Winter 2016 - DelVal BMW CCA

Winter 2015
Volume 4
2,102
The Future
Is
Now
Martin drives a toaster
B+ Foundation
DelVal supporting a great cause
Fall Foliage
the vintage group’s annual covered bridge tour
Teaching Teen Drivers
street survival: sign your teen up!
Delaware Valley Chapter - BMW Car Club of America
I Have Driven the Future,
and it is Now…
Club Contacts
From Tesla to Toaster. I’m not sure how we came
to name the new i3 the Toaster. One theory is that it
looks like the flying toasters from the famous computer
screensaver, while another is that it derives from the
slang-term for the sentient machines, the Cylons, of
Battlestar Galactica. Whichever it is, it’s an apt name.
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]
I had the pleasure of experiencing one of these pug-ugly buggies
to learn more about whether the classic BMW driving DNA
remains hidden in all that carbon fibre and sustainable materials.
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]
But first, I decided to stack the deck and head over to the local
Tesla dealer to learn more about the only other current massmarket car designed from the ground up for electric propulsion.
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]
By now, we’ve all become quite familiar with seeing the Tesla
Model S on the road, its sleek Jaguar-esque lines becoming
almost commonplace. As a dedicated fan of the internal
combustion engine, and increasingly something of a Luddite
as I get older, I’d avoided the Tesla experience, but my curiosity
finally got the better of me, so I signed up for a Tesla test drive.
The Tesla driving experience is dominated by the enormous
screen, as big as two iPads, that makes up the centre stack,
and which controls almost all secondary and tertiary
functions. It works just like a large smart phone, so if you’re
comfortable with Apple or Android, you’ll quickly be at home
(mind you, I like iDrive, too, so take that for what it’s worth).
2015
Sponsorship
While the “luxury” of the car isn’t overt, the smell of
nicely tanned bovine skin dominates, and the interior is a
Scandinavian-classic example of simplicity and elegance.
If there’s a shortfall, it’s the rear seats, with limited
headroom and poor under-thigh support from the cushion.
But how does it drive, I hear you ask? You might have heard about
the autopilot mode as a presager of self-driving cars. You may
have chuckled at the Spaceballs allusion of Ludicrous Speed,
and you’ve probably read about how it’s so strong it broke some
of the crash-testing machines. That’s all great. The bottom line,
though, is that it just plain works as a car. They got it right.
From Left: Michael Dion, Bob Kelly, Dave Flogaus, Martin Bullen, Dave Wollman
It
Martin
Bullen @ Chapter President
Over Drive
steers, handles and rides superbly. All the gizmos work as
advertised (including Ludicrous Speed; my desire to avoid
conversations with any of the local constabulary who may read
this preclude me from disclosing just how well it works), and
the autopilot mode is uncanny. But at the end of the day, it’s a
wonderful car, by any measure. It would be a spectacular BMW.
I left the Tesla showroom figuring out how many children and
extremities I’d have to sell in order to call one my own, and
only a night of restless sleep followed by contemplations of
F-Type Jaguars pulled me to some state of what passes for sense.
So how could the “little toaster that could” compare? It’s obviously
not a direct competitor, with quite a different price point and
mission, but it is also all electric, and extremely innovative
(yes, there is a “range extender” model, with a motor that it
lugs around as a back-up generator, but it’s still an electric car).
Well, first of all, if the Tesla technology is almost flashy, in the
i3, it’s almost funky. Whether it’s the controls, the materials,
including open grain wood, fabric from hemp fibres, and
some interior parts that look like they’re made from (tastefully)
reprocessed packaging materials, the i3 is out there.
Then there’s the exterior design. The Tesla is flowing lines and
curves. Smooth. The i3 looks more like the pugnacious toaster
I alluded to earlier. And, of course, the i3 has no ludicrous
speed (although it does have a bevy of other advanced
driving aids). And finally, the range: While even the base
Tesla promises a range well in excess of 200 miles, the i3,
even with range extender, stretches to reach half of that. So,
it’s a city (or suburban) car, and not one to drive to Florida.
But then there’s the driving experience, and the big
surprise: The BMW DNA is intact! 50-50 balance? Check.
Balanced handling with a controlled ride? Check that,
too. Steering with good weight and feedback? Gotcha
on that one as well. And the kicker is that in some
ways it’s more roomy and comfortable than the Tesla!
(continued on next page...)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Eric Magnussen... Pg 8
vintage events... pg 12
Giving back... pg 16
Teen Street Survival... pg 20
tool talk... pg 24
2
Winter 2015 (V4)
Cover Photo
credit Richard
Roth
speedY’s New Washing Machine... pg 26
2015 Upcoming Events: http://delvalbmwcca.org/Events.php
3
Drawbacks? The ventilation default mode doesn’t provide
enough airflow, and the rear suicide (sorry, “coach”) doors
can be awkward at times, but otherwise, that’s about it.
After visiting Otto’s BMW and taking advantage of the
extended test drive BMW offers to prospective customers
of the i3, I came away impressed. Even more impressed
when I saw the nice lease deals BMW has out there on i3’s.
If you’ve read some of my other columns, first of all, thank-you.
Second of all, you know there are several current BMW models that
I think have strayed too far from the principles and characteristics
that made BMW the brand it is today. The good, and surprising news,
especially to me, is that you can add the i3 to the list of real BMW’s.
Seriously, if you have the space for a 220V charger (it’s
imperative; don’t even think of a long-term relationship
based on 110v), and you need a car to run around the Philly
suburbs, then head over to Otto’s, or your nearest BMW
centre, and twist their arm.
The i3 is a worthy choice,
and the dealer will fall over themselves to put you in one.
P.S. I’ve had the honour and pleasure of
serving you as President of the chapter for
four years. At the conclusion of this term
it’s time to step down and allow a new set
of hands to take over the reins. I hope to
continue to serve and support the club as
a Vice-President, with your permission, to
provide support to whoever is elected to
replace me as President. I also hope, with the
kind permission of our editor, to continue
to write a column for our newsletter, to
express my curmudgeonly views on where
BMW and the BMW CCA is heading!
Retirement planning
College savings plans
Comprehensive financial planning
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Timothy Trexler
First Vice President
Financial Advisor
TWO TOWN PLACE
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-542-2936
801 Bethlehem Pike
Erdenheim, PA 19038
4
UPCOMING EVENT
Don’t miss the 2016 winter banquet!
Come join us once again for our Annual
Winter Banquet, where elbows are rubbed,
exaggerated stories are shared, jokes
told, beverages consumed, delicious food
eaten, music is listened to (and sometimes
danced to), annual elections are held,
fabulous door prizes are given away
with reckless abandon, and significant
charitable donations are often made, all in
no particular order. And most importantly,
good times are shared among good friends,
both old and new.
Re-enact your conquests on the track. Retell the same old jokes that have worked for
you so many times before. Greet and be
greeted. Enjoy the company of your friends
that you only get to see at Club events,
and some that you get to see all the time,
too. Don’t be left out of this dependably
great party, every time. Put the date in your
book, make your reservation, and most
importantly, make the scene. It’s one not to
miss.
As usual, there will be one or more excellent
Grand Prizes, and other Slightly Less Grand
Prizes, but you have to be there in order
to win them. And the Annual Elections
are sure to be filled with suspense and
excitement! It’s almost always a tight race.
The Delaware Valley Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America
seeks written nominations for positions on its Board of
Directors.
Let It Snow!
One-year terms begin immediately following the election, to be
held at the Chapter’s Annual Banquet each winter. Nominations
must come from current chapter members, and be seconded
by at least one other current chapter member. The nomination
period ends with the calendar year.
Nominations should be
sent to:
Delaware Valley Chapter
BMW CCA
PO Box 385
Flourtown, PA 19031
WHAT: DelVal Chapter Annual Winter
Banquet
WHEN: 6pm, February 6, 2016
WHERE:
The Talamore Country Club
723 Talamore Dr
Ambler, PA 19002
MORE INFO: www.delvalbmwcca.org
Season’s Greetings
from Bedwick & Jones Printing
Excuses: Fuggedaboutem.
For 2015, we are honored to have served you as the
printer of Bavarian Motor News. Our family owned &
operated business builds enduring client relationships
by delivering superior quality and service. Can we help
your business with print marketing & mailing?
Best Wishes for an Ultimate Driving New Year!
6
helping our clients do great things
Questions: Please contact Dave at
[email protected]
OFFICIAL NOTICE:
Bedwick & Jones Printing
425 New Commerce Blvd.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706
570-829-1951
www.bedwickandjones.com
Dave Gilbert Presents:
a member profile of
Eric Magnussen
“In this issue we get acquainted with new club
member Eric Magnussen. Many of you probably
know him from some track days. Not only because
of the color of his E46 M3 but also because he is a
wicked good driver.”
Name: Eric Magnussen
Profession/Where you work: Porsche
Technician at Porsche of The Main Line
Home Town: Tannersville, PA
Now resides in: Downingtown, PA
Member since: 2015
First Car: 1987 VW GTI 8v, swapped to
16v, to 16v turbo, to 1.8T
What’s in your garage now: Phoenix
Yellow 2001 M3 6spd, track car under
construction for GTS3; 2015 Cayman S;
2002 GMC2500; 1995 318i
Other interesting cars you’ve owned:
1995.5 Audi S6, 2004 330i ZHP
8
Favorite saying (that can be reprinted):
“If one does not fail at times, one
has not challenged themselves.” Ferdinand Porsche
Best part of being a Del Val club
member: The track community!
Other hobbies/interests: Good
times and good food with friends.
Rock concerts, kayaking, fitness,
motorcycling and vacationing with
family in Portugal.
All Photos Courtesy Eric Magnussen
9
Pat McHenry @ Editor
If
I
Might
Have
A
Word....
“Ah, damn. I’ve binned it.”
crash. The shreeking of crunching
sheet metal. The realization that
That was the thought, I remember rubber isn’t nearly as soft as you
quite vividly, which ran through think it is. And then the silence, as
my head as I slid accross the vehicle and driver alike came to a
track. There were other thoughts, stop, resting against the inside of
too. Both feet in, remembered turn 4 on Thunderbolt at NJMP.
that one. Damn, foot slipped off
the clutch, back on the clutch, And then, embarassment. It’s
doesn’t matter she surely stalled one thing to stay calm in the
by now, but both feet in, need moment. I might even go as far
to make my slide predictable. as to say that’s the easiest time
Speeking of slides, don’t think to remain calm. The five minutes
this one is going to stop. At least immediately after the moment,
not before I reach that tire wall... though? That’s when you start
and so... “Ah, damn. I’ve binned to realize you’re an idiot. That’s
it.” I have a vague memory of when you think about how the
the receipt for our new race track has been black flagged
suspension flashing through because of you. That people are
my mind, but that might be my missing track time because of
imagination. Damn, Ben (the co- you. There’s an ambulance on its
owner of my car) is going to be way, whether you need it or not,
pissed. Had that thought, too, and a tow rig which you’ll need
definitely not my imagination.
for sure.
I did have a long list of experiences
in self endangerment to draw on.
Not purposeful masechism mind
you, just a history of getting in
over my head without thinking
about the consequences. It’s a
personality trait that served me
well in the military, where an
idiotic willingness to risk life and
limb can earn you respect that
better judgement might not. It’s a
history that informed my second
line of thinking in that moment:
“eeehhhh, this is gonna hurt.”
And that was basically what ran
through my head as I realized my
E46 330i was suddenly facing the
wrong way, sliding backwards
and sideways, headed for an
inevitable rendezvous with a wall
of tires. “Ah, damn. I’ve binned it.
Ben’s gonna be pissed. Eeeehhhh,
this is gonna hurt.”
10 And then a second later came the
later. All in all, I was pretty lucky.
My wallet was going to sting a bit,
and I’d have some headaches, but
in the grand scheme of things it
could have been a lot worse.
And that’s how my track season
ended this year. It was my last
session of our last track day, and
boy did I go out with a bang. I
still feel like an idiot, but I also
feel it’s important to share this
experience, especially with other
novice drivers.
It’s a cautionary tale that I think
other’s can learn from, because
it was a situation that, looking
back, was entirely preventable.
It’s still a little embarassing to talk
about, but also it’s at least a little
bit liberating. So please bear with
me as I, a recently humbled newb
when it comes to driving, tell you
how you can avoid my fate. As far
Every living soul at the track as I can tell, there are three things
knows what just happened, and I should have remembered before
they all know it’s because you’re driving to pit-out in that last
an idiot. Or at least that’s what I session, and none of them were
was thinking to myself. I’m still exactly rocket science:
not convinced I wasn’t right.
1. Leave your ego in the paddock
My hit wasn’t actually a hard one, In fact, don’t bring an ego at all.
as far as such things go. In the This is a very simple piece of
days that followed the crash, I was advice that every single driver
more worried about the car, and has heard at probably every
the rather expensive safety gear, driver meeting and first classroom
rather than anything else. I sent session they’ve ever attended.
in-car video to the experienced It’s something I’ve heard dozens
drivers I trust the most. “Please of times and it’s still obviously
watch this, do I need to worry something I struggle with. What
about replacing the race seat? The your instructor might not think to
expand on, though, is that your
harnesses?”
ego doesn’t just get you in trouble
Bodywork obviously was needed, where other cars are concerned.
and I had quite clearly sheered
a tierod end, but our fancy new Chasing lap times, going flat out
race suspension had seemingly in a corner you’re not comfortable
survived and I was physically fine with, and pretending you’ve
save for a mild case of whiplash mastered techniques that are still
that manifested itself a month beyond your skill level are all ego
driven mistakes that can get you understands your limitations even
in trouble. This was the case in better than you do. But, even if
you’re working by yourself on
my particular instance.
an open-passing day, as I was,
Having lifted all day in a
it’s acceptable to go to the edge
particular corner that I knew a
every once in a while.
better driver would take flat out,
my pride finally got the better of What you need to understand,
me. On the fateful lap where it though, is that there is a limit to
all went wrong, I didn’t lift, and what is acceptably considered
I went in knowing I wasn’t going “pushing yourself.” What I
to lift. My ego was outpacing my immediately came to understand
nerves, though. The tensing of my after I missed that apex and ended
shoulders didn’t give a hoot about up needing a ride back to the
my pride, and I turned in a mile paddock was that I knew I had
early and put myself in a position no business keeping my foot in it
I had no business thinking I could around a 90mph hairraiser. That’s
(nor the requesite skill to) save. probably why I felt like such an
Which brings me to my second idiot.
piece of advice:
A slight twinge in your gut is okay.
2. Pushing your comfort zone is It probably means you’re right
good, jumping head first out of on the edge of your ability and
it is not.
that’s how you learn. Paralyzing
As with any skill you’re working fear and a sudden cold sweat?
to improve, you need to push That probably means you’re over
yourself. This is best done with doing it. Maybe back off and try
an instructor in the right seat who to remember this third point:
Scott Willitts
Corporate Account Executive
(609)234-1446
11
Samantha Krause
Event Coordinator
(267)960-3241
3. Nobody thinks you look as
cool as you think you do.
This is going to be my mantra
from now on. It relates very
closely to point #1. I have 10
days on track right now. That’s
nothing compared to even an
average intermediate student, but
it equates to roughly 40 sessions,
which means 40 times I’ve driven
back into the paddock
after
turning laps.
You know what’s never happened
a single time? I’ve never driven
back into the paddock to a
rousing ovation, or high fives, or
even a nod from an experienced
driver. If anyone was paying close
attention to my sessions (they
weren’t), then I never heard about
it. So you have to ask yourself,
if we’re not racing out there,
and nobody is standing in the
paddock tracking your lap times,
what’s the use of trying to drive
beyond your talent level? (I’ll give
you a hint: there is none.)
Del Val
Vintage Events
Fall Foliage Tour
Sunday, October 11 - Bucks County, PA
It was October, which meant the time had come for
our annual Bucks County Fall Foliage and Covered
Bridge Tour. I enlisted the aid of Erik Rutberg to
help me lay out the course-much easier with two
people. Erik drove while I navigated. Only one
problem: Erik pulled into my driveway with his
factory hotrodded Mini. This meant a car with no
sound insulation, a deafening race exhaust, and a
full race suspension. Not exactly my first choice for
the rough roads of Bucks County! All kidding aside,
I would like to thank Erik for his help.
I spent the next 3 days modifying and rerunning
the course just to make sure everything was laid
out perfectly.
Rule number one for tours like this is that you drive
the course one last time the day before the event,
just to make sure all was ok. As usual, my lovely
wife, Kim, volunteered to do that last run with me
and all was perfect (or so I thought).
Sunday arrived and the weather was absolutely
perfect. 70 and sunny. This made the large number
of convertible owners especially happy!
Mike Dion and his wife were the first car to leave,
and all seemed right in the world as all of the rest
of the procession took off. This feeling lasted right
up until I recieved a frantic phone call from Mike.
Mike was about 90% through the course when he
came to the Frankenfield Covered Bridge and was
greeted by signs and yellow warning tape indicating
that the bridge was closed! How could that be?!
Kim and I had just driven over that same bridge at
5:00pm on Saturday evening, and now the bridge
was out at 11:00am on Sunday.
12
In speaking with a local resident, it seems
that a truck had attempted to go through
the bridge at 10:00pm on Saturday night
and misjudged his clearance, peeling
off part of the upper roof shingles and
supports.
its own - great and unique deli treats. Kim
and I will put the cabrio top down and
head there quite often.
Part of this tour was also a “trivia rally or
observation run. “ Clues were scattered
along the way and those who scored
What to do? We had 28 people driving highest won door prizes of chapter hats
around with incorrect and incomplete and mugs.
directions! Luckily BMW owners are a
resourceful lot, and all managed to find I had asked everyone at the beginning of
our final picnic spot at Van Sant Airport.
the event to team up a rookie with a more
experienced driver to lower the chances
This country airport with it’s grass runway, of getting lost, but more importantly so
biplanes and gliders was the perfect people would be encouraged to socialize
location for our picnic. Many thanks to since this was a first DelVal even for
those who brought along some home over half of the participants! From the
baked goodies for everyone to enjoy!
comments I received, the first timers were
happy they’d attended and I am sure that
Quite a few of the group also stopped they will be back. Maybe a second tour in
at “Max Hansen’s Country Grocery” in the spring is in order!
Carversville, which is worth a trip unto
All Photos Courtesy Dennis Brennan
For more information regarding the vintage group:
Contact Bill Foster and Dennis Brennan
[email protected]
Bill Phone: 215-990-2087
13
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Giving Back With
by Dave Gilbert
About four years ago I was asked by the board of directors of our club to chair the Charitable
Gifting Committee. The purpose was to look into a worthy charity that we could support. I recalled seeing
a race televised on TV and one of the cars, a BMW E46, had a B+ logo on it. The race was part of the
Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series. Then I noticed that the race was called the B+ Foundation
Hero’s 200. I thought that if I could somehow get in contact with the B+ folks, and ask them if they would
be interested in having some support from a bunch of BMW fanatics, this may be a perfect fit for our club.
After doing some research and sending off an email to B+ founder Joe McDonough, we met in his office
at his house and discussed this opportunity. Joe got it immediately and we formed a relationship between
the Delaware Valley Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America and B+. If you have been to the last few
August driver schools and club races at New Jersey Motorsports Park then you have seen the B+ heroes’
(that’s what the kids with cancer are known as) and their families go out for parade laps at lunch time. This
is a great time for all that precedes a presentation of our club donation to the foundation. If you have been
to any of the club banquets the past few years you heard Joe speak about B+ and how much the affiliation
with our club means to them.
This past August we hosted the B+ hero’s’ and families at New Jersey Motorsports Park and were offered
the services of Mike Woeller, track photographer extraordinaire and club member to take some pics.
The following is a brief interview with Joe McDonough.
How did B+ come to be? The Andrew McDonough
B+ (Be Positive) Foundation was started in 2007
following the passing of my 14 year old son, Andrew.
Andrew was a seemingly healthy high school
freshman who helped his team win a Pennsylvania
State Championship in soccer on a Saturday, and
he was diagnosed with leukemia, septic shock, and
cardiac arrest just 48 hours later. Andrew battled
through nearly 50 operations, 4 strokes, and a brain
aneurysm before dying in his 16 year old sister’s
arms on his 167 day of hospitalization. Andrew’s
blood type, and the way he lived, was “B+” (Be
Positive).
What Types of things do the funds raised by B+
go towards? Thanks to the generous support of
the DelVal BMW Club and supporters throughout
the country, The B+ Foundation is now one of the
largest providers of financial assistance to families
of kids with cancer nationwide. In 2015, The B+
Foundation will help approximately 1,700 families
from 250 hospitals across the country. Additionally,
The B+ Foundation has enjoyed great success
funding cutting-edge research that is literally saving
children’s lives.
Approximately how many families have been
touched since the inception of B+? In just 8
years, literally thousands of families here in the
Delaware Valley and around the country have had
their burdens lessened while they’re at their child’s
bedside as the child fights for their life.
What kind of feedback have you received from the
B+ heroes and families that have come out to our
club event in August at New Jersey Motorsports
Park? What kid doesn’t like race cars??? Our B+
Heroes (kids with cancer and their siblings) are no
different. We literally have families reach out to us
in the spring asking about the details of the August
event. We have children come from PA, DE, MD,
and NJ to the track day. What’s also interesting is
to see the excitement on the parents’ faces. The
gift, and it is truly a gift, that the members of the
Club give to our families is a wonderful day of
distraction. A day away from cancer, surgeries,
needles, and chemo. It’s priceless!
How can our club members learn more about B+?
To learn more about The B+ Foundation, please visit
www.BePositive.org and also www.facebook.com/
TheAndrewMcDonoughBePositiveFoundation for
the latest happenings.
16
1717
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Phone: 610-701-9172 • Fax: 610-701-9173
721 East Nields Street • West Chester, PA 19382
SEASON
RECAP
By Rich Dunbar
2015 was a breakthrough
year for our local sessions
of
the
TireRack™
Street
Survival teen driving program.
Through the combined efforts of
volunteers from our chapter, in
cooperation with the Sports Car
Club of America Philadelphia
Region
and
the
Porsche
Club of America Riesentöter
Chapter, we were able to hold
four schools this year and
reach out to over 120 teens!
The season began back in April at
Montgomery County Community
College in Blue Bell, followed
by a second event at Montco in
July which was hosted by the
Riesentöter team for the first time.
They did a great job running the
event, and are well prepared
to run additional schools in the
future. After the two Montco
schools we were off to Warminster
Community Park in August and
20
finished the season at Coca Cola
Park in Allentown in October.
In another first for the program,
this year we saw the number of
students signing up for the four
schools grow significantly. In
fact, the number of registrants
for each school exceeded the
number of slots we had available.
Each school had a waiting list,
and by the time the Allentown
school rolled around, the number
of students attempting to sign
up for the school was more
than twice the number we are
able to accommodate – which
are typically 30-32 students.
Another unique element was
added to the program at our
Allentown school when we were
contacted by volunteers from the
A. Duie Pyle Company, and they
offered to bring a semi tractor
trailer to the school. Cars were
positioned around the truck, and
at lunch time students were invited
to jump into the driver’s seat so
they could see what the driver
can see, and more importantly
can’t see, of the cars positioned
around and behind the trailer.
Parents, coaches, and program
volunteers were also invited to
climb aboard the big rig. Everyone
agreed it was an eye opening
experience for them – one we
hope to continue with in 2016.
Of course, none of this would be
possible without the dedicated
team of volunteers who work
together – at registration, setting
up the various driving elements,
teaching in the classroom, riding
in the passenger seat as in-car
coaches, working on course to
control the flow of the exercises
and shag cones that inevitably get
his throughout the day, working
safety, and cleaning up when
the day is done. If it wasn’t for
All Photos Courtesy Rich Dunbar
these volunteers dedicating their time to the Street
Survival program, we wouldn’t be able to do this for
the teens. Thank you to all who helped this year!!
Looking ahead to 2016, we are planning to hold the
same number of schools as we did this year, and maybe
even add at least one more. We are in discussions
to do so in Delaware, and are hoping to add it to
our schedule. Interest in the program continues to
grow, fueled by word of mouth advertising from our
respective club members as well as past participants.
In addition, we can always use more volunteers for
the program. We came close to having a 1:1 In-car
Coach to Student ratio several times this past year,
and would really like to reach that mark for each of
our schools in 2016. If you haven’t yet volunteered
for a Street Survival event, maybe 2016 will be your
year. Ask anyone you know that’s done it, and I am
confident they will all tell you it’s a rewarding use
of your time. If you don’t know anyone that has
volunteered, or would like to know more about what
it takes to help, drop me a line at streetsurvival@
delvalbmwcca.org and I’ll be glad to fill you on the
details.
21
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Holland, David, Berlin, NJ
Adams, Jeffrey, Lincoln University, PA
Horton, Karen, Lincoln University, PA
Armitage, Evan, Pipersville, PA
Hynek, James, Glen Mills, PA
Armitage, Rick, Pipersville, PA
Kaltman, Robert, Harleysville, PA
Baker, Paul, Fleetwood, PA
Karagelian, Mark, West Chester, PA
Bauman Jr., Richard, Gilbertsville, PA
Katz, Laurie, Blue Bell, PA
Bauman, John, Riverton, NJ
Kerest, Thomas, Doylestown, PA
Bednarski, Stephen, West Chester, PA
Kiesel, Ernest, Sewell, NJ
Brecker, Jim, Malvern, PA
Kim, Casey, Wilmington, DE
Breitman, Mark, Lansdale, PA
Kirschner, Marsha, Honey Brook, PA
Brodbar, Neil, Chalfont, PA
Kominos, Andrew, Philadelphia, PA
Cairns, Erin, Zionsville, PA
Lin, Ken, West Chester, PA
Cheplick, Peter, Emmaus, PA
Lyneis, David, Wilmington, DE
Colombo, Andrew, Doylestown, PA
Cunningham, Gordon, Kennett Square, PA Lyneis, Elizabeth, Wilmington, DE
Mancini, Armand, Marlton, NJ
Cwirko, Tom, Riverton, NJ
Manderbach, Aaron, Chalfont, PA
Czerpak, Brian, Pottstown, PA
Czerpak, Edward, Plymouth Meeting, PA Marshall, Alan, Cherry Hill, NJ
Massari, Adolfo, Philadelphia, PA
Denney, Mark, Stratford, NJ
McConathy, Chris, Malvern, PA
Dolce, Andrew, Yardley, PA
McLauchlan, John, Malvern, PA
Dolce, Charlie, Yardley, PA
McMurray, Rob, Mullica Hill, NJ
Eckert, Christopher, Fogelsville, PA
Melich, Loraine, Berwyn, PA
Egge, Willet, Woolwich Twp, NJ
Middleton, David, Atco, NJ
Ersek, Barry, Glen Mills, PA
Middleton, Susan, Atco, NJ
Etheridge, Mark, Fremont, NC
Mihalik, Ken, Reading, PA
Evans, Arthur, Philadelphia, PA
Miller, Brian, Wilmington, DE
Fabio, Luigi, Southampton, NJ
Minton, Richard, King Of Prussia, PA
Gausling, Mike, Bethlehem, PA
Mo, Bi, Wayne, PA
Geiser, Stephen, Hockessin, DE
Morales, Christopher, Bethlehem, PA
Giamber, Sam, Coopersburg, PA
Mothe, Arun, Paoli, PA
Green, James, New Castle, DE
Guignard, Jean-Francois, Kennett Square, Moyer, Douglas, Telford, PA
Nelson, Lawren, Wynnewood, PA
PA
Ness, Kenny, Langhorne, PA
Harvey, Devin, Jamison, PA
Henderson, Kristerpher, Philadelphia, PA Norden, Greg, Villanova, PA
O’Leary, Robert, Furlong, PA
Hetzel, David, Red Hill, PA
Piccirelli, Michael, New Castle, DE
Hilbert, Timothy, Fort Washington, PA
Prutzman, Paul, Reading, PA
Rachlin, Andrew, Philadelphia, PA
Romano, Michael, Havertown, PA
Rosenkrantz, David, Emmaus, PA
Rosenthal, Larry, Ambler, PA
Sapozhnik, Sergii, Philadelphia, PA
Scholl, Christopher, West Chester, PA
Schrecengost, Dennis, Churchville, PA
Schumann, Kurt, Bethlehem, PA
Seitzinger, Nicholas, Reading, PA
Sevag, Armen, Glen Mills, PA
Sherin, Ellen, Wilmington, DE
Shipe, Kevin, Wayne, PA
Shustack, Jordan, Gilbertsville, PA
Smith, Joshua, Langhorne, PA
Strohmetz, Jothi, Downingtown, PA
Surdoval, Carol, Macungie, PA
Taranko, Peter, Phoenixville, PA
Thaler, John, Wayne, PA
Trace, Derrik, Reading, PA
Tucker, Jim, National Park, NJ
Tursack, Robert, Glenmoore, PA
Tweedie, Harry, Souderton, PA
Volpe, Christopher, Doylestown, PA
Williams, Robert, New Castle, DE
Winick, Ryan, Holland, PA
Wright, Eric, Doylestown, PA
Zelfon, Igor, Feasterville Trevose, PA
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.
23
Taylor Handwerk presents:
Tool Talk
Keep it charged
Winter Storage Tips and Tools
Winter is upon us, and for many BMW enthusiasts it means a long nap for their pride and
joy. Luckily we have some tips and tools that will have your baby performing just as well in
the spring as it did in the fall. Winter storage can be tough on a car but it doesn’t need to be.
Clean it one more time
Car batteries are expensive so keep them
fully charged to extend their life. Not all
battery chargers are created equally so make
informed decisions when considering one.
High tech chargers are designed to keep
your vehicle’s battery fully charged and safe
throughout the season. Inferior chargers can
cause your battery to become overcharged or
damaged due to improper battery connection,
or power spikes.
Give the car a good detailing inside and out
before putting it away for the season. By
washing the car and putting a coat of wax
on it you will protect it for the long winter
months. This will remove any tree sap, bug
guts, etc… that may damage your paint if left
on for a long period of time. Take time to clean
the interior too so pests won’t be attracted or
given a free meal. I suggest covering/plugging
the exhaust pipe as well to keep the fury guys
at bay; don’t forget to remove it before starting
the car up again. Finally, keep it covered.
Treat your fluids
Make sure all your fluids are ready for
hibernation. Top off your oil and make sure
your cooling system has the appropriate
amount of antifreeze. Make sure your
windshield washer fluid isn’t filled with plain
water if the car is in an unheated environment.
Add fuel stabilizer and drive the car until it
reaches operating temperature one more time
to circulate and coat everything properly.
Get it off the ground
Raising the car off the ground has many
benefits. Most obviously this will benefit
your tires. Leaving the vehicle in one place
for an extended period of time can cause
tire deformation and damage. The concrete
garage floor itself can also have negative
effects on the tire’s rubber compound. Lifting
the car off the ground also makes it a little
more difficult for small critters to shack up
in it for the winter. If you have the car off
the ground in an unheated garage you may
want to remove the tires and keep them in
a temperature controlled location. Cool but
not freezing cold, off the concrete and dark is
perfect for tire storage.
24
Off season maintenance
If the car is going to be out of commission for a few months you may
as well get it prepped for the spring. Some jobs are more intensive
than others and may cause your car to be off the road for a few
weeks or even months. Why not take this time to get these jobs
done so you can enjoy it when the weather is nice? This is a great
opportunity to thoroughly inspect your car and find some jobs to
keep you from falling victim to cabin fever.
I hope you find these tips helpful. If you are looking for high quality
tools to keep your prized possession safe and sound for the winter
please check out our online retail space at bimmertools.com.
25
Got Fuel to Burn,
Got Roads to Drive...
It recently became apparent to me that
I needed a new washing machine...
Not because it stopped functioning
in any kind of way or leaked or
anything like that; in fact, since
day one it had never so much as
sneezed. Unfortunately, it didn’t get
the clothes clean either, which made
its usefulness as a clothes washer
questionable at best. And then it
started to smell bad. I was told that
this was because, as a front loader, it
had a mega, industrial, super sealing
seal around the door which kept
the water and soap in the machine
where it belonged as opposed to
on my floor where it didn’t and
the solution to this problem was to
simply leave the door open ALL THE
TIME when it wasn’t running.
If you’ve been around me for five
minutes, it should be abundantly
clear that this is not an option for me.
To say that I have some obsessive
compulsive tendencies is like saying
that Mount Rushmore is a nice little
sculpture. At the top of the list of
things that make my head want to
explode is leaving doors open, or
worse, ajar. Unfortunately, I live
with someone who seems incapable
of ever closing anything completely
and he will tell you that I follow
him around incessantly closing,
slamming, snapping and latching.
The idea of having an appliance
that I would have to leave with its
mouth hanging open, particularly
in my house where the washer is
the very first thing you see walking
into the mudroom from the garage,
right there staring at me was not
something I could live with in this
lifetime. And so it got moldy.
made my family think I had really
lost it for good and made me hate
the washer even more than I did
before. The final straw came after
washing a red canvas dog bed and
then in the load AFTER that, a very
expensive white Italian cotton duvet
cover. That came out bright pink.
We’re not talking kinda pink, or
essence of pink, we’re talking MEGA
PINK, like I had dyed it that way on
purpose. Five subsequent washes
with bleach later, it was still pink,
which to this day I find baffling. How
is it that the dye wasn’t committed
to living on the dog bed, but to the
duvet it applied itself as though the
universe depended on it??? Thanks
to a poor design, which didn’t allow
the water to completely drain after
spinning (thus the mold and the
unintentional dying), I decided right
then and there that the washer and
I needed to see other people and
this was heartbreaking because I
felt betrayed. Just like you think I’ve
betrayed you with this article. GOD
SPEEDY, NO ONE CARES ABOUT
YOUR LAUNDRY PROBLEMS. THIS
IS SUPPOSED TO BE A COLUMN
ABOUT CARS. Shush and listen.
Let me explain how.
Before
this disastrous purchase, at the
suggestion of my mother in law,
I bought a Maytag. She made this
suggestion based on years of reliable
Maytag ownership. I followed her
advice, neither of us realizing that
the company who built HER machine
sold out to Whirlpool and that what I
was buying was a mediocre product
at best with a badge on it that used
to mean something. It lasted exactly
My solution then became to scrub six years until one day when I was
the interior of the washer and the doing laundry to pack for a vacation,
gasket every time it gotElizabeth
used, which“Speedy”
the motor caught
fire. It went out in
Millinghausen
26
an overpriced blaze of glory leaving
a soggy scorched tub of clothes and
empty suitcases. I dealt with this
by running down to my local big
box home store and blindly saying,
“I’ll take that one, so long as it can
be delivered tomorrow.” It was a
Bosch. It looked sleek and European
and bulletproof and I didn’t think I
needed to ask questions, because,
well—it was a Bosch. How could
my people possibly fail me? This
is what Germans do. They make
things that work well for a long time.
Except that it didn’t.
I held on as long as I did because
mostly, I refused to admit that it was
possible that I could have made a
poor choice with this model that I
bought on faith and love of sleek
design alone. The pile of cash that
was invested was another reason
along with the fact that it really was a
pretty bullet proof machine. It used
next to no electricity. It used next
to no water. It did exactly what it
promised to do. I never had to make
a service call or warranty claim. It
didn’t leak. It never caught on fire.
It was also only really pretending to
wash the clothes (I swear, no where
in the owner’s manual did it say that
it cleaned anything well). I also held
on this long because throughout the
years, every time I found myself
anywhere that sold appliances, I
checked out the inventory. For years,
I saw nothing but a sea of similar
mediocrity. How could I possibly
trade a machine that worked
perfectly but didn’t do a good job for
one that most likely performed even
worse that might have mechanical
issues that this one never had? See
where I’m going with this?
If I’ve had this conversation once, I’ve had it a
hundred times. You all hate the direction BMW is
going. Electric power steering is awful. No, don’t
argue with me—it is. The six of you who think
you like it are either kidding yourselves, over 80
or under 30. It’s like sending signals to the car
via satellite. The message is getting there, but I
have no idea how. Also, I want that third pedal
and so do most of you. I don’t care what anyone
says, the DCT is great on the track, but not on the
street. I’m not trying to set any speed records on
my way to the office (most of the time)—I just want
to feel connected to the car and enjoy the drive.
Everything now has a turbo. But you don’t want
a turbo and it doesn’t sound the same. You feel
like BMW has abandoned you, the enthusiast.
When it comes time to think about a new car, you
head for the Roundel and then think twice and
then consider other options which may or may
not be better—but probably not and an awful lot
of you have chosen to keep the cars you already
have. I hate to break this to you, but the things
that you don’t like aren’t there because BMW
hates you, but because they are forced to conform
to new standards of emissions and fuel economy
and while saving the polar bears they are building
cars that people who know the secret handshake
don’t really want. It’s sort of like being served in a
restaurant and realizing that you don’t have what
you ordered, but the waiter has walked away and
you can’t find him and there’s nothing you can do
about it.
way to the office in my 335d (which is a car that
I adore), something in a lovely metallic graphite
color caught the corner of my eye. I did a double
take. It was beautiful—lines that were just about
perfect. Sized just right--not too big, not too small,
with a body that looked like a chiseled athlete-like the sheet metal could just barely contain all of
the awesomeness inside. As the driver chirped the
rear tires and zipped through a left turn, I noticed
that it was an M235i and the person driving it was
having the time of their life. I could feel it.
This was not the first one of these I’ve ever seen,
but every time I do see one I get a little verklempt
and my chest squeezes with joy. This one was
particularly lovely and I wanted it. Badly. I can’t
say that about anything else out there right now,
so I know I haven’t been abandoned. They have
not been gobbled up by some other company
who only wishes to capitalize on the name. The
M2 is coming and with it all of our hopes and
desires wrapped up in one glorious pile of carbon
fiber, aluminum, plastic, sheet metal, rubber and
alcantara. The Roundel is not a badge that used to
mean something simply slapped onto a mediocre
product. BMW knows who they are (a corporation
in business to make money), but still loves us and
wants us to be happy. I just know it.
I had this very same feeling wandering around
appliance stores for many years until I got to the
point where I couldn’t take it anymore. And then I
started researching what I thought were the lesser
of many evils and found something interesting.
There are people out there with so much free
time on their hands that they film their washing
machines and post it on YouTube so that you can
see how they work. And you know what? There
is some very cool new technology out there. Strict
conservation restrictions forced manufacturers to
do more with less and it came at a price. But some
time has passed and smart people figured out a
way to make it better. Way better. So much better
that I actually LIKE doing laundry now. My new
top loading LG is crazy efficient, gets everything
sparkly clean and sings a little victory song when
the load is finished.
Cars are a bit more complicated, but BMW has
not abandoned us. For a while they gave us the
machine that did everything it was supposed to do,
yet lacked a bit of soul, but they are figuring it out.
I still believe that they make a better product than
anything else out there. This is not the part of the
story where I tell you how I bought a new Hyundai
and I couldn’t be happier. No, this morning on my
27
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29
15
Official
Business:
Executive
Board
Official
Business:
Executive
Board
Meeting
Meeting
Minutes Minutes
1. Meeting of the Delaware
11. Vintage BMW Car Events Co-Chair’s
each day of the event.
Report:
• Palmer:
Poor attendance.
ScottThe
feltSRC
that is set up1.and
Bill gave1.9updates on
the status,
dates,
the beginning
of this season.
Webmaster
/ Membership
Chair Report:
our
date
was
good
and
the
track
was
well
and
details
of
all
events
on
the
Vintage
housed
under
two
large
canopies
in
a
strategic
locaIn attendance
were: Martin
Bullen, Board:
Valley Chapter
Executive
receivedtion
even
thought
the attendance
was driver calendar.
at all
of our events.
Here a novice
can get
No report.
President;
Dave
Flogaus,
Monday
July
18thCo-Vice
2011
advice
on anything mechanical, track, or driving2.relower that
expected.
Bill introduced Erik Rutberg, a veteran
President; Mike Dion, Treasurer and Chief
lated.Glen:
They will
alsowell
be invited
to a barbecuemember
at lunch. returning
1.10 backDriver
School
Registrar’s
• Watkins
Went
with good
to active
status
as oneReport:
In attendance
Wollman,
President; Martin
Instructor;
Bob were:
Kelly, Dave
Secretary;
Dave
He noted that the programs are doing well and
attendance.
of the
the Vintage Events co-chairs.
Bullen, Vice President; Michael Dion, Treasurer and
Lisathe
Mellott
reportedVintage
that sheAirport
received much positive
SRC
is becoming
a hub
of activity
for novice drivers
Wollman,
Social Events
Chair;and
Scott
Lightning:
Went
well
with good
3. Bill noted
Sky Manor
Chief Instructor;
Geoff Ehrman
James Murphy, • NJMP
feedback from attendees on how well the Watkins
throughout the event weekend. Everyone in attenReiman,
Driving
Events
Co-Chair;
Bill
Driving Events Co-Chairs; Dave Flogaus and Ed attendance.
There
was some
discussion
Fly-in event Glen
is scheduled
September
12th a new strategy
event wasfor
run.
Lisa presented
dance
applauded
James’
efforts. on
Narewski,
Newsletter
Kelly, SecreFoster,
Vintage
EventsCo-Editors;
Co-Chair;Bob
Taylor
improvements
relative to the track access and (13th rain date)
this year. He
pointed
out
this
for wristbands
for DE
events.
She
proposed retaining
.
tary; Lisa Mellott,
Event Registrar;
Mo Karamat, tech the night before
Handwerk,
Race Event
Chair & SRC
annual Vintage
is inred,
conflict
the event
traditional
yellow,with
and the
green bands. But, for
Street
Survival
Chair;
Mark
Zmiewski,
Club
Racing
2. Scott
we would
putting
club’s annualsigned-off
picnic this
year. she proposed wristbands with a
students,
1.4noted that
Racing
Event’sbe
Chair
Report:
Chair;
Patrick McHenry, Newsletter Editior;
Chair, Richard Vernick, Webmaster and Membership
black
checkered
pattern
respective field coltogether
a
survey
to
send
out
to
members
and
4.
Bill
noted
that
there
will
be a over
new the
event
Dennis
Brennan,
Vintage
Events
Co-Chair;
Chair.
ors.on
The
additional
cost for printing was modest, so
Markof
Zmiewski
reported
the events
plans for ourinClub
participants
the 2015
DelValthat
track
Warminster
October
24th
Lisa Mellott, Registrar; Erik Ruberg; Dave
Race at to
Thunderbolt
were well under
sancthe Boardthe
authorized
her to proceed.
with questions
assess satisfaction
levelsway.
and The 5.
Bill introduced
idea of starting
a Car The bands will
Summary
of Chair
BOARD REPORTS AND UPDATES
Somma,
Tech
tion application has been approved and stewards noalso be printed with our chapter name.
ways to tified.
improve
our
offerings.
and
Coffee
program.
There was discussion relative to driver gift
3. There
was for
discussion
about the shortage
12. Advertising
andon
Business
Manager’s
1.1
President’s Report:
Lisa went
to note that
there was a problem or two
options
the Club Race.
Martin Bullen - Call to Order 6:30 PM. Martin of instructors in general at all of our events
Report:
with the speed of some instructors that were driving in
welcomed
everyonewelcomed
and called
meeting
and what
it. Chair’s Report:
1. Martin presented
forrun
Otto’s
BMW
has
Dave Wollman
allthe
to the
meeting. A motion
non-instructor
groups.
Mike
Dion said that he
1.5to do about
Social
to order.
A motion
was made
and second
was made
and seconded
to dispense
with thetoread-4. There was a great deal of discussion
would
follow-up
on the rules
agreed to once
again
be a sponsor
for for
thethese instances and
ing ofthe
thereading
minutes.
communicated
them to Lisa
andfor
the group as well as
Dave
Wollman
reportedthe
for club
Terry to
Wright. He Club
noted in 2016.
dispense
of the minutes from
of different
ways
to promote
The Board thanked
Otto’s
the instructors
that
thenew
recent
Del Val night
outof
at the
the ballpark
wascontinued
a
the July 13, 2015 meeting. A motion was made and members
and
members.
Some
their
support. at the beginning of each event.
1.2 to approve
Treasurer’s
Report:
great time.
He urged all club members to partake
second
the minutes
with
Ideas discussed
were:
13.inBavarian Motor Notes Editor’s Report:
activities like these to keep the level of enthusiasm
no changes. The motion was approved unanimously
(a)
Night
at
the
track
events
similar
to
Pat reminded
that the
contentManager’s Report:
Mike Dion reported that even with below normal atgoing and to support club camaraderie. Future 1.
events
1.11 everyone
Advertising
/ Business
and tendance
Martin initiated
the
Committee
SCCA.
deadlines
for
next
issue
September
14th
at the club’s 10th Annual High Performance
are the club picnic on September 18th, the annual foChair
Reports.
(b) Offering
theonentire
series
asand
a a go cart night on
14.NoStreet Bob
Survival
Eventcould
Chair
Driving
School at Watkins Glen, we were able to meet
liage tour
October
29th,
Solomon
notReport:
attend, but Dave Wollman
progressive
learning
ladderare
where
the season
the street
all expenses with a small surplus. All present congratand Mike Dion
pointedsurvival
out how excited the Board
vember
10th. There
also plans
in the works1.
forMartin reviewed
Summary
BOARD
ulated andof
thanked
Lisa and Martin for their hard is packaged
was with
the new
partnership
formed between BMW
another
membership
meeting beforereport
the end
as ageneral
total learning
experience
submitted
by Rich
with
the upcoming
work promoting
the event up to the last minute. Mike
of the Main
and Del
Val. as for
premier sponsors of
of the
year.is focusing on a specific new schedule of events
REPORTS
AND UPDATES
with every
event
andLine
planning
updates
reviewed various business matters and noted thatset
heof skills.
Octoberfest.the 3rd Annual Del Val BMWCCA/BMW of the Main
currently Report:
processing the insurance policy for this
Line
Lightning
1.6
Newsletter
Report:
2.was
President’s
(c) Investigate
moving
WGIEditor’s
from mid-week
15. Socialfor
Media
Chair:DE in August. A big crowd is expected
Bimmerfest
scheduled
forroles
September
the event, including a number of Main Line’s val1.year’s
Martin
went over
the list of
and 18th. (d) Add a second date at NJMP
1.
Dave
noted
that
continues
Dave Flogaus introduced Ed Narewski as his new coued clientshe
and
staff. Let’stobepost
sure to make them as
responsibilities for DelVal for Octoberfest
(e)
Conditioning
and
encouraging
better
activities
forwarded
to
him.
Driving Event’s
Report:
editor for the newsletter. The group thanked Ed for
welcomed as possible.
2.1.3
Martin announced
that Chair
after lengthy
green students
to consider
anclub activity.16. Social Chair’s Chair Report:
volunteering
for suchbecoming
an important
consideration,
he
will
notChair
beReport:
seeking
1.9 Geoff
Webmaster
/ Membership
1. Dave Wolman
noted
plans for the
noted that
the Watkins
Glen event went wellinstructor and the possibility of using Street
1.12
Nextthat
Meeting:
another
term aseveryone
Chapter for
President
and
willwas aSurvival
and thanked
their help.
There
lot
1.7
Report:
instructionStreet
as a Survival
steppingChair
stone.
2015 picnic are going well with 55 signups.
No report.
be stepping
down
at theto
end
of 2015. He
of discussion
relative
updating
Thebe
next
meetingevent
will bewill
on September
12th, 6:00
1.9
Webmaster / Membership
Chair
Report: our tech form to ad5. HPDE Registrar’s Report:
2. There will
a carting
be
Report:
1.10
School Registrar’s
did dress
offerDriver
to
assist
the
new
President in
the for the 1. NoMo
common
on-track
mechanical
failures
Karamat noted that he received a lot of positive
p.m.,
at Geoff Ehrman’s office.
report.
scheduled
in
November.
No report.
various
BMW
This
a discussion
feedback from the June 12th Street Survival Clinic at
transition.
Lisa
Mellott
reported
that models.
she received
muchwas
positive
6. HPDE
InstructorCounty
Coordinator’s
Report:
3. Dave noted
that he
on the
board
of All
feedback
from attendees
on
how well
Watkins
prompted
by Registrar’s
series
ofthe
similar
mechanical failures at
Submitted
by:isBob
Kelly,
Secretary
Montgomery
Community
College. The feedReport:
1.10
Driver
School
3.
There
was
a
discussion
of
possible
1.
No
report
Vets
USA. They will be having a car show in
Glen event
was run. Lisa
presented
a new
strategy
the
Watkins
Glen
event.
Geoff
will
follow-up
with
the
back
came
from
the
24
students
that
attended
and
candidates
thereceived
upcoming
nomination
for
wristbands
for for
DE
She proposed
retaining
Lisa
Mellott
reported
thatevents.
much positive
7. HPDE
Instructor’s
Report:out a conflict that
Warminster
October 24th. Dave requested
additions
andshe
to
theirChief
parents.
Mo also pointed
will
the
traditional
red,
yellow,
and
green
bands.
But,our
for tech form.
feedback
from
attendees
onmodifications
how
well the
Watkins
period
for
Chapter
elections
in
January
signed-off
students,
she
proposed
wristbands
with a
1. Nonecessitate
Report moving the Adult Car Control Clinic
permission
to send it out to our membership
Glen event was run. Lisa presented a new strategy
form
checkered
pattern
over
theproposed
respective
field col3.James
Treasures
Report:
forblack
wristbands
for DE
events.
She
retaining
Murphy
reviewed
the
continuing
development
August
to September.
will propose
daterequested
be8. HPDE
Student
ResourceHe
Center
(SRC) a newand
a the board consider a $1000
The additional
cost and
for printing
was modest,
theors.
traditional
red, Dion
yellow,
green bands.
But,the
forso state of the
reported
that
ofMike
his
Student
Resource
Center
(SRC) initiative and
fore the next meeting.
the 1.
Board
authorized
to
proceed.
The
bands
signed-off
students,
sheher
proposed
wristbands
with awill
Chair’s
Report:
contribution
also
be
printed
with our
chapter
name.
black
checkered
pattern
over
the
respective
field colChapter
financials
are
inprogram
good
shape
the at 1. No report
the
student
mentoring
that heand
launched
4. It was agreed that Pat should place a
ors. The additional cost for printing was modest, so
Chapter
prepared
to The
meet
allorwillcurrent
and
went
on is
to note
that
was
a problem
two
theLisa
Board
authorized
her
tothere
proceed.
bands
9. HPDE Technical Chair’s Report:
request to membership for anyone interested
with
the
speed
of
some
instructors
that
were
driving
in
also
be printed
with our chapter
name.
future
financial
obligations.
1. No reports
in serving as co-social chair along with him.
non-instructor run groups. Mike Dion said that he
2.follow-up
Mike
noted
that
both
WGI
HPDE And
would
onthat
the there
rules
for
instances
and
Lisa
went
on to note
wasthese
a problem
or two
10. DelVal BMW CCA Club Race Chair’s
17. New Business:
communicated
them
to
Lisa
and
the
group
as
well
as
with
the
speed
of
some
instructors
that
were
driving
in
the Lightning
Club
Race
and
HPDE showed
the instructors
the beginning
of each
Report:
1. None
non-instructor
runatgroups.
Mike Dion
said event.
that he
a modest
surplus
tothese
hopefully
offset the event
would
follow-up on
the rules for
instances and
1. Taylor reported that the NJMP lightning
18. Next Meeting:
communicated
them
to
Lisa
and
the
group
as
well
as
losses
earlier
in/ Business
theofseason
Manager’s
the1.11
instructorsAdvertising
at the beginning
each
event. Report:
Club Race event went well with 27 cars
1. The next meeting will be held on
4. Driving Events Chair Report:
and perfect weather. Taylor volunteered
September 1st at the Iron Abby in Horsham.
Bob Solomon could not attend, but Dave Wollman
Scott
Reiman
gave
a the
summary
report on to manage the event next year. Everyone
and1.
Mike
Dion pointed
out how
excited
Board
1.11
Advertising
/ Business
Manager’s
Report:
19. Adjournment:
was
with
the new
partnership
formed between BMW
the
2015
driving
season:
thanked him for a job well done.
1. At 10:00
of the
Main Line
Val. but
as premier
sponsors of
Bob
Solomon
couldand
notDel
attend,
Dave Wollman
•
Point:
Scott
theMike
3rdSummit
Annual
Del Val
BMWCCA/BMW
the Main
and
Dion pointed
out
how Poor
excited attendance.
theof
Board
2.
Dave
Gilbert
was
given
the
Spirit
of
Line
Lightning
DE
in August.formed
Astill
big crowd
isgreat
expected
was
with
the new
partnership
between
BMWpotential
felt
that
the
school
has
event,
a number
of Main
Line’s valRacing Flag signed by all for his great work
Martin thanked everyone for his or her
of for
thethe
Main
Lineincluding
and Del Val.
as premier
sponsors
of
clients
Let’s be sure to
if3rd
promoted
asmake
introductory
theued
Annualand
Delstaff.
Valdifferently
BMWCCA/BMW
ofan
thethem
Mainas
managing
DelVal’s
relationship
with
the
Be
contributions
and participation in the
welcomed
possible.
Line
Lightningas
DE
in
August. A big and
crowd is
school
for
beginners
a expected
good warm-up
for the event, including a number of Main Line’s valPositive Foundation.
meeting.
1.12
Next
Meeting:
and
refresher
school
more
ued
clients
and
staff.
Let’s
be sure for
to make
themexperienced
as
3. Delval presented the Be Positive
welcomed as possible.
drivers.
He noted
multiple
track
The
next meeting
will be onthe
September
12th, 6:00
Foundation
a check for $5000.
p.m.,
at Geoff
office.Summit offers could be
1.12
Next Ehrman’s
Meeting:that
configurations
used
toDate
focus
on
different
skills
Event
Description
Event Details
RSVP to:
Submitted
by:
Bob
Kelly,
The
next meeting
will be
on Secretary
September
12th,
6:00 instruction for
Valley Chapter Executive Board:
Monday,
2015
MeetingAugust
of the31,
Delaware
Minutes
Minutes
h.
-
a
s
o-
d
o-
e-
Upcoming Events:
Delaware Valley Chester and other
BMW Car Club of America events of interest
p.m., at Geoff Ehrman’s office.
Submitted by:
Bob Kelly, Secretary
10/8/2011
Del
30
Val @ Pocono Raceway (North Course)
Cancelled (track repaving)
We regret this development
10/15/2011
Winter 2015 (V4)
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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