YRSCCA News Archives

2008

NEW RACE TRACK PLANNED FOR ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WINTER?
LOCAL HOTSHOES RECOGNIZED IN SPORTSCAR
JIM ARNETT RECEIVES GRANT CAMERON MEMORIAL DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2008
CHRIS BREWER RECEIVES DICK HAGER MEMORIAL SPIRIT OF THE SPORT AWARD FOR 2008
YEAR-END PARTY FOR YRSCCA
EVER HEARD OF AN "ISSATIO-FRANCENI"?
FOUNDING CLUB MEMBER CHARLENE "CHAR" SCHULZ PASSES AWAY ON MARCH 2, 2008
DREAMING OF ORANGE CONES?

2007

REGIONAL OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTIONS
TRICKS FOR SETTING UP A STOCK CLASS SOLO CAR
ROAD TRIP TO ROAD AMERICA?
2007 SOLO SEASON IS WINDING DOWN--CHECK UPDATED EVENTS SCHEDULE
MORE SAD NEWS FOR THE YRSCCA
SAD NEWS FOR THE YELLOWSTONE REGION SCCA
EVEN MORE SAD NEWS
VIDEOS FROM VO-TECH HAVE BEEN POSTED
LOCAL DRIVER "KICKS IT UP A NOTCH"
METRA NOT RULED OUT FOR 2007 EVENT
EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR ON THOSE HIGH-PERFORMANCE TIRES?
DENVER HOTSHOE HAS MOVED TO BILLINGS
INAUGURAL EVENT AT YELLOWSTONE DRAG STRIP ON JUNE 24, 2007

DREAMING OF ORANGE CONES?

The editor of the Club's Fast Times newsletter (and expert seamstress), Kaitlin, sports two custom-made pillowcases she made for her bed that feature orange cones and a checkered flag design.  She claims the pillowcases are the perfect complement to her Kasey Kahne sheets.  Sweet dreams, indeed. (3/08)

FOUNDING CLUB MEMBER CHARLENE "CHAR" SCHULZ
PASSES AWAY ON MARCH 2, 2008

It is with profound sadness that the Yellowstone Region notes the passing of one of its founding members--and good friend--Char Schulz.  Char passed away on March 2, 2008, at the Billings Clinic.

Those in attendance at the year-end party were fortunate to have had a chance to visit with Char one last time.  Because of health problems, Char was not able to attend many events in 2007.  However, anyone who has ever been involved with the Club is well aware of Char's contributions over many, many years.  She will truly be missed.

Char's obituary was published in the Billings Gazette.  Kurt and his family would be comforted by any kind words or remembrances that are placed in the online guestbook.  A memorial funeral service was held on March 8, 2008, at the Billings Elks Lodge, 934 Lewis Avenue.

The pain in the hearts of all who knew Char is lessened by the knowledge that she is no longer suffering. (3/08)

EVER HEARD OF AN "ISSATIO-FRANCENI"?

Help the webmaster solve a mystery that will test your knowledge of vintage cars and provide some history about Road America and Elkhart Lake,Wisconsin. (2/08) Click HERE

NEW RACE TRACK PLANNED FOR ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION

As most members of the Region should be aware, there is no road-racing track in Montana.  Although SCCA club (or pro) racing may be beyond the reach of many members, the prospect of participating in “track days” or a driver’s school on a “real” track is quite appealing.

I received a solicitation recently for a new track being planned by the Colorado Amateur Motorsports Association (CAMA) called “High Plains Raceway.”  The facility would be located on 460 acres near Byers, Colorado, approximately 60 mile east of Denver.  The planned 2.5 mile track would replace the closed Second Creek Raceway (which was located just west of Denver International Airport).  Contributions are being accepted in an attempt to raise approximately $2.8M for Phase 1.  The CAMA is an entity created by 13 car clubs in the Denver area including the Colorado Region of the SCCA.  If you are interested, visit www.highplainsraceway.com for more information and updates on the track’s progress.

For those of you who can’t wait, it appears that Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT (www.millermotorsports-park.com) might be just the ticket. MMP is just west of Salt Lake City and offers a full complement of motorsports activities from “open track days” to ALMS, AMA Superbikes, karting, driver’s schools, and the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car series.

Plugging the two track locations into www.Mapquest.com, it appears that Miller Motorsports Park is 584 miles from Billings and High Plains Raceway would be 604 miles.  Both tracks are close to major cities that offer a myriad of other entertainment opportunities. (1/08)

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WINTER?

(Secretary/Treasurer) Mark Richlen is performing a restoration of his Gemini sports racer.  Mark provided the following photographs and narrative:

I purchased the Gemini in 1969 while living in Missoula.  It was running, but in very rough shape.  It had a title so I licensed it and drove it on the streets for a couple of years.  It then languished for number of years until the early 80’s when I replaced the early Alfa Romeo 1300 (750 series) engine with a later 1600 Alfa engine.  I autocrossed the Gemini for several years, I won FTD at Top Gun in Helena in 1988 (nobody fast showed up that year).  After a few more years of competition, the engine was getting tired and the chassis and body were in need of a rebuild. 

The Gemini has an aluminum body mounted on a chassis of two large diameter tubes.  The chassis is most likely a Cooper, it was probably built in the early 50’s.  The suspension is independent consisting of transverse leaf springs with lower A arms front and rear.  The brakes are drums.  The wheels are unique; the drum is pressed into a magnesium wheel. 

LOCAL HOTSHOES RECOGNIZED IN SPORTSCAR

The December issue of SCCA SportsCar (Divisional Reports section) noted Dwight Gilliland and Jim Arnett's participation in a recent divisional event in Helena.  The article also noted that Jim bested Dwight's time, taking the class trophy.  (12/07)

JIM ARNETT RECEIVES GRANT CAMERON MEMORIAL DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2008

Jim's two fast-time-of-day awards at the Norpac divisional in Helena last fall earned him the Grant Cameron Memorial Driver of the Year Award for 2008.  Jim (and his wife Marcie) are long-time members of the club and also drive an A Modified car known as "Bilscar" and a 1972 Ford Pinto. The Arnetts prove that it's more often the driver than the vehicle! (1/08)

CHRIS BREWER RECEIVES DICK HAGER MEMORIAL SPIRIT OF THE SPORT AWARD FOR 2008

Competition Chairman Chris Brewer was awarded the Dick Hager Memorial Spirit of Sport Award for 2008.  Chris' willingness to help and show up early for every event he was able to attend were cited as reasons for receiving the award.  Chris' willingness to step up and take the position of Competition Chairman was also noted. (1/08)

YEAR-END PARTY FOR YRSCCA

Mark and Delia Richlen graciously allowed the club to use their home as the location for the year-end party.  As usual, there were plenty of good eats, drink and camaraderie to share.  Among the highlights of the party was the awarding of the Region's two traveling trophies, the "Grant Cameron Memorial Driver of the Year" and the "Dick Hager Memorial Spirit of the Sport," and RE Scott Cranston's news that he had secured a new autocross site to replace the loss of the College of Technology site.  Mark also offered tours of his "man cave" and proudly showed progress on his Gemini project. (1/08)

REGIONAL OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTIONS

For the curious, the following are summaries of the regional officer job descriptions as provided in the August 17, 2007, issue of SCCA Inside Line:

Regional Executive:
Preside at all meetings; call special meetings; appoint or discharge positions and committees; create budget with Treasurer; prepare and submit charter documents with ARE; enforce by-laws and supervise all activities of the Region; communicate with officers of other local car clubs, SCCA Regions and SCCA Divisions; and maintain communications with the SCCA Area Director.

Asst. Regional Executive:
Perform duties of RE in that person's absence; perform other duties as assigned by RE; attend all meetings; prepare and submit charter documents.

Secretary/Treasurer:
Attend all meetings; take minutes of meetings; be the custodian of all records of the Region; handle all monies and debts of the Region; report financial status at meetings; pay fees and transmit dues to SCCA.

Competition Chairman:
Procure event sites, develop event schedules; design courses; and manage events.

Membership Chairperson:
Make new members and visitors feel welcome at events; Maintain lists of members and interested parties with all contact information.

TRICKS FOR SETTING UP A STOCK CLASS SOLO CAR

The May issue of SportsCar has an excellent article about setting up a Stock class Solo car.  In the article, a panel of autocross experts were asked a series of questions and told to rate various Stock class "allowances"--wear items that may be replaced--in order of importance.  You will want to read the article, but here is a recap of the recommendations:

1.  Tires and an alignment.  Get the best, stickiest R-compound tires you can afford.  An alignment is one of the least expensive modifications you can do.  Usually, you want to max out the front camber, add a little toe out up front and zero the rear.
2.  Dampers.  Performance shocks are generally better than OEM, but it is crucial that you properly test with them to make sure.
3.  Swaybars.  A larger than OEM swaybar is always better overall.
4.  Wheels.  Go for the lightest wheel you can afford with a +1/4" offset all around.
5.  Brakes.  For autocross, current OEM pads are probably better than racing compound pads.
6.  Power Adders.  Using a performance cat-back system will usually save weight and use any kind of air filter--as long as it's clean.
7.  Maintenance.  Don't mess with the ignition systems or thermostats.  Use fresh spark plugs and the best fluids and lubricants you can afford.
8.  The Driver.  Strongly consider a full race harness, a video system and a data logger.  For the beginner, there's nothing like seat time.  Any driver will benefit from driving instruction. (6/07)

ROAD TRIP TO ROAD AMERICA?

For the second year, the Wisconsin Chapter of the March of Dimes is sponsoring a benefit event called "Drive America."  This year the event is scheduled for October 5, 2007.  For approximately $125, you will have the opportunity to drive your own car in a high speed on-track event on the fabled Road America track and receive driving instruction  from experienced instructors.  Drive America is limited to 125 drivers, so get your entry in ASAP.  Last year, there were 115 participants and 28 instructors.  Lunch and dinner are also included.  Last year, dinner was at the world famous Siebkens Resort.

2007 SOLO SEASON IS WINDING DOWN--CHECK UPDATED EVENTS SCHEDULE

The 2007 Events schedule has been updated to add as many solo events from neighboring regions as can be gleaned from their websites.  With the solo (and summer) season winding down, it is an excellent opportunity to combine an out-of-town trip with a solo event in a "new' setting.  When you get back, don't forget to share your impressions of the event(s).  (8/07)

MORE SAD NEWS FOR THE YRSCCA

At the August membership meeting, it was announced by Steve Cranston that effective immediately, Kurt Schultz had resigned as Regional Executive.  Anyone involved with Yellowstone SCCA is well aware of the Kurt's long-time service to the club. Kurt and his wife, Char, have been part of the glue that has held the club together for many years.  Although Kurt hasn't shared his long-term plans, we hope that he remains involved in the club. (8/07)

SAD NEWS FOR THE YELLOWSTONE REGION SCCA

The YRSCCA Board of Directors has (sadly and reluctantly) accepted the resignations of Steve, Joanne and Joel Gruver in consideration of their plans to relocate to Appleton, WI.  Steve has accepted a new job in the Fox River Valley and the family is looking forward to the move east to America's Dairyland.  Although the Gruvers did not hold "official" offices in the club, their significant and selfless contributions to club are unquestioned.  Steve and Joanne typically attended all membership meetings and provided keen insight on all issues and topics.  Steve was typically the first one at each event and the last one to leave.  We will miss Steve's well thought-out, challenging and fun courses.  Joel's wit and dedication was appreciated at many events as timer.  YRSCCA's loss will be the Milwaukee Region's gain. (8/07)

SOME GOOD NEWS!
EVEN MORE SAD NEWS

New member Nathan Crum has offered to help out with the website.  Nathan's expertise and enthusiasm will soon be evident with some new features and a (somewhat) revised look for the website.  Several things that are taking place shortly include "Member's Pages" where club members and their cars will be featured and a forum where solo (and other) information can be shared.

New member Nathan Crum is moving to Arizona to take a new job.  Bummer. (8/30/07)

VIDEOS FROM VO-TECH HAVE BEEN POSTED

Chris Brewer kindly took some videos at the recent Vo-Tech event.  Go to the results page for that event and click on your favorite driver.  The video files are in "WMV" format (WMV means encoded for Windows Media Player).  Chris indicates that he will video future events if enough interest is shown.  Provide your comments to Chris at the next meeting or event. (Gilliland was too fast to film and Cranston was too slow. (posted 6/07)

LOCAL DRIVER "KICKS IT UP A NOTCH"

Astute observers will note that the picture above features Billings driver LARA TALLMAN participating in the 2006 METRA event. This year, Lara has been campaigning her 2004 Mitsubishi EVO in the SPEED Series and recently set a track record at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT, for the ITE-U class.  Lara has also been winning races. Check out Lara's page on the website for her race team, Competition Associates.  Lara is also featured on this month's cover of Yellowstone Valley Woman magazine. (posted 5/07)

METRA NOT RULED OUT FOR 2007 EVENT

Metra has always been a low-profit venture for the club because of the high fee charged for the use of the facility.  Last year's event lost more money than usual because a divisional event was being held in Helena the same weekend.  However, because the venue is probably the best site east of Helena, Scott Cranston will be making an inquiry to determine if any dates are available.  If registration numbers are up for 2007 because of increased advertising, etc., METRA may be back on the calendar. (posted 5/07)

EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR ON THOSE HIGH-PERFORMANCE TIRES?

The "Dear John" (from The Tire Rack) section of the latest issue of Grassroots Motorsports reports that cupping or saw-tooth tire wear on some of today's high performance tires can be minimized by rotating at increments of 3000 miles for the first two increments, 4000 miles for the second two and 5000 and 6000 miles for the fifth and sixth.  (Your tires will likely be shot by then.)  More frequent rotation is important earlier in the tire's life because deeper treads "squirm" more than shallower treads near the end of the tire's life. (posted 5/2007)

DENVER HOTSHOE HAS MOVED TO BILLINGS

Hondaphile Jeff Spreng, formerly of Denver, CO, has recently moved to Billings and is working at the local Costco.  Rumor has it that he will be retrieving one of his hot hybrids from Denver to set the "fast-time-of-day" at some Yellowstone SCCA events.  (Some of the older members might remember a fellow by the name of Dennis McCollough who, in his time, was pretty fast in a Honda.  Perhaps some members out there know what nursing home Dennis is at so we can invite him to watch Jeff run.)  (posted 5/2007)

INAUGURAL EVENT AT YELLOWSTONE DRAG STRIP ON JUNE 24, 2007