JuneMarch 2012 2012 The Official Newsletter of the Susquehanna Region of the Sports Car Club of America, Inc. - Incorporated June 29, 1959

Region Members Impressive Street Get Involved Rod Show In York May was a slow month for Susquehanna June was a great month to get outside, Region as our only activity was to assist enjoy some comfortable weather and be Carlisle Productions with its Import & Kit Car entertained with car events. Show’s autocross on May 18-20. As in past The Street Rod Nationals East was held at years, our members were there to work the York Fairgrounds and featured a wide array of event. Don Tocket shares his views on Page 8. one-of-a-kind rods and customs that expressed June 8-10 brought Hershey’s Grand Ascent each of their owners’ imaginative and unique hillclimb, in which our members actively vision. With many of these creations, it’s participated, and The Elegance Concours. obvious that no expense had been spared in June 17 found us knee-deep back in our the build. This is an annual York event and regional summer autocross series with a one you should not miss. I’ve been to several double-header event at the Farm Show. With of the York shows and they never disappoint. two events back to back, it was a busy day. q See “Cover Story” on Page 4. q

A gorgeous Healey 3000 navigates the course at This beautiful Street Rod named “Speedstar” was the Carlisle autocross. — Don Tocket Photo one of the finest at York. — John Rudy Photo From the Page 2

Editor’s MARCHJUNE 2012 2012 The Squeal is a monthly publication of Desk Susquehanna Region, SCCA Send editorial, scheduling and advertising to: I had a hard time getting this issue out. My The Squeal — John Rudy, Editor goal is to get it to you by the Friday before each 3800 Hillcrest Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 month’s meeting, but I shared my editing time [email protected] with the television. It was hard to concentrate on the newsletter with Formula 1 and Barrett- Susquehanna Region’s membership meets Jackson on TV. Three days of F-1 practice, at 8:00 PM on the fourth Tuesday of each qualifying and the race, mixed with auctioning month, except December, at Gilligan’s Bar & Grill, 987 Eisenhower Blvd, Harrisburg, PA. fantastic vehicles laid claim to my attention. It For more information, go to our website at was tough tearing myself away. www.scca-susq.com I can understand how celebrities and the wealthy get addicted to car collecting. If I were REGION OFFICERS in Jay Leno’s shoes I’d have a warehouse full Regional Executive of vehicles just like him. When I’m watching Steve Limbert — 717-432-4116 Barret-Jackson or meandering through car Assistant Regional Executive Henry Brillinger — 717-697-1610 shows, at least half of the cars make me think, Secretary “Wow, I’d like to own that one.” That’s the car Dennis Cipriany — 570-522-9357 junkie in me. Treasurer I admire those who take the time and make Alan Lesher — 717-486-4087 the effort to restore and customize their rides, Directors but I’d prefer to buy one completed rather Dave Walter 3yr — 717-691-9320 than build it. I’m old enough now to better Alan Pozner 2yr — 717-343-7708 Geoff Craig 1yr — 717-367-7853 appreciate someone else’s efforts than I am at ASCC Representative contemplating building my own. I enjoy the Markus Houser — 717-495-6742 program Overhauling, not so much for the show’s 7-day builds, but more for Chip Foose’s AUTOCROSS COMMITTEE designs. He is “The Master.” I love his work. Kate Ritter & Geoff Craig — Co-chairs But anyway, here it is, the June issue. I Henry Brillinger — Site Aquisition/Relations hope you enjoy it. Thanks to everyone who Geoff Craig — Course and Grid Design contributed this month. Together we put out Chris Paveglio — Pre-registration another diverse issue. Keep it coming. Kate Ritter — Registration Dennis Cipriany — Safety Our June 17 double-header autocrosses Ryan Hetrick — Tech Inspection made for a long day, but the events ran Anne Demmy — Timing smoothly. Series Event #3 in the morning had Charlie Demmy — Starter 87 entries and Event #4 had 89 entries in the Greg Hagan — Novice Program afternoon. Event results, photos and much Dan Woland — EMT Services more can be found on our Region’s website at Paul Sciukas — Workers http://www.scca-susq.com . q — John Markus Houser — Results Page 3 « Meeting Minutes « The May General Membership Meeting New Business: convened May 22, 2012 at Gilligan’s, Charlie Demmy discussed the June 8th Harrisburg, at 8:00 p.m. by RE Steve Limbert. and 9th Hershey Hillclimb/Elegance and will Alan Lesher gave the Treasurer’s Report, and report on it next month. Suzi Zimmerman was with the autocross season in full swing, there is soliciting workers for the event, for 10 AM-4PM income from the Carlisle Events Autocross, and on Friday, 9 AM-4 PM on Saturday. Suzi said it he’ll be paying the expenses for the upcoming would be a very interesting weekend. double header on June 17th. Alan Lesher said he was going to go before Henry Brillinger said we have 275 members, the SVVSCC to plead the case for his Barracuda up two from last month. to run the Hershey hill climb event during Steve Limbert reported we’d received the “Charity Laps” on Saturday. Region Charter from National. Dave Walter Chris Paveglio discussed the B.R.A.K.E. [Be made the motion, 2nd by Alan Pozner that the Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe] teenage Charter be kept in Steve Limbert’s shop. driving program activities at Manheim Auto John Rudy discussed The Squeal, the Region Auction. There were some teens instructing, and Newsletter. John asked for the articles and some parents driving. The tent was donated, contributions to keep coming in to him. Henry and there were 16 vehicles from Chevy [Cruze] mentioned that Dr. Gerson “Gus” Rosenberg, and Ford [Focus]. The local fire department a long time member and national road racing waters down the area to allow for wet driving competitor, had contacted him and said, “Great experience. The employee lot was used, which job on The Squeal.” For those who don’t know, is large enough to have an autocross and/or a Gus was on the development team for an school. He’s proposing to contact the township artificial heart at the Hershey Medical Center. to do a school to benefit the B.R.A.K.E. program. Chris Paveglio said registration is open John Rudy said that the large gap between for the June Double Header. He received the our August and October events would be a good contract for June and other Farm Show events. time to try Manheim. Chris will pursue this. John Rudy asked why our events are not Steve Limbert discussed the Jefferson 500 published in Sports Car. Henry said they weren’t event at Summit Point. There were 190 cars, and published until the sanctions have been sent in. Peter Brock, the designer of the Cobra Daytona Markus Houser said the Carlisle Events Coupe was there. He said weather was perfect Import Show Autocross had 59 paid entries, and that when Brian Redman was there, the with six club members competing. weather always seemed to be less than perfect. Charlie said there were about 230 Saabs at Charlie discussed the region merchandise, the Carlisle event, out of about 1200 cars. Henry and asked club members to wear their shirts to said Carlisle Events wants us back in the future. the next event. Henry discussed the article on safety Dennis Good and Welfare: None. had in The Squeal. We can have 12-year-olds Motion to adjourn made by Henry Brillinger, and older in the grid area, which we must Dave Walter, 2nd. Adjourned at 8:48 p.m. q police better at the Hershey events, due to the proximity of the curb to the grid. Respectfully submitted, Old Business: None. Dennis Cipriany, region secretary Cover Page 4 Story York Expo Hosts Street Rod Show event was billed as the East’s largest outdoor street rod show. Vehicles gathered at the York Expo Center from all over the country and included models of nearly every make, model and style. The event’s promo said that more than 4,000 street rods, customs, muscle cars and specialty vehicles worth well over $100 million would be on display. While 4,000 may have been a bit optimistic, they certainly numbered in the thousands. The York Fairgrounds facility is huge. I covered a lot of acrage, but I doubt I saw everything Street Rod technology continues to advance on a classic and traditional theme. — John Rudy Photo at the show. I did see some pretty amazing vehicles. Some were very tastefully done and Automobiles have always elicited interest, some just plain off-the-wall crazy. Cars of every imagination and ultimately competition. We shape and size were represented from a tiny but in SCCA focus on activities that involve . highly modified Vespa 400 to an enormous, full- After all, it’s said the first automobile race took on custom Lincoln Zephyr. Every conceivable place immediately after the second automobile variation seemed to be represented from mild was produced. But as important as our custom to all out insanity. Modifications like activities are to us, SCCA isn’t the only avenue chopped, channeled, frenched and shaved were of automotive activity. We are but a slice of the well represented, and the full range of the color enthusiast pie. spectrum was explored. Paint schemes too went One must recognize that others’ interests from mild to wild. Flames remain popular. in automobiles are wide and varied and Hot rods marry powerful engines with organizations representing those interests classic chassis. Customs dwell more on body abound. Wheels and engines have been a enhancements and one-of-a-kind paint schemes. gloriously creative stimulus for the human (Continued on Page 5) species and the inventiveness of their creations can stagger the imagination. Powered vehicles stir some profound emotional need in a great many of us that goes far beyond basic transportation. Satisfying that need can be overwhelming and expressing it can lead us in a variety of directions. From monster trucks to rat rods, from swamp buggies to low riders, from dragsters to road racers, it seems every creative variation of the automobile has been explored. The National Street Rod Association rolled into York June 1-3 to present the 39th annual Taken to the extreme - a tiny Vespa 400 powered by a blown big-block Chevy motor. — John Rudy Photo Street Rod Nationals East Plus. This NSRA Page 5 York Expo Hosts Street Rod Show impressive than others, but all were interesting. See for yourself. I have posted a photo gallery of but a small portion of the cars displayed at the event. I couldn’t cover them all. You can view them by clicking on or navigating to http://www.johnrudy.com/streetrods/ (The link is case sensitive, all lower case) . q — John Rudy More Car Shows Susquehanna Region is back in the thick This wild Lincoln Zephyr is a prime example of the full-on customs displayed at York. — John Rudy Photo of its autocross schedule, but there are several Summer and Fall car shows in the central (Continued from Page 4) Pennsylvania area that don’t conflict with our Street Rods combine the best of both. The event dates. latest trends involve adding modern fuel The Antique Automobile Club of America injected,computer-managed engines and museum in Hershey is featuring an exhibit modern drivelines to early classic bodies. celebrating Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary. The The engineering and execution are quite “100 Years of Chevrolet” exhibit is now open impressive. I may not agree with the result and will run through October 14th. of an individual’s creation, but I have to AACA is also hosting its 17th Annual Car admire the individuality and creativeness Show & Flea Market on Saturday, June 23rd. of their expression. Their dedication to their It’s open to all years, makes and models. sport is unquestionable. Is participating in There are more. Here’s a brief list. Many of a car show a sport? According to Webster’s, the car shows also feature swap meets and flea the noun “sport” is defined first as “a source markets. A Google search of each event will of diversion: recreation.” Whether you give more details. regard such a static display a sport or not, it June 23 AACA Car Show/Flea Mkt., Hershey certainly is a competition the show car owners July 7 Carlisle Mopar Nationals, Carlisle take seriously. Their vehicles are intensely Aug 3-5 Carlisle Truck Nationals, Carlisle scrutinized in the judging and trophies and Aug 11 Center Point Car Show, Macungie titles are awarded. Aug 18 Supercars on State St., Harrisburg The neatest thing about customs is that you Aug 24 Carlisle Corvette Nationals - Carlisle can build anything your heart desires. There Oct 3-7 Fall Carlisle, Carlisle are no rules, unless you intend to drive it on Oct 10-13 AACA Fall Meet, Hershey the street of course. There were some “trailer Here’s a link to a more extensive list of 2012 queens” at the York show, but the majority of Pennsylvania car shows. Click on or navigate the cars displayed were street legal and driven to http://www.carshownews.com/national/ to the show. Some were considerably more PA.htm . q — John Rudy Page 6 Le Mans Experience — Part 1 In the mid 1980’s, my husband’s Most of the time, we just walked around employment took us to England for six looking for great vantage points and photo years. When you lived on that island in 1984, ops. There is no shortage of those – it is, after Europe was a short flight or ferry ride away all, Le Mans. Sometimes, well after dark, we - the Chunnel hadn’t been built yet. So, after wandered back to the hospitality tent for becoming acclimated to car bonnets, silencers a snack and a nap. I’m not sure how much and boots, the 24 Hours of Le Mans beckoned. sleep we got but the desire to know what was I saw an ad in Autosport magazine for a happening with the race was too tempting so tour package and thought that it would be we found a spot between Indianapolis and a good way to go. It included air fare from Porsche turns to spectate. Gatwick Airport, a coach to take us to the We eventually returned to our grandstand track, catering for breakfasts and snacks and seats to watch the finish. Klaus Ludwig and chaise lounges for napping. Grandstand seats Henri (that’s ahn-ree) Pescarolo won in the with a great view of Start/Finish and pit lane Joest Racing Porsche 956B. Nice. If you enjoyed were also included. this narrative, I will write about our second We arrived early on Saturday morning with trip to Le Mans in a later edition. q a map of the track and great anticipation as — Suzi Zimmerman spectators of a legendary event. After watching SCCA Lifetime Member since 1972 the start and spending a couple of hours in our seats, conversing with some French people (almost all Europeans speak English), we set off to find lunch and explore. We came upon a huge rotisserie, about five feet wide and six feet tall, with an unbelievable number of chickens roasting on racks, and decided that would be lunch with French bread and a bottle of wine (but of course). 1984 Le Mans winners Klaus Ludwig and Henri Then we made our way to the motor Pescarolo’s Joest Porsche 956B. museum. Did you know there was a museum at Le Mans? So we spent some time looking around and admiring cars we had never before seen in person. Next, it was time to go hunting July Region Events and gathering for some souvenirs to take Chris Paveglio, pre-registration chief, home. Along the way, we saw the modular reports that registration is now open for Series building that was in the movie, Le Mans – Autocross #5 on July 8th at the Giant Center in where Steve McQueen met up with his lady Hershey. Register at MyAutoEvents.com . friend. Another surprising discovery was a Also coming up at Giant Center in July family living inside the track (driver’s right) is Series Autocross #6 on July 22nd. MAE just before the Mulsanne Straight. They were registration generally opens about three weeks having a meal at a picnic table in their front prior to an event. q yard. Imagine that! Page 7

Car Chatter — Grand Ascent

The Second Annual Grand Ascent Hershey 1966. Does anyone know what car she drove? Hillclimb was recently held over two days Answer: A 1956 Jaguar XK 140 MC. She (Friday, June 8 – Saturday June 9) on the placed second in class. winding road behind the Hotel Hershey. The top 12 drivers for 2012 are: This event is presented under the 1. Graham Long, 1958 Lotus 7 direction of the Vintage Sports car club of 54.70 seconds America (VSCCA) with assistance from the 2. Wayne Carini, Porsche Special Susquehanna Valley Vintage Sports Car 56.53 seconds Club (SVVSCC) and is part of The Elegance 3. Steve Morici, 1963 Cooper T-67 weekend at Hotel Hershey. 57.33 seconds It was a fantastic weekend with delightful 4. Roger Cassin, 1956 Alfa Romeo sunny days and comfortable temperatures. 57.92 seconds The Honorary Hillclimb Chairman was Wayne 5. Robert Laepple, 1957 Porsche 356 A Carini from the TV series “Chasing Classic 58.11 seconds Cars”, and the VSCCA assembled an amazing 6. Ben Bragg, 1935 Ford V8 Special collection of vintage race cars including a 58.34 seconds 1959 Cooper Climax, Lotus 18 Formula Jr., 7. Jim Donick, 1951 Allard J2 1935 Ford Indy car, 1933 MGTB and a 1922 CS 58.57 seconds Amilcar to name a few. 8. Peter Rehl, 1957 Cooper/Norton The times up the hill were surprisingly 58.78 seconds quicker for the old timers this year. Last year’s 9. Frank Buck, 1957 Corvette FTD was 1:00.38 turned in by a 1958 Lotus 7. 59.25 seconds This year 12 drivers broke the 60 second mark. 10. Nick Grewal, 1959 Lotus 18 (Keep in mind the overall hill record is 45.64 59.39 seconds set by Ken Taggart driving an Eldon Super V 11. Richard Odgers, 1957 Morgan +4 in 2004). 59.57 seconds A huge round of applause goes out to the 12. Joe Delucia, 1959 Lotus 7 41 hillclimb workers under the direction of 59.81 seconds. q — Charlie Demmy SVVSCC members Suzi Zimmerman, Flagging and Safety Chairperson, Ray Beekler, Chief Starter, and Steve Limbert, Course Marshall. There seemed to be a decent amount of spectators with a lot of old friends and car lovers in the crowd. A great time was had by everyone and we look forward to seeing all of you next year-same time, same place. Hillclimb Trivia Question: Janet Guthrie became the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500 in 1977. Janet Graham Long took The Grand Ascent’s first place also entered the ASCC Hershey Hillclimb in trophy with his Lotus 7. — John Rudy Photo Page 8 Carlisle Event Viewpoints

Carlisle Autocross Viewed As A Worker The course looked easy, but once I got the car on the course, I was quick to realize that This was my first time attending an while small, it took all your skills to turn in a autocross at Carlisle Fairgrounds and my first fast time. The course was hard on the brakes, time to sign up as a worker. From the worker ground levels changed, some of the course had viewpoint it was a blast. I had a chance to talk upward slope and some had downward slope. with some of the long standing club members. When all put together, it was a blast to run. What a great group of guys. Everyone helped The difference with this small course out getting set up on Friday. Working the event compared to most autocrosses is that you make went smoothly enough on Friday. Not a lot of three consecutive laps per run. It was neat to racers signed up for the morning sessions, but change your line during your three laps to see the afternoon did pick up. Workers were given what worked and what didn’t. It kind of gave the chance to run in the morning, but our run you the sense of racing on a race track, not an times were not included in the event. It was autocross course. I really enjoyed the course. fun getting the track time. Saturday was hot and the sessions were full Carlisle Autocross Whole Event Overview all day. An interesting thing on Saturday was the number of spectators. Carlisle set up This event will always be on my calendar. bleachers on the hill to overlook the course. I enjoyed working it and watching the drivers’ It was great because you could see the whole smiles as they came off the course. I think the course from up there. The bleachers filled up autocross event at Carlisle was best summed and people started to line up along the railing up when we had a driver finish his third run on the hill over looking the course. It stayed on course, parked his Jag E-Type by the tent this way most of the day. and got out shaking. He said that he never did Sunday had full sessions in the morning anything like that and it was the coolest thing and tapered off to one session in the afternoon. he ever did with his car. He must have had the The day went well with one exception. We had shakes for 15 minutes before he calmed down. one over-exuberant driver take out the timing He just kept smiling and saying, “That was light when he drifted off course. It took a few so cool.” It made me remember my first time minutes to get timing back up and running behind the wheel on course. again. Driver, car and timer quickly returned I believe we hooked another driver on to action. The day was fun for all. autocrossing. It was the same for most of the first time drivers. They all had fun. The chance Carlisle Autocross Viewed As A Racer to take your car on course and see what it is capable of will never grow old. What a great As a racer, when I saw the track, my first group of club guys to spend three days of thought was how small the course was. At first racing with. Carlisle’s car show offered a lot glance it looked like little more than a couple of prime cars to look at and the flea market of asphalt rectangles with 90-degree turns, but offered some good deals as well. q strategically placed pylons refined the course. — Don Tocket Page 9

What Am I Doing Wrong? Why am 15 seconds slower than the winner Where should my eyes be now, How do I set of my class? What am I doing wrong? up for the next gate? And if you know the class Competing at the Farm Show in June leader, or someone who is very fast, ask them brought back memories of me being there more to be an instructor on your first run. Ask that than 41 years ago with my 1966 SAAB 96 Monte instructor to do more than point you to the Carlo, a 57 HP, 2-cycle popcorn popper. next gate. Ask them to shout out meaningful critiques such as “Faster here”, “Hard brake now”, “Back on the gas sooner”. It’s your job to learn the course – use the instructor to go quicker. The next item to remember comes from the mouth of the editor of this newsletter: Trust YOUR ! I don’t care if you are running DOT stickies, the latest highly rated, super- soft, street tires or All-season OEMs. Your is your only connection to the course surface. The friction of your tires to brake, turn and accelerate your car generally is higher than you Forrest’s SAAB 96 allowed him to explore the limits of traction four decades ago. — Forrest Graeff Photo are using. But don’t ask the tires to do two things I witnessed this weekend something that at a time. Braking and turning, or turning I remember happening to me for many years: and accelerating at the same time should drivers with less experience, finishing in a be something you do only with years of different time-zone than the leaders of their experience under your belt. But, take your tires class. Today, I will never be a threat to win my to their limits. Accelerate hard, brake hard, class any longer, but I try to be a “cone-away” turn hard – but only ask them to do one thing in case the fast guys over-drive. at a time. So how do new participants get a “cone- The last item I want to discuss is prepping away”? Except for the truly gifted, the rest of your car. Keeping your mouth shut is your us need seat time. And I mean serious seat worst enemy. Ask questions of the fast guys on time. That means if you are running for points the lot. Ask a lot of questions. Don’t be afraid with your local club, which puts on 10 events that you may appear stupid. Just don’t be a during the summer, you should be running 10 jerk. Don’t tell the class leaders how smart and additional events elsewhere during the same wise you are about setting up your car when season. Within about two hours of driving, my they are 5 seconds faster than you. That will 2012 calendar is showing 25 events without put you in the blow-hard category in their conflicts. book. Here is a list of stuff you want these Next - don’t be ashamed to join the novice experts to discuss with you: tire selection, tire walk-throughs. And don’t be shy! Ask good pressures, sway bars, front and rear wheel questions: How should I enter this corner, (Continued on Page 10) Page 10 What Am I Doing 2012 Region Wrong? Event Schedule (Continued from Page 9) June 26 Membership Meeting at Gilligan’s alignment, and shock settings. Then, if your July class/category allows it, ride heights, spring 8 Autocross #5 at Giant Center, Hershey rates and wheel sizes/offsets. 22 Autocross #6 at Giant Center, Hershey In conclusion, this is the best sport I know. 24 Membership Meeting at Gilligan’s It makes you reschedule family vacations, miss August a lot of church from April through October, 19 Double Header Autocrosses #7 & #8 but it makes you feel superior to almost 26 Double Header Autocrosses #9 & #10 everyone on the road - and with practice, 28 Membership Meeting at Gilligan’s rightfully so. Autocrossing will make you a September better driver. q — Forrest Graeff 25 Membership Meeting at Gilligan’s October 23 Membership Meeting at Gilligan’s The 27 Autocross #11 at Giant Center, Hershey 28 Autocross #12 at Giant Center, Hershey Checkered November Flag 27 Membership Meeting at Gilligan’s December Long-time region chapter club member — NO Membership Meeting this month Martha “Martie” Fellman, passed away on January 2013 May 11th. A 1951 graduate of John Harris 12 Year End Banquet at Grantville holiday High School, Martie taught English and Speech at her alma mater for more than 30 years. She earned her Bachelors degree at Shippensburg and Masters at Penn State. Share the Martie was very active in Appalachian Action! Sports Car Club in the ‘60s and ‘70s competing in her MGBs and a modified SAAB. She Our Honored ran road rallies, autocrosses and hillclimbs including placing many times in the Hershey Members Hillclimbs. She also served for many years as Each quarter, SportsCar magazine runs a list the club’s newsletter editor. More recently, she of member anniversaries. The July issue honors and her son Bob had served in several of the three Susquehanna Region members for their club’s administrative positions. long continuous membership. Martie’s other passion was breeding and 40 years - Dennis Cipriany, 6/1/1972 showing prize winning pedigree cats, often 25 years - Marla Davidson, 6/25/1987 winning regional and national awards. 25 years - David Lavertue, 4/9/1987 Martie, we’ll miss you. q Congratulations! q Page 11 The Grand Ascent 2012 This was the second year for the revived Unlike last year’s first event, this year Hershey hillclimb, The Grand Ascent, and for most of the drivers were really trying to push 2012 it was expanded to a two-day event, June the limit. As a result we did have a couple 8-9. Being the diehard flagger that I am, I took of incidents, but we also had a much more two days off from work so I could catch all of exciting event. There are some good videos of the action. a few runs available on you-tube. Click on or The weather was great and the cars were navigate to: fantastic. For celebrity drivers we had the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoHvd_ return of ex-National Football League coach PtVx08feature=related Dick Vermeil, this year driving his dad’s 1932 vintage sprint car, and Wayne Carini, the http://www.youtube.com/ host of Chasing Classic Cars, who brought watch?v=wOs35wO6Ndk a gorgeous sports racer that was listed as a I got to meet and talk with Wayne Carini at the “Tojeiro Jag”, but according to Wayne was event’s Saturday wine and cheese party and actually a mislabeled Coventry Climax. again at breakfast on Sunday. He really is a Unfortunately the Climax suffered a blown down to earth “car guy” just like the rest of us. head gasket while giving rides for charity He claimed he was having so much fun that during lunch on Friday. It did give me the he hopes to return next year. And I hope to be opportunity to get some photos of Wayne and working a corner for him then, too. the car as he broke down at my corner one Following breakfast on Sunday they took flagging station. a dozen of the classic race cars up the hill to Fortunately, Wayne brought a backup car, the Hershey for display in the Elegance, and and if you saw his show last Tuesday on cable, I followed the procession up the hill in my the car was the legendary Carrera-powered S2000… The first time for me and my little car VW Special built by Bill Rutan, a VW chassis upThe Hill and even at slow speed it was a with a 356 4-cam Porsche engine. In 1961 thrill. Rutan drove to the Mt. Washington Hillclimb Gee, 12 more years and my S2000 will be an record, a feat that remained unbroken for 29 antique…but then so will I. q years. Rutan also held the Hershey Hillclimb —Wayne Steigerwalt record for a time back in the 1960’s. Wayne’s driving was impressive considering that this was his first ever hillclimb. He wound up with the second fastest time of around 57 seconds bested only by the Lotus 7 of Graham Long. In speakng with the official timer for the event, I was advised that the target for most of the drivers was to break a minute, and most would get very excited if they accomplished Wayne Carini finished 2nd at the Grand Ascent in that feat, and would let out a shrill cheer. his Porsche powered VW. — Wayne Steigerwalt Photo Page 12 Getting Others to Share Your Addiction If you’re like me, you’ve got a favorite race with drivers, got autographs, and talked with series, and you watch it regularly on TV. It’s mechanics. We had the whole weekend to learn nearly an addiction, because as soon as you see and live the race, and more importantly, see and the cars at speed, you’ll watch the whole rest meet the people under the helmets and behind of the race. Give me an in-car camera, and I’m the scenes. glued to it like a moth to a flame. After having that experience, and going to a But then there’s your wife, significant few other races, my wife has her favorite driver other, girl/guy-friend, or even kids. They can’t she roots for, and watches the Indycar races understand why you’re into racing so much. with me. Either they think it’s boring, or they just can’t If you have some people in your life that understand all the stuff going on (multi-class you’d like to make race fans, at least get them racing), or it’s too technical, or the cars all look to appreciate what your favorite hobby/sport is. the same. So what’s the big deal? Take them to a race weekend. Put extra effort Your perspective has been shaped by your into meeting drivers and mechanics, or getting growing up with it or growing into it. For you autographs and photos together. If you can talk it’s second nature. You’ve been to races in- to team members (when they aren’t actively person and understand the skill level of drivers busy rebuilding a car), you can really get a and mechanics. The other people in your life great insight to the sport and make a personal might not have that up-close experience with connection with that team. Some of the lower racing. So seeing it on TV is just like watching tier teams or series people love to talk about any other show or sport. their car, driver, or team. My wife’s family has had zero experience So take your friends or family to a race or interest in racing; cars are simply weekend and do your best make it click with transportation. But I was able to take my them. The people they’ll meet will make an wife (to-be at the time) to a Champ Car race impression that lasts. q and she not only saw the race, but we talked — Chris Paveglio Armchair Entertainment I’m a geek. I haven’t attended on Speed channel, so you know where I’ll be an F-1 event since Watkins Glen in 1980, but this weekend - glued to the set. I’m still a follower. I’ll watch other forms I spend more time watching Speed than I of racing, but F-1 heads the list. With seven care to admit. I’m still a car nut and if I can’t different winners in the first seven 2012 races, get out to an event, I can still enjoy the events it’s hard to tear myself away from the TV. I vicariously. There’s a host of channels that also find it difficult to get off the couch during broadcast events. Speed is just one, broadcasts of a Barrett-Jackson auto auction. but with an extensive schedule. To see what’s As this issue goes out, it’s jackpot! Both coming up on Speed, click on or navigate to the F-1 Grand Prix of Europe and the Barrett- http://www.speedtv.com/schedule . q Jackson Auction from Orange County, CA are — John Rudy Page 13 Autocrossing the World Challenge Neon (Or Just Another Tire War) The season is getting into full-swing by BFG was small enough that Goodyear was OK now, and I tried to drive the car as delivered with the arrangement. But, when took in a few events. It didn’t work too well over, Goodyear did not want to give anything because the tires were old and rock hard. I bit to their world-wide competitor, so they did not the bullet and got a set of R-compound tires renew the licence. Tire wars: it’s nostalgia all before the over again. q — Alan Lesher Carlisle event. What a difference! With old tires, I had to go to 3rd gear to stop wheel spin. Now, it hooks up from the get-go. In the past, I had used BFG tires in my showroom stock racing. Loved em! Most of the Neon nuts used them in the late ‘90s with great success. Then they disappeared around the time Michelin bought out BFG. More on that later. Flash forward 15 years, BFG is back in Alan’s new BFG R-1 tires were put to the test on DOT tire sports car racing. The new line is the Carlisle autocross course. — John Rudy Photo also called “R1” and is available in a standard compound or a soft compound, which are good for autocross and/or cold track days. One big difference between the original R1 Staff Change and the new R1 is the sidewall construction. Greg Hagan has stepped down from his The original was asymmetric, with a very position as Susquehanna Region’s Autocross stiff outer wall and a very soft inner wall. Committee chair. Greg’s employment demands This concept helped create better camber in have changed and require more of his time. Showroom Stock and Solo stock cars that Greg will continue to head the novice program were not allowed chassis adjustments outside at our events. of the factory limits. That position now rests in the capable The new R1 tire is symmetric and needs hands of Kate Ritter and Geoff Craig, who an agressive camber adjustment for best have agreed to share the responsibilities of results. So, why did BFG stop making the that position as co-chairs. In sharing their old tire? And, why not bring the asymmetric duties, Kate will take on the responsibility design back? I had assumed that Michelin for the administration of our events and did not want to compete with it’s existing directing registration. Geoff will handle the line of Pilot tires. Bad assumption. Here is responsibilities for course, grid and paddock what happened ( as told to me by an industry design and event operations. insider, who will be nameless). Their first test of leadership under fire The pattern for the asymmetrical sidewall is came at the June 17 double-header autocross, held by Goodyear, and was licensed to BFG. by all accounts two very successful events. q Page 14

The Elegance At Hotel Hershey Was Truly Elegant

James Patterson’s 1936 Delahaye 135M Competition Court Coupe doubled up taking the “Governor’s Cup/Best of Show” and “Most Elegant Closed Post-War” awards. — John Rudy Photos On a very warm and sunny June 10th, The Elegance showcased more than 60 of the world’s finest collector automobiles on the The “Rolling Sculpture” award went to this sleek formal garden lawn behind Hotel Hershey. 1953 Fiat 8V “Otto Vu” Speciale Berlinetta. Billed as “a combined auto show and garden party like no other,” The Elegance lived up to that claim. Many notable marques were featured in this display of classic, vintage, and one-of-a- kind automobiles, the majority dating to the pre-WWII era. Duesenberg, Delahaye, Delage, Rolls-Royce, Cord, Packard, Bugatti, Stutz, Lincoln, Bentley, Pierce-Arrow and Rolls-Royce were well represented. In a more sporting vein were Ferrari, Cisitalia, H.R.G., Maserati, Aston Scaglietti-built 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial Series II Martin, Fiat and Siata. Spyder won for “Most Elegant Sports & Racing.” There were also a dozen vintage race cars on display from the previous two-day Grand Ascent hillclimb competition. The Governor’s Cup/Best of Show trophy was awarded to the 1936 Delahaye 135M Competition Court Coupe of James Patterson. If you appreciate cars from the past and would like to see more images from this car show, I’ve posted a photo gallery. Click on or navigate to http://www.johnrudy.com/elegance/ (The link is case sensitive, all lower case.) This one-off 1963 Pininfarina-bodied Corvette The Elegance was just one more example of Rondine won the “Ciao Italy Post-War” award. the area’s quality car shows. q — John Rudy Graphics by Chris Paveglio Page 15

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