Thunder and Lightening

Fred and John (photo by Aimee Reveno)

George Macgown's 97 Z3 2.8 is in there somewhere. (photo by Ron Sisco)

A warm sun was out part of the day. (photo by Ron Sisco)

Rain! Thunder! Lightning! Sun! Heat! Flash Floods! Wary workers weigh woes as they worry about the weather! Finish line floods threaten to drown the starter! Later in the day the sun broke out. Shorts, T-shirts, Long pants, rain gear-you name it, we saw it! Now come on out, and dress accordingly!

To cap the day off, as Fred and John just finished packing a near-monsoon tore through the Rockingham Park drenching everything in it's path to the accompaniment of lightning bolts and explosive thunder. When we say we run rain or shine, we mean it!

Large BMW Turnout

The second Massachusetts BMW Dealers Group Autocross saw 62 drivers, 12 of which were first-year BMW drivers. BMW participation improved from an average of 33% BMW drivers last season to 53% BMW drivers at Autocross 2. We are striving for a continued increase in the number of BMWs participating in the autocross.

Currently, we have 20 participants vying for the BMW Mountain Bike in the Massachusetts BMW Dealers Group E36 M3/Z3 challenge.

Novices are welcome, and experienced autocrossers are on hand to herd you into the flock of true believers. And it's only $15, what a deal!

Intense Competition

The new vs. the old: Joe Marko in his 1997 BMW 2.8 Z3 and Fred Beck in his 1973 BMW 2002tii are dueling for first place in Class E. Fred and Joe traded places throughout the day, each taking up to a second per run off of their time. Joe Marko finally edged out Fred for first place in Class E, taking the overall FTD with a super-smooth run of 57.549 seconds, even with a power steering failure. Hats off to Joe! Joe also picked up 2 more credits for the E36 M3/Z3 Challenge BMW Mountain Bike drawing.

Much to the amusement of the spectators, spinning in two different cars did not keep John Mansfield from taking first place in D Class.

New Early Registration Policy

A turnout of 62 drivers experienced autocrossing in the rain. (photo by Ron Sisco)

With the first car off at 10:04 am, we had the earliest start in five years, which allowed five runs for every driver. This is due in part to registration closing just after 9 am.

To continue to provide the maximum number of runs per driver, therefore maximizing the driver satisfaction quotient, registration will close at 9 am. Late arrivals will face a $5 surcharge and forfeit their morning runs. This will still allow 2-3 afternoon runs for those who miss the morning registration.

New Question and Comment Department

We invite questions and comments from participants and non-participants alike. What are your thoughts on autocrossing? Do you know why an autocross really gets your blood pumping? Send an e-mail to fbeck@boston-bmwcca.org.

The remaining Massachusetts BMW Dealers Group autocross dates are 7/19, 8/23, 9/13, 10/4 and 10/18. For more information contact Fred Beck at fbeck@boston-bmwcca.org. See you there, true believers!

Fred and John

Don't miss some great Ron Sisco photos in the Autocross 2 Photo Gallery.

July/August 1998 BIMMER

Behind the Wheel: International Relations by Mike Webb

Under the Hood: New Deadline by Greg Scott

The Road Ahead: Summer and Your BMW by Neil Schneider

Crushing The Cones: Thunder and Lightening by Fred Beck and John Mansfield

July/August 1998 New Members by Barry Tarr

Autocross 2 Photo Gallery by Ron Sisco

Undercarriage Tech Session: Mighty Motors by John Sullivan

Second Quarter General Meeting by Tom Farnsworth

Concours and More by Dan Mull

1998 Spring Wine Tasting by Bob Wareham

Wheels Tech Session: Rim & Wheel Works by Mike Webb

Boston Chapter Board Meeting Minutes: May 1998 by Greg Scott

More Boston Bimmer articles by Fred Beck

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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

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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

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