Street Survival - DelVal BMW CCA

Spring 2015
Volume 1
2,080
2015 HPDE Calendar
Don’t Miss these Dates!
Speedy Gets Sentimental
And we can all relate...
Dennis Brennan
get to know the vintage chair
Street Survival
has your teen taken the course?
Delaware Valley Chapter - BMW Car Club of America
Club Contacts
President
Martin Bullen
610-202-0915
[email protected]
Driving Events Chair
Scott Reiman
(732) 586-3839
[email protected]
Street Survival Chair
Rich Dunbar
484-949-4100
[email protected]
Vice President & Social Events Chair
Dave Wollman
215-275-8240
[email protected]
Driver School Registrar
Lisa Mellott
203-858-0262
[email protected]
Vintage Events Chairs
Bill Foster and Dennis Brennan
215-990-2087 - Bill Foster
[email protected]
Vice President & Social Media Chair
Dave Flogaus
610-742-0684
[email protected]
Instructor Coordinator
William L. Mellott Jr.
203-856-9987
[email protected]
Race Events Chair
Taylor Handwerk
610-248-3042
[email protected]
Secretary
Bob Kelly
215-285-1643
[email protected]
Technical Chair
Dave Somma
914-960-7273
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Patrick McHenry
858-213-2610
[email protected]
Treasurer & Chief Instructor
Michael Dion
215-431-1822 Daytime
[email protected]
Sponsorship & Business Manager
Webmaster
Board Member at Large
Bob Solomon
610-649-4846
[email protected]
SRC Chair; Board Member at Large
James Murphy
610-687-0760
[email protected]
2015
Sponsorship
From Left: Michael Dion, Bob Kelly, Dave Flogaus, Martin Bullen, Dave Wollman
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Remembering Phil Eiseman - pg 03
DelVal Vintage Events - pg 06
Upcoming HPDE Events - pg 09
Dennis Brennan Member Profile - pg 10
Street Survival - pg 17
Cover Photo by
Richard Roth
2
Spring 2015 (V1)
In Memoriam.
I’m sad to have to relate the news of the passing away of friend and long-time club
member, Phil Eiseman. Phil enjoyed his cars to the full, on the street and track. For
the last decade or so, Phil had successfully competed in BMW CCA Club Racing,
most recently in the C-Modified class.
I have fond memories of chasing Phil in
3
his racing car around the Jefferson Circuit at Summit Point during an instructor
run group, of Phil running me into the grass at NJMP Lightning in a race (he was
a tough competitor!), and of him coming by to lap me, yet again, in his super-fast
CM car. Phil leaves behind his lovely wife, Melissa, and his extended family. He
will be missed. - Martin Bullen, President DelVal BMW CCA
I should also mention that
Phil had just completed a
very ambitious CM racing
car build. I saw the car at its
one-and-only race weekend
at NJMP last year, and it’s
the real deal. If you dream
of chasing Mark Lounsbury
and Will Vanjonack for the
lead in a BMW Club Race,
Phil’s car is available, and it’s
the right tool for the job. For
more information contact
Phil’s great friend, Thom
Rossi, through Facebook or
the advertisement on the
Club Racing website below.
DelVal Annual Banquet - pg 24
http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com/racers/Classifiedad_display.aspx
3
Martin Bullen @ Chapter President
Over Drive
The Ultimate Driving Machine?
Like more than 107,000 other people in the Philadelphia
area, I attended this month’s Auto Show. Actually, I
went twice, partially for work-related research and then
again for some fun with two of my car buddies.
The Philly car show is always an odd event, notable
for the exciting marques that are missing, such as Alfa
Romeo and Lotus, the odd choices of display vehicles by
some manufacturers (really, Porsche, no Cayman, and
the only Cayenne was a hybrid?), and the escapee from
late night TV selling fake chamois leathers in the back,
but it’s still the best chance locally to see where the car
business is heading in the here and now.
It’s interesting to see how the market has changed,
especially for the Japanese brands. Honda, Nissan,
Toyota and especially Mitsubishi seem to have lost their
way. And Subaru, after incredible success, appears
to have thrown away their playbook (STI excepted),
and looks to be hell-bent on plunging into the same
beige mediocrity as the mainstream Japanese brands.
Meanwhile, American cars are cool again. Distinctive
styling, quality interiors and real showroom appeal were
on display at Ford, Chrysler and GM. Hell, arguably the
most attractive car at the entire show was the Buick (yes,
Buick)! Avenir concept car.
Then there’s the Europeans: Jaguar, more suave and
debonair than ever. Volvo with interiors like a Dane Décor
showroom. Audi, with some of the most handsome cars
in the business, and Mercedes with swoopy styling and
a new flair that was missing from their designs only 10
years ago. And then there’s our favourite brand, BMW.
The warning signs are on the adjacent Mini stand, where
everyone’s favourite pugilistic small car has morphed in
its latest iteration into a bloated blob with four doors.
virtues and reliability with a driving experience that was
otherwise found only in thoroughbred sports cars. Cars
as recent and diverse as the E90 and sibling 3-series, the
E70 X5 and the E38 7-series successfully combined a
blend of those virtues into a desirable package.
Somehow, Porsche managed this better.
They
realised that for every enthusiast who had a 911 in
the garage there were at least one or two more cars
in the driveway. Their strategy of grabbing a piece of
the action in the significant other/daily driver market
has not only provided them with the financial means
to keep making 911’s, Boxsters and Caymans, but has
also produced a fleet of cars that share the very virtues
of practicality and driving experience that BMW now
struggles to find.
And then a funny thing happened on the way to the opera,
or, more likely, the bank. In the rush to runflat tyres,
iDrive and electric power steering, someone at BMW
lost the magic formula. It’s tough to pin down when
it happened. Love or hate the styling, the Bangle-era
cars still drove well, with the communicative steering,
effective brakes and linear control inputs and feedback
that we expect in a driver’s car.
Yes, I know the sales numbers don’t lie. Apparently
the Ultimate Passenger Machine™ is very successful.
But the soul that made the company special is slipping
away, to be replaced with an increasingly beige
mediocrity. It’s a sad day when a BMW enthusiast
and 20+ year club member like me goes to the car
show and the sports sedan that’s most appealing is an
Australian-built Chevrolet SS.
The aforementioned e90-family cars are still held up by
the automotive press as paragons of stiff structures and
controlled suspensions, but suddenly the next generation
of BMWs, starting with the F01 7-series, started losing
the buff book comparison tests. Even our beloved
3-series, the class benchmark for sports sedans in its F30
335i sport package guise that’s the poster child for the
BMW formula of success, lost a comparison test to a
Lexus. A Lexus, damnit, and that was in the famously
BMW-loving Car and Driver magazine.
BMW, your cars are selling because of what they were,
but what they’ve become is a pale shadow of that. The
emperor isn’t naked, but his wardrobe is increasingly
threadbare. Come on, BMW. You’re better than this.
If Porsche can do it, then so can BMW. It’s time to
restore the driving focus back into the equation.
It’s not to say that there aren’t still desirable BMWs. I
love the M235i. It’s arguably the real 3-series in the
current line-up. The i8 is the car of tomorrow, today, and
the new M3 and M4 continue to be stand-outs, albeit
more compromised and less satisfying ones than before.
But for every M235i there are 3- and 5-GTs, for every
i8 there’s an F10 5-series and a
4-series Gran Coupé.
What do you Think?
801 Bethlehem Pike
Erdenheim, PA 19038
Do you agree with Martin? Is
BMW losing their way? Are
they just adapting to a changing
marketplace? If you feel strongly
about this or any other topic in
Bavarian Motor Notes, please
let us know! Send an email to
[email protected] with
the subject “Member Feedback.”
We would like to publish (and
respond to) member opinions
starting with the next issue!
So what about the Mothership?
We’ve all turned our hymnals to page 2002, drunk the
Munich Kool-Aid and kowtowed towards the 4-cylinder
building in thanks for our cars. “Freude am Fahren”, “The
Ultimate Driving Machine”, even “Joy”, BMW’s rise to
prominence was built on cars that combined practical
Retirement planning
College savings plans
Comprehensive financial planning
© 2012 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
4
2015 Upcoming Events: http://delvalbmwcca.org/Events.php
NY CS 7181378 BC008 10/12
GP10-01506P-N06/10
The exciting cars at this year’s auto
show included what some are calling
the “Australian American M5...”
Timothy Trexler
First Vice President
Financial Advisor
TWO TOWN PLACE
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-542-2936
5
Del Val
Vintage Events
Upcoming Events!
both on and off the track.
Saturday, May 16 - Import/Kit Car Nationals, Carlisle, PA
Over 1200 classic cars, preferred BMW parking, & vendors. Dennis Brennan will
be leading a DelVal caravan to Carlisle. This is one of the biggest and best shows in
the country, and there is no better way to experience carlisle than in the midst of a
classic car invasion.
For details: [email protected]
Further information: http://www.carlisleevents.com
Saturday, June 20 - Adrenalin Screening, Doylestown, PA
We will be hosting a social gathering at a gorgeous renovated barn
close to Doylestown owned by Ziggy and Chris Muzlowski of
Zygmunt Motors. Food will be provided to accompany a screening
of the new BMW documentary “Adrenalin: The BMW Touring Car
Story.” This event is sponsored by the BMW Vintage Group, but open
to all members. Please be sure to pre-register with
[email protected] so enough food can be ordered.
Saturday, July 11 - Deutsche Classic, Oley, PA
Dennis will lead us on a backroads scenic caravan to the Oley Fairgrounds
near Reading, PA where the show is held. The show is open to any German
car of any year, which makes this event unique. Of course, there are plenty
of BMW’s both old and new on display, as well as examples from Porsche,
Mercedes, VW, Opel, Audi. You’re even likely to see Isettas, VW buses and
campers. A very special event that we can’t recommend enough!
RSVP to [email protected]
Further Information: http://www.deutscheclassic.com
Ongoing, Every Saturday - Cars and Coffee, Mt Laurel, NJ
Hosted by High-Octane South Jersey. Held every Saturday, weather
permitting, at 550 Fellowship Road, Mt Laurel, NJ 08054. Starts
at 8:30am and continues until the last car leaves. All brands and
types of enthusiasts are welcome. Come see a changing variety of
interesting cars each weekend!
Further Information: www.highoctnesj.com
Let us know on the Facebook group if you plan to attend!
6
For more information regarding the vintage group:
Contact Bill Foster and Dennis Brennan
[email protected]
Bill Phone: 215-990-2087
We have been providing the Delaware Valley
with excellent service for 27 years
. CNC manufacturing
. Dyno tuning-2WD, AWD
. Engine building
. Race car prep.
. Custom machining services
. Roll cage fabrication
. Full service body shop
. General maintenance
BMW service since 1976
Update!
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2015 HPDE Events
April 18-20 (S-S-M):
Summit Point Motorsports Park
Summit Point, WV
Expanded Jefferson Track and SPR Main
May 16-17 (S-S):
Palmer Motorsports Park
Ware, MA
Brand new track!
July 8-9 (W-Th):
Watkins Glen International
Watkins Glen, NY
NASCAR Layout
An Exclusive
Financial Benefit for
Delaware Valley
BMW Car Club
of America Members
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• No minimum balance checking.
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See our complete product and rate listings at www.XCELfcu.org.
August 21-23 (F-S-S):
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8
At no time will you be pushed
or encouraged to go any faster
than is comfortable for you. All
participants will be organized
into run groups in accordance
with experience, skill, and type of
vehicle. Participants not “signed
off” will be required to drive with
an instructor on board.
Our overall driver’s school season
for 2015 is looking good, with four
terrific opportunities for students,
instructors, and in August, club
racers to converge on four great
tracks at Del Val events. Follow
the link below for easy access to
all the details.
FOR 60 MONTHS
Other rates and terms available
Your Delaware Valley BMW Car Club of America exclusive contact:
The DelVal Chapter of the BMW
CCA will be hosting a Driver’s
School at the newly expanded
Jefferson Circuit at Summit Point
Raceway on Saturday and Sunday,
April 18th and 19th (picture
below), and continuing onto
the main track at Summit Point
on Monday April 20th. This is
not a racing school but rather a
safe, high speed driving school,
conducted on a race track under
close supervision by experienced
instructors. You will learn how to
handle and control your vehicle
at speeds not normally attained
on public roads. This will help to
prepare you for emergencies in
normal driving. It will also allow
you to explore your capabilities as
a driver and those of your vehicle.
We hope to see you at the track in
2015!
Scott Reiman
Driving Events Chair
DelVal BMW CCA
Sign up today for any of our scheduled HPDEs: http://dvc.motorsportreg.com
9
Dave Gilbert Presents:
Dennis Brennan
MEMBER PROFILE
“This month you will learn a little more
about a very long time and very
committed member of our club. There
are many members that have been
instrumental to the success and envy
of our chapter. After you read this
profile I think you will agree Dennis is
right up there at the top as one of them.
Friends, it is my pleasure to introduce
and present to you club member,
gentleman and all around super nice
guy Dennis Brennan.”
-Dave Gilbert
Profession: Graphic Designer. Vice President and
Art Director at The Simon Group, Inc., Marketing
Communications, in Sellersville, PA
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Now resides in: Warminster, PA
Member since: 1974 (#4972)
Family members: My wife, Rose, sons Chris, Erik,
Shawn, Grandson Jason, all BMW enthusiasts
First car: 1956 VW Beetle (purchased for $5 with
caved-in roof at no extra charge)
What’s in your garage now : 2004 X5 4.4i, 1991 318i,
1976 2002ti and Rose’s 1997 328i
Other interesting cars you’ve owned: various early
VWs, 2002s: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1976, 1987
535is, a few E-30’s, 2003 MINI S, 1997 M3/4
Favorite saying (that can be reprinted): Actually, it
Photos
courtesy in
Dave
can’t
be printed
thisGilbert
family-oriented publication, but
its uttering is often accompanied by a wrench or car
part being hurled down my driveway.
Best part of being a Del Val club member: Gee, it’s
hard to pick, …is it the cars or the people? Or is it the
Bob & James door prize giveaway show at the Club
Banquet?
Other hobbies/interests: Photography, architecture,
travel (particularly to a spot where there’s a road racing
track nearby), collecting and building model cars.
10
All Photos Courtesy Dennis Brennan
My last VW bug had recently won Best-in-Class in a car
show at what was then Holbert’s VW in Warrington, PA
(now part of the Thompson Organization) and along with
the trophy came a brand new set of Michelin tires. A few
days later my new 2002 was soon wearing a fresh set of XAS
radials, in the ridiculously huge size of 165R-13, which
further transformed the already great handing of the car.
Naturally, I began tinkering with the engine, exhaust and
suspension to upgrade the performance of the 2002 and
at one point was stumped on the best way to disassemble
something on the engine. In looking around for other
local owners to get some advice, I found that there was a
national club -- the BMW Car Club of America -- with a
newly-formed Delaware Valley chapter. The member’s list
included a guy named Bill Foster who lived relatively close
to me, so I gave him a call to see if he could help answer
my question...
My earliest exposure to cars and racing came courtesy of
my older sister, Ellen. Her boyfriend was into drag racing
and often times I’d go along with them to the “drags”.
Years later, I worked as Art Director at Hurst Performance,
which provided tremendous access to many aspects of the
performance car and racing worlds - IndyCars, F1, IMSA
road racing, trade events, etc.
In the early 70’s while I was into making VWs go fast (bigbore engines with dual-port heads, Webers, fiberglass
fenders, big tires, etc.), I was driving one day and happened
to pull up behind a boxy little sedan that caught my
attention…on the back it read: BMW 1600. I really liked
the looks of it and was also impressed at how quickly the
driver pulled away from me on the road!
Well, that was it, the hunt was on to find one of these
cars and check it out. While I had no luck finding a 1600
for sale in the local classified section of the newspaper
(this was slightly pre-eBay), I did come upon a few 2002s
and after one test drive, I was hooked! Goodbye VW,
hello BMW! The 2002tii was beyond my budget, so my
first BMW was a Polaris Silver 1969 2002. Not only did
I love the styling, straight line performance and outward
visibility, it had a real back seat, cavernous trunk, and the
handling was amazing, especially when compared to any
VW product I’d owned or any of the American iron in our
driveway. An added bonus in migrating to BMW was that
all the tools I owned were metric and many of the car’s
components were of familiar brands such as Bosch, Sachs,
ATE, KS, Blaupunkt, VDO, etc.
Thus began my 40-plus year association with the BMW
CCA, where many friendships developed, including some
long-time chapter members like Bill Foster, Tex Meltzer,
Mike Yaskin, John Weaver, Ben Greisler, Barry McMillian
and many, many other like-minded BMW enthusiasts.
And my rides, in addition to various 2002s have included
E30 and E36 3-series models along with a somewhat brief
adventure with a MINI Cooper S, which I decided wasn’t
for me.
Over the years, my chapter activities have included
designing the DelVal logos, assisting in producing
newsletters, producing the T-shirts for our driving events,
serving as Vice President, Technical Chair, driving instructor
and currently as Co-chair of the Vintage Owners Group.
I’ve not only enjoyed the thrill of driving my cars on
some great race tracks such as Watkins Glen, Sebring and
Road Atlanta, just to name a few, but also having had the
privilege of being a driving instructor and seeing the smile
on students’ faces as they honed their driving skills and
developed a better feel for what the “Ultimate Driving
Machine” is capable of on a race track. A few former
students have progressed through the ranks into the BMW
CCA Club Racing Series. And, although I’m no longer
participating in club driving events, I’m still turning (and
occasionally throwing) wrenches in my recently expanded
Garaj Mahal.
11
The Enthusiast’s MARKETPLACE
Pat McHenry @ Editor
If I Might Have A Word....
You’re never too poor to
maintain your car.
My colleagues around the office have a
good idea by now that I am a car enthusiast.
Like many enthusiasts, I tend to talk
about cars at every possible opportunity.
I’m sure its intensely annoying for my
non-enthusiast coworkers. One result
of this undoubtedly annoying behavior
seems to be a reputation as the “go to
guy” for anyone who has a car related
issue or question while at work. Of
course, only a fool mistakes enthusiasm
for actual knowledge, but I’ll leave the
commentary on my peers’ judgement
for another column.While I don’t know
nearly as much about the mechanical
aspects of automobiles as I would like,
the general public has set the knowledge
benchmark so low that it is probably
safe to assume I do know at least a bit
more than Sally the receptionist or Todd
in IT. So I do try to help out whenever
somebody comes to me with a question,
even if it is just to say “yes, that sounds
bad, take it to a mechanic.”
One such person has come to me
on a number of occasions to help
him diagnose the various symptoms
displayed by his late-90’s Ford Explorer.
The first time the young gentleman in
question approached me, it was because
his PA inspection sticker was about
to expire, and he was concerned the
vehicle wouldn’t pass a new inspection
because his check engine light was lit.
I make it a point to keep a bluetooth
OBDII reader in my car, so I told him
I’d be happy to pull the codes for him
and he shouldn’t worry too much
because most CEL’s are a result of minor
malfuntions that can often times be fixed
with relatively affordable repairs.
12
When he pulled the Explorer around
to my end of the parking lot, where
we had agreed to meet at lunch time,
I immediately recognized by sound
alone that he was running on less than
the 6 cylinders the good people at Ford
had provided him with. After relating as
much, I went ahead and pulled his CEL
codes and, sure enough, he had at least
one bad ignition coil in each bank of the
V6. When I asked him if he’d noticed
the engine running rougher or louder
than usual, he admitted that it definitely
wasn’t behaving like it used to. Then I
asked him how long the SUV had been
acting like this, and tried to keep my jaw
off the ground when he replied “about 6
months...” 6 months! His CEL had been
staring at him, the engine had been
barking at him, he’d noticed lag and
RPM drop for no apparent reason, and
all of it had lasted for 6 months and his
response to this behavior was the same
as much of John Q. Public: nothing at
all.
Seven or eight minutes later, when I had
finished my reactionary rant - complete
with hand waving and finger wagging about how motor vehicles are machines
with moving parts that require at least a
little mechanical attention, I asked him
why he hadn’t had it checked out sooner.
His reply was, I suspect, pretty typical:
“I didn’t want a mechanic bill I couldn’t
afford.” I shouldn’t have been surprised
really. I mean, intellectually I understand
that there are a great many people out
there who simply ignore needed repairs,
or even common maintenance. Repair
bills can get expensive, and expensive
things tend to be put off (or completely
ignored), especially by people who are
just barely getting by in the first place.
The subject of my story, for instance,
is a kid who only recently graduated
college. He joined our company about
a year ago straight out of school, and if
he is anything like the other recent grads
I know, he is likely saddled for the first
time with the realization of crippling
student debt, actually having to pay real
money for rent and food, and having
to do it all on an entry level salary. It’s
not the sort of spot one wants to be in
if they need to foot a major repair bill,
and I can see how someone in that spot
would find blissful ignorance preferable
to the very possibility of a major repair.
And so he never went to a mechanic,
instead deciding to make do with only
4 cylinders firing properly. I mean hey,
if four is good enough for a Fiesta, it’s
probably fine then right?
So he couldn’t afford a mechanic. Fair
enough. I asked him if he could afford
a case of beer. Sure enough, he could
foot that expense. And so I pulled his
engine specs and found the coilpack he
would need online, and I threw in new
wires and plugs as well, and gave him
the $120 list of parts he would need.
I told him that if he ordered the parts,
and provided me with a case of beer,
www.GetMac4Biz.com
I would help him replace what was
broken. “You’re going to fix my car for
a case of beer?” he asked with some
surprise. “No,” I told him, “you’re going
to fix your car. I’m going to show you
how easy it is for a case of beer.”
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Of course he should have found out
I only like $40-per-case beer before
agreeing to the deal, but I guess he
learned that lesson, too. (Protip: Try to
find the car guy at your work who isn’t a
complete beer snob before asking for his
help.) The point is the “it’s too expensive”
argument falls on its face when you
consider how easy and affordable
many simple repairs are if you do them
yourself. It really isn’t that hard. I am not
especially mechanically inclined and I
do almost all the mechanical work on
my E46. And if you don’t know how,
it’s easier now than ever to learn. I did
a full coolant system swap this past
summer using nothing more than a 20
minute Youtube video. Online resources
make a ridiculous amount of knowledge
available to the layman car owner
these days, and portable devices make
it possible to access that knowledge at
the same time you’re lying under your
car trying to figure out which one is
the oil drain plug. The fear of breaking
something or doing something wrong
and making it worse, of course, holds
some people back. But isn’t that fear
better directed at the idea of driving
around in an already broken car? Does
anyone really think my aforementioned
colleague did less damage to his engine
by misfiring multiple cylinders for
who knows how many miles than he
would have done trying to complete
his first coil pack replacement?
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Now, not everyone has the time or
patience to do bigger jobs, and by all
means if you can afford it, there is nothing
wrong with having a true expert from a
local dealership or independent shop
work on your car for even the simplest
of maintenance (especially since many
of them are generous sponsors, and
I have no interest in robbing them of
business). But if you can’t afford it, there
is absolutely no reason you shouldn’t
learn to fix the car yourself. And trust
me, there are plenty of people who buy
BMWs who can’t afford to take them in
for regular maintenance. Do you think
I learned how to change a coil pack for
fun?
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15
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722 West Market Street, York, PA 17401 • 717. 848 . 1859
Agia, David, Richboro, PA
Agnello, Kimberly, Philadelphia, PA
Alber, Eric, Ardmore, PA
Andreoli, Giacomo, Vineland, NJ
Babalola, Olusola, Malvern, PA
Babb, Richard, Lewes, DE
Baldoni, John, Glenmoore, PA
Battista, Joseph, Hatfield, PA
Bevivino, Thomas, Chalfont, PA
Blake, John, West Chester, PA
Boschetti, John, Philadelphia, PA
Brusilovsky, Alec, Downingtown, PA
Casas, Carlos, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Choo, Yih Farn, Bensalem, PA
Chou, Stanley, Garnet Valley, PA
Cleary, Thomas, Langhorne, PA
Cox, John, Townsend, DE
Curatolo, Al, Newtown Square, PA
Dashevsky, Ed, Jenkintown, PA
Davis, Maceo, Chadds Ford, PA
Deon, Vincent, Ivyland, PA
Dicarlo, James, Nazareth, PA
Ellis, Deborah, Langhorne, PA
Fendrick, Mark, Voorhees, NJ
Fisher, Rodney, Kutztown, PA
Fisher, Sandra, Kutztown, PA
Flaig, Jordan, Mardela Springs, MD
Forgang, Jeffrey, Wilmington, DE
Fox, Andrea, Philadelphia, PA
Ganc, Nick, Wilmington, DE
Gasowski, John, Berlin, NJ
Gildea, Michael, Center Valley, PA
Gokhale, Jaya, Landenberg, PA
Gould, Donna, Bryn Mawr, PA
Gould, Lewis, Bryn Mawr, PA
Green, Brandon, Mardela, MD
Greig, Joseph, Northampton, PA
Hahn, Laura, Yardley, PA
Hudson, Todd, Doylestown, PA
Isbitski, Bob, Bloomsbury, NJ
Kaminski, John, New Hope, PA
Kessler, Barry, Hellertown, PA
Kiewlak, David, Fairless Hills, PA
Kolesa, John, Royersford, PA
Kolinka, Fran, Cherry Hill, NJ
Konstantinidis, Anthony, Upper Darby, PA
Konyk, Walter, Chadds Ford, PA
Kuo, Paul, Newtown Square, PA
Laubsch, Matthew, Mullica Hill, NJ
Lazurick, Jason, Exton, PA
Levine, Brett, Huntingdon Valley, PA
Ligon, Leo Neil, Little Egg Harbor Twp, NJ
Logic, Lori, Bloomsbury, NJ
Maki, Luke, Abington, PA
Manzione, Jenna, Philadelphia, PA
Martin, Brion, Medford, NJ
McGuinn, Kevin, Broomall, PA
Miller, Andrea, West Grove, PA
Miller, Herbert, Pottstown, PA
Miller, Steven, West Grove, PA
Muzylowski, Chris, Quakertown, PA
Muzylowski, Zygmunt, Quakertown, PA
Narewski, Ed, Limerick, PA
O’Neal, Jonathan, Sewell, NJ
O’Neill, jamie, Newtown, PA
Ostrowsky, Linda, Lansdale, PA
Palumbo, Christian, Phoenixville, PA
Parent, Michael, Philadelphia, PA
Park, John, Collegeville, PA
Patel, Manoj, Collegeville, PA
Penny, Chris, Lincoln University, PA
Perreault, Paul, Spring City, PA
Petryszyn, Nick, Philadelphia, PA
Pohlmann, William, Newtown Square, PA
Pomerantz, George, Blue Bell, PA
Ratson, Cassandra, North Wales, PA
Regan, Melissa, New Hope, PA
Rentz, Sheryl, Blue Bell, PA
Reses, Stephen, Linwood, NJ
Rosenberger, James, Hellertown, PA
Rosenzweig, Adam, Gulph Mills, PA
Roy, Gavin, Doylestown, PA
Ruse, John, Harleysville, PA
Rush, Allard, Pottstown, PA
Sanfilippo, Vincent, Blue Bell, PA
Saveri, Joseph, Coopersburg, PA
Schiavone, Michael, Doylestown, PA
Schonfeld, Alex, Wallingford, PA
Scully, Caleb, West Chester, PA
Seacat, Nathaniel, New Castle, DE
Shaffert, Thomas, Hatboro, PA
Shantzer, Adam, Richboro, PA
Shapiro, Aaron, Wilmington, DE
Shivell, Taylor, Breinigsville, PA
Smit, Neil, Gladwyne, PA
Smith, David, Wyndmoor, PA
Smith, Stuart, Paoli, PA
Spohn, Matthew, York, PA
Starke, Jason, Devon, PA
Stevenson, Paula, Chester Springs, PA
Stewart, Marc, Holland, PA
Strenge, Andrew, Yardley, PA
Suh, Daniel, Hartsdale, NY
Sullivan, Andrew, Sellersville, PA
Talapan, Adrian, Wayne, PA
Ursino, Brian, Brooklyn, NY
Valentine, Alex, Wayne, PA
Van Schalkwyk, Johan, Haddon Heights, NJ
Venturi, Terry, Cape May Court House, NJ
Villwock, Evan, Phoenixville, PA
Vincent, Greg, Philadelphia, PA
Vovk, Vadym, Jamison, PA
Whitehead, Dan, Maple Shade, NJ
Whitehead, Stacy, Maple Shade, NJ
Wildeboer, Jerry, Berwyn, PA
Wildeboer, NANCY, Berwyn, PA
Wilks, Danielle, Exton, PA
Will, Benjamin, Reading, PA
Williams, Anthony, Devon, PA
Zandfard, Shahin, King Of Prussia, PA
Zardecki, Anthony, Southampton, NJ
Zvyagelsky, Arkady, Philadelphia, 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.
15
“If you have a teen in your family, you need to have
them take this course.
Let me say that again...
IF YOU HAVE A TEEN
IN YOUR FAMILY, YOU
NEED TO HAVE THEM
TAKE THIS COURSE.
Of course you’re wondering why I’m so passionate
about this event. So let’s back up the track car...”
THE PRICELESS LESSONS OF:
An article by Richard Roth
17
hopefully remains in the minds of all who attended.
About 5 years ago
I had my first HPDE
experience with our chapter at Summit Point. I volunteered to
help with announcements and pit out and got some “E-ticket”
rides. I got in any car I could. I rode in an E36, Corvette and
a Porsche that day and I was hooked. Along with my best
friend Dave Gilbert we endeavored to put a track car together
and did. We’re now going into our fourth season co-driving
our track prepared E36. Also that year, an adult car control
clinic was held and I participated. The curriculum and driving
exercises were much the same as the Teen Street Survival. I
may say this more than once in this article but you don’t know
what you don’t know! I learned a tremendous amount that
day and it helped me to explore numerous things about what
a car can do and even simple things like the proper use of
side mirrors. I will now be the first to say, “There is no such
thing as a blind spot!” this comes in conversation more often
that you might think. Anyway, with Dave Wollman as my
instructor that day, I experienced braking and maneuvering
that I didn’t know could be done without losing control of
my vehicle. Taking that course improved my driving skills and
more importantly avoidance skills exponentially. I became a
believer. Once we got our car on the track, these skills truly
came into play especially at two, sometimes three times the
speed. I was fortunately a quick study and had the benefit of
some great instructors and am now at the point of considering
becoming an instructor myself.
Fast forward to 2014. Our boy Josh was turning 16 and of
course wanting to drive. He had natural ability and his input
instincts were smooth right from the start. We worked over
the summer putting a Jeep Grand Cherokee together with the
anticipation of the end of the six months with a permit when
he could get his full license and drive on his own. But there
would be a catch that I put in place. Given my experience
with the adult car control clinic I set the expectation that he
wouldn’t be allowed to drive on his own until he participated
in the Teen Street Survival course. That was met with argument,
pouting and stomping around, but I knew it was the right thing
to do to make sure he was more prepared for the craziness
that’s around us on the road every day. To sweeten the pot,
Dave Gilbert offered up his E39 540i for Josh to use. That
changed his demeanor quickly and Josh was fortunate to have
one of the coolest/fastest/best braking cars in attendance.
Thanks Dave!
It was an early start; much earlier than any teenager wants
to get up on a Saturday. It was cool and drizzling, but the
18
weather promised to improve over the day and it did. The
course in our area is run by Rich Dunbar and he has this
program organized tightly. I was truly amazed at the amount
of volunteers that came out to help with registration, in-car
instruction and classroom time. Yes classroom time, just as
important as the in-car exercises. So early on a Saturday, cool
and drizzling some 30-40 teens and their parents not knowing
what to expect and most if not all of the teens not wanting to
be there. How do I know that? Well the first question Rich
asked of the teens was, “How many of you are here because
your parents made you take this course?” Every hand was
raised. Well I knew what was coming and although they had
no idea what to expect, I did and I was excited for all of them
because I knew the smiles that would be on their faces in just
a short time.
After a fine lunch, included with the program, it was back
into the cars. Slalom course! This is where it all came
together for the students using car control, braking and
awareness to get through the cones as fast as they could. At
the beginning there needed to be a bunch of cone chasers
to reset the course for each student, but they got better each
time they went through. After everyone had multiple turns
on the slalom course, it was time to wrap it up. All the
students received completion certificates and some nice
giveaways. To end it up, the students were asked another
question. “How many of you are glad
your parents made you take this course?” Every hand was
raised and all were smiling. Teens still don’t know what
they don’t know, but the ones who took this course know a
lot more about car control.
There are no better words than the ones from the student
who participated. Here’s what our boy Josh had to say
about the course:
“Based on my experience, I can say that the Street Survival
program is appropriately named. The class was helpful
in a way that no book could possibly come close to. The
situations emulated throughout the course were realistic
situations that not only teen drivers, but all drivers, may find
themselves in. The dangers of driving are often overlooked,
and the skills required to react to dangerous conditions are
seldom taught. Such skills can only be appreciated through
practice in a safe environment much like what Street
Survival provided for me. As much fun as it was to whip
around the skid pad and mash on the gas during the various
exercises, it was more beneficial to learn how to adapt to
road conditions based on weather and/or other vehicles.
Street Survival was a unique experience that I am grateful
to have been a part of. The class was a lot of fun and very
informative at the same time. For example, I learned that
cones have a tendency to cause problems should you drive
directly into them, and BMW gold plates the plastic in their
wheel wells. All joking aside I would much rather hit a few
cones than another vehicle. Street Survival provided me
with a bank of knowledge that I hope to never call on, but
in the event that I do I am confident that I have the tools
needed to avoid any issues that may present themselves.”
Anyone who drives should take a course like this regardless
of your age or experience. Go to streetsurvival.org and get
your teen signed up. Classes fill up fast. Don’t wait.
The lessons learned at Teen Street Survival are priceless and
I for one am glad our boy completed this course. He gets it
and there’s no question it made him a better, safer and more
conscientious driver.
I won’t bore you with every detail of the exercises, the
pictures tell the story, but suffice it to say that there are straight
line braking exercises, swerving/changing lanes and braking
exercises, skid pad, and a slalom course at the end. The looks
on the faces of those involved were the best. As the students
started the in-car exercises, faces brightened and smiles got
bigger with every pass. Conversely, the looks on the parents’
faces as their vehicles were “put through the paces” were
a combination of horror (what’s happening to my car!) and
odd contentment that their children were truly learning to
become better drivers. Many parents couldn’t believe what
their Volvo, Taurus, Camry, Grand Am and Passat (to name a
few) could do! They cringed as the traffic cones went flying
or got stuck under their car as the students pushed the limits.
It was especially fun to watch the faces of the parents as their
cars were sideways on the skid pad. Many of the students and
parents had little idea of what a modern, yet normal family
car is capable of. (Que up fake Nissan Altima “race car”
commercial.)
Onto the classroom. Once some driving was done, the
students went to classroom to learn about what was
happening, meaning the physics of car control as they were
driving. Dave Wollman put on a great classroom session and
you could see the light bulbs going off in the heads of both
the students and the parents. In addition, time was spent on
situational awareness, accidenta voidance and a sobering
segment on distracted driving, the most tempting habit
for a teen to fall into. They saw a video about some
teens whose lives were changed forever by a few words
texted on a phone. It was perfect and what the students
and parents needed to hear. It was truly impactful and
All Photos Courtesy Richard Roth
19
MEMBER BULLETIN
Ofest Volunteers Needed!
As you all probably know, BMW CCA’s
Oktoberfest 2015 is being held in the
Atlantic City area, with all track events
being hosted at New Jersey Motorsports
Park. Such a huge national event takes
a large number of volunteers to run
smoothly, and our friends in the New
Jersey Chapter have asked for our help
in filling the ranks. Please consider
donating some of your time to be an
integral part of this very exciting event!
If interested, please contact:
[email protected]
We Need Your Photos!
As a part of our quest to provide an ever
improving online environment for our
members, we are overhauling the event
photo section of our website. Part of
this process is going to involve a club
hosted photo album where you can
upload your best DelVal shots for the
world to see! Member submitted photos
will play a prominent role in the website
going forward, including use within the
rotating front page banner for the site. If
you have some photos that you’d like to
share, please contact:
[email protected]
20
Automobili Limited provides a high standard of value and service through the sale
of pre-owned vehicles. Operating from a 7,500 square-foot indoor retail delivery
center, we specialize in BMW, Audi, Porsche, Land Rover and Mercedes vehicles.
With an average of over 70 cars in stock, we bestow a unique experience on our
customers by providing at least 80 photos of each car in our inventory. Automobili
pledges unparalleled customer service through courtesy, knowledge, and the staff’s
passion for motor vehicles. We pride ourselves in providing our clients with a highly
personalized and boutique-style experience, at a fraction of the competitor’s price.
Tony Kasser
David Mizrachi
eurocarscertified.com
Service • Accessories
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• BMWCertifiedtechnicians
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• Driver’sEducationand
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• FreeTrackInspectionsfor
BMWCCAMembers
• Performanceupgrades
bimmerworks.com
Phone: 610-701-9172 • Fax: 610-701-9173
721 East Nields Street • West Chester, PA 1938223
Annual
DelVal
Banquet
On January 31, 2015, members gathered at Talamore Country
Club in Ambler, PA for DelVal’s annual banquet. Attendance to
the event was at an all-time high as over 100 members joined
us for enthralling company, delicious food, and exciting door
prizes provided by our generous sponsors!
In addition to the festivities, official club business was taken
care of as the annual board elections were conducted. The event
was so popular that tickets sold out early, so if you were one
of the unfortunate souls (like our editor...) who procrastinated
and missed out on the fun, be sure to sign up early next year
and take part in this great experience!
24
All Photos Courtesy Richard Roth
25
Got Fuel to Burn, Got Roads to Drive...
Elizabeth “Speedy” Millinghausen
Moving Forward
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Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Yeah, I
know, by the time you read this we
will be long past this festival of forced
horticulture, sentiment and processed
heart shaped confectionary products,
but right now it has me thinking…
about love… There is the obvious
sort, that which one feels for other
humans or their pets, or for an activity
that is fulfilling on an emotional level
(if you don’t know what I mean by
this, it’s clear that you’ve never been
to the racetrack, but there is hope for
you) and then there is love for the
machine.
There are many arguments against
having anything like real emotional
feelings for a machine. I mean, it will
never spontaneously buy you flowers,
make you a macaroni necklace, take
care of you when you get old or lick
your face and quake with excitement
when you come home. At the same
time, it will also never lie to you, talk
about you behind your back, drop
out of college to join a band or get
a tattoo. This sounds like a pretty
stress free relationship, right? It’s
a sweet deal—you put in the fuel,
buy it new shoes periodically and it
provides, assuming you bought the
right machine, unbridled joy. I am of
course, grossly oversimplifying the
financial neediness here, especially
if you have anything with an “M”
on it, but you get my point. They
are, however, vulnerable to two
things: destruction and abduction.
While it’s comforting to know that
just about any mechanical ailment
can be fixed so long as you’re happy
to pay whatever it costs, complete
destruction can be a split second of
bad decision on the part of the owner
of that full-size Pontiac coming from
the other direction.
When destruction is the end result,
there is little that can ease the pain,
endless stream of what ifs, guilt
and complete inability to look in
the direction of that empty garage
space where the machine used to
sit. Abduction, on the other hand
was never something I thought about
much. I have a front row seat to the
auto insurance theft scene and it’s
actually pretty rare (there’s a reason
comprehensive coverage costs a lot
less than collision), and nine times
out of ten, the vehicle is recovered,
so I didn’t give it much thought other
than making sure the car was locked
when I parked it. Alarms, by the way,
are completely useless. When was the
last time you heard a car alarm going
off in a parking lot and thought, “Oh
my God—someone is stealing a car—
let’s call the police!!!”??? I know-never. Here’s what you are thinking,
“Why can’t that idiot manage to
open his car door without disrupting
the whole universe?” Then one day,
I made the mistake of going to the
movies in Bryn Mawr. In retrospect,
it was the perfect crime—a room
filled with middle aged, financially
secure people who were completely
engaged in a delightful film (“Chef” in
case you were wondering, and it was
great), were ripe for the picking by a
team of thugs who lay on the floor
stretching their arms out and plucking
the wallets of four unsuspecting
women in the theatre. Unfortunately,
I was dumb enough to take a tote
style bag with an open top that day,
so I became one of them.
That by itself would have been tragic
enough, but as I sat in the Lower
Merion police station writing down a
list of what was taken: wallet, cash,
credit cards, it hit me—there was one
thing in that wallet that was more
precious than anything else. My
wallet key. Yes, that little flat piece
of plastic that BMW supplies so that
you are never, ever left in a jam when
your car key is someplace that you
are not, that had gotten me out of
several panicked moments, suddenly
became the thing that could separate
me from that car forever. It was in my
wallet along with my driver’s license
clearly showing the address of where
to find the car at home and a stack of
business cards with my office address.
Yeeaaahhhh, just let that sink in…oh,
and I was about to take a trip out of
the country for a week.
27
I’m happy to report that some time
has passed and the car and I are
still together, but since the wallet
was never recovered (and yes, I
looked in every single trash can on
Lancaster Avenue like some kind
of crazy upscale bum), I can never
replace that peace of mind. That key
is somewhere, even if at the bottom
of a landfill and not with me where
it belongs. The car has been left
vulnerable and there is nothing I can
do about it. I’m lucky enough to have
friends who commiserated with my
plight and tried to console and assure
me that it was unlikely that some
black clothed individual wearing a ski
mask would show up in the middle of
the night, but you never know.
Not long after this incident, I found
myself consoling one of these
friends who was faced with the
exact opposite of this problem: the
breakup. What to do when, slowly
over time, it becomes more and more
obvious (usually to other people
before it becomes obvious to YOU)
that it’s time for you and the machine
to see other people? What to do when
it’s been a long term relationship?
A machine that you truly love, but
simply no longer makes any sense to
have in your life? This is possibly the
most difficult scenario of all. I came
to this realization while talking to said
friend on the phone one morning.
After much deliberation,
hemming and hawing,
the plans were finally
all set—the new car
was found, there was
a buyer for the old
one and it was
time to move
forward. Our
c o nve r s a t i o n
r a m b l e d
on about all
manner of topics
when it became
obvious that the
real purpose of the
conversation was to
distract both of us
(but mostly him)
from
28
the giant elephant in the room. Today
was the day. He wasn’t ready to do
it. I understood. It sucked. There
was nothing overwhelmingly special
about this car; it was not some limited
edition precious gem, but it was the
right car for the right person for a
very, very long time. It was loved,
and cared for, and now suddenly
there was a tremendous amount of
guilt, a feeling of tossing something
into the wind without a care, when
in reality there was a lot of care. The
car deserved better after so much joy,
utility and reliability and it was all
somehow, incredibly unfair. I got it.
Truly, I did.
The rest of the day moved forward as
days are wont to do, but still, I felt sad
because I knew my friend felt sad.
Also, the coffee machine at the office
died, which produced an elevated
level of sad that defied description.
Lacking the ability to run out to the
nearest Starbucks, I did the only thing
I could do, which was to complain
about it on Facebook. Since my
dearest friends never seem lacking
in their ability to heckle my deepest
pain (I’m talking to YOU Ben), one
of them was kind enough to post that
BMW/Madonna video with “Driver”
where she screams for coffee. I swear
there was no resemblance to me at
that moment, but as my brain was not
under the influence as it usually is,
I can’t be held accountable for my
actions that morning. Then, right
there on the side bar where You
Tube kindly suggests other time
sucks, er, videos that you may
also like, there was one labeled
“Sh*t E39 Owners Say”. I clicked
on it. It was hysterical if you’ve
ever had contact with an old E39
(Is that my VANOS? Thermostat’s
out AGAIN, Cup holders are broken
AGAIN, Gas cap rust AGAIN, asten
eat belts? Where’s the BATTERY???
What IS that noise in the trunk? And
for the win: What does R/T mean?
Re-tweet???). While I was trying
not to laugh so loud my co-workers
would wonder just exactly WHAT
was so funny about homeowner’s
insurance, it hit me. The kids who
made this video—you may be one
of them or a parent of one of them,
all clean cut college age boys who
had clearly scraped together every
last one of their precious nickels and
dimes to buy these “old cars” were
all of us 20 or 30 years ago. They love
these cars in spite of their faults and
quirks and insanely large numbers
on the odometer because they
recognize that these machines were
once something special, still ARE
something special, that deserves care
and attention. They were exactly the
sort of kid that inherited my friend’s
long loved E39 and was about to take
it to college where, I am positive it
will have all manner of adventures
not suitable to be put into print. The
car will be passing the torch to the
next generation, the beginning of
what will hopefully be a life long love
of the marque. No matter what ever
happens to this kid, or what other cars
he owns during his life, he will never,
ever forget this one. He will see past
the silly things that don’t work and
plastic bits that break because driving
it will feel like nothing else he’s ever
experienced. Life is movement and we
are all moving forward, like it or not.
Sometimes that means saying goodbye, but there is no better legacy for a
great car. As for my friend, he’s seeing
someone new. It’s a new machine
and a completely different animal
from the old one and while he seems
quite smitten, the jury is still out on
true love. As you might have guessed,
there is a Roundel on the hood so I’m
confident that the future is bright.
Main Line’s
Ultimate
Luxury Destination.
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29
Official
Business:
Executive
Board
Official
Business:
Executive
Board
Meeting
Meeting
Minutes Minutes
Meeting of the Delaware
Valley Chapter Executive Board:
Monday,
2015
MeetingJanuary
of the 5,
Delaware
the beginning of this season. The SRC is set up and
1.9
Webmaster / Membership Chair Report:
housed
under
two Report:
large canopies in a strategic 6.
locaIn attendance
were: Martin
Bullen, Board: 4. Driving
Valley Chapter
Executive
Scott suggested that he and Dennis start
Events
Chair
tion at all of our events. Here a novice driver can get
No report.
President;
Dave
Flogaus,
Monday
July
18thCo-Vice
2011
promoting
their events on MSR to touch a larger
1. Scott
Reiman
reportedmechanical,
that he recently
sent
advice
on anything
track,
or driving
recommunity
of
BMW enthusiasts.
out an email
blast
announcing
our
2015
event
President; Mike Dion, Treasurer and Chief
lated. They will also be invited to a barbecue at lunch.
1.10
Driver School Registrar’s Report:
In attendance
Wollman,
President; Martin
scheduleHe
to noted
all drivers
in the
Northeast
Instructor;
Bob were:
Kelly, Dave
Secretary;
Dave
that the
programs
areRegion.
doing well and the
Bullen, Vice President; Michael Dion, Treasurer and 2. Scott
Advertising
Business
Manager’s
noted
that he has
beenofworking
Lisaand
Mellott
reported
that sheReport:
received much positive
SRC
is becoming
a hub
activity for novice 12.
drivers
Wollman,
Social Events
Chair;and
Scott
Chief Instructor;
Geoff Ehrman
James Murphy,
feedback
from attendees
on with
how all
well the Watkins
throughout
thethe
event
weekend.
Everyone
in atten1.
Bob
shared
the
updated
sponsor
list
with
Lou
and
Mike
on
event
pricing
for
the
Reiman,
Driving
Events
Co-Chair;
Bill
Driving Events Co-Chairs; Dave Flogaus and Ed
Glenwith
event
run.
Lisa
presented a new strategy
dance
applauded
James’ on
efforts.
2. Bob shared
allwas
CCA’s
new
campaign
upcoming
season.
Mike reported
the potential
Narewski,
Newsletter
SecreFoster,
Vintage
EventsCo-Editors;
Co-Chair;Bob
Bill Kelly,
Mellot,
forregional
wristbands
fordealers.
DE events.
.
to reach out to
BMW
In She proposed retaining
tary; LisaCoordinator;
Mellott, Event Registrar;
MoEvents
Karamat, costs associated with our new event at Palmer
Instructor
Lisa Mellot,
the Bob
traditional
yellow,on
and
green
coming months,
will bered,
working
plans
to bands. But, for
Motorsports Park in south-central Massachusetts
Street
Survival
Chair;
Mark
Zmiewski,
Club
Racing
signed-off students, she proposed wristbands with a
1.4
Racing Event’s Chair Report:
Registrar;
James
Murphy;
Race
Event
Chair
Chair, Richard Vernick, Webmaster and Membership
creatively (re)black
connect
with ourpattern
regional
BMW
on May 16th and 17th.
checkered
over
the respective field col& SRC
Chair.Chair, Taylor Handwerk; Patrick
dealers
ors.
The
additional
cost
Mark
Zmiewski
reported
that
the
plans
for
our
Club
for
printing
was modest, so
McHenry, Newsletter Editior
Bob noted
theauthorized
club’s vitalher
sponsorship
5. HPDE
Registrar’s
Report:were well under way. The 3.
Race
at Thunderbolt
sancthethat
Board
to proceed. The bands will
Summary of BOARD REPORTS AND UPDATES 1. Lisa
renewals
commitments
ahead
Mellott
reported
her approved
continuedand stewards
tion
application
hason
been
no- andalso
be printed are
withrunning
our chapter
name.
Action Items
There
discussion relative to driver of
giftlast year’s. “Thank you” print displays for
planningtified.
for the
newwas
season
President’s
onway.
to note that there was a problem or two
options for the Club Race.
1. 1.1
Martin Bullen
- CallReport:
to Order 6:30 PM.
newsletter areLisa
wellwent
under
with the speed of some instructors that were driving in
Martin welcomed everyone and called the 6. HPDE Instructor Coordinator’s Report:
Dave Wollman welcomed all to the meeting. A motion
non-instructor run groups. Mike Dion said that he
1.5
Social Chair’s Report:
13. Bavarianwould
Motorfollow-up
Notes Editor’s
meeting
to order.
A motion
was made
andread- 1. No report
was made
and seconded
to dispense
with the
on theReport:
rules for these instances and
1.
Pat
McHenry
reviewed
progress
andand
set the group as well as
second
to
dispense
the
reading
of
the
minutes
ing of the minutes.
communicated them to Lisa
Dave Wollman reported for Terry Wright. He noted
content
for the upcoming
BMN. of each event.
Instructor’s
the instructors
at the beginning
that Chief
the recent
Del ValReport:
night out at the ballpark
was adeadlines
from the November 17, 2014 meeting. A 7. HPDE
2.in
Scott started discussion on possibility of
1. Nogreat
report.
1.2 motion
Treasurer’s
Report:and second to
time. He urged all club members to partake
second
was made
activities like these to keep the level of enthusiasm
electronic issues for those who prefer that format.
approve
thereported
minutesthatwith
The at-8. HPDE
Mike Dion
evenno
withchanges.
below normal
going
and toResource
support club
camaraderie.
Future
Noevents
decisions 1.11
were made.Advertising / Business Manager’s Report:
Student
Center
(SRC) Chair’s
motion
was
approved
and Report: are the club picnic on September 18th, the annual
tendance
at the
club’s 10thunanimously
Annual High Performance
fo- noted all newsletter content is due
3. Pat
at Watkins
Glen,Chair
we were
able to meet
Driving
School the
tour on October 29th, and a go cart night
Bob Solomon could not attend, but Dave Wollman
on No- 15th.
Martin
initiated
Committee
Reports.
February
1. Noliage
Report
all expenses with a small surplus. All present congratand Mike Dion pointed out how excited the Board
vember 10th. There are also plans in the works for
ulated and thanked Lisa and Martin for their hard
was with the new partnership formed between BMW
another general membership meeting before the end
Summary
of BOARD
14. Street Survival
EventLine
Chair
9. HPDE
Technical
work promoting
the event up to the last minute. Mike
of the Main
andReport:
Del Val. as premier sponsors of
of the
year. Chair’s Report:
1. Dave Wollman
noted that
working with of the Main
REPORTS
UPDATES
reviewedAND
various
business matters and noted that he1. No Report
the 3rd Annual
Delhe
ValisBMWCCA/BMW
Rich Dunbar Line
to establish
theDE
spring
date for
was currently processing the insurance policy for this
Lightning
in August.
A Street
big crowd is expected
1.6
Newsletter Editor’s Report:
Bimmerfest
scheduled for September 18th.10. DelVal BMW CCA Club Race Chair’s Report: Survival that will
for the
including
a number
of Main Line’s valnotevent,
conflict
with any
of our other
2. year’s
President’s
Report:
Dave
Flogaus
introduced
Edrace
Narewski as hisclub
newevents.
coued clients and staff. Let’s be sure to make them as
1. James
Murphy
reported
on our
1.
Martin
expressed
the
grief
felt
by
the
entire
1.3
Driving Event’s Chair Report:
editor
newsletter.
thanked Ed for
welcomed as possible.
application
forfor
ourthe
annual
HPDEThe
andgroup
Club Race
board as well as the entire Del Val BMW CCA
volunteering
for such
an
important
club
activity.
15.
Social
Media
Chair:
at
NJMP
Lightning
Course.
He
stated
that
he
hasn’t
Family
due
to
the
loss
of
our
dear
friend
Phil
1.9 Geoff
Webmaster
/ Membership
Chair Report:
noted that
the Watkins
Glen event went well
1.12
Next Meeting:
1. Dave Flogaus requested the details for the
heard
back
from National
yet and will
continue
to
Eiseman.
The
group
honored
Phil’s
life
with
a
and
thanked
everyone
for
their
help.
There
was
a
lot
1.7
Street
Survival
Chair
Report:
No report.
upcoming events
posts. will be on September 12th, 6:00
pursue the approval.
of discussion
relative
updating
tech form to adThe for
nexthis
meeting
of silence.
Afterto
offering
ourour
collective
1.9 moment
Webmaster
/ Membership
Chair
Report:
Report:
1.10
Driver
School Registrar’s
noted
that henoted
is working
some a lot of positive
dress
common
on-track
mechanical
failures
for the 2. HeMo
Karamat
that heon
received
p.m., at Geoff Ehrman’s office.
support
to
Mellissa
and
the
rest
of
Phil’s
family
the
No report.
various
BMW
This
astory
discussion
feedback
fromforthe
12th
Street Survival
at
16. Social
Chair’s Chair Report:
alternative
schedules
theJune
event
to improve
the Clinic
Lisa
Mellott
reported
that models.
she received
muchwas
positive
conversation
switched
to story
after
of the
feedback
from attendees
how well
the
Watkinsmechanical failures
prompted
by were
aon
series
ofto
similar
at
Submitted
by: that
Boball
Kelly,
Secretary
Montgomery
County Community
College.
Report:
1.10
Driver
School
Registrar’s
1. Dave Wollman
noted
plans
for our
running
of all of the weekend’s
sessions and
eventsThe feedjoyful
times
we
able
shared
with
such
a
Glen event
was run. Lisa
presented
a new
strategy
the Watkins
Glen
event.
Geoff
will follow-up with the 3. James
backnoted
camethat
from
the 24
studentshas
that attended
and banquet at Tallimore CC are set
annual
Taylor
Handwerk
for
wristbands
for
DE
She proposed
retaining
Lisa
Mellott
reported
thatevents.
she
received
much positive
great
guy.
Rest
in
Peace
Phil.
additions
andonmodifications
to
parents.
Mo also pointed
a conflict
willHe is planning Go Cart night sometime in
the traditional
red, yellow,
and
bands.
But,our
for tech form.
feedback
attendees
howgreen
the
Watkins
stepped their
forward
and volunteered
to fillout
in for
him that2.
2.from
Then
moving
to well
hisawristbands
report,
Martin
noted
signed-off
students,
shepresented
proposed
with
a
Glen
event
was
run.
Lisa
new
strategy
necessitate moving the Adult Car Control Clinic form
as Race August
Chair for
2015 season.
Taylor
will a newmid-March
checkered
pattern
over
theproposed
respective
field
col- to report
forblack
wristbands
for still
DE
events.
She
retaining
that
there
were
no
concrete
plans
James
Murphy
reviewed
the
continuing
development
tothe
September.
He will
propose
date beThe
additional
cost and
for printing
was modest,
theors.
traditional
red, yellow,
green bands.
But, forso
be able to
provide
hismeeting.
complete attention to the
onBoard
relative
Del
Val’s
role
inThe
the
2015
BMWinitiative
CCA and
of
his
Student
Resource
Center
(SRC)
fore
the next
the
authorized
to
proceed.
bands
signed-off
students,
sheher
proposed
wristbands
with
awill
also
be
printed
withtoour
chapter
name.
17. New Business:
black
checkered
pattern
over
the respective
field colthe
student
mentoring
program
he launched
Oktoberfest
be
held
at venues
inthat
Atlantic
City, atrunning of the weekend, because he will not be
ors. The additional cost for printing was modest, so
1.None
racing in the CCA series this year.
went
onthe
to note
that
was The
a problem
twoSeptember
NJ
and
NJMP
in Millville,
NJ.or
on
theLisa
Board
authorized
her
tothere
proceed.
bands
will
with
speed
of some
instructors
that were driving in
also
bethe
printed
with
our chapter
name.
4. Finally, it was unanimously agreed that the
21-27.
non-instructor run groups. Mike Dion said that he
2015 Lightning Club Race should be renamed the 18. Next Meeting:
would
onthat
the there
rules for
instances
and
Lisa
wentfollow-up
on to note
wasthese
a problem
or two
communicated
Lisa and that
the group
as wellinas
with
the speed of them
someto
instructors
were driving
1. The next meeting will be held on March 9th
Phil Eiseman Memorial Race.
3.
Treasures
Report:
the instructors
the beginning
of each
non-instructor
runatgroups.
Mike Dion
said event.
that he
at the Iron Abby in Horsham.
would follow-up
on Dion
the rulesreported
for these instances
and
1. Mike
that the
state of the
communicated them to Lisa and the group as well as
11. Vintage BMW Car Events Co-Chair’s Report:
Chapter
financials
are
inManager’s
good
/ Business
Report:and the
the1.11
instructorsAdvertising
at
the beginning
of each
event. shape
19.Adjournment:
1. Bill reported that the 2015 Vintage Event
Chapter
is
prepared
to
meet
all
current
and
future
Bob Solomon could not attend, but Dave Wollman
1. At 9:15
Schedule
is
still
being
finalized
with
Dennis.
and
Mike
Dion
pointed
out
how
excited
the
Board
financial
obligations.
1.11
Advertising / Business Manager’s Report:
was with the new partnership formed between BMW
2. He noted that unfortunately their first event,
2.
He
noted
that
he
has
made
all
of
the
deposits
of the
Main Line
Val. but
as premier
sponsors of
Bob
Solomon
couldand
notDel
attend,
Dave Wollman
Martin thanked everyone for his or her
a caravan to Carlisle on May 16th would be in
the
3rdthe
Annual
Del Val
BMWCCA/BMW
the be
Mainvisiting this
for
HPDE
tracks
we
will
and
Mike
Dion
pointed
out
how that
excited
theof
Board
Line
Lightning
in August.formed
A big crowd
is expected
was
with
the newDE
partnership
between
BMW
contributions and participation in the meeting.
conflict with the Palmer Motorsports Park HPDE.
year
except
for
Palmer
Motorsports
Park
as
he
and
for
the
event,
including
a
number
of
Main
Line’s
valof the Main Line and Del Val. as premier sponsors of
3. He noted once again they would be heading
and
Let’s be sure to make
theued
3rdclients
Annual
Delstaff.
Val negotiations
BMWCCA/BMW
of
thethem
Main
Lou
continue
with
theastrack.
welcomed
possible.
Line
LightningasDE
in August. A big crowd is expected
Submitted By:
out to the Deutsche Classic Car Show at Oley
Mike
questioned
to continue our
for the 3.
event,
including
a number ofthe
Mainneed
Line’s val1.12
Next
Meeting:
Bob Kelly, Chapter Secretary
Fairgrounds on July 11th.
ued
clients and
staff.
Let’s
be sure to make
them as
subscription
to Constant
Contact.
All agreed that
welcomed as possible.
4. He noted the Sky Manor Vintage Airport Flythenext
continuation
of September
the service
The
meeting will be on
12th,was
6:00 not necessary
p.m., at Geoff
Ehrman’s
1.12
Nextdevelopment
Meeting: office. and effective use of our
in event is scheduled for September 12th this year.
with the
5. He noted that he and Dennis
haveDetails
ideas
Date
Event
Description
Event
RSVP to:
Submitted
by: Bob
Kelly,
social
media
network.
The
next meeting
will be
on Secretary
September
12th,
6:00
p.m., at Geoff Ehrman’s office.
for doing something during Octoberfest. He will
be contacting
idea of staging
Submitted by:
Bob Kelly, Secretary
10/8/2011
Del Val @ Pocono Raceway (North
Course) NJCCA with theirCancelled
(track repaving)
We regret this development
Vintage Corral at the race; a group ride to the race,
and maybe a motorcycle concours.
Minutes
Minutes
h.
-
a
s
o-
d
o-
e-
Upcoming Events:
Delaware Valley Chester and other
BMW Car Club of America events of interest
30
10/15/2011
Spring 2015 (V1)
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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