these cars are valued into the millions of dollars and are indeed collector cars in the true sense, so I would shudder as I watched some of the historic Formula 1 cars travelling a full speed, just inches from each other.CSRG runs the cars in groups based on age and performance.

On Friday many of the groups were combined for their practice sessions. Group 1 was Production and Racing Cars as raced prior to 1963, which included Morgans, Lotus, Maseratis, Alfa Romeos, a Ford Anglia, MGAs, Triumphs, Porsche, and even a 1955 MG TF 1500 driven by Joe Huffaker Jr. Group 2 would see small bore Production Cars as raced between 1963 and 1967 which included Fiats, Turners, Alfa Romeos, MGBs, Triumphs, Ginettas, Elva Couriers, Porsches, and of course my favorites the Austin Mini Coopers. With Group 3 the focus was on the large bore Production Cars


with Chevrolet Corvettes, Ford Cobras, Mercury Cougars, Lotus Super 7s, Ginetta G4, Jaguar XKE, Porsche 911s, and a Turner Mk II. Group 4 included small bore Sports Racing cars through 1967 with Ginettas, Beach, Forsgrinis, and a Cooper T-39. Elva Mk8, Lotus 23B, Genie MkV, Merlyn MK6, Crossle C9S and others. Group 5 is for single-seater lovers with Formula Juniors, open wheel cars dating back to the era between 1959 through 1963. These included Elvas, Lolas, Coopers, Lotus, Brabham,

Huffaker, Kieft, and a Bourgeault. Group 6 included Formula Fords and Formula B cars including Brabham BT21, Lola T204, Titan Mk 5, Chevron B10, Merlyn Mk11A, Palliser-Winkleman WDB2, Caldwell D9B, and others. Group 7 was Formula Atlantic and compatible open & closed wheel Race Cars to 1977 including Ferrari 312, March 79B, Lola T140, Ralt RT5, Chevron B36, McLaren M8F Royale RP-14 and others. Group 8 were the SCCA A, B, and C sedans from 1968 through 1972, including Alfas, BMW 2002, MGB, Nissan Skyline, Porsche 914, Datsun 240Z, Chevy

Corvette BMW 3.5L. Group 9 showcased the Masters/Historic Formula 1 cars including twenty entries ranging in years from 1974 to 1980. And the final Group #10 was the Historic Trans Am, Alfa Romeo GTA cars ranging in age from1965 to 1968.As I walked through the paddock I kept running into old friends from the past. I was thrilled to see so many of the drivers from my time still giving it they’re all. I raced from 1975 until 1985 in SCCA. So my last competitive

races were at Laguna Seca back in 1985 some thirty years ago. Seeing friends from that far back was great, it brought back so many fond memories.Then I worked my way to “Mini Cooper Boot Camp” as I named it. There were eight classic Mini Coopers running in Group 2. That is a substantial number of classic Minis for a race like this. My major assignment was to report on the Minis. It was just great to see them all had parked together in the same area of the paddock. That made my life easy, as I did not have to search all over to find them. The entry list included many of my friends, the

#12 1966 Austin Cooper S owned by Mike & Mary Kearney of Seven Enterprises was to be driven by Paul Quakenbush. The #41 1965 Austin Mini S is owned and driven by Mishal Holger. Next up is the #51 1965 Austin Mini owned and driven by Robert Hoemke. The #61 1960 Austin Mini is owned and driven by our friend from Mini Mania, Don Racine. The rest of Team Mini Mania included the #177 1966 Mini Cooper S owned and driven by Dennis Racine, with Julie Racine driving the #969 1960 Austin Mini. John Burmann

would drive his own #65 1967 Austin Mini. Nick Martin rounded out the entry list with his #120 1967 Mini Cooper S.Mini Boot Camp was a very comfortable, welcoming area. It was like being on a picnic as there were plenty of tables, chairs, food, tenting, RV’s and it was like sitting down with family. Plenty of Mini enthusiasts came wandering by all weekend long to say hello and wish everyone good luck. The relaxed atmosphere really gave me a chance to sit and talk with all of the Mini owners and drivers in a casual setting, something I don’t really get much time for at MINI


Thunder. I know when coming to vintage races there is always a lot of history and stories that each car has. This was no exception.The history of these Minis racecars goes way back and is well inter-twined with their current owners. This CSRG Charity Challenge Race marked the first return to battle between the #12 Team Spreen Mini vs. the #51 Purple People Eater formerly driven by Mexican Formula 1

driver and 24 Hour of Le Mans winner Pedro Rodriguez. The Team Spreen Mini was formerly driven by Ed Spreen, Ed and his brother Bob owned the BMC Dealership back in Hackensack NJ. Bob Spreen regularly drove an MGB. They were the BMC competition department back then and the source for BMC competition parts through much of the eastern US. Recently Mike Kearney of Fortech Mini fame purchased the #12 Spreen Mini and will race it in vintage races, the CSRG weekend would see

Paul Quakenbush behind the wheel. The Purple People Eater is now owned and driven by Robert Hoemke and has been completely restored by Seven Enterprises. The last time these two Minis squared off on the West Coast was at the SCCA National Runoffs, then known as the ARRC (American Road Racing Championships) at Riverside Raceway back in 1968. They have a long history in competitive

events all across the US with many battles at Virginia International Raceway and Lime Rock Park back in the 1960’sRobert owns some very historic cars including an interesting MINI that was once owned by Jim Hall of Chaparral Chevy/Can Am fame. Hall purchased the Mini to use as transportation in London and the UK while he was doing business in England designing and building parts and fabrications for the Chaparral. In 1963 he brought the Mini back to the USA and it was stored in a

barn for many years until a series of circumstances allowed Robert to purchase it. Dennis Racine is currently building an engine for this Mini and I look forward to seeing it back on the road.Don Racine’s #61 Bumble Bee is guaranteed to be in the mix and had been raced since the early 1960’s battling many times across the Midwest with John Unsbee at the wheel. John had quite a colorful racing career making all

this history so much fun to follow.Meanwhile back at Mini Boot Camp, some of the Minis had run into “technical” and “parts” issues and as fierce competitors as they are but they are friends as well and try to help one another. Not only with parts, but also with advice and a helping hand. One develops a radiator leak and low and behold here comes a spare out of another competitor’s trailer. Everyone is willing to help, loan, give, whatever it takes to keep the Minis on track. After each session they scurry over to race


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central to get the official lap times from the previous session, smiling when they beat their buddy by 0.005 seconds. Tell me they aren’t competitive As the afternoon goes on the #12 has some problems and has to spend time in the pits. Hoping they have things fixed the Seven Enterprises Mini heads out again only to pull off after only one lap. Then we hear the bad news as they find a broken crankshaft. Mike & Mary jump

into their support pickup truck and head back to their shop in Auburn to grab a spare engine and transmission off the bench. As they pull out of the gates, Dennis Racine, Nick Martin and the others started to disassemble the front end of #12 and pull the engine. These are Mike’s competitors and yet they spend the whole evening wrenching and pulling the engine, so it will be ready when Mike returns.This was amazing and never

stopped as I watched parts being pulled and exchanged throughout the weekend. No one wanted to have any of the Minis stuck in the paddock. As much as they wanted to beat them, they would do anything to make sure they were in the race.The Minis were part of some of the best racing of the weekend. They battled back and forth and even challenged for the lead in a very large group with many cars from other classes they should not even been running with.

When it was time to leave my time warp, there were hugs, handshakes, and smiles all round with promises to see each other soon. That is what is great about vintage racing, you get to see great cars and racing and best of all, you get to hang out with your Mini family. Till next time Sears Point!


2015BMW

Season WrapupMarsal shares LRP win with Cameron

Auberlen / Werner win COTAHindman / Frieberg take wet AtlantaNo more Z4 GTLM or GS M3 in 2016

Team TGM moves to Cayman GT4




Lime Rock Park:Turner Motorsport drafted in Dane Cameron to partner Michael Marsal for their local race at LRP. It was not an easy win by any means, in Friday’s morning practice Marsal had an off with

the #97 Alvarez & Marsal/IHG Rewards Club Z4 that threatened to ruin the whole weekend. Never one to give up the Will Turner led team sourced a local repair shop to assist in the repairs and they worked into the night to

ready the car for the race.LRP continued to provide firsts for Marsal who had first driven a racecar at the scenic Conneticuit track. It was also where he took his first win and unfortunately on this weekend it was the first time


BMW WIN!he had hit the wall there. “My hat is off to everyone concerned”, he said, adding “We didn’t think it would get fixed. I am sure it was shorter on one side compared to the other.” He also commented that, “Dane is the Man!”

“Dane is the Man!”


BMW WIN!Circuit Of The Americas:It was a surprise win for BMW Team RLL when Dirk Werner and Bill Auberlen when the #25 BMW Z4 passed the two works Porsches when they had to stop for fuel. The #911 Porsche 911 RSR looked to

“It just keeps getting better and better!”


be heading towards its fourth straight race win in the GT LM class but both it and the #912 car lost out stopping for fuel with less than five minutes to go in the race. The Porsches had been running one, two up to that point An ecstatic Auberlen told “This

win is amazing. I’ve won here a couple of times and it just keeps getting better and better.” The BMW Team RLL was not without some fuel issues of their own. They dialed back the fuel maps to save fuel from the last stop and the strategy worked. It

was just what the team wanted heading into the season finale at Road Atlanta.


Team TGM moves to Porsche!

After many years of running its proven BMW 328i in the Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge Team TGM has made the decision not only to move

away from BMW but also move up a class from ST to GS.Team owner Ted Giovanis and David Murry will continue to drive for the team which will be using a Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport heading into 2016.

Team TGM led the seasons points standings early in the season but slipped down the field as the year progessed. They finished as the fourth best BMW behind Borchellor/LaMarra, Tyler Cooke and Clay/Briedis.



Road Atlanta: In what was probably the swansong for the BMW M3 in the Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge BMW young guns Trent Hindman and Ashley Freiberg drove a cool calculated race to take the overall win at the season finale at a very wet Road Atlanta

track. The track conditions before the start led the Fall-Line Motorsports #46 team to second guess themselves and Freiberg started on slicks. Before long she had to hand the lead to eventual GS Champions Liddell/Davis in the Stevenson Motorsports Camaro Z/28-R. Freiberg managed to stay

on the lead lap despite the pit stop and that was the start of a remarkable fight back drive. The constant rain delivered river of rain and mud as well as plenty of aquaplaning but the BMW duo were in charge mode. The IHG Rewards Club/Trim-Tex M3 eventually got by into the lead


BMW WIN!where Hindman controlled the race with a hard charging Robin Liddell in his mirrors. At the 2.5 hour mark Hindman’s first victory as a closing driver was a slim 1.194 seconds. This brought the duo an eighth place finish in the championship with Fall-Line finishing third.

“The track conditions were

so bad!”


Top: The Borcheller/La Marra #23 ran 303/Gold Eagle support at Road America.Main: The Mosing/Probert Murillo Racing E90 hops the curbs at Road Atlanta.Right: Koenig/Bilicki ran the Trim-Tex Burton Racing 128i at COTAFar Right: The Crucial Motorsports team of Nash/Schecter were CTSC rookies in 2015.




James Clay and BimmerWorld are sticking with a pair of F30 BMW 328i cars in 2016 as well as running the Next Level European Caymans in ST.


The following article is about my team’s adventures in the most competitive motorsport event in North America, the 2015 Targa Newfoundland road rally.First of all I will talk about the event, what exactly is a Targa you may ask? Older motorsport fans will no doubt recall the original three classic endurance races that were run on public roads. The Targo Florio was first, followed by the Mille Miglia and then Mexico’s Carrera Panamericana. The Targa Newfoundland is a tarmac-based rally race in the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is an annual event covering 1,600 kilometers (970 miles) over a seven-day period every September on eastern and central parts of the island that is known locally as the ‘Rock’. The event allows the owners of historic, classic and modern sporting motor vehicles to drive them the way they were designed to be driven; hard and fast over a variety of road surfaces. The six days of the Targa competition is an ideal challenge for drivers where each vehicle competes against itself on a handicap basis as well as against other vehicles.

The Targa structure involves events within an event that run over the same stages, which remain closed to public traffic during the event.Fast Tour: is a non competitive go FAST event which allows the owners of exotic cars to drive them the way they were meant to be driven, without the stress of competition. Maximum allowable speed is 130 KPH in this category.Grand Touring; places the emphasis on accuracy and precision, it is a time-speed-distance rally (TSD Rally) where the focus is maintaining the average very quick speed set by the organizers. Maximum allowable speed is also 130 KPH in this category;Targa: The fastest category where the objective is to meet or slightly better the target stage times set by the organizers for age, displacement and modification level of the vehicle racing. Every competitor who completes all stages within the established trophy times wins a Targa plate. The maximum allowable speed for Targa competitors is 200 KPH.Trophies are awarded for overall placing in the Touring and Targa events and for placing within

The #333 crossing a waterlogged finish line in Trinity


TARGARock

sWords by John Hume Sr, photos by Ralph Saulnier.

The #333 crossing a waterlogged finish line in Trinity


the various categories within the Targa event, as well as trophies for national and marquee teams and for the best-placed novice team.To me racing is a selfish endeavor! To ease my guilt and thus feel great about what we do in Newfoundland each year, my company Hume Media Inc. races to raise funds for MS Research, a truly worthy cause. Over the past seven years we have raised over $160,000 doing this race. 100% of all funds raised are donated to MS Research.This year we entered a four car team and that would require two service crews for car support and three video and photo crews to record the good and the bad. That is a lot of people to be

herding around each day and night for a week and if I say so myself it is almost as easy as herding cats. It was a wild wet and wonderful week for the whole bunch of us. In our six days of actual racing we had four days run through driving rain, over river filled roads, making it the wettest race in the fourteen year history of the event.We brought out two vintage E46 M3s and a Mk I and Mk II MINI GP to this year’s edition of the Targa. Early era E46 M3s are ideal vehicles for a road rally like the Targa and finding one (or in our case two) to buy was a fairly easy exercise and affordable parts are still easily accessible. The 2002 Titanium Silver and 2004 Laguna Seca Blue M3s were both

basically stock with exception of the 2004 having aftermarket shocks, headers and exhaust system, boosting power from the stock 333 hp to about 370 hp with 325 ft/lbs torque to the rear wheels. To make sure both cars would handle and stop on the Rock’s ever changing roads we installed racing brake pads and a square set of 18 inch rims. The wheels were wrapped with awesome Michelin PS2 tires which are great in any weather (these things would probably stick to a wall if thrown at one).I piloted the TiAg M3 (#333) with the very able Ron Bartleet being my co-pilot. My son John Jr. would race the Blue M3 (#9), with Justin Crant alongside. This would be my first foray in the

Cars on display at Jack Byrne Arena prior to racing



The #9 takes the shortest route possible heading into Trinity


Photos:Left: Middle - The Ceremonial start at Torbay


Modern division at Targa, where you have to get from point A to Point B as fast as humanly possible. Keeping it on the road but never exceeding 200 kph would be a big change for me as I raced GTE for the six previous years. I was a tad timid during the first two days of rallying and earned some unnecessary penalty seconds for being late to the finish a few too many times. Starting Wednesday I did what I was supposed to do; ignore the speedo and go hell bent for leather. Using that approach we achieved much better results. Yes and I still kept it on the road and never once ran out of talent, (something my service crew was appreciative about).However John Jr and Justin (their third time in Modern together) were running perfectly as a team and at one with their car; either at the top or near the top of the leader board all week. John is a very smooth and excellent driver and Justin is the perfect co-pilot, they just gel together. Without a good co-pilot you would wind up driving off course or even worse.Through the week we ran forty-four stages; through twisty narrow town alleys, between buildings just far enough apart to drive a car through and on high speed blasts on long winding roads following the contours of fjords. With so much of the event running in the pouring rain more than a dozen cars drove off the road or just plain crashed or broke down. Most were repaired and able to resume racing. Praise be, Team Hume had no such

mishaps. But it was mechanical issues that threatened to knock the #9 out of the race on more than one occasion. The worst incident was the kill switch shorting out on a transit stage and killing all power to everything including the engine. It took us a while to find the cause but Garrett Nalepka and Alexander Walsh, our service crew did a quick fix removing parts from their service van and using them to construct a bespoke on the fly kill switch for the M3. And best of all, just in time for us to make it to the next stage! Another close call on the same vehicle came when a rear shock bolt came loose and the shock fell off. Fortunately it was right after the last stage of the week. That was close!It was a close battle all week in Modern Division, with several teams vying for top spot. In the end John Jr. and Justin managed a second place finish, only six seconds out of first. A certain car,

Overtaking slower cars at Burgoynes Cove


Overtaking slower cars at Burgoynes Cove


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DriViNG PASSiON


(no names provided to protect the guilty) held them up on the Brigus stage costing them their chance at the first place. But such are the fortunes of rally racing! Ron and myself in the #333 finished fifth in Modern. We very happy to finish the week fifth in what was our first outing in the new car and class. Our Silver Plate for finishing every stage within the minimum required “Trophy Times” was hard earned but we enjoyed ourselves. Next year we plan to do way better, or wreck the car trying - Not!Onto the two MINIs. We had entered a 2006 GP which is a very rare car. Only 2000 were ever built and they were never sold in Canada. I imported this one from California last year and it is car #0179. We installed

a 18% reduction Pulley on the supercharger which allowing it to generate in excess of 230 HP. This little beauty was all stock otherwise. The other MINI was a 2013 GP, again only 2000 ever made this one being production #0430 and all stock. There was need to do any suspension or other alterations to the GPs as they cars are purpose built for track and competition events, plus they go like stink and stick like glue to the tight twisty roads of the ‘Rock’.Both MINIs have similar handling characteristics but the 2013 GP handles just a little bit better and its brakes are superior (same brakes as a BMW 1M). The 2006 GP makes up for its handling deficit with better acceleration. The old GP, #1334 was driven

by Norm “Lead Foot” Haas and co-driven by Toronto’s Christina Kroner. Both driver and co-driver were brand new to rally racing. I took them under my wing and taught them all I knew about TSD (time/speed/distance) rallying. TSD is technically very challenging to do. Lots of math and an ability to hold the car at a constant yet fast speed is required, along with nerves of steel and an absolute belief in the person in the opposite seat. The #1333 was both driven and copiloted by rally veterans Craig MacMullen (two-time winner in this event in GTE Class) and Nicole Troster who is in her second year of rallying (she had a 2nd place finisher in the Targa in 2014, her first time at the event in GTE class). They shared driving


and navigating jobs all week.Norm and Christina had only met once when before the team signed them and they performed very well for first timers. Two people stuck in the cockpit of a MINI for a whole week up to ten hours a day, can be a tad stressful, especially if you are total strangers to begin with. Personality type begins to play a big role in how well the team performs, especially after two days. There were more than a few “tense” moments in their car a few times throughout the week. In one race through Trinity, red tape was blowing across the roadway just past a downhill hairpin right turn. Norm stopped and asked Christina what to do. She had no answer. So he decided to turn around and

retrace his route. Big mistake! The next car coming fast and furious was less than thirty seconds behind them. They had a very close call at that hairpin again as the next car almost ran straight into them. It was only then Norm realized (as Christina was whacking him about the helmet with her clipboard), he should not have turned around. Then he turned again, following the other car through the route, losing mucho penalty points along the way. Despite this major error the #1334 was somehow still in contention for a podium finish as of end of day Wednesday. However, in the first stage on Friday, last day of racing, Norm and Christina managed to clip a pothole at high speed, causing a blowout. This incident forced

them to miss the first three stages Friday. But, unbelievably, they were still in contention for a podium finish! The luck of the Irish was with them to be sure.Meantime over in the #1333 Craig and Nicole were frontrunners all week. They had their eye on the MINI Challenge $3,000 reward for a first place finish awarded to a modern winning MINI. They ran a very clean race despite terrible weather and some twenty-six difficult speed changes to deal with all week. However, on Thursday they miscalculated badly in one very fast and variable speed stage earning a whopping fifty-five seconds in penalties. But by the end of day they were one second out of first. Friday brings the trickiest


stages of the week, the first two being long and fast. But to make things really difficult and even more challenging the race officials changed the speed to be run at the last minute! What a rotten thing to do! All GT teams had to recalculate and input revised times in their route books for the first two stages and go by gut feel alone, trying to hold

the new average speed with no set times in their route books to reference. It really is quite an impossible thing to do. The team that had “guessed” best would win out. It turned out Craig and Nicole guessed second best, as they earned twenty more penalty seconds than Damm and Marris in their BMW 328Xi Wagon (car #1009). But it was in the Cupids

and Brigus stages, during the last four stages of the day, where the GT class champions would finally be determined. Each town would be run twice and with only a few seconds separating first and second place teams it was anybody’s race. In the end Damm and Marris would beat out Craig and Nicole. In my seven years of doing this rally, more often than

Ceremonial finish in BrigusAnd the #9 is off to a great start


not, I have witnessed the last race through Brigus determine the winner of this event. That is how close the competition can be at Targa Newfoundland. After forty-four stages, way too much rain, lots of sweat and tears, Team Hume managed to finish with three out of four cars on the podium and no wrecked cars. I have to say, this was a very successful year indeed, we were very pleased with our results but we could not have achieved these successes without our Service Crew supplied By Centennial College here in Toronto, Garrett Nalepka and Alexander Walsh. Both were

up most nights past midnight, maintaining cars, rotating tires and replacing parts, to keep our four cars running in the most challenging of conditions in what really is the Ironman of Road Rallies. If you would like the thrill of a lifetime, an adventure rush like no other, the ultimate adrenaline rush, meet new friends and “gear heads” who share your passion for cars and driving fast, very fast, on closed public roads, then contact: [email protected] or call 1-877-332-2413 - Tell them John Hume sent you.

Heading into Brigus in the wet

John Sr, wife Loreta and Ron Bartleet at finish line in Brigus

Hass and Kroner make a spash at the finish line in Trinity

John Sr and Craig MacMullen talk pre-race strategy


Hass and Kroner make a spash at the finish line in Trinity

John Sr and Craig MacMullen talk pre-race strategy Complementing the chef on a great dinner


Nicole pushing the #1333 hard in the dry though Brigus



End of an Era

The final ABR GT Superseries event turned out not to be what the racers expected when they headed to the last event of 2015! Promoted as the first wheel-to-wheel race ever at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park’s Driver Development Track (DDT) the race was virtually over before it had begun. It turned out the DDT was not insured for wheel-to-wheel racing but a compromise allowed the ABR Series to run open lapping with open passing! Sort of like what they do in a race anyway. It would have been nice if this had been known ahead of time especially as NEO Motorsports were on hand looking forward

to the wheel-to-wheel action. They had some great displays of their products and even provided the racers with a BBQ lunch. Thanks Wei, it was much appreciated.

Alan Balinsky has done a tremendous job over the past two years and on the last event of 2015 he got screwed over when the lack of insurance never got conveyed to him. Ever the stand-up guy he offered to refund the entry fee but all the racers were behind him and refused. The ABR Series was a

Words and Photos by Ian Rae


End of an Era

breath of fresh air and it is time for people in other sanctioning bodies to look at the state of racing in Canada and make changes. Carrying on the same way for year after year is just going to drive race series into oblivion. Look at ChumpCar, how many new or retired racers come out for their races? I am not a fan of their endurance based format but people can afford to race cost effectively without having to go through a specific school mandated by a sanctioning body to get a licence, making that affordable too.

The ABR group was not just about the track; many of us spent a relaxing evening having dinner in Milton just a few weeks after the final event, it is about camaraderie, good friends having good times! Now Alan Balinsky’s vision has moved forward with the series which was to be called the Ontario Road Racing Association in 2016, when he asked to merge with the Canadian Sportscar Sprint Series or CS3 as it will be known. CS3 shared the same vision as Alan and have the infrastructure and professionalism to grow ever bigger!



There was nothing much to write about with there being no actual races but everone there had fun. Russ Bond arrived with a big stick when he brought out Kerry Micks NASCAR Canada Camry that he ran last year. His brother ran his regular ride the KartSTART Camry and wheeled it with as much brio as Russ. Trevor Goddard

managed to find and install an engine in his SN95 Mustang after the carnage at TMP earlier in the year. There were lots of people lining up for rides with the day turning over to open lapping and with open passig there were lots of smiling faces coming out of the passenger seats.



Brotherly Love!





My first track Day...

Words by Alicyn Drew, photos by author and Brent Schnupp


R52 Tigger as I wanted to learn how to handle her better. I’ve autocrossed the last few years but have never been on a track and what attracted me to the Phil Wicks Academy was the idea of getting instruction in a controlled environment.

I only got my Countryman a few months ago; it was in addition to my R52 that I love but really didn’t love driving into DC and back every day. I wanted a nice commuter car and thought the CM would be a great choice. She’s True Blue Metallic and I

A few months ago Phil Wicks called me up and let me know that he was running one of his Driving Academy’s at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). He wanted to get the local MINI club, DC Metro MINIs involved and wondered if I could post the event to our club forum. My husband Mark and I signed up pretty quick and I got very excited about my first time on the track. I decided to bring my new 2014 All 4 Countryman, rather than my

named her River. I quickly fell in love with my new MINI and found that I really liked the height, even after years sitting low in Tigger. I was also really surprised at how nimble she was and how she didn’t feel big at all. River is totally stock, OK a few Dr. Who


themed stickers but other than that she’s stock, and she’s still got the All Season run flats. A part of me wondered why not bring the cabrio out since Phil Wicks allows them on the track. In the end I really wanted to get to know this car and figured this was my chance.

Mark and I spent the night before in a room on the track. It was great waking up and being a one-minute drive to the registration building. The morning was freezing; I was wishing I had packed gloves but the excitement of running on the track quickly made me forget that. The cars were all covered in frost and all I could think about was how cold the track would be. I’ve autocrossed on cold days and didn’t enjoy it, what am I doing out here? I’m sure that I’m going to spin right off the track.

We got registered and I grabbed some coffee, it was some of the worst coffee ever but it woke me up! Note to self; bring your own

coffee next time. I had to get the frost off of the windows and add the numbers. Great, we had blue tape and I have a blue car, so the numbers went onto the windows. Luckily the classroom was in a nice warm room. Mark was in the Red Class and I was in Green. The Red class guys are more advanced and would get to go out alone; the Green class students were all getting instructors. All I kept thinking was “Please let mine be nice, I don’t want one yelling at me GAS!!! Brake!!!!! GAS!!!! BRAKE!!!!” I’ve been there in autocross and while it’s helpful after you know something it’s not helpful when you’re nervous and have no idea what to expect.

Phil went over the rules of the track, he showed us the course map, and he talked about the day and got us all settled. Finally he paired us up with instructors. I was assigned to Chris, I was sharing him with two other students but in four sessions I would get to work with him twice.

I looked back at him, he’s a big dude but he looked nice. Please be nice cause right now I’m really nervous. Nervous that I’m going to roll my Countryman doing something stupid, or that I’ll miss a flag and stay on the track too long, or drive off the course. I had managed to figure out many things that could go wrong. It is amazing what goes through your head before your first track session!

They announced our class and out I headed, I grabbed my helmet and got in the line. I was first, crap! I didn’t mean to be first! Why must I always be so prompt, but first I was so I took a silly selfie with my helmet on and waited for Chris. He came over soon after and said “I see, you’re one of those that is first. Looks like you’re ready to go.” He got in and we started chatting. I asked that he focus on just a few important things and not tell me everything that I was doing wrong. I explained that if I get too much information I’ll get overwhelmed and forget it all. He told me not to worry, that his style is to focus on just a few things. He also told me that Phil likes to give him the “special students”. Hmmm what does that mean? So I told him I’m the DCMM club president and he said, replied with saying that I was a dignitary, which must be why he was working with me. Dignitary works better than special for me, I’ll take it! First time out we were going to point out all of the course flaggers and he was


going to show me the lines. Well, that sounded easy enough. He said that another student would be following us, as he wanted to learn the lines.

We headed out and headed to the first right turn, he told me to go to the far left and then turn sharply. I didn’t do it right and next thing I know he’s got my steering wheel and bam! We’re turning!!!! He says hold it, hold it!!!! And the car magically makes the turn while I am SURE that we’re going to drive right into the grass. We’re now set up for the next turn and the steering wheel dance continues with me resisting the poor guy at every movement. He grabs the wheel, I fight for it but try really hard to let him take it. The control freak

in me is screaming and the outer Ali is cursing up a storm. You see, I curse when I’m nervous AND when I’m having fun. There was a ton of foul language going on in that car. I could hear Chris laughing.

By the end of the first lap it started to make more sense and we did 3 or 4 laps total with me fighting for the steering wheel and poor Chris trying to explain it to me. He was AWESOME, he didn’t once yell at me and he seemed to be having fun. He was so damn calm.

The next heat I was set to go it alone. Was I scared? YES!!!! I am not ready for this!!!! But I braced myself and got into the line a lot further back. Next thing I know

Phil Wicks himself is jumping in. Well Phil and I did the steering wheel dance while he barked at me “Stop using your brakes, there’s no reason for brakes here” I cursed more and used a bit more gas. Phil was determined to get me through a turn without brakes. Working with Phil was a blast and the information that he gave me was very much like what Chris said, I like consistency and that made things easier to understand. OK, this was a lot harder than I expected.

After that Chris took me out for a session with him driving River for a few laps. He was having fun with the All 4 and he really made use of the long straight as I watched that needle climb well past 100 to about 120. This made

Job 1 is emptying your car of things that will fly around


me realize that maybe I could go faster than 80 in the straight. River felt so solid and she was doing really well. I fell in love with my new MINI again.

Third go around and I was by myself. Phil comes over to the car and reminds me repeatedly to point the other cars past in the straights. “ You remember how to point right?” “Well yes Phil, I’m getting very good at that part. I promise I’ll point people by.”

Out I went and I was nearly the last car out. Which works out great for the first turns but its not long before the front people are catching up and I’m working my pointing skills. I did fine and was really starting to have fun. Later

one of the other drivers sincerely thanked me for those pointing skills.

More classroom time and the certificates were given out. I had one more session out on the track

and I was excited. Chris joined me and I was pretty much the last car out. I mean if you’re slow then you’re slow and it’s best not to ruin anyone else’s time. We did the steering wheel dance through the tight turns but on the S Turns


I was confident and whipped through them at a respectable speed, Chris commented that I had found a rhythm and that I was handling them really well, he even said like an intermediate driver. We got to the oak tree hairpin and he yells at me to gas it. I yelled back “ARE YOU SURE?” and I did it!!! We flew out of that turn into the straight and I was screaming for pure joy (and cursing). I also had to point someone past as their version of screaming out of a turn was a bit faster than mine. For me, this was amazing as I was really feeling my MINI and enjoying it. I knew that it wasn’t going to just fall over and the “Big MINI” it didn’t feel top heavy or have a lot of body roll. That Countryman

handles well and I LOVED it!!!

I felt amazing after the challenges of a track day. Phil Wicks Driving academy gave me a good environment to start in. The track is intimidating and it’s fast. While I know I was one of the slower drivers out there I also accomplished what I set out to do. I learned my new MINI and I got out there. The feeling is nothing short of ecstatic! I’m back home now and love to amuse my carpoolers with my new faster lines when I hit the on and off ramps. I tell them not to worry; I’m a race car driver and fully trained :-)

River is my daily driver and I kept saying that she’s not going to be

modified. I need one practical car, but you know, maybe some better tires, some suspension, just a few little tweaks that’s it, maybe a tune? I’d really like a better exhaust. And so it begins all over again!

Alicyn Drew is the President of the DC Metro MINIs club as well as a contributing photographer to MotorWerks Magazine. Her website is www.alicyndrew.com

The Phil Wicks MINI Driving Academy is the world’s best-known MINI specific driving school. More information can be found at www.minidriving.com



Featured Photographer ***

Jeremy Major - The Shooting EyeHamilton, ON

In terms of a bio. I’m actually a filmmaker first. My photography is really an extension of the filmmaking, given that the two use largely the same skills and gear these days. Lighting and camera, regardless of the format, are something I love. That all started 30+ years ago shooting 35mm on my dad’s Canon. I still use those FD lenses from time to time and always try to push even the digital images toward that beautiful old film look.In my day to day, I’m a very hands-on film director, is largely how I define myself. I run a production company called The Shooting Eye in Hamilton and we do everything from documentaries to feature films to commercials. I also co-own a theatre called The Zoetic, which is essentially a creative hub for a variety of professional creative arts.I went into filmmaking because it was a great way to marry all of my interests including performance and music as well as the visual arts. My passion lies in the ability to use the medium to affect people emotionally.The Dundurn Castle shoot was an interesting one because the goal was to juxtapose the classic historic structure with this ultramodern machine. Add to that a site that would never otherwise allow vehicles in those locations. As for the MINI shoot, it was a fun opportunity to capture the hype around the new MINI models.He started his career as a director’s assistant on the 1998 Kennedy/Marshal production, A Map of the World. More recently, Major was a producer of the PBS documentary Hockey: More Than A Game, produced and co-directed the PBS


Featured Photographer ***



EXIF INFOCamera: Canon EOS5D MkIII

Lens: 24-70 f2.8L

Focal length: 55mm

Exposure: 1/100sec, f2.8, ISO 500


documentary Shaw Festival: Behind the Curtain and Iron Mike Keenan for Rogers Sportsnet. He also directed the documentaries Miracles Big & Small and Where Dreams Take Flight that aired on CHCH. He directed the racing film, Sidecar: The Race 2 Road America, a documentary about the unusual characters who tempt fate in the world’s fastest two-person sport on asphalt, sidecar racing.

Jeremy can be reached at www.shootingeye.com




EXIF INFOCamera: Canon EOS5D MkIII

Lens: 24-70 f2.8L

Focal length: 24mm

Exposure: 1/640sec, f2.8, ISO 640


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This is the last printable page in your book and


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COMING NEXT MONTH

MINI Thunder VII

Ciao Italia - GP Garage

Cooper RSR gets M7 goodies

Safety is YOUR issue

Things get Crucial!

Documents

MMW V5 Issue 2