Mohawk-Hudson Region SCCA -- News and Announcements Archive
Since the July meeting date is the day after our race, the general membership meeting scheduled for July 5 will not be held. The August meeting will be the annual Go-Kart outing.
National Solo Letter Received 05/17/06
Greetings fellow Soloists
It is getting closer to the 2006 Tire Rack SCCA Solo Nationals - which starting this year will be held at Heartland
Park Topeka (HPT) race track. Because it is a new venue and because it is very different from past Solo Nationals
sites, there seems to be much speculation and many wild claims flying around the internet and Solo events around
the nation. I hope to address some of these speculations and claims in this letter.
I should probably also mention that Karen Babb and Kevin Youngers, arguably two of the nation's best Solo course
designers, have been assigned as the Course Designers for the 2006 Solo Nationals. All of us arrived a day prior
to the 2006 SCCA National Convention to visit the site for mapping and planning purposes.
The following is taken from some excellent correspondence recently received from Karen Babb, and I wholly agree
with her observations and comments:
"I have never seen this good of a blacktop surface anywhere. Very close to flat, very smooth.
The HPT site is logistically completely different from Forbes, "New-Salina", or "Old-Salina"
in that the courses will in essence be side-by side with a "buffer zone" between them, making it somewhat
conceptually akin to a typical Pro Solo layout, but rather larger.
Yes, the overall square footage available to each course is not what it was at Forbes, particularly in comparison
to Forbes-North. However, it must be remembered that only a fraction of the Forbes area was actually usable. Typically
layouts had to tiptoe among the land mines, trying to use the best (or least bad) of the available surface. Routes
were constrained, as were in most cases widths and directions. The actual usable square footage was probably less
than 25% of the total area at the North end. The need for overlap and separation had to be dealt with as the surface
allowed.
At HPT there are no such issues. No grates, poles, peaks, valleys, holes, frost heaves, snakes, etc. So the course
can be routed wherever it needs to as the desired elements and separation requirements dictate, not as the surface
dictates. This offers considerable freedom in what elements can be used, how they can be connected, and how they
can be oriented, even within the constraints of needing the Start and Finish on a particular end of the available
area. This type of openness makes possible the use of a variety of space-saving methods that can if necessary compensate
for a somewhat smaller overall area.
The route length on my 2003 South course was approximately 3650 feet; available route lengths in preliminary sketches
on the left side of the HPT pad have yielded lengths of 3500-4000 feet. It's largely a matter of being able to
make the best use of the available space. Many details (e.g. Grid locations and ingress/egress points) have yet
to be finalized, but it looks pretty good at this point.
It should be remembered that a very big complaint year after year from members at the Town Meeting was about the
deteriorating Forbes surface. The move to HPT was largely driven by this input. It seems counter-productive for
members to assume the worst about getting something they asked for, even before they see the actual hands-on results
of the change.
At this point I'd just ask that people stay tuned and have a little faith in the event Chairman, the course designers,
the Nationals event officials team, and the National Staff to provide a Solo Nationals that won't beat their car
to death, and will offer improvements they can all appreciate. Yes, it will be different. No, it won't be perfect.
Yes, it will evolve. That's all fine with me." - Karen Babb
I would like to add to her comments that holding the Solo Nationals at a purpose built race facility, instead of
a location designed and meant for other uses, really makes a positive impression. Everything at the site is about
racing and competition. This means that HPT has erected buildings designed solely to function for the needs of
automotive competition. For example, the scales are permanently mounted and located inside tech/impound building
- out of the weather. There are real toilets (flushies!), a paddock wide public address system, garages for rent,
a registration building/parking lot that is on the way in. There is also a beautiful track that surrounds the paddock
and Solo course area. Who knows - there may even be cars running the track while we are there! All of this adds
greatly to the overall competitive feeling and gives credibility to what we do. It only seems fitting that the
Solo Nationals be held in a purpose built race facility instead of a parking lot - a place where the Nation's best
will compete for a chance to earn their 2006 Solo National Championships.
If I may steal a line from Karen's correspondence above, I think it is worth repeating:
"Yes, it will be different. No, it won't be perfect. Yes, it will evolve. That's all fine with me"
See you at the 2006 Solo Nationals
Roger H. Johnson (Houston, TX)
Solo Nationals Event Chairperson
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Michael E. Dickerson
Region Development Manager
Sports Car Club of America
New England Challenge for Formula Ford
The series is open to both Formula Ford and Club Ford classes and has attracted over $14,000 in contingency awards from suppliers of parts and services to the FF community.
New England FF Challenge 2004 season wrap upNew England Region Web Site Series InfoNESCCA FF Series InfoUpdates on NEC activities and lots of other good FF information is also provided on the FF1600 website at http://www.apexspeed.com.
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2006 Tech Party The Tech Party will be in/near the garage behind the showroom. There is ample room for your trailer or rig in back of the dealership. Soda, Burgers and dogs will be provided compliments of the club and Greg Rickes! Come and share your winter work woes or come just for the camaraderie Note that the inspection is for cars that are to be raced in SCCA Club Racing. Annual tech inspection is required and has to be done before you go on track. If you don't want to waste time at your first event this season, hustle up and get your car ready! Bring your personal safety equipment - helmet, driver's suit and arm restraints if required for your class. Seat and shoulder belts will be date checked. If you need a vehicle logbook, please contact Jach Hanifan as soon as possible. The official address is: Bob Karl's Sales & Service DIRECTIONS: From Northway Route 87 (From North or South):
From Route 787:
Richard Welty and Harry Adalian will be performing the
required annual inspection.
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For Immediate Release Contact: Ron Hedger at 518-885-7481 "TRIPLE PLAY" FOR RACERS AND FANS AT AUTO MUSEUM Saratoga Springs, NY Auto racing fans and participants can enjoy three major events at the Saratoga Automobile Museum during the off-season. The first comes at noon on Sunday, January 22 2006, when the New York State Stock Car Association presents the 2005 inductees to their Hall of Fame. Visitors will get their first look at the updated Hall of Fame display, now featuring photos of NASCAR Winston Cup star Geoffrey Bodine, NASCAR modified owner Ed Cloce, dirt track driving star Dick Schoonover and long-time officials Jim and Barbara Frye along with the nearly 100 other members. The new inductees have been invited to speak and all Hall of Fame members on hand will be introduced. Hall of Fame members and a guest will be admitted free of charge, with all NYSSCA members admitted for $5 instead of the regular adult admission charge of $7. Sunday, Jan 29th will find the museum hosting the first annual Book Swap and Sale. Free to museum volunteers and members and requiring only a regular admission charge for others, the event will allow collectors and fans to show off, sell or trade automotive and racing related books, magazines, memorabilia and photos. The event will run from 2-4 pm, with participants limited to one table, which they must supply. Space can be reserved with Special Events coordinator Alan Edstrom by calling the museum at 518-587-1935. In the event of a major snowstorm, the event will be postponed to February 5th. Rounding out the museum's winter schedule will be the Saturday, March 11th Racing Legends Day. Set for 1 pm, the event will feature short talks by a number of regional stars, including NASCAR asphalt ace Brian Ross. Always popular question and answer sessions involving the audience will highlight the program, with other participants to be announced as arrangements are made. The event will also include a short talk on the Lee Wallard driven 1951 Indianapolis 500 winning Belanger Special, currently on display in Saratoga courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. More information on the Saratoga Automobile Museum may be obtained on-line at www.saratogaautomuseum.com. Submitted by Bruce Kosakoski Recieved from Greg Rickes For Immediate Release Contact: Ron Hedger at 518-885-7481 SCCA SUPPORTER TO BE REMEMBERED AT AUTO MUSEUM Saratoga Springs, NY Memorial Day weekend at the Saratoga Automobile Museum will be marked by a brief ceremony to honor the memory of the late Paul J Tariello Jr. of Schenectady, a longtime supporter of the Mohawk-Hudson Region of the Sports Car Club of America. Tariello, who passed away in 2003, was a well regarded competitor, club officer and dedicated volunteer. To honor Tariello, the Mo-Hud members, his friends and family established a memorial fund, with the contributions used to purchase a custom-built display case for the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Racing is a major component of the Saratoga Automobile Museum, with the second floor Racing Across New York gallery featuring a variety of vintage racers, the Hall of Fame of the New York State Stock Car Association and a display honoring winners of the Mo-Hud Region's most prestigious award, the Lewis Trophy. The brief ceremony, set for 1 pm on Sunday, May 29th 2005, will feature brief remarks by Greg Rickes of the SCCA, museum board member and racing exhibit coordinator Ron Hedger and members of the Tariello family. The date was chosen to coincide with the running of the Indianapolis 500, Tariello's favorite race. "Paul's memory will be well served by the addition of the display case to the racing gallery," said Hedger. "Visitors to the museum love to see memorabilia related to the cars and past events and the timing is perfect. We will soon be adding the 1951 Indianapolis 500 winning car, driven by Altamont's Lee Wallard, to the exhibit and the speedway has promised to lend us a variety of items to enhance the display. The Tariello memorial display case will go right alongside one of America's most famous race cars, the Murrell Belanger Kurtis/Offy." Alan Edstrom Director of Programs and Events Saratoga Auto Museum 110 Avenue of the Pines Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (518) 587-1935 x 22 specialevents@saratogaautomuseum.com Four Regions Conduct Flag -- Fire Safety School - March 12, 13, 2005 The four SCCA Regions which conduct races at Lime Rock Park coordinated their efforts and held a very successful two day school for Flagging & Communications and Fire & Rescue. The school was designed to serve the dual purpose of introducing new volunteer course workers to the ins and outs of these two specialties as well as to reinforce the training and skills of experienced volunteers. Saturday arrived in NorthWestern Connecticut bringing a raging snowstorm and several inches of snow on the ground. However by 9:00 on Saturday morning about forty people -- both licensed and newbies -- were already in line at the track. The Saturday schedule was all indoors due to the weather. The 9:00 meeting got underway about 30 minutes late, but due to the lack of ability to do the track walk that day, everything worked out perfectly. Bryan Deane, the Mohawk-Hudson Region Flag Marshal, made some opening remarks and introduced the players. Bryan was followed by Bruce Kolker, Northern New Jersey Region Flag Marshal, doing a "Coming to the track - what to expect" dissertation which included things such as not forgetting your credentials, trying (if possible) to contact the flag chief of the event to tell him/her that you are coming. Apparently there will be a bit more emphasis on that this year. Rich Alexander, a Formula Vee driver from Mohawk-Hudson Region, then did a "Driver's Perspective" showing how race car construction, seat harnesses, seats, helmets, head restraints, etc., all conspire to limit the driver's perception of what flag stations may be trying to tell him, and why the driver may not react as you think he should in various situations. Mack McCormack, New England Region Flag Marshal, then discussed flaggers' clothing and equipment -- what to bring to the track. Track bags, back packs vs. plastic pails. He emptied out his own track bag piece by piece and explained what each piece of equipment was and its purpose. We're talking about everything from the rain suit, dry clothes, whistle, visible gloves, seat belt cutters, coveralls and white clothes generally, and on and on. Steve Chisholm, a former New England Flag Marshal, followed with a discussion regarding what each flag was for and how it is supposed to be used as well as drivers' reactions to the proper and improper use of the flag. This session was done in great detail as Steve was being told to stretch the performance while we waited for lunch to arrive. In the meantime Terry & Peter Roberts had arrived bringing waivers, a Polaroid, and the laminator. They had left home for the track at the usual early hour but were forced to return home because of the total whiteout and blizzard conditions that existed over north central Connecticut early that morning. Once there, waivers were signed, pictures were taken, licenses were laminated, etc..... Brian Bielanski, newly installed New York Region Flag Marshal, was the last presenter on Saturday's program. He did a remarkable dancing act demonstrating the various hand signals used by flaggers. Ask him about the question to the outpost workers about what type of sandwich they'd like for lunch. Well, not maybe the question so much, but the answers - specially the tuna fish. Following the presentations the day ended in the usual manner. There was a social gathering with beer & soda and munchies. One count had seventy-one participants. This was quite remarkable given the weather which had presented itself that morning. On Sunday morning the training continued in the Lime Rock Chalet. Bielanski, who was filming all the sessions, had brought all manner of audio-visual equipment with him. Two technicians were operating the recording and the projection equipment. Diane Henderson of NNJR gave a nice talk on being a corner captain. She explained the duties and responsibilities. She also mentioned that being a "newbie" is not a hindrance, the experienced flaggers are always willing to train and do so with open arms. For one of the sessions actual on-track racing incidents from televised races were projected onto a screen. Volunteers representing corner workers, control operators and stewards played out their rolls simulating radio communications relative to the incident which was being shown on the screen. At first Course Marshals with experience played the appropriate roles as a refresher. The "newbie" marshals observed and listened. Then the "newbies" were invited to try their hand at reporting the incidents. Following this, and with the sun finally shining, the entire brigade was split into four groups. Each of the groups had one or more drivers and one or more experienced flag marshals as well as several newbies. The groups went to the paddock and proceeded to walk the entire race course. Making stops at each of the flag stations and at various other points around the track, the drivers explained how they drove the course. The flag marshals explained visibility at each station, stationing of outposts and fire bottles, critical impact zones, strengths and weaknesses at each point around the track and shared their experiences. On returning to the Lime Rock Chalet, lunch in the form of several six foot sandwiches was served. After singing "Happy Birthday" to Sue Kolker, everyone enjoyed dessert and ate some birthday cake. In the afternoon we returned to the paddock and proceeded to the escape road beyond flag station 2. Four derelict cars had been staged for fire training. With the help of a bale of hay, the cars' engine compartments, passenger compartments and trunks were repeatedly set on fire and everyone had an opportunity to use either a "Cold Fire" bottle or a dry chemical extinguisher on the flames. Technique and proficiency were critiqued by the firemen who conducted this portion of the school. After the flambeaux vehicles had been sufficiently toasted, the firemen gave a demonstration of extrication using "Jaws of Life" tools. A roof was cut off one car, a door was popped off its hinges, and other forms of savagery were performed upon the now fully wrecked autos. Everyone then returned to the chalet classroom. By now it was mid-afternoon and following some closing thoughts and the issuing of certificates of completion, we again enjoyed the hospitality of the organizers with some beer, soda and more munchies. All agreed that it had been a good refresher for licensed workers and a good introduction and learning experience for budding track volunteers. Walter Huber |
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| 2005 Tech Party The annual "Tech. Party" will be held at Jack Hanifan's shop located in the First Prize Center complex on Sunday April 10. Festivities start at 11:AM. Richard Welty and Harry Adalian will be performing the required annual inspection. Log books will be issued to those who need them. Greg Rickes' excellent burgers and dogs will be served so bring your appetite. Map and link to the (Tobin) First Prize Center, Albany, NY.  MapQuest link to this map page click HERE |
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| Rally RPI "REPETITION RALLY" - February 26th, Saturday (Novice Rally) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Houston Field House B-Lot 9am Registration Opens 10am First car off Event charge: $8, Free for Rally RPI members. Rally Master, Eric Martindale Happy Rallying, Dominic (Gus) Lin Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Product Design & Innovation Major Rensselaer Society of Engineer xVP (Not a MoHud or SCCA Sanctioned Event) |
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| Flag and Fire School at Lime Rock Park For those of us that would like training in fire response and effectiveness, attending the F+C fire school is for you! Contact Bryan Deane for further info. March 12th and 13th Flag and Fire school at LRP starting at 9:00 AM Saturday Speakers/instructors on hand as well as some neat interactive lessons. Track walk with drivers, to get there point of view. Sunday Multiple, incident scenarios at different parts of the track. Fire control and emergency responce. Lunch will provided both days, as well as end of the day refreshments. Attendance at the school counts towards days worked for the season. Certificates of course completion will be given out. ( handy at license upgrade time). Seasoned flaggers are urged to bring a newbie. |
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| RACE CAR ENGINEERING SEMINAR (DATE CHANGE!!!) ICP is Indianapolis Competition Products, http://icpcitation.com/cars.htm They are the builders of Citation Race Cars. Each winter the partners, Steve Lathrop and Richare Pare, present several seminars around the country on race car engineering, including information on shock absorbers, tire management, suspension geometry, car set up, and more. This winter they will be in Newark, NJ on February 26 and 27 (new date). Cost of the seminar is $300. For less than the cost of a set of tires you'll learn alot of valuable information that you can put to use immediately. For further information call ICP at 317 - 273-0089. Update (Feb. 11) We will switch the NJ date to Feb 26 & 27. This gives us one more week before we have to give a yea or nay. So far, only 4 people have actually signed up, so if you want to get this thing rolling, GET IN TOUCH! We really need 18 people minimum to make it worth it. Richard Pare Indianapolis Competition Products Info 1-317-273-0089 (Submitted by Jim Garry) |
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| News Release December 2004 For distribution to all NEDIV SCCA Regions Historic Racing is Alive and Growing in the Northeast Division Whether you know it or not, your SCCA region has a historic racing program! Early in 2004, the Northeast Division and its 19 Regions agreed to support the formation of the Historic Racing Group (HRG). The HRG is an evolution of what was originally called the Volvo Historic Series, born in the Northern New Jersey Region (NNJR) of SCCA in 1997. After five years of support from Volvo, the series ran without sponsorship in 2002 and 2003, continuing its affiliation with NNJR. In 2004, the series broadened its horizons and was adopted by the Division. The HRG’s philosophy is to provide a fun, low key forum for pre-1974 production-based race cars, without the extremely rigid adherence to originality and pedicure that many of the pure vintage race series demand. There are presently five classes, segregated by engine displacement, with a wide mix of cars, from Minis and MG’s, to BMW’s and Porches, and Mustangs, Camaros and Corvettes. HRG cars must conform to current SCCA safety standards, run on DOT-approved tires, and generally comply to the SCCA’s Historic GCR. “Neat and clean” appearance is strongly encouraged, while protests are discouraged. The 13/13 rule common to most vintage groups is not used, nor necessary. Drivers with a propensity to use the “chrome horn” are given a chance to voluntarily adjust their attitude. Should they continue in their evil ways, they are not welcomed back. While fun is the main objective, and car-to-car contact is rare, there is plenty of close competition. The HRG race is often one of the most entertaining groups of the day for the spectators, with the beautiful sight of 30 or more classic sports cars taking the green flag, the exciting thunder of 1960’s muscle cars, and David and Goliath battles between Minis and Mustangs. HRG runs as a separate race group within regional and national SCCA Club Racing events. In 2004, the schedule included eight events with 11 races at six tracks around the northeast. A similar schedule is in the works for 2005, with events planned at Lime Rock, Pocono, NHIS, Beaverun, and Watkins Glen. If you’ve got an old Production or Vintage car, or even an IT car, sitting in the garage, now’s the time to blow the dust off of it, order some new DOT rubber, and get ready to race! More information can be found on the HRG web site, at http://www.historicracing.org/. |
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| Werner Scheeren Setting the Record Straight During the MoHud Awards Banquet I was presented a Race of the Year Award. The Award belongs to my brother, Walter Scheeren. I believe it was for a Lime Rock event where he started 43rd , last on the field. Walter had to work on the qualifying day. He finished in the top ten without putting a scratch on the Miata. I will take credit for having set the car up for the race. I suppose I’ll have to give him the plaque now. Oh well. Had a great time and we’ll see you next season. Werner Scheeren |
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John Sheridan Wins Race For National Director John won the contest by sixty votes showing that every vote counts! Thanks to the Mo-Hud membership for putting John into office. John C. Sheridan Mohawk Hudson Region Dear SCCA Member, I am a candidate for the seat to be vacated by Tom Campbell at year’s end on the SCCA’s National Board of Directors. I am asking for your vote. For those of you who may not know me, I have been a member of SCCA since 1972. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to participate in almost every form of competition our Club offers including: solo, local fun rallies, performance rallies, and road racing. I have held a Competition License since 1976. I have also had the opportunity to participate as a worker: F&C, Solo Events Chair and early Safety Steward, race chair, and currently as a Divisional Steward for club racing. I have also held various offices at the regional level including Regional Executive in both the Southern New York and the Mohawk Hudson Regions. At the divisional level I was the Chair of the NEDiv Ad-Hoc Spec Miata Committee. My thirty two years of involvement have provided me with a unique perspective on our club, and our sport. If elected I will use this perspective and experience to represent you and your issues on the Board of Directors. One final comment; it is very important that we have a large voter turnout. This will demonstrate to the Board of Directors that Area 10 members care about the Club. So when the ballot arrives, please take a few minutes to vote. Best Regards, John C. Sheridan |
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 News Archive |
| Please see our Solo II pages for upcoming events and the "Latest Headlines" on our home page for other info. New England Challenge for Formula Ford The series is open to both Formula Ford and Club Ford classes and has attracted over $14,000 in contingency awards from suppliers of parts and services to the FF community. New England FF Challenge 2004 season wrap upNew England Region Web Site Series InfoNESCCA FF Series InfoUpdates on NEC activities and lots of other good FF information is also provided on the FF1600 website at http://www.apexspeed.com. |
This page updated 03/23/2006 05:15 PM
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