Hot Competition

John Mansfield (photos by Ron Sisco)

Fred Beck

It's not just the summer days that are warm -- competition in the BMW of Peabody 1997 Autocross Series is hot! We have had an excellent turnout thus far, with 96 cars registered and an attendance of about 40 cars per event. Nineteen drivers were qualified for trophies at the end of Autocross #5 (you need four events to qualify for a trophy), and with only two more events left to go this season those who wish to qualify must make the last few events!

Tom Less is dominating class B in his Z3, with Peter Bradshaw bringing up second. Anthony Velleco needs one more event in (the very small) Class C to take first place. Jack Bradshaw and his 735i are finally getting some competition in class D, while competition in class E remains light. Francis O'Conner is ruling class F with his M3 CSL, and is currently the only driver qualified for a trophy in his class. (Come on all you M3 hotshoes, what are you waiting for?)

Matt Mueller's '82 Rabbit is out ahead in class G, with a tight battle for second between Brian Kendrick and Jim LaTorre. Ted Mendham in his 91 Sentra SER leads class H, with Robert and Sheryl MacAlpine running second and third, respectively. John Bradshaw is out in front in class I in his '79 911SC, but there is a very tight battle for second between Russell Siggelkoe and Leon Reitman. Class J is the one to watch, as current points leader David Johnston and second place Lisa Mercurio with their hot '93 Miata are being challenged by Jeff Iafrati in his '93 RX7. Jeff has posted FTD in the last few events, and is building his season points quickly! Finally, yours truly needs some competition in class A (John, are you listening?), elsewise my ego will grow too large.

Aside from the competition, everyone who comes to these events has a lot of fun. We get quite a few passer-by spectators, and a number of people who come to watch come to run at the next event. At Autocross #5 we had a visit from one of Salem's finest, who with lights flashing and sirens blaring put in a clean 41.007 during a complementary fun run, after only one practice lap! So beware, don't try to outrun the law in Salem, he will stick to your bumper like glue, and not pick up any cones in the process! To have some fun and to get a chance to work on your car control skills join us at the upcoming events on 9/7 and 10/5.

See you there!

September 1997 BIMMER

Editorial: Summer Ending by Armand Aquino

Reflections From the Hood: So Long Summertime... by Joe Marko

What's Happening: Golf Anyone? by Mike Webb

September 1997 New Members by Barry Tarr

1997 Boston Chapter Autocross Series: Hot Competition by Fred Beck

The Driveway Mechanic: E30 Catalytic Converter Replacement by Greg Scott

The Driveway Mechanic: E30 Throttle Cable Replacement by Greg Scott

Letter of Appreciation by Jim Gable

May 1997 Board Meeting Minutes by Mike Webb

Images from Oktoberfest '97 by Joe Peng

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