SummerBA 2009 YERISCHE BAYERISCHE BAYERISCHE

GENESEE VALLEY CHAPTER BMW CAR CLUB OF AMERICA

BMW Classic BMW AT THE 2009 MILLE MIGLIA pages 6-7 Genesee Valley Chapter BMW Car Club of America

Contents Summer 2009 Volume 53 • Issue II 4 • President’s Message Open meetings in Aug & Sept. 4 • Beemers Forty Years of BMW Motorcycle Production in Sponsors Berlin-Spandau Please support the advertisers who support us... 10 • News from National 2009 Membership Drive 12 • Pancake Run Annual Pancake Run 2009 Bavarian Autosport...... 17 13 • The Bimmer Boy Enjoying the local (car) culture Eksten Autoworks...... 22 while traveling abroad… ESCORT, Inc...... 18 17 • Calendar of Events 2009 Ultimate Driving Schools and more! Gault Auto Sport BMW...... 23 19 • Perspektive Racing in Crisis John Holtz BMW...... 3 20 • Autocross Coming into the 21 Century Towne BMW...... 22

der bayerische brief is a publication of the Genesee Valley Chapter, Inc., (GVC or The Club) a non-profit New York corporation and chapter of the BMW Car Club of America, Inc., and is not affiliated in any manner with Bayerische Motoren Werke AG or BMW NA. The Club assumes no responsibility for any of the information contained within. Ideas and technical information are solely those of the authors and no authentication is implied. Contributions from all members are welcomed and encouraged! Information contained within the newsletter is for The Club’s use and permission is granted to reproduce material only if GVC’s der BAYERISCHE brief is given credit. Credits: Images and text with Credits: Images and text with BMW have been BMW have been taken from the taken from the BMW Press Club web site. BMW Press Club web site. BMW Contacts Club Hotline 585-624-9890 Email [email protected] Web Site www.gvc-bmwcca.org PRESIDENT TREASURER EVENTS CHAIR Dave Lanni – Chief Instr & Instr Ad Rep MEMBERS AT LRG. Vince Leo Joe Burke Elaine Lanni Training Gene Skic Karl Hughes – Syracuse 585-732-5070 [email protected] 315-597-0064 315-579-0064 [email protected] 315-687-5799 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] REGISTRAR Jim Dresser – Registrar TOOLS & TECH ?S Robert Kraus – Buffalo VICE-PRESIDENT Jim Dresser AUTOCROSS CHAIR Joe Ajavon Dave Lanni 585-624-9890 Andy Blake 585-624-9890 716-631-9125 [email protected] 585-264-1102 [email protected] 315-597-0064 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] CLUB RACING Adrienne Hughes – Rochester EDITOR/ART DIRTR. DRIVER’S SCHOOL Roy Hopkins Seth Berlfein John Bulbulia 585-352-5938 585-352-5938 SECRETARY Bill O’Neill – Chairman [email protected] Bill O’Neill 315-524-3126 585-275-4023 607-533-7000 day [email protected] 585-275-4023 [email protected] William_ONeill@urmc. Marketing William_ONeill@urmc. rochester.edu rochester.edu CO-EDITOR Karla Kuzawinski Elaine Lanni [email protected] 315-597-0064 [email protected]

2 der bayerische brief

Message President’s

ere’s hoping that format! Please check the calendar in this cently why I withdrew from BMW club rac- Hyou all are hav- issue so that you don’t miss any upcom- ing, and the answer is simple... I’ve been ing a great summer! ing gatherings. See details for all events at with my 11 year old son, Michael, racing It’s hard to believe www.gvc-bmwcca.org . go-karts. In six short weeks I’ve watched that the year is half We’ll be having an open meet and him go from spinning like a top and get- over -- but there are greet get-together on the third Wednes- ting lapped twice in his first race – to lots more great GVC day in September at the Distillery on Win- him winning his first feature race – in a events still on our ton Road. That’s September 16 at ~6:30 downpour no less! Completely gratifying!! calendar. I want to pm. Just show up and find us in the bar Watching him earn his first win was bet- vince thank everyone who area. To all “old” members, please wear ter than anything I ever won on track. The worked hard to make a hat or T-shirt that will identify you as a torch has been passed! I want to publicly our Mosport drivers club member so that new members can thank Rick Hoyt and Jim Simpson for all LEO school a success – in find us. Check out our web site for details their set-up and kart racing advice. With- spite of the economy closer to these dates. out them, Mike would be stuck listening and our reworked On a personal note, I’ve been asked re- full time to me!

Forty Years of BMW Motorcycle Production in Berlin-Spandau unich/Berlin. BMW Plant Berlin, where the BMW Plant is today, Mwhere all BMW motorcycles are producing famous engines such built, now looks back at a tradition of as the Sh-14a radial power unit no less than forty years, with more than for the famous German Bücker 1,882,400 BMW motorcycles coming off 133c “Jungmeister” aerobatics the production lines to date. biplane. What started in 1969 with 400 em- In 1936 the Siemens Aircraft ployees and 30 units of the new BMW /5 Engine Plant was transformed model series built per day, had however into the independent company already contributed through efficient Brandenburgische Motoren production to the success of the BMW Werke GmbH, which also built Group in the three preceding decades. aircraft engines now under the name “Bramo”. In 1939 Bramo How it All Started – from Aircraft became part of BMW AG and served until the end of the war Engines to Motorcycles. Berlin-Spandau became a BMW AG as the production plant for BMW aircraft components for the BMW’s Main Plant in production plant back in 1939. Up to that engines including the nine-cylinder ra- Munich started in 1949 as the first step time the plant had belonged to Siemens dial power units for the legendary Junk- in gradually moving motorcycle pro- & Halske, which back then ers JU 52. duction from the River Isar in Munich to had built their new aircraft After the war the plant in Ber- the River Spree in Berlin. And as of 1958, engine production lin-Spandau – like other facto- BMW car components were also built to facility ries and production facilities an increasing extent in Berlin-Spandau. in Germany – was disman- tled by the Allies. But Motorcycle Production Moves in May 1945 some from Munich to Berlin. 100 employees When BMW’s managers in Munich at the plant were started to consider the option to move already producing motorcycle production from Munich various utensils for in the mid-60s due to the significant daily use, and after the increase in car production, Berlin with currency reform the Berlin its well-trained workforce was an obvi- Plant began to build tools ous choice. So in 1969 the Berlin Plant for BMW AG in Munich. started production of the all-new BMW Production of motorcycles /5 Series, a completely new design and 4 der bayerische brief BMW Motorcycle construction following a modular prin- in January 1975, the famous BMW Boxer ciple all the way from the suspension to flat-twins reaching a new level of devel- the flat-twin power unit. opment just one year later marked by BMW Motorrad started out back then the introduction of the /7 model series. with three new models in the market: Apart from the R 60/7 and the R 75/7, the 32-hp R 50/5 intended especially BMW Motorrad also introduces the R for the authorities such as the police, 100/7, living up to the general trend to the R 60/5 very popular among touring build larger motorcycles with a full litre riders with its 42-hp power unit, and, engine capacity. And launching the R ultimately, the R 75/5 featuring a 50-hp 100 RS, BMW also presents the world’s flat-twin for sporting riding dynamics, a first production motorcycle with full top speed of 175 km/h or 109 mph, and fairing able to reach a top speed of 200 outstanding sales success in the interna- km/h or 124 mph with its 70-hp power tional market. unit while at the same time offering pro- in numerous features and, as a particu- With the motorcycle – which, in the tection from wind and weather never lar highlight, the legendary BMW R 90 1960s, had been almost forced out of seen before. S, were presented on the occasion of the market by the automobile – starting This new model series again achieved the 50th anniversary of BMW Motor- to re-gain popularity in the early 1970s, outstanding success in sales, making it rad in autumn 1973. Displacing 898 cc, production figures at BMW Plant Berlin imperative to enlarge the Plant in Ber- the flat-twin power unit featured in this began to increase rapidly. In 1970 no less lin-Spandau. A new Assembly Hall was most powerful BMW by far delivered than 12,287 units came off the produc- therefore built to expand the produc- maximum output of 67 hp, sufficient for tion line and by July 1973, when the /5 tion facilities, construction work starting a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) and model series reached the end of pro- in a symbolic ceremony in the presence very sporting riding dynamics, without duction, a significant volume of 68,956 of Walter Scheel, at the time the Presi- missing out on the all-round and tour- motorcycles had left the Berlin Plant, dent of the Federal Republic of Germa- ing qualities so typical of a BMW. production increasing five-fold within ny. The purpose of the DM 200-million just three years. Another highlight cel- investment is to build up to 60,000 BMW ebrated at the time was the completion Rapid Growth – from 0 to 100,000 motorcycles a year in Berlin-Spandau of the 500,000th BMW motorcycle in the in Six Years. from now on, creating new jobs in the history of the Company. The 100,000th BMW built in Berlin- process. The new /6 model series upgraded Spandau comes off the production line 40 YEARS cont’d on p8 ➤ der bayerische brief 5 From the museum to the road: BMW Classic at the

2009 Mille Miglia Munich. Munich/Brescia. BMW and the Mille Miglia are united No. 74 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Coupé ( Andrea Castronovo / by a shared history that goes back a long way. The triumphs Kristian Ghedina) of the BMW 328 are as inseparably linked with this 1,000-mile No. 75 BMW 328 Berlin-Rome Touring Roadster (Ian Robertson / race as the winning appearance of the BMW 507 in the late Charles Lord March) 1950s. 2009 sees BMW Classic writing a further chapter of this No.76 BMW 328 (Dr. Friedrich Eichiner / Dieter Pfundt) historic narrative. An icon of BMW racing history, normally only No. 77 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster (Heinrich Lingner / on view at the BMW Museum, has been rendered raceworthy Karl Baumer) again especially for this year’s Mille Miglia: the BMW 328 Mille No. 78 BMW 328 (Michael Schröder / Daniel Kiess) Miglia Touring Coupé, overall winner of the 1940 event. “On No. 365 BMW 507 (Reiner Löslein / Marcel Botterweck) the one hand we want to express the high regard in which we hold the Mille Miglia,” says Karl Baumer, head of BMW Classic, “and on the other our aim is to show that the BMW Museum BMW 328 Berlin-Rome Touring Roadster is no dead-end street, but that we also put historic vehicles In the hope of competing in the Berlin-Rome race sched- back on the road for special occasions.” Visitors to the Museum uled for 1941, Germany’s National Sports Authority had three need not miss out on the legendary racing coupé: during its existing BMW Roadsters fitted with more advanced aerody- absence a faithfully reproduced replica will be standing in for namic roadster bodies by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. What the original. ultimately emerged were racing cars that boasted an out- As well as the Touring Coupé, several BMW 328 produc- standingly good drag coefficient for the time. The events of tion models will be sent out onto the roads between Rome and the Second World War, however, put paid to any further motor Brescia, along with a range of BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadsters racing events with German involvement. and a BMW 328 Berlin-Rome Roadster. The youngest BMW to Year of construction 1937 chassis, 1941 body make the journey from Munich to Italy will be a BMW 507 built Engine 6-cylinder in-line in 1957. In all, nine works cars will be lining up at the start of Displacement 1971 cc this year’s Mille Miglia, with seven further teams bearing the Bore x Stroke 66 x 96 mm blue and white logo also expected in Brescia. Power output 136 bhp at 6000 rpm The teams: Gearbox 4-speed No. 71 BMW 328 (Prinz Leopold von Bayern / Peter Lovett) Brakes Alfin drums, vented brake back plates No. 72 BMW 328 (Ulrich Knieps / Dr. Hans Hamer) Weight 780 kg No. 73 BMW 328 (Maximilian Schöberl / Jürgen von Kuczkowski) Max. speed 200 km/h (125 mph)

6 der bayerische brief BMW 328 Year of construction 1940 The 328 Roadster, developed in 1935/36, is one of the leg- Engine 6-cylinder in-line ends of automobile history. Although only modest facilities Displacement 1971 cc were available, the result was a sports car of most attractive Bore x Stroke 66 x 96 mm appearance that soon dominated the two-litre class. Modified Power output 130 bhp at 5750 rpm competition versions won their classes at Le Mans and in the Gearbox 4-speed Mille Miglia. Of the 464 cars that were built, 403 had the stan- Brakes Alfin drums, vented brake, back plates dard roadster body, the remaining chassis being used for racing Weight 700 kg versions or special bodywork ordered by customers. Max. speed 200 km/h (125 mph) Construction period 1936 - 1940 Quantity 464 BMW 507 Engine Six-cylinder in-line The BMW 507 roadster was launched at the 1955 Frank- Displacement 1971 cc furt Motor Show. BMW had succeeded in creating one of the Bore x Stroke 66 x 96 mm most beautiful sports cars of all time. The car was based on Power output 80 bhp at 4500 rpm the technology of the 3.2 litre 502 saloon but with the power Transmission Four-speed, central shift output increased to 150 bhp. The 507 was built to a design cre- Front brakes Hydraulic drum brakes ated by Albrecht Graf Goertz, a colleague of Raymond Loewy. Rear brakes Hydraulic drum brakes This sports car, available with three different rear-axle trans- Dimensions 3900 x 1550 x 1400 mm mission ratios and a range of top speeds between 190 and 220 Unladen weight 780 kg km/h, worked wonders for the image of Bayerische Motoren Max. speed 155 km/h Werke. Almost all BMW 507s, in many cases bought originally by international celebrities, are still on the road today. Two of BMW 328 Touring Coupé them have special bodies. The company Touring in Milan built a particularly light- Year of construction 1957 weight “superleggera” coupé body on the BMW 328 chassis for Quantity 251 (1956 - 1959) use in fast long-distance races. The improved aerodynamics Engine Eight-cylinder V-engine were intended to achieve much higher speeds. The car was first Displacement 3168 cc used in June 1939 in the 24-hour race at Le Mans. Max Prinz zu Bore x Stroke 82 x 75 mm Schaumburg-Lippe and Hans Wencher won the 2-litre sports- Power output 150 bhp at 5000 rpm car class in a new record time and came 5th in the overall plac- Transmission Four-speed, central shift ings. In April 1940, the car driven by Fritz Huschke von Hanstein Front brakes Hydraulic duplex brakes with servo and Walter Bäumer won a commanding overall victory in the Rear brakes Hydraulic simplex brakes with servo Mille Miglia. Successes and the overall concept make this ve- Dimensions 4380 x 1650 x 1260 mm hicle a unique racing legend. Unladen weight 1220 kg Year of construction 1939 Max. speed 205 km/h Engine Six-cylinder in-line Displacement 1971 cc BMW and the Mille Miglia: triumphs for eternity Bore x Stroke 66 x 96 mm The name says it all, and it has a legendary resonance: Power output 136 bhp at 6000 rpm Mille Miglia. From its inception, this road trial covering 1,000 Gearbox Four-speed miles was considered the ultimate challenge for drivers and Brakes Alfin drums, vented brake, back plates cars alike. Those who stayed the course in the Mille Miglia Weight 780 kg proved not only their competitiveness in motor sports but Max. speed 220 km/h (137 mph) also their automotive engineering prowess. Between 1927 and 1957, the Mille Miglia was staged 24 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster times in northern Italy. It was a spectacular event for many For lack of time, two of the three BMW 328 Roadster mod- thousands of motor sport fans and a perfect stage for race els scheduled to compete in the 1st Gran Premio Brescia delle drivers such as Tazio Nuvolari, Stirling Moss, Rudolf Caracciola, Mille Miglia of 1940 had their bodywork built not in Munich, Juan Manuel Fangio and Fritz Huschke von Hanstein. But the but by coachbuilders Touring of Milan on the basis of BMW Mille Miglia was also a crucial trial of strength for car manufac- designs. Like the BMW 328 Coupé, this aerodynamically ad- turers. The legendary event celebrated its revival in 1977 and, vanced, ultra-lightweight body consisted of a tubular space as a reliability trial for historic vehicles, has kept alive the spirit frame with an aluminium skin. The team behind the wheel of classic car racing ever since. In 1925 four young men from of this car comprised Willy Briem and Uli Richter, who pro- Brescia, as wealthy as they were enthusiastic about motor rac- pelled it to an outstanding fifth place overall in the 1940 Mille ing, had resolved to turn their home town into a hub of motor Miglia and thus played a key role in securing the team prize for sports. Two years later they saw their plans come to fruition. BMW. MILLE MIGLIA cont’d on p9 ➤ der bayerische brief 7 40 YEARS from p5 ➤ BMW Monolever on the rear wheel. The ABS technology. biggest enduro motorcycle at its time in To an increasing extent BMW In 1978 BMW Motorrad again enlarges terms of engine size soon sets the foun- motorcycles not only have an excellent its model range through the introduc- dation for a brand-new segment in the reputation worldwide in terms of tion of the R 100 RT, a full-fairing motor- market, the large-capacity Grand Tour- quality, riding dynamics and comfort, cycle closely related to the R 100 RS, but ing Enduro. but also make a substantial contribution focusing fully on the needs of the tour- Yet a further milestone in the his- to the image of the BMW brand. ing rider in terms of aerodynamics, ergo- tory of BMW Plant Berlin-Spandau is Many celebrities enjoy Sheer Riding nomics and comfort. At the same time the introduction of the new BMW K Se- Pleasure on a BMW, US actor Peter the so-called “small Boxer Series” makes ries with its water-cooled straight-four Fonda, for example, very well known its entry into the market in the guise of power unit fitted flat within the frame to motorcyclists at the latest after his the R 45 and the R 65, once again boost- and featuring fuel injection for the first famous film Easy Rider, visiting the BMW ing both production and sales figures. time. This new machine also marks the Plant in Berlin on 23 February 1990 on The BMW Motorcycle Plant in Berlin- start of the new Assembly Line and the the occasion of his 50th birthday. Spandau also helps to use synergies new Machining Shop, a DM 500-million within the BMW Group, taking over the investment serving to integrate mod- production of brake discs for BMW cars Reaching Seven Digits in 1992 – ern industrial production facilities in the in 1979 as another major activity. the 1,000,000th BMW Comes off buildings protected by the government the Production Line as national monuments. Just one year later the 1,000,000th BMW Motorcycles from Berlin- Seeking for ongoing innovation in Spandau – Innovation in BMW motorcycle comes off the produc- technology, BMW Motorrad subse- tion line in Berlin-Spandau, with the pro- Technology and Superior Quality quently launches the BMW K1 in 1988, duction of BMW motorcycles in Berlin in The 250,000th BMW motorcycle built a truly outstanding machine offering a the course of the last 22 years now ex- in Berlin comes off the production line whole range of highlights in technol- ceeding the mark of 500,000 units. in 1980 – a special machine built for the ogy. This is the first production motor- The introduction of a fundamentally palace motorcycle escort of King Hus- cycle from BMW to feature four valves new design and construction principle sein of Jordan. In the same year Rolf Wit- per cylinder, maximum output of 100 hp following the concept and configuration thöft brings home the European Offroad and sophisticated aerodynamics provid- typical of BMW marks the 70th birthday Championship on an 800-cc BMW, and ing a top speed of 240 km/h or 149 mph. of the BMW Boxer in 1993, the 90-hp shortly thereafter the R 80 G/S makes The most important feature, however, is BMW R 1100 RS making its debut with its debut with relatively modest 50 hp the introduction of ABS anti-lock brakes a top speed of 215 km/h (133 mph) and engine output. Combining innovative for the first time ever on a motorcycle full fairing to the benefit of the rider. The suspension technology weighing as a world-first achieve- flat-twin power unit now comes with just 186 kg or 410 lb, the R 80 ment. To this day, in fact, chain-driven crankshafts positioned G/S offers outstanding quali- BMW Motorrad remains half-way up the engine, four valves per ties not only in offroad rid- the leader in riding safety cylinder, and fuel injection. To this day ing, but also in everyday also through the use of this construction principle sets the foun- use and as an ideal part- sophisticated dation for all BMW Boxers. ner on motorcycle tours. A particular in- novation hitting the headlines at the time is the single swinging arm or

8 der bayerische brief The R 1100 RS also introduces out- follow in future. MILLE MIGLIA from p7 ➤ standing innovations in terms of its sus- Riding pleasure, quality and the im- Henceforth, the start and finish line in pension and running gear, becoming age of BMW motorcycles remain appeal- Brescia would take on a carnival atmo- the world’s first production motorcycle ing to celebrities everywhere, German sphere, with the drivers and their auto- to feature the Telelever, a ball-joint lon- actor Götz George, to this day a passion- mobiles enthusiastically celebrated by gitudinal arm fork separating the spring/ ate BMW motorcycle rider, visiting BMW the numerous spectators who flocked damping functions, on the one hand, motorcycle production in his home city there. from the process of wheel guidance, on Berlin in the late ‘90s. the other, and thus clearly standing out ach year racing fever spread through- from the conventional telescopic fork. Focusing on the Future – Eout the land – and not only because Indeed, this opens up a new dimension Innovations and Investments. the cars that dominated the event were in terms of response and smooth han- With the success of BMW Motorrad initially of Italian manufacture. dling, at the same time ensuring very and BMW Plant Berlin continuing un- The first Mille Miglia led through well-balanced brake performance with abated, the foundation stone for a new Bologna and Florence to Rome, and automatic anti-dive. Production Hall, Building 7 completed from there through Ancona, Ferrara, The new Boxer series again proves just two years later, is laid in May 2001. In Treviso and Vicenza back to Brescia. In highly successful, BMW Motorrad build- all BMW invests Euro 280 million in the subsequent years the route also went ing and selling more than 50,000 motor- new Assembly Hall, an automated Paint- over unsurfaced roads and through nar- cycles for the first time in 1995. A large shop and new machining facilities from row village streets. It was a tough test number of these machines are BMW 1999 – 2003, thus making a clear com- for drivers and vehicles alike, creating a GS models consistently developed not mitment to the Berlin-Spandau Plant as unique atmosphere in which man and only in technical terms since their intro- the Group’s motorcycle production fa- machine were constantly driven to their duction in 1980 and therefore acknowl- cility. A BMW R 1100 RT for the Red Cross physical limits. Its critics were deeply edged the world over as “the” grand comes off the production line in the concerned about safety, and their fears touring enduro. same year as the 500,000th BMW with were tragically vindicated in 1938 when The last BMW with the “old” flat-twin ABS anti-lock brakes. ten people died in a terrible accident engine comes off the production line In the years to come, not only mo- near Bologna. This tragedy prompted in 1996, the R 80 GS Basic concluding torcycles, but also production condi- the Italian government to impose an im- the highly successful chapter of BMW’s tions continue to shape the destiny of mediate ban on racing events on public two-valve Boxers after 27 years of BMW Plant Berlin. A new, environmen- roads. production. tally friendly Paintshop, for example, Just two years later, the rally was is opened in 2004, followed by the in- replaced by the 1st Gran Premio Brescia Always a Step Ahead – also in troduction of environmentally-friendly delle Mille Miglia. Once again the course Terms of Quality of Work and one-way and recyclable motorcycle covered 1,000 miles, but this time it ran along paved roads in the city triangle Environmental Protection. packaging just one year later. between Brescia, Cremona and Mantua. The innovative power and clear focus The first version of BMW Motorrad’s Competitors drove around the course on the future of BMW Motorrad is not new, fourth model series – the F 800 nine times, while spectators got to know limited to the Company’s two-wheel GS – comes off the production line for not only a new route but also an entirely products alone. On the contrary, quality the first time in 2006, featuring a water- new triumphant car. of work and environmental protection cooled straight-two power unit (the par- For many years the 8-cylinder bo- are likewise indispensable parts of the allel-twin) and setting the foundation for lides from Alfa Romeo had dominated Company’s philosophy. So it is no sur- future models with this drive concept. the Mille Miglia with their supercharged prise that in 1997 BMW Plant Berlin is ac- Also in 2006 BMW Plant Berlin for engines that produced up to 360 hp. knowledged as the first motorcycle plant the first time builds more than 100,000 Only in 1931 did Rudolf Caracciola man- in the world to fulfil the international BMW motorcycles within one calendar age to halt the Italians’ winning streak standards for labour and environmen- year – and the introduction of hydro- in a powerful, supercharged Mercedes tal management, after having switched clear water-based paint in 2008 again SSKL. But then a new kind of sports car over the in-house supply of energy from confirms the clear commitment of the appeared on Europe’s racing circuits: oil to gas just one year before. BMW Motorcycle Plant to the cause of the BMW 328, actually a rather delicate With the F 650 GS, BMW Motorrad in- environmental protection. vehicle when compared to its competi- troduces its third model series in 1999, The 500,000 BMW bearing the famous tors, with its 2-litre engine and a modest supplementing the Boxer and the K Se- model designation “GS”, a BMW R 1200 GS, output of 80 hp. This small 2-litre-class ries. In all the Company invests DM 4.5 comes off the production line on 12 May roadster won the Mille Miglia in 1938, million in the expansion of the new As- 2009, with production of the new BMW S enabling BMW’s breakthrough. But the sembly Line for this single-cylinder built 1000 RR, the first supersports from BMW truly great triumph followed in 1940 in Berlin-Spandau, with more models to Motorrad, also starting this year. MILLE MIGLIA cont’d on p16 ➤ der bayerische brief 9 News from National Greetings from Greenville! The early-bird reservation discount ends Congratulate your chapter officers for the Once again, we have some August 2, 2009. There is still hotel space great job they’ve done. Acknowledge the new items this month—along availability at the Holiday Inn Express meaningful friendships you have devel- with a few you’ve already seen; at Chateau Élan (770 867-8100), located oped through BMW CCA. Remember that we left the current events in! across from the main gates of Chateau special BMW CCA friend who may or may Let’s start with some news: Élan Winery and Resort in Braselton, not be with us anymore. GA. Group rates are valid for booking If you or someone you know would Allegheny Chapter shines from May 5 through September 14. You like to participate in this exciting op- at Pittsburgh Vintage can proceed directly to the registration portunity, please call Linda Axelson at Grand Prix desk by using this URL: http://tinyurl. (864)250-0022 or e-mail lindaa@bmwcca. The Pittsburgh Vin- com/2009hotel or call 1-888-HOLIDAY org tage Grand Prix is a unique (888 465-4329). Use Group Code BMW. event hosted annually in Pitts- Please make your reservations as soon as 2009 BMW CCA Car-Of-Your-Dreams burgh’s Schenley Park—a ven- possible! Raffle ue that allows vintage autos Michelin will sponsor the Gymkhana The raffle has only one month to of all makes to race through at the Performance Center in Spartan- go! If you haven’t been to the website the park’s tree-lined streets. burg. BMW will be furnishing X5s for Club recently, stop by and click on the Car-Of- BMW was this year’s featured members to romp through the course Your-Dreams Raffle Link: www.bmwcca- marque, and the Allegheny utilizing BMWs motorcycle-training area raffle.org. From there you can even buy Chapter made the most of in the rear of the facility. The topography your tickets online—for a chance at the their opportunity to highlight is hilly, curvy, and bumpy; it undulates to car of your dreams! Our Grand Prize is all things BMW! The event be- the left and right, and should significantly your choice of any BMW up to an MSRP of gan with a BMW Club race at challenge your driving skills. The Sand- $102,100. (What a coincidence! That’s the BeaveRun and continued over lapper Chapter will be your host for this price of a new M6!) ten days with shows, dinners, fun-filled event. The First Prize is your choice of any receptions, driving tours, and Thursday and Friday driving schools BMW up to a total MSRP of $66,650. Then, finally the races, corral, and are full, but the Wednesday school still depending on the number of tickets sold, concours in Schenley Park. has some slots available. The Saturday/ we will likely award several Main Prizes— Nearly 300 BMWs Sunday driving school is only available to any BMW up to an MSRP of $42,000. (BMW crowned “German Hill” at the BMW CCA/ students with previous Road Atlanta ex- 135i, anyone?!) As always, only BMW CCA Allegheny Chapter Corral, and 46 cars perience. members—including associates—are eli- were entered in the concours. BMW CCA We still have room for more compa- gible to purchase tickets and win prizes. and Vintage Club members brought his- nies and organizations who would like You must be a member in good standing toric BMWs dating back to the 1930s for the opportunity to display their wares to as of 5:00 p.m. EDT, Friday, August 31, display and racing. Scott Hughes took a special national audience: the BMW CCA 2009, to qualify to purchase tickets. The third place overall in the Schenley Park nation. If you know anyone who fits the maximum number of tickets available for BMW races; a veteran Club racer—in description, please contact Linda Axelson purchase will be ten (10) per valid mem- fact, Hughes invented BMW CCA Club at 864-250-0022 or by e-mail at lindaa@ bership. Tickets are available for purchase Racing!—Scott drove his 1974 CSL, a car bmwcca.org. on our website. that won its class at Le Mans and is one of A reminder: Our dedicated The annual raffle is one of our most only sixteen remaining today. Oktoberfest website — http://www. popular programs. Chapters may pro- Huge thanks to the officers and vol- bmwccaofest.org — is the best and mote the raffle and take advantage of it unteers of the Allegheny Chapter for their fastest way to learn everything about as a recruitment opportunity! outstanding performance organizing this outstanding event. Official O’Fest and sustaining a ten-day event. We are 2009 merchandise is now available on- Central Cal stages West Coast happy to report that all friendships and line for purchase. Sign up today! Come and experience Fall in the South as we Concours at Monterey marriages that existed prior to the event To kick off the Monterey Historics celebrate our 40th anniversary. Y’all be continue to this day—and Liberty Mutual weekend, the Central California Chap- glad you did—we guarantee it! and BMW CCA were pleased to be among ter of BMW CCA will host the BMW CCA the sponsors of this one-of-a-kind event. West Coast Summer Concours on Friday, O’Fest 2009 Souvenir Program August 14, in the Monterey-Carmel Valley Oktoberfest 2009: Early-bird Ad Space area. Sponsored by Liberty Mutual and registration discount ends Would you like to place an ad in the BMW CCA, this event will cover the splen- this week! O’Fest Souvenir Journal? Now you can! did lawns of the Rancho Canada Golf Oktoberfest registration is still run- Take out an ad to wish someone well on Course, located on Carmel Valley road ning ahead of last year’s at the same time. their first driving event at Road Atlanta. just east of historic California Highway 1. 10 der bayerische brief This event will be limited to two the event both on track, in the open pad- 4:00 p.m. EDT. If you are driving to O’Fest hundred cars in judging competition, dock, and during the prestigious Sunday on Sunday, make a detour and stop by the but will include a parking corral area for in the Park Automotive Extravaganza. office; they would love to give you a tour those registered but not participating Sunday in the Park has evolved from of their new home. in the concours competition. The Sum- what was essentially considered a local The Foundation recently moved into mer Concours site is also a perfect loca- car show 27 years ago into a car-show- a new facility located just a couple of miles tion for a picnic lunch, and attendees are and-concours extravaganza devoted to off I-85 in Greenville, SC. Foundation cu- encouraged to bring their own baskets. automotive beauty, history, and diversity. rator Michael Mitchell says, “We not only Additional attractions may include wine- The park will be engulfed with interesting have room to display and grow our ar- tasting, a silent auction for a local charity, vintage and historic sports cars, classics, chives, but we can also display a car.” Cur- and several guest speakers and celebrity customs and hot rods, woodies, trucks, rently they have the Ray Korman E30 M3 judges. There will be additional vendors racing cars, and motorcycles. There will (serial number 001) on loan. Additionally, and displays on site. For additional infor- also be marque car-club groupings in- CCA members can view a trailer—made mation, please contact Wayne Wundram cluding Morgan, celebrating their 100th from the rear end of a 2002tii—which is at [email protected] or visit www.cccb- anniversary, Porsche, BMW, Corvette, and permanently displayed at the office. mwcca.org. Aston Martin. All of this makes for a won- Please note: The Foundation of- derful day out in the scenic green valley fice will not be open during the week of BMW Festorics set for Monterey of Lime Rock Park. O’Fest , as the staff will be at O’Fest and Historics you can visit with them there. If you have The Golden Gate Chapter’s event at Here are the special BMW CCA anything you want to donate to the Foun- the Monterey Historic Races—the BMW details! dation—books, brochures, magazines, or Festorics—is perhaps the most significant BMW CCA North Central Region just about anything automotive- or mo- of all their events, celebrating the mys- Chapters will be assisting with a special torcycle-related—bring it with you to the tique of BMW and our appreciation for BMW Corral this year, which will feature open house. Please RSVP by September the marque. Set for August 14–16, the Fe- parade laps on Saturday. To get discount 15—and feel to contact Michael Mitchell storics features a two-day parking corral tickets, make sure you enter the BMW if you have any questions. with hospitality tents overlooking Lagu- special code—2009BMW—when you If you would like to donate any auto- na Seca’s Turn Five—the slightly banked place your order. The parade size will be motive or motorcycle-related materials left-hander that can be taken without limited, so if you want to participate or to the Foundation, now is the time. Bring lifting, if your nerve is up. The Festorics have questions, please e-mail Paul Ngai them with you on the trip, and save on package includes the opportunity to buy New Jersey Chapter at with your name, shipping. Contact Michael Mitchell for corral tickets, lunch tickets, a special BMW CCA number, and chapter name. There further details: mmitchell@bmwccafoun- banquet ticket, and even tickets to the will also be special BMW display parking dation.org. Monterey Historic Races themselves—all on the track during Sunday’s car show. from one convenient source! Ticket costs: Weekend $80/per per- 2010 Chapter Congress set But the corral at the track is only son, Saturday/Monday $35/per person for Dallas one attraction. Don’t miss the BMW ban- (10% discount with the Special BMW The next Congress will be in Dallas quet, or the insiders’ tour of the whole Code.) When ordering tickets on the LRP on March 5-7, 2010 at the Westin DFW. Monterey Historics weekend. It’s an affair website (tickets.limerock.com/event- Each chapter will be invited to send three you won’t want to miss! performances.asp?evt=13), after clicking members to the Congress with airfare and “Tickets,” you need to scroll down and lodging paid for by the Club. The meeting BMW Corral set for Labor Day Lime click on to “Vintage Festival Corrals.” That will focus on leadership development, Rock Vintage Fest will show a box for the BMW Special Code. long-term planning, and recruitment. At Members in the North Central Region Sunday in the Park has a $20-per-person this time the agenda remains partially are inviting all of BMW CCA to participate track admission charge, but there’s no open; chapter presidents will be surveyed in their corral at Lime Rock Park during the charge this year to enter the car show. for topics of interest to fill in the blanks. Rolex Vintage Festival, September 4–7, 2009. As the event website says: “There BMW CCA Foundation open house Hey, Frank! When are you going to is nothing like the perfect late-summer set for September lay off the e-mails?! afternoons that the Northwest corner of Are you looking for something to Some members have questioned Connecticut produces, and with a breath- do on Sunday, September 27, following the volume of e-mails we’ve sent from taking collection of cars that take to the the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta? Well, the National Office recently, promoting track, there is no better way to spend now you have something to do between our affinity credit card, the roadside - as Labor Day weekend.” Fans discover the the race and Oktoberfest! The BMW CCA sistance program, HPDE insurance, Lib- glamour, glory, and style of historic and Foundation will hold an open house that erty Mutual, and other member benefits. vintage sports cars as they claim focus of day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and NATIONAL cont’d on p14➤ der bayerische brief 11 annual

pancakeby Mel Dilion run The day before was cold, wet, snowy and miserable. Not pressed when we turned onto the last leg of the journey only good portents for what was to take place the next morning. to encounter snow on both sides of the road from the previ- But, thirty souls with faith in the weather forecast put aside ously mentioned foul weather. their concerns and braved a brisk Sunday morning for the an- This year the queue outside the Inn was short and I don’t nual pancake run. think we took twenty minutes from arrival to being seated at a Good to meet the Wrights from Ontario who started out on table. Much nicer then the years when we have stood outside Saturday in their beautiful 6 series only to be turned back by in the blowing snow for some period of time. That’s for certain. snow. We had members and non-members alike from directly But then again, maybe they knew we were coming? LOL. The across the big pond ( Lake Ontario ), the Syracuse area, Buffalo short wait did cut down on the time spent chatting up other and several points in between. A couple of the Western New participants while waiting, which was missed. York MINI club members joined us this year also. Made for quite Afterwards several cars made a scenic tour through Letch- a conga line as we snaked our way down to the Maple Tree Inn. worth park while the rest headed back to Rochester and other The drive was beautifully sunny; the roads were clear except parts. This was one of the biggest turnouts we have had in a for some road kill encountered half way there. It was a picture while. Let’s hope for more good weather and more attendees perfect run, other than the general anxiety several drivers ex- next year.

12 der bayerische brief ack in March I had planned out a piece to Germany, in Bavaria. I suppose a week any- despite the great physical toll, it was indeed Bwrite for this space, about a great road time in Germany is always better than So- a fun ride and an excellent way to see Ger- in southern California. I was headed for a Cal in March, especially since it would be my many. One very cool aspect was pausing on business trip to Palm Springs, and, while first trip to the nation that bore our beloved an overpass over an unrestricted straight looking for extra-curricular activities, I saw BMWs. section of Autobahn. The sound alone of California Route 74 on the map nearby. That was the plan. Instead (yes, this is in- the cars whooshing by at high speed is not The road heads south out of Palm Desert, tentional repetition), three days before de- something I’ll forget. through the San Bernardino National For- parting for Munich, the seminar organizer During the other half of the weekend we est, and forms the Pines to Palms Highway. I was called away for an emergency meeting went to Austria to visit a hydropower plant counted no fewer than 25 curves or so in the on another topic – so Germany was put on (I work for a hydropower com- first 15 miles, and if nothing else would pro- hold, and it seemed my work travel-luck pany) high in the mountains vide some great views of the desert valley. had run out. (where even in May, I saw BMWs The fact that I’d be in some econo-rental car But then, the Bavarian seminar was re- wearing Nokian tires because was out of my control. scheduled for mid-May – no small feat to of the ever-present snow), and That was the plan. Instead, five days be- quickly find free time among people travel- during the trip I got to ‘car- fore I was set to leave, and escape the north- ing from around the world: Austria, Brazil, watch,’ -- one of my favorite east in late winter for the dry, hot weather of China, Germany, India, and the USA. I didn’t activities. There are few better southern California, it was decided I needed really trust that I was going, though, until places to get a great view of a to stay in York and work on a different proj- the airplane wheels lifted off from Philadel- multitude of cool cars going ect rather than travel to the conference. So phia. And the plane’s two-hour departure quickly than on a tour bus driv- I’m still assuming that the road is fun, and delay added to my belief I still wasn’t going ing three hours on German and I’m keeping it marked for a trip…sometime. to Germany. Austrian Autobahns. The best In the meantime, I put away my sun- But I did go, I’m back, and I loved it! The were Porsches coming from a screen and flip-flops and got ready for an- business aspect was good of course, but I Carrera Cup race: one 911 that other business trip in April – this time to my managed to work in some extra fun during went by with such fury in the company’s headquarters in Heidenheim, my weekend. I got to see much of the coun- opposite direction that I only tryside on a 25 kilometer had time to make out its shape mountain bike ride with and nothing else, and the Audi some colleagues (and R8 that simply blew the bus this was the “easy trip,” away with a glorious roar. Of according to our leader, course there were plenty of Boy Bimmer The since we were mountain home-grown BMWs to be seen, biking novices). I admit, too. for the first hour or so, I I did not find the Heidenheim thought about how I’d 2002 Turbo I met in Hershey a LABARCA much rather be blasting few years ago, but I’m holding down the country roads out hope that I’ll see it next in something propelled time. My peers at work already

by a straight six with a know of me by now: “Have lust russell roundel on the hood. But for German cars, will travel!” der bayerische brief 13 NATIONAL cont’d from p11➤ Of course, if our membership num- “our” club will do more to increase our Is this e-mail really necessary, you ask— bers were higher, we might not need ranks than anything else. and I have to tell you the simple answer is such support. How about making a mid- To encourage members to help the yes. Each of these programs has brought year resolution? We all know of a few Club grow, we hold an annual member- much-needed dollars into the Club cof- BMW drivers who don’t know about the ship drive with meaningful rewards. fers; this allows us all to enjoy Roundel, Club; why not make it a personal resolu- The membership drive for 2009 runs Oktoberfest, Chapter Congresses, and tion to recruit just one new member this from Feb. 19, 2009 though Dec 17, 2009. more—without a primary-membership- year? That would double our numbers for There are three membership drive cate- fee increase since 2004. 2010! gories. The categories for the awarding of Each of these programs has been Meanwhile, here are some other in- prizes include one for the club’s members carefully selected by the staff and ap- centives that might help you commit to in general, one for those members who proved by the BMW CCA Board of Direc- recruiting new members: work for a BMW dealer or independent tors because they are backed by repu- BMW shop, and one for BMW CCA chap- table companies and add value to the 2009 Membership Drive ters. Club experience. Liberty Mutual offers Since the beginning of 2009 the Club The rules are detailed below. If you insurance that is specifically designed for has experienced a drop in membership want to get credit for signing up a mem- BMW owners; Lockton Affinity offers -dis each and every month. Some months ber, make sure the person adds your counted HPDE insurance so you can en- have seen smaller decreases than others, name and member ID to any paper form joy driving your car at BMW CCA driving and the national office is doing as much or online form. events; our roadside-assistance program as it can, with limited resources, to stim- protects you when your BMW coverage ulate growth. National office staff and BMW CCA Membership Contest no longer applies; and the PartnersFirst volunteers are attending more functions rules: the fine print! Visa card allows you to pay for all things than ever before, to actively recruit new These are the official rules and super- BMW CCA with points earned on your members. We redesigned our recruit- sede any description listed elsewhere and card. Most recently, PartnersFirst has pur- ment materials and are placing ads in a any verbal communications. chased one-year membership extensions variety of car related outlets. for more than 200 members. Actions taken on the national level February 19, 2009 to December 17, “. . . but isn’t my $40 a year enough are valuable and necessary as part of con- 2009 to cover the costs of the Club?” certed effort to maintain the Club during The BMW CCA membership drive is open Well, you would think it would cover these difficult economic times. However, to three categories of participants: everything, but unfortunately $40 doesn’t these actions are require a grassroots 1. Current BMW CCA members, go very far these days. Here’s a quick effort from our Chapters and individual 2. Current BMW CCA members who breakdown of where that $40 goes: $15.30 members. The Club could spend tens of work for a BMW dealer or indepen- of every membership fee is sent back to thousands on advertising and still not be dent BMW shop, and each member’s primary chapter. Another as successful at recruitment as our mem- 3. BMW CCA chapters $15 is allocated toward the cost of Roun- bers can be one on one. A smile, a hand- del. The $9.70 that is left over must cover shake and a heartfelt invitation to join New Membership Definition the Club’s operating expenses, A new membership is defined as a such as staff, Ofthe course, Greenville if our office, MEMBERSHIP STATS as of 6/18/2009 membership for an individual that has membership numbers were IT maintenance, insurance, chap- Full Associate Total higher, we might not need such not previously belonged to BMW CCA, 63,150 9,261 72,411 ter congresses,support. How event about subsidies, making a Current Membership or an individual that was previously a travel, promotionalmid-year resolution? materials We all BMW CCA member but whose mem- know of a few BMW drivers and everything else that makes 63,542 9,295 72,837 who don’t know about the Last Monthʼs Membership bership lapsed at least six months what we doClub; possible. why not make So ityes, a we Monthly Net Gain (Loss) -392 -34 -426 prior to the date of the new member- do what wepersonal can resolutionto associate to recruit our - -0.62% -0.37 -0.58% ship. A new membership with a cor- just one new member this year? Monthly % Change selves withThat companies would double who our numbers offer responding associate membership products for and 2010! services useful to Last Yearʼs Membership 65,977 9,678 75,655 counts as one new membership. our members—andMeanwhile, who here are are somewill- Annual Net Gain (Loss) -2,827 -417 -3,244 ing to payother for incentivesthe privilege that might of helpas- Eligibility you commit to recruiting new Annual % Change -4.28% -4.31% -4.29% sociating withmembers: the BMW CCA. And To be eligible, current BMW CCA in this day and age, those e-mails members must be paid members in 66,104 9,872 75,976 are the best2009 way Membership to let you know Drive 2007 Membership good standing through December 31, -2,954 -611 -3,565 about benefitsSince and the beginningspecial offers;of Net Gain (Loss) for 2 years 2009 (that is, they may not be mem- 2009 the Club has experienced % Change for 2 years -4.47% -6.19% -4.69% without thema drop you in membership might be each miss and- bers by virtue of being “comped” by ing out onevery a part month. of Somethe Club months you New Members 840 BMW CCA or a BMW CCA chapter). have seen smaller decreases Renewals 55.85% really enjoy. Roundels Mailed 64,591 than others, and the national office is doing as much as it can, with limited resources, to stimulate growth. National office staff and 14 volunteers are attending more functions than ever before, to actively recruit new members. We der bayerische brief redesigned our recruitment materials and are placing ads in a variety of car related outlets. Actions taken on the national level are valuable and necessary as part of concerted effort to maintain the Club during these difficult economic times. However, these actions are require a grassroots effort from our Chapters and individual members. The Club could spend tens of thousands on advertising and still not be as successful at recruitment as our members can be one on one. A smile, a handshake and a heartfelt invitation to join “our” club will do more to increase our ranks than anything else. To encourage members to help the Club grow, we hold an annual membership drive with meaningful rewards. The membership drive for 2009 runs from Feb. 19, 2009 though Dec 17, 2009. There are three membership drive categories. The categories for the awarding of prizes include one for the club’s members in general, one for those members who work for a BMW dealer or independent BMW shop, and one for BMW CCA chapters. The rules are detailed below. If you want to get credit for signing up a member, make sure the person adds your name and member ID to any paper form or online form. BMW CCA Membership Contest rules: the fine print! These are the official rules and supersede any description listed elsewhere and any verbal communications. February 19, 2009 to December 17, 2009 The BMW CCA membership drive is open to three categories of participants: About the Categories BMW CCA. There is no limit to the amount mary members as of the official close in The program differentiates between of “BMW CCA Bucks” a member may re- the National Office on February 18, 2009. BMW CCA members who work at BMW ceive based on new member referrals. The goals for chapters that gain or lose dealers or independent shops and those Additionally, there will be grand prizes for members due to chapter realignment or who don’t. The reason for this is because the three BMW CCA members in this cat- the creation or dissolution of chapters those who work at places where BMWs are egory who refer the most members. will be revised so that they maintain an sold, serviced, or repaired are assumed • “BMW CCA Bucks” will be applied as equitable basis for rewards. to have a much greater opportunity to a credit in the membership record of the • The total membership goal for each meet BMW owners who may not already Primary Member. chapter is 10 percent; that is, the be members of BMW CCA. While all BMW • “BMW CCA Bucks” may be used to chapter will have reached its goal if, CCA members have equal opportunities purchase BMW CCA merchandise or they by December 17, 2009, its total num- to receive a reward for the new member, may be applied toward the renewal of a ber of primary members is equal to they will only be competing against other BMW CCA Membership. Example: A mem- 110 percent of the number of prima- members in their own category for the ber with 20 “BMW CCA Bucks” may opt to ry members assigned to the chapter grand prizes. apply the 20 “BMW CCA Bucks” toward as of February 18, 2009. the cost of their upcoming membership • The renewal goal for each chapter is Category 1: renewal resulting in a $20.00 decrease in 78 percent; that is, the Chapter will Rewards for current BMW CCA the renewal fee. have reached its goal if, by Decem- members who refer new members • “BMW CCA Bucks will expire one ber 17, 2009, at least 78 percent of its for each new member that joins, referring year from date of accrual and have no primary members as of February 18, members will receive $5.00 in “BMW CCA cash surrender value. Date of accrual will 2009 have renewed their member- Bucks” that can be used for the purchase be December 18, 2009. “BMW CCA Bucks” ships. of BMW CCA merchandise or applied are non-transferable. • Chapters that meet either their to BMW CCA memberships. There is no Please note that memberships pur- total membership goal or their re- limit to the amount of “BMW CCA Bucks” chased by dealers for their customers are newal goal, but not both, will receive a member may receive based on new not eligible. This exclusion is in effect even $100.00 of “BMW CCA Bucks” or $5.00 member referrals. Additionally, there will if a current BMW CCA member is listed on of “BMW CCA Bucks” per 100 mem- be grand prizes for the three BMW CCA the application as a referrer. However, BMW bers, whichever is greater. members who refer the most members. Dealers or independent BMW Shops who • Chapters that meet both their total • “BMW CCA Bucks” will be applied as purchase forty memberships will be entitled membership and renewal goals will a credit in the membership record of the to one half-page ad in Roundel. BMW Deal- receive $150.00 of “BMW CCA Bucks” Primary Member. ers or independent BMW Shops who pur- or $15.00 of “BMW CCA Bucks” per • “BMW CCA Bucks” may be used to chase eighty or more memberships will be 100 members, whichever is greater. purchase BMW CCA merchandise or they entitled to one full-page ad. • Chapters that meet their renewal may be applied toward the renewal of a goal and meet or exceed 110 percent BMW CCA Membership. Example: A mem- Category 3: Rewards for chapters that of their total membership goal will ber with 20 “BMW CCA Bucks” may opt to achieve a designated level of new receive $200.00 of “BMW CCA Bucks” apply the 20 “BMW CCA Bucks” toward member activity. or $20.00 of “BMW CCA Bucks” per the cost of their upcoming membership Chapters are eligible for rewards 100 members, whichever is greater, renewal resulting in a $20.00 decrease in based on an overall increase in their to- and a 5 percent discount on driving the renewal fee. tal membership and their renewal rate. event insurance premiums for the • “BMW CCA Bucks will expire one Both are important for continued growth year 2010. year from date of accrual and have no of the Club, since renewing members are • Chapters that meet their renewal cash surrender value. Date of accrual will more likely to stay in the Club for more goal and meet or exceed 120 percent be December 18, 2009. “BMW CCA Bucks” years, while new members are needed to of their total membership goal will are non transferable. replace those members who don’t renew. receive $300 of “BMW CCA Bucks” Only primary chapter memberships will or $30.00 of “BMW CCA Bucks” per Category 2: Rewards for BMW dealer count toward chapter goals. Secondary 100 members, whichever is greater, or independent BMW shop employees chapter affiliations will not accrue towards and a 10 percent discount on driving who refer new members the goals. To be eligible for rewards, chap- event insurance premiums for the Current BMW CCA Members em- ters must be in good standing. Chapters year 2010. ployed by a BMW dealer or independent that are officially on probation during the The top ten chapters in percentage of BMW shop: For each new member that period of the membership drive will not new members and the top ten chapters joins, referring members will receive be eligible. in renewal rates will be officially recog- $5.00 in “BMW CCA Bucks” that can be The basis for chapter goals for new nized in Roundel Magazine. used for the purchase of anything sold by members will be the total number of pri- NATIONAL cont’d on p16 ➤ der bayerische brief 15 NATIONAL from p15 ➤ BMW CCA members who are mem- tacular races – such as the 1955 victory New members can join: bers of the National Board of Directors, by Stirling Moss and David Jenkinson 1. By calling 1-800-878-9292 to submit paid employees of BMW CCA, Roundel in a Mercedes 300 SLR – the demise of their application and credit card infor- senior staff, and members of their imme- the Mille Miglia was only a matter of mation over the telephone. The referring diate families or households are eligible time. The field of participants became member’s name and BMW CCA member for referral reward incentives, but are not increasingly bewildering; occasion- number must be provided at the time the eligible for the grand prizes. ally there were over 400 vehicles at the call is made. Referral credit will not be given to start line, including diesel models and 2. By visiting the www.bmwcca.org web applications received without the refer- oddities such as the ISO micro-car – the site and submitting an application online. ring member’s BMW CCA member num- predecessor of the BMW Isetta – which To receive credit, the referring member’s ber. ”BMW CCA Bucks” awarded under bravely struggled across the Apennine name and BMW CCA member number this program will be mailed to members passes in 1954. But above all, negotiat- must be entered in the appropriate space within 45 days of the end of the Member- ing the roads and making it to the finish on the online application form. ship Drive. line became increasingly fraught with 3. By mailing a membership application To help members earn credit for ev- risk as the race cars grew more powerful to the National Office. In order to receive ery referral they make we suggest you and faster from year to year. The tragedy credit, the referring member’s name and use the attached link in all your e mails, of 1938 was repeated in 1957 when a se- BMW CCA member number must be writ- forum and website postings. Delete “Your rious accident in Guidizzolo claimed 12 ten on the application. Membership ap- ID” from the end of the link replacing it fatalities – and spelled the end for the plications/BMW CCA brochures are avail- with your membership number. When a Mille Miglia. able from the National Office by calling potential member uses the link to join the The fascinating moments of the Mille (864) 250-0022 or sending an e-mail to club your membership number will auto- Miglia remain etched in the memories of [email protected]. matically fill in on the join form. http:// countless automobile enthusiasts – and bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=club_ they can be experienced again today in Deadline, Procedures and Restrictions join&ref_by=YOUR_ID the Mille Miglia storica. In 1977, exactly The National Office must receive all half a century after the first Mille Miglia, new member applications no later than Questions? Questions about the 2009 a new version of the legendary race was December 16, 2009, to be counted. BMW CCA Membership Drive may be di- staged for the first time. It is now held If referred by a current BMW CCA rected to Frank Patek in the BMW CCA of- in May of each year as a reliability time member, a new member application must fice, by e-mail to frank_patek@bmwcca. trial at historic sites. The chase for best contain the name and BMW CCA member org. We have new recruitment brochures times has turned into a demonstration number of the referring member in order and “take one” applications available -- of automotive engineering skills in a for the referring member to receive credit. please call or write to order some. three-day event that attracts hundreds Credit may not be applied retroactively. If of thousands of spectators to the road- a new member cancels their membership sides. All vehicle models that participat- within three months after joining, the re- MILLE MIGLIA from p9 ➤ ed in the classic Mille Miglia at least once ferring individual will lose credit for that when Fritz Huschke von Hanstein and between 1927 and 1957 are permitted membership. If a new member is referred Walter Bäumer drove to a historic victo- to enter. That includes the BMW 328 and by a current associate member, the asso- ry in their BMW 328 Mille Miglia Coupé other models such as the BMW Isetta ciate member will receive the “BMW CCA with a Touring body. Driving at an aver- and BMW 507 – two models deployed by Bucks.” age speed of 166.7 km/h, they set a re- private competitors in the 1950s. Each “BMW CCA Bucks” will be awarded at cord that would remain unbeaten. The year BMW Classic dispatches a range of the end of the program and only to those second-placed car, an Alfa Romeo, did vehicles from its collection to the Mille who are members in good standing as of not cross the finish line until a quarter of Miglia start line. Private teams are also December 31, 2009. an hour after the victorious BMW 328. involved in the 1,000-mile event. For BMW, this spectacular success For fans of classic automobiles, to- Prizes for Category 1 and 2. was to remain the only overall victory in day’s Mille Miglia enjoys an importance 1st Prize One day M School at the the classic event. The Second World War on a par with the significance of the orig- BMW Performance Center plus 2 nights initially put an end not only to the Mille inal races for the motor sport scene of lodging for one, not including transpor- Miglia but also to BMW’s motor racing the time. Nowhere other than between tation. Minimum of 30 referrals to quali- activities. On its revival in 1947, the Mille Brescia and Rome is the history of motor fy. Must be redeemed by December 31, Miglia once again led from Brescia to sport and automotive engineering cel- 2010. Rome and back. Following Alfa Romeo’s ebrated so intensely and impressively. 2nd Prize 2010 Oktoberfest Registra- win in the maiden event, Ferrari as- The Mille Miglia storica pays homage to tion. Minimum of 20 referrals to qualify. sumed the dominant role in subsequent the design engineers and their creations, 3rd Prize Valentine 1 Radar Detector, years. After the war BMW no longer sent which continue to inspire professionals Minimum of 10 referrals to qualify. works teams to Italy. Despite some spec- and aficionados to this day. 16 der bayerische brief Calendar GENESEE VALLEY CHAPTER of Events BMW CCA CLOTHING September GVC’s clothing line. 19th, Saturday. Autocross at BIMP All our high quality garments and additional items 26th & 27th, Saturday & Sunday. Ultimate Driving School come with four color embroidery. at Watkins Glen Check out the full selection at T-Shirt Express, 1044 University Avenue, Rochester, NY, 585-256-0070 or pick them up at the TSX trailer at your next driving school! All profits from clothing sales go to club charities.

All cotton low profile baseball cap, logo on front, navy and black. One size fits all, $18.50 Heavyweight fleece, logo on front, navy only. Small-3XL, $44.00 All cotton full zip jacket, logos front and back, navy only. Small-2XL, $130.00 All cotton pique’ short sleeve sport shirts, mul- tiple colors. Small-3XL, $35.00 Membership in BMW Car Club of America Membership cost is only $40 for one year, $76 for two years, or $112 for three years! You will re- ceive the monthly Roundel, our informative 140 page magazine, which many consider to be the world’s best car club publication. You’ll become a member in one of our 63 local chapters which publish newsletters, conduct driving schools, tech sessions, social events, and assist you in servicing and enjoying your BMW. In addition, BMW CCA offers a long list of additional benefits & services.

Contact National Office: BMW CCA 640 S. Main Street, Suite 201 Greenville, SC 29601

[email protected] or call 864-250-0022 der bayerische brief 17 Trade In. Trade Up. Or Pull Over!

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www.EscortRadar.com Call 1-866-229-3555 THE RADAR AND LASER EXPERTS 18PASSPORT 9500i • Red $449.95 • Blue $499.95 +S&H (OH res. add tax)  Department BMWCLB der bayerische brief ©2006 Escort Inc. ©2007 ESCORT Inc. Patrick for sex appeal. IRL needs a shot to press, things have been Racing in Crisis in the arm – perhaps more professional- patched up. ism and a few road courses would help. GRAND AM / ALM - Every orldwide, motorsports have been Formula One - The greatest sea- cloud has a silver lining. With caught in a perfect storm of reces- W change has occurred in Formula One. all the turmoil happening in sion, dwindling sponsorship, explod- In their quest to control skyrocketing the major venues, grass roots ing operating costs and waning atten- operating costs (BMW’s budget is $300 sports car racing seems to dance. The storm has been brewing for million per year) the series has returned be making a comeback. First some time now, but most of it cannot to exiting racing, no longer dominated of all, it’s a lot more afford- be blamed on the sick economy. by Ferrari and Mercedes. The cars have able; secondly it’s real rac- NASCAR - leads the parade. Television been completely redesigned, and, by ing rather than a hyped-up ratings are falling: last November, with reducing the size of the back diffuser, show, and, the thing we like 34 laps to go at Phoenix, ABC switched increasing the front wing, significantly best – the fans can get up to a re-run of America’s Funniest Home improving aerodynamics, and return- close and personal with the Videos. Many race fans can no longer af- ing to slick tires, the ‘parade’ has turned drivers and their cars. This Perspektive ford the increasingly steep ticket prices, into a race. Previously, the turbulence season’s opener, The Rolex and those who can are finding the races created by the signboard-sized rear dif- 24 at Daytona, was a barn- boring. The freight train of 40 some fuser virtually eliminated the chance burner with a closest finish odd cars is only interrupted by crashes MILLER of getting close and tucking your nose in years between the Dayto- (which are encouraged by the rules) and

in under the car in front. Now it’s back na Prototypes (still ugly but hal the cars are virtually identical. The entire to pass-re-pass on corners and wheel- exiting to watch) of Brumos spectacle is beginning to look more like to-wheel on the straights, as God in- Porsche (winner) and Chip a staged wrestling match than a stock tended. Honda bailed out before the Ganassi. Attendance was way up over car race. It costs $25 million a year to run 2009 series opened, paving the way for previous years and the series seems to each car, 90% of which must come from Ross Braun (the genius who put Ferrari be off to a good start. I helped to offici- corporate sponsors. Something’s got to on top) to take over their operation and ate at the Sahlen’s six hours at the Glen give. create Braun GT, who leads the manu- and it was, indeed, exiting to watch. IRL - Open wheel racing in this coun- facturers’ championship so far this sea- BMW fans have little to cheer about, but try has been wounded for many years son. Incredibly, two has-beens -- Jenson there is hope as the beautifully turned by the ego driven manipulation of Tony Button and Rubens Barrichello, (Braun out M3 GT is undergoing teething pains George, owner of Indianapolis Race- teammates) now lead the drivers cham- in the American LeMans series. Perhaps way. IRA and CART have finally patched pionship. Red Bull (no it’s not a typo) next year we’ll see BMW in the winners things up, but it may be too late. The hal- is in second place. Mercedes, Ferrari circle in at least one series. cyon days of greats like Mario Andretti, and BMW all trail by a wide margin. F1 Al Unser and Emerson Fittipaldi are all in almost committed suicide over a flap See you at the track. the past. Today, it’s amateur hour and all with the manufacturers about capping about showmanship: Helio Castroneves development budgets, but as this goes [email protected] on Dancing With the Stars and Danica

der bayerische brief 19 GVC

autocross update by Andy Blake

t seems like the driving season in the our popular Mini Day, so Mini drivers Inortheast gets shorter each year and get free entry. Once again this year, we the events go by more quickly. I guess thank our autocross sponsor, Towne it’s just part of the aging process, but it BMW-Mini in Williamsville, NY, who makes me somewhat jealous of people makes Mini Day possible. living in southern climates who don’t One of the biggest changes for this have the eventuality of ice and snow year was moving to electronic timing creeping in as the year winds down. Of collection. For the past twenty-some course, there’s always ice racing . . . years we’ve relied on a small box de- But with summer well under way it’s veloped by Jim Dresser that presented time to make every weekend count. Be- times based on cars tripping the start tween driving schools, our picnic and and finish lights. In order to work prop- autocross events, Genesee Valley Chap- erly, an operator had to flip little toggle ter fills the summer with opportunities switches for the two timing readouts to socialize and put our Bavarian mo- to either start or stop the appropriate tors to good use. Our autocross events timer. Once the car’s run time was dis- this year have been very well attended played, it was recorded on a scorecard and the variety of venues has added to and a reset button was pushed to clear the fun. In addition to the always en- the time. This process required the tim- joyable Batavia kart track, we held an ing box operator to be constantly fo- event at the Cherry Valley kart track and cused on the action so that the appro- two events at the Seneca Army Depot priate switch was in the proper position air strip. As summer winds down, we and the appropriate timer either began have just one more autocross event left running or was stopped every time a – BIMP on Saturday, 9/19. This event is car started or finished the course. 20 der bayerische brief It could get a little hectic -- especially to a file for publishing on the GVC web Alice Dillon). The low numbers gave us with certain layouts or shorter start in- site without having to type in dozens of the opportunity to take 8 runs each on tervals. If someone asked a question times that were written on the score- a fast course around the runway and fu- or the operator looked away to talk for cards. Overall, the new approach helps eling pad and still wrap up the event by more than 10 seconds there was a good our events run more smoothly and gives 3:00. likelihood of a missed switch flip result- more accurate and timely recording Among the GVC members, the Top ing in a timer not starting or stopping and reporting of run times saving effort Gun challenge is shaping up to be as needed or stopping when it should that used to be needed to find the right reminiscent of recent years with Eric have stayed running. Then one or both scorecard, write down the time, post it Hinkston and Tim Moriarty battling for of the drivers on course would have to to the whiteboard, and then type in all top times at each event: Eric driving his be given a rerun due to the error. Of of the results for the published reports. supercharged Z4 and Tim in his super- course, as a driver, being told that you The autocross events this year have charged E30 318is. With one event left get a rerun isn’t always bad news. provided a lot of good competition and in the season, Eric has the edge, but Now we have all of the entrants and general fun for the participants. Our may need to finish the last event ahead their cars in our laptop computer at the first event in May brought out 14 BMW of Tim in order to take the season cham- beginning of the event (thanks in large drivers and 4 in Minis as well as many pionship. Steve Lawless has been nip- part to pre-registration on the web) and others. Our second event at Seneca ping at their heels, beating Tim’s best can simply click on the next car in line as Army Depot was the best attended so time at SEAD in his E36 M3. they show up for their run. The timing far this year with 54 drivers -- including All of the event results are posted on lights send start and finish signals for 12 in BMWs, 3 in Minis, and 3 in Porsches. the GVC web site, and there is a summa- the cars to a wireless receiver that feeds The Corvette club also showed up for ry of points for the 2009 Top Gun chal- the info into the computer and the soft- this one so we had 8 Vette drivers. We lenge for GVC members there as well. ware records the times for each car. It had 39 drivers show up for the event at As always, I encourage drivers of all skill still requires attention on the part of Cherry Valley, with 10 BMWs matched levels to give autocross a try. It’s one of the timing operator, but now it’s more by 10 Corvettes. At our second BIMP the best ways to get to know your car of a monitoring activity to make sure event we had 14 BMW drivers, 5 Minis, and have fun going fast in a controlled the right time is being recorded for the and the Porsche club got the word out environment at the same time. Take right driver. We can now print results and brought 8 drivers to play. The sec- advantage of the warm days before we periodically during the day for review ond event at SEAD had surprisingly low slip into another winter of driving dis- rather than writing them on a white- attendance with only 24 attendees – 7 content. board. The final results can be posted BMW drivers and 2 Mini drivers (Mel and der bayerische brief 21 TToo w w nnee bbmm w w A Member of F.G. Downing’s Towne Automotive Group 8215 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 • 716-505-2100 The Ultimate www.towneauto.com Driving MachineTM

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briefSummer 2009 Volume 53 • Issue II BMW