vintage sports car

VINTAGE SPORTS CAR
DRIVERS ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER November 2011
VSCDA
P.O. Box 68003
Grand Rapids, MI 49516-8003
Phone 616-916-2650 • Fax 616-258-8128
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.vscda.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Treasurer’s Letter

VSCDA Board Meeting Minutes

2012 Race Schedule

Photo Contest Winner

2011 ELVF Award Winners

40TH Anniversary Trans Am 2.5 Challenge

Drivers’ Committee Update

Car Preparation Steward Report

2012 Vintage Sprite & Midget Race Series

New Helmets for 2012 Season

VSCDA History by Henry Adamson

Car on Fire II
SAVE THE DATE:
The Annual VSCDA meeting and banquet will be held February 4, 2012.
Watch for your invitation via email!
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
October 22, 2011, Sycamore, IL
What follows is a summary of the Minutes for the VSCDA Board Meeting held last
month, starting with a letter from John Houlton, VSCDA Treasurer.
Dear VSCDA Members,
There is good news to report. After several years of running at a loss, VSCDA is now back in a position
of gaining financial strength. For the first time in recent history (and maybe ever!) every event we
conducted last season was a financial success. While it is not our goal to make money (we are after all a
not-for-profit club), it is critical to our survival that we at least cover our expenses and generate enough
income to build sufficient cash reserves to manage emergencies. After years of depleting our once
generous reserves, it is great to once again be in a position of building financial security.
There are several reasons we had a successful year in 2011. The first is that all of our event chair people
did a fantastic job of putting on the races, all the while controlling expenses and looking for creative ways
to meet the many challenges that come with staging a race. I extend my compliments to each of them.
The next factor contributing to our success was the realization of significant sponsorship at several of our
events. These extra dollars went a long way toward ensuring the viability of each event, and the overall
financial well-being of the club. Additional income came from the sanctioning of the May and July events
at Road America. Also, we received a very generous donation that is the foundation of a new safety fund.
While this is not operating income, these and future dollars in this fund will help protect us from the risk of
not being able to always advance the cause of safety.
Ours is a “people” sport, and there are so many people who have contributed to our financial recovery.
Laura Hire, who runs our office, Kathy Newton, our newsletter editor, Betsy Sodergren, and Chris Bonk
who have taken on the challenge of our marketing efforts, Dave Young in Tech, Doug Bruce in Car Prep,
and Barb Nevoral as Driver’s Committee Chair, our Group Reps, along with every single other volunteer
who helped in any way, has contributed to the financial stability and growth of VSCDA.
There are many others who deserve mention, too many to list. The bottom line is that the real reason for
our great year, the true hero, is you, our members. This year you came out and raced, in spite of a bad
economy. You renewed your memberships, in many cases after one or more years of having let them
lapse. You volunteered at our events. You provided feedback to our Board of Directors, Race Chairs,
and Office Manager. You contributed to the club by virtue of your participation, and that’s what we most
need. Each of our events saw a greater turn-out in 2011 than the year before. Our membership grew,
and that is the primary reason the financial position of the club is stronger now than in recent years.
Thanks to each of you for your contribution to VSCDA.
I also want to thank all of our Board Members for their contribution to the club. Every Board Member is a
volunteer, and each of these members put in countless hours working to turn our club back into what it
should be after several years of decline. The wealth of ideas, the hard work, the commitment, and the
investment of unique talents by everyone in this group has been amazing. It is my honor to serve on a
Board of such talented, dedicated people.
Eighteen months ago there were many who had written the obituary for the VSCDA. Today we can look
into a bright future. We still have problems to tackle, and we will not reduce our efforts to keep VSCDA
moving forward to provide the best vintage racing experience anywhere in North America. If any of you
have questions about our financial situation or would like to share any input with me, please call me
directly at 612-859-6093, or e-mail me at [email protected].
Thanks for a great season, and let’s all look forward to an even better 2012.
Sincerely,
John Houlton, VSCDA Treasurer
Summary of the Minutes from the VSCDA Board Meeting
Present:
Marv Primack; Mike & Deb Korneli; Steve Bonk; Barb Nevoral; Bob Shedd; George Hovsepian; Doug
Bruce; John Houlton; Scott Fohrman; Jim Donato; Henry Adamson; Dave Young; Frank & Kathy Newton;
Laura Hire; Ted & Betsy Sodergren; Don Carone and Paul Meier
REPORTS FROM EVENT CHAIRS:
2011 Driver’s School and GingerMan Event presented by Bob Shedd
There was a good turnout for this year’s school, with 39 students…up from the enrollment in 2010. The
weather for the race weekend was good, and the number of race entrants also was up with 95 drivers (79
in 2010).
2011 Blackhawk Event presented by Ted Sodergren
The number of racers was significantly up this year, with 144 entries and 150 cars. We added some new
elements to the weekend, including a new food vendor who got rave reviews. We have a commitment
th
from Blackhawk for 2012 dates (the 20 Anniversary of the Classic) and from Midwestern Council for
workers. We also are planning on some improvements to the weekend, such as a better system for
th
Touring and some special events in honor of the 20 Anniversary. Our 2011 sponsor for Blackhawk
already has made a tentative commitment to return in 2012.
2011 Grattan Event presented by Kathy Newton for Eric Coppock
Better management of costs made this a profitable event this year, with 98 entries. Also, Eric was again
able to recruit DPS as the sponsor of the event. The recommendation was made that we go through one
group for all workers in 2012, as we do for Blackhawk. Also, with the bigger event (MG Anniversary)
planned in 2012, we will need to address the issues of more bathrooms, food and fuel.
Our Sanctioning of May Vintage Weekend and July KIC at Road America was presented by Mike
Korneli
Next year we need to add a VSCDA booth with information and regalia at these events. 18% of our
VSCDA membership entered the May event, and 22% of our membership entered the KIC.
2011 ELVF Event presented by Mike Korneli
The weekend was a real success. Everything at ELVF, such as the number of entries, increased this
year, and we heard very positive feedback on the Cup Races.
REPORTS FROM GROUP REPS
Group 1 presented by Marv Primack
We have new members in this group and had a great turn-out at Blackhawk. Marv reported that the race
groups on the West Coast are trying to phase out pre-war cars, which could be a good opportunity for
VSCDA to add more cars in this group here.
Group 2 presented by George Hovsepian
Stan Mason will be the new Group 2 Rep. Stan also is starting a new Spridget Race Series in this group
in 2012.
Group 3
No report. A group rep is needed.
Group 4 presented by Frank Newton
The number of Formula V’s in this group has remained about the same, but the number of Fords
increased in 2011. Frank hopes to see continued growth in the Fords.
Group 5
No report. Bob Mauer is current rep.
Group 6
No report. Brian Kennedy is current rep.
Group 7
No report. Bob Mauer is current rep.
Group 8 presented by Barb Nevoral
This group continues to grow. Steve Bonk will be the new rep.
Drivers Committee Report presented by Barb Nevoral
The language in the VSCDA Driver Policy needs to be amended before the start of the 2012 season, as
well as new information put in the driver’s packets at each race. In all, it was a good year. However,
there were too many passes under yellow and double yellow at the ELVF. This was also a problem with
the Road America May and July events.
GingerMan had zero Probations and zero Suspensions. Vintage Weekend at Road America had four
Probations and zero Suspensions. Blackhawk had four Probations and zero Suspensions. KIC had nine
Probations and two Suspensions. Grattan had zero Probations and zero Suspensions, with one new
driver getting an additional two races with “x” on the car. ELVF had six Probations and zero
Suspensions, with one new driver getting an additional two races with “x” on the car.
Car Tech Steward Report presented by Dave Young
Everything is good in the tech barn with most racers very cooperative. Reminders:
*There was a continuing problem with no numbers on the front of cars. Cars also should have tow hooks.
*New helmets will be required in 2012. Year 2000 helmets are out; year 2005 or later will be accepted.
*There was a question about requiring cars signed up for Touring to go through Tech. Yes, Touring cars
must go through Tech to meet a requirement of our insurance coverage.
*If there is an incident (damage to a car), the log book should be given to the Drivers Committee to make
an entry in the log book that car must be re-teched.
Car Prep Steward Report presented by Doug Bruce
Groups 2, 4 and 8 are our largest groups.
2011 Inquiries: 3 replica cars; 3 F70; 15 G70; 1 era correct submission; 41 re-grouping classifications; 3
car prep sheets received.
In 2012 VSCDA needs to address the difference between Road America and VSCDA groupings. Also, in
2012 we need to establish a new car prep sheet process, including updating the information on the
website.
We should post cross groups on vscda.org, e.g., “If you are in this group in VSCDA, you are in this group
in SVRA, etc.”
VMC Report presented by Bob Shedd
It was decided to send Laura Hire to the upcoming VMC meeting in Philadelphia, along with Bob. It was
also suggested that Bob talk to VMC management about hosting a future VMC meeting in Chicago.
Office Report by Laura Hire
QuickBooks has been implemented. A printer, fax, scanner, shredder and copier were added to the
office. Laura shreds the medicals herself at the end of each race. In 2012 we will need to replace the
laptop. We now have off-site backup (Carbonite) for our data.
Event information is needed sooner (by March 1, 2012) for the website and e-registration, including dates
and entry forms for each event.
The introduction of e-registration this year was a success. 610 entrants were registered online and eight
by phone. Laura and the event chairs are very happy with Cvent’s (our e-registration vendor) reporting
capability. Cvent is very helpful, with 24/7 tech support.
It was decided to extend the Cvent contract for another year, with some modifications, and to add
membership management capabilities to the contract.
Newsletter Report presented by Kathy Newton
The delivery of the newsletter via the website has allowed a greatly improved look to the newsletter, with
more copy and pictures. We have received many compliments from members. The Classified Ads are
one of our most popular features. We plan to upgrade the Classified Ad section with the opportunity for
special display ads.
Marketing and Website Report presented by Betsy Sodergren
An analysis of our membership shows that the average age has gone down in the last three years, from
age 62 to currently age 59. Also, in the past three years our membership has been moving west around
Lake Michigan, with the largest group in northern Illinois and a growing group in Wisconsin.
Our best promotion for VSCDA has proven to be vscda.org. Our website had 45,500 visitors Oct. 2010Sept. 2011, with 4,000-5,000 visitors a month who spend an average of 4.5 minutes on the site per visit.
Favorite pages on the site: Classified Ads, Newsletter, Race Microsites.
Regalia Request
We had numerous requests from members during this year’s race season to bring back regalia…at least
the basics, such as t-shirts and caps. We have a volunteer who has agreed to manage the regalia
process in 2012, so we will be offering VSCDA regalia at races and on our website.
2012 Membership Renewal
There will be an Early Bird discount of $10.00 for 2012 Membership Renewals, with dues being held at
$95.00…$85.00 with Early Bird discount.
Annual Dinner presented by Kathy Newton
Approximately 100 people usually attend the Annual Dinner. Date for the dinner: February 4, 2012, at
Doubletree Oakbrook, Oakbrook, IL. The formal meeting will occur before the meal.
Memorial for Bill Dalton.
It was decided that VSCDA will join SCCA and MWC in a special memorial for Bill Dalton at Blackhawk.
NOTE: Special thanks to Don Carone for providing his business location in Sycamore for our Board
Meeting.
2012 VSCDA RACE SCHEDULE
GingerMan Spring Brake Drivers’ School & Races
May 3, 4, 5 & 6, 2012
GingerMan Raceway, South Haven, MI
Blackhawk Vintage Classic XX
June 15, 16 & 17, 2012
Blackhawk Farms, South Beloit, IL
Vintage Grand Prix Au Grattan XXVI
August 17, 18 & 19, 2012
Grattan Raceway Park, Grattan, MI
Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival XVII
September 7, 8 & 9, 2012
Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
Winner of 1st Annual VSCDA Photo Contest
Clean Sweep!
Congratulations to Manley Ford, our winner! Manley sent this note along with his winning
picture. “This picture was taken at Grattan in August. Scott Fohrman (aided by assistant
Donald dickey who requested anonymity on this one…yeah, right!) demonstrates his patented
broomstick method for setting the toe-in on his MGB.” Manley wins the Grand Prize, which is
seeing his picture featured in our Victory Lane ad.
2011 ELVF Award Winners
Vintage Spirit Award Winners:
Gr. 1 Richard Morrison
Gr. 2 Matt Meixner
Gr. 3 Andrew Cannon
Gr. 4 Matt Primack
Gr. 5 Thor Johnson
Gr. 6 Henry Vicioso
Gr. 7 Jim Gustofson
Gr. 8 Steve Grundahl
Gr. 9 Richard Duffy
Gr. 10 FV Rickey Delrosario
Gr. 11 Can-Am Kenne Bristol
Road America Challenge Winner:
Brian Kennedy
Sheldon Cup Winner: Bob Youngdahl
Kimberly Cup Winner: Michael Recine
Elkhart Lake Winner: Ben Peotter
40th Anniversary Trans Am 2.5 Challenge
By Steve Bonk
th
Wow, Wow, Wow, Where do I start writing about the Trans Am 40 Anniversary Challenge at ELVF in
beautiful September weather? I have decided that there are so many great side stories involved with
getting this event going and the weekend itself that I have to make it a two-part article.
So how did this Juggernaut get started? For the people that don't know me well, I am a history nut. When
I was a kid, I wanted to be a archeologist. I wanted to find mummies like King Tut. Then my Mom told me
about how being an archeologist involved hours of back braking labor in the hot sun. So I am not an
archeologist. However, in the last couple of years I have become a self-appointed Trans Am 2.5/ Datsun
archeologist and historian. The further I dig the more great information pops up. The problem is that the
small Trans Am cars don't get the same coverage as the big cars. There is much less written information
available about them. But lucky for me, many of the drivers are still alive.
But how do I contact them? That is where Les Cannaday from Classic Datsun Motorsport comes in. I
called Les (he sold me original BRE Fiberglass parts for my car years back) when I am trying to figure out
some specific information on a BRE car, but nobody can verify my information. “Do you know somebody
that I can talk to at BRE who remembers stuff vividly from 40 years ago?" Les says he will call John
Morton and call me back. Five minutes later Les calls back and says John is waiting for your call, and
here is the number. Wow, I never thought I would be talking to John Morton. How cool is that!!
The conversation went something like this. "Hi John, Steve Bonk From Chicago. I am a big fan; I race a
Datsun 510, I still haven't been able to come close to your track times at Road America with a similar
prepped car with better tires than you had 40 years ago.” Then I asked him, “Do you remember your
track times from Road America from 1971-1972?” Now remember, he has driven a hundred different cars
since then, logged thousands of miles and been to Le Mans nine times. He said “wait,” as his memory
bank kicked in. “In 1971 I had a 1600 in the car, and I ran a 2:45. In 1972 I had a 1800 in the car and ran
a 2:43. So how did a do?” “I said “spot on.” I won't hold him to the tenths of a second, but he ran 2:45.1 in
1971 and a 2:43.4 in 1972. That’s still an amazing feat today considering the evolution of tire and brake
technology. So that is how I got to know John Morton. Yes, his memory is great on many small details.
In 2010, my Trans Am B-Sedan series was in full swing. I had an opportunity to do an event at Mid-Ohio. I
asked if the event organizer would be interested in having John Morton as the Grand Marshall. They said
“yes.” Now I had to see if John was available. You would be amazed at how busy a 69-year-old racer can
be. Long story short, I was finally going to meet John Morton and long-time significant other, Sylvia
Wilkinson. Boy, was I stoked. I get to meet and race with my hero and the track picks up the tab. Is this
country great or what?
Being a Trans Am 2.5 history nut, I already was trying to figure out what to do for John Morton's 1971
Trans Am Championship win back in 2010. So what did I have to lose when I called Mike Korneli and
asked, “What do you think about doing a 40th Anniversary Trans Am 2.5 Challenge B-sedan race at the
ELVF with John Morton as Grand Marshall and driving a BRE Datsun 510 in the race?" I don't remember
the exact conversation, but he did say something like, “You need to be the cheerleader on this.” No
problem; I can do that. Heck, I was testing the waters for months before I approached Mike and Deb
Korneli. So when they agreed, it was truly a dream come true for me. (Thanks guys.) I had it all planned
out in my mind. John Morton would drive one of the original BRE Datsun 510s. I also would invite some
other original Trans Am 2.5 cars and their drivers. I would police car preparation to make sure cars were
not under weight or running improper tires.
This was going to be the Monterey Historics of the Midwest. Monterey wasn't even having an event for
these great little cars this year! Cars would be flocking from the West Coast just to join in this historic
event! I talked with Peter and Gayle Brock. While they had other commitments, they thought what I had
planned for the 40th Anniversary Trans Am 2.5 Challenge would be a great success. What more
motivation did I need than that? The stage would be set for John to do what he had done 40 years
earlier: win the Trans Am race with a new lap record to boot. I would have an opportunity to watch John
do something that I never was able to see firsthand at Road America. When John won at Road
America 40 years earlier, I was only eight years old, and my father wasn't aware that history was being
made only 2 1/2 hours north of our house. He wasn't aware that John Morton was a local boy from
Waukegan Illinois, who went to California to pursue his dream of becoming a racing driver and was back
at his old stomping grounds as a professional driver. (Ironically, in 1972 my father purchased a BMW
2002 Tii--a very cool car.)
Enough day dreaming…now I had to pull it all together. But where do I start? I figured that I better make
sure John was on board. John looked at his calendar and said it looked good. So the key player was in
place. To build around that, a “million” phone calls needed to be made. For people who know me, that is
not a problem. I am on the phone all the time bending someone's ear-LOL. I needed to get John a car to
race, preferably at no cost to me or the club. So I called Les Cannaday again, because he has the historic
BRE Datsun 510 in his shop in California. Les worked on it and maintained it for the Monterey Historics in
2010. I asked, "Les, who is your contact at Nissan, so I can get the car to Road America?” He gave me a
name and number and I began dialing.
I talked with Nissan and they informed me of two things. First, the #46 BRE 510 had been retired from
racing. It can do some exhibition laps and be on static display. Also, with the soft economy, Nissan had to
cut back on their marketing budget this year, so it was not available. Lucky for me I went to the Monterey
Historics in 2010 and was able to see John race the car for the very last time. So Strike One.
No problem, I thought. I happen to know the owner of another BRE car. I talked with Dennis Morgan
about bringing his car to RA for John to drive. He said…no problem. But, unfortunately, family issues kept
him from bringing it…Strike Two. I then talked with Steve Link (California owner of a 510, and his father
worked for BRE). Steve was planning on coming out and generously offered his car for John to drive in
the Trans Am race. Once again bad news…as we got closer to the event, Steve was unable to
come…Strike Three. Good thing I am not much of a baseball fan; otherwise, I would be out, right? I kept
John in the loop on how things were progressing. John said he didn't have to drive; he could be the Grand
Marshall.
While I was thinking about how to get John into a car, other ideas for the event were moving ahead. John
was going to be the speaker at the ELVF banquet. I contacted Sylvia Wilkinson (John's long time
significant other) and asked if she could dig through John's pictures and choose ten old pictures. I asked
her not to tell John that I wanted to make copies and put them on all the tables for the guests to have as
keepsake. The reason I mention the pictures is that in one John is wearing a large winner’s wreath and
Miss Road Atlanta is close by. That gave me another idea: we were missing a Miss Trans Am with a
sash and the wreath. (Thanks to Sue for making those happen.) Then I called my brother Chris. "I have a
great idea. We need a Miss Trans Am or Grid Girls. This is vintage racing, and those girls were around
back in the day. We need them to make this a truly cool event." Chris went to work and before I knew it,
prospective Grid Girl pictures were popping up in my e-mail. Chris suggested Go-Go boots and racer girl
outfits. I didn't argue and he moved ahead to make it happen. If you missed the Grid Girls at ELVF, you
missed a terrific photo op.
Trans Am Girls with John Morton.
So stay tuned to Part 2 of the Trans Am 2.5 Challenge saga in our next newsletter, where you will learn
the answers to these questions. Does John Morton drink at Siebkens? If he does, what does he drink?
How many groupies are hanging around the big time racer? Who are the Grid Girls, really? Who is our
2011 Trans Am B-Sedan Champion? What do we have on tap for the 2012 Trans Am B-Sedans. So
stay tuned.
Celebrating at ELVF
After a day on the track, the Monoposto group got together for a meal and race talk, plus a very special
birthday celebration for one of our favorite racers, Garrett Van Camp of the Formula Vees.
Monoposto is a sub group of VSCDA, including open wheel one seat racers who race nationally for
points. VSCDA hosts them at 3 of their races. Each race the group gathers to socialize. Irish Racing and
F Newton Motorsports hosted the gathering at ELVF.
An Update from the Drivers’ Committee
By Barb Nevoral & Jim Donato
KIC had some metal to metal contacts, two that required suspensions and probation. There were seven
additional probations assessed.
Grattan was a terrific event with beautiful weather, except for that monsoon that blew in on Saturday
afternoon canceling the afternoon sessions due to safety issues. There were a few issues with driver
behavior on and off track, but no probations and no suspensions. One driver was required to keep an “x”
on the car for two additional races.
ELVF served up some beautiful weather, as well as six probations but no suspensions. One driver was
required to keep an “x” on the car for two additional races. The Drivers’ Committee was actually sought
out with a report of an accident that he caused but had not been reported as the culprit. WOW. Thanks
to that driver. He saved the committee much time and effort.
At ELVF there were an inordinate number of passes under yellow and double yellow. Due to the number
of cars on the track at one time, not all numbers were reported, so not all drivers had the delight of
speaking to the Drivers’ Committee. Passing under yellow is not tolerated and passing under double
yellow will subject the driver to probation.
In terms of future racing, please follow the rules for reports to the Drivers’ Committee. If you spin or go
four-wheels-off during practice or qualifying, you must report to black flag. If you do not, you will be
reported to Drivers’ Committee. Any metal to metal contact must be reported to the Chief Steward by
filling out a report. Please include your paddock location on the report. After your report to the Chief
Steward, you then MUST report to Drivers’ Committee. It is not the Driver’s Committee responsibility to
find you. The Drivers’ Committee will look at the cars, talk to drivers and witnesses, and then make their
determination. It is prudent to have your log book available, so it can be noted that the vehicle has been
in a crash and will need to be re-teched at the next race.
2011 Drivers’ Committee Stats
GINGERMAN
KIC
0
PROBATIONS
9
PROBATION
0
SUSPENSIONS
2
SUSPENSION
MAY EVENT AT ROAD AMERICA
GRATTAN
4
PROBATION
0
PROBATIONS
0
SUSPENSIONS
0
SUSPENSIONS
1
2 ADDITIONAL RACES WITH “X”
BLACKHAWK
ELVF
4
PROBATION
6
PROBATION
0
SUSPENSIONS
0
SUSPENSIONS
1
2 ADDITIONAL RACES WITH “X”
2011 Car Preparation Steward Report
by Doug Bruce
With the 2011 season under our belts and most of the club spending time ordering those items needed
for next season (and some of us figuring out where our oil pressure went), I think it would be beneficial to
share with the club a recap of our car entries.
Season recap with expanded rules impact on entries (numbers may vary slightly):
Race
Gingerman
Race
Blackhawk
Race
Grattan
Race
ELVF
Group
No. of cars +/_
Group
No. of cars +/_
Group
No. of cars +/_
Group
No. of cars +/_
1.
1
1.
24
1.
0
1.
12
2.
23
2.
20
2.
26
2.
41
3.
2
3.
8
3.
4
3.
18
4.
34
4.
39
4.
38
4.
57
5.
1
5.
2
5.
4
5.
20
6.
4
6.
7
6.
1
6.
25
7.
4
7.
1
7.
0
7.
10
8.
39
8.
35
8.
34
8.
57
G70
2
G70
2
G70
1
9.
20
Can Am 8
G70
3
F70
5
As your Car Preparation Steward (CPS), I receive emails with questions from existing and new members
on issues that range from the purchase of a new car to how I can be placed into a more competitive
group. Below is a breakdown on many of those inquiries. (Not a single question was asked about which
color of car was best however!)
Data from inquiries
Replica car inquiries
3
Group F70 cars
3
Group G70 cars
15
Tech questions
4
(Usually asking about roll bars, fuel cells, throttle springs)
Era Correct submissions
1
(Don Kelly’s new blue Bug Eye was submitted and approved.)
Other questions/grouping
41
Total CPS sheets reviewed
3
Many of the issues involve requests for car numbers, moving a car to a different group, “my car runs in
the KIC-what about running at another track,” and TA car questions. Here is where I could use the club
members’ help. Throughout the year, given the amount of inquiries I receive, getting a CPS sheet for
new inquiries would cut down the amount of email and allow for a more thorough answer. If you speak
with a potential new member at an event, remind them to submit a CPS sheet, which is available on our
website. From the numerous requests this past year, only three CPS sheets were received from new
members for initial car grouping, resulting in numerous emails about items that a proper CPS sheet would
clarify. Don’t get me wrong -- I love these cars, but I also like to work on my own car when I can manage
the time.
Another issue that I am investigating is our VSCDA group comparison to other VMC clubs or tracks, such
as groupings at Road America. Do we have the best approach to groupings? Is it problematic to have
three events at RA with different rules? I don’t have any preconceived notions about where the answers
to these questions may lead. Given that we do manage three events at Road America and have
members who run different events with other clubs and our new expanded rule sets, I think it would be
wise to look at the differences. I plan to present a report later in 2012 with my findings. (Again, only if I
can keep my gearbox in one piece!)
Looking back at 2011, I also plan to review existing grid CPS sheets, to investigate complaints on current
cars and groupings (a small number of complaints, which I think speaks well of our members), and
website visibility for new members, including how they can find initial information about our car rules. In
addition, I hope to better our communication for funneling requests for review. We also hope to tweak our
process for “week of” review for our race events to insure that all groups are aligned as intended.
I am open to suggestions on how the club can improve your racing experience in a safe and competitive
manner. Please send me any suggestions you might have regarding how the Car Preparation Steward
process can be improved. What I need from you, (other than a spare race motor or free 110 octane race
fuel!) is your opinions on our current race groups and your experience racing with other VMC
organizations: what can we do better as far as car classifications to make it easier, safer and more
competitive? As VSCDA expands and grows, our groups may need alignment to make our track time and
size manageable. Also, as we grow with the inclusion of the now non-competitive SCCA cars, we need to
remain faithful to our vintage racing heritage. It is not impossible to keep the balance we strive for, but it
will require the assistance of our members and your dedicated board. I call myself lucky to have this
opportunity to serve the membership, especially given the credentials of my predecessors, but I will do my
best to uphold the high standards our club has set. ([email protected])
ANNOUNCING: 2012 Vintage Sprite & Midget Race Series
By Stan Mason
The 2011 VSCDA race year has been great for Austin Healey Sprite and MG Midget racers, with the
numbers growing. GingerMan had nine Sprites on the track, which is over twice as many than the
previous year. Blackhawk Farms, which always has a strong presence for Spridgets, had 13 entries,
tying their 2006 event; Grattan had nine Spridgets, beating its average, and ELVF eight entries. VSCDA
has one of the strongest sustained Vintage Sprite Midget Racing
Groups in the Midwest, and we would like to continue on that
path by initiating a new series.
VSCDA Sprite and Midget racers have been discussing ways to
improve racing within Group 2, with the goal of having more
racers attending key events to promote more fun wheel-to-wheel
racing within our Spridget Classes. We also want to continue the
great camaraderie we all enjoy after each race session and our
group cook-outs. These social gatherings not only allow us to get
to know each competitor and crew but also to offer them support.
Observing the past 10 years of VSCDA
Sprite & Midget Racing has shown that
Lake Michigan seems to divide some of us.
The majority of racers on the west side of
Lake Michigan race at Blackhawk Farms
and Road America. The East Siders usually
race at GingerMan and Grattan. The new
2012 Sprite Midget Race Series combines
these regions and focuses on tracks that
are the most challenging for our nimble race
cars.
The 2012 Sprite & Midget
Race Series will include May 4-6 at
GingerMan, June 15-17 at Blackhawk Farms with the awards at the end of the series on August 17-19 at
Grattan. The points awarded are gleaned from some of the VSCDA Vintage Vees rules, with one point
for each lap completed during Qualifying, Sprint Race and Feature Race (not to exceed 8 points per
session). These Race Series Points are for fun and reward durability. Points will be accumulated for the
best 2 out of 3 races. This allows a competitor to have a throw-away race weekend, where mechanical
issues may have occurred or a conflict in date made it impossible to attend that event. This is our first
attempt at putting this series together; we know that we will learn and improve with feedback from
participants through the year.
We also are fortunate that the MG Vintage Racers’ 2012 Focus Event will be held on August 17-19 at
Grattan, which will allow us to meet with those not familiar with our VSCDA Family. In addition, we will be
encouraging Sprite and Midget Street Cars to join us at the track to observe all the racing, with Car Coral
Locations TBD. Additional details on the VSCDA Sprite & Midget Race Series are available by e-mailing
Stan Mason at [email protected].
Is it Time for a New Helmet?
SA 2005 or newer Snell-rated helmets will be required by VSCDA for the 2012 race season. As an
incentive to purchase your new helmet early, Jim Schings of SR Racing is offering VSCDA members a
15% discount plus free shipping to the contiguous 48 United States on new SA 2010 helmets if
purchased by January 31, 2012. Jim also has some 2005 helmets in stock for discounted prices.
HELMETS…WHAT A DEAL! 15% off + Free Shipping
Review Jim’s helmet selection at www.sracing.com. Then call him at 1--800-5214007 for prices and to place your order.
History of the VSCDA
by Henry Adamson
“Tell me a story said Johnny McCrory. How shall I begin it? That’s all that is in it.”
Sometime in the early 1930’s, the depression on, sad things happened in the automotive world. In all
parts of the automotive world, France, Germany, Italy, but mostly in England and in the United States, a
lot of cars were not made by a manufacturer but were assembled. You could order frames, axles, and
engines and then order your own body. Sometimes you ordered everything, except the engine, and an
engine had some gimmick you liked so you ordered that. That led to a truly interesting forest of strange
beasts. During the depression, many of these assemblies became unprofitable and were gone.
Alas, somebody noticed that the environment for automobiles was much poorer than it had been, and
we could buy them very cheaply as they were orphans. But they had engines and other pieces in
common with other cars and one could go racing on the cheap. Any of the curious makes in England and
elsewhere were raced in the English racing venues; that meant Brook lands or hill climbs, there being at
that time no circuits where you could race. You could race at the Isle of Man or at Ulster on the public
roads, but you couldn’t do that in England, Scotland or Wales.
General agreement being reached on this subject by a very loosely gathered group of the members of
the Brook lands Group, the British and the Irish Racing Drivers Clubs, and the Junior Car club. It was
decided to have a Veteran Sports Car Club. No sooner was that decided than the Veteran Car Club,
which had only gotten going six years before 1930, said, “You can’t do that; we’re Veteran!” Since they
had already decided they were to be the VSCC, being sort of the ad hoc organizers of this group, they
said we needed to use the V for something else and decided “Vintage.” Thus, the Vintage Sports Car
Club began in England.
The VSCC had several famous early members, but the one who stands out, at least in my reading, is
Ltc. Rolt, the father of Tony Rolt, who later won LeMans. He was involved in various auto racing activities
prior to WWII and was involved in the development of the Ferguson 4-wheel drive system. He was an
engineer by training. After his apprenticeship he worked on a very viable device that was seen in
commercial circles as a steam truck. Later in his career he founded other organizations, including one
which was formed to preserve the use of longboats on the British canal system. He was organized around
a group called the Phoenix Garage. They were great upholders of the honor and glory of the 30/98
Vauxhall, which might be termed the emblematic English Sportscar, along with Bentley, Sunbeam, and
many lesser makes, most of which were unknown on this side of the pond. This group included ABC,
which had an opposed engine that would occasionally throw a rod out the side, sometimes through a
store window. Stirling Moss’s father had an ABC. Things like the Silver Hawk were made, one of a group
of cars assembled in a jam factory in the Midlands. It got caught in the post WWI economic chaos and
died before it ever really got going. Later in the same jam factory, a gentleman named Neal Macklin,
whose son was the driver Lance Macklin, produced the Invicta which crossed the period between vintage
and Post-Vintage. In the early days, Vintage was cut off at December 31, 1930.
Specials were much welcomed, the more eccentric the better, combinations of this that and the other.
The VSCC encouraged the production of new specials. You found pieces you liked and put together
something fun and you raced it. Some were much odder than others. One of the odder pieces was
“Bloody Mary,” a product of the journalist and one of the founders of “Auto Sport” magazine-- John
Bolster. It began as a wood frame car with a JAP engine, then a proper metal frame, and eventually this
became 2 quarts in a pint pot. In hill climbs, Blood Mary was quite effective, although it would
occasionally roll over. There is a photo of the car being righted by a group of spectators, with John
rubbing his unprotected head. The car still exists in the Beaulieu Motor Museum in England. Another
great special was “Cognac,” which used a GN frame and a 6 cylinder AC engine. This made for a most
effective special. The idea was to put as large an engine as you could afford in as light a frame as you
could find, and you started by climbing hills and maybe you could get to Brook lands.
Brook lands was the home of British racing. The problem was that it was an earth-based banked track,
and as the seasons passed, the track surface got more and more uneven. If you look at movies of cars
there in the late 20’s and 30’s, the cars are bouncing a lot. Specials run on the outer circuit were also
much admired, especially with a reasonably sturdy chassis with an airplane engine. This was usually an
American Liberty engine, but there were also other European surplus WWI engines. The cars were nearly
unregulated. The whole business was lots of fun with minimal organization. By the end of the 30’s they
were beginning to go fairly fast, and many members of the more appropriate English car clubs raced
there and at some of the VSCCA events also. England then began to get closed circuit racing, Donington
being the first and Crystal Palace following prior to WWII. After the war things started again but without
Brook lands, and the club had a lot do with restarting English racing now having air fields to run on.
To be continued…
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Your Car’s on Fire II
Or
Oh Sh!t—My Car’s on Fire
By George Hovsepian
Some of you may have read a previous article on practicing a timely exit from a race car which is
on fire. Now that I have actually been in this situation, I have some additional comments. Coming out of
th
Turn 3 at Road America, I accelerated through the gears as always. When I hit 4 and put the peddle to
the floor, I got nothin’. I tried the gear again and still nothin’. That sinking feeling hit me…. I had hurt my
brand new motor. I backed off, got my arm up to indicate I was disabled, and planned to exit the track at
the Turn 5 access road. I did not realize the lack of power was due to a loose banjo fitting to the front
carburetor. Whether it was electric or heat from the rotor…when I applied the brakes, the fumes ignited; it
was dramatic. From the driver’s seat all I saw was a poof of flames that popped out between the hood
and front cowl.
I hit the kill switch on the way out of the car. Since the Safety Crew parks in Turn 5 and the
flames were near my hand-held fire extinguisher, I decided to leave it and let the pros put it out. First
Addition: WHILE A HAND HELD MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF MOST CLUBS, IT IS
INADDIQUATE. I WILL ADD A FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM. I could have pulled a lever or hit a kill
switch on my way out.
It seemed to take a long time to get the flames extinguished, and the Safety Crew was more
concerned with getting me behind the wall than listening to me tell them it was still burning under the car
and in the wheel well. They were too close to see it. Thankfully, only cosmetics, wires and plastic pieces
suffered. After it was out and we were getting it towed, they pointed out that while the location of my kill
switch was clearly marked, ON and OFF were not. The way I had installed it made sense to me, but not
them. (I suspect they turned it back on and fed the flames) Second Addition: CLEARLY MARK “ON”
AND “OFF” IN ADDITION TO THE LOCATION OF YOUR KILL SWITCH.
Use signals to communicate with the Safety Crew. They may have headphones or ear plugs on
and may not be able to hear you, even if they are willing to pay attention to the driver. Point, use your
hands to signal underneath some how, but remember they are there to help. Third Addition: It makes
sense to locate the hardware, so you can hit the kill switch first (shutting off the gas supply) and then
activate the fire bottle.
Fourth Addition: Cover even the smallest of holes in the fire wall. I did, and not one wisp of
smoke entered the passenger compartment.
Fifth Addition: Eliminate Banjo Fittings! Change to AN fittings, hose barbs or something which
will not loosen with vibration.
You just never know what you are going to do until you faced certain situations. Practice or
training for this situation helps to eliminate panic or not knowing what to do. With experience comes a
little more knowledge. I hope you will benefit from it and never need it.
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NOTE: If you would like to submit an article for the VSCDA Newsletter, please e-mail it to Kathy Newton,
the Newsletter Editor, at [email protected]. Feel free to send pictures in jpg or tif format to
accompany the article.
If you have information for, or comments about, the VSCDA website (vscda.org), contact Betsy
Sodergren at [email protected].