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L February 2006 U F Alfa’s F1L Day in the Sun: A The 1978C R by Daron Walker O E O M was unarguably successful with his racing program. Lotus F1 was all In This Issue the envy in the late 1970s. In 1978, the was dominating the F1 circuit because of one very clear advantage: Chapman had Cover Features: discovered that creating a vacuum under the Alfa’s F1 Day in the Sun car with the use of side skirts increased the February Guest Speaker: downforce on the car. Chapman’s insightful Cindy Lux discovery left the rest of the F1 teams on a steep learning curve for the 1978 racing Alfafredly’s Rambling season. Page 2 of -Alfa Romeo had 1978 Brabham-Alfa fan-car Calendar of Events struggled to find a competitive answer to the 2006 Events Calendar Lotus 79. The ground-effects packages Murray came up with created an oversteering problem Page 4 that driver was very uncomfortable with. It was later discovered that the oversteering Member Profile problem was caused by the combination of the car’s newly designed full-length front wing and Meet our new Competition Chariman, Murray’s side-skirt package. Dave Kingstone Page 8 (Brabham-Alfa Romeo owner/manager) said after the 1978 that “Murray is every bit as talented as Chapman, and he will not be outdone so easily.” At this NWARC Performance point, Murray felt the pressure from Ecclestone and Brabham’s star driver Niki Lauda. Murray’s understanding of the F1 world was quite keen. He knew that the technology in F1 racing was only Driving School going to become greater over time. This meant side skirts and ground effects were here to stay. Program and registration information. Page 10 The second thing Murray knew was that F1 rules were loosely written in some categories for a reason. This was to allow the incorporation of new technology to the sport. Murray took advantage Newsletter of the loosely written rulebook by introducing the infamous “fan-car” to the F1 rules committee. Submissions The use of fans to create downforce under the car was not a new idea. and his very Interested in contributing to the successful Chaparral-Chevrolets used them in the Can-Am series of 1970. Iniezione? Continued on page 6 Page 3 February General Meeting Guest Speaker: Professional Race Car Driver, Cindy Lux This month we are lucky enough to have championship race car diver Cindy Lux paying us a visit as guest speaker. She is going to come and speak with us about her beginnings in racing, a woman’s perspective on racing, and much more.

For more information on Cindy Lux please visit http://www.cindilux.com/ Board Members

President Fred Wright 312 211th Place SE Sammamish, WA 98074 425.369.0699 [email protected] Vice-President John van Rensburg 17917 Bothell-Everett Hwy #102 Bothell, WA 98012 425.941.4747 [email protected] Alfafredly’s Rambling Secretary Randy J. Rumley 11008 NE 140th St. Kirkland, WA 98034 425.814.6459 [email protected] February 2006 Treasurer Ron Calkins What a winter so far. It has been impossible to sneak the Spider out between the raindrops. PO Box 33512 Seattle Wa 98133 Maybe we will see some sunny skies in February as we usually do?? 206.940.2471 [email protected] Let’s hope for a great day on the 19th for our annual Chili Cook-off and drive to the New Ingram Enterprises (see information in this issue). It will be fun to be out again with all our friends. It Committee Directors seems like it has been way too long since we have had just a good old “Alfisti” get-together, Activities which this promises to be. I hope many of you plan to attend! Dave Emerson [email protected] At the last board meeting, we spent a great deal of time discussing our plans to improve Competition communication to you, the members. I am very curious about how many of you would rather Dave Kingstone get your newsletter in color via email versus the US Postal Service in black-and-white? Oh, don’t 14614 72nd Place NE Kenmore, WA 98028 worry – we are still planning to offer a mail version to those that prefer it, but we believe the 425.823.9031 advantages of email are significant. It just excites me that we could see all Dave Emerson’s [email protected] photos in their true glory. If you feel strongly about this subject, I want to hear from you. Call, Membership Harry Reed email, or send me a letter. 8111 184th St SW Edmonds, WA 98026 I find it fascinating that every once in awhile I get the pleasure of talking to people who are [email protected] looking to sell their cars (it is one of the many benefits of being president of the club). Many Webmaster times they are selling the car of a family member who has passed on and left it to them. There Kim Christiansen 206.229.7725 are so many wonderful cars hidden out there in the world. I get great pleasure out of talking to [email protected] these folks and learning about them. I tell Kathy all the time, “I could have bought another Alfa today but I didn’t.” It is tempting, though! If you’re interested in hearing about these cars, let Iniezione Staff me know and I will put you on my “look what’s for sale email blast list” when I get these calls. Editor/Designer Cyndi Walker So, Valentine’s Day is coming – what are you doing for that special person in your life? Is it 3917 S. 326th Pl. Federal Way, WA 98001 flowers or a special night out? How about chocolate? That always seems to be a big hit. One 206.650.8146 option is to join us for our general meeting at Lombardi’s, where we will have some special [email protected]

Valentine treats for your lover. See you there! Copy Editor Amy Chadwick Enjoy the drive! 425.820.5363 [email protected]

Ciao Technical Editor Wes Ingram Fred 309 S. Cloverdale St #D-5 Seattle Wa 98108 206.938.2558 [email protected]

Production Editor Fred Russell [email protected] Continued on Page 3

 Club Liaisons Italian Car Club of British Columbia Meeting Time & Location Fritz Duernberger 604.988.7904 Society of Vintage Racing Tuesday, February 14th, 2006 - Lombardi’s, Issaquah, WA Enthusiasts (SOVREN) Steve Scheaffer 206.6789.9317 For directions visit http://www.lombardiscucina.com/MainPages/Locations/Issaquah.html Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Oregon Dan Sommers 503.649.6735 www.nwalfaclub.com The Iniezione is the monthly newsletter Interested in contributing of the Northwest Alfa Romeo Club, a non-profit organization of Alfa Romeo enthusiasts. NWARC is a regional chapter to the Iniezione? of the national Alfa Romeo Owners Club (AROC). Chapter meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month except Share your love of Alfa Romeos with your fellow NWARC members December. We are currently accepting articles, photo essays, how-to articles, travel stories and other pieces Membership dues are $63 per year, which on Alfa Romeo-related topics. Be a part of the club and spread the joy of Alfa Romeo ownership! includes subscriptions to the Iniezione and the national publication, Alfa Owner. Submission Guidelines For information about joining the club, contact the membership director, whose Please submit all articles and other content in Word format, and send to: submissions@ name appears on this page. NWAlfaClub.com. Photo submissions should be in either JPG or EPS format saved as high Deadline for the submission of articles or resolution (300 dpi). Remember to include your name, article title, and contact information with classified ads is the second Saturday of the month prior to the issue month. all submissions.

Opinions expressed in the Iniezione are Deadlines those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the club. Deadline for the submission of articles or classified ads is the second Saturday of the month prior to the issue month. Publication of articles describing techni- cal procedures does not constitute an endorsement by the club, its officers, or Questions? E-mail [email protected] AROC. It is the responsibility of the person performing any procedure to accept all consequences of his or her actions.

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2006 NWARC Calendar of Events A B R U Feb 25 (Sat) Bremerton Motor Park Performance School O L M C Mar 17 (Fri) Bremerton Motor Park Lapping Day E O

Mar 18 (Sat) Joe and Lynn Faherty’s St. Patrick’s Day Party

April 14–15 Defrost Kickoff at Pacific Raceways

April 18 (Sun) Pacific Raceways Lapping Day

May 13–14 Spring Sprints at Pacific Raceways

May 24 (Wed) Pacific Raceways Lapping Afternoon & Evening

May 27–28 Vintage Race Club of BC Historics at Mission Raceway

Jun 15 (Thurs) Bremerton Motor Park Lapping Day

June 30–July 2 Pacific Northwest Historics at Pacific Raceways

July 7–9 Portland Historic Races at Portland International Raceway

July 28 (Fri) Pacific Raceways Lapping Day

July 29–30 NW SCCA Regional at Bremerton Raceway

Aug 17 (Thurs) Pacific Raceways Lapping Day

Sept 2–4 Columbia River Classic Road Race at Portland International Raceway

Sept 14 (Thurs) Pacific Raceways Lapping Day

Sept 23–24 Fall Finale at Pacific Raceways

Sept 30 - Oct 1 Maryhill Loops Hill Climb at Maryhill, WA

Oct 15 (Sat) Pacific Raceways Lapping Day

Oct 29 (Sun) Bremerton Motor Park Novice School

Events in bold are SOVERN events

 INGRAM ENTERPRISES INC. 309 South Cloverdale Street #D-5 Seattle, Wa 98108 206.762.3931 Ingram Enterprises, world rebuilders of Spica fuel injection systems for 1969 through 1981 Alfas

Dave Emerson Photo • Spica Book • Vintage Alfa service • Mechanical fuel injection • Complete 4cyl engine rebuilding • Cylinder heads and cams • Performance connecting rods • Engine dyno service • 101,105 and 115 transmission rebuilding WWW.WESINGRAM.COM

 Alfa Romeo’s F1 Day in the Sun (Continued from Cover)

Gordon Murray’s version of a fan-car was not an easy undertaking. The engine compartment had to be airtight so that the fan only pulled air from under the car. He explained to the F1 rules committee that the fan was directly connected to the end of the gear box and was designed to cool the newly relocated radiators. The downforce was merely an added bonus. The rules committee accepted the fan-car as a legal improvement and granted the right to race.

The car appeared shortly thereafter at the Swedish Grand Prix. Protests were filed instantly by some of the other teams, including Colin Chapman. The car’s true design purpose was noticed in the pits before qualifying when Lauda was revving the motor. The car would literally squat in place. The car qualified in second place, and the Brabham-Alfa Romeo’s number-two car, driven by John Watson, qualified third at the same race. First place was taken by and his Lotus 79. 1970 Chaparral driven by

During the race, Andretti experienced engine problems, giving the lead to Lauda and his fan-car. The race officials took notice of the fan-car’s remarkable performance when another car on the track developed a massive oil leak. This oil spill required all the other competitors in the field to slow down significantly, especially in the turns. The fan-car, however, seemed to have no problem with the poor track conditions. By the time the race finished, Murray’s fan-car had a 34.6-second lead over the rest of the field. In an interview sometime later, Niki Lauda confessed that he and John Watson found it very difficult to hold the car back from its full potential. The team’s plan was to “sandbag” the car’s true ability in qualifying and in the first part of the race. The team knew that if they pushed the car to its full potential before the race started, it would be highly unlikely that they would be allowed to race.

The Brabham-Alfa BT46B fan-car never saw another race. Colin Chapman and a group of other race team owners protested the Colin Chapman inspects the Alfa Romeo fan-car; he later did some illustrations car. The F1 rules committee agreed that the Alfa Romeo fan-car of a Lotus with a twin fan in the rear clearly displayed an unfair advantage over the rest of the field. Niki Lauda and John Watson were still given the win and the points. Brabham-Alfa Romeo brought back the previously designed BT46C to the next race. Later on in the season, Lauda and Watson finished 1st and 2nd again at the . This win was very important to the team. The team’s performance impressed Alfa Romeo so much that the car manufacturer agreed to a new contract for next season.

 News & Special Events

Annual Chili Cook-off Mark Your Calendars Sunday, February 19th is the date set for an event which is one the oldest social traditions in the NWARC: the annual Chili Cook-off. This year, we will combine the chili contest with a fun-run '2/50 in Skagit and Whatcom Counties. So get out your wonderful little Alfas and start planning which -/4/230/243 chili recipe you will enter in the contest. All chili must be homemade, and as usual, we will have 3USPENSION3PECIALISTS a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner.

We will meet at 10.00 A.M. in the Haggen parking lot, just off the Burlington/Anacortes exit (#230) from I-5. We will distribute maps for the fun-run, and our first destination will be 3USPENSION5PGRADES

Fairhaven Park in Bellingham. When we arrive at the park pavilion, we will plug in our crock- N #OIL OVERKITS pots of wonderful chili and enjoy some social time and hot-spiced cider (no alcoholic beverages N 3HOCKSSWAYBARS allowed) while the judges sample the chili. The club will provide bowls, plastic silverware, N 0OLYBUSHINGS napkins & drinks. N #ORNERBALANCING

The second destination will be Ingram Enterprises at the Skagit Valley Regional Airport for a !LIGNMENTS sneak preview of the new shop. Don’t miss this really fun club event. "RAKE+ITS Alfa Romeo in the News From The Alfa Romeo Website (www.alfaromeo.com)

2002 Geneva Show The attraction of the automotive show was a concept car penned by Giorgio Guigiaro: the Alfa Brera. The 2+2 coupe conquered the public and the press at a glance.

Today, that prototype has become a production car. It is a car for connoisseurs; a car that can stir people’s emotions and offer maximum driving pleasure, a champion of refined styling and leading-edge technology.

A masterpiece of Italian design, the Alfa Brera has been awarded the most prestigious  "TH!VE7EST international recognition: 3EATTLE7!  WWWGROUPINCCOM • ‘Best of show’ at the 2002 Geneva Show • ‘Best of show’ in the Prototype class at the Villa d’Este Elegance Competition • ‘One of the most elegant in the world’ at the 2002 Challenge Bibendum • ‘The most fascinating car’ at the 2002 Super Car Paris to Monte Carlo Rally

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NWARC Club Member Profile A B R U O L Dave Kingstone M E O C What is your occupation? I’m an Airline Account Manager for a British aerospace company with offices in here in Redmond. What Alfas have you owned? A ’79 Alfetta GTV back in England during the mid 80s. I currently own a ’69 Giulia GTV racer “Alfie,” still in restoration, and an ’86 GTV6 used as a regular road & lapping car. I wanted to own the Alfa 156 rental that I had a couple of years ago. Other Italian vehicles? I think the above list is enough to prove my insanity. A slew of British grot boxes, plus a whole bunch of VW Golf GTIs (I think we’re on our fifth). Why Alfa Romeo? Why not? They look, drive and sound great, as well as having real personality. How long have you been a member of the NWARC or other Alfa clubs? Not certain, but I think formally since 1998. When and how did you first discover Alfa Romeo? A couple of chums back in England had 2.0 Alfetta GTVs. I thought they were really neat and pretty damn quick, compared to the likes of the TR7s, or Escort XR3s of that era. What was your first Alfa? When? When one of my chums decided to sell, I elected to take the plunge and took ownership of his metallic pale green Alfetta. It’s a color I have never seen here in the States. It really did go. I Dave Kingstone’s collection of Alfa Romeos. remember clocking 130 mph one night on the M25 in a moment of youthful exuberance. You could hear the twin Dellorto’s just sucking down the four star. Fortunately I didn’t get nicked. Do you have any Alfa horror stories? Never do this again. It was dumb to think that converting my ’69 GTV into a racer was going to be a quick, easy, and cheap botch job. I’m now four tears into a ground-up restoration. The car should finally be on the track for this season. Don’t ask how much it cost, I refuse to add up the receipts.

Some of the trackoids may remember me taking the GTV6 for an off-track excursion in the wet a few years ago at Bremerton. I braked too late going into turn 1 and, doing about 80-90 mph, spun at least three times going across the grass median, raising a spectacular rooster tail 30-40 feet high. The only problem was that with both windows wide open, the entire interior and the stupid driver were also thoroughly caked in mud, grass and water. Also, never do this again. What has been your most memorable Alfa Romeo–related moment? Getting home after the 2005 Potlatch very proud of what the Club had achieved, but mighty glad it was all over. Also, never do this again …. Well at least for a while.

Tracy & I being both honored and humbled when we were awarded NWARC Alfisti of the Year for 2005. Anything else you would like to share about yourself? Don’t mock the afflicted. My name is Dave Kingstone and I am an Alfaholic!

 Classified Ads

Attn: All Alfa Guys Wes Ingram is moving. The bad news is that Wes Ingram, the best SPICA pump man in the business and all-around supplier of Alfa services, is moving from his familiar southwest Seattle location. The good news is that he is just moving to Burlington, a 60-minute drive from Seattle. Wes’ services have been very important to many Alfa drivers. Side note: Wes’ Seattle shop is availalbe for any small racing team. You can reach Wes at (206) 762-3931, or (206) 501-7655. Email at [email protected]. For more information you can also visit Wes’ website: www.wesingram.com

For Sale: Snow Tires Two Sava studded snow tires (185/70-14) mounted on Milano steel rims. Used very little. Free. Located in Issauqah, mark@ mwra.com. 425-644-9660 x323. (9/05)

Interested in placing a classified ad? Send an email to [email protected] for more information

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NWARC Performance Driving School A B R U Bremerton Park - Saturday, February 25, 2006 O L M C The Performance Driving School is a step up from the Novice Drivers School. If you’ve ever wanted to bring your car Eto theO track for Lapping Days, but were afraid to because you did not have any track experience, then this is the school for you. Even if you have been to the track a few times, but are still a bit puzzled about how to improve your driving skills, or even just a bit rusty, then this is also the school is for you.

Reminder: If you want to drive at Pacific Raceways later in the year, then attendance at an NWARC Performance Driving School, and a Lapping Day at Bremerton, are now considered minimum prerequisites.

This school will focus on basic car handling and the physics involved, how to approach learning the correct line through any corner, how to slow down to drive faster, and much more. The morning will be spent on exercises that focus on specific aspects of driving and the afternoon will be spent using your newly learned skills on the full SCCA track. Instructors will be available to ride with you and coach you at each station.

Pre-registration cost is $100 per car, $120 for day-of-event registration. You must have a driver’s license to participate and will need to show it at registration. All prices include lunch. Please make sure that your car is in proper condition. Remember that although it will be inspected, you are still responsible for your car being safe. Arrive early. Gates open at 7:00 a.m. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. MANDATORY drivers’ meeting is at 8:30 a.m. For a ferry schedule, refer to the Washington State Ferries Web site at: www.wsdot. wa.gov/ ferries/schedules for the Southworth or Bremerton sailing times.

Please do some homework before the event: The NWARC website has a page of tips on improving driver safety, as well as a checklist for preparing yourself and your car before coming out to the driving school. Review this page before coming to class. Upon arrival at the track, clean everything out of your car (including mats) except the essentials, and bring a tarp and carry-all to transfer all your stuff into while you’re in class. Dress in layers! The weather can be iffy at this time of year. Bring plenty of drinking water. Required safety equipment:

• Snell 95 rated, or newer helmet; shatter-proof eye protection. There will be helmets available to rent at the track on a first-come- first-served basis.

• Non-synthetic clothing that extends from ankles, wrists and neck. Cotton Levi’s and a cotton long-sleeved shirt are considered minimum. Wear comfortable lace-up or slip-on shoes, no high heels or thick-soled platform shoes or clogs.

• We also require non-perforated leather gloves (garden type as a minimum), or Nomex racing gloves.

• Open cars must have securely mounted roll bar with a diagonal brace. If the roll bar is taller than the seated driver’s and passenger’s helmets, then a 3- or 5-point harness may be used. If the roll bar is not taller than the seated driver’s or passenger’s helmets, then a wavier must be signed acknowledging the risk and only a 3-point harness will be allowed. Final judgment on the acceptability of roll bars will be at the discretion of the Chief Technical inspector and the Track Master. Call us with any questions regarding this issue.

• 3-point seat belts are acceptable. No 2-point belts will be allowed. 2-point belts must be replaced by 5-point systems except as noted in item 2 above. For questions or to register, contact: Kathleen Edwards, 253-227-3953 cell / 253-631-7467 home ([email protected]) or Dave Kingstone at 425-823-9031 (dave. [email protected])

More information is available at the NWARC Web site: www.nwalfaclub.com

To get to Bremerton Raceways: Going north or south on Hwy 16 on the Kitsap Peninsula, take the Old Clifton Road exit. Head west on Old Clifton Road for about four miles. When you see the station, take a left towards the station, and then take an immediate right in front of the station. Follow this residential street to the end and you’re there! Obey posted speed limits.

10 Driving School Application Mail completed application with check payable to NWARC to: Kathleen Edwards, PO Box 568, Black Diamond, WA 98010. Please mark “Bremerton Performance School” on the envelope. To register using your Visa/ MasterCard call Kathleen at (253) 227- 3953 cell or, (253) 631-7467 home. You may also register via email to: [email protected]. Please provide the following information when emailing:

Name:______Address: ______

City:______State/Prov:______Zip Code: ______Phone: (______)______

Alternate phone: (_____)______e-mail:______Alfa Club member?______

Car Make:______Model:______Color:______Year:______

Track experience/skill level: ______R T H O W N E

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NW Alfa Romeo Club c/o Harry Reed 8111 184th St SW Edmonds, WA 98026