Autocross Season Finale

Smokin' 2002. (photo by Laura Russo)

A 2002 braces through one of the corners. (photo by Aimee Reveno)

John Mansfield tests a 318ti, which is becoming a popular Autocross car. (photo by Aimee Reveno)

The morning of this season's final BMW of Peabody Autocross was rainy, which would have been a bummer had it not stopped.

Luckily the sun came through and we had the most awesome day of the season!

The turnout of sixty cars made this the largest group we've had. We came prepared with a custom designed autocross cake, which was shared by all at midday.

Several newcomers were present in 318tis, ten Mazda Miatas, as well as Stan Jackson's open-wheeled Lotus which turned out an outstanding time of 33.576 seconds.

The season results show competition in almost every class, some coming down to the wire on the final day. The trophy positions are shown in the final point standings. Congratulations to Jeff Iafrati with his fastest time of the season: 35.367.

There was much improvement by nearly everyone who participated and with that came greater interest in the event. The policy of mandatory participant membership in the club gave us an average of six new members per event! Although many of these new members don't drive BMWs, they are taking an active role in the club.

Next season we are planning the best run and most fun autocross ever. Our first priority is to increase participation by BMW drivers because we feel your cars are yearning to be zinged through an autocross course. After all, how much more fun can you have in under a minute with a helmet on? It will give you a better understanding of your car's handling limitations and a guaranteed smile, not to mention the friendship and individual competitive spirit many of us share. We will also attempt to coordinate our schedules with the SCCA and Miata club events so they don't overlap.

We would like to thank all those who participated this season. Much to everyone's enjoyment, we succeeded in providing six runs and three fun runs at every event!

We'd also like to thank BMW of Peabody for their sponsorship, Rockingham Park for their hospitality, and all those who volunteered time to help us pull it off. Get psyched for next year!

November/December 1997 BIMMER

Editorial: Happy Trails! by Armand Aquino

Reflections From the Hood: The Last Word by Joe Marko

What's Happening: Transitions by Mike Webb

November/December 1997 New Members by Barry Tarr

Zymol/Foreign Motors West Concours d'Elegance by Dan Mull

A Novice's Pilgrimage to Watkins Glen by Ron Sisco

1997 Boston Chapter Autocross Series: Autocross Season Finale by Fred Beck

Brew Tour by Steve Howard

The Driveway Mechanic: E30 Main Fuel Pump Replacement by Greg Scott

1998 Boston Chapter Elections: Michael Webb for Boston Chapter President by Mike Webb

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