Well Beyond All Expectations

Fred deNapoli placed second in class D with his new M coupe. (photo by Ron Sisco)

The first event of the 1999 Massachusetts BMW Retailers Autocross Series was an overwhelming success. People came from as far as Maine and Rhode Island. Though there were clouds and a few sprinkles, the weather held out for us.

With 108 entries, this was by far our biggest event ever, well beyond all expectations. In comparison, the average turnout last year was 67 entrants. Although registration closed an hour and a half late, everyone who showed up got to run. The Chapter, through Stan Jackson Jr., acquired a new Honda generator. It is very quiet and doesn't leak oil!

Excellent BMW Turnout

There were 57 BMWs comprising 53% of all entries, most of which were late model BMWs, though there were a few E28s, one E21, and two 2002s. Two new Coupes showed up, one Z3 2.8, and one M Coupe. Plus we had not just one, but two M3 Lightweights. This is pretty amazing, considering that there are only 500 Lightweights in the U.S. It was a beautiful sight to see both of them on the course simultaneously.

New Course and Novice Instruction a Hit

Luka Serdar had FTD with a 74.707. (photo by Dan Mull)

As described in the last issue, this year we tried to make the course a lot more open and flowing. We seem to have been successful! Novices and experienced drivers alike commented on how well the course flows. Although some people were confused at first, most were able to follow the course fairly intuitively. Luka Serdar placed the fastest time of the day, with a 74.707 in his modified E30 M3.

The novice instruction program worked well, with all first time autocrossers required to take an experienced driver on their first run to guide them around the course. Thanks to many willing volunteers, this was a big help to the novices. Instead of learning it by trial and error, having a rally style navigator eliminated many DNF's.

Another helpful addition for novices and veterans alike is our new cone numbering system. Each cone has a numbered cone code. When someone hits a cone or goes off course, we can tell them upon finishing exactly which cone they hit or where they went off course.

New Registration Requirements

Due to the overwhelming turnout in April, we were unfortunately able to provide only two runs instead of the four we had hoped for. To address this situation, and to make the event more enjoyable for all participants, we are instituting a policy of preregistration only. The new requirements are as follows:

M3s dominate class E and F. (photo by Dan Mull)

• Preregistration is mandatory, and is limited to current BMW CCA and Mass Miata members.
• Each event will be limited to a maximum of 75 cars based on the postmark date of the registration.
• Registrants will be limited to one entry per person, unless there is room at the close of preregistration.
• The opening date for all preregistration is Monday June 7.
• Do not mail your preregistration before the opening date.
• The cutoff for preregistration for each event is 5 pm the Thursday before the event.
• You may preregister for up to four events at a time. Prepayment in full by check or money order is required if you register for more than one event at a time. Cost is $15 per event.
• If you have only preregistered for one event, you may pay on-site the day of the event.
• Cancellation of preregistration must be received by 5 pm Thursday the week before the event.
• Prepaid cancellations after that time are non-refundable.
• Any registrant who neglects to cancel and misses their work assignment will be disqualified for the season.

New Schedule

• Course setup and course walk begins at 7 am
• Check-in is from 8 am to 8:30 am
• Tech inspection is from 8 am to 9 am
• Drivers Meeting at 8:45 am

Worker assignments and run groups will now be scheduled in advance and given to you when you arrive. Please use the preregistration form published in this issue, download it from the chapter website, or call or email Fred Beck for the form. Confirmation of registration will be by email, fax, regular mail, or phone.

You can see a lot just sitting on the ground in the parking lot! (photo by Ron Sisco)

As a result of these changes in registration, we should have no problem providing four runs for everyone, plus time for fun runs at the end of the day. Members or enthusiasts who have not had a chance to preregister continue to be most welcome to attend the event as spectators.

If you have any questions about the autocross series or new preregistration policy, please contact Fred Beck at (781) 979-5686 or fbeck@boston-bmwcca.org. See you June 13!

June 1999 BIMMER

Behind the Wheel: A Fond Farewell... Hello LaLa land! by Mike Webb

Under the Hood: Mom Picks Out A Car by Greg Scott

Crushing The Cones: Well Beyond All Expectations by Fred Beck, Justin Hughes, and John Mansfield

June 1999 New Members by Barry Tarr

Keys In Hand: Driving Season is Here! by Fred Beck

1999 Boston Chapter Autocross Series: Ron's Autocross 1 Photo Gallery by Ron Sisco

1999 Boston Chapter Autocross Series: Dan's Autocross 1 Photo Gallery by Dan Mull

1999 Boston Chapter Autocross Series: Alex's Autocross 1 Photo Gallery by Alex Shchipkov

Microbrewery Tour at Boston Beer Works by Fred Beck

Microbrewery Tour at Boston Beer Works Photo Gallery by Fred Beck

Women Only Tech Session by Ann Marie Weber

Women Only Tech Session Photo Gallery by Ann Marie Weber

Spring Wine Tasting by Bob Wareham

Spring Wine Tasting Photo Gallery by Dan Mull

1999 Charitable Contribution: Charlie Kutasz Fund Contribution by John Sullivan

April 1999 Boston Chapter Board Meeting Minutes by Will Farnsworth

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President's Page: Calling All Members October 2000 Bimmer

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