August 2017 Newsletter

 
August 2017

Sports Car Club of America – Yellowstone Region 108  

 
Region members Jerod, Kaitlin, and Tate Staebler recently caught up with former Region member Lara Tallman and her CA Sport/Reardon Racing race team who were testing at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. Pictured above is one of the team’s cars, a Porsche Cayman GT4 Club Sport.
 
Meeting Minutes

August 2017 Meeting 

There was no monthly membership meeting of the Yellowstone Region SCCA for August. 

Yellowstone Drag Strip II

By the Roving Regional Reporter

 The course at YDS II was truly a “Corvette course,” and you needed a Corvette (or a Corvette powerplant) to place in the top three. John Bonner’sLS-powered Mazda made its 2017 debut by taking fast time of day edging Bill Blaquiere’s Z06. Bill was 0.654 seconds behind Bonner and Bonner’s co-driver, Geoff Sloane, was 0.744 seconds behind Blaquiere. Three seconds behind Sloane were the Hondas of Lane Holmberg, James Reuss, and Kaitlin Staebler. (Brother beat sister this go-round by 0.319 seconds.) Course designer Dean Johnson was 7th overall in his MX-5, and 2016 Driver of the Year, Guy Cox, was 8th. Landon Horst in a Ford Focus ST and Richard Olson in a VW GTI rounded out the top ten. 

Notable performances were turned in by new member Carl Jones who placed 11th overall in his 1993 Ford Mustang and  (10-year-old) Tate Staebler who placed 23rd in his Bertelli kart. First-timers Steff Lozano, Kendra Armstrong, and Chelsea Prince finished 26th, 27th, and 28th. The Region’s “PAX Queen,” Jackie Bell, placed 9th in the PAX standings and 15th overall. Yeah, Jackie!

Blaquiere, Horst, and Bonner were 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in PAX scoring.

30 drivers took a total of 225 runs on the long, fast course. However, it sure got hot. The thermometer in my truck was in the high nineties as I towed the timing trailer back to Laurel. 

J.

 
 
What I Did On My Summer Vacation

From the “Real” Newsletter Editor

In July, the Staebler Racing Team went on an “educational work trip” to Wisconsin!  After seeing Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in concert at Summerfest with fellow Region member J. Reuss, we headed north to Elkhart Lake, WI.  Any true race fan knows what is located in Elkhart Lake, WI – ROAD AMERICA!   

  My aunt, Linda Reuss Benson (driver of a Mini Cooper S), alerted Road America’s staff that the Yellowstone Region was coming to visit.  That scored us a private and exclusive tour.  As we drove through the gates at Road America, we were all enthralled by the Porsches, Bimmers, Stangs, and Evos roaring by us through turns 12, 13 & 14 – also, the Northwoods Shelby Club was having a track day.

 We were delighted to discover that former Region member Lara Tallman, was there with her race team – CA Sport/Rearden Racing.  They were testing and tuning their Porches and BMWs and allowed us to tour the pits and the team’s toy hauler – she even let Region member Tate Staebler sit in a Rearden Porsche. 

   
 
 After spending a few moments in the gift shop located behind the pits, our tour guide & SCCA member, Mr. Duck Waddle (that’s his real name, look it up) loaded us up and we started on our track tour.  Our first stop was for authorized personnel only – the timing booth.  We visited with the timers and they showed us how they can zoom-in on any spot on the track – close enough they can differentiate between a quarter and a dime. They even let us walk out onto the bridge where they wave the checkered flag and onto the roof, which is normally reserved for press only!  From there, we headed to each turn of the track – even stopping by the Corvette Corral, which is located just south of turn 11 – the famous “Kink.”  

 As we toured the track, we got pieces of advice about where the apex was located, where braking should start/end, and Duck also pointed out when drivers were doing it wrong and how they could improve. Throughout our 2-hour tour, we got to watch professional drivers with true race cars crank around the track – the ever-present whine and full-throated growls filled our ears. We learned that Road America doesn’t have just a 14-turn, 4.048 mile-long road course, but also has a go-kart track, driving school course, motocross track, off-road ATV track, and a zip line.  We finished our tour at the top of the hill looking down on Turn 5 – the tightest turn of the track with an internal radius of 100 ft. After we got suited-up in all of our RA gear, collected all our souvenirs & photos, and cleaned up all of Jerod’s drool – we sadly left Road America, arguably the happiest place on Earth.  Maybe a road trip for a Yellowstone Region event could be arranged?

K.R.S.

 
 
 Living Life 1/8 Mile At A Time

From the Team Owner

Everyone has heard of the annual Sturgis biker rally, but not everyone knows that Black Hills Corvette Classic day at the Sturgis drag strip is far more fun.  At the July event, I registered to race our Z06 on the 1/8 mile track and made 8 runs that convinced me to change my career plan and turn pro racer. Check out www.sturgisdrags.com/ 

Hot and perfect weather and pre-race instructions from the track officials prepared us drivers to compete:  wear a helmet, turn off the AC, roll up the windows, choose a lane, rev the engine, and drive it like you stole it.  Things happen fast in 1/8 mile, and my own coach reminded me to start clean, watch RPMs, shift for optimum speed, slow down in the shutdown area, and breathe! 

 Drivers from many states queued up in pairs at the staging beams to set yellow pre-stage and staging lights and to think (if not talk) smack about competitors.  Some warmed up their tires (to intimidate others?) with burn-outs before the “Christmas tree” counted down from amber to green at .500 second intervals.  Reaction time is crucial, and it’s more difficult than you might think to time your launch so it’s faster than the other driver but not so fast that you leave too soon and trigger a red light.  That foul start means you automatically lose.

With a clean start, a series of infrared beams across each lane measure incremental times during the race as well as top speed.  The reaction time shows how long a vehicle waited to leave while the elapsed time, E.T., shows total time of the race.  Afternoon bracket racing pairs drivers who “dial in” anticipated E.T. so cars compete on an equal basis.  Who cares about that when it’s just fun to drive fast?

Returning to the pit area, drivers collect time slips where white wins and yellow loses.  But win or lose, it’s so exhilarating that you do it again and again until your coach says it’s time to get a beer at The Knuckle!  

P.B.R. 

 

 
 
The Finish Line

From the Webmaster

After retrieving the $300 Civic from Mel’s Auto Clinic where the speed sensor problem was resolved, I headed to the East Laurel truck stop for a “weigh-in.” The certified scales announced that the little hatchback weighed in at 2,160 pounds with no driver and 1/3 tank of gas.  

The Team Owner and I traveled to the Black Hills last month to attend the Black Hills Corvette Classic. I look forward to that event each year because of the autocross at which I don’t have to do anything except drive. I have been fortunate to win the C5 class for the last 5 years–even though the Sioux Falls Corvette Club neglected or refused to send me my trophy least year. Anyway, I was hoping for a 6th win. Unfortunately, that was not to be the case. Timing problems prevented any winners–or anyone else for that matter–from being crowned. Curiously, the timing system worked fine, but the timer herself had never timed before, All the timer possessed were good intentions and 5 pages of handwritten notes from the “real” timer. From personal experience, I can tell you that AXWare timing software is often challenging when you have 10 years experience using same. However, handling over 100 cars in 7 classes for the first time would unquestionably be daunting. When I approached the start line for the first time, it was announced that the timer had packed up her laptop and left. There were a couple of guys running around with stopwatches, but I declined being timed and headed off to the Prairie Berry Winery for lunch.

Last, I need a little help on this one. The mini- (and I mean mini) van pictured below is always parked in front of the “Chubby Chipmunk” in Deadwood, SD. I dragged-and-dropped the photo into Google, but it didn’t come back with anything useful. Does anyone recognize this beast? It is right-hand-drive.  

J. 

  
 Next Monthly Meeting

September 5, 2017

 GH&R Law Firm
175 N. 27th Street, Suite 903
6:00 p.m.  

 
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July 2017 Newsletter

 

 
July 2017

Sports Car Club of America – Yellowstone Region 108  

 
This was the scene at the MetraPark Carnival lot on the morning of the Region’s recent event. Various phone calls and text messages with MetraPark personnel resulted in moving the event to the “upper lot.”
 
Meeting Minutes

July 2017 Meeting 

There was no monthly membership meeting of the Yellowstone Region SCCA for July. The meeting was scheduled to take place at the worker’s breakfast prior to the MetraPark event on June 25th, but news that the carnival lot was being occupied by pickups and stock trailers occupied most of the conversation. 

MetraPark Upper Lot

By the Roving Regional Reporter

Member Steve Gruver texted me on Saturday evening that approximately 30 pickups with stock trailers were parked in the MetraPark Carnival Lot.  I texted a representative from MetraPark and hoped that the rigs would be cleared out by morning. They weren’t–and their numbers had increased. Long story short, MetraPark asked if we could use the “upper lot” for our event. I responded that “we would try to make it work.” 

 The last-minute move was not without its drawbacks–no permanent rest rooms, light poles, and no electricity, but the “elbow room” made up for that.

Fast time of the day went to David Greenfield in his ASP Evo. Second and third place want to Bozeman brothers Will and James Papallo in an XP Mazda Miata and an STS Honda Civic Si, respectively, Bill Blaquiere in his Z06 and Dane Jorgenson in a new GT350R took 4th and 5th. Richard Olson in a GS VW GTI edged out Kaitlin Staebler in the $300 Civic for 6th and 7th.

Olson, James Papallo, and Blaquiere were 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in PAX scoring.

Complete results and more photos are available here.

32 drivers took a total of 274 runs on the long, fast course. The fastest times were 73 seconds, and the average run was about 80 seconds. Even with the $10 surcharge on entry fees, drivers got a lot of bang for the buck! 

 Preston Moffett’s AS 2016 Ford Mustang 5.0 tied Dane Jorgenson’s SS 2017 Ford Mustang GT350R in the “sweet-sounding small-block Ford” contest! 

 Will Papallo from Bozeman placed second overall at MetraPark in his XP 1994 Mazda Miata. 
 
 
 MyT13B’s Corner

From the Regional Executive

After reviewing receipts and costs for MetraPark, it was decided to go back to $30 and $40 entry fees for the remainder of the 2017 season. However, the handwriting is on the wall for 2018. Unless something unforeseen occurs, the Region will likely increase entry fees to $35 and $45. As indicated previously, such fees would still be on the low side vis-a-vis other Regions in the state.

The Region’s timing software has a networking function that (theoretically) allows up to five additional computers (clients) to be connected to the (main) timing computer. Two of those clients can be “registration clients,” two can be “audit clients,” and one can be an “announcer client.” The Region’s goal was to utilize a second computer as a registration client. That way, new entrants could be added and driver information could be modified without disrupting the timing functions. The computers were connected “peer-to-peer” with a “crossover” Cat5 cable. To say that we struggled to get the networking to work is an understatement. Things would start out like they were supposed to, but before long the two computers were not synchronized and things went from bad to worse.

In a last-ditch attempt to rectify the situation, J. set up the entire timing system in his office and walked through the networking procedure with the software developer from Texas. Shortly into the meeting, the software developer indicated that he had stopped using crossover cables quite a few years ago, and recommended that we connect the computers through a router. An old router was located and the timing computer was quickly connected to the registration computer, Problem(s) solved!

The new setup was used at MetraPark and worked without a hitch!

D.W.J. 

David Greenfield in his 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution took top honors at MetraPark by edging Will Papallo by 0.122 seconds. 
 
 
 Race Notes

From the Competition Chair

(Our Competition Chair is on vacation this month–or he is ignoring my texts and voicemails–so we will need to make due with just a picture of his Corvette at MetraPark where he finished 4th overall.) 

  
 
 
The Finish Line

From the Webmaster

This issue of Fast Times is the 5th to the last before my retirement (but who’s counting?). Members have been eagerly calling “dibs” on my Region duties, so make your selection(s) fast before the best ones are taken. The following positions remain to be filled:

  • Secretary/Treasurer of the Region
  • Webmaster
  • Newsletter Editor
  • Club Photographer
  • Timing Trailer Maintenance and Transport
  • Solo Safety Steward Instructor
  • Timing Hardware and Software

There is plenty of time for training between now and the end of the year, so don’t be bashful about raising your hand! 

 The “VSS Malfunction” issue on the $300 Civic has been resolved by Region Member Carl Jones (owner of Mel’s Auto Clinic in Laurel, MT). Come to find out, what was thought to be a 2003 Civic Si transmission turned out to be a 2006, In 02-04 transmissions, the signal from the speed sensor is at low frequency. The speed sensor is at the rear of the transmission and is run by the final drive at a low frequency. In the 06-07 transmissions, the speed sensor is at the front of the transmission and the signal is at a high frequency from the teeth on 3rd gear.
 Next Monthly Meeting

July 30, 2017 (At workers’ breakfast prior to July 30th event at YDS)

Location to be announced. 

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MetraPark Upper Lot – June 25, 2017

Event Chair –  Dean W. Johnson

Solo Safety Steward – J. Reuss

SSS Trainee – Bill Blaquiere

SSS Trainee – Steve Gruver

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”16″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow” gallery_width=”600″ gallery_height=”400″ cycle_effect=”fade” cycle_interval=”5″ show_thumbnail_link=”1″ thumbnail_link_text=”[Show thumbnails]” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

Final Results

Raw Time Results

PAX Time Results

Summary by Class

June 2017 Newsletter

 

June 2017

Sports Car Club of America – Yellowstone Region 108  

 
Rob Davis came down from Malta with his C Prepared 1988 Ford Mustang to place third overall at the first Yellowstone Drag Strip event of the 2017 Season. 
 
Meeting Minutes

June 2017 Meeting 

The monthly membership meeting of the Yellowstone Region SCCA was called to order by Regional Executive Dean W. Johnson on Sunday, June 4, 2017, at 6:30 a.m., at the downtown Perkins restaurant.

Minutes of Previous Meeting: A motion was MS&P to accept without addition or correction the minutes of the May 2017 meeting as published in the May 2017 issue of Fast Times.   

Treasurer’s Report: There was no Treasurer’s Report.

Old Business: There was no old business. 

New Business/Announcements: A discussion was held regarding the previous event at Rimrock Truck Center. 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:45 a.m. when breakfast arrived. 

Yellowstone Drag Strip I

By the Roving Regional Reporter

When the course was set on Saturday, a large car hauler and an RV were parked in the middle of the site. However, drag strip personnel assured us that the owners had been notified and that the units would be moved Saturday evening. The RV was moved, but unfortunately the hauler’s owner was sidetracked by a business emergency (robbery), so some last minute adjustments to the starting area were necessary. However, all in all, it seemed to work our just fine.

 

Rob Davis left Malta at 4:30 a.m. to be the first at the drag strip gate. Rob is a member of the Montana Region in Great Falls, but it was nice of him to bring is CP Foxbody Mustang to the event. Rob placed 3rd overall.

Fast time of the day went to David Greenfield in his always-fast Mitsubishi Evo. Nipping at David’s heels (0.632 seconds back) was Nels Jensen in his 1985 Toyota Corolla. 

Finishing 4th, 5th and 6th were James Reuss in a C5 Z06 Corvette, Steve Gruver in his C4 Corvette, and Kaitlin Staebler in a C5 Z06 Corvette.

Filling out the top 10 were Dan McCarthy (Superformance MKIII), Ayrton Kuzela (Nissan GT-R), Jeremy Vansant (Nissan Skyline GT-R), and Guy Cox (Nissan 370X).

Steve Gruver topped the Pax time results followed by David Greenfield, Ayrton Kuzela, and Rob Davis.

28 drivers took a total of 225 runs on the long, fast course. The fastest times were just over a minute, and the average run was about 75 seconds. 

 Tristan Harriet did a real fine job in his 1991 Mazda MX-5 for his first event ever. 
 
 
MyT13B’s Corner

From the Regional Executive

My prediction last month that entry fees would need to be increased in the near future proved to be prophetic. Faced with an increase in lot rental for MetraPark, the Region felt it had no other option but to tack a $10 surcharge onto entry fees for that event. Although the $40 (members) and $50 (non-members) entry fee is pretty much in line with other Regions, we will study the numbers after MetraPark to see if continuing the surcharge will be necessary. 

The Region extends a hearty welcome to new members Carl and Jennifer Jones (1993 Ford Mustang) and Dan McCarthy (2002 Superformance MKIII).

If you were wondering how we have been awarding trophies, here is the process. The timing software (AXWare Systems) generates a number of reports including “Final Results,” “PAX Time Results,” “Raw Time Results,” and “Summary.” At the bottom of the Final Results report is a table entitled “Top Times of Day.” The first two lines are “Raw time” and “Pax.” The lines that follow are for the main classifications: Street, Touring, Prepared, Modified, etc. The winners of Raw time and Pax are always also class winners. To spread the trophies around, the next fastest cars in the classes of the winners of Raw time and Pax are awarded a trophy.

D.W.J. 

 Bob Schultz debuted his beautiful (and fast) 2009 BMW 135i at YDS I. (Bob previously campaigned a Pontiac GTO that was also in F Street class.)
 
 
 
Race Notes

From the Competition Chair

The 2017 trophies have finally arrived. The trophy winners for the first two events are as follows:

RIMROCK TRUCK CENTER I

Raw Time SSP Bill Blaquiere
Pax BS Dane Smith
Street GS Landon Horst
Heritage Street HCS Arthur Thompson
Touring STX Jim Coons
Street Prepared ASP David Greenfield
Prepared XP  James Reuss Street
Modified SM Cody Potts
Junior Cart JA Jerod Staebler
Prepared Ladies XPL Kaitlin Reuss

YDS I

Raw Time ASP David Greenfield
Pax BS Steve Gruver
Street SS Ayrton Kuzera
Touring STS Jeremy Vansant
Street Prepared ASP James Reuss
Prepared XP Nels Jensen
Street Modified SM Dan McCarthy
Modified EM Dean Johnson

Trophies will be available at the timing trailer at MetraPark. If you can’t make the event, contact one of the officers of the Region and we will figure out a way to get it to you.

Bill

 New Region member Dan McCarthy had a nice showing (7th overall) at YDS I with his gorgeous 2002 Superformance MKIII.
 
 
 
The Finish Line

From the Webmaster

As was reported late last fall, 2017 will be my last year with the Region, As a consequence, a number of Region positions will be opening up and need to be filled. The good news is that there is plenty of time for training before the end of the year. Please contact me if you would like to assume any (or all) of the following functions:

  • Secretary/Treasurer of the Region
  • Webmaster
  • Newsletter Editor
  • Club Photographer
  • Timing Trailer Maintenance and Transport
  • Solo Safety Steward Instructor
  • Timing Hardware and Software

The fact that I performed these functions for many years is proof that anyone can do it! 

Unfortunately, a low oil level was not the cause of the “oil pressure sensor malfunction” code on the $300 Civic. However, a new $32 VTEC solenoid sourced from eBay solved the problem. The K24 now revs happily–and quickly–to its ECU-controlled redline. However, an earlier problem has returned–“VSS Malfunction.” The VSS (vehicle speed sensor) was replaced early in the rebuild process, so I am hoping that lack of power to the sensor (blown fuse?) is the culprit. A troubleshooting flowchart has been downloaded from the interweb and further diagnosing will take place this evening, 

J. 

Next Monthly Meeting

June 25, 2017 (At workers’ breakfast prior to June 25th event at MetraPark Carnival Lot)

Muzzleloader Cafe at 6:00 a.m., 4912 Laurel Road, Billings, MT.

 
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Yellowstone Drag Strip I – June 4, 2017

Event Chair – J. Reuss

Solo Safety Steward – Dean W. Johnson

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”15″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow” gallery_width=”600″ gallery_height=”400″ cycle_effect=”fade” cycle_interval=”5″ show_thumbnail_link=”1″ thumbnail_link_text=”[Show thumbnails]” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Member Jarek Peila took some overhead shots of the event with a drone camera. Check out the event from some amazing angles by clicking here.

Final Results

Raw Time Results

PAX Time Results

Summary by Class

 

May 2017 Newsletter

 May 2017

Sports Car Club of America – Yellowstone Region 108  

 

Barn finds? Whale(tail) sighting? No, but your Roving Regional Reporter recently noted this “passel” of Porsches in Billings. The eight vintage 911s (a Carrera RS in race trim is out of frame) represented a broad spectrum of models, modifications, and accessories.  

Meeting Minutes

May 2017 Meeting 

The monthly membership meeting of the Yellowstone Region SCCA was called to order by Regional Executive Dean W. Johnson on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 6:00 p.m., in the GH&R law firm conference room.

Minutes of Previous Meeting: A motion was MS&P to accept without addition or correction the minutes of the March 2016 meeting as published in the March 2016 issue of Fast Times.   

Treasurer’s Report: Secretary/Treasurer J. Reuss reported the current checkbook balance and noted that all bills have been paid. A motion was MS&P to accept the Treasurer’s Report.

Old Business: There was no old business. 

New Business/Announcements: J. reported that the owner of Rimrock Truck Center had agreed to let the Region use the site for two events in 2017, The events have been scheduled for March and September. J. also reported that MetraPark would not give us a break in the lot rental for an evening event on June 25th, so it was decided to drop the proposal.

Dean reported that his father has graciously constructed several additional wooden Stutz Bearcat models similar to the award that was presented to J. last summer. Dean believes that presenting these models as awards to club members would be a good idea. If you have any ideas as to what the awards might honor, touch base with Dean.

J. reported that there have been delays obtaining 2017 trophy glasses, but that winners would ultimately receive their trophies after they arrive.

As discussion was held about open exhausts, and it was decided that they would not be allowed at events other than at Yellowstone Drag Strip. 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m. 

Rimrock Truck Center I

By the Roving Regional Reporter

The Region returned to the “friendly confines” of Rimrock Truck Center for their first event of the 2017 season. (A review of Region records revealed that we previously ran events at the site for 4 years, from 2011-2013, and we ran an event at the site for the Corvette meet in 2015.)

Putting his recent training at the Evolution Challenge Driving School to good use, Competition Chair Bill Blaquiere took fast time of day in raw time and Street Prepared class. Barely a half second back was David Greenfield in his 2015 Mitsubishi Evo. In third place was newcomer Dane Smith in his B Street 2016 Cadillac ATS-V.

 
Finishing 4th, 5th and 6th were Jim Coons in his Subaru WRX STI, James Papallo in his Honda Civic Si, and Steve Gruver in his C4 Corvette.

Filling out the top 10 were Ayrton Kuzela (Nissan GT-R), James Reuss (Honda Civic), Brian Hendrickson (Honda Civic), and Joel Gruver (Mazda Miata).

Dane Smith topped the Pax time results followed by Bill Blaquiere, David Greenfield, Jim Coons, and James Papallo.

Gremlins–or operator error–beset the timing software in the morning, so morning run times were not immediately available. Although the times were later recovered, only the afternoon times are listed in the results posted online. However, seven drivers had their fastest runs in the morning, so those times have been manually inserted in the afternoon results. 

Tate Staebler applying some opposite lock as he exits the west turn at Rimrock Truck Center. 
 
MyT13B’s Corner

From the Regional Executive

Although our entry fees are typically the lowest among the neighboring Regions, entrants will occasionally ask why our entry fees are so high. In addition to costs such as track rentals and porta-potties, the SCCA charges Regions “Sanction Fees,” Insurance Fees,” and “Weekend Membership” fees for each event. Since 2010, Sanction Fees have crept up from $4.50 per entrant to (a current) $6.50. Insurance fees have done the same ($4.50 to $6.50). To put it in perspective, the total, $13.00, represents 43% of the entry fee for SCCA members and 33% for non-members. Accordingly, for a typical 30-entrant event, $390 goes to National.

The “Weekend Membership” program was initiated by the SCCA some years back. Heretofore, the cost remained at $5.00 per non-member entrant since the inception of the program. The fee was arguably justified by promotional materials sent by National to the prospective members and by discounting membership fees for weekend members who joined SCCA. On average, at least half of the entrants at an event are non-members. That translates to another $75.00 to National per event.

This last week, we learned that SCCA was doubling the Weekend Membership cost to $10.00. All told, that puts the average payment to National at $540.00 per event.

Unfortunately, it looks like entry fees will likely increase in the near future.

D.W.J. 

 
 
Race Notes

From the Competition Chair

I recently had the opportunity (and pleasure) of attending an Evolution Driving School in Helena. This was their “Challenge” school which is geared toward drivers who have already attended Phase One and Phase Two schools–which I had not. After some back-and-forth with Mike “Junior” Johnson, the owner of Evolution, he gave me the thumbs-up to enroll. The only catch was that the class was full, but I would be first on the waiting list. I decided to go to Helena Friday afternoon just in case. Sure enough, at about 9:30 Friday night, Mike contacted me. Someone had dropped out, so I was in! I could barely contain myself!

The school consisted of twelve students and two instructors. The curriculum was simple–we started the morning with a short orientation and then it was to the cars. The students first drove 3 or 4 runs each with the instructors coaching. Then, the instructors drove and the students rode along for a couple of runs. We then switched drivers again. The afternoon sessions went pretty much the same, except at the end, the instructors took 2 runs to set a benchmark time. Then students were instructed to take 3 runs and try and beat that time. My time to beat was 39.998, I posted a 40.328. Close!

The following day was the follow-up autocross which was open to everyone. The Evo instructors stayed over and co-drove with some of the students. Tom (I forgot his last name) asked if he could co-drive with me all day, naturally I said “yes!” I wasn’t about to turn down another day of one-on-one instruction and experience in the car with this pro!

My “takeaways” from the school and follow-up autocross were many, but most striking were two things: First, the look-ahead distance they teach is considerable, as much as 3 or 4 features–sometimes even more. Wrapping your head around the fact that you can look that far ahead while engaging the features directly in front of you at the same time is incredible. Second, having the pros driving my car and showing me what it is actually capable of was absolutely awesome and probably just as important to me as the actual instruction.

Bill

 
 The Finish Line

From the Webmaster

I recently stopped by Maui Raceway Park to check out our (unofficial) sister Region’s March event, but unfortunately, they had finished for the day. However, as the autocross course was being torn down, a local group of drifters was getting ready to shred some tires at the site. Given that the World War II-vintage site is notorious for its abrasive paving, “shredding” tires is apparently taken to a new level. The Team arrived on an early afternoon flight, so we were not able to participate in a Maui SCCA event this year. However, we hope the “stars align” next spring!  

For those who have been following the progress of the “$300 Civic,” the Team appears to have resolved the overheating problem that seems to have resulted from a blown fuse. Unfortunately, the car later when into some sort of “limp mode” and had to be parked. The software later showed a fault from the oil pressure sensor. A search of the code revealed a recommendation that the oil level be checked before changing the sensor. The dipstick confirmed that the sensor might be just fine. Further testing will (hopefully) take place prior to the next event. 

I spotted this sweet 1957 Porsche Speedster in the parking lot at Haleakala National Park. (However, upon further examination, I surmised it might be newer because I don’t think the earlier Speedsters had fiberglass bodies.) 

 

 Next Monthly Meeting

June 4, 2017 (At workers’ breakfast prior to June 4th event at Yellowstone Drag Strip)

Location to be announced.

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March 2017 Newsletter

 March 2017

Sports Car Club of America – Yellowstone Region 108  

 Buyer’s remorse? This gently-used 2016 Shelby Super Snake at last fall’s Barrett-Jackson Auction featured a 5-liter supercharged V8, 6-speed automatic, 825hp and only 80 miles! Sold for $96,800 (with buyer’s commission).
 
 Meeting Minutes

March 2017 Meeting 

The monthly membership meeting of the Yellowstone Region SCCA was called to order by Regional Executive Dean W. Johnson on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at 6:00 p.m., in the GH&R law firm conference room.

Minutes of Previous Meeting: A motion was MS&P to accept without addition or correction the minutes of the December 2016 meeting as published in the December 2016 issue of Fast Times.   

Treasurer’s Report: Secretary/Treasurer J. Reuss reported the current checkbook balance and noted that all bills have been paid. A motion was MS&P to accept the Treasurer’s Report.

Old Business: Steve Gruver indicated that he (still) intends to send in his Solo Safety Steward application. 

New Business/Announcements: J. reported that that three event dates had been confirmed for the Yellowstone Drag Strip and are now on the website. A discussion was held concerning doing some joint advertising with the drag strip and it was agreed that such may be beneficial. A discussion was held concerning adding a Saturday evening event prior to the MetraPark event on June 25th. Everyone seemed to be in favor, so J. agreed to pursue the matter with MetraPark representatives. J. reported final negotiations were proceeding for two events at an additional site. Guy Cox reported that due to scheduling conflicts, he would not be able to serve as Chief of Tech at all events this year. However, it was noted that we had plenty of individuals who were qualified to pitch in when the need arises.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m. 

 Year-End Party and Awards

By the Roving Regional Reporter

The Region Year-End Party and Awards Ceremony was held on February 4th at The Windmill Restaurant in Billings. Pictured below is an elated Woody Jensen being congratulated(?) by his son, Nels Jensen, for winning the Dick Hager Memorial Spirit of the Sport Award. Woody joined SCCA in October of 2013. 

  The ever-humble Woody provided the following bio:

Some of the cars I have owned and loved were a 1961 Corvette, 1959 Porsche, 1972 240Z, 1992 Mitsubishi 3000 GT, and now my CRX.

While still working for Billings Public Schools, Nels talked me into buying a $900 Honda Civic CRX as my economy commuter car.  I knew he secretly wanted it for himself and several times offered to accept it as a gift from me.  SCCA racing was not in my plans until I watched Nels driving in a couple of events.  He suggested I give it a try with the Honda. Nels probably knew my interests better than I did.  Prior to SCCA, I was more interested in equine horsepower after doing colt starting for a number of years.  In my first event with the Honda at GM Petroleum, I certainly didn’t distinguish myself other than feeling way out of control in turns.  I used the gas pedal like an on-off switch. 

Next, Nels talked me into some Honda modifications and did some great coaching.  Along the way, I’ve also gotten good tips from Dwight Gilliland, Dennis McCollough, Dean Johnson, Chris Brewer, and more recently, James Papallo.  James races a Honda similar in power to mine and I watch him closely when he’s on the course. I am grateful for the help, assistance, encouragement, and receptiveness from lots of others like J. Reuss, Steve Gruver, and Jerod Staebler. 

After wiping out an axle (not uncommon for me), Joel Gruver offered me use of his car to finish out the day.  That offer was highly appreciated.  There are other individuals needing mention too whose names escape my senior citizen memory.  It’s also nice to be recognized by many in the SCCA group for the high degree of skill I have in “cone killing.” 

The car number 68 was chose for how old I was at the time I started the SCCA adventure.  I’ve been at it for 4 going on 5 summers now.  You may see me on the course with a motorized wheel chair in the future! 

 Pictured below is a jubilant Guy Cox after receiving the Grant Cameron Most Improved Driver of the Year Award. Guy joined SCCA in October of 2016. 

  Guy provided the following bio:

I was born and raised in Billings until my junior year of high school when Dad was transferred to Rapid City, and then 10 months later to Arvada, Colorado.

My dad was probably the major reason for me getting a car and motorcycle craving from early on. He owned what was known as a “full-service” Conoco gas station that actually filled your tank, washed your windshield, and checked your oil–all with a smile (and a uniform)!

The first vehicle I was allowed to actually operate was a Honda minibike with a 50cc engine and fold-down handle bars. That planted the seed for many dirt bikes to follow and also an insatiable desire to learn the mechanics of cars and motorcycles. Hot Rod magazine was a great tool for learning and keeping up on all things automobile.

My first car was a 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix which allowed me to learn first hand how things worked as I repaired and modified it for street fun. While working part-time at a gas station during high school, I was fortunate enough to acquire a 1966 Chevelle SS 396/375hp with a recently-rebuilt engine. This car really got me hooked and I spent nearly every dollar I earned improving and maintaining it. I was all about drag racing back then and being in the Denver area allowed me to indulge on and off the street.

I married my best friend Deb shortly after high school graduation which started to divert attention away from all-things-cars to more “domestic activities.” The Chevelle was sold (dumb move) and replaced with a Chevy van which was soon transformed into a camping-capable van with fancy paint. Then, college and working sidetracked anything car-related.

Once back in Billings and reconnecting with a long-time friend, we began attending things like the Black Otter Hillclimb which re-kindled thoughts of cars. However, Deb and I shortly discovered we were proud, expecting parents of twins, so the GTI gave way to a 4-door VW Jetta.

Parenting duties gained all focus for many years until they were in college and a used 350Z seemed like a good idea. I always intended on racing it, but the dates of events never lined up. I upgraded the 350 to a 370Z and was bound and determined to make it happen in 2016. I managed to get to all of the events and now am “hooked.” What a fun sport and what an enjoyable and helpful group to get acquainted with. I am looking forward to participating for many more years. 

 Guy Cox putting his BS 2014 Nissan 370Z through its paces at YDS.
 
 
 MyT13B’s Corner

From the Regional Executive

Let me be the first to formally welcome Nels Jensen as the newest member of the Yellowstone Region. Nels is the son of Woody Jensen. Nels was a regular attendee of Region events until he took some time off to buy a house, have two children, and refit his 1985 Toyota Corolla with a Honda S2000 motor! Although Nels is now in XP class, look for him be be back on top of the leader board.

We have gotten confirmation for three dates this summer at the Yellowstone Drag Strip and are currently working on adding an additional event at MetraPark. It is shaping up to be a good season!

D.W.J.

 

Race Notes

From the Competition Chair

Snell 2005 (or newer) helmets are required this year. We checked out the “loaners” in the timing trailer and 4 out of 6 are no longer legal for SCCA Solo events. Before you get busy with spring cleaning, take a minute to check your helmet. If you don’t, you might end up wearing a sweaty loaner at the first event.

Because of my new addiction that is Solo, I have been thinking about attending a few Tire Rack Solo Amateur Championship Series events this season–if there are any close enough.

The Tire Rack Amateur Solo Champion Series has 10 events listed on their 2017 calendar. I identified four that are (arguably) close enoughto consider attending.

The first is May 27th to 29th at Lincoln Airpark, Lincoln Nebraska (890 miles). The second is June 9th to 11th in Fountain Colorado at the Pikes Peak Raceway (650 miles). Then July 7th to 9th at the Hampton Mills Old Lumber Yard Packwood, Washington (820 miles), and finally, September 4th to 8th, the SCCA Solo Nationals Finale back at the Lincoln Airpark.

For the full schedule, here is the link: https://www.scca.com/pages/championship-tour

Bill 

 
 The Finish Line

From the Webmaster

There will be no membership meeting in April because the Team and I will be attending the annual summit meeting with our (unofficial) sister Region, Maui SCCA. Luckily, our trip coincides with their March 26th test and tune at Maui Raceway Park. We look forward to getting together with Scott Hughes and the gang, Look for photos in the April newsletter.

The woman that parks next to me in the parking garage recently traded her Subaru for the Ford Focus RS pictured below, The 350hp, all-wheel-drive beast has got to be the ultimate sleeper-particularly in “Stealth Gray.” I am thinking of leaving her a note to check out the Hennessey HPE 400 ECU upgrade for $695 that will turn up the wick to 388hp and 445 lb-ft of torque!

J. 

  
 Next Monthly Meeting

May 2, 2017 (No meeting in April)

GH&R Law Firm
175 N. 27th Street, Suite 903
6:00 p.m. 

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January 2017 Newsletter

 
 January 2017

Sports Car Club of America – Yellowstone Region 108  

 
 Have you been whining about navigating the rutted streets around Billings this winter? Ground clearance has apparently not been a problem for the driver of this gorgeous rig that I spotted in the parking garage recently.
 
 Meeting Minutes

There are no membership meetings in January or February.
 

 Spokane Festival of Speed

By the Roving Regional Reporter

The Region received an email late last week from the “Spokane Festival of Speed.” Unfortunately, Montana does not have any road courses, so a trip to Denver or Salt Lake City (both 552 miles from Billings) is the only way to get your road-race “fix.” However, you can shave approximately 11 miles off your haul time by heading west to Spokane on the weekend of June 2-4. The link to the official Festival of Speed website is here. 

The weekend features a “Test & Tune” at Spokane County Raceway (Airway Heights, WA) a “First Friday” car cruise and show, and SOVREN (Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts) Historic Races on the 3rd and 4th.

 

 
 The Test & Tune is open to “all experienced track drivers at the discounted price of $210 for all race entrants.” The registration information indicates that “Priority will be given to drivers holding current competition licenses driving race-prepared cars. Drivers without competition licenses or without race-prepared cars will participate in the Track Day Car group. If a minimum number of entries is not received for the Track Day Car group, the group will be canceled.”

 J. 

 
MyT13B’s Corner

From the Regional Executive

Before plunging headlong into 2017, on behalf of the entire Region, I would like to thank Tucker Stewart for his service as Competition Chair. Tucker started participating in Region events while he was still in high school. In fact, Tucker squeezed in an event between his graduation ceremony and his girlfriend’s graduation ceremony! Unfortunately, the press of college, work, and car problems kept Tucker otherwise occupied in 2016. However, Tucker has been an enthusiastic ambassador of SCCA, so we hope we have not seen the last of him. Thanks, Tucker!

We have scheduled the Region’s Year-End Event at the Windmill Restaurant for Saturday, February 4th at 6:00 p.m. Join us for beverages, hosted hors d’oeuvres, and presentations of the Region’s Driver of the Year and Member of the Year awards. Stay for dinner afterward (on your own) and otherwise enjoy the fine company of fellow Region members!

On the home front, I have continued work on “MyT13B” over the off-season. I build a shroud for the cooling fan and also added a duct to the oil cooler. As pictured below, I have added a pop-off valve to the intake system. This addition will hopefully make the boost signal to the “TPS” multiplier let go when I let off the throttle. I also added some additional bracing to the frame for additional strength to make the rear sway bar work better.

D.W.J. 

 MyT1B’s new pop-off valve.
 
 
 Race Notes

From the Competition Chair

I’m Bill Blaquiere, your new Competition Chair. I was born and raised in Harlowton and have lived in Billings pretty much my entire adult life. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Cheryl, for 38 years. We have two adult children and six grand-kids. I enjoy upland bird hunting, alpine skiing, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, autocross, and Corvettes! I am a machinist. In 1997, I started Apex Manufacturing Services; a CNC machine shop.

I started autocrossing in 2016 with my C7 Corvette and was immediately “hooked.” I competed in 11 events, but was torn between keeping the C7 streetable (and unharmed) and wanting to do more modifications. I was impressed with the quickness of some of the small cars like the Honda S2000s, Miatas, Subaru WRXs, and others. Maybe a kit car like the Westfield or Brunton would be fun? Or, should I go with Corvette?? Hmmmm. so many good choices! However, since since I love big V-8 sound and horsepower, I decided on another Corvette–a 2002 C5 Z06!

I am about two months into the build. To date, I have purchased/installed many mods. In the process have learned a ton about the car and autocross rules in general. After quite a bit of research, I decided that the car will run in SSP. Most importantly, I can run Hoosiers!

Super Street Prepared (SSP) class does not allow any internal engine mods, so basic bolt-on mods are all that can be done. I started with an aFe cold air intake, then on to LG Super Pro 1-3/4” long tube headers & X-pipe with Borla S-Type cat-back exhaust. What sweet music it plays! I will have a dyno tune done before the season kicks off to get the most out of these mods.

I found that the stock camber adjustment was not enough to get the negative camber I needed. I want to start with -4 degrees in front and -3 degrees in back. Borg offset Delrin control arm bushings was my starting point along with a Pfadt camber kit. Then I added tubular sway bars and adjustable end links with Koni Sport adjustable shocks to complete the suspension. Now it’s just a matter of time (and tuning) to get all these components to work together in the best way possible……no easy task I’m sure, but I’m looking forward it!

Stoptech slotted brake rotors with Hawk high performance sport/racing pads and stainless steel brake lines should stop the C5Z quite well.

The stock shifter in C5 cars has a ridiculously long throw and quite a loose feel, so after some research I decided on an MGW short throw unit. WOW! What a difference! Shifting is now quick and precise. 

 I will be running 18″ x 10.5″ wheels with 315 Hoosiers at all four corners. I will probably need wheel spacers on the front to get clearance for the wide tires while turning, so with that in mind, I replaced all the wheel studs with longer ones so the spacers can be changed as needed.

I’m currently working on a plan for an aluminum spoiler and front splitter as the finishing touches. 

 The stock seats in a C5 are very poor for performance driving, with virtually no side bolsters and very weak backrest framework–they simply don’t hold you in place at all! I wanted a good driver’s seat, but most of the “racing seats” offered have a very deep bucket design and I was worried that one of those would make it too difficult to get my 6’ 4” 250 pound frame in and out of the car. After a lot of searching, I finally chose on a Corbeau Sportline Evolution X driver seat. I also ordered the optional air-inflatable lumbar support, It’s really quite comfortable and gives me an additional inch or two of head room. The stock steering wheel was also a problem. They are way too big in diameter and are too far forward for me. The leather is quite slippery as well. The NRG 320 mm suede steering wheel with quick-release and 2-inch spacer fit the bill perfectly.

B.B. 

 
 The Finish Line

From the Webmaster

Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 25th, at the MetraPark carnival grounds. If last year’s event was any indication, this event will be a well-attended and fun event.

We should be getting confirmation back from the Yellowstone Drag Strip for our 2017 event dates shortly. Check the website from time to time for updates. We also have some leads on some new sites.

Keep tuned and see you at the Windmill in two weeks!

J. 

 Next Monthly Meeting

March 7, 2017

(Year-End Party on February 4th and no membership meeting in February)

GH&R Law Firm
175 N. 27th Street, Suite 903 
6:00 p.m. 

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