Season Starts May 3rd!

Fred and John (photo by Aimee Reveno)

What are you doing May 3rd? Have you ever been hesitant about trying something new, something that could be a lot of fun, and afterwards feeling psyched that you finally did it? Last season there were many new people at each event in the Autocross Series that had a great time. If you have been to the autocross series before, we know you are looking forward to participating again this year. If you haven't, now is a great time to try out a chapter event that you and your BMW will love. The autocross at Rockingham Park is fun, inexpensive, and is a great way to spend a Sunday.

Our goal is to welcome people who would normally not come to an autocross and make them feel comfortable, either as spectators, or hopefully as drivers. The first event of the season will feature instruction for novices. There will be a number of experienced autocross drivers on hand throughout the day providing rides and demonstrating techniques, which will help you learn the course. The instructors will also be available to ride as passengers, offering further instruction. We do not expect this instruction to impede the normal flow of timed runs for experienced drivers.

This season's course is sure to please even the most critical autocrosser. The course will be approximately one minute long and will maximize our available space. We are also continuing discussions on creating a competition within the autocross series specifically for M3's and Z3's. Details will be published in the May BIMMER, and will be available on the chapter web site before the May 3 series kickoff autocross.

Classification System

The classification system for non-BMWs will remain unchanged from last season. A new car classification system is in place for BMW automobiles which allocates points based on the car year and model. Additional points are added for modifications to the engine, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, and other components. Cars are then classed according to the total number of points they have accrued. This ensures that each driver competes against cars with similar overall performance potential, leading to a better distribution of cars among classes, and fair competition based on driver ability.

Cars will be classified at the autocross site during registration. We will assist first-timers and classify their cars accordingly during tech inspection. The classification form will also available on the chapter web site. This is just one more improvement from last year's already awesome system to greater enhance your driving pleasure.

[Complete information on the 1998 Autocross Series Performance Based Classes is now available. -Webmaster]

Location

All autocrosses will be held at Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire, across from the Rockingham Park Mall. Take the first exit off of Route 93 north in New Hampshire, stay to the right, and turn right at the following two lights. Head right after entering the parking lot and you will see the autocross registration area.

Autocross Schedule

• Registration and Technical Inspection starts at 8:00 am
• Registration and Technical Inspection ends at 9:00 am sharp
• Drivers meeting at 9:15 am
• First car off by 9:45 am

Autocross Requirements

• Snell 90 helmets required. Loaner helmets may be available, call for details.
• Cost is $15 per event.
• You must be a BMW CCA member to participate.
• Non-members may join the BMW CCA at the event, or call the BMW CCA National Office at 1-800-878-9292. Yearly membership dues are $35.
• To qualify for a season trophy you must place in four events.

Autocross Calendar

Events are scheduled for May 3, May 31, June 21, July 19, August 23, September 13, October 4, and October 18. For the latest autocross schedule information see the Ultimate Calendar at the Chapter web site, or call the Boston Chapter Hotline at (617) 894-8766.

For further information see the March BIMMER for why autocrosses are such a great way to enjoy your BMW. Please contact Fred Beck at or John Mansfield if you have any questions about the autocross series. See you at the season opener at Rockingham Park on Sunday May 3!

The 1998 Boston Chapter Autocross Series is sponsored by the Massachusetts BMW Retailers. BMW Gallery Norwood (Norwood, MA) BMW of Peabody (Peabody, MA) Foreign Motors West (Natick, MA) Herb Chambers BMW (Boston, MA) Wagner BMW (Boylston, MA) Trans-Atlantic BMW (Hyannis, MA)

April 1998 BIMMER

Behind the Wheel: Join - Attend - Enjoy! by Mike Webb

Under the Hood: Content, Content, Content by Greg Scott

The Road Ahead: Driving Events Coming Up by Neil Schneider

Crushing The Cones: Season Starts May 3rd! by Fred Beck and John Mansfield

April 1998 New Members by Barry Tarr

Dent Wizard: These Guys Are Amazing by Dana Russian

Dent Wizard Tech Session by Will Farnsworth

First Quarter General Meeting by Neil Schneider

1998 Ice Time Trials: Another Stunted Season, But We Had Fun by Sarah Wynne Jackson and Stan Jackson Jr.

1998 Ice Time Trials Photo Gallery by Dave O'Mara

Bimmers Across The Border II by Joe Marko

Bimmers Across The Border Photo Gallery by Doug Ingram

What Does "BMW" Mean To You? by Betty Lou McClanahan

Boston Chapter Board Meeting Minutes: February 1998 by Espen Frank

Boston Chapter Mailing List by Mike Webb

More Boston Bimmer articles by Fred Beck

President's Page: Mr. Beck Goes To Washington November/December 2000 Bimmer

President's Page: Calling All Members October 2000 Bimmer

President's Page: Bonjour, Chapitre de Boston! September 2000 Bimmer

President's Page July/August 2000 Bimmer

President's Page June 2000 Bimmer

There are 51 more Boston Bimmer articles by Fred Beck

More Boston Bimmer articles by John Mansfield

Crushing The Cones: Well Beyond All Expectations June 1999 BIMMER

Crushing The Cones: One Down, Seven to Go! April 1999 BIMMER

Crushing The Cones: A Spectacular Autocross Season January 1999 BIMMER

Crushing The Cones: Season Awards This Month! November/December 1998 BIMMER

Crushing The Cones: Driver Satisfaction Quotient October 1998 BIMMER

There are 6 more Boston Bimmer articles by John Mansfield