02 Feb. 2013 HDJ

The Hero
Driver’s
Journal
February 2013
It was decided to cancel the February 9 Ice Trial because of slush at the access ramp, but a few cars were
allowed out to blaze a course for the next weekend including Brain Garner’s 2004 Subaru WRX STI.
Photo courtesy of Keith Merryfield/Apex Action Photography
The Furrin Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 1665, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1665
John Atsma
616-453-0320
2840 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-3704
Vice President
[email protected]
Matthew Huizing
616-676-0236
2357 Grand Valley Dr. NE, Ada, MI 49301-9264
Treasurer
[email protected]
Blake Forslund II
616-813-6021
643 Marietta NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Secretary
[email protected]
Mary Savage
616-364-4563
2308 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4251
Membership
[email protected]
Peter and Debra Hansen
616-895-7661
12194 74th Ave., Allendale, MI 49401
Member at Large
[email protected]
Eric and Cheri Duram
404 Avery, Lowell, MI 49331
Past President
[email protected]
Dave Vanderschaaf
616-453-0073
541 Collindale Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-4626
Resident Agent
[email protected]
Bob Shedd
616-243-2109
1506 Johnston SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507-2831
Journal/Mailing
[email protected]
Matthew Huizing
616-676-0236
2357 Grand Valley Dr. NE, Ada, MI 49301-9264
Rally Committee
[email protected]
Jeff Boris
616-364-9677
320 Eleanor NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4077
Nic Boris
616-459-0349
1340 Penn Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-5265
[email protected]
Speed Committee
[email protected]
616-482-9258
616-826-0980
[email protected]
Curt Rosenstengel
616-460-9581
4787 W. Goodemoot Dr., Lake Odessa, MI 48849
Dave Vanderschaaf
616-453-0073
541 Collindale Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-4626
Jason Porritt
616-453-0704
1118 Parmalee Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Mark Wiser
616-257-7899
2501 Byron Center Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49509
Social Chair
[email protected]
Mary Savage
616-364-4563
2308 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-4251
Web Committee
Curt Rosenstengel, Matthew Huizing
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.furrin.org
President
[email protected]
The Hero
Driver!!
The Hero Driver’s Journal allows its contibutors the fullest latitude in voice of opinion. Therefore, the views
expressed herein may not be aligned with the Furrin Group, Inc. The H.D.J. is published by the Furrin Group,
Inc. of Grand Rapids , MI.
2 The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013
Furrin Group General Meeting Minutes, January 15, 2013
The meeting was called to order by President John Atsma at 7:40 PM, at El Barrio restaurant.
Secretary - Mary Savage reported that the minutes of the December meeting were in the January HDJ. It was
moved, seconded, and motion passed, to accept them as printed.
Treasurer - Blake Forslund reported an approximate balance of $10,197! He has the bank statement with him if
anyone would like to see it. A very nice amount to start out the year.
Vice President - Matt Huizing had no report.
Resident Agent - Bob Shedd had no report.
Membership - Pete and Deb Hansen reported renewals for 2013 are now due; they must be paid by 3/31/13 to
avoid a late fee. Renewals can be sent to the treasurer, he takes checks and cash, and is here tonight. We hope
to be able to accept Pay Pal later in the year.
Member at Large - Eric Duram had no report.
Past President - Dave Vanderschaaf has no report.
Rally - Nic Boris reported they are working on the 2013 rally season; it looks like 4 so far. Volunteers are
needed for them, workers get a “benefit” for helping to put on the events. At this time, late March may be the
first rally of the season.
Speed and Ice - Curt Rosenstengel reported no ice so far, watch your e-mail for changes if the weather gets
colder. A tentative calendar has been made, more to come as things get firmly into place. Workers are needed
to help put these events on.
Social - Mary Savage had no report. Awards for the 2012 season are being worked on.
HDJ - Matt Huizing reported the the January has been mailed out. Always need articles.
OLD BUSINESS
John Atsma reported he has not been getting return calls from MRP. He is hoping to keep the rates the same as
in the past. The co-chair will be his brother Dan Atsma.
Pete Hansen reported that we have had much discussion at the Board meetings about our points system. It
seems to have run its course, and it’s time to revise it to meet our current needs. If you some ideas on how it
could be done, SPEAK UP! We want to continue to recognize our participants; we will leave the Ron Savage
award as is, but revise the other ones. Discussion followed, there will be more to come. Please contact Pete and
Deb, or any Board member, with you comments.
HDJ Editor Matt Huizing reported that by April 1, they want to be doing on-line HDJ for everyone. If that just
won’t work at all for you. A printed copy can be sent out, IF you let him know.
A “Spring Kick Off” party/event was proposed by Blake Forslund. Draw in some new people and let everyone
know what is coming up. More to come at the February meeting.
Dave Vanderschaaf volunteered to be the new Grattan coordinator, replacing Suzy Beauvais. Think ahead to
August.
In 2014, we will be having a 60th!!! FG Anniversary event. Our current group is Bob Shedd, Mary Savage,
Curt Rosenstengel and Blake Forslund, always room for more. It will be a much less formal event than the past
anniversary parties.
The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013 3
NEW BUSINESS
Blake Forslund reported that it was discussed at the Board meeting to add up the value of equipment the club
owns, to see if we are properly insured for the value. It is being worked on.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
“Snowdrift” is next weekend, needs workers. Several club members are working and/or competing in the
event.
John Atsma is a Grandfather again, a second boy for his daughter.
Jeff Boris reported his sister, and FG member, Deb Secor, is in the hospital for surgery, to repair a badly
broken foot.
Sue Andrews visited Marv Lummen just after Christmas. Marv had a stroke on Thanksgiving Day, he is
currently in Mary Free Bed for rehab. He expected to be home January 4; she has not talked to him since then.
It was moved, seconded, and voted to adjourn at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ruzicka-Savage, Secretary
Update on Out-of-State Furrin Grouper
I spoke with long-time member and former FG President Nils Ericksen a couple of weeks ago. As many of you
know, Nils moved to warmer climes some years ago. He would love to hear from anyone “up here” that has
time to drop him a line, or phone call. He is currently living in an assisted living facility, possibly on a longterm basis. His phone number is: 248-765-0409.
Nils Ericksen
80 Main Street
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
No computer access at the time we spoke.
—Mary Ruzicka-Savage, Secretary
60th Anniversary Party Committee
Anyone interested in assisting with our 60th Anniversary Party to be held sometime next year (2014) should
contact one of the party committee members Blake Forsland II, Bob Shedd, Mary Savage, or Curt Rosenstengel.
Furrin Group Point System Revision
The Furrin Group Board is looking to revise our points and year end award system. The current system has been
difficult to record accurately. We would like to here your thoughts. please contact Peter or Debra Hansen
[email protected] or Members at Large Eric and Cheri Duram [email protected].
The End Is Near — HDJ Is Going Electronic
The Board would like to reduce the costs of producing the Hero Driver’s Journal. The last printed and mailed
issue of the newsletter will be in March. For the April issue we will only be posting the HDJ online and sending
everyone an email. Please contact me ([email protected]), if you would like to continue
receiving a paper copy of the HDJ.
4 The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013
The Flat River Rally
Sunday April 7th
A brisk TSD rally with 85 miles of mostly un-paved roads,
all instructions will have a mileage and a tulip.
Registration Opens 1:00
Safety meeting 1:45
First car off 2:01
First car finishes 5:30 (approx)
Larkin’s Restaurant
301 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
Cost (per two person team)
$15 FG Members
$20 Members
We still need volunteers to work, If you work you’ll get a voucher good
for a free event in the future. There are some positions that will allow
you to run and work.
For additional info contact
Nic Boris [email protected]
Jeff Boris [email protected]
The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013 5
2013 Local Event Schedule
All dates and locations are tentative. Please check with the chairperson or the website/email list for up to date information.
February
16
Detroit SCCA Rallycross #2 at I-96 Speedway
16-17 MIRA Ice Racing on Chippawa Lake
17
19
23
Turk Lake Ice Trial #1
General Meeting at El Barrio Mexican Grill
Turk Lake Ice Trial #2
23-24 MIRA Ice Racing on Chippawa Lake
24
Saginaw Valley SCCA Ice Run #3 at Saginaw Bay, Linwood
March
April
2-3
9
10
MIRA Ice Racing on Chippawa Lake
Detroit SCCA Rallycross #3 at Calhoun County Fairgrounds
Saginaw Valley SCCA Ice Run #4 at Saginaw Bay, Linwood
19
General Meeting at El Barrio Mexican Grill
23
Detroit SCCA TSD Rally School at Captain Joe’s, Whitmore Lake
6-7
SCCA Solo Match Tour in Wilminton, OH
7
The Flat River Rally at Larkin’s Restaurant, Lowell (see page 5)
13-14 3 Balls Racing at Gingerman Raceway
13
Detroit SCCA Twilight Tour in Ann Arbor
13
Indy SCCA Fun Event at Grissom Aeroplex
16
General Meeting at El Barrio Mexican Grill
20-21 Indy SCCA Test’n’Tune at Grissom Aeroplex
May
June
27
Graham Porter Memorial Karting Event (see next page)
28
South Bend SCCA Solo #1 at Tire Rack
2-5
4-5
VSCDA Spring Brake at Gingerman Raceway
Autocross #1/2 at West Michigan Auto Auction
4
4
5
5
11
11-12
18
18-19
19
19
One Lap of America Wet Skid Pad Challenge at Tire Rack
One Lap of America Autocross at Grissom Aeroplex
Motor City/Michiana BMWCCA Car Control Clinic at Tire Rack
Indy SCCA Solo #1 at Grissom Aeroplex
One Lap of America Dry Skid Pad Challenge at Tire Rack
WMR SCCA Practice/Solo #1 at MSU Lot 89
Detroit SCCA Starting Line/EVO School at Pontiac Silverdome
Northwoods Shelby Club Spring Fling at Gingerman Raceway
South Bend SCCA Solo #2 at Tire Rack
Detroit SCCA Solo #1 at Pontiac Silverdome
21
General Meeting at El Barrio Mexican Grill
25
25
25-26
27
Michiana BMWCCA Autocross #1 at Tire Rack
Detroit SCCA Rallycross #4 at Thistle Hill in South Lyon
3 Balls Racing at Grattan Raceway
Detroit SCCA Solo #2 at Pontiac Silverdome
31
Test & Tune at Cruising the Lakeshore Muskegon
1
Autocross #3 at Cruising the Lakeshore Muskegon
1-2
SCCA Solo Match Tour at Grissom Aeroplex
2
Rallycross #2 at Cruising the Lakeshore Muskegon
8-9
WMR SCCA Practice/Solo #2 at MSU
18
General Meeting at El Barrio Mexican Grill
22-23 Great Lakes Division SCCA Solo at Pontiac Silverdome
22
Detroit SCCA Rallycross #5 at Calhoun County Fairgrounds
23-24 Porsche Club National Parade in Traverse City
6 The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013
23
South Bend SCCA Solo #3 at Tire Rack
29-30 WMR SCCA Practice/Solo #3 at MSU
July
4-7
Autocross #4/5/6 at GVSU
5
6
6-7
13
14
14
Detroit SCCA Test and Tune at Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda
Michiana BMWCCA Autocross #2 at Tire Rack
Detroit SCCA Solo at Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda
Deutsche Marques at Gilmore
Mad Dogs & Englishmen Auto Faire XXII at Gilmore
WMR SCCA Solo #4 in Battle Creek
16
General Meeting at TBD
19
Corvair International Autocross at US 131 Motorsports Park
20
Corvair International Meet at Gilmore
20-21 SCCA National Rallycross at I-96 Speedway
August
21
Autocross #7 at US 131 Motorsports Park
3
3
WMR SCCA Solo #5 in Kalamazoo
Michiana BMWCCA Autocross #3 at Tire Rack
10/11 Autocross #8/9 at MSU
16-18 VSCDA Vintage Grand Prix at Grattan Raceway
17
Detroit SCCA Rallycross #7 at Crystal Motor Speedway
20
General Meeting at El Barrio Mexican Grill
14th Graham Porter Memorial Karting Event, April 27, 2013
Yep, it’s that time of the year again. The Furrin Group team is planning our 14th annual Graham Porter
Memorial Karting Event. We are running this year on Saturday, April 27.
MRP Motorsports’ world class karting facility in North Liberty, IN is where many Furrin Group members and
guests can get a motor racing fix by driving racing karts in qualifying sessions, a sprint race and then a three
driver 2 hour enduro on an outdoor track.
Cost is $100, which includes contributions to miscellaneous crash damage and tip funds. Current Furring
Group members that have been members in the past will have the added bonus of the club picking up part of
their tab.
This is a tremendously fun event, wet or dry. As fun as it is, I have to be the heavy for a bit and point out that
hazardous driving will be penalized and extensive kart damage from a big shunt will be the responsibility of the
driver. That said, we have not had any big damage bills at the North Liberty facility, and this will be our
seventh year in a row going there.
In 2012 we had 32 drivers make up 11 three driver teams. The teams are put together after all the qualifying
sessions are over, using a system that makes each teams average qualifying times close, thus making the 2 hour
enduro race close as well.
Experience in racing of any form is not a requirement. As a matter of fact, if you do not have any experience
this can be a great introduction to motorsports. We have had some female drivers in the past as well. So if this
sounds like fun to you (so far it has been for everyone that has gone) mark your calendar and send your entry in.
Any questions, please e-mail John Atsma at [email protected] or call me at 616-262-5646.
The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013 7
14th GRAHAM PORTER Memorial Karting Event
April 27, 2013, 10:00AM
(North Liberty, IN is in the Eastern Time Zone)
Facility: Michiana Raceway Park, No. Liberty, IN www.mrpmotorsport.com
Orientation: New driver orientation will take place @ 10:30, prior to drivers meeting.
Format: 8 Minute Practice/Qualifying session, 8 Minute Sprint Race,
2-hour enduro with 3 driver teams. Teams determined by qualifying times.
Drivers: Furrin Group members and non-members.
(Minors will need a parent or guardian present. Non-licensed minors need prior approval. )
Cost:
$100.00/driver if payment postmarked by April 14. $110.00 afterwards.
$65.00 for Furrin Group members that have also been members previous to 2013.
$75.00 if postmarked after April 14.
Max # of Entries: 45 drivers maximum.
Contact: John Atsma, [email protected]
616-262-5646
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Detach and mail check, made out to “Furrin Group” to:
John Atsma, 2840 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Name: _______________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
Phone: ______________________cell:______________________
e-mail: _______________________________________________
• Yes I’m willing to drive passengers to the track. I can take _______.
• I’m looking for a ride to the track.
• I’d like to go for Oriental Buffet afterwards.
• Current Member (2013) and Previous Year member
• $____________ Enclosed.
8 The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013
Homes, Tires, and Automobiles
By Matthew Huizing
The Huizing clan been busy looking for a new home and preparing to move. I have been selling off anything we
have of any worth which isn’t much. Basically I've been earning money for eBay/PayPal and Amazon
Marketplace--not to mention the postal service. Craigslist has also been useful, though I've had a ton more
suspicious emails than ones from actual buyers. Someone did come and haul away a bunch of mostly worthless
computer components after giving me $25. Even my large collection of used tires and wheels has shrunk a bit.
Eventually though, I will need some street tires for the 325i . The front pair of last year's 215/45R17 Sumitomos
got worn to the cords on their inside edges on my business trip down to South Carolina—even though I made
sure to zero the front toe before the trip. My best guess is to blame some old front control arm bushings. I have
a pair of new bushings to press in one of these days—sometime after I get the new transmission installed. The
225/50R16 Kumho Ecsta XS autocross tires still have a bit of tread on them and have worn evenly, but I have
never believed in running those on the street. I am sure they would be considerably worse on cool wet days than
the Sumitomos. I'd prefer to get a set of street tires in that size, especially if I buy new tires.
I've been a big fan of summer tires that
emphasize wet handling. The two best wet
performers the past couple years have
been the Michelin Pilot Super Sports and
the Continental Extreme Contact DW. The
Pilot Super Sports have dominated the
Tire Rack One Lap of America
competition. But they are not inexpensive
tires and only come in 17" and larger rim
Sumitomo HTR Z III
Continental EC DW
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
diameters. I considered both of those for
my 325i last year, but ended up getting the more affordable Sumitomo HTR Z III instead. The Sumitomo is
definitely a budget performance tire but still a very good one. Like the Super Sport it also doesn’t come in
smaller than 17” rim sizes, but the smaller 17” sizes are cheaper than other max performance tires 16” sizes.
The big tires news so far this year has been a pair of new extreme
performance tires, i.e., tires that emphasize dry handling over
everything, but are more practical to use on the street than barely
DOT legal R-compounds. The first tire was released last year in
Japan by Dunlop. Their previous tire the Direzza Sport Z1 Star
Spec has been an autocross favorite offering decent wet and cold
performance along with competitive dry performance at least on
heavier cars. So the expectation is high for the new Direzza ZII.
Tire Rack's early test of the ZII on BMW 3-series showed it to
Dunlop Direzza ZII
BF Goodrich Rival
have significantly better wet traction than the Z1 Star Spec while
also being a bit faster in the dry. The ZII comes in the rare 225/45R16 size along with a 185/60R14 for those
with small wheels. There has been some grumbling about the widest size being a 285/30R18.
The Dunlop excitement was quickly moderated after BF Goodrich launched their new g-Force Rival at a special
track event down in New Orleans. Like the Z1 and ZII the Rival has a 200 tread-wear rating. Unlike the
Dunlop, it comes in a 225/45R15 size and a few larger 20" sizes. The Rival launch event impressed the national
level autocrossers who were invited to it. They described the tire as forgiving and long wearing in track and
autocross competition conditions. The only problem seems to be they are not quite available yet. Oh, and no one
The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013 9
outside of BF Goodrich has driven them in water yet. Both the ZII and the Rival are only available through the
Tire Rack for now.
In other news GM recently revealed the
next iteration of the Corvette. The front
end looks a bit generic, the headlight and
grille shapes are very similar to the new
Viper. Overall the new styling works
decently. The black plastic grilles in the
top of the hood and fenders do look cheap.
FWIW: all the C7 Vettes have been shown
wearing Dunlops, but they are supposed to
come with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
I am still disappointed GM has never made
a great entry level sports car. From the Fiero to the Solstice Coupe to the Camaro there is always some fatal
flaw in their designs. It seems like Toyota and Subaru have actually managed to pull it off with the FR-S and
BR-Z. But they won't ship one here with 16" rims.
The old BMW E36 3-series continues to impress me. The chassis walked away with trophies in several classes
at the 2012 SCCA Solo Nationals. The non-M versions are so depreciated that Chump Car now has special rules
(4.9) just for the chassis. For example, they don't allow M3 S50 engines in one. Evidently no one has told them
that those engines are merely an overbored, stroked, and cammed version of the standard engine. The BMW
inline-6 is big and heavy and really long, but it is laid out in the E36 chassis just right. Toyota had a few
contemporary cars with an inline-6, but they stood it up straight in the middle, which probably is a good idea if
you want to sell both right hand and left hand drive versions. Of course BMW sold right-hand drive 3-series,
but I don't know how they routed the steering in those cars.
Meanwhile my 325i is still sitting up in the air on jack stands in the back of garage.
10 The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013
Membership & HDJ Advertisement Information
2013 Membership Rates:
Single Membership
New $17.00 (Renew $12.00)
Family Membership
New $27.00 (Renew $17.00)
(Renewals must be received by March 31st, 2013)
(Membership rates are reduced 50% after 10/1/2013)
2013 Hero Driver’s Journal Advertising Rates for one year
2″ × 3.5″ = $30.00
4″ × 5″ = $60.00
Furrin Group General Meetings are held
the third Tuesday of every month. Our new
permanent General Meeting location is
El Barrio Mexican Grill restaurant at
545 Michigan St., Grand Rapids, just
east of College, 616-301-0010. There is
plenty of parking behind the building.
Meetings start about 7:30pm, come
earlier for dinner and drinks. El Barrio
is affiliated with the Beltline Bar and has
excellent burritos! Full menu listing is
available on the internet. Come see what
our club is all about!
The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013 11
Matthew Huizing, Editor
The Furrin Group
2357 Grand Valley Dr NE.
Ada, MI 49301-9264
Return Service Requested
First Class Mail for First Class People
«FIRST NAME» «LAST NAME»
«ADDRESS»
«CITY» «STATE» «ZIP»
Time to Renew Your Membership
(unless you already have)
Renewal for 2013 is still only $12 a person or $17 for a family.
If you and your spouse or other relative are going to participate
in any of our 2013 events, your best deal is to renew as a family
(even if you had single membership in 2012).
The unlucky few of you who are not yet members,
can join our club right now for the low, low price of
$17 a person or $27 for a family.
Furrin Group membership includes a full year subscription
to this high quality newsletter and discounts at all Furrin Group events.
12 The Hero Driver’s Journal – February 2013
What a deal!