Magazine of the National Capital Chapter BMW Car Club of America March/April 2019

March | April 2019

Magazine of the National Capital Chapter BMW Car Club of America

Cover: James Chew test drives the 2019 BMW X2 xDrive2.8i equipped with Premium and M-sport packages. Read the article on page 8. Photo: James Chew

VOLUME 49 | NUMBER 2 8 Confessions of a Station Wagon Lover BY JAMES CHEW 11 Autocross Season Wrap-Up BY JACK RAYMOND 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 11 14 Czech Automotive BY RON COSTELL, MD

17 Oktoberfest – Bimmers and Beemers 3 THE STEERING COLUMN BY PEARL ALIGA JONES

17 19 The Big Toy Box BY JAMES CHEW

4 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 22 Autocross – A New Season’s Guide BY JACK RAYMOND

19 24 Pie Run XXII BY ROB HOPKINS 4 COMING EVENTS 26 Please Don’t Bring the BMW 1 Series to the US BY JAMES CHEW

35 NEW MEMBERS LIST 26 29 Z4 Reveal at Pebble Beach BY CHRIS WOOTTEN

34 Autocross and HPDE Meet Street Survival 36 ADVERTISERS INDEX BY JACK RAYMOND 29 National Capital Chapter President’s Message BMW Car Club of America Chapter Officers (Please call 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) This time last year I made the trek to Daytona to watch the inaugural race of the BMW M8 President Paul Seto ...... [email protected] 301.908.1928 GTE and had an outstanding time. Warm temperatures, oceanfront hotel, and race cars Vice President everywhere at such a historic venue; couldn't ask for a better weekend. Unfortunately, James Laws ...... vice-president @nccbmwcca.org 240.424.5380 I wasn't able to make it this year, and of course, missed the historic, season-opening Treasurer victory. I also missed a cold and extremely rain-filled race, so I'm not too sad I was able Richard Kempf ...... [email protected] 703.455.8210 Secretary to watch the win on TV. But I did truly miss hanging out with all my CCA friends at Gina Hector ...... [email protected] 202.570.4462 the race and it would have been awesome to celebrate the victory among true BMW fans. Membership Chair That's why this club is so cool; we all love the cars which bring us together, but the James Laws ...... [email protected] 240.424.5380 people are what makes CCA so special. Social Chair Paul Seto ...... [email protected] 301.908.1928 Back in the DMV, it's still pretty cold outside and like many of you, I can't wait until Driving School Coordinator it’s warm enough to get out there and prep my car for the spring. As I write this, the Matt Oleksiak ...... [email protected] winter hasn't been too bad, but the car season is almost here and we're getting ready! Concours Chair Our schedule is jam-packed with all kinds of events that car folks will love. Whether you John McWilliams ...... concours [email protected] DIY Chair want to get your car on the track, take a fun drive to some cool places, or just need to do Phillip Cummings ...... diy [email protected] some required maintenance, this is just a small portion of what we do. And, if you Webmaster haven't been to many events, come check us out. We promise you'll be among other BMW Steven Schlossman ...... [email protected] enthusiasts and have an incredible time! Autocross Committee Phil Yates ...... [email protected] In NCC news, one major announcement that I want to share is that Craftsman Auto Baltimore Activities Care has agreed to be our Title Sponsor for Chapterfest 2019! As many of you already Billy Dixon ...... [email protected] 410.802.0188 know, Chapterfest is our huge annual event that showcases everything that NCC has to PR & Community Engagement offer. To be held at Summit Point Raceway on May 11th, we'll have an HPDE on the Main Kelsy Hill ...... [email protected] circuit, autocross on the Washington circuit, ///M5 hot laps courtesy of the BMW der Bayerische Staff Performance Center, and a whole lot more! Thanks to Matt and Judy Curry, both longtime Co-Editors Walter Jones ...... [email protected] club supporters, for making this happen! Look for more Chapterfest information in the Anna Maripuu ...... [email protected] coming weeks. Production/Layout Also, for 2019, we are commemorating our club's 50th anniversary! Members from Raine Mantysalo ...... [email protected] across the US will join us October 15-19 in Greenville, SC for our annual Oktoberfest Chief Marketing Officer Robert Cosentino . . [email protected] 202.641.4208 celebration! As the largest CCA chapter, NCC will be there in full force as we visit our new Contributing Writers CCA headquarters and home of BMW Manufacturing, for several days of BMW nirvana. James Chew, Dr. RonCostell, Robert Hopkins, Pearl Aliga Jones, You won't find a larger gathering of BMW enthusiasts and there are some incredible things Jack Raymond, Chris Wooten being planned for such a historic event. Save the date and hopefully you'll join us. Club Address NCC BMW CCA, P.O. Box 685, Arlington, VA 22216 Finally, I know that joining a club such as CCA can be overwhelming at first. And there are National Membership Toll-Free Number members out there who have been around for many years without making it to a 800.878.9292 single event. Did you know that we have a mentor program for new members? We assign der Bayerische is the official publication of the National Capital Chapter of the all new members a mentor to 'show them the ropes' and invite them personally to an event. BMW Car Club of America, Inc., and is not in any way connected with the Please reach out to me if you'd like to be assigned a mentor and we would be glad to reach Bayerische Motoren Werke AG or BMW of North America, Inc. It is provided by and for the Club membership only. The Club assumes no liability for any of the out. Also, you can attend our New Member Reception/Open House at BMW of Sterling on information, opinions or suggestions contained herein. No factory approval is March 9th. We'll give an overview of everything that we do and you can meet all the other implied unless specifically stated. Modifications within the warranty period of a vehicle may void the warranty. All articles to be considered for publishing must folks who probably haven't participated much either. Registration is required, so please be received by the 14th of odd-numbered months (January, March, …) and sign up now to guarantee your spot. We are all about to embark on another great 'car are subject to editing. Please send all submissions to the dB editors at [email protected]. Send all photos and all links to photos to the season' and we want you to be ready! Production Manager at [email protected]. For placement of commercial advertisements contact the Advertising Manager at [email protected]. Contents may not be reproduced without permission in writing except by the BMW CCA and its Chapters. © 2019 NCC BMW CCA

2 der Bayerische TheSteering Column

As we turn the corner from winter into spring, the their regular driving schools. We have several transmission. menu of activities for club events grows. We all concours and car shows to look forward to and of ReachNow is a BMW car-sharing and car- start to mentally and literally dust ourselves and our course, the 50th Annual BMW CCA Oktoberfest, rental service located in Portland and Seattle. You cars off from our winter hibernation. which this year will be held in Greenville, SC, to can either be driven or drive yourself. I recently Being a member of the largest BMW Car Club mark this important anniversary. This is a plethora read an article about the BMW i4 prototype, which of America chapter certainly has its perks. of events, an almost embarrassing array of riches. BMW has made to look much more conventional Our menu of options for car-related activities It’s probably good to pause and remind ourselves than the i3 or the i8. Even with the camouflage on, coming up for the year is long and varied. We have how lucky we are to have our Ultimate Driving since it has not yet been unveiled, one can see that the usual line up of socials, M Club days at the Machines and this great club in our lives! it has the shape of a ‘regular’ BMW. According to BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC, As lucky as we are, I sometimes wonder what autoblog.com, spy pictures of the car reveal that it the NCC Autocross schedule is complete and the car scene will look like ten to twenty years from even has fake exhaust tips. The iX3, which made its includes two events at a new venue this season: the now. It’s hard to say how fast the landscape is debut last spring, looks almost identical to the gas- Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, MD. Our schedule moving, but it’s moving. There are more shared car powered X3. for HPDEs at Summit Point, WV is set. And we’ll services than ever, such as Maven, Turo and What are we petrol heads to do? I say savor be holding a big Chapterfest event in May at Zipcars, and one can always with the tap of an app, every minute of your manual transmission, gas- Summit Point. hitch a ride with Uber or Lyft. I wonder if the day powered, individually owned BMW. Make sure to We have a great line up of DIYs, ladies’ DIYs, when we don’t even own an individual whole car take advantage of all of the club events on offer and detailing workshops and tech talks being held at a because of inefficiencies may be coming up faster spend time with your car. Who knows what the mix of independent shops and BMW dealerships all than we think. And what about autonomous and future will bring. around the area. Let’s not forget our Street Survival self-driving cars? Hybrid and electric cars? What Anna Maripuu program for teen drivers looking to learn more of the petrol engine? We all lament what seems Co-Editor about car safety and handling than they can in to be a march towards the demise of the manual

Help Wanted Get Your 2019 NCC BMW CCA Calendar Now! The BMW CCA National Capital Chapter (NCC) would like to hire a talented marketing team to help modernize the Chapter’s marketing The new 2019 NCC Calendar is filled with a wide variety of activities. This is an opportunity to apply your knowledge, attend great pictures covering many of our club events. Major club events in events, collaborate with other BMW enthusiasts, and network with 2019 are highlighted making it easy for you to plan ahead and other DC-area marketing professionals. The positions will partner with so that you won’t miss an event. It is a must-have and must- the NCC’s newly hired Chief Marketing Officer. Interested candidate hang for every club member. should contact Robert Cosentino at [email protected]. Preorder yours today and it will mail as soon as they become available. Director, Business Development The price is only Manage the 15 accounts that are long-term advertisers for dB $10.00 (plus $10 for magazine. shipping and handling if applicable). Order a Director, Email and Brand Marketing few, use them as gifts Manage the Chapter’s monthly email newsletter targeting 5,000 and share them chapter members. among your BMW friends. Director, Social Media and Content Marketing Set standards and create a federated model for coordinating and optimizing NCC’s social media marketing efforts across the 15 key accounts. Order at http://msreg.com/2019NCCcalendar Future event dates are listed as known at the time of printing.

March I April 3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January April 3 NoVa Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Tysons, VA 4 NoVa Social - Crust Pizzeria Napoletana, Vienna, VA 10 Columbia Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Columbia, MD 6 2019 NCC Autocross Test & Tune 12 2019 NCC Autocross Annual Meeting 6 DIY @ Proctor's Foreign Auto Service 17 MoCo Social - Pizza CS, Rockville, MD 7 Spring / Pre-concours Detailing Clinic, Sterling VA 10 Board Meeting/Social - Chuy's Tex-Mex, Rockville, MD February 11 Columbia Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Columbia, MD 13 2019 NCC Autocross Points Event #1 7 NoVa Social - Lost Rhino Retreat, Ashburn, VA 18 MoCo Social - Pizza CS, Rockville, MD 9 2019 NCC Annual Membership Meeting 20 Ladies DIY @ BMW of Annapolis 10 DIY @ Craftsman Auto Care, Chantilly, VA 20 BMW CCA at New York International Auto Show, Javits Center, NY 13 Feb Board Meeting/Social - Chuy's Tex-Mex, Rockville, MD 18-19 Advanced ///M School @ Performance Center West, Thermal, CA 21 Columbia Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Columbia, MD May 28 MoCo Social - Pizza CS, Rockville, MD 4 Live Tech Talk w/ Mike Miller @ BMW ExcluService 5 Deutsche Marque Concours d'Elegance, Vienna, VA March 10-12 NCC May 2019 Summit Point, Main Circuit HPDE 11 2019 NCC Autocross Points Event #2 (Chapterfest) 7 NoVa Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Tysons, VA 11 Chapterfest, Summit Point Raceway, WV 9 DIY Z Car Focus @ BMW of Sterling 18 DIY @ BMW of Sterling 9 Spring 2019 New Member Reception/Open House @ BMW of Sterling 14 Columbia Social - BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Columbia, MD 20 Board Meeting/Social - Chuy's Tex-Mex, Rockville, MD June 21 MoCo Social - Pizza CS, Rockville, MD 28-30 NCC June 2019 Summit Point, Jefferson Circuit HPDE 23 2019 NCC Autocross Novice School 16 2019 NCC Autocross Points Event #3 23 NCC Instructor Continuing Training 22-23 ///M Club Day @ BMW Performance Center 23 NCC Advanced/Solo Jefferson Circuit HPDE 28-30 NCC June 2019 Summit Point, Jefferson Circuit HPDE

COMING EVENTS

Chapterfest 2019 presented by Craftsman Auto Care

Hot laps provided by the BMW Performance Center

4 der Bayerische COMING EVENTS

NCC BMW CCA Spring / Pre-Concours Detailing Clinic Chapterfest Tour - May 11th Spring 2019 New Member Reception / Open Sunday, April 7, 2019 For the all encompassing Chapterwide event featuring House 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Autocross, Concours, DIY, HPDE, and Tour Groups all Saturday, March 9, 2019 converging on Summit Point Motorsports Park for a Odds and Ends Detailing – Darryl Nichols day of car fun! We will start late morning in Central BMW of Sterling 112 Oakgrove Road, Unit 111, Sterling, VA 20166 Maryland or Northern VA and enjoy some backroading 21710 Autoworld Circle, Sterling, VA fun before hitting the Shepardstown's Delicious Join our friends from the GWS of the MBCA for a Bavarian Inn for a German delicacy pit stop. From Schedule: detailing clinic courtesy of Darryl at Odds and Ends there we will head over to Summit Point to join the rest New Member Reception/Open House 10:00am Detailing on Sunday, April 7. Before the May 5th of Chapterfest and watch or hop into some of the other Lunch & DIY Tour 12:00pm Deutsche Marque Concours and summer weather events going on followed by a group BBQ cookout. arrive, learn how to prepare and maintain your car's The National Capital Chapter of the BMW Car Club of appearance during the hot months and get expert Great Pie Run XXIII - May 25th America (NCC BMW CCA) wants to welcome all new advice on storing your car. Welcome back for Pie Run XXIII. We will meet at and prospective members. Whether you've joined in Please note their new location: Odds and Ends Monocacy Battlefield for a day of touring the past few months, have never come out to an event, Detailing, 112 Oakgrove Road Unit 111, Sterling, VA featuring the covered bridges of North Central or just trying to find out what we do, this day is 20166. Phone 703-675-8819 Maryland before stopping at Catoctin Mountain specifically for you! We have several events taking Register through MotorSportReg:https://www. Orchards for pie. After loading up on pies we'll weave place throughout the day, so this is the perfect motorsportreg.com/events/odds-ends-detailing-work - south to AKA Friscos on the southern side of Frederick opportunity to meet your fellow BMW enthusiasts. shop-mbca-greater-washington-837672 for lunch. As the largest CCA chapter with more than 5000 members locally, we have the greatest and most 2019 NCC Tours: Coming to a Backroad 36th Annual Deutsche Marque Concours diverse membership base you'll ever come across. We Near You! d’Elegance run 120+ event days every year and you're bound to Thank you to all who participated in our tours in 2018! Sunday, May 5, 2019 find many activities that's fun for any roundel fan. We had a blast planning them and look forward to (Rain Date: Sunday, May 19, 2019) Our Board of Directors and Program Heads will seeing you out there on the road with us in 2019. be in attendance to give an overview of chapter We are planning 10 Touring events for this season and Nottoway Park activities, and help answer any questions you may expanding the types of touring events we are planning. 9601 Courthouse Rd have. Lunch will be served for those who've registered A few will be short tours, e.g. an afternoon trip to a Vienna, VA 22181 and include a tour of our DIY event. We'll also have winery or a picnic in the Mountains. For the first time some giveaways for some lucky participants! Please in a few years we will offer overnight Tours to allow for Registration will be through Motorsportreg. mark this date on your calendars, and we look forward some more adventurous touring. Below is a preview of com. See nccbmwcca.org or dmconcours.com for to seeing you there. what to expect from Tours in early 2019! Keep an eye details and updates. Note to potential attendees: The host of this event on social media, the forums and the NCC Tours One of the highlights of our event schedule, and is spending a great deal of time, energy, and money to MotorsportReg for more information on these and other an annual rite of spring for German car fans, is the make this reception possible. Please be aware of upcoming tours. Deutsche Marque Concours d’Elegance. This year this effort when your register for the reception. If you marks the 36th time that we have gathered with our register and then find yourself unable to attend please Spring Tour to Gettysburg - April 27th friends from the Greater Washington Section of the cancel your registration so someone else can take Pull off the car covers and pump up your tires for the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) and the your spot. first tour of the year! We will meet mid morning in Potomac Region of the Porsche Club of America (PCA) Urbana for a pleasant drive circumnavigating Frederick for this terrific show. Once again, we have reserved Register here: and up into the Catoctin Mountains. After enjoying Nottoway Park in Vienna, easily reached via Route 66. http://msreg.com/Spring2019NME some twisty mountain roads and wilderness we'll head The park entrance will be marked with large car club back down and into Gettysburg for a Group Lunch. banners so that you cannot miss it. After Lunch we'll stop by Gettysburg National Military Park for a driving tour of the Battlefield. Street Survival Regency Furniture Stadium September 22, 2019

36th Annual Deutsche Marque Concours d’Elegance Sunday, May 5, 2019 (Rain Date: Sunday, May 19, 2019)

March I April 5

Presented By 6 der Bayerische 2019 BMW X2 x DRIVE28 i

BMW launches its next classic, the X2. Confessions of a Station Wagon Lover

By James Chew chassis was a popular police cruiser Chrysler had opened the Chrysler Omni 024, I yearned for the Load (watch Adam-12), we had plenty of Shelby Performance Center in Santa Runner’s practicality. performance modification options. Fe Springs, which was very close Years later, when I first tested efore you all demand my With the performance and driving to my undergraduate alma mater an Audi Allroad and a Volvo XC90 resignation from the BMW CCA, characteristics of an American (Cal Poly Pomona). My college Cross Country, memories of that Blet me explain. muscle car and the utility to haul “car guy” friend, who was a friend “Load Runner” returned. Best of all, I learned to drive in a station “guy stuff,” that white sedan station of one of the Chrysler Shelby both vehicles were easy to enter and wagon. It wasn’t one of those wagon was transformed into MY engineers, helped me perform exit – something VERY important as “third-row-seat-passengers-in-a- sports activity vehicle. We nick - “Shelby-inspired” performance you enter your 40s. Both vehicles different-time-zone” station wagons named it the “Load Runner.” While modifications. This transformed a had higher ride heights which – it was an intermediate-size still belonging to my father, it well-meaning but underpowered allowed for easier loading of cargo one (1969 Plymouth Belvedere). became our preferred road trip compact “sporty coupe” into MY and outstanding driver vision while I convinced my father that my high vehicle. sports-activity vehicle. maintaining their benchmark school auto shop classmates and I By the early 1980’s, the rising The handy hatchback and European performance car driving would do a much better job of main - gas prices and the increasing folding-rear seat allowed me to dynamics. taining that vehicle than a shop (or expense of maintaining a 1960’s era haul “guy stuff”. It probably was no At that time, BMW offered no himself). We slowly transformed American car motivated my father to coincidence that during our college such product. All the available X- that vehicle from a competent family sell the “Load Runner.” My father days, all my “car guy” friends series SAVs performed as BMWs hauler to a sport wago n. Because gave me the proceeds, which I used drove hatchback coupes – Pinto should, but they were just a little Plymouth used that same chassis to purchase a used 1980 Dodge Runabout, Datsun B210, and VW too high. for the first-generation Roadrunner Omni 024. Scirocco were among the favorites. After slipping behind the and the sedan version of that Now, Carroll Shelby and While I enjoyed my time in that wheel of the 2019 BMW X2 and

March I April 7 2019 BMW X2 XDRIVE28 i

(Above) The cockpit begs an enthusiast to drive the X2 through its paces. putting it through its paces, I again branded vehicle developed from the immediately catches one’s eyes. cues for this generation of BMW had that “Load Runner” feel. To me, UKL-2 chassis. Shared with Mini, Building on their previous genera - products. Frankly, we were surprised BMW has developed the ultimate it’s no surprise that the base “S” tion “flame surfacing” theme, the to see how simply turning the BMW “car guy” hauler – it drives as a BMW model X2 has transversely mounted BMW designers gave the X2 the grill inserts upside down would should, has the famous German front engine and front-wheel drive. curves, creases, and lines to present yield such a tasteful, aggressive utility, and is high enough to allow The “X” model provides all-wheel a tasteful and timeless aggressive front-end design. It would be for easy entry and exit as well as drive, though the primary drive stance and profile. We’ve noticed interesting to learn if it was inten - good driver visibility. wheels are still in the front. that the “3D” grill and the rear end tional at the start or if it was a The BMW X2 is the third BMW- The X2’s aggressive design creases are the common design mistake that caught favor.

(Below) T he versatile rear seating area reminds us why we love hatchbacks.

8 der Bayerische 2019 BMW X2 XDRIVE28 i

A key feature of the BMW X-vehicles is their Whether we were on the streets of San utility. And the “utility” elements where the X2 Francisco, the Northern California freeway excels are the front seating area, driver vision, system, or the Napa and Sonoma country back - and rear cargo area. With run flat tires, the rear roads the X2’s driving characteristics where cargo area is even more useful because of the simply intoxicating. At the end of our weeklong, large storage space underneath the rear cargo 1,000-mile evaluation, we found ourselves floor. The X2 did quite well on the weekend wishing we had more time with the vehicle. warehouse store run. With the rear seats folded, During our time with the X2, our average it easily accommodates a mountain bike. So yes, fuel consumption was 30 miles per gallon. the X2 cargo area easily accommodates typical Our X2 xDrive2.8i vehicle was equipped “family guy/guy-stuff”. close to the way we would order one – Sunset As for the X2’s rear seat room – remember Orange, Premium Package, and M-sport the BMW commercial showing two six-foot package. That pushes the MRSP close to “typical American” men seated comfortably in $45,000. We would add leather, which adds the rear seat in an X1? Don’t expect that with the another $1,450 to the price. While the BMW X2. But having two rear doors does increase the “base” leather is processed to within an inch X2’s utility – especially if you’re hauling kids or of vinyl, in our opinion it still feels better than the adults who are under 5’8” in height. SensaTech. Because BMWs are measured on their When the X2 was launched, we predicted driving characteristics, it’s no surprise that the that BMW would soon be selling more SAVs than X2 excels. The X1 and X2 have the same sedans. Since May of this year, that has been the acceleration performance, but with the lower case. In fact, I was surprised to see that in seating position and suspension design, X2 August, more Tesla Model 3s were sold than encourages the driver to find the windy, most BMW 3 Series. I’m certain that it’s due mostly scenic routes to a destination. to the upcoming launch of the new 3 Series. Some of you may have participated in a But when viewed separately, the optic does not BMW “Ultimate Driving Experience” event which look good for BMW. featured attacking an autocross course in an X2. The X2 will make a nice addition to any If so, you’ve experienced the result of having a BMW enthusiast’s garage, either as a daily driver suspension that has been designed with more or a second car. It would not surprise us to see (Top) The “upside down” dual kidney grill negative camber and equipped with thicker anti- CPO X2s become quite popular with first-time yields an aggressive look. (Above) The new roll bars than the X1. The X2 makes the driver BMW buyers or BMW enthusiasts seeking their BMW rear taillight design dominates the clean want to attack a road course. Using the steering next BMW. rear design. wheel paddle shifters, the 8-speed automatic As for me, I’m glad to see that the spirit of transmission shifted in a responsive, predictable my “Load Runner” lives on. And now it’s wearing Testing the vehicle in Silicon Valley, we manner. This increased our driving confidence a BMW roundel. were surprised to see the number of Porsche on curvy back roads. owners who admired the X2’s aggressive, bulging rear haunches. A distinguishing Porsche design (Below) The lower profile will appeal to the BMW enthusiast. cue, the Porsche faithful stated that BMW “got that right” with the X2. And all who noticed said that the roundels on the rear sides were a nice design touch. Once the blandest of the European premium performance luxury brands, BMW raised the X2’s interior design to a benchmark level. Simply speaking, it is a work of art. The tasteful combi - nation of curves, creases, colors, and trim yield an airy, modern feel. And with the clever use of light, the X2’s interior is simply fascinating at night. It’s clear that the priority Adrian Von Hooydonk placed on fixing the BMW interior is paying off. One of the more clever interior design features is the location of the PRNDL. It’s located on the top of the shift knob.

March I April 9 10 der Bayerische AUTOCROSS

S1 season class Autocross winner: Jeff Noyes. Season Wrap-Up

By Jack Raymond | Photos by Jaclyn Heck

ational Capital Chapter held its final Many thanks go to the creativity of our course Esser, Jaclyn Heck, Cedric Hope, Joey autocross event of the season on October designer, AJ Aviles, for finding new ways to carve Hutchinson, James King, Seth Koch, John N13, 2018 at Regency Furniture Stadium up a parking lot that we all thought we knew by Lattanzio, Jeff Noyes, Jack Raymond, Collin (also known as Blue Crab Stadium) in Waldorf, heart from events past. Also a big hand to our Smith, Phil “Flip” Yates, Jr. (and his right-hand, MD. The morning started out a bit soggy but committee chairs, Jeremiah Anderson (and his Jodi Delaney-Yates). These events wouldn’t take dried continually throughout the day. After a fine right-hand, Cecilia Ripley), Fraser Dachille, place without your dedicated efforts. Thanks also lunch served by our sponsor, Dulles Car Chuck Pompei, and the rest of our stalwart staff: to our perennial sponsor, RRT Racing. We appre - Concierge, the weather was quite nice! Sarah Abernathy, Kamran Bakhtian, Andrew ciate your support. The course was a bit different than usual. Caden, Adam Chelikowsky, Okas Elam, Bob Congratulations to our season class trophy winners! S1 first place: Jeff Noyes Modified class, first place: Kamran Bakhtian PAX class, first place: Eric Core S1 second place: Mark Smith Modified class, second place: Brian Shipman PAX class, second place: Zachary Hancock S1 third place: Pat Gaffney Modified class, third place: Jeremiah Anderson PAX class, third place: Lenworth Woolcock T1 first place: Seth Gradon Koch Modified class, fourth place: Joey Hutchinson PAX class, fourth place: James King T1 second place: Ivan Slavov MINI Cooper class, first place: Jack Raymond PAX class, fifth place (tie): Howard Leikin T1 third place: Fraser Dachille MINI Cooper class, second place: Mark Drew PAX class, fifth place (tie): Claudius Jorif T3 first place: Chuck Pompei Novice class, first place: Andrew Caden ProPax class, first place: Okas Elam T3 second place: Lewis Zehmer Novice class, second place: Alicia Gordon ProPax class, second place: Jerry Bird, Jr. ProPax class, third place: Alejandro Aviles

March I April 11 AUTOCROSS SEASON WRAP-UP

Looking forward to next season: NCC Autocross is proud to announce that Maryland. This venue has been a staple for we will be hosting two events at Ripken Stadium NCC Autocross for years, and we are thrilled For 2019, NCC Autocross is returning to a sched - in Aberdeen, Maryland. This is a great venue, to continue our relationship with the stadium. ule of Seven (7) planned Points events, One (1) located right off I-95 in Harford County, The parking lot has been re-paved over the winter, Novice School and One (1) Test and Tune to Maryland. We have been working for approxi - so the surface should be in good shape for the comprise our schedule of Nine (count ‘em, 9!) mately two years to secure this venue for events, upcoming autocross season. total events for the year. and we are thrilled that we have two events 2019 NCC Autocross will be returning to the scheduled there. We will host the first and last Washington Circuit at Summit Point for two event of the season at this venue. events -- the first during Chapterfest in May, the The remainder of our events are going to be second occurring in August. held at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf,

Novice class season winner: Andrew Caden

The NCC Autocross 2019 Schedule

3/23 Novice School – Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf, MD 7/07 NCC Autocross Points Event #4 – Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf, MD 4/06 Test and Tune – Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf, MD 8/10 NCC Autocross Points Event #5 – the Washington Circuit, Summit Point 4/13 NCC Autocross Points Event #1 – Ripken Stadium, Aberdeen, MD Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV 5/11 NCC Autocross Points Event #2 – as part of Chapterfest 2019, the 9/07 NCC Autocross Points Event #6 – Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf, MD Washington Circuit at Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV 10/5 NCC Autocross Points Event #7 – Ripken Stadium, Aberdeen, MD 6/16 NCC Autocross Points Event #3 – Regency Furniture Stadium, Waldorf, MD

12 der Bayerische AUTOCROSS SEASON WRAP-UP

Modified class season winner : Kamran Bakhtian PAX class season winner: Eric Core

T1 season class winner: Seth Gradon Koch MINI Cooper class season winner: Jack Raymond

ProPax class season winner: Okas Elam T3 season class winner: Chuck Pompei

March I April 13 Czech Automotive

By Ron Costell, MD

riving into Prague in June 1966, we felt like young gods: with a brand- Communist banners and a few struggling public gardens offered the only new jade green VW Beetle, two American twenty-somethings heading visual relief. Our official lodgings, just off the Old Town Square, were under Dfor an all-expenses paid, academic-year exchange fellowship in scaffolding, which served the dual purpose of facilitating a half-hearted the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. I was a restoration, and keeping exfoliating plaster off medical student and my wife a German the pedestrians below. language scholar. We had prepared with But if the appearance was austere, studies of Czech language and culture. personal interactions were uniformly generous We were “stoked” for the experience. I would and warm, the Czechs being very interested to work with a research group at the Psychiatric get to know Americans living outside the US Research Institute, she would teach English. Embassy. For boys being boys everywhere, We had passed into Bohemia from our pristine VW was quite the draw. (We had Nurnberg, through placid meadows of fields, priced European delivery of a BMW, but at thick border forests, and sleepy little villages $4,000, it was well beyond our means at on two lane highways, which hadn’t changed the time.) much since the 1920’s. Crossing the stately To sit in the passenger seat and direct me Moldau River into Prague, all the historic through Prague became a peak experience for monuments came into view through a bright my colleagues. That is how I learned the exhil - polluted summer haze distinctly smelling of aration and terror of being urged to drive heed - diesel fuel. The city at that time was suffering lessly through any crowd of pedestrians in my badly from deferred maintenance and gave an path, as the paucity of automobiles gave cars impression of everything being desaturated (Above) The daily obstacle course! Note the the right of way over people! Approaching my into grey by the years of accumulated brown elevated booth for Police traffic control. (Below) first left turn from one major avenue into coal dust. The occasional red and gold “Back to the Future,” The formidable Czech Tatra. another, my colleague unexpectedly suggested

14 der Bayerische C Z E C H A U T O M O T I V E

I move to the right and insert my car simplicity and durability. The in front of the vehicles on my right newest version at that time was the who were all waiting for a green 1000-MB model, all Czech light. I was baffled initially by this designed and manufactured in a practice, so different from Palo new factory in Mlada Boleslav. Alto, until I came to understand it as But the Czech motoring public soon another peculiarity of a land with translated the name of the model few cars. into “a thousand small pains.” And what cars were there? For Many Fiat 500’s and 750’s found the average Czech, a new little their way into Czech hands, but Skoda four-door sedan cost two disappointed as they quickly years’ salary and could only be had succumbed to rust. We saw a beau - after a long wait. There was no tifully restored former Wehrmacht (Above) Nameless pre-WWII motorcycle-powered three-wheeler, lovingly restored, in daily use.

with a Kremlin-like feeling of dura - seen was black. Despite their bility. Other Russian cars, like the long and proud middle-European Zil limousine we witnessed speed - heritage, for some bizarre reason, ing away from the Foreign Ministry these Tatra’s were all badged in were rarely seen outside diplomatic English, “Made in Czechoslovakia.” compounds. Fortunately, I was never offered a The iconic Czech vehicle was ride by any of the leather coated the Tatra. Named for the highest of members of the Internal Security the Czechoslovak mountains, this Police. was the pinnacle of luxury and For all the faded, but fabulous, performance, an aerodynamic mon - glory of Prague, driving in the ster four-door limousine with a rear countryside gave us the greatest mounted V-8 engine! These were pleasure. It was like a time machine almost universally the motor pool back into the early twentieth livery of ruling class Party bureau - century. Having escaped the major crats. The only ones in private destruction of WWII, the smaller hands were said to be owned by the towns and villages of Bohemia and richest members of the proletariat: Moravia were jewels, with wonder - butchers! The newest model at the ful old churches and castles, which 1966 Brno International Trade Fair during Communist times were all (Above) S kip the two-year wait, win the lottery for a new Skoda 1000-MB. was painted a dapper celadon, most open to visit. The little country (Below) Party Time –Communist that is –the ubiquitous official vehicle. atypical since every other I had roads sometimes revealed unex - such thing as financing. If you “Kubelwagon” parked in Prague. A weren’t lucky enough to win a lot - prewar vehicle designed for invalids, tery, the transaction would be all it was a three-wheel motorcycle cash. With 100 Crowns as the powered concoction with aircraft like largest banknote, the 44,000 Crown skin and cockpit. This one had transaction would take a few suit - apparently been lovingly preserved cases or a wheelbarrow! and appeared to be in regular use. Many Czechoslovakian families The head of a research depart - owned motorcycles. The JAWA’s ment at our institute, affluent from a and CZ’s were some of the world’s thriving private psychiatric practice, best, and with sidecars could proudly owned a Russian “Volga” get the wife and kids to the four-door sedan. We drove it up to country cousins. For a car anything North Bohemia to visit a hospital. you could beg, borrow, steal or It was the spitting image of an early refurbish became very desirable. 1950’s Ford, down to the plexiglass The older Skodas, some even hooded speedometer and column pre-WWII, were cherished for their shifter. It was a stable performer,

March I April 15 C Z E C H A U T O M O T I V E pected sights, such as an IRBM where Kafka spent his whole work - mobile launcher parked in a secluded ing life. meadow , or exposed us to Warsaw The venerable bread loaf-sized pact maneuvers with paratroopers cobblestones that paved most of the landing on the other side of the Prague streets had long suffered the valley – reasons to motor on and battering of CKD busses and huge keep the camera out of sight! swing-axle Tatra trucks. Avoiding The gas stations in Prague potholes while driving the VW were little island affairs with a single became a fine art that was honed attendant. Private “moonlighting” later on in DC. The only mishap we repair services abounded. Auto part suffered on country roads was supplies were available from a moving off onto a soft shoulder to distribution center the size of an allow a bus to pass us. Suddenly urban department store in central the bus driver and all the male Prague, where I proudly requested a passengers poured out of the bus to tire pressure gauge in Czech using help push our little car back onto a collage of dictionary words that the blacktop! gave the clerk a reason for a big smile. We purchased mandatory auto insurance in the same building

(Below Left and Right) 1944 German Army VW “Kubelwagon.” A gravity-fed Above) Russian Embassy Chaika Limo: emerging at high speed from the fuel reservoir over the carburetor insures winter morning starting on the Czech Foreign Ministry. Note the 1950’s American styling. Eastern Front.

(Below Left and Right) Brand new 1966 Tatra exhibited at the Brno International Trade Fair. Gorgeous, but without any known distribution network.

16 der Bayerische OKTOBERFEST AT DISTRICT HARLEY-DAVIDSON/DUCATI/BMW – OCTOBER 13, 2018 Oktoberfest - Bimmers and Beemers

By Pearl Aliga Jones | Photos by Nicky Wang and Pearl Jones he First Annual Oktoberfest - savoring bratwursts, hot dogs, Bimmers and Beemers, was pretzels, and German chocolate Theld on Saturday, October cake, accompanied by different 13, at District Harley-Davidson/ beverages. The gregarious Ducati/BMW, 7830 Airpark Road, Panama, a member of one of in Gaithersburg, Md. District’s motorcycle clubs, was Oktoberfests have always been the grill master, and ensured a part of District’s varied line of that there was ample food for annual events, thanks to owners, everyone. Maurice Slaughter and Shawn District’s Sales Team was on Robinson. This year’s collabora - hand to answer questions about tion came about soon after Mark the motorcycles from Rosenberg, one of our Chapter curious and interested guests Tourmeisters, joined District as and encouraged everyone to try its Controller. He suggested that them. Next time you visit, make instead of an Oktoberfest just for sure to say hello to Bobby motorcycles, perhaps the event Weaver, Sales Manager, and Sam could include cars, too. Thus, the Yang, BMW and Ducati Sales idea of Bimmers and Beemers was Specialist. born. (Note to some of our off - While the adults were busy shore readers: Bimmers is the admiring and getting on the nickname of BMW cars, and bikes, youngsters were enjoying Beemers, of BMW motorcycles.) the bright and spacious lounge, James Laws, our NCC Vice- where books and toys were abun - President and Membership Chair, dant. The dealership also has and Nicky Wang, District’s large gift shop with a wide variety Marketing Manager, firmed up the of apparel and accessories. My plans for an enjoyable event. The (Above) NCC member Wally Jones and his daughter, who is sporting a Harley- family left with several nice items, talented Nicky created the beauti - Davidson jacket. including a sporty and cute ful poster for it. Harley-Davidson jacket complemented by a pair of sequined sun glasses for It was a crisp, autumnal day made chillier by winds, but it did not our little four-year-old granddaughter! Not only that; just like the other atten - matter to guests as they enjoyed the BMW car and motorcycle show while dees, we formed new friendships, thanks to the warm and welcoming folks

(Below Left to Right) NCC meets District H-D. From left, Billy Dixon, NCC Chair for Baltimore Activities; Mark Rosenberg, NCC Tourmeister and District's Controller; and Nicky Wang, District's Marketing Manager. A Beemer - BMW Motorrad F750 GS. Panama, the grill master.

March I April 17 OKTOBERFEST AT DISTRICT HARLEY-DAVIDSON/DUCATI/BMW

(Above from Left) - NCC Officers and members at the car show. Among them, extreme left, Doug Verner, NCC Chair of ///M School Events; Alaina Mohanco (in red jacket), Co-Chair of Chapterfest 2019; James Laws (middle), NCC Vice-President and Membership Chair; and Paul Seto (4th from right), NCC President. Bimmers at the car show. at District…and left with full stomachs, thanks to Panama’s perfectly grilled bratwursts and hot dogs. On behalf of the National Capital Chapter of the BMW CCA, I would like to express our sincerest thanks to District Harley-Davidson/Ducati/BMW for becoming one of our generous sponsors and supporters. Look for the dealership’s maiden ad in this issue. Do visit District, and tell the folks there that the NCC sent you! Just like our cars and motorcycles, this partnership is built to last. See you at the Oktoberfest - Bimmers and Beemers in the years ahead. (Below Left) Oktoberfest poster. (Right)The Beemer sign in District's showroom. BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle marque of BMW. (Bottom) Motorcycle show.

18 der Bayerische BMW AT THE 2018 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW The Big Toy Box

rowing up the 1960’s, By James Chew Shows. During his tenure, the BMW Christmas for me did not offi- exhibit at the major US auto shows Gcially begin until Sears opened went from a “must see” to a “why their “Big Toy Box” section. In a bother” status. special part of the store, this special Last year’s Los Angeles Auto seasonal section was opened with the Show, was the “coming out” party for arrival of Santa Claus and some of his the current BMW NA President and jolly elves. Inside this section had all CEO, Bernhardt Kuhnt. Under his the latest games, dolls, and toys. leadership, BMW NA showed renewed Our parents would dress us in our emphasis on the major shows, in Sunday best for this annual event and particular Los Angeles. For Kuhnt, then we would patiently wait to tell BMW’s 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show Santa our Christmas wishes. Of media event was a case of “Promises course, we would change our minds Made, Promises Kept”. For the BMW many times as we saw all the new faithful, it was the opening of a big products. toy box. (Top and Above) The all-new 2019 3 Series. It’s back. It’s mad. And It’s no secret that I was big fan At last year’s auto show, BMW it’s better than ever. of the past BMW North America executives showed quite a bit of President and CEO, Ludwig Willisch. Many times, he demonstrated his attitude in their remarks. They were tired, having one hand tied behind their appreciation for the BMW North American faithful by participating in backs during the product development cycle. They were tired of wining and several BMW CCA events as well as vintage Motorsport events, mingling dining selected auto journalists at product launch events, only to have those with BMW enthusiasts. But he displayed a distain for the major U.S. Auto journalists continue to promulgate the myth of “BMW no longer having

March I April 19 BMW AT THE 2018 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

chops, the 8 Series coupe and 8 Series convert - ible were then revealed. The initial remarks focused in the success of the BMW M8 GTE motorsports program. This should put a smile on all BMW enthusiast’s faces. This could become my new favorite BMW. If you’ve not heard of Klaus Fröhlich, Google him. He is BMW’s head of product development and he is one “pissed off” dude. One of the leading “true believers” within BMW AG, his frustration with the “buff book” reviews of recent BMW products was quite apparent. It was with this attitude that he came to the stage in the all-new Z4. In my review of the new Fiat 124 Spyder, I pleaded with the BMW AG management to (Above) Our friend Mr. Kuhnt and the all-new 2019 X5 which was driven “straight” from Spartanburg, revive the Z4. It takes just one open-air drive SC to the LA Auto Show. along the Pacific Coast Highway in a roadster to understand why the Z4 is needed to complete the steering wheel feedback”, while the younger “me X5 we all admired has now refined that particular BMW product line-up. I suspect the new BMW drive fast, me like cars ‘journalists’” focused sole - X5 looked – even in its unwashed condition. Z4 will have current Z3 and Z4 owners trading ly on performance figures. And they were quite To quote Mr. Kuhnt, “The Boss Is Back.” in their vehicles, but will capture an entire new relieved when the current BMW AG CEO proved Needless to say, the tone for the 2018 BMW generation of Z4 buyer. to be a “true believer” in BMW being the Los Angeles Auto Show Media Event was set. When Fröhlich revealed the next product, he “Ultimate Driving Machine.” Pieter Nota, Member of the BMW AG clearly showed what the “true believers” want. This attitude was fully unleashed at this Management Board for BMW sales, took the stage It was the all-new BMW 3 Series. At previous 3 year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Bernhardt Kuhnt to reveal the new X7. At an earlier sneak peek, we Series launch events, Fröhlich has been quoted kicked off the event with remarks on the success first thought we thought that in a sea as saying, “I think as a company BMW has a big of the new BMW M5. of new BMW products, the X7 stood out like a fea - history of compact four-seaters with a lot of He then conveyed BMW AG’s frustration tured product in a Tiffany store. The X7 has a power — 1600, 2002, the first 3 Series, the 323 from constantly hearing, since its initial launch, refined, “jeweled” aura. It really stands out when with two exhaust pipes. This is the BMW still in that the X5 was not “really an off-road vehicle.” next to its targeted competition. As with all BMW the minds of many people.” Clearly to Fröhlich, The first product revealed was a 2019 X5 SAV’s, the X7 looks smaller than it actually is. The the 3 Series IS a “halo” BMW product. that was DRIVEN in as straight as line interior is bright and airy, with what appears to be For Fröhlich, the new 3 Series had one as possible, from the Spartanburg assembly plant many “Rolls Royce” type design and styling cues. mission: Silence the critics. He successfully to the Los Angeles Convention Center The BMW faithfuls’ pent-up demand for the advocated simultaneously launching the M-sport (https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/bmw- X7 was quite evident when the “pre-sale” order models with the new 3 Series model launch, drives-straightest-line-u-s/315750/). This is numbers were announced – over 15,000. This a contrary to their normal practice of waiting at something that even an avid Jeep enthusiast $100,000 SAV – the eye-watering margins must least a year. And this is the BMW which we would admire. After seeing that video, no make all on the BMW AG management board would very much like to evaluate. Fröhlich reasonable person would doubt the X5’s all- smile. revealed one more product – and it was clear to terrain driving capability. Upon inspection, the Building on their re-established luxury whom his remarks were targeted. Last year, when (Below)The all new 2019 X5 maintains its classic lines. The 2019 X5 now has a “big brother”, the all new 2019 X7

20 der Bayerische BMW AT THE 2018 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW he revealed the “iVision”, Fröhlich stated that “instead of tweeting about it, we do it”. The “iNext” is BMW’s view of a fully autonomous BMW electric vehicle. Fröhlich stated that BMW will be producing fully autonomous vehicles by 2021. While we have no doubt that the technology will be production-ready by that point, we can’t help but wonder if by then the lawyers will have determined who to hold liable in the event of an accident (proving again that Shakespeare was right). Wow - 3,4,5,7,8, and “Next” in 30 minutes. This product launch “Blitzkrieg,” in our opinion (Above and Right) The all-new 850i convertible the most significant since the launch of the E32 - I hear the Pacific Coast Highway calling. BMW 7 Series, not only gave the BMW faithful and media the impression that the “true The Rest of the Story… believers” within BMW AG are now in charge; but After the BMW media event, the Mercedes also left the competition in shock and awe. and Audi exhibits looked quite pedestrian. Volvo During the next year, I suspect that those of didn’t even bother showing ANY products. us taking our BMWs to our preferred BMW Instead, they showed Amazon shipping boxes. Centers for service will be spending quite a bit of We’re not kidding – Volvo was promoting a new time in their showrooms. During the next sales car-buying service arrangement with Amazon. year, those BMW dealer showrooms will be our To the seasoned auto show attendee, the Volvo “Big Toy Box.” exhibit proved that they had nothing new. This link provides an edited version of the After the much-publicized actions taken by BMW LA Auto Show media event: https:// both Ford and by GM to cease the development www.youtube.com/watch?v=USX0ht-Z0c4 and production of sedans, I noticed how the During this event, we noticed that our friend, European and Japanese automakers as well as Adrian Van Hooydonk, was watching from the Fiat/Chrysler were still offering competitive AND elevated BMW hospitality suite, taking it all in. profitable sedans. His smile revealed that he was not only happy As I was inspecting the new 3 Series as well with the revealed product, but also with the large number of outstanding European and outstanding media reaction. Japanese sedans and the latest Dodge Charger Hackett would go down in history as the CEOs and Chrysler 300 models on display at the LA who put GM and Ford on the “going-out-of- (Below) The 850i coupe and 850i convertible Show, it was clear that Mary Barra and Jim business” track. show the new BMW rear taillight design. (Below) The clean and stately rear 3/4 view of the all-new X7.

March I April 21 AUTOCROSS

Extreme performance summer tires and lightweight wheels deliver the biggest bang for your buck.

Autocross - A New Season’s Guide

By Jack Raymond | Photos by Fraser Dachille

y the time you read this, it’ll be time to gear up for the 2019 autocross may be capable of going faster and handling better than the stock setup, but season. (See the season calendar near the front of this so will every other car in your new category. You won’t have gained any Bmagazine.) Here are a few thoughts on getting ready. advantage relative to the competition. The most common question I The second reason for leaving the hear from newcomers to autocross is car alone is that if you’re not maxing “what modifications should I make to out what the car is capable of in stock my car”? If you’re new to autocross, trim, then you definitely won’t be then until you’re getting 98% out of the getting the bang for your buck out of stock setup, LEAVE THE CAR ALONE! modifications, especially compared to Run what you brung. Leave the car in your competitors in the Tuner or the showroom / stock / street class. Touring category, leaving you at an Why, you ask? Won’t modifying the car even bigger disadvantage. (Yes, I make it faster? know, we all think we’re already a hot There are two main reasons why shoe when we sign up for our first you shouldn’t modify your car until competition event, until we have the you’ve got some competition experi - humbling experience of having our ence under your belt. For one, beyond butt kicked.) the most basic changes, any modifica - So, what should you do as a tions you make are likely to put the car (Above) Focus on training the driver, training the driver, and training newcomer to autocross? The first in a different category: what BMW Club the driver. three things you should focus on are would call “Tuner” or “Modified”, or what SCCA would call “Street Touring” 1) train the driver, 2) train the driver, and 3) train the driver. Go to the BMW or “Street Prepared”. The challenge is that everyone competing in that car NCC autocross novice school on March 23 at Regency Furniture Stadium in category has already made all the allowed mods as well. The modified car Waldorf, MD (log on to www.motorsportreg.com and search for “autocross

22 der Bayerische AUTOCROSS – A NEW SEASON’S GUIDE

wheel, due to the smaller circumfer - ence. My advice: unless your car’s speed at redline in second gear is 65+ mph, stick with the stock-sized (but lighter weight) aftermarket wheels. A smaller wheel will have a lower top speed at second gear redline than the stock-sized wheel. I use a set of light weight, stock-size wheels for competition; my OEM stock wheels are shod with a good set of all-season tires for the off- season. What about alignment? And shocks and struts? And a sway bar? Tune in next time to lesson 1 in “The (Above) Run what you brung. Minimize the modifications to the car. 7 Habits of Highly Effective school”). Go to an SCCA Level 1 feels good, but your time gets 255/40R17 tires. Autocrossers”. autocross school. Definitely consider worse, then undo your last set of Second, if you can afford it, A note from the NCC Autocross Evolution Performance Driving tire pressure changes. acquire a set of lighter weight Committee Chair: for the dedicated School, Phase 1: www.evoschool. The second tip is this: arrive at wheels. Why? Reducing unsprung autocrossers among you, a season com. Let someone who’s a better the autocross event with just ¼ tank weight (weight not supported by the subscription to our autocross points driver teach you at every opportunity. of gas. Anything more is just dead car’s springs) improves handling. events is available. The cost for the In the case of Evo School, chances weight at seven lbs per gallon. The rules allow a “showroom” entire season (7 championship are that you r instructor will be a Solo “But I already have (some) (a.k.a. “stock” or “street”) car to points events) totals $150 for morn - National Champion. So, put your autocross experience!” you say. have wheels whose diameter is ing-or-afternoon-only or $240 for all- money, time, and energy into Ok, once you’ve decided that you’re within 1” of the stock size; the offset day. (Note that our Novice School becoming a more skillful driver. serious (but not yet committed must be within 7mm (about 0.25”) and Test 'n Tune events are not Are there any car setup tips to enough to acquire a car specifically of stock. The wheels’ width must included.) Not only is this a be shared with a newcomer? Yes; for autocross), here are two more remain the same as stock. Note that savings of almost 40% off the here are two. First, adjust your tire things you can do. a smaller (lighter) wheel may regular price, it saves the hassle of pressures to maximize perform - First, get a set of “extreme enable you to accelerate faster than having to remember to sign up for ance. Before each autocross run, performance summer” tires for your with the stock-size rim (and lower each individual event! Contact apply a chalk line to your tires, from car. Why? The simple answer is the car’s center of gravity a tad), but [email protected] for more the top edge of the tread down onto superior grip and handling. A set of a full revolution on the smaller information. the sidewall, just above the wheel. extreme performance summer tires wheel translates into less distance Check your tires after each run. will transform the car (in warm than a full revolution of the stock Ideally, the chalk should only be weather); they’re typically good for rubbed away down to the little trian - 3-4 percent faster times compared gle that most manufacturers mold to the OEM tire. The current into the edge of the tread at the top favorite still seems to be the of the sidewall. If there is still chalk Bridgestone RE-71R Potenza, visible on the tread above that little though it never hurts to check the triangle, then let 2 psi out of that SCCA Solo Nationals results to see tire. If the chalk is rubbed away far what brand the top drivers are onto the sidewall, then try increas - using. Pick a size that’s 10-20 mm ing the tire pressure by 2 psi, but wider than stock to get more “foot - don’t go over 38-40 psi hot. print”. You may need to choose a (Personally, I prefer lower tire pres - lower “aspect ratio” (sidewall sures: not more than 34-36 psi). height / treadwidth) to keep the With a stock suspension (especially overall tire diameter the same as the MacPherson-style struts sup - stock. For example, the stock tire plied as OEM by most manufactur - size for my autocross car is ers) having the tire “roll over” a bit 235/45R17 (235 mm wide tread, during competition is inevitable. 45% aspect ratio, on a 17” diameter On the following run, if your driving wheel), but I compete on a set of (Above) Dial in your tire pressures. Not too much, not too little.

March I April 23 Pie Run XXII

By Robert Hopkins | Photos by Alicia Gordon

wo years and maybe four to five pie runs ago, I went on my first pie run were ready to go. We went over the rules, reiterated the need to obey traffic which was my first driving tour with the club! Maybe because I went laws, etc., and checked that everyone had directions, with even a few testing Tthrough a pumpkin cheesecake phase last fall or it didn't work out with an App for digital turn by turn directions. We broke up into groups for those my schedule, I haven't been on a pie run since, though I have taken part in who wanted drive more briskly and those who wanted to drive in a more and run many tours myself since. Hopping into the car on an early Saturday relaxed manner or even somewhere between. morning with the cool Fall air nipping at my hands and face brought back to Since I used my car as a beacon to others looking for the tour start, memories of tours gone by and particularly memories of that first pie run I had to dash back to my car at the tour start so I grouped up with one or two that changed how I thought about of the other cars at the tail end of the car club. the group. We cruised along Grouping up with Tour- dancing up the twisty roads and meisters Mark Rosenberg and regarded the scenic views over Steve Pera and his son Mark, I rustic stone walls and mountains flipped on my sport mode and in the distance through light heated steering wheel, as we drove forested areas. The route wound south on the freeway to Wilson's north toward Hagerstown through Meat Market in Catlett, Virginia for hills and along fields and tree- the start of the tour. Wilson's is a lined stream valleys. Some of premium butcher shop offering which occasionally were recog - fresh cuts of all kinds of meats nized from the Pie Run of the past from filet mignon and ribeye adding a bit of sweet icing to the steaks to pork chops, bratwurst, or pleasure that was the drive. whatever thickness of bacon you As we approached Harpers could ask for, and even some Ferry and our planned first stop cheeses. The beauty of the Pie at the Sweet Springs Country Run is that we can also grocery Store, we caught up with the rest shop, have lunch and grab dessert (Top) After running into a road block, tour goers re-organize on a large of the group who had to turn after. Driving and taking care of shoulder. (Above) An F32 M4 and F30 M3 parked outside Schmankerl Stube, around due to a fallen tree block - some items on the to-do list, what the Pie Run's lunch stop. ing the road ahead. After squeez - more can you ask for! ing all thirty cars like Jenga blocks onto a small section of shoulder a mile While Tour goers picked up meats the Tourmeisters were busy check - or two away, an alternate stop was organized, and a gas stop determined for ing arriving folks in and making sure the thirty cars and fifty participants those who needed it. The alternate stop would be the Antietam National

24 der Bayerische PIE RUN XXII

(Above) Drivers gather around Tourmeister Steven Pera to discuss an alternate tour rest point at the Antietam National Battlefield.

Cemetery and Battlefield. Gettysburg Battlefields when the wondering if it was 3:30 or 7:30. grabbed cookies, apple cider Arriving at the Antietam visitor weather warms next year. Everyone's food looked worth trying donuts, beef pies, fruit spreads, and center, some of us headed inside to Soon it was time to get back and I hope to return again to try many of the other types of fruit pies get out of the cold and view many on the road, with our stomachs some other dishes, but with one last available. This ended what had of the stunning paintings related growling from “grocery shopping" stop to the Catoctin Mountain been a productive, fun and fulfilling to various parts of the battle. The and the history lesson. With most Orchard and their delicious pies tour day. Battle at Antietam was the final of the driving behind us it wasn't calling we paid our bills and head - I was glad that the pies were battle in the First Confederate long before we found ourselves ed out, enjoying the echoes of the final stop as it hadn’t been such Invasion Campaign of the North. inside the Hagerstown City limits BMW exhausts burbling, popping a happy ending for the pie I had On September 17th 1862 General and parked for a lunch stop at and rasping as we spiraled down bought on my first pie run. I had Lee's army encountered a Schmankerl Stube. I can tell you the parking garage ramps back to been my fault for not keeping it regrouped Union force North of that the four kinds of “wurst” in the ground level. quite cool enough to remain fully Sharpsburg. Lee decided to engage sampler that I shared with several We headed east out of frozen though it was still edible and in an attempt to remove the Union others at my table were delicious Hagerstown and headed up into the quite tasty afterward. It just didn’t Army of the Potomac from action beyond what I imagined! My main Catoctin mountain range for a bit look so good after bouncing around and secure the Confederate Army a meal included "Bayerischer more twisty road fun, weaving up in my trunk. Maybe next year we safe route north through Frederick Hackbraten", meatloaf with a side and then back down the other side should start with the pies and have to Gettysburg and points North. of mashed potatoes and tasty red of the ridge. But with temperatures pie awards. My current BMW has After twelve hours of intense fight - cabbage. For dessert, a tray was dropping and the sun starting to set a cargo net, so I plan to stave off ing and Lee's smaller force taking brought out and a piece of behind the mountains it was time to any potential messiest pie awards. nearly equal casualties to the much "Münchner Doppeldecker", a double pay the Catoctin Mountain Orchard Even though it didn't end well for larger Union force the fighting yellow cake with chocolate icing a visit before closing time. I picked my first pie run pie, the company stopped and the next night Lee fell and a thick layer of Bavarian butter - up an Apple Dumpling, some apple of the people and the tasty food back across the Potomac River. cream filling was very much pies for my family's Thanksgiving was worth coming back for another Perhaps we will revisit next year for savored. All of this great food left get-together and a chicken pot pie pie run. a driving tour of the Antietam and or me on the verge of a food coma for lunch another day. Many folks

March I April 25 THE 2018 VW GTI

Please Don’t Bring the BMW 1 Series to the US

Not that anyone needs more proof that men By James Chew The other was the 1980’s era “Kleine never mature beyond the age of twelve, but GTI” TV commercial. It showed two GTIs here’s yet another example. being tossed around a race track. The voice- A car buddy of mine and I were at a bar over stated that in Germany, the land of the catching up on old times. Eventually, we world’s car enthusiasts, the GTI was the best discussed classic TV car commercials and selling car. began to debate whether or not Ricardo I suspect both commercials created a Montalban ever said the words “Rich new generation of North American German Corinthian Leather” in the Chrysler Cordoba car enthusiasts. TV ads. Eventually, wagers were made, the While BMW and VW do not compete in internet consulted and one of us lost the bet. the U.S., the lines are a little fuzzier in Is it a wonder that neither of us dated Europe. In Europe, BMWs don’t have quite while we were in high school? as “premium” of an image. Those of us who During that internet search, it occurred have traveled to Europe have seen BMWs to me that there were two TV car-commer - (as well as Audis and Mercedes) used for cials that had made a major impact on me taxis and police services, along with VWs and my car world. One was the BMW 3 and Opels. Series ad that showed an E30 3 Series being (Top) Hard to believe this classic design has been around During the 1980’s the BMW 3 Series driven on a dirt road, the driver stopping since 1974. Yes, it’s a MANUAL shifter! and VW GTI provided a much-needed car long enough to wash the dirt from his car, enthusiast spark to the U.S. car market. only to again drive the same road. Here’s a thought, probably the ONLY Because of emission and fuel economy standards, the Mustang, Camaro, BMW CCA member that’s driven a BMW car off road is our esteemed Corvette, and Firebird were mere shadows of their muscle car heyday ances - Roundel editor, during his Alaskan rally days. tors. Dodge enlisted Carrol Shelby to give their front-wheel drive economy

26 der Bayerische THE 2018 VW GTI cars some pizzazz (full disclosure, I grill, aggressive front fascia, and owned a Dodge Omni 024, a Shelby aggressive front spoiler. From the GLH-S, and a Shelby Lancer), and front, everything about the 2018 at the same time tried to convince VW GTI says “performance” and the American performance car “high-tech”. market that 0-50 should be the new The side profile continues the performance car metric. The BMW aggressive looks with some of the 3 Series and the VW GTI brought most attractive tires and wheels in two new metrics to the U.S. car the market. The tire/wheel combina - market: handling and “fun-to-drive”. tion gives the GTI a feeling of motion. The VW GTI has always been I was surprised to discover that these one of my favorite cars. Even with were 18-inch rims – they looked the VW management “churn”, that much bigger. The red brake calipers was one product that never seemed to serve as the frosting on this cake. lose its focus. And it’s interesting that Continuing the German the GTI, in either the two-door or “understatement” design trait, the four-door hatch version, has resonat - GTI’s rear is distinguished by a ed with the U.S. market while the VW unique LED rear taillight design. coupes that use the same drivetrain (Above) The silky smooth turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine From the outside, there is no and chassis, the Scirocco and the produces 228 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. mistaking this vehicle for anything Corrado, never found the same fol - Series sedan. With the GTI, VW has managed but a GTI. It must be the reason for lowing. In a past article, I’ve stated a to maintain a “timeless” exterior and the subtle exterior badging. In my opinion, the popularity number of what I consider to be interior design. The exterior of my The interior design is a fine of the VW Golf/GTI likely influenced sound business reason why the 1 test vehicle was highlighted with red combination of German practicality the development of the Chris Bangle Series five-door should not be stripes. and German performance. The designed BMW 1 Series 5-door brought to the U.S. With apologies LED technology has given large cube-like passenger and hatchback. Once launched, BMW to all the loyal BMW CCA “dork” designers a new “knob” with which cargo space connote practicality. CCA members vacationing in owners, the 318ti being one of the to turn for new car designs. The This is one of the few vehicles that Europe flooded BMW NA with major business reasons. GTI’s unique headlight design is a will perform equally well on car- letters pleading that this product be But then I drove a 2018 VW prime example. When the daytime pool duty, dance team/soccer team available in the U.S. market. GTI… running light are on, the GTI looks duty, weekend warrior duty, and big The first generation 1 Series During a recent test drive of as if it will come alive. It’s no box warehouse store duty. five-door was rear-wheel drive and the 2018 430i six-speed manual, I wonder that kids think some cars But when a car enthusiast very popular. The second genera - felt it was the spiritual descendant will “transform” into robots! opens the driver’s side door, tion 1 Series was developed using of the 1980 320. The 2018 VW GTI The 2018 VW GTI headlights they will be overwhelmed by two the modular UKL chassis and is five-door six-speed manual is invoke an aggressive, high-tech, feelings. The first is “I’ll fit”. The front wheel drive. The global popu - the DIRECT seventh-generation almost spacecraft-like image. second is “I want to drive”. larity of the BMW 1 Series is high - descendant of that 1980’s iconic A tasteful red stripe successfully And you’ll want to drive. The lighted by a special “China only” 1 produc t. integrated the headlights, to the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine

(Below) Doesn’t the driver’s cockpit just make you want to hop in (Below) The rear seating area is just as versatile as when this design was and drive? introduced 45 years ago.

March I April 27 THE 2018 VW GTI

(Above) This classic “two box” design just exudes confidence. produces 224 horsepower and 258 of the GTI is that it is one of the few Series sales would at best be half It gives us an extra incentive to rent foot pounds of torque. performance vehicles on the market of that. a BMW 1 Series five-door during Electromechanical progressive that the owner won’t easily outgrow. For U.S. BMW enthusiasts, the our next European driving vacation. power steering system is respon - This is not a car that an enthusiast VW GTI has an interesting purpose: sive with excellent feel. The 2018 will have to sell when they get GTI has a unique active stability and married or when they have kids. (Above)The handy hatch - one of the main reason why enthusiasts fell in traction systems that combines the In fact, it is probably one of the few love with the GTI. electronically-controlled differential performance cars available in with the existing stability systems, today’s market that the parent will and braking to provide maximized feel comfortable giving to their kids driving control. when the kids are ready to drive. And that is a good thing. With And it’s for that reason that I the wide use of high-strength steel, would be tempted to advocate the VW GTI feels tight and light. bringing the 1 Series five-door to This is an extremely “tossable” car the U.S. But for two other reasons, – a characteristic you don’t find in I can’t. First is price. A fully BMWs. BMW are fun to drive equipped GTI Autobahn has an because they are all precision MSRP of a little under $36,000. driving machines that bring the best The MSRP for the equivalent BMW out of any driver. The VW GTI 1 Series five-door model starts at tempts the driver to have fun. over $45,000. And we all know how During my week-long evalua - quickly the BMW prices increase tion period, we encountered a few with options. The second reason it Honda Civic Type RS. Yes, they all that it will have very limited appeal wanted to race. No, we wouldn’t. in an already crowded BMW show - Driving a German performance car room. A product that appeals must make the driver act more directly to the BMW enthusiast, mature. the 2 Series, sells about 1000 units In my opinion, the real charm a month in the U.S. I suspect 1

28 der Bayerische Z4 Reveal at Pebble Beach

n August 23rd, we were at Pebble Beach looking at a 125-foot yacht III & IV Continentals where his thing and he kept a stable of them in Memphis. that was anchored just off the point where the golf course gently Sure, he had a BMW 507 back in the 50’s when he was serving out his Army Oslopes down to the ocean. We were behind The Lodge and standing time in Germany. It was a big two-door convertible and very powerful for its on the awards ramp that would be used for the Pebble Beach Concours day. Elvis was a cool guy. He rolled the way he wanted too. d’Elegance in a couple of days. The same ramp was now going to be used Jozef became really excited and animated when they drove the new Z4 to reveal the new Z4. from a spot hidden between two buildings towards the presentation ramp. Lined up in front of us on the grass were a Z1, Z3, E85 Z4 Alpina, He was clearly a proud father. As it rolled up, the crowd started clapping in the last E89 Z4 built decked out in Valencia Orange Metallic with Alcantra admiration. For Germans this can be considered almost losing control. interior and a Z8. The cars were brought There it was; the Z4 M40i First here from South Carolina and you’ve By Chris Wootten Edition in Frozen Orange paint with probably seen most of them before in Cerium Grey Metallic elements. the Zentrum. Later, back in my hotel, I Googled There were about 50 of us: journal - Cerium because there has to be a ists from around the world and representa - connection here. Turns out it’s a tives from BMW North America (NA) and chemical element with symbol Ce and Munich. They brought in the big guns, atomic number 58. It is a soft, ductile CEO of NA Bernhard Kuhnt and BMW and silvery-white metal that tarnishes Design Head Jozef Kaban. Some of when exposed to air and it is soft enough our old friends were there: Mike Renner to be cut with a knife. It is used in the from the Performance Center and Ken inside walls of self-cleaning ovens to Sparks our great friend from Roadster prevent the build-up of cooking Homecoming days. residues. It is also used in catalytic They served mimosas, good coffee converters. and fresh fruit all in keeping with what was Didn’t make a lot sense. No market- happening at Pebble Beach and Monterey ing team would ever make a connection Car Week over the next several days. to an exhaust component, or a Kenmore The pastries were amazing. The guys from (Above) Kenn Sparks, Head of US Corporate Communications. oven, right? After I clicked images, it did. Germany are pretty slender so I guess Part of the team that participated in the launch of the original Z3. It’s the kind of stuff kingdoms fought those were meant for us. wars over. They have hints of it woven But before the Z4 reveal, they unveiled the 8 Series Grand Coupe proto - into the convertible top. It’s gorgeous. type and showed us the new M 850i Coupe. Lovely cars and a very interest - With my cell phone in one hand I was broadcasting the reveal on ing introduction by Jozef as he described the cars as only an artist can. He was Facebook and my DSLR was in the other snapping photos. Surrounded by my excited about them. I was too. Especially the M 850i. It’s a modern day brethren in the global press, I was balancing myself in a crouching position Elvis car. He loved big two-door coupes with lots of power. Eldorados, Mark because I think that’s what journalists are supposed to do. In hindsight I have

March I April 29 Z4 REVEAL AT PEBBLE BEACH

30 der Bayerische Z4 REVEAL AT PEBBLE BEACH no idea why I was taking still pictures at the same time. The car was going to be around for a couple of hours after the conference. I noticed that I was the only journalist crouching and had become the equivalent of a badly placed ottoman in a living room as people stumbled over me. None of this dampened my spirits as I was covering “hot-breaking news” – I was having a ball. As Jozef did his walk-around the Z4 describing the design elements he started to sound more like a high school senior who just got the super - hot girl in class to go to prom with him. He was really excited about the (Above) BMW Design Head Jozef Kaban with the author. Jozef led the G39 exterior and interior design teams. car. I got some time with him later and I talked about ZSCCA and how box on the back to haul stuff. It’s also it look balanced – function and form. exit duct at the back of each front they are passionate about their cars a truck so you can tow with it. Paint Make it look really, really good. wheel to the keep air flowing. That’s and, as it goes with enthusiasts, it gloss black and tint the windows BMW pulled it off. Perfect? No. what the black boomerangs do at the are guarded about “new.” He asked and it will look like some high There are a few things that my Z3 M bottom of each of the front fenders. straight out if we’d like the car. I told government official being chauf - Coupe and Z4M have that I prefer, We’ve had the gills on our Z3’s. Other Jozef that I can’t speak for everyone, feured to testify before a grand jury or but they lack a lot things this car has. than looking great, they didn’t do but I believe that he has a winner. rock stars to their next gig. Design. With a shout out to the anything. These do. He asked me if I like it. I hugged him. Scale that down to a smallish Z3, the hood wraps around the sides There are some small M badges Designing and building any two-seat sports car, pack in a modern and becomes half of the front fender, sitting in front of the boomerangs. new car is not an easy task, but get - power plant, an ECD suspension, right down to the top of the wheel. BMW has been sticking M badges ting balance between function and leading edge electronics (the Z4 It looks terrific. The front end kidney on non-M cars since the 1980’s form can be extremely challenging has all of them), make the interior grills are no longer slotted, they’re (i.e. M535i) basically you get some especially as you scale down. For modern, appealing and sports meshed with shiny vertical doodad sporty driver stuff, cosmetics and example, a big SUV is based on a car compatible/comfortable. Then, accents at the intersection points. few mechanical tweaks. The world truck chassis and needs a pleasing design an exterior package that looks The front of a car is often called seemed okay with this until BMW place to put people up front and in the fast when it’s standing still and one its face and if you want to be hyper recently started calling it the M rear seat. You have a lot of room to that is aerodynamically right when critical you could say this looks like Performance trim. My F30 328i daily pack in the modern electronics, the car is going fast. Balance the car a kid with metal braces. But it works has this set up and it gave me the comfy seats and cup holders every - with 50/50 weight distribution nicely and it is a styling cue going seats, front fascia from an M3 and where. Make it nice with lots of because it is a BMW, not a tail across new BMW’s. The brake ducts some cosmetics to make me more sound insulation and have this big dragger like a Porsche. Finally, make are big (aggressive) and there is an menacing when I’m stuck in

March I April 31 Z4 REVEAL AT PEBBLE BEACH

(Above) 850i Grand Coupe prototype reveal along with an early production M850i. Washington, DC traffic. Bottom line, The tail looks busier than it actually on a Qi pad, with Bluetooth connect - the ocean and look at our heritage you have three options if you don’t is. They’ve created some cool high - ing into the car. One can also put a cars. These are essentially brand- like them: 1) order the car badge-less lights and shadow effects by clever media device in there, or load up the new cars and I could see how each of 2) have the dealer take them off 3) stamping of sheet metal and forming car’s hard drive with music. There’s them drew excitement as they were heat them up with a blow dryer, they’ll plastics, accentuating the fact that a a bunch of sleek controls on the con - brought to market. Taken collectively, come off –they’re just glued on. bumper sticker isn’t going to play well sole because it is the 21st century. you can see what BMW is doing. The side profile screams sports back there. Fortunately, ZSCCA has a It looks really, really good in a top end They and the car are evolving. Like car. I’ve seen the endless postings on logo window cling so there’s no Samsung refrigerator way. That’s a any of us, there has been bumps in Facebook with side-by-side photos conflict of interest. The white backup compliment because Samsung has a the road of this journey. They didn’t that compare the profile of the Z4 to light is nicely integrated into the tail powerhouse design group that makes get everything right, but BMW the Corvette, Mazda MX-5, Mustang, lights. Below the bumper was the people doubt how awesome an continues to give us a two-seater Boxster, etc. It kind of does. Putting European mandated rear fog light. iPhone is. that we can throw into a corner with that in perspective I was tooling We won’t get that here, but let’s cross Running up the stack toward the confidence that we’ll come out on around Monterey for a couple of days our fingers that there will be four navigation screen it has a CD slot. the other end with a big smile. That after the Z4 launch. It was their meaty M pipes down there in the I think we’re on the last gasp of CD is truly the heritage of our Z Series Annual Car Week and there were future. players in cars but we got one in the family. hundreds (not an exaggeration) of Speaking of lights, both the Z4. A little trivia on car entertainment: I turned and looked at the new new Lamborghini’s, Ferrari’s and front and the back of the car have light Last car model to have a cassette play - Z4 that was now in the distance. It’s a McLaren’s in town. In that rarified assemblies that are pulled back and er? Lexus LS 470. Old guy’s rock. great looking car. I’m glad I made the atmosphere of supercar the same forward into the fenders. They’re also I didn’t get to sit in it so I can decision years ago to buy into all this. could be said. They each had their stacked vertically and it works well. only give you my impression of seat - It’s been part of my journey. unique design cues but without my The D.O.T. mandated side makers are ing. This is not a pair of La-Z-Boy’s. So was attending the reveal of glasses their profiles did kind of in there leaving the side of the car These are advanced BMW sport seats this car. I was thrilled to be there, a look alike. They all looked fantastic without having those tacked on as in and if you have not sat in some of first in my life and was honored to be actually. As a side note, I think BMW older cars. their recent cars you likely will be representing ZSCCA and the spirit in the last fifteen years has set a lot of User experience and innovation. amazed. The headrests are slanted of who we are. I went as Chris, but trends that have been adopted by their Gone are the analogue dials replaced forward so your head actually rests on carried the collective message of our competitors. They also like to hire with an OLED screen that displays them while driving. Headrests were club and its passion. BMW’s designers and engineers to up road speed and engine speed as designed to prevent a head from On the way out I thanked Jozef their game. Do a quick search on the opposing bands. It can be configured whipping back in a collision to avoid again for his work and Bernhard for Kia Stinger as an example. to one’s liking. The BMW marketing neck and spinal injury. That works if bringing it to the U.S. Our club has a The back of the car has hints of guys earned their keep and named it there is little to no travel between your new car, an opportunity to enlarge our the 6 Series, rectangular exhaust tips, Live “Cockpit Professional.” You also head and the headrest. This is why family and we’ll have a heck of a time a tip of the hat to the E85 lift on the come to this place to dial in your own driving coaches tell you set your seat at ZFEST next year as we hang out in top of the trunk with the third brake personal driving dynamics settings in an upright position, so you’re not the parking lot by the members who light, but it’s more pronounced (that’s M car stuff). We finally got a craning your neck forward. And you have purchased and brought this car (thanks for the down force Jozef) and Heads Up Display (HUD) so we can can see what’s in front of the car a to Virginia Tech. We’ll be loving, some aggressive vertical ducting in keep our heads up, like fighter pilots. whole lot better. Hopefully they’ll be complimentary, and critical. It’s our the back that doesn’t duct anything, The center console has a place great, they sure look that way. latest red haired step child and it has but I’m all in for the aggressiveness. to tuck in a cell phone as it charges I took some time to walk down a place at the dinner table.

32 derBayerische Enthusiasts in the know choose TIRE REVIEW 2009 BRAND SURVEY

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March I April 33 Autocross and HPDE Meet Street Survival

By Jack Raymond

On October 21, NCC hosted Tire Rack Street Survival (TRSS) at Regency turning, recovery from understeer on the skidpad, and managing weight Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, MD. transfer / vehicle transitions in a slalom. The afternoon exercises consist of What is Street Survival? It’s a car control clinic for teens. Car crashes emergency lane change maneuvers, more skidpad practice and a mini course (don’t call them “accidents” – most car crashes are entirely avoidable) are (don’t call it autocross!) that combines all the skills the students have learned. one of the leading causes of death for teens in the U.S. Street Survival’s goal One of the most gratifying experiences for a Street Survival coach, volunteer, is to teach teen drivers car control skills, and more importantly, the situation - or organizer is seeing the smiles on our students’ faces as they begin having al awareness and judgement to keep them safe. those light bulb, epiphany moments, learning to better control their cars. What does Street Survival consist of? It’s a combination of classroom Parents send feedback to TRSS all the time expressing how the clinic knowledge and in-car exercises in a controlled environment, typically a large transformed their teenagers’ driving and started them on the road to parking lot rented for the event. becoming more confident, more We teach applied physics: vehicle competent drivers. dynamics, weight transfer, transitions, Thanks to all the coaches, volun - recovery from understeer and over - teers, and organizers who came from steer. We teach transformative skills clubs all over the greater Washington such as looking ahead, thinking Metro area (BMW NCC, PCA, and ahead, anticipating, and the SCCA) to pitch in: Roy Aneek, Andrej importance of refusing distractions, Balanc, Colin Blow, Graham Bouton, like texting, while driving. Try maneu - Tim Bradford, Brian Broderick, Pam vering around the skid pad while Clay, John Clay, Eric Core, Ben answering your smart phone: it can’t Davenport, Dirk Dekker, Marc be done well. DeLaVergne, David DiQuollo, Tom (Above) Helping our teens evolve to become better, safer drivers. All in-car exercises include in- Fargo, Jim Fleischer, Rafael Garces, Situational awareness and car control skills are the keys. Photo: car coaches, most of whom come David Gast, Tom Gebler, Frank BMW CCA Foundation. from the autocross and HPDE (High Hardesty, Elias Hiruy, Joseph Hoehl, Performance Driving Experience) communities. Students drive their own Scott Hoffman, Ken Lay, Rick Lee, Al Lepeau, Jeff Noyes, Steven Pera, cars, since their own cars are what they need to learn to control. Anthony Radich, Jack Raymond, Anne Saul, John Shin, Peter Tan, Tim The morning exercises consist of learning ABS braking and braking while Tignor, Gordon Wilson, and Chris Wootten.

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36 der Bayerische

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