January 2015 Sports Car Club of America, Inc. - Incorporated June 29, 1959 Lotus On Display At AACA Museum Image provided by Michael Furman For over 60 years Lotus has continued to produce class-leading sports cars and are a globally respected automotive engineering consultancy, working with many of the world s most prestigious car manufacturers. This exhibit features a variety of Lotus models both road and race throughout that 60 year history. More than 25 Lotus race and road cars and another half-dozen Lotus-engineered designs are confirmed for this exhibit. Lotus - The Art of Lightness opened January 24 and will run through April 26. Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily, the AACA Museum is located at 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Call 717-566-7100. Full information can be found on the internet at: http://www.aacamuseum.org q RallyCross And Other Racing On Dirt Henry Brillinger explains the intricacies of our RallyCross site acquisition at the Farm Show s satellite parking grassy field. He then introduces another interesting activity, one that can be enjoyed anytime, but particularly during the cold, off-season winter months. Located on Derry Street in Harrisburg is an impeccably maintained indoor scale model dirt race track. Check out Henry s story on Page 6. q Lots of activity in the pits and on the dirt track at The Hidden Raceway. Henry Brillinger photo
From the Editor s Desk We re looking forward to offering another action-packed season. We expect to once again open our autocross season around the end of March. It s not that far away, about two months from now - not too early to begin prepping the car for the season opener. Note that the Tuesday, January 27 our membership meeting will be held at the usual Gilligan s location, but in an area of the main dining room, not in the usual private dining room. Use the same entrance, but once inside, turn immediately to your left into the dining room. The meeting begins at 7:30, but for a fine meal you should arrive earlier. There will be a meeting of the executives and the autocross committee in February to formulate an autocross and rallycross schedule for this year. We would like to offer our schedule earlier in the year, but available dates are not offered by our lot providers to do so. We ll share the schedule information as soon as it becomes available. I can always use contributions for this newsletter, even in the off season. Tell me what you ve accomplished in the past or what you intend to do for the upcoming season. I ll accept technical articles and how-to s as well. Send your stories and photos to: mail@johnrudy.com q John MARCH 2012 Page 2 The Squeal is a monthly publication of Susquehanna Region, SCCA Send editorial, scheduling and advertising to: The Squeal John Rudy, Editor 3800 Hillcrest Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 mail@johnrudy.com Susquehanna Region s membership meets at 7:30 PM on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except December, at Gilligan s Bar & Grill, 987 Eisenhower Blvd, Harrisburg, PA. For more information, go to our website at www.scca-susq.com REGION OFFICERS JANUARY 2015 Regional Executive Steve Limbert 717-432-4116 Assistant Regional Executive Henry Brillinger 717-697-1610 Treasurer Alan Lesher 717-486-4087 Secretary Ed Womer 240-350-0070 Directors Charlie Demmy 3yr 717-545-0257 Markus Houser 2yr 717-495-6742 Geoff Craig 1yr 717-367-7853 ASCC Representative Markus Houser 717-495-6742 AUTOCROSS COMMITTEE Geoff Craig Chair Henry Brillinger Site Acquisition & Relations Geoff Craig & Alan Pozner Course Design Mark Rosson Pre-registration & Webmaster Chris Benfer Registration Alan Lesher Safety Ryan Hetrick Tech Inspection John Norton Grid Anne Demmy Timing Charlie Demmy Starter Dennis & Derek Latshaw Novice Program Ashley Zywusko & Rob Springer Workers Markus Houser Truck/Equip. Manager & Results RALLYCROSS COMMITTEE Adam Moore & John Roscinski Co-chairs
Page 3 There are no minutes to report in this issue as there was no December membership meeting. The Region foregoes a December meeting because of its proximity to the holidays. What would be at issue at a December meeting is addressed at the Annual Awards Banquet in January and was done so again this year. On Saturday, January 17th, the evening was opened by Region Executive Steve Limbert «Minutes «with a brief official meeting that included the introduction and installation of the Region s incoming executive officers. Remaining in their posts are Steve Limbert, RE; Henry Brillinger, Asst. RE; Alan Lesher, Treasurer; and Directors Markus Houser and Geoff Craig. Joining them for 2015 are Ed Womer, Secretary; and Charlie Demmy, Director. After a few opening comments, the rest of the evening was devoted to the banquet activities and many awards presentations. Steve emceed the evening s festivities with the assistance of Chris Paveglio. Chris and Steve shared RE duties last year. Also presenting awards were Geoff Craig with the autocross awards and John Roscinski with the rallycross awards. q John Rudy, Editor Year-end Banquet Report By John Rudy On Saturday, January 17th, Susquehanna Region held it s annual Awards Banquet. As the region has done for many years, the banquet was held at the Holiday Inn Grantville. We had a fantastic turnout, 121 people registered, our best banquet attendance in several years. Realizing the huge response, Henry Brillinger made arrangements to expand our room, and we gladly accommodated everyone that evening. The banquet is where the club recognizes individuals for outstanding competition or participation, and also holds a short meeting to install the newly elected officers for the year. Dinner was buffet style and included salad, potato and macaroni salad, pork, chicken, pasta, mixed vegetable, Steamship roast beef and of course a bevy of desserts. Everyone agreed that the meal was excellent. After the meal, RE Steve Limbert opened a brief official meeting and introduced the incoming 2015 region officers. He added his thanks to the members and their guests for attending. After the close of the official meeting, the awards presentation was begun. The program began with the presentation of the Regional Achievement awards given for competition and others for outstanding effort of participation. The autocross class awards were then given out, with a very healthy number of autocross plaques at 53 this year. RallyCross were then presented to the series class winners.punctuating the awards were door prize giveaways. This year we had more prizes and some higher quality items. It was a great banquet and a great wrap up to the 2014 season. Our 2014 Award Winners: Solo Cup Derrick Min Translog Worker Award Jim Einhouse Lynne Dehart Memorial Trophy Earnest & Dian Dingle Excellence In MARRS/Regional Road Racing Chuck Buczeskie (Continued on Page 4 - See Banquet Report )
Page 4 Year-end Banquet Report (Continued from Page 3) Autocross Awards: Outstanding Service to the Region Ed Womer Rising Star In Regional Road Racing Daniel Licklider Outstanding Service Rallycross Markus Houser Outstanding Service Autocross Ashley Zywusko Autocross Rookie of the Year Benjamin Brandt Most Improved Autocrosser Andrew Puerzer Best Veteran Autocrosser Derek Latshaw Most Understanding Spouse Becky Stoner In Appreciation For Your Support Of Susquehanna Region s Autocross Series Autocamp Tire & Auto Service Center Chris Paveglio received a plaque for his 2013-2014 service as Regional Executive RallyCross Awards: Forrest Geaeff Stock RWD Champion Paul Berdych Prepared FWD Champion Thomas Critelli Prepared RWD Champion Alex Pankiw Prepared AWD Champion Lisa Landis Lisa Landis Champion Doug Shearer Modified RWD Champion Daniel Woland Modified AWD Champion CAM Champion Mike Goodwin SS Champion Dan Miller AS Champion Lisa Leathery 2nd Andrew Puerzer 3rd Dick Puerzer BS Champion Jim Bobeck 2nd Jon Oravec CS Champion Chris Benfer 2nd John M. Bridgen 3rd Kevin MacDonald 5th Be-One Vang 6th Gregory Williams DS Champion Jack Raymond 2nd Bradley Harlacher ES Champion Ryan Shumberger FS Champion Robert Beers 2nd Forrest Graeff 3rd Michael Farrell GS Champion Ian Hirschtritt HS Champion Jim Einhouse BSP Champion Robert Myers DSP Champion Benjamin Brandt 2nd Jason Fraley 3rd Terry Sayer ESP Champion Rob Springer 2nd Derek Latshaw 3rd Dennis Latshaw 4th Ashley Zywusko FSP Champion Robert Staiger XP Champion Markus Houser CP Champion Brendan Dougherty 2nd John Norton FP Champion Alan Lesher GP Champion Mark Rosson BM Champion Doug Rauco EM Champion Jeff Bowen (Continued on Page 5 - See Banquet Report )
Page 5 Banquet Report (Continued from Page 4) STC Champion Toubee Yang 2nd David Hagan STS Champion 2nd Barbara Bielucki STR David Lewis STX Champion Derrick Min 2nd Chad Kettler STU Champion Derek Colton SMF Champion Nick Bradenbaugh 2nd Jesse Stahlman 3rd Curtis Lahr SSM Champion Daryl Stoner 2nd John Stumpf 3rd Dennis Stone 4th Carl Mellinger PAX Overall Series Champion Derrick Min Award recipients not able to attend the banquet can pick up their award at one of the 2015 events. q John Rudy Race Car For Sale 1998 Firebird race car. Built by Phoenix. Full roll cage, seat, net, older belts. 4 spare wheels, misc. brake parts, suspension parts for touring class. Car is prepared to limited-prep American Sedan rules; and last raced in 2012. Also used in Susquehanna Region autocross series. Could be converted to Touring 2, NASA CMC, TransAm3 Muscle, EMRA, time trial or hillclimb. Contact: Alan Lesher, 717-238-9611. $14,999.00 OR best offer. q Alan Lesher
Cover Story RallyCross And Other Racing On Dirt Page 6 By Henry Brillinger Airfield RallyCross The accompanying satellite photo shows the 4.8 acre grass field that we leased from the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex to run our four RallyCrosses last year. The field to the right (east) of that field is an airfield where the Harrisburg Area Flying Society fly their radio controlled model aircraft. What is significant about that is that we run our events only with the permission of the Flying Society. The Flying Society leases both lots from the Farm Show as a package and they have leased it that way for many years. When we lease the RallyCross site, the Farm Show has to obtain permission from the Flying Society to lease it to us for the dates that we choose. That is not a casual choice on the Flying Society s part. When we run there, the Society may not fly from their airfield because the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) prohibits flying when other activities are taking place on the property. Indications are that the Society will continue to be accommodating in allowing us to run there again this year. That brings us to the subject of the title of this article. The President of the Flying Society, Luke Slabonik, owns The Hidden Hangar, a hobby shop located at 5450 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA. I have known of the shop for years but the relationship between the Region s lease of the lot for RallyCross and the Flying Society introduced me to a recent addition to the shop. That addition is The Hidden Raceway. The Raceway is a 60 by 32 banked dirt oval with a 120 racing line. It is equipped with AMB/ MyLaps Transponder Scoring for the various classes of generally 1/10 scale radio controlled dirt track cars. The track includes a drivers stand and pit tables with electric outlets to allow participants to work on their cars. There s (Continued on Page 7 - See Dirt Racing )
Page 7 Dirt Racing (Continued from Page 6) automatically locates and locks onto an open frequency so you don t have to worry about getting into someone else s way electronically. You race against the clock but you race at the same time as others so quick planning and observation as well as driving skill is important to develop. Races are only four minutes in length but in those four minutes the faster cars can turn 70 laps. The Hidden Raceway s well groomed 60 by 32 dirt track. Henry Brillinger photos also a spectator area and a full complement of amenities including restrooms, vending machines, and of course a full service hobby and parts shop. I personally have, over the years, had radio control aircraft, slot cars, flight and driving simulators and Xbox systems but none of that prepared me for the range of sophistication available in today s RC cars. That range extends from ready to run street stock cars to all out winged sprint cars with carbon fiber chassis, geared or ball driven limited slip differentials, coil over adjustable shocks, disc brakes and a radio transmitter that Pits on the left and drivers above on the right. Stop by and take a look at The Hidden Raceway. There is no charge to look. Racing costs $15 and takes place on Wednesday evenings and and Sunday afternoons as well as some Friday evenings. Practice can be run most anytime and costs just $10. q Henry Brillinger A sophisticated winged sprinter being prepped. Young lady and her ready to run street stock.
Page 8 SCCA Safety Stewards Our Events Can t Run Without Them By Alan Lesher Calling all Safety Stewards! Man the barricades! The barbarians are at the gates! The 2015 Susquehanna Solo Series will be here quicker than a 917 at LeMans! Our region does have some Solo Safety Stewards; but, we could use more. If you have a solo safety steward license, please remember to renew it. If you do not have a solo safety steward license and you are interested in this solo specialty, read on. The Solo Safety Steward (SSS) program is designed to provide reasonable precautions with regard to safety at all SCCA Solo Events. The SSS program is governed by the SCCA SSS Guidebook. What is a Solo Safety Steward? A Person accepting responsibility from the SCCA to: Help plan and oversee the safety aspect of an autox event. Know and execute the regulations under which SCCA operates its events. Show good judgment in handling real world situations. Hold sufficient power to shutdown or cancel events that are in noncompliance. Why become a Safety Steward? We can t run an event without one on duty at all times. Drivers, workers, and spectators all depend on you. People can and do get hurt in Solo. Our entry fees are affected by our insurance rates. The Solo Safety Program is in place to help keep those rates low. How to become a Safety Steward: Be a member of the SCCA. Attend a training seminar. Act as a deputy Safety Steward for 2 Solo events. Fill out the application and submit to the SCCA National Office. Responsibilities of a Solo Safety Steward: Driver, crew and guest safety. You are responsible for everyone at the event. Stay Alert! Are proper precautions being observed? Review the entire safety situation with the event chairperson(s) before starting the day. Read and understand the SCCA Solo rulebook, and any regional supplemental regulations. All mandatory rules under the Solo Rules: Section 1 (all), 2, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3 (except 3.3.3A), 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and 5.8. Solo Safety Steward Guidebook. (Appendix E of Solo Rules) Spectator safety = spectator control. Barriers. Crowd control marshals. Minimum spectator distance: 75 ft. No children under 12 in hot areas. Approve photographers on/near course only with spotter. Course design review. Consider both drivers and workers. Do not evaluate from a driver s perspective or a fun course perspective. Look at it with a comfort zone. Anticipate what you understand might happen. Work with the course designer, not against them, if possible problems are perceived. Speeds on straight stretches should not normally exceed the low 60 s (mph) for the fastest Stock and Street Prepared category (Continued on Page 9 - See Safety Stewards )
Page 9 Safety Stewards (Continued from Page 8) cars. 2009 Solo Rules 2.1 No physical hazards. Gravel, oil, holes, dips etc. No closer than 25 ft. from solid objects. Limit off camber turns Keep cars on course away from each other. Sight line for SSS s. Start, finish, staging and timing areas. Keep high speed sections away from spectators. Select safe corner worker stations. Gates: 15 ft. min. Slalom: 45 ft. min. Event duties as a Solo Safety Steward: Verify insurance certificate (sanction form). Review the course. Make sure that spectator areas are well designated. Pay attention to worker positions, red flags, fire bottles etc. Coordinate with other safety stewards, crowd control marshals, and other workers as needed. Keep your eyes and ears open. Event duties as a Solo Safety Steward. Verify insurance certificate (sanction form). Review the course. Make sure that spectator areas are well designated. Pay attention to worker positions, red flags, fire bottles etc. Coordinate with other safety stewards, crowd control marshals, and other workers as needed. Keep your eyes and ears open. A bit about SCCA Insurance: SCCA event liability insurance covers all event officials, workers, and other participants. But only if they ve signed the waiver. People on-site without wrist bands are potential risks. Distinction between participants (drivers, workers etc.) and non-participants. Insurance coverage is one thing that sets SCCA apart from other clubs. SCCA will stand behind you in the unlikely event of litigation. The Solo downloads section of the SCCA national website has a lot more detailed information on this subject, as does the Solo rule book, also on line. Some well known examples of things the solo safety stewards need to be mindful of at Susquehanna region events: Cars and busses trying to park on our designated area at the Hershey lot. Nonparticipants wandering in at the Farm Show lot. Dogs and kids running around in the hot areas. Smoking in the hot areas. Inattentiveness by workers. If interested, send an email to me at this address: alan@autoseatcover.biz. q Alan Lesher
Page 10 http://www.windingroad.com/ www.ssc-tint.com/ RENT THIS SPACE Sponsor Space Available If you d like to join our sponsorship ranks, we ll make room for you. Contact me at mail@johnrudy.com for details. SCCA Anniversary Don McLaughlin was recognized in the latest issue of SportsCar magazine for 30 years of club membership. Don joined Susquehanna Region on January 31, 1985. A long-time Renault afficianado, Don continues to compete in hillclimbs and track trials events. Congratulations Don! q 2015 Region Event Schedule Unfortunately, there isn t a lot to talk about right now. Stay tuned. There s more to come. Jan. 27 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s Feb. 24 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s Mar. 24 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s Apr. 28 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s May 26 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s June 23 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s July 28 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s Aug. 25 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s Sept. 22 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s Oct. 27 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s Nov. 24 Membership Meeting at Gilligan s Dec. NO December Membership Meeting Jan. 16 Year End Banquet, Grantville Holiday We will have more following the Competition Board meeting in mid-february. Event site availability and the cheduling of Autocross and Rallycross events will be the primary topic at this meeting. Adjustments and improvements in event operation to better serve our competitors will also to be discussed. We enjoyed a very successful and extensive 2014 season and look forward to an even more exciting 2015. We hope you ll join us. q
Graphics by Chris Paveglio Page 11 3609 Hartzdale Drive Camp Hill, PA 17011 Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:30pm Maintenance: Pennsylvania State Inspection Certified Pennsylvania Emissions Regularly Scheduled Factory Maintenance Complete Tune-ups Automatic Transmission Flushes Fuel Injection Cleaning Cooling System Services Replace Windshield Wipers Coolant System Flushes www.aircooledracing.com Diagnostic & Repair: Computer Diagnostic Service Expert Brake Service and Repairs Air Conditioning Svcs & Repairs Diagnose & Repair Chargintg Systems Diagnose & Repair Driveline Repair Overheating / Temperature Issues (717) 761-8881 1560 Old Mountain Road Wellsville, PA 17365 (717) 432-4116 Wheels & Suspension: Mounting Tires up to 20 Dynamic Spin Balancing Computerized Wheel Alignment Suspension and Front End Service Weighting of Race Cars Sports Car Club of America, Inc. - Incorporated June 29, 1959 Custom Alignments tailored for Racing Custom Suspension Work Giants Despair www.aircooledracing.com RE Stepping Down Hillclimb Although the Giants Despair Hillclimb is held by a neighboring region, a number of Susquehanna Region members participate in Pennsylvania Hillclimb Association (PHA) events. Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Region operates this event as part of the PHA series of events. The challenging 6-turn, 1-mile course rises 650 in elevation. Alan Lesher July 2014 www.autocampusa.com 1560 Old Mountain Road Wellsville, PA 17365 (717) 432-4116 UTO SEAT COVER CO. Race Car Fabrication, restoration and preparation offers his experience and some insight into this year s Parts, event. fuel Alan s cells, story safety is on Page equipment, 4. q and trailers, specializing in Porsche. SCCA Tech Inspections and Novice Permits Alan Lesher has his STU 05 Neon SRT4 staged to make another run up Giants Despair s twisting mile-long course. Pete Sandy photo Tell them you saw the ad in SUSQ SCCA s Squeal Newsletter Having energetically served Susquehanna Region as R.E. for the past year and a half, Chris Paveglio is stepping down. John Rudy photo Chris Paveglio is vacating the Region Executive post in the middle of his second term in that position. Chris has taken a job in the State College area. Aside from his duties as RE, he also managed the region website and for the past ten years had designed the annual calendars and year-end championship photo awards. He leaves big shoes to fill. Chris explains on Page 5. q Accessories - Restyling 1500 Paxton St., Harrisburg, PA 17104 www.autoseatcover.biz (717) 238-9611 Race Car Fabrication, restoration and preparation Parts, fuel cells, safety equipment, and trailers, specializing in Porsche. SCCA Tech Inspections and Novice Permits PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BUSINESS Executive Portraiture Digital Photography for Marketing and Corporate Communication JOHN RUDY PHOTOGRAPHY 3800 HILLCREST ROAD, HARRISBURG, PA 17109 phone 717-545-9630 v mail@johnrudy.com Auto Air Conditioners Auto Tops Cruise Controls Upholstering Sun Roofs Power Windows Power Door Locks Security Systems Hi Performance & Racing brakes from Alcon to Wilwood and everything in between CALL FOR PRICES AD SPACE AVAILABLE Sponsor Space Available If you d like to join our sponsorship ranks, we ll make room for you. Contact me at mail@johnrudy.com for details.