Northwest Sports Car News

Page 3 - Remembering John Forespring

Official Membership Magazine of Northwest Region SCCA March 2015 Northwest Sports Car News The official membership magazine of Northwest Region, Sports Car Club of America.

Editor: Jeff Zurschmeide [email protected]

Publisher: Falstaff Publications 5857 Carman Drive Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Northwest Sports Car News is pub- lished on the first day of each month by Falstaff Publications under contract for Northwest Region Sports Car Club of America.

All contents copyright © 2015 by Falstaff Publications and Northwest Region Sports Car Club of America.

Content and Advertisements are due on the 20th of each month. Display ads must be submitted as TIFF or JPG at 300dpi. Ad rates: On The Cover Full page $1000/year or $100/month 1/2 page $500/year or $50/month Albert McBride grabbed this shot in 2014 - Look for more of Albert’s work this year! 1/4 page $250/year or $25/month 1/8 page $200/year or $20/month Photo by Albert McBride Articles and photographs may be Northwest Region Contacts submitted by e-mail or in any digital format. Other formats accepted by arrangement with the Editor. Copyrighted materials may not be Regional Executive John Taylor [email protected] printed without prior permission. Asst. RE Race Chuck Huffington [email protected] All materials submitted become prop- Asst. RE Solo Dick Willy [email protected] erty of Northwest Region and Falstaff Publications. Writers and photogra- Membership John Forespring [email protected] phers retain original copyright to their work. Materials are printed according Time Trials David Conover [email protected] to the discretion of the Editor and Re- Webmaster Joe Goeke [email protected] gional Executive. Street Survival Sherri Masterson [email protected]

Editor Jeff Zurschmeide [email protected]

2 Northwest Sports Car News Remembering John Forespring - August 30, 1939 to February 15, 2015 n February 15, 2015 the into some complications which led ONorthwest Region SCCA and to cardiac arrest and life support. There will be a celebration of life all of motorsports, especially rally, He was removed from life support for John and we will let everyone lost a great and wonderful man. and medicated for pain to pass know when and where. peacefully to his new journey to the If any one has photos that they John Forespring was a past RE of beyond. would like to share as the family Northwest Region, and a giant in the There will be a Celebration of Life will be doing a slideshow and such Rally community as a competitor party. Time and place TBD. Photos to celebrate Johns life. and organizer. And he was a true are needed! friend to all who knew him. You can message or call me at: His family has sent this message: 360-485-9970. John had been in the hospital for Stephanie Gauna several weeks recuperating from We know how much he meant several surgeries and was even to to everyone and he will truly be start physical therapy when he ran missed. Tired of spending big money on the car and not going any faster? Why not invest in yourself?

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4 Northwest Sports Car News Lux Performance Group Back On The National Stage Veteran Racer Cindi Lux and 2014 Rose Cup Champ Steve Streimer to Make Trans Am Debut national level in 2008. The 12-time road racing champion raced in the Pirelli World Challenge GT class running a Dodge Viper Competition Coupe for Mopar. In two years at that level, Lux had five top-ten finishes with a career high finish of fifth. The year prior, as a Dodge factory driver, she debuted the Viper “Comp. Coupe” in the American Le Mans Series.

While the schedule could expand based on funding and other factors, Lux Performance Group’s 2015 schedule calls for it’s first race at Homestead on April 12 followed by either the Trans Am feature at Road Atlanta Cindi Lux has previously made her mark in the or the SCCA Majors at the SCCA Pro Racing Pirelli World Challenge Series. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on May 31. Cindi Lux is a two- ux Performance Group, LLC, a the past few years, never fear, these cars time winner of the prestigious Lleading motorsports and automotive are fantastic and a blast to drive. Trust June Sprints at and will preparation shop in the Northwest with me, every time I drive a Viper, I just be seeking her third title there, Streimer a long history of championship winning smile,” Cindi says. his first, on June 15. The two-car Viper race programs, will take an exploratory effort will celebrate Independence Day step back into professional motorsports When last on the coast-to-coast at Brainerd International Raceway with with a two-car program in four Trans scene, Lux Performance Group ran Trans Am on July 5. Currently, the Am Series TA3 races beginning in the two-car Dodge Viper ACR-X strategy also has the team concluding April at Homestead Miami Speedway. “Celebrity” Program in the Viper the season at Road America on August The intent is to use this a launching pad Racing Series. That high-visibility 29 with Trans Am when the NASCAR to a full season campaign for both Lux effort was run simultaneously with Nationwide Series competes there. A and Streimer in 2016. Streimer campaigning a Lux-prepped handful of races in the Northwest are and managed Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car also under consideration but not yet Additionally, the team’s pair of Dodge on the Pirelli GT3 Cup Trophy USA finalized. Viper ACR-X will contend for top schedule. honors in several of the Sports Car For more info on Cindi Lux, please Club Of America’s (SCCA) major events “I can’t wait to get into this season with visit www.CindiLux.com. Stop including the June Sprints at Road the Dodge Viper! This will be a whole by Steve Streimer’s Facebook America. Team lead and veteran road new world for me and I am looking page at www.Facebook.com/ racing champion Cindi Lux will pilot forward to the challenge. The Trans Am OfficialSteveStreimer. one of the V10-powered American races are significantly longer than what supercars while up-and-coming driver I am accustomed to, so when I think Steve Streimer (Sherwood, Oregon) will about the task ahead, patience comes get his first taste of east coast racing in to mind. With the longer format it will the other. be all about staying out of trouble and keeping myself in a position to take “Getting back behind the wheel of a advantage of opportunities,” Streimer Dodge Viper ACR-X is kind of like says. putting on an old shoe. Even though I haven’t been racing a Viper full time Lux herself last competed regularly on a 5 Northwest Sports Car News

2015 PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHALLENGE A combined championship between Oregon and Northwest Regions for specific events toward end of season champions encouraging participation in both regions

The Pacific Northwest Challenge (PNWC) is open to all Oregon and Northwest Region drivers. Dual membership is acceptable if acquired before the first race in at least one of the regions.

Participation

1. The PNWC is open to all SCCA Runoffs Eligible and Regional classes including all Northwest and Oregon Region Special Classes and Vintage. 2. There will be 9 race weekends (17 races, each having a separate sanction number). 3. Drivers may enter more than one race group if the car qualifies for an additional race class. Drivers do not have to drive the same car each race but any car that meets the class rules. 4. Year-End Championship trophies will be awarded to qualified drivers in each class. No single event trophies are awarded.

Schedule These race weekends are designated for the Pacific Northwest Challenge: March 21-22 – Double Regional – Portland International April 26 (tentative) – Single Regional – Portland International May 16-17 – Double Regional – Portland International May 23-25 –Majors – Pacific Raceways June 12-14 – Triple Regional (Rose Cup) – Portland International July 3-5 – Majors – Portland International July 18-19 – Double Regional – The Ridge August 8-9 – Double Regional – The Ridge August 28-30 – Triple Regional – Portland International

Points Points will be assigned as follows:

Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th Finished: Points 12 9 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Awarded: th • 10 and lower finishers will be awarded 1 point each. • There are no substitutions for missed events. • A DNS or DNF will not be awarded points but will be counted toward participation. • Disqualifications / Exclusions will be awarded zero points and will not be counted.

Trophies:

1. To be eligible for a year-end PNWC trophy, drivers entering Runoffs Eligible classes must start in at least 3 races in each Region; drivers entering Regional and Vintage classes must start in at least 2 races in each Region. 2. Overall, drivers must start in at least half the available total number of races from the above schedule (9 races for Runoffs Eligible classes; 7 races for Region & Vintage classes). 3. PNWC trophies will be presented to the top three qualified competitors in each class or the top 50% of the class, whichever is less. 4. Trophies will be available at either Oregonʼs or Northwest Regionʼs Awards Banquet based first on region of record and second on geographical location.

For questions, contact: Karen McCoy, Oregon Region, 503.224.9469. Sherri Masterson, Northwest Region, 360.710.2291 2015 PNWC Rules

6 Northwest Sports Car News

2015 Northern Pacific (NorPac) Division Championship & Runoffs Qualifiers

Runoffs Qualifications: The SCCA Board of Directors has set 2 paths to the Runoffs in 2015 • Path 1 is via the Majors (Conference & National) • Path 2 is via Divisional Racing

NorPac Division Championship and Runoffs Qualification: • All NorPac races in San Francisco, Oregon and Northwest Regions count for Divisional points, including Majors events. • All Majors/Runoffs eligible classes are included. • Drivers must hold an SCCA Competition license (Novice, Full, or Pro) prior to accruing points in the NorPac Division Championship. • Drivers must have at least 6 finishes over 4 weekends. • Best 7 race finishes shall be counted. • No Out-of-Division races will count towards NorPac Division Championship. • All drivers in NorPac Regions of Record shall be automatically entered in the Division Championship standings. • Points scheme to be used is the same as for the Majors, points are awarded down to 20th position for all Divisional championship races.

Position Points Position Points

1st 25 11th 10

2nd 21 12th 9

3rd 18 13th 8

4th 17 14th 7

5th 16 15th 6

6th 15 16th 5

7th 14 17th 4

8th 13 18th 3

9th 12 19th 2 th 10 11 20th 1 • Events after August 31 will not be counted towards Run-Offs Qualifiers but will count toward the NORPAC Championship • Ties in the Division Championship standings are resolved based on the drivers' 2015 record of first place finishes, then second place, then third, in all 2015 Norpac Divisional races (Best 7 finishes and outside Best 7). If two or more drivers have identical records they are tied for the position in the standings. • If a driver qualifies for the Runoffs by their finishing position in the Majors or by invitation as a Defending National Champion, the Division standings (for Runoffs qualifications only) will drop down to the next qualified driver in points in that class. • Division Championship awards will be awarded to the top 3 in points in each class.

Links www.norpacscca.org Divisional Points (click on Club Racing) www.scca.org Conference and Majors points (click on Club Racing then Point Standings)

7 Northwest Sports Car News Unveils 2016 MX-5 Accessories Concept in Chicago

he only thing better than the all- Rear Bumper Skirt and Rear Lip the MX-5’s weight by about 150 pounds Tnew 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a Spoiler). The gloss-black Aero Kit is the versus the outgoing car, lightening and personalized 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. same package found on the 2016 MX-5 strengthening even the smallest parts. Recently at the Chicago Auto Show, Global Cup Car that debuted at SEMA where the first-generation MX-5 Miata in November. Power for U.S.-bound MX-5s comes was introduced to the world in 1989, from Mazda’s 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G Mazda revealed an MX-5 accessories Lightweight Brembo front brakes adorn inline four-cylinder engine, producing design concept of the next-generation the concept MX-5 as well as red brake 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. roadster that will hit showrooms this calipers behind all four wheels. Both SKYACTIV-MT and SKYACTIV- summer. DRIVE six-speed automatic The forged black BBS wheels are transmissions will be available. “There is so much MX-5 history at the sized 17x7J 45mm offset, wrapped in Chicago Auto Show, and we wanted to 205/45R17 tires. “For our next-generation MX-5, our continue building on that,” said Jim designers and engineers obsessively O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda The stylish luggage rack is made of focused on heightening the joy that North American Operations. “The carbon fiber and weighs less than two comes with driving our signature MX-5 is the soul of our company, and pounds. The luggage rack mounts to sports car,” said O’Sullivan. its enthusiast following both inside the trunk and includes an integrated and outside of Mazda drives us to keep Center High Mount Stop Lamp “The concept parts and accessories we innovating new ideas for it and the rest (CHMSL). have showcased at the Chicago Auto of our lineup.” Show were developed to give customers The 2016 MX-5 has evolved to meet a look at what is possible for the new Painted Ceramic Metallic, the 2016 the needs of today’s customers, yet it cars to make them truly one-of-a-kind, MX-5 accessories concept includes an retains the pure fun-to-drive nature of adding to that excitement.” Aero Kit, BBS Wheels and Brembo its predecessors, whether cruising on Brakes as well as a Luggage Rack shown the highway or the racetrack. With the separately in Mazda’s display. The new new roadster, Mazda’s engineers sought MX-5 concept accessories displayed at to capture the essence of the beloved the show include several new items. first-generation MX-5 Miata, reducing overall length of the 2016 model by 4.1 The new gear starts with an Aero Kit inches to make it about the same size (Front Air Dam, Side Sill Extensions, of the original. Engineers also reduced

8 Northwest Sports Car News 2015 Golf Line Shines with 300HP AWD Golf R By Jeff Zurschmeide, NWSCN Editor

t’s hard to believe that’s it’s been Iover 40 years since VW brought its first water-cooled automobile to the American market, but it’s true. The sporty VW Rabbit (known as the Golf throughout the rest of the world) first rolled onto our roads in 1974. To celebrate its fifth decade of production, VW has completely redesigned the entire Golf line, adding some of the most exciting cars ever produced by Germany’s largest automaker. The accolades have been rolling in, and most recently the Golf was named the 2015 North American Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show.

The most basic Golf is powered by VW’s venerable turbocharged and direct-injected 1.8-liter TSI engine. 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet the Year for its excellent performance, With decades of production behind of torque. The basic Golf comes with utility and fuel economy. The 2015 Golf it, this engine is rock-solid, delivering a 5-speed manual transmission, but TDI starts at $23,165. a 6-speed automatic is available. Fuel economy comes in at 25 city and Also new for the 2015 model year is the The Platypus 37 highway on the manual, and the all-electric E-Golf, with 115 horsepower A no drill, no holes automatic drops just 1 MPG on the and 199 pound-feet of torque. As with front license plate bracket by highway. Pricing for the Golf starts at most electrics, the E-Golf uses a single $18,815 including destination. speed direct drive transmission. The CravenSpeed travel range on a charge is right around You can also get your Golf with an the industry standard of 80-90 miles, economical 2.0-liter turbo-diesel earning the E-Golf a segment-leading engine. Horsepower drops slightly to energy economy rating of 116 MPGe. 150 with this engine, but torque rises You can buy an E-Golf starting at (503)505-6886 to an impressive 236 pound-feet. The $36,265 before tax benefits. 14010 SW 72nd Ave big win comes in fuel economy. The Since 1976, Volkswagen has produced Portland, Oregon 97224 Golf TDI yields 30 MPG in city driving a sporty GTI version of the Golf. This and 45 MPG on the highway. If you year’s Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter order your TDI with the automatic turbocharged gasoline engine good for transmission, city economy rises to 31 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet MPG, while highway mileage comes of torque. You get a standard 6-speed in at 43. The Northwest Automotive manual transmission or a sporty Press Association has lauded the Golf 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. TDI as the Northwest Green Vehicle of

9 Northwest Sports Car News Fuel economy is up, rising to 25 MPG city and 33 on the highway. As usual, sport suspension, bigger brakes, and an electronic limited slip differential are all part of the package. The 2015 Golf GTI starts at $25,605.

At the top of the line is the brand new 2015 Golf R. This is a state-of-the-art sports car – the ultimate “hot hatch” from the company that invented the breed. In the Golf R, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is pumped up to 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and equipped with the 6-speed DSG automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel-drive. VW says the 6-speed manual will follow next year. The Golf R delivers 23 city MPG and 30 MPG highway – which is still respectable for the top performance option.

Driving the Golf R is a pure joy. The engine and transmission have been perfectly matched to the AWD system so that the power is always there but never out of control. Unlike many small-displacement, high-horsepower turbo cars, the Golf R pulls from low RPM like a big V-8, and the transmission shifts seamlessly. The suspension is firm, and the brakes are huge and powerful. The Golf R comes with optional driving modes for economy and performance driving – there’s even an all-out racing mode. Advanced electronic stability and traction controls make the Golf R completely stable under all conditions. The 2015 Golf R starts at $37,415.

The bottom line on the 2015 VW Golf R is that this is a real STI killer. VW hired veteran driver Hans- Joachim Stuck to consult on steering and suspension, and it really shows. Try as you might, you’re not going to break the Golf R loose on any dry curve, no matter how tight. The overall effect is much more solid and planted than the STI. Being price-comparable, the VW Golf R stands to make some serious conquests in the AWD sports car world.

10 Northwest Sports Car News Spec Miata Drivers Have Organized a 2015 Challenge!

2015 Spec Miata Northwest Championship Tour

MiataCage, Midas, SMI Metals, Inc. and Wyatt Fire Protection invite you to participate in the 2015 Spec Miata Northwest Championship Tour, also known as the “Spec Miata Championship of the World!” These guys are putting up the money and are giving away four – that's right FOUR – free entries at the September race - see the schedule and rules attached with this Announcement. This is an informal tour aimed at getting back to the basics of SM racing by keeping the costs down and emphasizing having fun racing. The goal of this tour is to create the best racing memories of close competition with old and new friends with the final results being secondary to the fun that was had. We are confident that track tips and car preparation plus setup tips will flow freely. We also expect that most of that advice will be good. We already have a strong Spec Miata community here in the Pacific Northwest. Let’s all make it even stronger with big grids and boatloads of camaraderie. The simple, one page of schedule and rules are set up to keep cost down. They also keep the points awarded for qualifying and finishing close to encourage participation not coming in first. Rumor has it that the traditional “fast folks” like their older better (usually 1.6 liter cars) and plan to use those. Trophies will be awarded, where the choice of trophies and awards will be a judgment of the sponsors. In other words, expect more laughter than serious awards. Invite your friends to participate. Knock down any walls between drivers and sanctioning organizations. Come out, get back to grassroots racing and get that “I remember why I race and it pegs the fun meter” feeling.

11 Northwest Sports Car News 2015 Spec Miata Northwest Championship Tour

Presented by Miatacage.com, Midas, SMI Metals, Inc. and Wyatt Fire Protection

May 16-17 Conf Conference Pacific June 12-14 SCCA Rose Cup Regional PIR July 18-19 SCCA Double Regional (hosted by NWR) Ridge August 1-2 Conf Conference Pacific August 28-30 SCCA Triple Regional with GASS PIR September 19-20 Conf Conference Ridge

Championship Rules

1. Points will be awarded for finishing positions as follows: 1st place 20 points, 2nd place 19 points, 3rd 18, etc. 20th position and below will receive 1 point. 2. Points will also be awarded for qualifying positions for each race as follows: 1st place 10 points, 2nd place 9 points, etc. 10th place and below will receive 1 point. For races with two qualifying sessions, points will be awarded based on fastest lap between both sessions. For races where a previous race result is used for the starting order, no qualifying points will be awarded. 3. Best 7 out of 10 races will decide the championship. 4. Championship trophy will be awarded to the winner at the September Conference event. 5. Each competitor is limited to a maximum of 3 sets of new dry tires for entire series (includes practice, qualifying and race). 6. Eligible dry tires are Toyo RA-1, RR and Hoosier SM-7; eligible rain tires are Toyo RA-1 and Hoosier H20. 7. Vehicles must conform to all 2015 SCCA and Conference specifications including any competition adjustments made by SCCA this year. 8. Only pump fuel! We’re talking about pump gas that can be purchased at any gas station (regular, mid-grade, and premium unleaded). No race fuel or mixing of race fuel! 9. A drawing for 4 free entries will be held at the conclusion of the August SCCA event to be used at the September race. To be eligible, you must have competed in the first 5 championship tour weekends.

12 Northwest Sports Car News

Classified Marketplace Race Photos Needed Race Cars For Rent 1991 BMW 325i in Pro3 Trim Hey friends of Garth and Fred at Full Cage, Fire system, 5 point Har- Trackside Motorsports - ness, adjustable shocks, swaybars, all We are looking for some fresh race bushings delron Engine has had a fresh photos for ads in several racing rebuild (rings/hone/bearings/head and publications. If you are a customer valve job/decked block...) 2 sets of tires, and have some cool photos please trailer available if needed. Can run in Vintage MG Midget send them to: Ed LaPlante, signs@ PRo3 class and or EIP class. Mark Estes Jim Sterling’s blue and white #27 magneticsignpdx.com Midget is for sale. Very reliable well http://www.pro3-racing.com/ 503-734-7355 (leave message or text) sorted Vintage race car. It has very Photo credit given if needed neutral handling, and is easy and fun to drive. First and second place in May No guarantees we will use your 2014 SCCA Vintage races, 2005 Vintage photo but if it’s a great photo and VP1 champ with 1098 engine. fits our format we’d love to see it. • Strong 1275 Ward Barbour engine • Jack Knight dog box transmission Thanks Garth & Fred • 4.22 Salisbury limited slip Spare John stamps dog box and tranex 4.5 Limited slip diff. Many other spares too numerous to list. Come race with us! I will crew for you for a few races until you learn about the car. $15,000 20Ft Pace enclosed trailer available

Call for details - Jim Sterling 360-430-2906

Formula Mazda with 23’ TPD trailer for sale. $17,000. For more information contact [email protected] Spec Racer Ford Racing School Race Rentals Arrive & Drive Tracks at which the Pro Drive Racing Team has raced: Road America – Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca – Circuit of the Americas – Watkins Glen Portland International Raceway – – Auto Club Speedway Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – Phoenix International Raceway – Buttonwillow Raceway Park Heartland Park Topeka – Pacific Raceway – Inde Motorsports Ranch Thunderhill Raceway Park – Willow Springs Raceway – The Ridge Motorsports Park – Road Atlanta www.prodrive.net • 503.285.4449

13 Northwest Sports Car News Classified Marketplace Driver’s Suits R.J.S. Racing Equipment SFI-5, brand new, never used extra- large sized for 5’-9” 240 lb driver. Originally paid $470.00, will sell for $250.00.

R.J.S. Racing Equipment SFI-1, slightly used, large sized, single layer (requires Nomex long johns), will sell for $150.00.

Design 500 RaceWear SFI-5, medium- sized, worn only a couple of times, will sell for $150.00.

All suits have been dry-cleaned, and are spotless. Call Richard at (541) 278-1150 or Want to keep your racing skills up Estate Sales & Appraisals [email protected] year round? Life changes frequently require valua- tion and liquidation of For Sale: 1995 Neon ACR, ex SSB. Install a complete race simulator com- personal property. My twenty-plus Three sets of wheels, factory shop plete with large screen, g force creation, years of experience can help you with manuals, good assortment of useful surround sound, and custom software full estate sales, downsizing, moves and spare parts. $2500. as well as a library of publicly available appraisals for estates, dissolution and Contact Austin Smith - asmith73@ software. insurance purposes. hotmail.com or 541 593-2495 All services are personalized and confi- Virtually all familiar tracks and race dential. Free consultations. cars are available. There are 2 simula- Shirley Sanders, 503-762-1272 tors available, so you can race head to [email protected] head with friends. Great for training new drivers for the track, or for slick Seven time SCCA Divisional GT1 rack, latest Derhaag body, data. street conditions. These are moving champion with Trans-Am History Seattle area. seat systems designed and built by Mike Rockett - 425-308-2660 Keith Maher, of Portland. Holds or has held lap record at every track on the west coast. The original cost was $5,100 per system A proven winner. plus a projector and big screen display Offered less costing $1,400. engine. Two Will sell a system without display for engines available $3,500. not included in price. You can use a big screen TV instead of the projector. The ideal size is about 50 Sixteen wheels inches. Offering system complete with with fifteen projector and screen for $4,200 each. mounted tires included. Contact Johnny Humphries - johnny- Hewland, 3 way [email protected] Penskes, Ford 9 inch, Mustang

14 Northwest Sports Car News