November 2008 ROADROAD&&TACHTACH Newsletter of the Reno Region, Sports Car Club of America

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Candidates for Board of Directors - page 3 Award Banquet Photos - page 4 2009 Solo PAX Factors - page 5 Track Program Wrap Up - page 6 November 2008 2 Reno Region Officers Regional Accent Regional Executive Jim Gandy Words from Reno’s Regional Executive 1541 Stephanie Way, Minden NV 89423 775-267-1183 [email protected] by Jim Gandy Asst. Regional Executive Randy Jones 1615 Shadow Lane, Sparks, NV 89434 AX Revisions: Ya Gotta Go Faster. Don’t VCR, there’s a whole lot of SCCA racing on the 775-825-9299 Pknow if it comes from the Emerald City or tube this time of year. Every one of the 25 na- not, but the Great and Powerful Wizard of PAX tional championship races from the 2008 Run- [email protected] has issued the revised PAX factors for 2009. Just offs at Topeka is being shown on Speed Chan- Secretary a brief review: PAX is an unofficial system that nel, though nowhere near prime time. Wednes- Debbie Kerswill allows drivers in different classes to compare day mornings at 9 and 10, two races per week 2295 Titleist Ct, Reno NV 89523 775) their Solo results with each other. It’s been are broadcast. Several have already aired, but as 624-0805 around for, oh, a couple decades at least. Each of this writing, this is the remaining schedule: [email protected] Solo class has a PAX factor. Multiply your run  Nov. 26, and time by your factor and you get your PAX time, Treasurer  Dec. 3, Spec Miata and or more properly, your PAX score. Doug Driver  Dec. 10, GT2 and GT3 PAX is a hot topic in Reno Region, ever since 419 West Plumb Lane  Dec. 17, D Sports Racer/ Showroom Stock C the Board of Directors opted to no longer subjec-  Dec. 31, Formula 500 and Touring 1 Reno, NV 89509 tively pick Solo Drivers of the Year. All that’s  Jan. 7, H Production and 775-333-6400 left for deciding who’s the Big Dog in Reno  Jan. 14, GT Lite and Solo is PAX. Winning PAX at an event, and [email protected]  Jan. 21, Showroom Stock B and C Sports winning the year-end PAX championship, is a Track Events Director Racer Big Thing around here. Dave Deborde  Jan. 28, American Sedan and Formula Enter- Enough background. The new PAX numbers 2910 Santa Inez, Minden, NV 89423 prises are out (they’re elsewhere in this newsletter), 775-267-4845  Feb. 4, F Production and and it’s fair to say things are getting tougher for [email protected]  Feb. 11 at 9 a.m., GT1 most of us. Whether you think nationally (A That final race, GT1, should be a treat – I un- Solo & Rally Director Modified class is the PAX standard) or locally derstand the drivers did a special “missing man” Matt Roy (our PAX frontrunner is the Yeo/Miller B Street formation on the pace lap to honor the late Paul 4793 Amber Hill Court, Reno, NV 89523 Prepared Corvette), the vast majority of classes Newman. I’ll also be keeping a recording of the 775-787-0122 will have to find more speed in 2009 just to tread Spec Miata race – a driver I’ve crewed for (and [email protected] water in the rankings. who also competed in a Reno Region Solo event Membership Chair Want some specifics? Okay, let’s assume a a few years ago), Aaron McSpadden, started course that the fast guys are running a course in 13th, finished sixth with a last-turn pass, and Carol Deborde around 40 seconds. At Reno Region Solo events ended up getting the third-place trophy when 2910 Santa Inez, Minden, NV 89423 next year, our F125 shifter kart drivers will have three cars flunked their post-race inspections. 775-267-4845 to go more than 0.3 seconds faster, just to main- Convention Update(s) [email protected] tain their current PAX deficit to the BSP Cor- Director at Large vette. Ditto for Street Mod 2, the hairy-chested Within the SCCA, conventions are something of a conundrum. There’s so much communi- Don Smith Corvettes. And our bad-boy Subarus running in Street Mod class will have to scrape up an extra catin’ goin’ on already through the internet, and 316 California Ave #546, Reno, NV the club’s planning and rules-making processes 89509 775-329-1780 0.25 seconds to keep from falling farther behind. Hardest hit is F Stock, where Dave Jansen made are such year-round things, that a person could [email protected] a run at PAX in 2007 in a Camaro. Any driver be excused for wondering why we still have con- Director at Large venturing into F Stock in 2009 will be greeted ventions. In fact, that kind of thinking has just Dean Benz with a 0.44-second deficit compared to 2008. killed the 2009 NORPAC Division get-together. 2008’s convention in Reno spent two days trying [email protected] Looking for a class where PAX gets easier in to answer the question, “Why?” Oregon Region Director at Large ’09? There are only six, and just one of those first volunteered to host a stripped-down gather- Scott Perry picked up anything significant. G Prepared ing in 2009, but they later backed out. Then (think Kevin Sheridan’s Bugeye Sprite on racing Northwest Region took up the banner and pre- 1930 Summer Star Rd, Reno, NV 89511 slicks) gets a 0.2-second break. But since alti- 775-233-2549 sented a plan for a full, Reno-style convention to tude effects condemn those kinds of cars to the [email protected] be held in Tacoma. Objections from Oregon and bottom of the Reno PAX heap anyway, the net San Francisco Regions nixed that idea, so there Newsletter Editor result of the 2009 PAX changes for Reno Region will be no NORPAC Division Convention in [email protected] is to make real PAX competition here even more 2009 – and there’s no plan for one in the future. unlikely. Meanwhile, the national SCCA Convention Opinions expressed in this newsletter are Catch the Runoffs on TV This Winter solely those of the individual contributors soldiers on. After three years in San Antonio, and not necessarily those of the Reno Region If you don’t mind programming your TiVo or (Continued on page 3) of the SCCA November 2008 3

(Continued from page 2) the 2009 affair will be held right here in Nevada, at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Feb. 19-21. If you’re a committed sports car enthusiast, it could make a good winter break. The price is OVER-REVS reasonable - $260 covers all the meetings and seminars, and you get FROM THE EDITOR lunches and dinners at the various award presentation banquets. South Point is a couple of miles south of the Strip, just off I-15. Reg- BY DON JIM SMITH GANDY istration info is at scca.org. The official SCCA room rate is a bit steep ($90 Thursday, $140 Friday or Saturday), and I noted you can do $20 better on Vegas.com. If you’ve got a car, there are much oney. That stuff of which dreams are made, the thing that can’t lower rates to be had in Vegas; several of the big downtown hotels Mbuy love - but can buy just about everything else, the root of all on the Fremont Street Experience are under $50. evil; what most of us will be trying to hang on to next year. There doesn’t seem to be much doubt that the economy in 2009, and maybe With the bad economy, the ongoing search for a new SCCA Presi- into 2010 and beyond, is going to be tough. Unemployment numbers dent, and a significant loss of steam in the Club Racing program, it are rising and there have been some experts who predict it will hit should be an interesting convention. I have a feeling that what hap- 10% in the Reno/Sparks area, and perhaps even nationally. Dark days pens in Vegas won’t stay in Vegas – some far-reaching changes are to be sure. possible. How’s that going to effect motorsports in general and the Reno Re- Reno Region Needs You gion specifically? There’s no easy answer to that. Since the invention Reno Region’s annual elections are coming up on Dec. 3rd, and to of the automobile only world wars have been able to interrupt racing be candid, we’re having a tough time filling out our slate of candi- in America, they raced through the depression and the first two oil dates. Several of our key players are stepping down, and the econ- embargoes and every recession we’ve had. There’s no reason to think omy has affected quite a few of our members. Some folks are reluc- that NASCAR is going to shut down - even if the Detroit Big Three tant to make commitments, when keeping or finding a job is such a go out of business. They don’t race Chevys or Fords or Dodges any- personal priority. way. All of the racing series are going to see smaller fields, and I can assure you, “the show will go on.” Reno Region will again maybe fewer dates; but I doubt they will disappear completely. have a full schedule of activities in 2009. Maybe the number of en- But what of Reno? Idle conversation at the awards banquet seemed tries at our events will fall somewhat, but for those who do come out, to have a central theme: no one could say for sure just what they’d be you’ll still experience the same high-quality events you’ve gotten running next season, or whether they’d be running at all. Most of us, used to. Hey, look for the silver lining: if we have fewer entries, though, have a distinct advantage over major racing teams in that we we’ll be able to offer more time behind the wheel. And if you’re one already own our cars, it’s just the go fast goodies, tires, and entrance of those who’s forced into pinching pennies, our entry fees still are a fees that make us go “Hmm, that’s a lot of money for a hobby.” pretty good deal. Good luck golfing or even taking a girl to the mov- We’re all in one of two groups: either we are looking for a job and ies for what we charge at our Solo events. cutting back on any un-needed expenses, or we’re worried about los- So, look at Reno Region’s current situation as an opportunity. Step ing our job and cutting back on any un-needed expenses. In that kind up and offer your services as an event chair or co-chair, a specialty of world spending $800-$1000 for a set of tires you can’t drive on the chief, or as an officer or director. It’s rewarding work, it doesn’t take street isn’t really an option. “Honey, I need a thousand dollars for a all that much time, and you’ll have plenty of help, instruction and set of shocks so I can knock a half-second off my times” will likely encouragement. Even in a down economy, Reno Region intends to only elicit laughter from your significant other. How will the financial keep growing, and you’re invited to be a part of it. belt-tightening affect us? We probably won’t see many people jumping into different Solo Reno Region SCCA’s official Annual Meeting will take place Wednes- classes next year. All that stuff that was going to be added to push the day, December 3rd, at 6:45 p.m. at Austin’s Restaurant, 7671 S. Vir- car up a class or two will have to wait for better times. And those old ginia St., Reno, Nevada. Election of Reno Region’s 2009 Officer and dried out R-compounds that usually are only good for a part of one Directors will take place at the Annual Meeting. season will be stretched as far as possible next year, right down to the cords. Co-drives could become popular, just like marriage two can race cheaper than one. Street tires will start to make more and more sense; they last all sea- son and you can drive on them all summer. Perfect attendance It's taken some doing, but we finally have a full slate of nominees for awards? The number of winners might be down as drivers make only Reno Region Board of Directors for next year. Here are the names: the minimum number of events needed to trophy. Maybe drivers run RE - Jim Gandy only one day instead of both during a Solo weekend. Hawthorne? Assistant RE - Randy Jones Two days in central Nevada might be too much of a stretch for wor- Treasurer - John Townley ried budgets both in Reno and Las Vegas. Secretary - Lee Mitchell And what of the Track Program? It’s a bigger ticket item all around. Director of Solo & Rally - Wes Friesen Volunteering to work could become very popular, as a day at a corner station can equal a weekend of free Solo. Limiting time on track dur- Director of Track Events - Dave Deborde ing practice and qualifying can help stretch tire life farther into the Director At-Large (2008-2009) - Dean Benz season, but it reduces the entrance fee bargain. As in Solo, co-drives Director At-Large (2009-2010) - Larry Savage might make sense. Director At-Large (2009, assuming the RE is re-elected) - Peggy We’ll still be racing in Reno, cones will be killed with reckless aban- Jones donment and the lap times will continue to fall. But one word we’ll all hear more often - along with “tires, pressures and time” - is “money.” November 2008 4 2008 Awards Banquet November 2008 5 SOLOSOLO PAX Factor Changes for 2009 Class ’08 factor ’09 factor SS 0.852 0.856 AS 0.842 0.843 BS 0.832 0.835 CS 0.831 0.837 DS 0.812 0.819 ES 0.817 0.823 FS 0.821 0.833 GS 0.815 0.821 HS 0.792 0.802 ASP 0.862 0.866 BSP 0.858 0.859 CSP 0.856 0.862 DSP 0.843 0.845 ESP 0.841 0.846 FSP 0.833 0.831 STS 0.816 0.818 STS2 0.818 0.820 STX 0.820 0.822 STU 0.830 0.836 SM 0.860 0.867 SM2 0.867 0.876 XP 0.882 0.882 BP 0.866 0.868 CP 0.864 0.864 DP 0.863 0.865 EP 0.861 0.861 FP 0.872 0.872 GP 0.847 0.841 AM 1.000 1.000 BM 0.937 0.944 CM 0.904 0.907 DM 0.890 0.900 EM 0.887 0.894 FM 0.895 0.903 FSAE 0.946 0.954 F125 0.948 0.957 FJA 0.855 0.860 FJB 0.828 0.832 FJC 0.770 0.778 November 2008 6 TRACK RACING FORWARD Thoughts from your Track Events Activities Director – Dave Deborde

eno Region hosted the third annual Northern Pacific Division TT-4 Tim Calvert, 1:54.918; TT-5 Fred Austin, 201.503. R Time Trials Championship at Reno-Fernley Raceway on Sep- Northern Pacific Track Trials Champions for 2008 are: BP Con- tember 27 & 28. Despite some apprehension about attendance num- nie Bogan, 1:52.583; GT2 Dave Deborde, 1:55.754; GT3 Mark bers given the state of the economy and high fuel prices the event McCloskey, 2:17.408; ITA Loren Enstad. 2:02.800 SP Matt Benson, turned out successful although numbers were slightly lower than past 1:50.974; ITE Steve Martini, 2:17.656; ITS Neil Bryant, 2:02.734; years. TT-1 Brian Holsten, 1:51.831; TT-2 Art Majors, 1:55.080; TT-3 Jeff Again this year, the event included Performance Driving Experi- Denson 1:58.892 and VP1 Paul Gilbert, 2:22.142. ence, Club Trials and Track Trials. Two different course configura- Great people, good weather and a fun place to drive made for an tions were utilized to accommodate Club Trials and Track Trials excellent weekend at the track. It should be noted that while this competitors. Thanks to flexibility designed into the track, the course event is seen as a success, it did not turn a profit for the region. Two workers are able to relocate to alternate corner stations and change or three additional entries would have swung the balance to the posi- course configuration in less than ten minutes. tive. The Region has come to expect a helpful attitude from the entire Taken in total 2008 was a successful season. Scott has compiled Reno-Fernley Raceway staff and once again they did not disappoint. season results for Club Trials and Track Trials and they are now The facility was clean and ready to go when we arrived on Friday posted on the region website www.renoscca.org. Take a look and let and the staff made every effort to keep it that way throughout our us know if you spot any errors. During 2008 the Club invested in event. The weather was good all weekend and even the high after- new timing and scoring equipment and additional radios to improve noon wind that occurs frequently in Northern Nevada was absent. event operations and volunteers have been supporting the track A great big THANK YOU to all the people that came out to staff events in greater numbers than ever before and they continue to gain the event and a Northern Nevada “Thank You” to Mike Lawler who experience. made the trip down from Washington just to help in Race Control The region is well positioned to conduct a full 2009 track events and to Kelly McCloskey who accompanied hubby Mark and then season. The question that remains unanswered is how much impact helped in Registration and Race Control. All volunteers were treated the current economic downturn have on motorsports activities. The to event tee shirts, lunches and a social each day and a light dinner Reno Region is in good condition economically but we will need to Saturday evening. If comments heard throughout the weekend are be very careful going forward to avoid big losses, particularly with any indication I expect the volunteers had almost as much fun as the more costly track events. drivers. Reno-Fernley Raceway remains flexible but they would prefer we A lighter than expected turnout in PDX resulted in a great instructor rent the facility both weekend days rather than one as we did at three to student ratio. The ten PDX drivers had an unobstructed track, of our events this year. In order to make that work financially we great instruction and a superb time. Three of our frequent volun- need to look at options such as one day of PDX and a second day of teers decided to give driving a try. It looks like we may have to re- Time Trials or perhaps locate other clubs that would be willing to cruit replacements to fill their slots because they will likely be driv- ‘buy’ one or two sessions to help defray the added cost. ing, not volunteering at future events. We are also looking at the possibility of combining Time Trials The event was sanctioned as a double regional point’s event for and a small Regional Road Race or Vintage Race on one or more Club Trials and Track Trials and it is also the Norpac Time Trials weekend. Suffice it to say, we will need to look at every opportunity Championship. Great competition throughout the classes and run to keep track events economically viable. If you would like to share groups made spectating interesting and driving fun. your thoughts on the 2009 schedule or have ideas on opportunities to On Saturday three race prepared Porsches stole the show and filled increase participation we would sure like to hear from you now. three out the four top finishing positions. The fastest single lap of Don’t forget to register for the Annual Year End Party and Awards the weekend on the 2.210 mile course “H” was 1:44.201 set by Por- Banquet that will be held November 15 at the Tamarack Junction. sche driver Mat Lowrance. The fastest weekend lap in Club Trials on the 2.012 mile “H-CT” Course goes to Lysle Turnbeaugh in his Formula Vee at 1:42.680. Fast time for Northern Pacific Division Dave Deborde Track Trials Championship competitors goes to Matt Benson in his Track Activities Director GM V8 powered Nissan 280Z with a 1:50.974. SCCA, Reno Region In Club Trials the top honors goes to Lysle Turnbeaugh driving his Formula Vee at 1:42.680. Northern Pacific Club Trials Class Champions for 2008 are: FV Lysle Turnbeaugh, 1:42.680; SS Eric Gangloff, 146.819; SSB Russ Carpenter, 1:52.361; SC Jim Gandy, 2:05.377; TT-1 Troy Chernoff, 1:50.619; TT-2 Gary Starr, 145.570; TT-3 James Kunze, 1:50.480; November 2008 7 REGIONREGION Reno Region Upcoming Events For more information go to www.renoscca.org

Reno Region Track Events Program Needs Help! he Track Events program is in immediate need of “a few good people” to handle all aspects of the Timing & Scoring function. Scott TPerry has handled T & S for several years with very little outside help while also attempting to drive and work long hours at his ‘day job’. Scott needs some relief, Can you help? Specific needs include: T & S Chief – Overall Leadership for the Timing & Scoring Specialty. Immediate requirements include evaluation of our borrowed Orbitz 1 and possible purchase of updated Orbitz 4 timing & scoring software. The Chief will be responsible to “set up” the event in Orbitz, time the event and compile results from each session. Establish Standard Operating Procedures in conjunction with the Track Activities Director and Registrar. T & S Equipment Manager – Evaluate and advise on all Timing & Scoring equipment and hardware needs, take custody of the equipment between events and set-up and take-down before and after event. T & S Staff (One or More) – Assist with the operation of the T & S function at events including operating timing equipment, taping, compil- ing results. These timing and scoring positions are ideal for people that want to be involved with the excitement of track events but do not wish to par- ticipate as drivers and want to grow with our Time Trials and Race program. Timing and scoring is a unique specialty in that it is a critical to the successful operation of the events and is positioned to give a great view of all proceedings but it is not considered a “HOT” area. Qualified minors are welcome to participate! INTERESTED, please contact Dave Deborde, Track Activities Director at (775) 450-1394 or email [email protected]

We would like to let your readers know that Classic Car Storage of Reno has just a few spaces left for indoor car storage. We also have outdoor storage spots available for cars, trailers, motorhomes, etc. For info call Gary Dyer at 775 250-2672 or Joe Rajacic at 775 232-9235

Road & Tach is distributed by U.S. Mail and by posting on the region website, renoscca.org. If you are receiving a paper copy and would prefer to get the newsletter electronically, please send your e-mail address to [email protected].

Monthly meetings of the Reno Region of the SCCA are held at 6:45 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Austin’s Restaurant on South Virginia Street in Reno. You need not be a member to attend the general membership meeting. November 2008 8

SCCA Reno Region 2910 Santa Inez Minden, NV 89423