It`s HPDE Season

Summer 2015 Volume 2
2,104
It’s HPDE Season
DelVal Members take on summit point and Palmer!
Mike Woeller
Member profile
Member Feedback
We published your emails
Adrenalin & More
vintage group events
Tool Talk
New column from taylor handwerk
Delaware Valley Chapter - BMW Car Club of America
Martin Bullen @ Chapter President
Club Contacts
Over Drive
President
Martin Bullen
610-202-0915
[email protected]
Driving Events Chair
Scott Reiman
(732) 586-3839
[email protected]
Street Survival Chair
Rich Dunbar
484-949-4100
[email protected]
Vice President & Social Events Chair
Dave Wollman
215-275-8240
[email protected]
Driver School Registrar
Lisa Mellott
203-858-0262
[email protected]
Vintage Events Chairs
Bill Foster and Dennis Brennan
215-990-2087 - Bill Foster
[email protected]
Vice President & Social Media Chair
Dave Flogaus
610-742-0684
[email protected]
Instructor Coordinator
William L. Mellott Jr.
203-856-9987
[email protected]
Race Events Chair
Taylor Handwerk
610-248-3042
[email protected]
Secretary
Bob Kelly
215-285-1643
[email protected]
Technical Chair
Dave Somma
914-960-7273
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Patrick McHenry
858-213-2610
[email protected]
Treasurer & Chief Instructor
Michael Dion
215-431-1822 Daytime
[email protected]
Sponsorship & Business Manager
Webmaster
Board Member at Large
Bob Solomon
610-649-4846
[email protected]
SRC Chair; Board Member at Large
James Murphy
610-687-0760
[email protected]
2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Mike Woeller Member Profile - pg 06
DelVal Vintage Events - pg 08
Summit and Palmer HPDEs - pg 12
Tool Talk with Tayler Handwerk - pg 14
A Lap with Benjamin Rodgers - pg 16
2
Summer 2015 (V2)
Last issue I expressed my disappointment with the
direction BMW is taking with its new cars. I received
several heartfelt responses that echoed my own position
(thank-you!), and just one dissenting voice, from one of
my close friends.
His point was an interesting one: That every generation
goes through this. The 2002 folks complained about the
e21. The e30 aficionados complained about the e36. It
has always been so: With hindsight, we see the picture
as one of evolution and positive growth, while looking
forwards we see a murky future that feels alien and
uncomfortable.
But as this latest iteration of the brave new world is being
fine-tuned, the right to repair is running headlong into the
world of copyright protection. Just like all the “accept”
buttons you click when you install the latest version of
Microsnot’s latest bits and bytes, you’re increasingly
assumed to having accepted that the software that runs
your car doesn’t belong to you (OK), but that you’re not
allowed to modify it (whoa!).
How will this be resolved? Well, my crystal ball is a
bit cloudy at the moment, but I’m going to assume that
the deepest pockets will prevail. That won’t be good.
The app developers represent the forefront of a long
Sponsorship
From Left: Michael Dion, Bob Kelly, Dave Flogaus, Martin Bullen, Dave Wollman
Cover Photo
credit Wiki
Commons
A Generation Gap?
or borgdroid, there’s now software that lets you plug in
(or dongle-in via Bluetooth) to learn about what ails your
ride. It’s positive, and it’s the tool we all need.
Member Feedback - pg 20
Certainly, I remember at several times in my life older
generations expressing that “cars are just too complicated
to work on yourself these days”. They genuinely felt they
had a point, and yet, the backyard mechanic is alive and
kicking even today, in 2015.
tradition of innovation and creativity. They’re our bridge
to keeping our cars accessible, as enthusiasts, to our
desire to tinker, modify and repair. Support these folks.
And let your government representatives know that you
feel this way!
So is anything different this time? Is it just the continuation
of a trend that’s been going on for decades, assaulting
the sensibilities of each new generation of luddites, or
have things materially changed?
“I can only hope that the new 3-series
... will match the passion of Alfa, the
suave handling of Jaguar, and the
solidity of Mercedes to produce a
product we can’t resist.”
On the one hand, I can see my friend’s point, but then
I would counter that there’s an increasingly slippery
slope of complexity that we’re sliding down. It’s not
just unfamiliar technologies, as in the past, but multiple
layers of them that will make backyard mechanical
repair more challenging going forward.
The good news for my fellow luddites is that there are
answers that promise to ameliorate this headlong rush
towards complexity! Whether it’s on your laptop, i-thing
So, back to where BMW is heading. As I noted in my
last column, I’m disappointed, but not disenchanted,
with the current direction of our favourite car company.
But I’m also optimistic. Part of what encourages me is
actually the competition. (Continued on next page.)
2015 Upcoming Events: http://delvalbmwcca.org/Events.php
3
The new Mercedes C63 (which Automobile preferred
to the F80 M3/4), the new Jaguar XE and especially the
upcoming Alfa Romeo Guilia. They all look fabulous,
and promise more than the current 3-series. So, why
am I encouraged? Because BMW is primarily a 3-series
company. Competing product that seriously challenges
the car that puts bread in the mouths of the children of
Munich might hurt BMW in the short term (wow, that
Alfa!), but it will hopefully only encourage BMW to reevaluate, dig deeper, and make a better car.
both on and off the track.
I can only hope that the new 3-series (reportedly known
as the g20) will match the passion of Alfa, the suave
handling of Jaguar and the solidity of Mercedes to
produce a product we can’t resist. Heck, there was even
a piece in the most recent Roundel that hinted that BMW
might actually offer a choice of non-runflat tyres on some
models in the future. Surely that’s a sign that they’re
finally listening to the customer! Maybe they’ll even
produce a decent cupholder eventually, too! I know,
that’s just too much to ask for (and I don’t even drink in
the car anyway).
Finally, on an adjacent theme, as those of you who’ve met me
probably already know, not only do I love cars, but I enjoy
working on them, too. I mentioned in the past the collective
efforts of my friends and I to build our own racing car (check
out Team Mancave, racing two cars this year in the AER series:
http://www.americanenduranceracing.com).
Well, in the last few weeks, I learned a salutary
lesson: You have to take care of yourself or it can have
undesirable effects on your leisure activities. One
example is that working with tools means working with
care. I won’t bore you with the details, except to say that
my injury is minor, and not permanent, but that I’ve been
put frustratingly out of commission for working on cars
and seriously driving for a few months. It didn’t happen
while working on a car, but my experience has reinforced
for me the care you need to exhibit while working with
any sort of tool: Take care when working in the garage,
workshop, kitchen or anywhere you work with tools.
Always watch the follow-through, and don’t work angry.
Trust me on this….
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Dave Gilbert Presents:
a member profile of
Mike Woeller
“Folks, time to meet one of the newest members
of our chapter. Many of you know Mike from the
fantastic pictures he takes at track events. I met
him about four years ago and immediately was
struck by his passion for not just taking pictures
but individually processing each one before he
posted them on his site. I always made sure to
give him a ride at any event where I was able.
Fast forward to 2015 and Mike has gone from
zero to MINI in a few years. He joined the club
after he got his new car. I have a feeling some
club HPDE’s are in his future. Welcome to the
club, Mike!!!”
-Dave Gilbert
All Photos Courtesy Mike Woeller
Family members: Wife, Kim
First Car: ‘81 Dodge Aries K
What’s in your garage now: 2015 Mini Cooper S
4 Door
Other interesting cars you’ve owned: I loved my
96 Ford Probe SE
Best part of being a Del Val club member: The
people that I have met at DelVal events, and
the support they show towards becoming a “car
guy.”
Name: Mike Woeller
Profession: Office Manager @ Hi Fi Sales
& Semi-professional Photographer @
WindShadow Studios
Home Town: Millville, NJ
Now resides in: Vineland, NJ
Member since: April, 2015
6
Other Interesting Info: “Professional Ballast & Track Rat....”
I’m coming to cars kind of late in the game. I
have always enjoyed cars as “things” since being
a kid. I started to really take an interest in 2009
when I started photographing races at NJMP,
which lead to gigs at track days. I have become a
volunteer photographer for NJMP and the official
photographer for Jeffapalooza and Povoledo Track
Days. I’ve even managed to shoot for high profile
series such as ARCA and AMA Pro Road Racing.
My new MINI is my first somewhat performance
car, and maybe one day it will tackle DE and
Autocross. Right now I’m just learning to enjoy
driving for driving’s sake, and learning what makes
cars behave as they do.
Since I didn’t have the means to drive on track and
race, photography was my way to stay involved at the
track. I have always approached track photography
as an artform rather than just documentary, which
has helped me stand out in a crowded field.
Favorite saying (that can be reprinted): “I can
make you look fast.”
Other hobbies/interests: Photography,
Computers, LEGO, Star Wars
Next thing I knew, I had my own helmet purely to
be “professional ballast” in other people’s cars and
take rides. I keep a list of cars and tracks I have
ridden at. The closest to actual track driving I have
been is participating in one Autocross and some
parade laps at Lightning and Thunderbolt.
7
Del Val
Vintage Events
Del Val
Import/Kit Car Nationals
Saturday, May 16 - Carlisle, PA
On a beautiful spring afternoon in May, a
number of DelVal members converged on
Carlisle, Pennsylvania to take in the 2015
Import & Kit Car Nationals. The event was
a phenomenal success for all involved as
the weather was gorgeous thoughout.
Over a thousand cars were on display,
representing at least 7 countries, and
37 unique manufacturers. Of course,
there was a healthy contingent of
BMW’s present as members were
treated to an event that really can’t
be rivaled by any other import show on
the East Coast. With everything from 2002s to
French kit cars, parts vendors of all types, onsite autocross, and of course the sort of food
you can only get at a fairgrounds, Carlisle had
everything you could want in a car show.
Vintage Events
Adrenalin Screening
Saturday, June 20 - Doylestown, PA
Long-time club supporters and
members Ziggy and Chris Muzlowski
were generous enough to have club
members join them for a social event
at their barn in the beautiful rural
countryside outside of Doylestown, PA.
The event featured a screening of the
recently released ‘Adrenalin: The BMW
Touring Car Story’ as well as a corral of
members’ new and classic BMWs. Food
was provided by the vintage group, and
it’s safe to say this was our most attended
social event since the annual banquet!
The club would like to extend a special
thank you to Chris and Ziggy for hosting
a very special event that was enjoyed by
everyone in attendance!
All Photos Courtesy Dennis Brennan
8
For more information regarding the vintage group:
Contact Bill Foster and Dennis Brennan
[email protected]
Bill Phone: 215-990-2087
9
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HPDE REPORTS
by Scott REIMAN
Summit Point - April 18-20, 2015
Palmer motorsports park - may 16-17, 2015
It only rained once…
...did it really have to be while we were
eating?
Those of you that have been to track events know
that weather is a factor that has an important
bearing on the size of the smiles, and in fact,
the numbers of miles that are driven on the
particular track you are visiting. Wet conditions
on track are not all bad – learning can increase
exponentially as drivers learn to contend with
reduced grip. But speeds are reduced, visibility
is more challenging, and, well, you’re going to
get wet driving around with you windows open.
So when it rained at our 18th annual Jefferson/
Summit Point Main event this past 18th, 19th and
20th of April, the heavens pretty much chose the
worst possible moment to open up – right as the
barbeque on Sunday night was being served. To
give context to the catastrophic consequences
this led to, people fled, and WE ENDED UP
WITH LEFTOVER BEER! (I’ll pause here to give
our readers time to compose themselves…).
The good news (and there is a lot of it) is that
the rest of the time the DelVal chapter spent in
West Virginia was dry and hugely enjoyable.
You may recall that Summit Point expanded the
Jefferson circuit last year; we spent two days
on this technically challenging 1.7 mile
long circuit on Saturday
and Sunday, moving over to
main track on Monday evening. The
aforementioned opening of the heavens
did however get us twice; envision a caravan of
cars and trailers breaking camp in one paddock
and setting up in another during that BBQ rain
(the only joy generated that evening was for
those in the presence of some of our tech team
where we incurred a loss of some of that extra
beer…). Monday was spent in what turned out
to be a dry and beautiful day on the 10 turn, 2.0
mile SPR main track that is one of our favorites
in the Northeast.
If you were one
of the
respected
DelVal instructor corps, or one
of our even luckier students at Summit, I know
you
had a great time because your survey
responses said so (the event overall earned
4.7
out of 5 possible points on
DrivingEvals.com).
For those that didn’t get to join
us, perhaps you followed the
rest of that extra beer with us as
we then traveled to the brand new
Palmer Motorsports Park…
…350,000. That is the number of
tons of rock that was blasted off what
the locals call Whiskey Hill during the
construction of an extraordinary new
race track in central Massachusetts. 2.3
miles long, 13 turns, 190 feet of elevation
change, great sight lines and a clear
commitment by the track management
to safe, high speed motorsports all
combined to make for a fabulous two
days in May at Palmer, where DelVal
was one of the very first organizations to
run.
Sure, there are challenges being early
adopters; the paddock was dustier than
anything ever described in “The Grapes
of Wrath”; every time two wheels
went off the curb-less track ,
there was a delay as the flaggers
climbed down (some were perched
15 feet above the track surface)
to sweep the rocks off the
track. And there were some
absolute firsts – one of our
students supplied 3 gallons
of gas for the radio repeater
generator, we all had to bring
in drinking water, and did I
mention the dust?
But it was a great time at a brand
new venue that I’m sure we’ll
be visiting regularly in the
years to come. And there was
no rain, allowing us to finally
finish off that extra beer on
Saturday evening!
If by some unfortunate
run of bad luck you were
not able to join us at SPR
or Palmer, you’ve got two
more chances this season
to enjoy the fun, camaraderie
and excellence in instruction
that DelVal BMW CCA offers.
Please come out and join us
at either Watkins Glen on
July 8th and 9th, or New
Jersey Motorsports Park’s
Lightning Circuit on August
21st and 22nd. Please see
the DelVal website for links
providing information and
registration details.
See you at the track!
Scott Reiman
Driving Events Chair
DelVal BMW CCA
Photo Courtesy Ben Rodgers
12
Photo Courtesy Richard Roth
Sign up today for any of our scheduled HPDEs: http://dvc.motorsportreg.com
13
Taylor Handwerk presents:
Tool Talk
In January of 2014 I took over a
company called bimmertools.
com. The previous owner was
ready to see it lead a new life and
I was ready to give it a shot. It has
been a fun ride so far despite the
many hurdles to overcome and
new information to learn. I enjoy
working on my own cars so I find
14
BMW of Devon
BMWofDevon.com
these to charge my cell phone,
AiM solo data logger, and jump
a friend’s race car while at the
track in a single afternoon.
The units have USB ports and
adapters for cell phones and
laptop computers. Keeping the
units charged is a breeze by using
either the wall or cigarette lighter
adapter plug. Once charged the
unit will hold the power for up to
one year without discharging.
Welcome to “Tool Talk” with
me, Taylor Handwerk from
bimmertools.com. In this column,
I will be discussing tools that I
believe to be extremely useful
to the automotive enthusiast. As
this is our first article I feel like I
should tell you all a little bit about
myself and my company before
we get into the tool review.
My first car was a 1994 325i; I
know, I know, poor me. As a
matter of fact we still have that
car over 20 years later. I guess it
is fair to say I have BMW colors
pumping through my veins. I have
been a member of the club for 5
years and enjoy the many social
events, track days and races the
club provides year after year. Last
year I raced in the SE36 class and
won the National Championship
as well as the Rookie of the Year
award. This season I successfully
completed the Instructor Training
School (ITS) and look forward to
helping drivers move up the ranks
just as previous instructors helped
me. I am also the new Race Chair
for the chapter. I have met some
amazing people and made tons
of great friends over these past
five years. In fact, I enjoyed the
journey so much that I decided to
find a way to make it part of my
professional life.
Main Line’s
Ultimate
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and negative battery terminals,
plug the clips into the jump box
and start the car. That’s it. The unit
is intelligent as well; it will alert
you if the polarity is reversed.
Once you’re done, simply put the
unit back in its carrying case and
times before being fully drained
(can vary based on engine size).
After using one of these units,
you may find yourself leaving
that dome light on all night just
for fun. Never dread that “click,
click, click” sound again!
I hope you found this article to
be informative and fun. I look
forward to the next installment of
“Tool Talk” where we will discuss
another great tool for the BMW
enthusiast. If you would like more
information on the Micro-start
please visit bimmertools.com.
Jumping
vehicle with
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starting amps and can handle up
to 8 liter diesel engines. Not only
can they jump almost anything,
but they can power your personal
electronic devices as well. I have
used one of these to charge my
cell phone, AiM solo data logger
For our first installment I have and jump a friend’s race car while
chosen a tool I believe everyone at the track in a single afternoon.
should have. I have one in my
car and my wife has one in hers.
This tool has gotten me out of a
jam more times than I can count
already and I’ve only had it for
about 6 months. I’m talking about
the Micro-start Pocket Size Jump
Starter and Battery Back-up.
it exciting to test new tools and
learn how to do different jobs.
The best part about the business
though is the fact that it gets me
out into the community. I love
talking with enthusiasts about
these cars and I always enjoy
hearing “creative” solutions to
problems. Working on a car with
friends is a great way to pass the
time; having the opportunity to
make a living doing so should
almost be illegal.
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15
My two friends and I stood in the paddock, heads
at a forty-five degree upward angle, cocked slightly
in a mix of awe and befuddlement. “What in the
hell’s the track doing all the way up there?!”
Take a lap at:
PALMER MOTORSPORTS PARK
BY BENJAMIN RODGERS
16
16
The worrying video shot a week or two prior
showcasing Chevy Spark sized boulders made it look
a lot flatter. In person, it was enough to make your
palms sweat. It was all around us, charging through
the downhill esses to meet us on the main straight,
then cresting at the braking zone for turn one and
dropping out of sight to the left until the climb up to
turn five and up and up from there until the concrete
barriers disappear and then reappear along the outside
of turn ten. To my pack of dudes accustomed to New
Jersey Motorsports Park and Summit Point Raceway,
the first impression was surreal. Just shy of 200 feet of
elevation change, they told us. No kiddin’.
Who builds a track in a quarry anyhow? Ten yearold me would’ve thought it a completely reasonable
proposition, but lawyer me could scarcely believe that
they actually pulled it off. The “they” in question, of
course, being the New England Region of the Sports
Car Club of America. That’s right, the SCCA folks built
it for themselves, citing rising costs and accessibility
concerns related to other area racetracks as the
impetus. A spendy solution, sure, but impeccably
executed.
Our event was held on May 16 and 17, with the track
opening in earnest only the week prior. I will tell you that
the lack of permanent bathrooms, classroom facilities
and other amenities in no way hindered our enjoyment
of this place. Yeah, that’ll all be done (probably) by
time the next DelVal event olls around, but if you have
the opportunity to go before, by god you had better do
it. It’s unlike anything else. Let’s do a lap, shall we?
The main straight isn’t a straight in
the literal sense. In fact, by time you
leave it you’ll have crossed almost
the whole width of the track three
times. The car will have run out
to the right for the entrance to the
straight, the line will bring you back
left near the pit wall and then you’ll
track right again into the uphill
braking zone for turn one. Turn one
is an awfully busy left hander, which
requires heavy braking, a downshift
and immediate turn in with a good
deal of carried speed. Oh, and the
apex (which is blind – seriously, I’m
not making this up) is pretty much
right next to the concrete barriers.
There’s a thin strip of runoff on the
exit, but you don’t want to go there.
For those still living, turn two is
a left downhill kink leading into
turn three, a very fast left sweeper
where the track levels out for
approximately
six
millimeters
before beginning the climb up to
turn four, a tremendously quick
left hand kink (90mph in our bone
stock E46 330i sedan) that I took
with only a slight lift to weight the
front and an early turn in. Heavy
uphill braking sets you up for turn
five, a sharp, uphill right hander so
steep and ridiculous that it induced
a “one-wheel peel,” El Caminostyle burnout in our open diff 330i
the one time I attempted to summit
it with maximum drama in second
gear.
resumes an uphill charge to turn nine, a very fast left
that crests the hill at exit.
Downhill hard braking for turn ten, which is a 180+
degree right hand bowl with an apex so late you’ll
have forgotten it even exists by the time you get to it.
Turn eleven is an easy throw away right that sets up
for the next turn, a double apex left (officially, for now,
called turns twelve and thirteen but there is talk of
referring to both as a single “turn twelve”). The final
two turns, a right that’s all too tempting to cut and an
immediate left, comprise the downhill esses leading
back to the main straight.
Still not convinced? Check out my onboard video
from the 330i, which doubles as a cure for insomnia,
by searching for user “BKRM3” on YouTube. If you’re
still reading, though, just find a way to drive this track,
which is sure to become a club favorite.
The climb continues, this time
to the left, for turn six, and the
following uphill straight was
so steep that it gave me the
opportunity each lap to work
on a sweater I’d been knitting.
Turn seven is a quick right
hander requiring gentle braking
and its exit, which feels like
driving off the edge of a cliff,
spits you directly into the entry
for turn eight, a savage downhill
decreasing radius left with a
late apex and a compression
point that is wildly satisfying
when done correctly. The track
All Photos Courtesy Ben Rodgers
17
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Chapter Resources
Chapter Lending Toolbox
Free Club Window Logos
The Chapter maintains a club accessible
“lending” tool box that contains some
special BMW-specific tools. These are
tools you may want to borrow, rather than
own for yourself. This valuable service
is available to DVC members in good
standing. Contact Toolbox coordinator
James Murphy.
610 687-0760
or
[email protected]
Want to display your club loyalty? Free
Chapter window logos are available
to all members in good standing. For
a FREE set of 2 handsome removable
DVC logos (which affix to the inside of
the window by static cling), send a selfaddressed stamped envelope to:
Michael Dion
PO BOX 385
Flourtown, PA 19031-0385
Free Used Car Purchase Inspection
As a great support of the
Del Val Members, Otto’s BMW offers a
free pre-purchase inspection of ANY
used BMW. Call for details or to set up
an appointment.
Free Pre-track Inspection
Free tech inspection is available at
Otto’s BMW prior to any HPDE Event for
Del Val BMW CCA members. Call to set
up an appointment before your next
HPDE event.
19
Elizabeth
Are we allowed to print that
last “Speedy”
sentence?Millinghausen
Member
Feedback
Just read the recent article in the Spring 2015 issue about “The Ultimate Driving Machine”
by Martin Bullen. Over the years I have owned several VWs, an Audi, a 1970 911T and two
BMWs - a 1993 325i and at the present a 2003 525i - both bought new.
I realize everyone is in business to make money and that times change, but at the same
time I miss the older version of BMW with fewer models, and the emphasis on performance
and handling. I still have an ‘03 525i stick shift, maintained above and beyond the required
factory service. Near pristine with 68k miles, stick, an alloy with a real spare, oil dip
stick, and no run flats. Now what could I buy today that might resemble that from BMW?
Nothing. It appears that not only is the price sky high, but the type of car differs, with BMW
attempting to palm off 4 cylinder turbos with stop/start, run flats, idiot lights, and loaded
with electronic gizmos and displays in a plithera of mind boggling models seemingly
designed for the generation of today.
Is that bad or just different? Just sad from my vantage point. And now it appears we are
headed to driverless cars! Well one opinion is not for this guy; BMW has probably lost a
customer. And let me ask ---do they think having kids without sex will sell?
C T Kemmerer
Springtown, PA
Last issue we asked to hear from DelVal members who felt strongly one way or another about
Martin Bullen’s opinions regarding the current state of the BMW brand. As usual, our members
did not dissapoint! What follows are unabridged emails we received answering the call (edited
for spelling and grammar only). We hope to make this section a regular feature in Bavarian
Motor Notes, and we’re very excited about the potential it has to add aditional member voices
to each issue. To make this work though, we’re going to need your participation. So don’t be shy!
If you’d like to share your take on anything you read in BMN (or just topics you find relevant to
the club), send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Member Feedback.”
We will publish the best emails each issue! Now is your chance to let your favorite columnist
know how much you get them, tell your editor how sick you are of drop shadow photographs,
or just share a picture of that unicorn you saw at Whole Foods last week.
As you’ll see, we’ll be publishing short responses to each email. Depending on topics of
discussion, deadlines, and personal schedules, these responses may come from one of several
BMN contributors. Martin himself, for instance, wanted to respond to your emails this issue as
they all pertained to his spring Overdrive column. Unfortunately, that proved impossible due to
an altercation between his right and left hands complicated further by the inclusion of a very
sharp kitchen knife. Don’t worry! Martin will be okay, and I’m sure will be happy to respond
in future issues, but for this first round of Member Feedback you’ll have to make due with the
opinions and snark of our rather droll editor who is currently writing this very sentence in the
third person...
20
It’s a fair point about rising prices, and the proliferation of the small displacement
turbo, but let me ask one question of you C T: Do you think its possible to locate a
new car for sale that doesn’t come filled to the brim with the sort of gadgetry you
despise? I doubt it. Just take a look at the other brands you’ve owned. VW raves
about the fuel efficient 203-speed electronically super-actuated always-searchingfor-the-next-gear automatic transmissions they’re making standard in every model.
Audi just finished accepting applications for their terribly named “Audi Electronics
Venture Technology Partnering” program (no seriously, that’s what it’s called), which
is designed to allow them to collaborate with innovative designers on ways to pack
even more tech into their platforms. And Porsche is firmly in the lead when it comes
to the performance segment’s development of hybrid engines... Don’t get me wrong,
I totally understand your frustration. I’m just not sure those frustrations should be
aimed specifically at BMW rather than the broader evolution of the automobile. (I
say keep your 525 by the way... it’s got at least another 130K miles left in it anyway!)
21
Can we all just blame the millenials?
BMW’s, like all cars currently on sale, are apparently so constrained by “market forces” and regulations
that they are all moving toward an essential sameness that I have never seen before across different
manufacturers. In side view from 50 feet, the 3-series, the Altima, the Camry, The 6, The C-class, the
Accord - they all look the same. The infotainment features of the cars are more prominently featured
in advertising than their performance attributes. All formerly mid-sized sedan body cars are now larger
than they used to be to enable the high crash worthiness ratings so highly sought by the makers. The
ratio of side window opening to side sheet metal keeps shrinking - all cars are moving toward “gun
slit” windows - side sills are now too high to rest an arm on while cruising windows down. Hoods
and front fascias are bulbous and swollen to accommodate Euro pedestrian safety requirements which
mandate minimum clearance between the hood skin and the hard metal parts of the engine below. No
one wants to engineer a low hood for the North American market, although they legally could. The 2.0
turbo four pot engine with electronically shifted many-geared transmission has become the de facto
standard configuration for everybody including BMW, moving toward elimination of their signature
I-6 and its distinct auditory and vibration character from their volume products in the name of fuel
economy CAFE mandates. And just today, I am hearing that BMW is among the group of car makers
advocating the limitation or removal of the possibility of owners working on or modifying their own
cars, under the copyright act!!
This is NOT the BMW so many of us fell in love with 10, 20 or 40 years ago.
Today’s average BMW consumer and therefore the one the company now seeks out with their ads,
cannot tell you whether his/her car is front, rear or all wheel driven. The BMW CCA member of 40,
or 20 years ago chose the car for its superior driving dynamics and performance. CCA members were
the driver enthusiast thought leaders who read Autoweek and C & D. We were a big part of driving the
early popularity of the marque. We influenced others with our choice to drive these cars. Now, the CCA
driving enthusiast is a vanishingly small segment of the 2,000,000 people that BMW wants to sell a
new car to each year! Sadly, we barely matter in the marketing calculus of the company. The manually
shifted RWD 1-series sport-wagons that we all swear we would buy if only they would bring them to
our shores will never come. Even if every one of the 70,000 members of the BMWCCA could somehow
convince BMW that we’d buy one, that is still not enough. The M brand will continue to be applied to
all sorts of AWD jacked-up SAV/CAV “Grand” trundle-buggy hatch-back thingys.
My wife and I need to replace the family oriented car in our fleet this year. We want a new, smaller
sized 4/5 door hatchback vehicle. We want that to be German engineered, gas engined and modestly
priced. So my choices are: Well, let’s see: The 3 series is now too darn big. All the mini’s with five doors
now look like a bloated cartoon version of their former selves. Audi can only put me in an electric A3
wagon or an A3 sedan body - too bad they won’t bring that wagon here. Mercedes: nope. So looks like
our dollars will go to VW for one of the variations of the new Golf. 1-series hatchback would probably
get those dollars if I could get one here.
The M235. The forthcoming M2. Those are the products that BMW is aiming straight at our core
enthusiast - get ‘em while you still can. The rest of the line is less and less distinct in an increasingly
homogenized car market.
Chris Holliday
I... uh... well geeze Chris... I don’t really have a retort for most of that. I would like to point
out that despite the perception, the car enthusiast is anything but a dying breed. Certainly
there are more casual drivers in the world than 10 years ago, but there are also more guys
and gals with real passion for automobiles than there has ever been. See the popularity
of blogs like Jalopnik, television shows like Top Gear, and the proliferation of trackday
organizations if you need verification of that.
22
I was wondering when we’d mention electronic steering...
Bravo to Martin Bullen for his Spring 2015 “Ultimate Driving Machine” column.
As the result of a late 2013 purchase of a low mileage 2011 328xi Sport Wagon for my wife (a
model selected over newer versions for its 6 cylinders and non-electronic steering), and thanks
to the factory warranty it came with, I have had the opportunity to drive a variety of current
generation BMW loaners – several 328i sedans, a 428i, a 328i GT and an X1 (328i). I have also
driven a family member’s 2014 335i. All were x-drive.
These cars all had extraordinary electronics and device connectivity, and all had plenty of
acceleration. But the “connectivity” with the road was missing. None of them could touch
my wife’s wagon for pure driving enjoyment, a contrast even more magnified when compared
to the steering feel and handling of my sports package 2006 330i (even before the recent, long
anticipated switch away from the run-flats – a game changer in the ride department, by the way.)
Or, of course, our “classic” E30 – a 1990 325ic.
As Martin so capably suggested, the current generation Three series and its Four siblings, with
numb, over boosted steering and diffident suspension feed-back, lack the “It” factor of the earlier
generation Threes. Which is too bad. Let’s hope on the way to the bank BMW remembers enough
of its history to at least fix the steering . . . .
Keep up the good work!
Tony Geyelin
Thank you for the email Tony! I’m not sure if it was intentional, but I was relieved to see
somebody type electronics without making it sound like a curse word. In all honesty, it
sounds like you have a lot more experience driving the current generation than I do. I’m
sorry to hear that the electronic steering was not up to snuff, and certainly you aren’t the first
person to form that opinion. You close your email talking about BMW’s history, and thats
really where I’d like to focus your attention if I may. I do believe BMW takes their history very
seriously. It’s a rich history, one to be proud of, and one we constantly hear the brand lean
on. And that is really the single biggest reason I don’t really buy into all this doom and gloom
about the end of drivers’ cars and the start of a new world order where every passenger
vehicle will be designed specifically to insult anyone that’s ever taken pleasure in a Sunday
drive down a winding mountain road. No, the new steering isn’t great, by most reports.
But it’ll get better. AWD will continue to be popular with the soccer moms. But RWD isn’t
going away any time soon. Runflats are an abomination. But there are rumors that BMW is
considering changing their tire policy (yeah... they listen sometimes!). I don’t know if the I6
will eventually go extinct, but I suspect not. BMW wants to sell cars. They want to sell a lot
of them. And to do that in today’s world you have to offer models that appeal to drivers that
enthusiasts like us can’t stand. It stings a bit because the more cars they sell, and the more
models they offer, and the more needless features they pack into those models, the more it
seems like we’re drifting away from the purity that made many of us love the marque in the
first place. But I find it hard to believe that BMW will ever be a brand that only offers dull
grocery getters with fancy leather interiors. They’re too proud of their history for that.
23
Finally a positive email!
I wholeheartedly agree with Martin Bullen’s Over Drive article in the Spring Edition. BMW has lost
its way. One of the reasons I bought my E46 3 Series even before I retired my E36 3 series at around
300,000 miles, was I could see that BMW was moving toward the Mercedes and Lexus crowd and
the E9X cars were just the beginning of the decline in focus on the “car/ driving enthusiast” market
segment and increasing focus on the luxury segment with a plethora of model designations and
some frankly UGLY cars like the humpbacked X6GT
Sad…but my current E46 325 CiC will be my last BMW.
Harold Emrich
BMWCCA Member since 1994
Ha! Just kidding! We didn’t receive any positive emails. You all are a depressing lot. Harold,
I’d be remiss if I didn’t defend the E9X generation in this instance. Those are fantastic cars.
Yes, they are heavier than the E46 generation before them, but they also boast loads more
power, a 25% stiffer chassis, and one of the best handling stock suspension systems ever
put on a BMW. My girlfriend recently purchased an E91 328xi, and while I love both my
E46 coupe and my E46 sedan, I was blown away by how well the E91 drives (in spite of the
x-drive!). Also... why don’t you just buy another E46 when you need your next car? They’re
dirt cheap right now, even for lowish mileage, good condition examples.
Anyway, thank you all for providing us with your feedback! I suspect (hope?) there is a bit
of Yelp-style review bias in the instance of this particular topic. That sort of thing where
happy consumers are far less likely to write-in than the unhappy ones. Either way, I think I
did like it better when Martin was sizing himself for a pair of celebratory cowboy boots after
raving about buying his first diesel truck. That being said, I am sincerely thankful to each
of you that emailed us to let us know what you were thinking. I think BMN is better off for
your participation, and I’m sure our readers will agree. To those of you that are hell-bent on
swearing off the brand: at least stay in the club! Afterall, we come for the cars, but... well you
know the rest.
HAVE AN OPINION?
TELL US ABOUT IT!
Automobili Limited provides a high standard of value and service through the sale
of pre-owned vehicles. Operating from a 7,500 square-foot indoor retail delivery
center, we specialize in BMW, Audi, Porsche, Land Rover and Mercedes vehicles.
With an average of over 70 cars in stock, we bestow a unique experience on our
customers by providing at least 80 photos of each car in our inventory. Automobili
pledges unparalleled customer service through courtesy, knowledge, and the staff’s
passion for motor vehicles. We pride ourselves in providing our clients with a highly
personalized and boutique-style experience, at a fraction of the competitor’s price.
Send an email to [email protected] with
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be published here next time!
24
Tony Kasser
David Mizrachi
eurocarscertified.com
The Enthusiast’s MARKETPLACE
Pat McHenry @ Editor
If I Might Have A Word....
www.GetMac4Biz.com
Now
with more BMWs!
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Therearemorereasonsthaneverforyoutoconsider
switchingtoOSXandtheMacintosh:
driving season is upon us! By the
time you read this, we’ll have just
wrapped up the third DelVal HPDE
of the season (at Watkins Glen!), and
we’ll all be looking toward the August
NJMP event with great anticipation.
Of course August will give way to
September, and September means
Oktoberfest (hmm? oh whatever...).
That the BMW CCA’s premier annual
event is in our own back yard is a
source of much joy to me, and
I’m very much looking forward to
spending that week among friends
and beemers and making up for all
the O’fests gone by that I was unable
to attend (this will be my first!).
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It’s been a great start to the season so
far for me, as I was fortunate enough
to attend both driving schools we
have featured in this issue of Bavarian
Motor Notes. And in addition to the
awesome weekends I’ve been able
to spend at the track, I’ve been lucky
enough to add two new BMW’s to
the family stable! Well, new to me
at least.
Ben Greisler, ACSA
215-821-1440
[email protected]
Earlier this year I began what I
can only assume will be a grand
adventure by purchasing my first
ever track-dedicated automobile: an
‘01 E46 330i. I suppose you could
say I caught the bug hard, as I only
had one track weekend under my
belt when I made this particular
purchase, and in the few months
since doing so it’s quickly gone
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Unlike other mortgage brokers and banks, Rock Hill Financial, LLC is
not trying to become the biggest in the nation. We want to make sure
every client feels satisfied that they have been treated fairly and would
return to us for future financial needs, as well as recommend us
to others.
from “now I don’t need to beat up
my daily driver at HPDEs” to “hey
lets co-own this thing and build it
into a real racer.” As I said, a grand
adventure.
What started as a ridiculous deal on
craigslist for a car that needed a little
bit of work has quickly morphed
into a plan to graduate club racing
school by the beginning of 2017.
I’m lucky of course to have friends I
can share this with, and in particular
fellow DelVal member Benjamin
Rodgers who was crazy enough to
split the cost of the build with me for
a 50/50 seat share. Since going all
in on our grand plan, we managed
to get the car to Summit (after fixing
a leaking intake on the way there...)
and Palmer (did you read the
articles about Palmer? Drive Palmer
people!). There’s been a full coolant
system swap, a new valve cover
gasket, new front suspension, and a
number of other nagging repairs and
maintenance items along the way,
but I have to say I’ve already fallen in
love with the car and the very idea of
wheel to wheel racing. We’ve been
upgrading little by little between
each event with a focus on reliability
and safety before adding any “go
faster” parts. In fact, we should run
our first time with a full roll cage and
race buckets at that August NJMP
event I’m so looking forward to.
Yes, its been exciting for sure, and just
when I thought the summer couldn’t
have gotten any more exciting, my
girlfriend Sarah sent me a picture
of an E91 328xi and informed me
that she wanted a new (to her) car.
This particular car was conveniently
located at Otto’s in West Chester,
and after a test drive I knew there’d
be no question how it compared to
the Subaru Forester she was driving
at the time. The rest, as they say, is
history. There’s something special
about taking a loved one to buy their
first ever BMW... Something about
that marque, and the way the cars
drive (in spite of what our inbox
might say) gives first timers especially
big grins. Yes, its nice to have Sarah
finally join the club, and I’m sure if I
wear on her long enough, we’ll have
that wagon out on the track before
you know it!
Save these
dates!!!
be sure to join us for
these upcoming delval
events...
Teen Street Survival
Sunday, August 16
Warminster Community Park
Warminster, PA
(www.streetsurvival.org)
NJMP Lightning HPDE
Saturday, August 22 thru
Sunday, August 23
NJ Motorsports Park
Millville, NJ
Annual Chapter Picnic
Saturday, September 12
Wilson Farm Park
Chesterbrook, PA
Teen Street Survival
Saturday, October 18
Coca Cola Park
Allentown, PA
(www.streetsurvival.org)
For more information on
these events and more...
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Phone: 610-701-9172 • Fax: 610-701-9173
721 East Nields Street • West Chester, PA 19382
Official
Business:
Executive
Board
Official
Business:
Executive
Board
Meeting
Meeting
Minutes Minutes
Meeting of the Delaware
Valley Chapter Executive Board:
Monday,
4, 2015
MeetingMay
of the
Delaware
2.Mike reviewed the registration and paid cover bridge tour in the fall for the second year in a
attendance numbers for the Jeff/Summit event. row due to the success of last year’s event.
the proper
insurance Chair Report:
He expressed
disappointment
in the The
poorSRC
student
the beginning
of this season.
is set up10.
and Mike
1.9Dion reviewed
Webmaster
/ Membership
housed
under two large canopies in a strategic
andlocaliability protocol for all Vintage (and other club
numbers.
In attendance
were: Martin
Bullen, Board: registration
Valley Chapter
Executive
tionwas
at alldiscussion
of our events.
Here
novice driver can
get with
NoBill
report.
activities)
and Dennis. He noted that we
3.There
relative
toaencouraging
President;
Dave
Flogaus,
Monday
July
18thCo-Vice
2011
on anything
track,
or driving
re-insurance riders for each event and waivers
need
“surplus”advice
instructors
to mechanical,
attended the
Palmer
President; Mike Dion, Treasurer and Chief
lated. They will also be invited to a barbecue signed
at lunch.by all1.10
Driver
School
Registrar’s
participants
prior
to and
wheelsReport:
HPDE atHe
a reduced
rate
bit of insurance
against
In attendance
Wollman,
President; Martin
Instructor;
Bob were:
Kelly, Dave
Secretary;
Rich
noted that
theaprograms
are doing
well and the
Bullen, Vice President; Michael Dion, Treasurer and
the possibility
of a lowera hub
thanof needed
student
Lisa Mellott reported that she received much positive
SRC is becoming
activity for
novice rolling.
drivers
Dunbar,
Street Survival
Chair; and
BobJames
Solomon,
Chief Instructor;
Geoff Ehrman
Murphy,
registration.
No finalthe
decision
was made.Everyone in attenfeedback
from attendees
on Report:
how well the Watkins
throughout
event weekend.
Business
Manager;
Dave
Wollman,
Social
12. Advertising and Business
Manager’s
Driving Events Co-Chairs; Dave Flogaus and Ed
Glen event was run. Lisa presented a new strategy
dance applauded James’ efforts.
Narewski,
Newsletter
Co-Editors;
Bob Kelly,
Secre1.
Bob
Solomon
reported
that
Otto’s
4. Driving
Events
Chair
Report:
Events
Chair;
Scott Reiman,
Driving
Events
for wristbands for DE events. She has
proposed retaining
.
tary; LisaBill
Mellott,
Event
Registrar;
Mo Karamat,
sponsorship
the August
clubbands. But, for
1. Scott Reiman noted the SRC will not be set-up confirmed their
Co-Chair;
Foster,
Vintage
Events
Cothe traditional
red,foryellow,
and green
Street
Survival
Chair;
Mark
Zmiewski,
Club
Racing
race.
at the Palmer
signed-off students, she proposed wristbands with a
1.4 HPDE.Racing Event’s Chair Report:
Chair;
Taylor Handwerk, Race Event Chair
Chair, Richard Vernick, Webmaster and Membership2. Scott noted that Dave Somma did a great job
2.There was
discussion
sending
a
black
checkeredrelative
pattern to
over
the respective
field col& SRC
Chair;
Patrick
McHenry,
Newsletter
Chair.
ors. The
additional
Mark Zmiewski
reported
theinplans
for ourmembership
Club
printing
was modest, so
mailer
out
in 2015.cost
The for
Board
agreed
at the Summit
HPDE with
his newthat
roles
tech and
Editior
the Board with
authorized
hermembership
to proceed. The bands will
thatsancthis was consistent
national’s
the SRC.Race at Thunderbolt were well under way. The
Summary of BOARD REPORTS AND UPDATES
tion gave
application
has been
and stewards
no- strategies
also beand
printed
our chapter
retention
that with
we should
do a name.
2015
3.Scott
an update
onapproved
Motorsport.Reg
Action Items
tified.
There
was
discussion
relative
to
driver
gift
mailer.
numbers
for
all
of
the
upcoming
events
1.1
President’s
Lisa went on to note that there was a problem or two
options for the Club Race.
1. Martin
Bullen
- Call to Report:
Order 6:30 PM. Martin
3. Finally, Bob
noted
that of
hesome
has visited
9 of the
4. Scott shared his analysis of our student survey
with the
speed
instructors
that were driving in
welcomed everyone and called the meeting to
11 dealerships
in our catchment
area inMike
support
for our recent
events.
Dave
Wollman
welcomed
all
to
the
meeting.
A
motion
non-instructor
run
groups.
Dionofsaid that he
1.5
Social
Chair’s
Report:
order. . A motion was made and second to dispense
national’s dealer
engagement
initiative.
made
seconded
to dispense
the readwould
follow-up on
the rules for these instances and
thewas
reading
of and
the minutes
from
the Marchwith
9, 2015
5. HPDE
Registrar’s
ing of the minutes.
communicated them to Lisa and the group as well as
Dave
WollmanReport:
reported for Terry Wright. He noted
meeting. A second motion was made and second to
13.
Motor
Notes Editor’s
Report: of each event.
1.Lisathat
Mellot
sharedDel
theVal
status
heratplanning
the
instructors
at the beginning
the recent
nightofout
the ballpark
wasBavarian
a
approve
with no
changes. The motion and needs
1.in
1. Pat McHenry noted that we are switching
for time.
the upcoming
1.2 the minutes
Treasurer’s
Report:
great
He urgedPalmer
all clubHPDE.
members to partake
was approved unanimously and Martin initiated
printers for substantial savings
activities like these to keep the level of enthusiasm
6. HPDE
Instructor
Coordinator’s
Report:
theMike
Committee
Chair Reports.
Dion reported
that even with below normal atgoing
and to support
club camaraderie.
Future events
1.11
Advertising
Manager’s Report:
2. The copy
deadline for
next issue/ Business
is May 22nd.
1. Noare
report
tendance
at
the
club’s
10th
Annual
High
Performance
the
club
picnic
on
September
18th,
the
annual
foSummary
of BOARD
14.
Street Survival
Event Chair
Driving School at Watkins Glen, we were able to meet
liage tour on October 29th, and a go cart night
Bob Solomon
couldReport:
not attend, but Dave Wollman
on No7. HPDE
Chief10th.
Instructor’s
Report:
REPORTS
ANDwith
UPDATES
all expenses
a small surplus. All present congratand Mike
out how excited
vember
There are
also plans in the works1.Rich
for
Dunbar
thatDion
the pointed
Street Survival
event the Board
1.Mike
notedgeneral
that the
instructor roster
forbefore
the on
and thanked
the newIt partnership
formed
another
membership
meeting
theMay
end 2nd was
was with
a success.
was the first
Streetbetween BMW
2. ulated
President’s
Report:Lisa and Martin for their hard
Palmer HPDE
full.
work
promoting
eventhe
up to
the Mike
last minute.
of the
Line andand
Delmany
Val. as
premier sponsors of
of the is
year.
Survival of year
andMain
27 students
parents
1.
Martin
notedthethat
and
DionMike
reviewed various business matters and noted that he
the
3rd
Annual
Del
Val
BMWCCA/BMW
were thirty volunteers but Rich of the Main
represented
DelVal
at thethe
recent
BMW
CCA
8. HPDE
Resource Center
Chair’s turned out. There
was currently
processing
insurance
policy
for this
Line Lightning DE in August. A big crowd is expected
1.6 StudentNewsletter
Editor’s(SRC)
Report:
emphasized
the
need
to have
more volunteers
and
National
Conference
in
Dallas-Fort
Worth.
They
year’s Bimmerfest scheduled for September 18th.Report:
for the event,
including
a number of
Main Line’s valthe future.
attended numerous seminars on the present and
1. NoDave
Report
Flogaus introduced Ed Narewski as hisinstructors
new co- in ued
clients and staff. Let’s be sure to make them as
Street Survival
is planned for July
future
strategies
for the
BMW
CCA.
1.3 planningDriving
Event’s
Chair
Report:
editor for the newsletter. The group thanked Ed2.
forThe second
welcomed
as possible.
Technicalfor
Chair’s
11th event at MCCC. PCA will be hosting the event.
volunteering
such Report:
an important club activity.
2.Martin noted that DelVal ranked third 9. HPDE
1.9
Webmaster
/ Membership
Chair Report:
Geoff
noted
that
thecharitable
Watkins
Glen
wentall
well 1. No Report
1.12
Next Meeting:
3.There will
be additional
SS events on August
nationally
in 2014
for
givingevent
amongst
and thanked
everyone for their help. There was a lot
1.7
Street Survival Chair Report:
16th
at
Warminster
sponsored
by
Philly SCCASCCA
chapters
in the nation.
No
report.
10. DelVal BMW CCA Club Race Chair’s Report:
of He
discussion
relativethat
to
updating
our tech form
nextofmeeting
willwill
be on
1.9
Webmaster
/ Membership
Chair
Report: continues
and the finalThe
event
the year
beSeptember
held on 12th, 6:00
alsoSchool
reported
DelVal
to beto ad-1. No Report
Report:
1.10 3.
Driver
Registrar’s
dress common on-track mechanical failures for the
Mo Karamat noted that he received a lot of positive
p.m.,
at
Geoff
Ehrman’s
office.
October 18th at Coca Cola Park.
among
theBMW
most models.
successful
chapters
in the nation
No report.
various
This
a discussion
feedback from the June 12th Street Survival Clinic at
Lisa Mellott
reported
that she received
muchwas
positive
4. There was
much discussion
on how
to fill in
11.
BMW Car
Events
Co-Chair’sCollege.
Report: The feedfor prompted
membership
feedback
from attendees
on
how well
Watkinsmechanical failures
by Registrar’s
aretention.
series
ofthe
similar
at Vintage
Submitted
by: Bob Kelly,
Secretary
Montgomery
County
Community
Report:
1.10
Driver
School
Glen4.Martin
event
was run.reviewed
Lisa
presented
a new
strategy
theand
ranks for Street Survival instructors and how
1.Dennis
Brennan
gave
updates
on the
status,
the
details
of follow-up
BMW CCA’s
the
Watkins
Glen
event.
Geoff
will
with
the
back
came
from
the
24
students
that
attended
forMellott
wristbands
for DE
She proposed
retaining
Lisa
reported
thatevents.
received
much positive
to get
allalso
events
on out
the aVintage
additions
andshe
to
our
theirdetails
parents.ofMo
pointed
conflict that
will more volunteer involvement from DelVal
Member
Recognition
Program.
This
is a form.
program dates, and
the
traditional
red,
yellow,
and
bands.
But,
for tech
feedback
from attendees
onmodifications
howgreen
well
the
Watkins
signed-off
students,
she
proposed
wristbands
with
a identify and calendar.
Glen
event was run.
Lisa
presented aintended
new strategy
membership.
necessitate moving the Adult Car Control Clinic
form
initiated
by
national
to
checkered
pattern
over
theproposed
respective
field colforblack
wristbands
for DE
events.
She
retaining
James
Murphy
reviewed
the
continuing
development
August
to September.
He will propose
2.Dennis
noted
that the planned
caravana new
to date berecognize
members
forbands.
outstanding
service
and
The
additional
cost and
for printing
was
modest,
theors.
traditional
red, yellow,
green
But, forso
of
his
Student
Resource
Center
(SRC) initiative and
fore
theShow
next meeting.
the Board
authorized
her
to
proceed.
The
bands
signed-off
students,
she
proposed
wristbands
with
awill
Carlisle
Import
on
May
16th
would
begin
at 15. Social Media Chair:
contribution
to
BMW
CCA.
alsocheckered
be
printed
with our
chapter
name.
black
pattern
over
the respective
field col-that he launched at
1. No Report
the
student
mentoring
program
the
King
of
Prussia
Service
Plaza.
5.There
was
a
brief
discussion
of
the
process
ors. The additional cost for printing was modest, so
went
on to noteher
that
was The
a problem
theLisa
Board
authorized
tothere
proceed.
bands or
willtwo
3.He reported that Chris and Ziggy would be 16. Social Chair’s Chair Report:
that
we
should
use
toname.
identify
DelVal
with
speed
of some
instructors
that were
driving inmembers that
also
bethe
printed
with
our chapter
non-instructor
groups. Mike Dionby
said
that he
qualify forrunconsideration
national.
Bob Solomon holding a special screening of Adrenalin for all
1. Dave Wollman reported that they had another
would
onthat
the there
rules for
instances
and
Lisa
wentfollow-up
on to note
wasthese
a problem
or two
DelVal members on Saturday June 20th. Details successful karting event. He noted that he saw a lot
agreed
develop
process
communicated
to
Lisa a
and
the group
as wellwe
with
the speedto
of them
some
instructors
that
were that
driving
inas could use to
the
instructors
atgroups.
thenominate
beginning
of each
non-instructor
run
Mike Dion
said event.
that hecandidates for the will be posted.
identify
and
chapter
of new faces joining in on the DelVal fun.
would follow-up on the rules for these instances and
4.He noted they would be running a caravan
award. them to Lisa and the group as well as
communicated
Advertising
/ Business
Manager’s
the1.11
instructors
at the beginning
of the
each
event.
6.Martin
briefed
groupReport:
on a number of to the Deutsche Classic Car Show at Oley 17. New Business:
1. Dave Gilbert Chair of Charitable Contribution
Bob
Solomon
couldeducation
not attend, butinitiatives
Dave Wollmanthat the BMW Fairgrounds on July 11th. The caravan will start at
growth
and
and MikeAdvertising
Dion pointed
out how excited
the Board
Committee requested confirmation from the board
1.11
/ Business
Manager’s
Report:
the
Harleysville
Walmart
parking
lot.
CCA
Foundation
is
developing.
was with the new partnership formed between BMW
of the
Main
Line
Val.
as premier
sponsors
of was much
5.He noted the Sky Manor Vintage Airport Fly- that his committee was authorized to continue their
Bob
Solomon
couldand
notDel
attend,
but
Davethat
Wollman
7.
Finally,
he
noted
there
theMike
3rd Annual
Del Val
BMWCCA/BMW
the Main
and
Dion pointed
out
how excited theof
Board
in
event is scheduled for September 6th (7th rain current charity relationships for the next year. It was
emphasis
placed
on
the
importance
of
building
on
Line
Lightning
in August.formed
A big crowd
is expected
was
with
the newDE
partnership
between
BMW
agreed by all to continue for another year.
the
event,
including
a number
of Main
Line’s
valof for
the
Main
Line
and Del
Val.
as outreach
premier
sponsors
of
date) this year.
BMW
CCA’s
dealer
initiative
introduced
Let’s be sure to make
theued
3rdclients
Annualand
Delstaff.
Val BMWCCA/BMW
of thethem
Mainas
6.Dennis
said
that
plans
are
in
the
works
for
a
last
year
at
the
2014
national
conference.
welcomed
possible.
Line
LightningasDE
in August. A big crowd is expected
18. Next Meeting:
for the event, including a number of Main Line’s valgroup ride to Oktoberfest.
1. The next meeting will be held on July 13th at
1.12
Next
Meeting:
ued
clients Treasures
and
staff.
Let’s
be sure to make them as
3.
Report:
7. Bill and Dennis are investigating the possibility
welcomed as possible.
1.Mike
that6:00
the state of the of organizing a BMW motorcycle concours at the Iron Abby in Horsham.
The next
meeting Dion
will be onreported
September 12th,
p.m., at Geoff
1.12
Next Ehrman’s
Meeting: office.are in good shape and the
Chapter
financials
Oktoberfest.
Date
Event
Description
Detailsstart 19.Adjournment:
RSVP to:
Submitted
by:isBob
Kelly,
Chapter
prepared
to
meet
all
current and future
The
next meeting
will
be
on Secretary
September
12th,
6:00
8.Scott suggested that heEvent
and Dennis
p.m., at Geoff Ehrman’s office.
1. At 10:00pm
financial
promoting their events on MSR to touch a larger
Submitted by:
Bob Kelly, Secretary
obligations.
10/8/2011
Del Val @ Pocono
Raceway (North
Course)
Cancelled (track repaving)
We regret this development
community
of BMW enthusiasts.
Martin thanked everyone for his or her
9.The Vintage group is planning a traditional contributions and participation in the meeting.
Minutes
Minutes
h.
-
a
s
o-
d
o-
e-
Upcoming Events:
Delaware Valley Chester and other
BMW Car Club of America events of interest
30
10/15/2011
Summer 2015 (V2)
Tire Rack Street Survival @ Warminster Comm. Park
October 15, Warminster, PA
www.motorsportreg.com
10/16/2011
NJ Chapter Driver School @ NJMP Lightning
October 16/17 (Sunday-Monday)
www.motorsportreg.com
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