MotorWerks Magazine Volume 3 issue 1

MotorWerks Magazine - Online at www.motorwerksmag.com - 1

THE ULTIMATE READING EXPERIENCE!Published by TreeFree PublishingA division of Webtronic Enterprises

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 01 APRIL 2013

. TECH - THE INITIAL COOPER RSR UPGRADES. GREAT GRAND-AM PICTORIALS!. FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER - JOHN SCHROEDER

James Reas

BIGGun

2 - MotorWerks Magazine - Online at www.motorwerksmag.com

18 Taking a Stance - Bimmercruise 12

26 Soggy Lime Rock - Wet end to season40 A Fitting Tribute - MINI fans come to thank RSR Motorsports.48 Double Duty for Schwartz - Its a MINI and M5 at Lime Rock Park56 OH-Fest - hits Mid-Ohio.78 Goodbye to the M3 GT - Last outing at Petit LeMans86 Highway to Help - Part Deux

92 The Roar Before The 24 - Early season testing at Daytona96 4 Scored and MINI, MINI more! - MINI Thunder IV 114 James Reas Big Gun - A super modified R56128 Adam Ismans Blog - Laguna Seca and first Grand-Am event136 Cooper RSR - Ian Stewart comes onboard142 Twice around the Clock Plus - Thunderhill 25 Hours148 Tony Donuts has a Dream- One sweet M3156 Virginia is for Historics - Gold Cup BMWs at VIR162 Towering Inferno - Turner on fire at COTA180 New Era for BMW NA - The Z4 GTE arrives on our shores208 Miniology - The Science and Study of all things

This Month


From the Editors DeskWelcome to the first issue of

2013, it is a bumper issue as

I wanted to get some of the

Lime Rock and other coverage

from last year. It helps lead us

into this year which I think is

going to be an amazing year

for racing. The good news is

we have more help getting you

interesting stories and fantastic photos from across the

world. Norman Nelson has come on-board and will be our

West Coast correspondent as well as continue to promote his

amazing MINI Thunder event at Thunderhill. John Schroeder

will be covering the East Coast and we are working on the

mid-west as we speak.

We have some new advertisers on board this issue and

both MINI of Concord and BMW Concord have some great

discounts available to our readers. We are gathering parts

for Cooper RSR and you will be seeing some majors changes

over the next few issues.

Racing season is getting closer in Canada and this year we

are going to try and give you some Time Attack coverage.

This is a section of motorsport that is growing all over the

world and it is one you can run with your road car.

Be part of MWM by sending in photos and data about your

car. Wanting to make a point? Send a letter to the Editor

and tell the World what you think! Go to our website, www.

motorworksmag.com and click on Contact to view the

contact info for Readers Rides and Letters to the Editor.

Enjoy Editor, MotorWerks Magazine

MOTORWERKS MAGAZINE (MWM)is The Ultimate Reading Experience and is dedicated

to all BMW and MINI enthusiasts covering their cars and lifestyles.

Volume 3 Issue 01 - APRIL 2013Editor - Ian Rae

E-Mail - [email protected] - (905) 467-5148

CONTRIBUTORSIan Rae, Norman Nelson, Tony Weber, Halston Pitman, Chris Knox, Chris Green, John Venditti, Rich Simpson,

Jake Galstad, Lyndon Handy, Adam Isman.CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME

Photographic and Editorial contributions to MWM are welcomed. Photgraphs must be sent in hi-res format and can be .JPEG or .TIFF. Editorial contributions to be in Word format. Contributors must make every effort to ensure there is no infringement of copyright belonging to any other person or persons. MWM is not responsible for any such

misrepresented contributions. Contact the Editor by e-mail to discuss any editorial concepts.

PHOTOGRAPHERSIan Rae, Janis Rae, Melissa Smith, Halston Pitman, Tony Weber,

John Scroeder, Paul Schmitz, Jake Galstad, Norman Nelson,Dito Milian, www.gotbluemilk.com

Various BMW & MINI images courtesy BMW Group Press Club

ADVERTISINGAdvertising Manager - Janis Rae

E-Mail - [email protected]

CREATIVE ADVISORS

Jim Weekes - J.GraphicsScott Brown - Scott Brown Graphic Designs

Mike Goodwin - MG Digital-----------------------------------------------

MOTORWERKS MAGAZINE (MWM) is published four times a year by TreeFree Publishing, a division of Webtronic Enterprises. Contents

may not be reprinted without express written permission of the Editor. The publishers do not accept any responsibility for the use of copyrighted

material from unsolicited sources. The publishers also cannot be held responsible for any errors or ommisions in articles published by MWM. All brand names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners. The BMW and MINI names and logos are registered trademarks of BMW AG and their subsidaries. MWM is not directly affiliated with BMW, any of its

distributors or dealers.-----------------------------------------------


THE ULTIMATE READING EXPERIENCE!Published by TreeFree PublishingA division of Webtronic Enterprises

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 01 APRIL 2013

. TECH - THE INITIAL COOPER RSR UPGRADES. GREAT GRAND-AM PICTORIALS!. FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER - JOHN SCHROEDER

James Reas

BIGGun


On The GridToronto, Canada, 12th March.Bimmercruise returns to CTMP

Randy Sparre has confirmed that Bimmercruise 13 will return to the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park DDT on Sunday August 25th for Canadas largest BMW only show. The show that combines a cruise, show and autoslalom enjoyed a huge turnout in 2012 and Sparre hopes for a repeat of that this year. The move to the DDT worked well for us, all the feedback I got was hugely positive. The only thing I would like to see im-prove is the attendance by the BMW MINI fans, we have a few MINIs that run with the Trillium Chapter AutoSlalom and I am sure anyone with one running at Bimmercruise will have a blast. On the show side we will have trophies for the MINIs as well, so I put out a warm invitation to all the MINI clubs around to come out and have some fun. More information can be found on the website at www.bimmercruise.com

Barcelona, Spain, 29th March. DTM test a success

The four BMW teams have made another important step on the way to the start of the DTM season on 5th May 2013 at Hockenheim. Over the course of four days

of testing at Barcelona, the BMW drivers covered more than 7,000 kilometres. The other manufacturers involved in DTM also tested at the 2.977-kilometre version of the Circuit de Catalunya.

During the test, the eight BMW DTM drivers and test and development driver Maxime Martin continued the preparations for the first race of the year by completing an extensive programme. Reigning DTM champion Bruno Spengler tested with his BMW Bank M3 DTM on Tuesday and handed over the wheel of the car to Martin on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Augusto Farfus, Martin Tomczyk and Timo Glock were also on duty on the first two days. On Thursday and Friday, Dirk Werner, Joey Hand, Andy Priaulx and Marco Wittmann took to the track. The fastest lap time of all the BMW drivers was set by Farfus on Wednesday. His personal best time was 1:06.177 minutes.In addition to working on the set-up of the four BMW M3 DTMs, the BMW drivers tested two

potential innovations for the 2013 DTM season: the newly developed Hankook option tyres and the Drag Reduction System (DRS). The BMW drivers used the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new tyre spec and the adjustable rear wing. The next important date in the run-up to the season kick-off is the presentation of all the BMW M3 DTM cars in Munichs BMW Welt on 6th April 2013. Just three days later, the second and final joint pre-season test will begin at Hockenheim.


Bruno Spengler (#1, BMW Team Schnitzer):Being back in the car was a lot of fun. You can feel the increasing excitement ahead of the season everywhere. The testing was okay we successfully completed our scheduled programme. Quite obviously, the new option tyres and the DRS made for extra excitement. When it comes to the tyres, we took a close look at the performance of the new spec over longer distances, and we learned a lot. The DRS is definitely a lot of fun for every racing driver. You clearly feel you can shift up earlier and that the top speed on the straights is higher. Thats something you have to get used to and, therefore, you have to work lap by lap on finding the limit. Thats why the test here in Barcelona and also the one held in Hockenheim are so important.Dirk Werner (#2, BMW Team Schnitzer):Its great to have got back on the track. The test at Barcelona felt somewhat like an unofficial season kick-off. It was about completing our scheduled testing programme lap by lap and getting experience with the option tyres and the DRS at the same time. As I see it, both look likely to add excitement to the races.Augusto Farfus (#7, BMW Team RBM):You can really feel the increasing excitement in the run-up to the season opener. It was great trying the option tyres and the DRS. Both innovations certainly have got what it takes to help us provide the DTM fans with even more thrilling motor racing. We had no major problems

at Barcelona and made good progress. There still is a lot of work to do, but Im optimistic we will be well prepared for the start of the season.Joey Hand (#8, BMW Team RBM):It was my first real outing for BMW Team RBM and, in addition, Barcelonas circuit represented virgin territory for me. Despite this I can say everything worked just fine. The guys did a great job. The conditions here change massively over the course of

the day. We virtually had to hunt this track down. Despite this, we learned a lot. I hope the test at Hockenheim will be just as successful.Martin Tomczyk (#15, BMW Team RMG):I can feel the excitement growing. My first day of testing on Tuesday was one of the best in my entire career. We were able to fully test the potential innovations. Then, on day two, it was back to a more conventional programme. The overall result is positive, and despite the limited preparation time we are heading in the right direction.Andy Priaulx (#16, BMW Team RMG):Doing a test like this with my new team is really nice. We used the time to get to know one another better and I quickly found a good rhythm. I definitely will leave Barcelona with a lot of positive experiences under my belt. The option tyre is quick and consistent. Then when you go out again on the standard tyres after a stint on the options you have to re-adapt. Thats an interesting challenge.Marco Wittmann (#21, BMW Team MTEK):I was really looking forward to the test here at Barcelona. After all, it was my first outing with my new Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM. I felt really comfortable in the car, and the relationship with BMW Team MTEK is already very good. Its important for us to get used to each another and optimise the work flow to make sure we will be in the best possible shape for the season opener. And today was a good step on the way to achieving this goal.


Timo Glock (#22, BMW Team MTEK):We were able to complete a lot of laps and, quite obviously, this was helpful for us as a new team and for me as a DTM rookie. I still have problems in understanding the standard tyre but despite this was happy with our long-runs. At the same time, driving with the option tyres was a lot of fun for me. We will continue our work at Hockenheim and try to make the best possible use of the short preparation time prior to the start of the season.Maxime Martin (BMW Motorsport Test and Development Driver):Unfortunately, a technical problem cost me some time. However, I still completed a total of 120 laps and once again learned a lot. Altogether Im happy with the test. Being a part of this team, enjoying the atmosphere and driving this sensational car is just fantastic.

Munich, 5th March 2013. DTM gets BMW Race Taxis!

When the DTM season gets underway in Hockenheim on 5th May 2013, the eight BMW M3 DTMs in the starting line-up will not be the only BMW racing cars thrilling fans on the track.In 2013, BMW Group Classic will send the historic BMW M3 from the 1987 season and the legendary BMW M1 Procar into action as race taxis at each of the ten events on the DTM calendar. With experienced motorsport

professionals at the wheel, selected visitors will be able to experience the fascination of a DTM race at close hand.Jens Marquardt is one of those who cant wait to see the racing legends back in action. BMW Motorsport has a unique heritage in production car racing, said the BMW Motorsport Director. Last year we were frequently treated to the sight of legendary BMW racing cars from past decades during DTM weekends. And each time the reaction of the fans and our guests was overwhelming. This year we want to give them something really special by sending out classic race taxis as part of the DTM support programme. Fans of a leading race series will be able to feast their eyes on cars like the BMW M3 from 1987 and the legendary BMW M1 Procar on a regular basis once again. And well also be inviting one or two drivers from that era of racing

to step back into the cockpit as taxi drivers. Were looking forward to seeing the faces of fans, partners, customers and sponsors light up and are in no doubt that the BMW Group Classic race taxis will add even greater appeal to this years DTM season.The 1987 BMW M3 is the ancestor and role model for the current title holder, the BMW M3 DTM. It was with this model that Eric van de Poele won the title in the DTM in BMWs first season in the series a

feat that Bruno Spengler was able to repeat in style twenty-five years later with the current car.The BMW M1 will also stir up memories of spectacular racing success enjoyed by the manufacturer. The race taxi will be the 470bhp car, with which Nelson Piquet lined up in the specially created Procar series in 1980. Three years later, Piquet was crowned Formula One World Champion in a Brabham BMW.The race taxi rides will take place on all ten of the 2013 seasons DTM weekends. The racetrack will provide the stage for the return of the two


legends between practice and qualifying on Saturday, and before the race on Sunday.The illustrious racing drivers signed up by BMW Group Classic for the job at hand are already feeling the excitement ahead of their appearance in these icons of BMW motor sport history. Only

the current BMW Motorsport team members cannot be considered for the race taxi driver role, the DTM regulations ruling that the extra experience of the track would give them an unfair competitive advantage.


Endurance racing for BMW CCA

We have been following the discussions about an endurance series being run within the BMW CCA Club Racing arena with great interest. With the recent announcement that Turner Motorsport will be the Title Sponsor for the new series it was good to see the series was indeed going to happen. MotorWerks will be in Ohio to cover the opening round at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.Gary Davis posted this on the BMW CCA siteBMW CCA Club Racing has announced a new BMW CCA Club Racing Endurance Series, presented by Turner Motorsport. This series will supplement the current Tire Rack Club Racing sprint-race series; the endurance series has its own set of rules to supplement the current Club Racing rules, and will conduct its own championship, separate from the class championships currently awarded in Club Racing. The endurance races will primarily be run in conjunction with select Club Racing-sanctioned weekend sprint races.BMW CCA Club Racing gave me my first opportunity to get on the track, as well as the chance to begin my racing career, says TMS

owner Will Turner. Because of the BMW CCA, I was able to pursue my passion for racing and build what is now Turner Motorsport. Because I have been involved in every aspect of the sport, I have a unique understanding of all the costs and requirements associated with different levels of motorsports, including Club Racing. For this and many other reasons, I am so excited to become the title sponsor and provide Club racers with what they need most: monetary prizes supporting their success and continued progress in the sport. I really like the concept behind this new Club Racing endurance series, and I look forward to the first race. Along with Turner Motorsport as the title sponsor, Driving Impressions will be the premier sponsor of the endurance series. Robert Zecca of Driving Impressions has been involved with endurance-racing series under other sanctioning bodies, and DI will be involved with substantial product awards. The first race of the series will be a four-hour race at Mid-Ohio on May 24; the second scheduled race will be the DelVal New Jersey Motorsports Park event on August 23. The third race is tentativelyplanned for the national-race weekend at Watkins Glen in September. The endurance race rules have been forwarded to the Club Racing website; for now, they can be found under the for the racer section. Ultimately, there will be a link on the Club Racing site that will take you to a page dedicated to the Club Racing enduro series. Thanks to Ron Checca, Kish Galappatti, and Miguel Aponte-Rios for completing the process started by Patrick Spikes. Aponte-Rios will be the third member of the enduro committee. Also thanks to the Club Racing Rules Committee for enduring a number of teleconferences to finish the process.

Special thanks to Will Turner and Robert Zecca for their enthusiastic support of BMW CCA Club Racings newest series.Gary Davis, National Chairman, BMW CCA Club Racing


Courtesy ALMSUnited SportsCar Racing in 2014 On March 14, United SportsCar Racing was unveiled as the new premier sports car series in North America beginning in 2014. The name was chosen as a result of the specific meaning each word has. United is powerful and universally recognized for its true meanings; unity, collaboration and synergy. In the short term it represents the uniting of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrn. However, long term it represents the uniting of fans, partners, teams, drivers and sportscar racing as a whole. The meaning of the word is intended to follow a similar evolution as it has for the United States. Originally it stood for uniting the colonies and today is just as relevant because it stands for uniting the people.The words SportsCar and Racing were chosen because they are descriptive words that allow existing and potential fans to easily understand what we do. United SportsCar Racing also unveiled a new logo a modern interpretation of a helmet. The goal of the logo was develop a mark that was unique and has the potential to stand on its own, like the Nike swoosh and the Apple logo.The helmet was chosen because its an unowned icon of racing. Drivers are recognized by their helmet designs but also have an emotional connection to their helmet. As Emanuele Pirro once said How can you expect it to protect you, if you dont protect it.The design of the helmet combines signature elements of tracks on which the series competes. The sweeping middle section represents a road while the upper portion represents tracks such as Daytona International Speedway, a combined oval and infield road course or roval. The lower portion represents the road and street courses the series will race on such as Sebring International Raceway and Road Atlanta.In addition, IMSA was announced as the sole sanctioning body moving into 2014 and the

logo was refreshed to align with the new brand ecosystem. IMSA was originally created in 1969 by John Bishop and NASCARs Bill France Sr., to produce high-level, professional sportscar racing in North America and has now come full circle as a result of the merger.Some of the worlds best and most popular drivers have competed under the IMSA banner for more than 40 years.The goal of the logo refresh was to remain true to the brands heritage but update it to fit the modern and aspirational goals of the new brand. As part of the refresh, the colors were changed from the current blue, red and white to red, black and white, the original colors from 1969 and current colors of the new brand.In 2014, IMSA will sanction United SportsCar Racing, Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, Cooper Tire Prototype Lites, IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, Ferrari Challenge and Lamborghini Super Trofeo.To learn more about United SportsCar Racing and enter for a chance to win two tickets to the 2014 Rolex 24 At Daytona and officially licensed merchandise, visit www.unitedsportscar.com.


Product News

Burntisland, Scotland. (14th March, 2013)Help Marshals when you buy and sell

Pitmart, a new Auction & Classified website launched in 2013 in the United Kingdom, is introducing a unique concept to raise awareness of and support for Marshals and safety personnel. The Marshals Fund is a fund, set up with the aim of helping to improve the facilities and working conditions for Marshals. It is hoped that the fund will raise awareness and ultimately money, through the buying and selling process on Pitmart. David Scott, Trustee and Chairman of the Marshals Fund Advisory Committee is excited at the prospects of how this could benefit marshals, We are all aware of the importance of marshals and how much they contribute to our sport. This collaboration will provide a unique opportunity to raise funds to support marshals. By donating a small amount every time you buy and sell

something on Pitmart, you can be a part of the bigger plan, to help improve the working conditions of volunteer marshals.This dynamic trading platform will be the first of its kind, with an aim of uniting all disciplines, levels and interest of motorised sports, including Clubs, Organisers, Teams, Competitors, Circuits, Manufacturers, Distributors and Enthusiasts. Founder and Director Bryce Wilson believes its also a great opportunity to revive motorised sports, We see this exciting concept as an opportunity to raise awareness of different forms of motorised sports. We hope to increase support and participation by increasing the cycle and lifetime of equipment, making it more affordable to become involved, but also creating the ideal environment to realize funds invested in equipment when moving to different levels or disciplines. While we are helping our sports and ourselves, we also have an opportunity to give back to marshals. The Marshals Fund has launched its first auction, a framed official 2013 Sahara Force India Polo Shirt, signed by F1 Driver Paul Di Resta. All proceeds raised by the auction will be donated to the Marshal Fund. The auction will close on April 8th.For more information on the auction, visit www.pitmart.com/DiResta. Throughout 2013 further auctions will be held to benefit the fund.

For more information on Pitmart or the Marshals Fund, visit www.pitmart.com

Woodcliff Lake, NJ March 29, 2013BMW 328d Sedan Debuts!

BMW debuted the new 328d Sedan at the New York International Auto, ushering in the next wave of BMW Advanced Diesel models in the US. The 328d will feature BMWs 2.0-liter TwinPower diesel 4-cylinder engine. It produces 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,750 rpm. It will be mated to an 8-speed


automatic transmission. The 328d Sedan will accelerate from 0 60 mph in just over seven seconds. Preliminary highway fuel economy estimates are expected to be 45 mpg. The 328d Sedan will be available in rear wheel drive and also with xDrive, BMWs advanced all-wheel drive system. The sedans will be joined by the 328d xDrive Sports Wagon. All Three variants will arrive in US showroom as 2014 models in fall of 2013.

BMW Advanced diesel models have already shown to US enthusiasts that diesel power can be perfectly suited to The Ultimate Driving MachineTM. With the introduction of the first 4-cylinder diesel BMW engine offered in the US, BMW Advanced Diesel power and particularly outstanding levels of torque and outstanding fuel efficiency. Preliminary fuel economy estimates for the rear wheel drive 328d Sedan are 32 mpg city/45 mpg highway/37 mpg combined*. BMW Advanced Diesel technology includes Selective Catalyst Reduction to make the new 328d models true clean diesels.Levels of performance and luxury expected of any BMW 3 Series will be ensured with levels of standard equipment on par with the 328i gasoline models. The options list will include Luxury, Sport and Modern Lines as well as M Sport.Detailed specifications and pricing will be available closer to launch. All three 328d variants will be available in US showrooms this fall.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ March 29, 2013MINI Cooper race school at Indy!

MINI USA has partnered with Miles Ahead to launch a performance driving program called MINI Performance Motoring School. Hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway beginning in the summer of 2013, the program will consist of performance driving instruction from internationally accomplished professional race car

drivers, and offers the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a 2013 high-performance MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop. The Miles Ahead training will take place on the infield road course at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.The MINI Performance Motoring School gives enthusiasts a unique opportunity to learn performance driving skills in an iconic motorsports venue. The program includes exercises for slalom / handling, precision braking, skid control, timed

sector runs and instructor-driven hot laps. The John Cooper Works engine is MINIs performance model, with a 208-hp twin-scroll turbocharged engine paired with technology developed for precision handling and responsiveness, making it the perfect MINI model for this thrilling driving experience.This program combines an amazing experience with learning skills that can be critical behind the wheel every day on the main roads, said Jim McDowell, Vice President - MINI USA. It is for the fans who really want to experience what a MINI is capable of doing, as well as test and refine their own motoring skills. The iconic track setting is an added bonus. The new MINI Performance Motoring School is an extension of MINIs partnership with Miles Ahead, which was established in 2011 to offer a teen driving intensive for new drivers. Created by Indy 500 veteran, Stephan Gregoire, and business partner Ted Woerner, Miles Ahead


works to address the disproportionate number of collisions, injuries and fatalities involving teenage drivers. Miles Ahead is the only driving school in the 104-year history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway licensed to conduct driver training on its grounds. One car per student in the MINI Performance Motoring School program ensures a full day of behind-the-wheel exercises, and classes are capped at 14 students to ensure ample attention and guidance from the instructor team. The MINI Performance Motoring School is fun, yet informative, teaching a range of invaluable skills, said Gregoire. The sessions, which are expected to appeal to individuals and businesses alike, include instruction on skills that are rarely taught in traditional driving lessons, but need to be called upon in emergency situations on the road. It also provides ideal preparation for those interested in doing track days or even those who have just wanted to really put themselves to the test behind the wheel. The international team of instructors is made up of some of the worlds most accomplished race

car drivers, including Alex Lloyd, Stefan Wilson, Dan Clarke, Stephen Simpson, Zach Veach, Dillon Battistini, Ryan Lewis and Miles Ahead founder, Stephan Gregoire a seven-time competitor in the Indianapolis 500, and a four-time competitor in both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona. The one-day program is $995, and class dates are available from June to November 2013. A double-up option is available for an additional $250, allowing a participant to share the driving time with a guest in their vehicle. Corporate event sessions of the program are also available. All participants must be over 18 and have a valid drivers license. For more details about The MINI Performance Motoring School or to reserve a spot in one of the summers sessions, go to the Miles Ahead website at www.BeMilesAhead.net.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ February 6, 2013 3 Series GT added to line-up

The all-new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo adds an innovative new concept to the BMW 3 Series


line-up. The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is, first and foremost, a drivers car which combines the dynamics that have earned the new 3 Series a spot on Car and Drivers 10 Best list for 22nd consecutive years, with luxury seating for four and generous and flexible luggage capacity. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo will arrive in the US, as both a 328i and a 335i, in the summer of 2013 as a 2014 model.Typical BMW proportions, four doors with frameless windows, coupe-like profile, sloping roofline and large tailgate define the distinctive exterior character of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. An active rear spoiler the first on a BMW adds to the aesthetic appeal and reduces lift at highway speeds. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is 7.9 inches (200mm) longer than the 3 Series Sports wagon, offers a 4.3 inch (110mm) longer wheelbase and stands 3.2 inches (81mm) taller. The clever use of proportions, surfaces and lines ensures that the 3 Series Gran

Turismo is immediately recognizable as a BMW 3 Series. M Sport: The optional M Sport line gives the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo a shot of adrenaline that spreads beyond its exterior and interior design. As well as the all-new aerodynamic package, including numerous body components (front apron with large air intake, rear bumper with diffuser, side skirts), and the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim, the optional exterior color Estoril Blue metallic ensures an unmistakably sporty appearance and unbeatable road presence an effect underpinned by 18 or 19-inch light-alloy wheels in hallmark M design. Inside the car, features such as M door sill finishers, an M leather steering wheel and an M drivers footrest shape the sporty yet elegance ambience. The driver and front passenger can settle into sports seats. Technical features of this package include lowered M Sport suspension and enhanced aerodynamics.


Concord, CA March 29, 2013MINI Motor Con A MINI Motoring Club in the East Bay!

Of course MINIs like MINIs. They just cant help it. So its only natural that they (along with their eclectic, but always interesting owners) like get-ting together whenever possible, with fun times usually tagging right along. We like to motor, find the curviest roads, and the most interesting spots. Does this seem like fun to you? We hope to make MINI Motor Con, a enthusiastic commu-nity of rugged individualists who genuinely feel and act more spontaneous thanks to their MINIs. After one joins, you will never be at a loss for friends or things to do; whether its rallying, road tripping, racing or supporting a good cause. MINI Owners may come in all shapes, sizes, colors and creeds, but they all share one belief: life is way too short to leave it in park. Does it sound like fun to you?Because MINI of Concord is associated with the

new club there are many benefits to joining the newest MINI motoring club in the East bay! You dont have to have a MINI to join, but you may have more fun if you do :)

Multiple MINI motoring runs throughout the year

Huge Summer and Winter Rallies MoC is a sponsor of MINI Thunder the best

MINI HPDE event on the West Coast Games and prizes throughout the year Website interaction with other members Pup Rallies.....and many more things that will be added as the club develops :)

MINI Motor Con ambassador Shana Bates saw the need for an East Bay club after being at the MINI Thunder IV event in February. I saw how the various clubs had a kinship, how there were many hugs and greetings all through the day when people met up. Everyones love of the MINI brand brought him or her together in a friendship that in some cases has lasted for many years. That is rare in this day and age. Norman Nelson and his friends from Shasta MINIs made the MINI of Concord people feel so at home, it was not about business but like-minded people hanging out together.For more information you can visit their website or reach them by snail mail or e-mail

MINI Motor Conc/o MINI of Concord1961 Market StreetConcord, CA [email protected] or [email protected]


Rancho Santa Magarita, CA Next Generation in Driver Cooling

The MOMO Pro-ICE is completely different from any Cool ShirtTM or cool suit system available today. The advanced enclosure design separates ice from water and utilizes MOMOs patent pending tube-cooling technology to deliver the next generation in driver cooling. Heres how it works: One large chamber contains the cooling coils that are packed in ice; the other (smaller) chamber is the water reservoir; water is cooled as it passes through the aluminum cooling tubes. The result is superior heat regulation over a longer period of time. In short, the Pro-ICE is the first first driver cooling system to regulate body temperature while delivering superior duration for a given amount of ice.

FEATURES Up to 4 hours of cooling from 8 lbs. of ice. Five-times the insulation of a typical ice chest. MOMOs patent pending tube-cooling

technology. Universal quick disconnect fittings support

MOMO, Cool Shirt and F.A.S.T. cooling garments.

Optional On/Off or continuously variable flow control

Integrated vertical baffle reduces sloshing & stabilizes weight load in corners.

Water tight seal & rubber T-handles lock lid in place

Pro-ICE dimensions: 14.5 x 11 x 11.5,weight (system only): 14.0lbs (6.3kg) Approx. Weight Installed (system, tray, water, ice): 25.0lbs (11.4kg) Ice Capacity: approx. 8lbs (4.0kg), Reservoir Capacity: 22 Oz (650ml), Power Requirements: 1.5A @ 13.8VDC, water-resistant Deutsch electrical connectors, includes instructions and drain hosesThe complete Pro-ICE Kit (ADCPIK) includes:Pro-ICE Cooling System (ADCPI)Mounting Tray (ADCPIMT)Mounting Straps (ADCISS)Optionally: On/Off or Continuously Variable pump control (ADCIWH or ADCIFC)Drain Kit (ADCIDK)Installation and maintenance instructionsOptional Accessories:Pro-Ice driver connection hose (ADCIDCH)Pro-ICE replacement pump (ADCIRP)Male Fitting Kit (ADCMFK)Universal Female Fitting Kit (ADCUFFK)Break-Away Fitting Kit (ADCBAFKW - ADCBAFKB)

Made in the USA USA & International patents pending.


Words and photos by Ian Rae


Bimmercruise 12 moved from the Powerade Centre in Brampton to the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (formerly known as Mosport) for 2012. The CTMP Driver Development Track would be its new home rather than the Grand Prix circuit and the vast complex would allow Randy Sparre ample space to put on what is without a doubt Canadas largest BMW only show. For attendees, there were lots to do, checking out the cars, walk down the manufactures midway, even run their car on the dyno or just lay back and watch the BMW Clubs Canada Trillium Chapters AutoSlalom. I for one loved the move to the DDT, its layout interspersed with cones, allowed competitors to enjoy an open flowing track as opposed to the normal parking lot layouts that can be restrictive.Unlike the previous year where Bimmercruise got hit by the weather that destroyed downtown Goderich we basked in beautiful sunshine all day. The fan turnout was impressive and from the discussions I had, everybody had fun. For those not familiar with the DDT is is a multi-

track layout that is a bit wider than a go-kart track and perfect for AutoSlalom and Time Attack events. The longer straights had cone chicanes added to them to keep the speed down as directed by AutoSlalom rules. The length of the track allowed a second car to be started once the first had moved out of harms way. The cruise part of the event came from the Serpa BMW facility in Newmarket, ON and was well supported as usual. When he managed to grab some time to himself, Sparre told us, This is what makes it all worthwhile! Last year we had weather issues, today was just what we needed for all those BMW fans out there. Look at these show cars, talk about quality. The guys from Stance Factory supported us pretty good and walked away with eleven trophies. The AutoSlalom and lapping here was well recieved and I can say without a doubt that the move to the CTMP DDT was the correct one. We will be back here next year and the show will be bigger and better.


AWARDSBEST OF SHOW - Fabio SalzaruloBEST INTERIOR Anuk BhandaiBEST ENGINE Kevin NekouzadBEST EXTERIOR Sally MoreiraBEST I.C.E. Peter RaposoBEST WHEELS Narash LalmenBEST STANCE Jay ChangRAREST RIDE Emil Zlatkov

Z-SERIES 1st Place Jay ChangZ-SERIES Runner Up Paul DanilaVINTAGE CLASS 1st Place Uve WulffVINTAGE CLASS Runner Up Emil ZlatkovLUXURY OTHER CLASS 1st Place Raymond AuSAV CLASS 1st Place Giulio Palazzo6-SERIES CLASS 1st Place Zain Habib6-SERIES CLASS Runner Up Richard Ankoma7-SERIES CLASS 1st Place Sergey IsababyanE28 CLASS 1st Place Sia HonarkhahE28 CLASS Runner Up Mark DobiesE34 CLASS 1st Place Todd RichardsonE39 CLASS 1st Place Sam YehE39 CLASS Runner Up Fil @BimmerHeavenE39 M5 CLASS 1st Place Julian LaiE39 M5 CLASS Runner Up Terry RatchevE30 CLASS MILD 1st Place Sally MoreiraE30 CLASS MILD Runner Up Bruno MediatiE30 CLASS WILD 1st Place Rod HoddinottE30 CLASS WILD Runner Up Peter RaposoE36 CLASS 1st Place Michael Poku E36E36 CLASS Runner Up Isidro PereriaE36 M3 CLASS 1st Place Steve StefonididsE36 M3 CLASS Runner Up Naresh LalmenE46 CLASS 1st Place Derek BajusE46 CLASS Runner Up Kevin NekouzadE46 M3 CLASS 1st Place Fabio SalzaruloE46 M3 CLASS Runner Up Ian FarrE60 CLASS 1st Place Rob McKenzieE60 CLASS Runner Up Ken RogersE8x CLASS 1st Place Martin LodderE9x CLASS 1st Place Vestor FernandesE9x CLASS Runner Up Ran LiE9x M3 CLASS 1st Place Arash FarahaniE9x M3 CLASS Runner Up Ian Farr


Below: Randy Sparre, always busy Below: Get them interested at an early age BMW power! Munich Magic!

John Venditti pushes hard in open lapping


Below: Randy Sparre, always busy Below: Get them interested at an early age BMW power! Munich Magic!

Everybody loved the open lapping after the AutoSlalom event


M POWER - YOU BET!

A super clean M3 powerplant

RACEPAK ON DISPLAY

HeadsUpRacer.com had products from

Racepak, RePlay XD, Carbotech and

DefNder on display

MR TEDFEST HIMSELF

Ted Kalman of Tedfest fame was on

hand checking out all the cool rides

A CLASSIC 2002Ricardo Mendes tricked o

ut 2002 was

the most outstanding 2002 as far as

I was concerned, but then I am a fan

of wide arches and matching rims and

tires.


Words by Ian Rae, photos by author, Janis Rae and Melissa Smith

It was seasons end and there were still championships to be decided. Lime Rock Park was the perfect place for it to happen with the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge field split into their respective classes. That eliminated the possibility of either class tripping over one another and gave one less excuse that could be

used. What nobody was prepared for was the rain! It came down in buckets, it made figuring out who was leading or who was being lapped difficult if you were outwith hearing range of one of the track loudspeakers. With the rain coming down like cats and dogs Scotsman Chris Knox had a smile on his face as that is his kind


SoggyLime Rock

of weather. The smile got wiped off when it was announced that the times in qualifying meant nothing. The rain did not mean a procession of cars intent on getting to the finish, we saw side by side duelling right down to the last lap. There was no quarter given or asked. As you can read elswhere in this magazine the

rain did not affect the RSR MINIs on the track, instead the problem was inside the car where fogging windshields really turned racing hard with another car into a crap shoot. Their wish to end the MINI presence in CTSCC with a good result was washed away as fast as the rain running down the track.


The RACE EPIC/Murillo Racing 328i of Coombs and Mosing led many laps but a coming together with another car ended the dream finish they wanted going out of 2012. By the end of the race it was the three championship protagonists, Pierre Klienubing, Andy Lally and Tom Long that were up front and challenging. As it dried Klienubings Mazda 3 could not match the pace of Lally who eventually lost out by .4 of a second as they crossed the line.John Capestro-Dubets and BimmerWorld head honcho James Clay came in sixth, not a position they would have been cheering about normally but that was all it took to gave BMW the manufacturers title in ST. Well done to all the BMW runners in ST during 2012. In the drivers championship the last five in the top ten all piloted BMWs which is encouraging going forward. The team championship saw all three BimmerWorld cars in the top ten which was the initial push James Clay wanted when he went back to a one class team.

In the GS class BMW made the podium courtesy of Mark Boden and Brian Sellars in the Fall-Line BMW M3. Plumb and Carter finished the season in sixth with team owner Boden one place behind and all three Fall-Line cars finished in the top ten with BMW taking the runner-up spot in the manufacturers championship.

There were no titles to be had for BMW this year and where was Turner Motorsport this year? Turner seemed to have a year where the racing luck was always on the other guys side but let me remind you of how good those guys can be! They know how to win and will be back before you know it!

The world on the street is that many ST teams will be moving over to Dinan for power in 2013 and you know they know how to make power. Best wishes to all BMW teams for 2013 and thanks to RSR Motorsport for some great MINI years!


This shot really shows how wet it was at Lime Rock Park, notice how much fogging is insidethe windshield. It was the biggest issue the RSR Motorsports team faced all weekend.


Jayson Clunie leads the pack into corner two


Lime Rock Edition leds at Lime Rock!

BimmerWorld had all three cars in the top ten of the championship


Jesse Coombs leads ST

Racing was CLOSE!

Rum Bum brought out the M3 to help with the championship chase!


A FITTINGTribute!


It was a bitter sweet weekend when we arrived at Lime Rock Park for the season ending Continental Tire Sports Car Series event. Up till then we had only talked about the MINI disappearing from the Grand-Am scene, this weekend would see reality set in and the R53 would finally be gone from the premier tin top series in the USA. Former UK MINI Challenge Champion Chris Knox, Randy Smalley, Norman

Nelson and yours truly had put together the R53 MINI Swansong to send the fan favorite British Marque off with a bang. After a good run at Laguna Seca Knox would be paired with Sarah Cattaneo at LRP, who had returned to the RSR Motorsport fold for the final MINI event. Nelson had done a sterling job of organizing a MINI car corral, just as he had at Laguna Seca. He also had persuaded MINI-USA to bring out the JCW


the drivers taking an advantage. Chris Knox told us, It really was hit or miss, run close to another car and you were just following a colored blob the spray was so bad. If it missed the corner so would you. Once the fogging set in that was it, it was over. I love racing in the wet coming from Scotland but the combination of wet and fogging made it one of the most difficult races I have

ever done. I enjoyed the last two events with RSR and cannot thank Randy Smalley enough for all the support. He has a quality race team and this is something I will remember for the rest of my life.Knox was not the only one to say thanks to Smalley, the myriad of MINI fans from the corral visited the RSR pits and told Randy how much they enjoyed watching the MINIs over the years. On Saturday afternoo a slightly bemused Smalley arrived at the MINI Corral for a supposed meet the fans session and was promptly met by Patrick McKenna of MINI-USA who presented him with a mounted door mirror momento to thank him and RSR Motorsports for flying the MINI flag in one of the most competitive race series on the planet.

So where do we go from here? RSR has committed to racing Hondas from 2013 on. While we see MINIs in B-Spec it looks as if Grand-Am has dropped the class.

How about MINI-USA and MINI-Canada get together and fund a R58 program run by Octane Motorsports?

GP II from their nearby New Jersey base to allow the East Coast race fans see the new pocket rocket from the brand. The weekend may have had an air of finality about it but with all the MINI fans that showed up and the knowledge that the MINI was good around this twisty Conneticut track there was a lot of expectation and plenty of smiles to be seen.Unfortunately there was no fairtytale ending to the MINI Swansong, the bad weather that handed the MINIs a bit of a handling advantage also played against them. Race day dawned wet; so wet I cant remember being as wet ever at a track. The Continental tires combined with the sure footed handling of the MINI worked well but fogging up of the windshields prevented any of


Norman Nelson looks beat!


Double duty for Schwartz at Lime Rock!

Words by Johan Schwartz, photos by Ian Rae, Sneed Speed Shop


Double duty for Schwartz at Lime Rock!


Before going into the season finale Grand-Am B-spec race last year at Lime Rock Park I had never driven a MIN Cooper. It was to be an experience for sure but one I enjoyed enough to put together a season in the new Pirelli World Challenge TCB Class, it comprises front wheel drive cars that are equalized to some degree to ensure very close racing. Cars competing will include the MINI, Ford Festiva, Kia Rio, Fiat 500, Honda Fit and Mazda2. My first race car was a Saab 96 with a Ford V6 engine on a dirt road course, back in the 80s and most recently in Grand-Ams ST class. However, the bulk of the races throughout my career have been in rear wheel drive cars. As a factory instructor for BMW Performance Center, I was at Lime Rock that weekend showcasing the new 560hp M5, giving hot laps to all the VIPs between the events race sessions. For the Grand-Am spectators and for a few dozen lucky passengers, we transformed the seven turn 1.5 mile road course into a synchronized M5 drift track where we hung the tail out in unison through a few of the corners on Continental street tires.Going into the weekend I had the opportunity

to run this last B-Spec race of the year in a car prepped by MINI of Charleston and run by Brad Davis. My great friends at Instrumart and Sawaya Segalas helped out with sponsorship and it was a treat to get the car up front to put on a great show. My first experience with a MINI was when I put it into gear leaving the pits heading for the track. My driving style had to change significantly going from the M5 to the Mini, as they are two completely different animals. In low horsepower cars you need to carry every bit of momentum as you can, being smooth is an absolute must. Its crucial to be smooth and flowing because it is so hard to get back time you lost after scrubbing off too much speed and from overdriving the car to compensate for it. Hands should never move fast and be in a constant mode of correction, but rather smooth and precise with emphasis on looking all the way through the corners. In order to carry the max speed through the corners you need every bit of grip that you can get. Sorry if I am harping on here, but smooth hands, smooth braking and throttle inputs are extremely important. If you are upsetting the suspension, over-compressing


the springs and putting excessive loads on the tires, you will not achieve the maximum mechanical grip of a low horsepower car like the B-Spec MINI. When using the brakes it is particularly important to release the brake pressure gradually versus simply releasing and stomping back on the gas pedal. Trailing off the brake should be a smooth transition, so as you turn the wheel you are simultaneously releasing the brake. The front tire contact patch with a loaded chassis makes the car turn more efficiently with less steering wheel input. The object is then to get on the throttle as soon as possible, without just stomping on it. Too much throttle will lift the front end of the car taking away the cars ability to turn efficiently, thus creating understeer. And understeer will wear out the tires quicker, and will increase the cars turning radius making each lap longer than necessary, therefore adding fractions of a second to your lap time every time you do it. So following everything I talked about above I

managed a good showing first time out in the MINI, we were the fastest car in the field by .6 seconds in the rain. Qualifying was the next session and by this time the rain stopped and the track had dried. Again, we set the fastest time and earned the pole by .4 seconds ahead of my team-mate; Brad Davis who piloted the other Mini of Charleston entry. Before the start of the 45-minute race I was told to conserve the left front tire, as Lime Rock is all right handed corners with only one left hand turn. My goal with the car in the beginning was to drive it to the max while using the least amount of slip to keep the tires fresh for the finish. I held onto the top spot for the first six laps. The Honda was pushing me hard in West Bend (a long right hander) and I did not want to use my tires so hard so early. The Honda made a pass on the outside and I let him have the spot. My goal was to push him hard and fill his mirrors with Instrumart, Sawaya Segalas, and MINI of


Charleston sponsor logos for the next twenty minutes while he wore out his left front tire. While pressuring the Honda to overdrive, I was trying to read where the Mini was stronger. When it was time for me to make a move, he took the inside line and made himself very wide. Blocking is not the way I would have raced, but it was his prerogative to defend his spot. I tried to make the same outside pass that he made on me on a couple of occasions, but got blocked. A couple of times we were side by side with me on his inside, but I did not want to put a dent in the MINI that Brad Davis from MINI of Charleston had let me race. I ended up missing the win by 14/100 of a second, so close but so far in racing terms. It is only the top step of the podium that really matters.

I am looking forward to my next race at COTA in World Challenge where we will be racing along with the Australian V8 Series on May 23rd and 24thUntil next time, have fun with your MINI or BMW; keep the shiny side up.

Johan Schwartz is a factory BMW instructor, personal coach and professional racecar driver. His company Endurance Karting provides Arrive-and-Drive karting for race schools and racing. He will be driving a B-Spec MINI Cooper in the 2013 World Challenge series that is being built and prepared by Sneeds Speed Shop.

Info can be found at, www.johanschwartz.com and www.endurancekarting.com


B-Spec refers to all cars meeting a common set of rules that can be adopted by any race circuit or sanctioning organization. B-Spec cars will feature showroom stock racing cars utilizing stock engines and chassis, fitted with a competition roll cage, racing seat and other safety equipment; and manufacturer-approved suspension components, tires and wheels. Weight distribution will be used to balance performance among competing manufacturers.

B-Spec cars represent one of the fastest growing segments in auto racing. Aside from the MINI Cooper, Mazda2 and Honda Fit, other B-Spec cars in high-demand include the Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris.

The Pirelli World Challenge TCB class will be contended over 14 rounds at six events, started with the Circuit of the Americas on the same card as the Austrailian V8 Supercars and ending at the season finale in Houston.


These are a few shots of the build of Johans car at Sneeds Speed Shop. Next month we will have an in depth article on MINIs in B-Spec talking with people like TC Kline, Brad Davis and Chris Sneed.


OH-FestHits Mid-Ohio

MotorWerks Magazine - Online at www.motorwerksmag.com - 57Words by Ian Rae, photos by author and Halston Pitman


OH-Fest indeed! Firstly because it was my first ever BMW CCA Oktoberfest event. And secondly, the track events were at none other than the famed Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course located just north of Columbus, OHio. And do you know what? I never got to see what Oktoberfest was all about as I spent all my time at the Mid-Ohio track. Those that know me, understand I am heavily into racing and the chance to check out the BMW Club Racing and hang with my good friends; the Schardt family of Forgeline fame was too good to miss. Of course the Canadian contingent was there, parked in the Club Racing paddock so there was plenty of Ehs going around. James Clay and the BimmerWorld crew were on site along with their resident shooter Halston Pitman whom I spend a lot of time with at Grand-Am races. It was almost like being at a home track with all my buddies around.The track events were divided into racing and a well-subscribed HPDE event. The race series

was divided into two groups, quite simple A and B. The faster you were and more modifications you had and you got to play with the fast cars. Heading up that group was not other than Mr. Clay himself and his nemesis Randy Mueller, watching these guys duke it out every time they went on track was a pleasure. They were side by side; nose to tail and I have no idea who was the innocent surprised by the duo when they arrived at the Keyhole and promptly went each side of him, but I am sure he had a story to tell on his return to the pits, (maybe even a change of racesuit). Clays ride was one of his 2011 Grand-Am GS spec cars now having moved away from Continental Challenge rules on the aero front, added some additional power and a Drenth sequential box to make the car competitive with Mueller who still just had the edge on the BimmerWorld head honcho.It was nice to see the many variants of BMW that were now used as racecars. There is not much you can do with a Spec E30 but seeing

Nicky Schardt making good use of Grand-Am Conti cast offs


Erik Maxwell had a busy weekend at O-Fest with lots of track time in different cars


the likes of TC Klines Z4 and B Spec MINI shows that BMW racing can involve different models and you do not have to follow the mainstream. It was great to see sixties and seventies 2002 models in both racing and HPDE guise. Between races BMW NA were giving rides in their 3.0 CSL, Performance Friction E46 PTG car and their Procar M1 amongst others. The PFC E46 is probably one of my favorite racecars and the shutter was worked hard and fast every time it came around. Those with a big smile on their face as they alighted the CSL, were most probably chauffeured by none other than current BMW DTM driver; Joey Hand. The one car I really wanted to see on track was Scott Hughes E36 Valvoline car but I had to content myself with smiling a lot as I walked past the garage where the full-size car sat with a 1/24th replica on the cowl.

It was non stop track time at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course except for that most civil of road race customs, lunch. Groups of students were part of a well-subscribed HPDE event and during one of the instructor sessions I had the chance to ride along with Nicky Schardt in her E46 M3. Running on what is basically is her home track Nicky put on a great display with Continental Tire Challenge cast off slicks on he Forgeline rims and it left me with a huge respect for the technically challenging Mid-Ohio course. (Nicky is a pretty good shoe by the way, thanks!)A huge part of an October HPDE event at Mid-Ohio is the Forgeline Alloy Wheels BBQ for attendees that is put on by the Schardt family. A packed room at a local hotel was joined for a period, by James Clay and the BimmerWorld crew who arrived as some of their donated prizes were being handed out. Both BimmerWorld and Turner


ALL GUNS BLAZINGYou see all sorts at a BMW

CCA event

A TOUCH OF NOSTALGIA

Its great to see a 2002 run with all the

late model BMWs

THREE WHEELINGErik Maxwell enjoyed his l

ast ride in

TC Klines E36. Maxwell has left the

company but will be back to racing

eventually

TIRED OUTThe Ralph Warren MAXXI

S team had

both 1 series and 3 series racecars at

Oktoberfest.


Motorsport along with other companies donated prizes to be given away through the evening. For me it was a great chance to meet people I had seen at the track but never had a chance to talk to. The highlight of the evening for me had to be master raconteur Mike Valentine of radar detector fame spilling the beans on how the very first Fuzz Buster was developed. Unlike many other electronic devices it was NOT developed in a clean environment, the Ohio Highway Patrol can attest to that! Thanks Mike, you were the star of the evening; I have never been so close to rolling around on the floor laughing in my life.So would I do it again, hell ya! Only this time I would like to try and take in more of the other events and social happenings. Laguna Seca 2013 is starting to sound better and better even though there will be no racing events there, those being held at Watkins Glen instead. Given the proximity of Watkins Glen to my home base just outside of Toronto I am not really disapointed.


Forgelines David Schardt doing some on track development


KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE TRACK!!


Below: Mr Changs sweet E46 M3 Below: Nice looking 2002 There wew quite a few MINIs at the HPDE! TC Kline brought out his B-Spec Cooper!


GoodBYE to the M3 GT

Words by Jake Galstad, photos by author and Justin Weekes


GoodBYE to the M3 GT

If you are going to end a career it is always better to end it on a high and that goes for a racecar as well as a driver. The final outing for the Rahal, Letterman, Lannigan BMW M3 GT came at one of the biggest races of the year, the Petit LeMans at Road Atlanta. It was bitter sweet for many but looking forward to the new Z4 GTE cars there was a very bright light on the horizon. First of all a bit of history! The E92 M3 debuted in 2009 when RLL fielded two E92 M3s, the #90 driven by Joey Hand and Bill Auberlen and the #92 driven by Tommy Milner and and Dirk Mller. It was a troubled season but the #92 car managed to finish second in the 2009 Petit Le Mans event. The early season issues only allowed the team to finish third in the team championship. 2010 would see the RLL team step it up and the much coveted team championship was the reward for BMW and RLL. This was after winning only one race at Road America, the BMWs proved to be reliable and fast over the whole year. Even with all the good finishes the elusive drivers championship still eluded the team, Bill Auberlen and Tommy Milner finishing third in the drivers championship.The saying third time lucky proved to be true when RLL started off the 2011 season with a one-two finish at the 2011 12 Hours of Sebring. They went on to win two more races through the season and Joey Hand and Dirk Mller took home the drivers championship and RLL secured a repeat team championship. It was back to American Le Mans Series for a fourth year with the E92 BMW M3. After winning their second 12 Hours of Sebring in a row, the team went on to win one more race at Road America and that leads us to Atlanta and the Petit LeMans series finale. Things were not easy for the previous years champions as a coming together with a prototype put the #56 car in the pits with a broken brake caliper. As the race passed the half-way point, the No. 55 M3 GT was in fifth and the No. 56 machine in tenth. After an inspired drive Auberlen would make his final stop for new Dunlop tires only eight laps from the checkered flag to bring the No. 55 M3 GT home third. Uwe Alzen ran a strong double-stint as the race entered darkness to continue to move the No. 56 car forward. He would eventually hand off to Dirk Mller who would bring the car across the finish line in fourth.


It was a tough day for us, said Bobby Rahal, Team Principal. We lost a brake line early in the race on the 56 car and dropped three laps. A couple of times the yellow came out and could have given us a chance to catch up again and everyone else got all the good luck. We kept being caught in the wrong spot. The 55

guys did a good job today. They went from being a lap down to leading the race. We ran right with the Corvette and Ferrari and if you get that close to the win, it is disappointing not to be able to close the deal. Bill Auberlen, driver No. 55 M3 GT We had some troubles early this weekend, but RLL always


keeps their focus forward and they got the best result that we could. Third is a great result. Thanks to everyone for making my 17th season racing for BMW such a fast one. I hope my 18th is even faster. Jrg Mller, driver No. 55 M3 GT I didnt expect todays result because at the beginning of the race we were struggling with lots of little problems. The team did a brilliant job to get us back on to the lead lap. This has been


a great year. Definitely my pole at Mid-Ohio, our win at Road America and todays podium are highlights.Dirk Mller, driver No. 56 M3 GT We wanted to fight back for another championship, but we had tough luck this year. A really a big thank

you to everyone. Today could have ended badly, but we came back to finish fourth. Third and fourth is a great way to finish the season. Uwe Alzen, driver No. 56 M3 GT This is a very tough race. We had trouble in the beginning with the brake caliper. That cost us three laps, but we


finished fourth. Road Atlanta is a great circuit. The people and the atmosphere are great. Jonathan Summerton, driver No. 55/56 M3 GT With the win at Sebring to start the season and a podium to finish up makes this a great season for me. It was definitely very exciting

to drive both cars in the same race. It was a unique experience and something I will always remember.


Words by Ian Rae, photos by Melissa K. Smith


Part Deux


Getting the right setup Passing a GT Ferrari in night testing No Brian behind the wheel this year. Lets give something back!

Brian Johnson is passionate about racing and charity


Getting the right setup Passing a GT Ferrari in night testing No Brian behind the wheel this year. Lets give something back!

The Highway to Help team making the best of the Roar test!


Highway to Help, Part Deux

One of the things I admire about the racers of Grand-Am is how many of the drivers and their teams care about others. I would say at a rough guess that at least fifty percent of the teams have some sort of charity related to the team or driver. The 50 Plus and Alegra Motorsports team that made a big splash at the fiftieth running of the Rolex 24 in 2012 would again return to Daytona for the fifty-first running of the epic twice around the clock sportscar event. AC/DC front man Brian Johnson would not be behind the wheel in 2013, instead preferring to be the front man for the team and this years charity and promote Alzheimers Awareness. Johnson said the team chose Alzheimers because it has such an impact not only on the victims but on their families and because, Its a silent killeryoure alive but youre dead, and it shouldnt be that way.Alzheimers is now the nations sixth leading cause of death, affecting about five million AmericansThe driver line-up this year consists of Americans, Brian DeFoor, Frank Beck, Jim Pace, Carlos de Quesada and Brit Ian James and their weapon of choice is once again be the Riley prototype

with power from Dinan Engineering. To go with the new charity, a new color scheme of purple, red and white is ready to stand out on the high banks of Daytona and raise the awareness of Alzheimers. More info can be found on www.fiftyplusracing.com


THE 24ROARBEFORE THE

Roaring into 2013, the early season test at Daytona International Speedway brought out new cars and new faces to the BMW ranks. Returning Rolex series Champions Chip Ganassi with Felix Sabates Racing was back once again with Dinan BMW power and would be joined for the whole season by Team Sahlens Racing who had moved up from the GT ranks and would be fielding two Riley prototypes for the full year. Sahlens would be also using powerplants from the Californian BMW tuner. 50 Plus racing returned without AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson behind the wheel but he was there as the frontman (see Highway to Help, Part Deux) Turner Motorsport would again be the onlyBMW runner in the GT class but 2013 would see them run two car for the championship. Paul Dalla Lana and Bill Auberlen would return in the #94 car and Michael Marsal BimmerWorld would return with three ST cars but there would be a bit of adriver shuffle as some drivers left and new ones arrived. Team principal James Clay and John Capestro-Dubetswill not be seen as often this year as they are going to developing the new F30 platform for BimmerWorld. SethThomas and Dan Rogers will again be seen in the CRC Brakleen 328i while Greg Liefooghe now partners with Tyler Cooke and two new faces hop on board the #80, Greg Strelzoff and Connor Bloum.

MotorWerks Magazine - Online at www.motorwerksmag.com - 93Words by Ian Rae, photos by Melissa K. Smith

Fall-Line Motorsports would again be back in GS with three cars with an established driver line-up returning with the exception of Brett Sandberg co-driving the #48. The team topped the timesheets claiming the top two spots in Grand Sport on day one. Charles Espenlaub grabbed the number one spot by turning the days fastest lap in the No. 48 BMW M3 (109.278 mph) while

Hugh Plumb was second-fastest in the No. 45 BMW M3 (108.963 mph). Plumb was paired with his regular co-driver Al Carter. Team principal Mark Boden would again share with Brian Sellars.Automatic Racing would field their BMW M3 as well as an Aston Martin Vantage, both in Invisible Glass colors. Ron Ecklin Jr and Steve Philips would handle the driving duties in the German


machine.Over at EPIC Motorsports/Murillo Racing Jeff Mosing and Jesse Coombs were again aboard the Atomic Capital/Mosing Motors 328i.Chris Mitchum would again run the #62 and 63 on a pair of BMW 128i cars. For Daytona it would be Christophe Contre and Izzy Sanchez Jr in the #62 with Johnny Kanavas and J. Safina in the #63. The other 128i would be the Burton Racing version for Terry Borcheller and Mike LaMarra.


4 SCOREDand MINI, MINI

MORE

Words by Ian Rae, Photos by author, Janis Rae and Dito Milian

What can a trip to Northern Californias Thunderhill Raceway in mid February be for, other than Stormin Normans MINI Thunder. Event founder Norman Nelson must have a conduit to the Almighty Himself as version 4 once again scored and was blessed with wonderful weather. Other than a bit more wind than Norman would have liked, the mid sixty to seventy degree temperatures brought out more cars than had ever been seen previously at the event. We knew that MINI Thunder is now the premier HPDE MINI event on the West Coast and it needed to be covered but the purpose of the trip

to NorCal was twofold. Obviously to capture this great event for posterity but also to pay back Nelson for all the hard work he put into the MINI Swansong and helping Chris Knox race at the last two events of the Grand-Am series in 2012. To many of us, Nelson is jokingly known as the MINI godfather and his Facebook page links him to MINI lovers all over the world; nobody knows the effort he puts into promoting events for MINIacs and one of the biggest is now his own MINI Thunder.Nelson and the husband and wife team of Eric and Lisa Diamond came up with the original idea, they took it and tried it out at Thunderhill


Words by Ian Rae, Photos by author, Janis Rae and Dito Milian

where Eric worked. The many compliments made them try again and again. This years event was the fourth running and it became the most successful to date. Event sponsors make a point of being there where they can address the people who use their products can be talked to face to face. Neillo MINI have long been associated with the event and this year were joined MINI of Concord. Shana Bates of MoC told us, We may have been a bit late getting involved this year but from everything people have told us, this is a great event. We would like to try and involve our customers in it either by coming out for the track experience or caravanning from the dealership to the event, just like the Niello VIPs did today. Steve Lowery of O2 Motorsports goes all out for MINI Thunder; his biggest problem is choosing what cars to bring. This year he loaded his two-car trailer with the almost World famous MNE TAXI and his V-Tec powered Mini traveller Wooly Bully. His wife Stacey, one of the glamorous Shasta sistas drove the couples MINI GP for Steve to tear up the track. Don Racine and the Mini Mania crew were on hand to partake in the track fun and show just how well their cars run to potential customers. MotorWerks Magazine advertiser,TC Kline Racing arrived with both a R56 and a B-Spec Cooper. TC has shops on both California and Ohio and said, I know the weather is great here in California but my whole reason for being in California just now is to be at this event; I heard great things about it and it seemed the best place to show people that we work with more than BMWs, Volkswagens and Porsches. Some of these people have never seen the B-Spec MINI, you saw yourself how well it handles out there; it is a great way to get into motorsportAlthough the event title credits Stormin Norman there are more people involved that make the event possible. Prior to the event Norm, his wife Jesse invite over the Lowerys and fellow Mini fanatics Bob


Above: Chris Knox mixes it up with a Formula Mazda during one of the Instructors sessions.


Above: The MINI Countryman was very QUICK Below: Session over, thanks!

and Linda Wilson. Between excellent food and beverages they set to work and filled all the Swag bags with the giveaways from the sponsors. This was no mean feat as there were over 200 bags to fill! Norman then transported the bags to Thunderhill, as his classic MINIs would not be able to accommodate them come the event weekend. Nelson integrated the Thunderhill trip with coming into San Francisco and picking up myself, wife Janis as well as 2011 UK MINI Challenge champion Chris Knox who was flying in from Scotland to meet up with all

his MINI friends and spend some time on track as a guest instructor as well.Set up as a one-day format for the driving portion of the event, MINI Thunder IV includes early registration on Saturday evening as well as a dinner and casino night for those who wanted it. Mini Mania buck$ bought you chips to play with and they could then be exchanged for prizes such as a Replay XD camera and roll cage mount, a $300 off voucher for a Leaf Racewear Elite racesuit and two 25% off vouchers for a set of Hot Bits Canada suspension kits. Nelson


Yes that is a MINI engine in the back AND one in the front too, designed & built by Jacques Andres of Bay Bridge Motors! The plan is to run in trhe Thunderhill 25 Hours in December.

was happy with the evening and told us, I have to send out a big thanks to all who pitched in and helped with registration, the dinner and Casino tonight. The generosity of the many Mini sponsors and vendors just blew me away. We had over $10,000 worth of donated prizes for our casino night and Sundays Grand Prizes. Many of our vendors volunteered to perform the free pre-tech inspections that are needed before a car can go on track and they all helped promote the event in their own locale. We have to thank MINI-USA for bringing the JCW GP II out so people could get their first view of the car; it was great to see it lead our parade laps! In fact the list of people we have to thank goes on and on. Without their support we could not put on this event. Sundays Grand prizes were handed out based on voting by the Thunderhill corner workers Heather Cheung of Milpitas CA received $1500 worth of CARBONMINI.COM carbon components for Best Un-Save of the Day (off course). Bill Hartner of Sherwood, OR won the

$1500 Forgeline Wheels Discount Voucher and Steve Joneli, Terrebone, OR took home a MINI Thunder entry for 2014 for the Best Mechanical Comeback. Joneli hurt the motor in his Z-Car MINI but repaired it and was back out later in the day.Sunday dawned a little cooler but that is not a bad thing when you have your head stuffed inside a nomex-lined helmet for most of the day. On track events started with orientation laps for those who wanted or needed them followed by a drivers meeting for all attendees. Then it was off to the track for the Advanced students. In my case I gave up my first session so Chris Knox could acclimatize himself with the track, no point in having an instructor who does not know his way around, is there? I dont know if it is any better in summer but the winter sun was so low in the sky it was blinding as you entered and went around turn one. Sunglasses are a must! I was very impressed with Eric Diamond and his crew of volunteers; they made maximum


use of time and had one group coming in as the other entering the track. It was all done very professionally.As for track downtime through the day, it was minimal, one blown engine, one MINI running out of gas and three spins. Once the event had ended and everything was put away, Nelson was asked for his thoughts, Proud, thankful, and exhausted! He went on, Although I had seen all the Minis during

the morning, it really didnt hit me until I was standing at Start/Finish as they were lining up for the group photo shoot that realized just how many we had. I was amazed. Pride - We have a great team of people helping to make this the best Mini trackday in America and we all take pride in this great event, I could not do it without them. And what can you say about Thunderhill? There is no better facility around! Over the past couple of years I have heard some say


the MINI phenomenon is dying and the clubs are shrinking and people are loosing interest. You could never tell that from MINI Thunder. Enthusiasm in the Mini community is a great as ever. What other car clubs do you see with two hundred and ten cars running parade laps? We have already set the date for next year. I cannot ignore the sponsors, without them we could not do this, they deserve a huge thanks also.

More information on MINI Thunder can be found online at www.minithunderhill.com and by going to www.facebook.com/StorminNormansMiniThunder.

Thunderhill Raceway Park is located at 5250 Hwy 162 Willows Ca., 95988 and can be found on the Internet at www.thunderhill.com


MINI OF CONCORDNew sponsor MINI of Con

cord had a

large presence at MTIV

THE STIGThe Californian Stig was n

ot saying

much but still managed to instruct by

pointing fingers.

MIX AND MATCHIt was great seeing Classi

c and BMW

MINIs running together.

FAMOUS NUMBERSLBL 6D and 177 adored th

e factory

Cooper S that won the Monte Carlo

Rally in 1967 with Raunio Aaltonen and

Henry Liddon.


SHASTA GIRLSNo MINI Thunder would happen without the Shast MINI girls.HAPPY DUDE!

Bill Hartners trip from the far North was made worthwhile when he won the Forgeline Wheels $1500 off discount voucher.ITS FOR SALESteve Lowerys highly customized Mini Traveller features a Honda V-TecZ CARS MINI

Lunatic Racing own one of the only two Z-Cars Minis in the USA.


MINI Thunder IV was the first ever track event for my wife Janis; she ran in the Be-ginners class and had our good friend Chris Knox alongside as an instructor. While she agrees she was not very fast, Chris was impressed by her taking the proper racing lines. It was a great experience! And Chris was a great instructor, patient but also trying to get me to push a little harder and explore my limits. I originally was going to just run one session but had so much fun I had to go back for more!


Below: He indeed BE QIK Below: Miniology broadcast Live from MTIV Early arrivals enjoyed dinner on Saturday night It got crowded at times!

Chris Knox learns the track with yours truly alongside


Below: He indeed BE QIK Below: Miniology broadcast Live from MTIV Early arrivals enjoyed dinner on Saturday night It got crowded at times!

Steve Lowerys latest claim to fame is leading Chris Knox for a few laps!


THRU THE ESSESLine astern, all manner of MINIs make the trip to Thunderhill for a great day on the track and hanging out with like minded people.

LETS GO RACING BOYS!Rich Peterson brought his USTCC Cooper S to Thunderhill

YELLOW PERILDoug Peterson has been a huge part of MINI Thunder and behind the wheel of MIke Kearneys Fortech MINI is a driver to be feared


James Reas

BIGGun

MotorWerks Magazine - Online at www.motorwerksmag.com - 115Words by Ian Rae, photos by Tony DeLeon


I am sure most of you have seen the movie Transformers where late model muscle cars transform into weapons of destruction. Pensacola, Floridas James Rea has a transformer of his own. He took his sedate and simple 2009 MINI Cooper S and transformed it into Tackleberry, one of the nicest R56s in the Southern States! It is the Big Gun he takes out to the periodic car show and MINI cruises around the Florida panhandle. Why Tackleberry? Rea explained, To make a long story short, I have just finished serving ten years with the Department of Homeland Security. Previously I spent fifteen years in the military (U.S. Marine Corps. Force Recon 1978-84 and U.S. Air Force Reserve 1995-2004) and served a short time in support of Operation Noble Eagle (2002). So you could say I am familiar with military operations and firearms. I always believed that serving my country is the most prestigious thing I could ever do. I took a lot of pride in serving, but I also take a lot of

pride in my Cooper S. I loved the fact that it has a 6-speed manual; it is a true delight. I really wanted the stealth-like look for my MINI and I think it ended up very tactical looking, ergo the name Tackleberry. For those that do not remember, Tackleberry was the character played by David Graf in Police Academy. He was the trainee that had all the guns. A few years ago, one of the guys at work gave me that nickname since I have a sizeable gun collection. So, it seemed only fitting that I put the name on my vehicle. Henceforth, my MINI became known as Tackleberry. So how did a retired macho man with an interest in guns end up in a MINI? In March 2010, we ordered a MINI Cooper S for my wife as a retirement gift to herself. After serving as an educator for forty years, she deserved something that was just for her. So in May, we sold her 1993 Honda Del Sol and took delivery of her brand new Horizon Blue MCS. It seems to be the in thing to name your MINI, so my wifes

The plate says it ALL!

118 - MotorWerks Magazine - Online at www.motorwerksmag.com Lots of carbon overlays from CARBONMINI.COM


became MIN MIN. That is when the bug hit. Rea was driving a 2006 Hummer H3 that he was very happy with and had even modified to it to satisfy his personal needs. It was a real pleasure to drive, but as time went on and operating costs went up, the nee

MotorWerks Magazine Volume 3 issue 1

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