November 2002 Volume 7 Number 11 UPCOMING EVENTS Vice President’s message

To Race, or Not to Race...That is The Question November 8 - 10 have been thinking recently about all the activities that we do as a car club 3rd Bi-Annual Hearst Castle/San Simeon Run and one of the standout items in my mind is racing/competition. We have an extremely large variety of activities but I think that the competition aspect November 9 - Saturday really personifies what a car club is all about. Sure many of us really like to Slots of Fun Run II Iwatch F1, CART, and even NASCAR (turn left, turn left, crash, turn left) but being a spectator is not what it’s all about in a car club. I have to say that most of us really enjoy a drive on twisty roads at a spirited (but legal) pace. The Miata in- spires confidence and a feeling of control and, yes, power. Not the neck-snapping November 10 - Sunday Autocross at the “Q” power of big-block Detroit iron, but the feeling of power you get when you know you are the master of the machine. The Miata is so forgiving and so capable of being driven close to the limit that even an average driver is quite capable of ex- periencing this power rush. It’s one of those cases of “If I have to explain it, you November 11 - Monday wouldn’t understand.” Fortunately for us Miata drivers, it doesn’t have to be ex- Veterans Day Parade plained, only enjoyed. So what does this have to do with racing? Well it’s said that racing improves the November 21 - Thursday breed. This is applicable to both the car and the driver. If we have better control Monthly Meeting of and feel for the car we can enjoy our drives much more. First off we need to A week early due to Thanksgiving take a look at why we race. The fact of the matter is it gets right down to some very individual reasons. Most of us will say we race for FUN. Well certainly most November 30 - Saturday of the Miata folks do but there are also a lot of other reasons. Of course, in profes- Autocross at the “Q” sional racing the prime motivation is money. There are a few other reasons profes- sionals race besides money. Well, actually one other main reason, yes, you guessed, it’s ego. Now, we all have egos but apparently some folks have larger egos then others. I think that professional racers have very large egos. It’s a necessary December 1– 2 factor in winning a race where your life is on the line. The professional racing Thunderhill Track Day and Women’s Track School world is very different from the sportsman racing (trophy) world. Sportsman rac- ing can be a stepping stone to getting involved with professional racing or a means unto itself. A really big reason we race/compete with Miatas is for self improve- Friday - December 13 ment. It is really very satisfying to learn the skills that enable you to feel the con- SDMC Holiday Party nection with your Miata. In simple terms one becomes so attuned to the han- *Note NEW Date! dling and capabilities of the car and their own abilities that they know exactly how the car will react to their inputs. May 3 - 5, 2003 In our Miata world wheel-to-wheel racing is actually quite rare. There are cur- Search For Madonna 2003 rently two people (and a third is setting up a car) in the club that really race Miatas in wheel-to-wheel competition. That, of course, is SPEC Miata. The

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1 Vice President’s Message (Continued from page 1) Mission statement Board of Directors problem is you have to strip your car Executive Board down and meet all kinds of rules to he purpose of the club is to President compete. This requires a lot of devo- Tpromote the enjoyment of, SAL CAUSARANO tion and also a fair-sized bank roll. (760) 787-0624 and enthusiasm for, one of the [email protected] We do have a goodly number of world’s most exciting sports cars — Vice President folks who really enjoy going to track the Mazda Miata. STEVE KENNISON days, but those are actually controlled Owning and driving a Miata is (858) 271-8498 [email protected] schools and we are not really racing one of life’s great pleasures, and each other. Track days are not a bad Secretary adding the company and camarade- VERONICA DIDIER thing, in fact they are an absolute blast rie of like-minded enthusiasts only (619) 421-8024 with minimal risk to life and Miata. enhances the experience. Won’t you [email protected] You can learn a great deal and have a join the fun as we enjoy the beauty Treasurer lot of fun doing it. The nice thing is JIM BROKAW of San Diego County from the seat (619) 421-2110 you can pretty much have a stock of a very special little roadster? [email protected] Miata. Most tracks require a roll bar, Let's have fun driving our Miatas! Administrative Board but there are a few tracks (Streets of Membership DAVE MARTIN & GALE CHAN Newsletter Team Willow) that are small enough and (619) 582-2448 or (858) 492-9227 slow enough that the requirement is [email protected] ANTHONY “NEVADABOB” WILDE - Editor dropped. Wear and tear on your [email protected] Events Coordinator Miata is moderate (especially brakes STEVE WAID VOODOO BOB KRUEGER (760) 432-0727 and tires) but when you consider only [email protected] [email protected] doing 2 or 3 track days a year it be- DIANE LONG Club E-mail Postmaster/Webmaster comes quite acceptable. [email protected] ROBERT “JTBOB” HOLLAND The last form of racing is what we TOM SPRAGUE (858) 549-4011 call autocross. As most of you know, [email protected] [email protected] Club Regalia Copies by SEAN O’CONNOR autocross is a timed event held on a PAULA KENNISON & ROSALIND SCOTT SIGN UP (858) 486-6771 large (fairly) flat area. Accidents are (858) 271-8498 or (760) 789-3872 [email protected] rare and car wear and tear is minimal. Of course you do eat up tires over Newsletter ANTHONY “NEVADABOB” WILDE time but nowhere near the wear rates (858) 693-8095 at an actual race track. If you consider [email protected] f you have recently been to the that the average time you are on To send e-mail to all members of the board: SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB web site course is about 60 seconds (for 3 laps, I [email protected] (www.sandiegomiataclub.org), you proba- about 3 minutes total) you can see the Notices bly have noticed a new banner adver- wear exposure is minimal. The SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB is a non-profit Cali- tising SERIOUS AUTO. This new AN IEGO IATA LUB Miatas are perfect for autocrossing. fornia corporation. The S D M C program is called the Serious Auto NEWS is the monthly newsletter of the SAN DIEGO They are perfectly balanced front to MIATA CLUB. Use of articles or stories by other Affiliate Program. When a club mem- rear (weight distribution) and han- Miata clubs is hereby granted, provided proper credit ber (or whoever) clicks through that is given. Submissions to the newsletter are welcomed dle…well you know how they handle. link and buys something, SDMC gets and encouraged. Where possible, please e-mail your On the tighter autocross courses the submissions to the newsletter editor. Submissions a 3% commission on the purchase. times between showroom stock can also be mailed to the club’s post office box. The Board felt this is a win-win situa- Miatas and showroom stock Corvettes Submission deadline is the 15th of each month. tion for the club in that it costs us ab- Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions. get extremely close. This just goes to solutely nothing and we may be able show the extremely fine handling that The SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB has established a to gain some revenue from the trans- dedicated World Wide Web Home Page at: the Miatas produce. And in case you actions. The Serious Auto Affiliate www.sandiegomiataclub.org aren’t aware, the Corvette is the best program is successfully being used by Dedicated 24-hour voice message line: (619) 582-2448 performance bang (in it’s price range) many other Miata clubs around the SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB for the buck next to the Miata. But country. So, if you are planning to P.O. Box 23081 the real difference between the two is purchase something from SERIOUS, San Diego CA 92193 that the Miata is just plain more fun please click through the SDMC web (Continued on page 15)

2 Upcoming Events for the month of November 3rd Bi-Annual Hearst Home: (619) 470-7860 Drive (check-in point). Castle/San Simeon Run Office: (619) 400-5323 I-5 from the south: take the “Cruise Dates: November 8 – 10 Cell: (619) 884-5917 Ship Terminal/Airport” exit, Haw- Meeting Time Drivers Meeting 8:30 FRS Radio: Channel 7, no CTC, thorne, west on Hawthorne to Pacific a.m.—sharp Call sign “Scott” Highway, left (south) on Pacific With a theme of “Let Us Not For- Departure Time: 9 a.m.—sharp Highway to Ash Street (just past back get!”, the 2002 edition of the San Meeting Place: Madonna Inn Parking side of County Administration build- Diego Veterans Day Parade will be Lot, San Luis Obispo, CA ing on your right), right on Ash Street held on Harbor Drive from Grape Contacts: BARI RUSSELL, (west) one block to Harbor Drive [email protected] Street to Seaport Village. The parade (check-in point). (949) 588-1531 or (714) 856-9890 is developing into a major event, with BILL HYDE, [email protected] numerous floats and rolling displays, Vehicles will be staging northbound (714) 525-5831 or (714) 225-1319 military vehicles, marching bands, on Harbor Drive just off the south- Please contact Bari Russell when you and military and veterans units. We west corner of the County Admini- have made your reservations or if you will be honoring the sacrifices made stration Building. have any problems. by our veterans, past and present. *Email or call Scott to register to par- As always, there will be dignitaries, Slots of Fun Run II ticipate in this event. Date: Saturday, November 9 which is where the SAN DIEGO Meeting Place: Tom’s #23 on the MIATA CLUB comes in! This is a per- Monthly Meeting Southwest corner of 5th Ave. and fect venue for us to demonstrate our A week early due to Centre City Pkwy., Escondido. community spirit and advertise the Thanksgiving Meeting Time: Arrive early to eat! club! The club has contributed signifi- Date: Thursday, November 21 drivers meeting at 8:45 a.m., first cantly to the success of the parade over Time: 6 p.m. the past few years, and come to the Place: Boll Weevil car out at 9 a.m. th Run Leaders: NICK & SHARON PONCE, parade’s rescue in the 11 hour of the 9330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. th th (760) 743-6665 or [email protected] 11 day of the 11 month in the past. (at Ruffin Road), San Diego (858) 571-6225 This run qualifies toward Mileage Award We have several prominent dignitaries slated for this year’s parade, ranging This event is the single best way to This year there will be a new route. from highly decorated veterans, to for- meet your fellow club members, ask We’ll travel some of our favorite north mer prisoners of war and Medal of questions, share stories, etc. county roads and try our luck at five Honor recipients. Don’t miss the fun! casinos. Two of the casinos are new, All of the dignitaries are fully aware the Vegas style Harrah’s and Autocross of each driver’s personal preferences as Pechanga. We’ll leave at 9 a.m., then Dates: Saturday, November 30 to seating in the vehicle (i.e. rear deck after 80+ miles of twisty roads and Time: 9 a.m. vs. passenger seat). Placards will be spending some time at each casino Place: Qualcomm Stadium provided for the dignitaries, you are we’ll finish the run at Casino Pauma Mission Valley, west lot. encouraged to decorate your car in where we can eat! SDAD championship. patriotic themes if you desire. All par- Autocross ticipants will run in the parade, even if f you want to earn the always desir- Dates: Sunday, November 10 we run out of dignitaries! I able SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB Time: 9 a.m. Staging begins at 8:30 a.m. Direc- magnetics in your car color, then the Place: Qualcomm Stadium tions to the check-in point on the cor- only requirement is that the event be a Mission Valley, west lot. ner of Ash Street and Harbor Drive. driving event. A caravan to an event DCCSD championship. I-5 from the north: take Pacific High- does not qualify…such as the trip to Veterans Day Parade way offramp, continue south on Pa- the Getty Museum. However, if an Date: Monday, November 11 cific Highway to Ash Street (just past indirect “run” to an event is put to- Time: 11 a.m. back side of County Administration gether, then the magnetics are earned. SDMC Coordinator: SCOTT LANGHOFF Building on your right), right on Ash Contact STEVE WAID, events coor- [email protected] Street (west) one block to Harbor dinator at [email protected].

3 future events Search for Madonna UPCOMING regional 2003 and national events Thunderhill Track Day and Dates: May 3-5, 2003 Women’s Track School Place: The Madonna Inn Miata Performance Driving Dates: December 1-2 San Luis Obispo, CA School Place: Thunderhill, Willows, CA* Coordinator: STEVE WAID, Dates: March 28-30, 2003 Contact: Aaron Tachibana, (760) 432-0727 or [email protected] Where: Thunderhill Sports Park [email protected] The block of rooms is reserved, and Cost: $390 for the two days. Cost: $350 the banquet room is set. This will be the first time that Aaron Contact: Ken Freeze, (925) 370-8262 In the Sunday, August 4th issue of has organized a Women’s Track This course teaches Miata owners the the San Diego Union-Tribune there School as a part a track day. One of basics of high speed driving, equip- was a nice article in the Travel Sec- the usual designated sessions will be ment, human limitations, proper tion, page D12, entitled “In the pink for women participants only. Special steering techniques, and lots of other at the Madonna Inn.” A full page arti- guest instructor for the women only skills necessary for safe performance cle with color pictures describes the group will be Peggy Hale...as well as a driving. “majesty” of Alex and Phyllis’ master- The weekend is packed with activities cast of great instructors, including piece. Take a look. beginning on Friday with a dinner, fol- Rick Weldon. It is not too early to select and re- lowed by classroom-style lectures and This is a two day event...so there serve your room for next year’s search. training from SCCA instructors. Saturday will be plenty of time to get instruc- Go to www.madonnainn.com and view morning the action turns to the track tion and lots of track time! We will be the 109 rooms. Call the Inn and re- with some more instruction, both in and running the full 3.2 mile course with out of the Miata. Most of Saturday and serve mentioning the Miata Club maximum track time during the two Sunday will be spent on the track with group. Pricing for the base rooms will days! Included in the cost is a catered some time between sessions to talk to fel- be blocked at the 2002 price. BBQ by MO’s BBQ—they are awe- low Miata owners and see some of the some! We’ll also be raffling off two (2) latest Miata accessories. Plans for Satur- sets of Toyo tires and a host of really day night this year call for a BBQ at the Regalia track if construction of a new building at cool stuff, like a performance brake kit the track is completed in time. This din- from MPCA, Toyo shirts, bags and ner gives students and instructors the op- hats, Royal Purple oil, a helmet and G ot Zoom? portunity to talk over the day’s activities. more! zoom ------T-Shirts The class is limited to 80 students with If you’d like to participate, please Zoom ------Sweatshirts 45 instructors, making for a less than 2- send Aaron an e-mail and he’ll ZOOM ----Pins & Decals! to-1 student/instructor ratio, a ratio return your confirmation, or sign-up higher than driving schools costing thou- ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM...Get and pay online at www.m-pca.com. This sands of dollars. track event is space limited—first your SDMC Regalia directly from the There’s nothing quite like having a come, first served. There are only a Regalia Gals (ROZ & PAULA) at the Sport Car Club of America instructor few places left! upcoming monthly meeting. right next to you as you drive lap after lap Zoom on down and pick up a few on a race course, helping you to learn of * Thunderhill is located just off Inter- great club items to show off your en- just what you and your Miata are really state 5, about an hour north of Sacra- thusiasm for the incredible Mazda capable. mento. Miata, and the SAN DIEGO MIATA You can register via the Internet by going to the Miata Performance Driving San Diego Miata Club CLUB. Got special sizes, items you want? School Web site at www.teammiata.com/ Holiday Party thunderhill/school.htm. Fill out the online Call or e-mail ROZ or PAULA and let Date: Friday, December 13 form, or download the PDF file and print Time: Appetizers @ 6:30 p.m. them know and they will personally it out and send it in with your check. If Dinner @ 7:30 p.m. hand deliver the items to you at the you don’t have Internet access, send a self- Location: San Vicente Inn (San Diego meeting. addressed, stamped envelope to: Ken Country Estates), 24157 San ROZ SCOTT & PAULA KENNISON Freeze, Miata School, 1521 Ridgewood Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065 (760) 789-3872 or (858) 271-8498 or Dr., Martinez, CA., 94553 and a com- Hosts: MIKE & ROBIN FAIRCLOTH, [email protected]. plete packet will be sent to you. But (760) 789-5171 or hurry – the past two years the class was [email protected] full by the first of December.

4 $18 per person

5 member profile Administration’s Regional Counsel’s Office in since 1998, and works at their satellite office at the VA Regional office in Mission Valley. JoAnna is a “Puddle Pirate,” a US Coast Guard veteran, and together we are members of American Legion Post 434 in Chula Vista and the South Bay Rod & Gun Club. I am also a mem- ber of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11387 in Paradise Hills, the Blinded Veterans Association, the Disabled American Veterans, the San Diego Chapter of the Navy League, as well as a participating member of the San Diego County Veterans Advisory Board and the United Veterans Council of San Diego County. I also serve on the San Diego Veterans Day Parade Committee. — SCOTT & JOANNA LANGHOFF to fix and maintain it until I trans- I’ve had many favorite runs, among ferred to San Francisco in 1996. I bought “Mariner,” a 1990 Mariner them the “Where the Hell is Boule- tried to join the Bay Area Miata Asso- Blue base model, in August of 1993 vard?” fun run in March of 2000, the I ciation (BAMA) while in San Fran- at a used car lot in Poulsbo, Washing- Camp Pendleton tour and Cham- cisco, but the snobs never returned my ton. The car had 58,000 miles on it pagne Run in February 1999, the calls or e-mails! and hadn’t been maintained very well. Puerto Nuevo Lobster Lunch Fun My radio call sign in the Navy was At the time, I was stationed at the Run and Ensenada overnighter in “Ancient Mariner,” so in 1995 I got Naval Undersea Warfare Center in June of 1998, the Old Rusty Trucks personalized Washington plates read- Keyport, Washington, working at the and other Oddities Fun Run in May ing “Mariner.” It was great fun to Naval Submarine Base at Bangor as of 1998, and the Shambala Run in drive around downtown Seattle and Staff Navigator, Craftmaster, and November of 1997. see heads turn, the spectators thinking Range Liaison Officer. I also was Pub- JoAnna’s favorite run was I was one of the Seattle Mariners. I lic Events Coordinator for the center, Madonna II in May of 2000. Unfor- kept those plates until my retirement and choreographed the center’s sup- tunately, I was out to sea for that one from the Navy last year, and couldn’t port of four Seattle Seafair celebrations (hmmm?), but we returned there to- get the same plates in , so I from 1992 to 1996, including double gether last year. temporarily have “Maraner.” I keep Blue Angels air shows each year, the So many good times, so many good checking every once in a while to see if 1994 Portland Rose Festival, and the memories. With more to come. “Mariner” is available. Nanaimo (British Columbia) bathtub — SCOTT LANGHOFF I found out about SDMC when I race to Vancouver in 1994 and 1995. was surfing the Internet. I was trans- To be included in our ongoing series I also coordinated support for various ferred to San Diego in November of of Member Profiles, write a short other celebrations in Western Wash- 1997 aboard the USS Constellation, (200-400 word) summary and e- ington and British Columbia, includ- and shortly after that we eagerly joined mail it to: ing numerous parades. SDMC. Shortly after I purchased my Miata, [email protected] I met my bride, JoAnna, in late You can also mail it to the Club P.O. I met a retired Navy Commander 1995, and we were married on Oahu who was also a Miataphile and a Box. Please include a photo. We want at the Pearl Harbor Naval Station member of the Puget Sound Miata to be able see your face. — Your Chapel in 1996. She has been em- Club. He invited me over to examine photo will be returned. ployed as a Paralegal for the Veterans my Miata, and mentored me on how

6 membership information Veterans New Members! Membership Statistics

Here we are in November, the WELCOME to our newest members As of October 27, 2002, there are month we honor our veterans of (since last newsletter): 379 memberships (148 single, many horrific wars. It was on the 11th 231 dual) for a total of 610 members. th th PRESTON & LINDA BLEVINS hour of the 11 day of the 11 month Memberships by Miata Color: that the armistice was signed for San Diego World War I—The War to End All 2000 Midnight Blue 92 Red 55 Wars. JESSICA HART & ERIC TOMECHAK 41 Black In addition to our many civic Oceanside 35 Silver events during November, it is also a Unreported 28 Emerald Green good time to remind veterans of some ROBERT HYLAND of the benefits available to them. And 18 Montego Blue San Diego 16 Yellow one of our own, SDMC member 1992 Red Scott Langhoff, is the Veterans Service 13 Crystal Blue BOBBI & RON KING Officer for the Veterans of Foreign 12 BRG Spring Valley Wars, serving veterans in San Diego, 11 Mahogany 1990 Red Imperial, and Riverside counties. 11 Sapphire Blue Scott, a recent Navy retiree himself, MATT KIZER & MATT SILVEOUS 11 Twilight Blue can assist other veterans and their de- Moreno Valley 9 Mariner Blue pendents in completing the appropri- 1996 Red 7 Laguna Blue 7 Marina Green ate documentation to request benefits, JOSEPH KREITINGER & YESICA UVINA and will represent them in the appeals National City 7 Midnight Blue process if that becomes necessary. 2002 Crystal Blue LS 6 Merlot 6 Starlight Blue Scott says “There is an absolute SCOTT LEWIS & JUDY RYAN plethora of benefits available to those 4 Titanium Chula Vista 1 Evolution Orange who served to keep us free. Medical 1990 White A care, disability compensation or pen- 1 Laser Blue DAWN PEDERSEN & JOHN HULBERT sion, educational benefits, special 1 Teal (custom) Poway monthly compensation, and special 8 Unreported* 2001 Crystal Blue allowances for those with special needs * Unreported means a member does not are just a few.” DAN WHEELER have a Miata at this time. There are also six other Veterans La Mesa Service organizations located adjacent  1994 Red B to his office in the VA Regional Office Renewing Members in Mission Valley. They are the (since last newsletter): Blinded Vets of America, Disabled ERRY ANICE OSTER KATHIE MCCLELLAND Vets of America, Military Order of J & J B OM LARK CATHY & JIM PHILLIPS the Purple Heart, American Legion, T C ICARDO A OSA JIM & KAREN POWER Paralyzed Vets of America, and the R D R HIL AOUST JIM SCHMEDAKE American Veterans. You can contact P D D ITTMAN LICE RIKSON BILL SHAFFER Scott’s associate, Natasha Knight, at E D & A E OBIN ICHAEL AIRCLOTH RICHARD & NANCY STAUDE (619) 400-5322 to get a referral to R & M F ENNIS ARYANNE ARON KEN & CARLA JEAN TOOKER one of these other agencies. D & M G ACK OSNEY RALPH & CHRIS VASQUEZ You can also get advice and assis- J G OB E ITA AGUE TOM VINT & KAREN EAGLETON tance on California State and County B & L N H IRK LAINE ONG MELISSA & GARRET WILLIAMS benefits, as well as filing claims for K & E J benefits with the VA, from the Cali- BOB & ANNICE KITTERER fornia Department of Veterans Affairs ED & MICHELLE LANGMAID

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7 October 19 - Saturday mother spun it out on the front lawn Tour of their home. We were riveted to his off-the-cuff talk about midget races at Balboa Stadium and the Gilmore dirt While it is true that Edelbrock track. Here was a Southern California doesn’t currently make any performance dynasty, with interna- specific products for the Miata, I real- tional recognition, talking to people ized today that this was a “true” Miata who can't buy any of his products for enthusiast’s event. their pride and joys. Why was he, and his company, taking the time to do How can that be? Well, let me see… this? It seemed to me that Vic and Vic Edelbrock tells the assembled SDMC mem- 1. The Edelbrock company gave us, as company realized what all “true” bers about how his father founded the com- TOM THOMPSON mentioned, the Miata enthusiasts realize, the Miata is pany and the fun they had, and continue to “royal” treatment today. Again, they a great sports car, in the same vein as have, running it. don't make parts for Miatas, but due all true classic cars have been since to the efforts of ROBYN and MIKE Barney Oldfield. There is never one us feels every time we run through the FAIRCLOTH, the Edelbrock people car for all times, places, or people. twisties or complete a lap on the auto- went out of their way to give us a great How boring would that be? A true cross or track. The same rush a racing day! Miata enthusiast appreciates the enthusiast gets when watching any 2. The SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB Miata for what it is, a significant piece kind of motorsport is the same each members (and SOCALM) in atten- of automotive history, available to us true Miata enthusiast gets watching dance were, in my estimation, real at this time, built upon the experience their brethren roadsters competing in “car people.” They were there to see a of true car enthusiasts like Vic, his fa- an event. legendary car performance company ther, his wife Nancy, and their daugh- 4. The Miata was designed for the and enjoy rubbing greasy elbows with ters. Even the employees were real car Southern California roads, just like Vic Edelbrock. It didn’t seem to mat- enthusiasts! The tour guide of my the cars in Vic’s little “garage.” (Now who wouldn’t want that garage?!) ter that there were no Miata parts to group, Shane, is a racer when he is not be had, everyone was drooling over working. Also, such is the true car cul- Anyway, even though Edelbrock does- the flathead Ford, small block Chevy, ture nature of this company, when n’t make any specific Miata items, yet and hemi Chrysler parts. Not one was the last time you saw someone (the Russell line of hose products can item in the gift shop said “Miata” but wearing a DA haircut? It was apparent easily be used on Miatas), the com- the line to get in never seemed to to me that true car enthusiasts recog- pany still treated us like we were going dwindle! nize each other. We share the same to be lining up to purchase manifolds, 3. The epiphany came when I realized love of the engine noise, smell, and aluminum cylinder heads, exhausts, we were listening to part of an auto- rush of acceleration. The true enthusi- and shocks by the truck load. They motive dynasty when Vic Edelbrock asm felt by Vic senior, back in the pre- knew we wouldn’t but they still was telling us tales of his father and his war days at Muroc dry lake, I am sure treated us like family, like all "true" car “suped-up” `32 roadster, or when his was the same enthusiasm that each of enthusiasts are.

What a day!

— ANTHONY WILDE

Left— An Edelbrock worker places an alu- minum cylinder head into the computerized milling machine.

8 Above— Just one half of Vic’s garage. SDMC members swarm over the cars on display.

Below— The other end of the garage contained more cars, and food! The `66 GT- 350 (car 27) was driven the previous weekend at the Coronado Speed Festival by Camee Edelbrock.

Above— Barb Shev, Cindy Paloma, and Art Hamilton examine a shock rod and valve while touring the Edelbrock shock manufacturing area.

Below Left— Larry Dennstedt takes a professional interest in the engine of the Edelbrock midget racer.

Below Right— The line outside the Edel- brock gift shop never seemed to get shorter, as SDMC members snapped up shirts, hats, and jackets. Not one item in the store said “Miata”, but that didn’t seem to matter. NTHONYWILDE :A HOTOS P

9 Recently a small group of west side of the raceway. Our first race parently, the rest of the crowd agreed Miataphiles gathered to do what was an exciting and eventful 25-lap because both stands were on their feet we like to do best—eat, drive, and prelim stock car race. Up next was an screaming, laughing, and hooting. have a good time. The occasion was 18-truck 75-lap race. With only one At the end of the evening, a happy the great train races at Cajon Speed- crash during the race, it was a great bunch of members (some a little way. The afternoon started out at event. Then came the main event— dusty) headed home. If you haven’t about 4:15 p.m. with a good meal at the Coors 100. For NASCAR fans, been to the train races, I’m sure there Marie Callendar’s in Escondido. picture 24 stock cars trying to com- will be a run next year. Don’t miss After dinner, Jerry and Janice were plete 100 laps on a 3/8-mile oval. The them; they are truly one of the most presented with their very own RED track was just plain crowded. Three unforgettable events you are likely to magnetics at the obligatory “drivers crashes and four re-starts later we fi- attend. meeting.” Then 10 cars enjoyed the nally saw the first official lap com- — JERRY & JANICE BOSTER perfect topless driving weather and pleted. Then they got down to racing, headed off into a beautiful sunset. sort of. 20-plus cautions and 90 min- Along the way we traveled the familiar utes later, the Coors 100 was history. San Pasqual Valley Road over to Talk about an event-filled (read crash- Highland Valley Road and then past filled) race! Glad we didn’t drive our OSTER

Barona Casino on Wildcat Canyon Miatas in the race. However, all the B Road to end up at Cajon Speedway. crash delays became completely worth ANICE

Arriving at the Speedway just prior it when they began the train races. &J

to the main event, we met up with What a sight to see—six teams driving ERRY even more members of SDMC. The three cars each welded together into a :J HOTO members who had arrived at the event “train” running figure eights on the P early saved prime seats so that we race track. The race was 12 laps, but SDMC president “your pal” Sal Causarano, presents magnetics to Jerry and Janice could all enjoy great views from the I’ve never seen anything wilder. Ap- Boster for their run to the train races.

Nine SDMCers gathered in Carls- Miata, but a little Photoshop work by bad Saturday evening, Septem- ED and MICHELLE LANGMAID ap- pears to have fixed that. ber 28, for a concert by the well- known husband-and-wife folk singers —DAVE MARTIN who call themselves Small Potatoes. At least the voices of Rich Prezioso

and Jacquie Manning are known to ARTIN M

recent Miata buyers with Bose sys- AVE tems. :D HOTO

The sampler CD has two cuts from P the Spuds. One is “The Best Things in Life Are Free.” The more memora- ble song, however, is Jacquie’s rendi- tion of “Avocado,” which includes this line: “if I ever win the Lotto, first thing I’ll buy is a little red Miata con- vertible...and a ripe avocado.” Knowing we were attending, Jac- quie came looking for us before the performance, and she and Rich gra- ciously stayed late for the picture. (LOU and RUTH STARK left before the photo session.) Jacquie is holding Small Potatoes’ mascot: a Mr. Potato Head. Neither Spud had driven a

10 AUTOCROSS AT THE “Q”

October 20, 2002 Autocross Results The following autocross events are tentatively scheduled to take Congratulations to the following SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB members on their place in the parking lot of Qual- performance at the Solo2 championship event. The event was sponsored by the comm Stadium: Triple A Race Team (TART), and held at Qualcomm Stadium. Sunday, November 10.….……..championship Saturday, November 30………..championship Class Driver Car Place Saturday, December 7..….……...novice school

CS CAROL SCHWARTZ Miata 2nd T o confirm autocross information, call: CS LARRY CLAPPER Miata 3rd San Diego SCCA Hotlines (619) 441-1333

ES SCOTT LEWIS Miata 2nd (800) 360-4454 Web page www.sdr-solo2.com IS2 ROBERT “JT” HOLLAND Miata 2nd Come participate or watch SAN IS2 KEVIN HAYWOOD Miata 3rd IS2 MICHAEL HEINITZ Miata 4th DIEGO MIATA CLUB members race at IS2 JOHN “JD” LIMA Miata 5th the autocross (timed event). To par- IS2 JIM BROKAW Miata 6th ticipate you need to register for a Solo2 IS2 RAINER MUELLER Miata 7th card and number ($15) and have a IS2 STEVE WAID Miata 8th DOT approved helmet. Loaner hel- IS2 FEDERICO ABAD Miata 12th mets are available at the autocross. IS2 ROBERT SHERLOCK Miata 13th

IS2L BARBARA SHEV Miata 2nd

STS ED PITTS Corolla 24th

Time to Party! SU JAMES SANDERS Miata 14th SU HOWARD KUZMINSKI Miata 16th ake your reserva- M1 LARRY DENNSTEDT Aardvark 3rd Mtions now for

Novice JEFF KING Miata 34th the SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB Holiday Party. Novice LEO DAILEY Miata 55th You don’t want to be left out.

See page 5 for complete details. EWIS L COTT :S HOTOS P

11 Saturday, October 12 Columbus Day Parade of Patriotism ROKAW B verybody loves a parade. At least

Ethat was the consensus of the 25 HARLENE

&C

Miatas of SAN DIEGO MIATA CLUB IM members who turned out at the early :J HOTO hour of 8 a.m. They came to carry P dignitaries in the Columbus Day Pa- rade of Patriotism on Saturday, Octo- ber 12th.

The morning started off with a OSTER combined parade participants and B Speed Fest enthusiasts 7 a.m. breakfast ANICE &J at Tartine in Coronado. Since that ERRY was very early, most people chose to :J HOTO join up on Harbor Blvd closer to 8 a. P m. As people arrived, they parked at curbside where many parade partici- pants and spectators were seen ogling the 25 colorfully decorated Miatas. After the typical hurry up and wait OSTER and organizational snafus, JERRY BOS- B

TER led off in his RED 93 with Briga- ANICE dier General Galenetti from MCAS &J ERRY

Miramar. Soon he was followed by :J

MARYANN GARON with Susan Davis HOTO P (eat your heart out TED), and then local princesses in abundance. At the end of the parade, we decided to made up our own impromptu parade unit and about fifteen or so Miatas joined in side-by-side, led by a pair of REDs OSTER driven by Jerry Boster and JOHN B LAURENCE. ANICE A quick stop to take off all the &J ERRY decorations and then a fast caravan :J HOTO

over to the Speed Fest for a truly P amazing day of vintage racing. What better way to show our sup- port for the men and women of our military than at the Columbus Day (Fleet Week) Parade of Patriotism presented by the Port of San Diego? ROKAW We want to thank all who came B out and supported us. This club is truly magnificent. HARLENE &C

IM — JERRY & JANICE BOSTER :J HOTO P

12 RUEGER K OB B OODOO :V HOTO P RUEGER K OB B OODOO :V HOTO P RUEGER K OB B OODOO :V HOTO P RUEGER K OB B OODOO :V NTHONY WILDE :A HOTO P HOTO P RUEGER K OB B RUEGER K OB B OODOO :V OODOO HOTO P :V HOTO P

13 News from Mazda Miata Owners Club Update Due to the current state of the club, pany’s commitment to continued sup- October 18, 2002 the Mazda Team and the MOC Advi- port. sory Council have agreed to discon- We are very excited about this deci- hroughout the last few tinue operations of the national Miata sion and the positive effect it will have months the Mazda Miata Owners Club and redirect our sup- on our ability to provide direct sup- TOwners Club (MOC) has port to the local Miata communities. port to the local Miata community. been very busy supporting So what does this mean? Well, And remember to keep a look out for some exciting events around the coun- Mazda is developing some exciting upcoming details on event sponsor- try. Events such as those held at the new plans that will be available to the ship opportunities. Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, entire community and you’ll notice If you have any questions please Northern Exposure in Ottawa, Wash- that they’re not that different from don’t hesitate to call us at ington D.C., and the other regional what is offered today: 1-800-968-4980. sponsored events are a chance for- Miata enthusiasts to come together, a. Miata Magazine: Mazda will work — Dave Sanabria see old friends, share stories, and most with the magazine as a key benefit Mazda Relationship importantly check out the latest cars. moving forward. Marketing Manager We hope this support from Mazda b. Event Sponsorship: Mazda will take reinforces how important we feel the formal requests for supporting local Time to Clean Out local clubs are to the Miata commu- club events (e.g. dinners, Mazda mer- The Garage! chandise, etc.) and review regional and nity. f you’ve been saving national event submissions based on As you know, the original intent of I the oil drained out of MOC was to build a national club an agreed upon list of criteria. The your Miata (or OTM), that would eventually reach a mem- process will be similar to the one fol- now is a good time to recy- bership in excess of 25,000 so that we lowed earlier this year. cle it. The City of San Diego has the fol- could provide direct value to the c. Special Offers/Discounts: While lowing recycling events coming up: current benefits like the travel Miata community. In fact, our recent Saturday, November 23 discounts will no longer be offered, actions—bringing on a new Executive School of Creative & Performing Arts Mazda will continue working on spe- Director and returning the Club to an 2425 Dusk Drive (Between Alta cial offers for merchandise, parts, and independent organization were de- View Dr. & Parkside Ave.) service. signed to achieve that goal. However, San Diego 92139 after exhausting several possibilities d. Other benefits/support: Mazda Saturday, December 7 and trying to work through future plans to promote local club informa- plans, it has become increasingly clear tion both in the new owner welcome Qualcomm Stadium that a shift in direction is needed. kit and on our Web site. Also, we will 9449 Friars Road Here are some factors to consider continue to work with the Miata Ad- Parking Lot - Section J San Diego 92108 from the past year: visory Council to review suggestions for additional support/benefits. Collection events are from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. a. MOC infrastructure requires funds that could otherwise be used to di- And, on that note, we do plan to They will accept a maximum of 10 gallons of used oil (Please transport in a rectly support the Miata community continue working very closely with sealable container), antifreeze, oil filters, and events. the Advisory Council. The Council will be an asset in helping us commu- and automotive batteries. b. Initial renewal rates indicate that we These events, sponsored by the City of will be unable to achieve sustainable nicate with the local club base and San Diego, are open ONLY to residents support for the local communities they will play an important role in de- of the city. For more information, call moving forward. fining event sponsorship opportuni- (619) 235-2105. If you are not in the city c. While MOC offers some unique ties. They will also help with the of San Diego, please contact your city’s benefits (Miata Magazine, Mazda phase-out of the national club so that environmental affairs department or the discounts), the local clubs continue to we ensure we fulfill all existing obliga- county agency for similar events in your see limited value in the remaining of- tions. Our goal is to ensure all mem- area. Most auto parts stores and repair ferings. bers receive and retain a positive opin- shops will also accept used oil for recy- ion of Mazda and recognize the com- cling.

14 Vice President’s Message (Continued from page 2) that SDMC puts together (in con- Veterans (Continued from page 7) to drive. junction with one of the autocross office (also located adjacent to Scott’s To start autocrossing requires only, clubs) an autocross once a year for all office) at (619) 400-0070, as well as you, your Miata, a helmet (loaners are the rookies to try it. That’s how I got the San Diego County Veterans Ser- available), and $40. $15 covers your sucked into competing in the first vice Office at (619) 531-4545. one-time yearly number and the other place. I would highly encourage you All services are provided at no $25 is your event entry fee. There are to attend. Or if you are really inter- charge. Membership in any of the vet- several classes that Miatas run in to ested, come and talk to me or one of erans organizations is not required to make the driving more equal. There the other autocrossers and we will obtain the services. Scott also can be are the showroom stock classes that guide you through the process. reached at his residence on the eve- are split between the 1.6-liter (E So, finally I close by telling you why nings and weekends at (619) 470- Stock) and 1.8-litre (C Stock). Next I personally autocross. I love the ca- 7860 or email at [email protected]. we have the Improved Street (IS2) maraderie and the sportsmanship. I class that most of the SDMC auto- autocross because it’s really fun. I’m SCOTT H. LANGHOFF crossers fall into. IS2 is notable be- new to car racing so I haven’t peaked CPO USN (Retired) cause a lot of us have done minor as far as my abilities go, so learning Department Service Officer mods (add a shock tower brace, and improving my driving skills is San Diego Region Veterans of change wheels, etc.) to our cars that very important to me. But really the Foreign Wars of the eliminate us from the showroom stock main reason I race is so I can beat 8810 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite classes. The C Street Prepared class STEVE WAID in his yellow car and tell 1161 (CSP) is street legal (barely) but re- him nanner, nanner, nanner. San Diego, CA 92108 quires a lot of work ($$$) for the car Office: (619) 400-5322 — STEVE KENNISON to be competitive. Last we have Street Office direct: (619) 400-5323 Unlimited where we see the super- Fax: (619) 291- 8516 Time to Party! tubocharged Miatas compete. There Office email: [email protected] are a couple of odd Miata classes ake your reserva- www.vfw.org (SPEC Miata falls into ??) but these M www.vfwca.org tions now for www.va.gov are rare. the SAN DIEGO MIATA www.vetjobs.com

So if autocross is so great, how CLUB Holiday Party. come everybody in the club doesn’t VFW Hotline: (800) VFW-1899 do it? Darn good question. I really You don’t want to be left out. San Diego VA toll free: (800) 827-1000 don’t have an answer, but I do know See page 5 for complete details.

Classified Ads leather & in-dash CD. Must sell due to home installing the wiring on our `96). purchase. $1250 OBO. Classified ad space is provided free of charge to Tom, (949) 394-1716 or [email protected] Karen, (619)220-8331, [email protected] members only. Please include your name, tele-  phone number, and e-mail address (if applicable) For Sale: Window protector, $20. For Sale: Closeout on Miata wrapping paper. with each submission. Diane, [email protected] (858) 566-6973 $3 per roll.

Geri, [email protected], (760) 787-0624 For Sale: 1 55mm Tiffen red filter (for black Wanted: 15-inch OEM wheels. and white photo shooting), 2 ea Tiffen and Stef (619) 297-4272 or [email protected] For Sale: Trunk lid lift kits - fits all year Cannon 58 mm UV/haze filters. (all new and For Sale: Seats, tan leather, from a `92 LE Miatas. Factory blowout! $20 each for San unused). $5 each Diego folks who will pick-up or meet me, $30 VBob (858) 486-4711 [email protected] with 65,000 miles on it. Seats are in good shape. Also have carpeting, door panels, and each to ship in US. No tax. Very simple in- For Sale: 1999 Emerald Green Miata. Cus- tan trim pieces, $500 exchange. Also have stallation! Lifts trunk lid automatically when tom Burlwood dash, gold-plated trim, leather body and mechanical parts from `90, `92 & the lever or key is used! Especially great for package, 70,000+ miles, $12,850. `96. those with wings or luggage racks! Bob (909) 597-1664 [email protected] David, (760) 476-8754 [email protected] Wally, (619) 232-2801 ext 313, 234-2858, or [email protected] For Sale: Very special, adult driven, 1999 Buying or selling your Miata or Miata acces- Miata with Jackson Racking supercharger, For Sale: Montego Blue hard top by SNUG- sories? You can do it for free on Miatamart— ignition timer, rollbar, and lowered suspen- Top. Excellent, new condition. Includes rear the MIATA FOR SALE web site, run by tion. Never raced, never abused. Very, very window defroster, dome light, and all wiring SDMC member RAINER MUELLER. Check it quick and drivable. In excellent shape, factory to hook them up (we never got around to out at www.miatamart.com

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