tell tale - team continentaltell tale volume 23, issue 6-10 june - october 2013 repeat after me:...

Tell Tale

VOLUME 23 , IS S UE 6 -10 June - October 2013

REPEAT AFTER ME: “Jeez, this is the latest Tell Tale ever! I know I can do a better job than the hapless fool who has been doing it. So I

am coming to the November meeting and volunteering”.

President’s Non-Message

June 2013

This Tell Tale should have been posted well before the June meeting like all the TT that have gone before, however the only draft in existence of our President Terry Amundson’s letter, which normally graces the front page this publication, was in his race car at ORP when he left the track somewhere between Turn 16 and Start/Finish. In desperate need of some paper to clean up following his wild ride, he inadvertently grabbed the article your editor was so eagerly awaiting. Since the month has passed and a suitable reproduction is not forth coming, this page would have remained blank if not for Marla Wiese’s forethought to take the picture below memorializing what is, just maybe, the closest thing to a rollover ever at ORP.

T.C. President makes his mark with a high speed sideways slide barely managing to stay shiny side up. (But wait, due to the super stealth / radar absorbing / low observable paint used on Terry’s car, there is no shiny side. And you know that’s the truth, because I just can’t make this stuff up out of my monoxide infused, Snell covered head, Ed.)

Spring to Fall Magnum Issue!

Tell Tale

June-October 2013 TELL TALE 2

The General Membership Meeting is on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at Mar’s Meadows @ 7 pm.

2013 TEAM CONTINENTAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Terry Amundson [email protected]

503-539-4300

Vice President

Duane Starr [email protected]

503-318-6722

Past President

Mitch Lea

503-702-9821

Secretary

Bob Smethers [email protected]

971-207-5147

Treasurer

Valorie Starr [email protected]

503-693-7394

Driving Master

Jim Larfield [email protected]

503-234-3721

Membership Director

Kevin Smith [email protected]

503-693-7394

Race Chairman

Pete Belfanti [email protected] 503-803-6627

E-Board Rep

Kevin Smith [email protected]

503-693-7394

Contest Board Rep

Jon Wilson [email protected]

503-788-7825

Communication Director

Ben Weaver [email protected]

425-299-0602

Team Continental Registrar

Valorie Starr [email protected] 503-668-6998

Tell Tale Submissions: [email protected] Electronic submissions are preferred. Don’t spend a lot of time on fancy formatting. The editor rarely exercises his right to edit all submissions for length and content.

Bill Murray, Editor

The Tell Tale The Official Publication of Team Continental

The Tell Tale is published monthly by Team Continental. All contents are Copyright © 2012 by Team Continental. All material herein may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, electronic, mechanical, or other, without the

express written permission of the Editor. The authors retain copyright to their original work, as do photographers retain copyright over their photographs. All reprinted articles within the Tell Tale, in whole or in part, are by permission or the

author has been given appropriate recognition. Opinions expressed herein are those of the credited writer(s) and not necessarily those of Team Continental, its officers, members or

the Tell Tale staff. Publication of ads, articles, photos, etc. are subject to available space. All items for print should be forwarded to the Tell Tale Editor. When possible, articles should be submitted

electronically by email. Ads should be submitted as scanned images or submitted photo ready. Photographs should be submitted as scanned images, but B/W or color prints are acceptable. The Tell Tale Editor cannot guarantee return of

unsolicited articles, manuscripts, photos, graphics, or other submissions. Material in the Tell Tale may have been plagiarized, stolen, misused, etc. without the express written permission of the

National Football League.

MEETINGS

The Board Meeting on

November 6th

at Laurelwood Brewing @ 7pm

General Meeting on

November 21st

at Mar’s Meadows @ 7 pm.

mailto:[email protected]












Team Continental Welcomes New Members

During the Bruce Baggett Memorial Grand Prix weekend, Team

Continental welcomed two new members to our club, David Barboza,

and Jim Rice. David is a friend of Duane and Val Starr,

and took our driver training on Friday in Duane's red Mustang. David

was very enthusiastic in the ground school, and Duane says he really

got fast and smooth during his first day on track at ORP. David was

signed off to be novice eligible, got his novice workbook on Saturday

from the ICSCC license director, and worked during the race weekend

as a corner worker. I saw him on Sunday morning modeling the latest

in garbage fashion, a wonderful green trash bad he was using as rain

gear, before heading out to work a corner on Sunday morning. (TC

ed - if anyone got a picture of this that would go great with the article). Our other new member is Jim

Rice. Jim was racing during the weekend in the yellow BMW M3 running in ST class in group 4. As a

group 4 driver I was very glad to see another group 4 driver filling up our field, and I also love the yellow

color of his car. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to meet and visit with Jim during the race weekend,

but we exchanged email after the race. Here is a bit of what

Jim said in his email back to me: " I was really impressed by

everyone at TC and ICSCC before the race when people went

out of their way to get me signed up at the last minute and

during the weekend when everyone was very welcoming." I

thank everyone who welcomed Jim at the race track and am

looking forward to meeting him personally in the near future.

(You can probably get a picture of Jim Rice on track during the

weekend in group 4 from Doug Berger).

We also need to welcome back a couple of new members that really have just rejoined after having their

memberships lapse for several years. Most of you will already know Garth and Fred Ankeny as

proprietors of Trackside Enterprises, one of the best racing tire suppliers in the Portland area. Garth and

Fred have often been in attendance at TC's races as a tire supplier, and Garth is an avid rallyist and Saab

driver. Welcome back to Team Continental membership, and TC members, try to support Fred and Garth

with your business when you can.

Our new members, and a few more renewals, bring the Team

Continental club membership total up to 123 members for 2013.

Kevin Smith

Team Continental Membership Chairman

Photos are from the Kevin Smith Road show and

Comedy Act, (also known as Team Continental Driver

Training classroom).



TEAM CONTINENTAL – GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

Date: May 15, 2013

Location: Mars Meadows, Delta Park

Meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by TC President, Terry Amundson; GUEST INTRODUCTIONS: TC welcomes Brendan Waco, son of Robert & Michelle. TC also welcomes

Charlie Peake, member of Terry Amundson’s Chumpcar® team driver who also ran Dave Marden’s Hello Kitty VW rabbit and is a welcomed as an all-around volunteer! BOARD MEMBER REPORTS:

RACE CHAIRMAN (Pete Belfanti): (see handout dated May 14th) Race entries are coming in this week, PR recruiting went well at last weekends’ ICSCC event;

62 primary entries have been confirmed reflecting $23,870 in revenue – TC needs an additional $30k to make projected budgets; 19 2nd entries have been received which covers projected budgeted costs;

48 meal bands have been sold, meeting budgeted revenue and helps forecasted pre-event planning;

Per Peter – reports of items sold are available through MotorsportsReg.com; Food and trophies have not been paid for, trophies are $1000 under budget;

Worker status – need 28 F&C workers Sat & Sun, have 10 signed up for Friday – need at least 10 more!

Per Bill M – ORP workers are being recruited for the weekend, have 2 signed up so far; M/S – (Pete B/Kevin S) – Motion to request 4 additional ORP workers paid for sat & Sun

($110/day) – will not receive housing, food or beverages; Discussion on what date this request

can be cancelled – next Tuesday is deadline; per Mitch L – it is painful that TC doesn’t have enough TC Members to sufficiently staff this event; per Bill C – we don’t have enough members to draw from; per Russ N – previous years we recruited crews & drivers to staff F&C positions; Motion passed (one opposed);

ICSCC Insurance certificates have been received;

MSR is ready, documents for driver/worker packets have been provided to TC Registrar;

Worker food wrist bands will be provided at the morning meeting;

Per Bill M – discussion on morning novice track tour logistics and timing; Promotional dates have been completed;

ICSCC memo costs: $250, Raffle expenses are closed and raised $210;

Trophy costs are $939, Flags (42) have been produced and will use previous years stock;

Equipment – Tony Hauser has charged fire extinguishers, Van tire has been repaired;

Event stickers have been produced and will be available at Registration;

Robert W – needs additional volunteers to assist with food service duties;

Meal schedule/availability will be posted and adhered to – meal band holders will be given priority; Per Robert W – Meal plans include – Fri lunch: cold cut wraps, chips, veggies; fri dinner: dogs,

side dishes; Beverages will include ice tea, water, lemonade, soda’s throughout the weekend. Sat bfast: burritos, Danish, coffee; sat lunch: chicken parts, fumi salad, chopped fruit, chips; sat dinner: pulled pork tacos, slaw, baked beans, chopped fruit: sun bfast: burritos, Danish, coffee; sun lunch: chili, dogs, salads, fruit; Food service location is requested to be adjacent to outhouses; potable cleaning water will be available at the GV Pavilion;

Pete & Al will be at ORP Thursday;

Sheet rock will be available for marking paddock spaces, John Rissberger will supply the golf cart; Kevin S has donated funds to staff front gate after hours security for Friday;



DRIVING MASTER (Jim Larfield):

Jim wants to personally thank Pete & Al for the promotions efforts for DT and Race recruitment;

Needed 42 entries to meet budget projections, have 51 entries – 31 Test&Tune, 17 Group 2, 4 DT;

14 TC Instructors have committed so far; Jim attended the recent BMW track day – Oregon PCA will no longer hold track days at PIR; This

may present future co-hosted event possibilities to maintain TC DT financial viability;

TREASURER (Val Starr): (not present)

ICSCC Insurance premiums and other expenses have been paid in full;

TC checks are in the mail;

SECRETARY (Bob Smethers):

Meeting minutes are available for review at each BOD and General Membership meeting; COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (Ben Weaver):

May TellTale is available for distribution and is posted to TC Web Site; RAT RACE (Bill Murray): no report; MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR (Kevin Smith): no report; EXECUTIVE BOARD REP (Kevin Smith): no report; VICE PRESIDENT (Duane Starr): no report; PAST PRESIDENT (Mitch Lea): no report; CONTEST BOARD REP (Jon Wilson): no report; COMMITTEE REPORTS: (none)

OLD BUSINESS: (none) NEW BUSINESS: (none) M/S – (Kevin S/Steve L) – Motion to Adjourn, Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM;

Respectfully Submitted, Bob Smethers, TC Secretary

TOOLS AND HOW TO USE THEM EXPLAINED-PART 2

HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle... It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion,

and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.



OREGON RACEWAY PARK UPDATE: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, 2013 The Bruce Baggett Memorial Double Race Weekend

and The Baggett’s Legacy RAT Race

Erin Ebelmeiser runs through a flag

review At The Drivers Meeting.

The Legend Cars go to play.

G. Jones R. Rissberger B. Murray R. Tanner

Stetson The Wonder Dog getting

some racer tape paw repair.

LEFT: Leader of the winning

RAT team Jake Egger of “Rascally Rodents II” driving the “Ratbit”.

RIGHT: Dillon Olsen driving the red Mustang Lowered

the American Sedan track record almost two seconds this weekend.



OREGON RACEWAY PARK UPDATE: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, 2013

The Bruce Baggett Memorial Double Race Weekend Driver Training

ABOVE RIGHT: Driving Master Jim Larfield addresses the students and instructors Friday morning. ABOVE: Instructor Peter Linssen straps into a very fast Acura on a wet pregrid as the on course sessions begin. BELOW: The Classroom sessions held in one of the garage units with instructors hanging out in the back row.




RIGHT: Gordon Jones instructing in “The Wolf” rental racer debriefs a student on the pregrid. BELOW: Good Officials are key to the success of Conference. Stewards Mike Tripp and Scott Morton as well as Race Chairman Pete Belfanti prepare as the Drivers Meeting gets underway.

Fanz in the Stanz! Making use of the new bleachers overlooking “The Continental Corner” (A.K.A. Turn 16) as Duane Starr pulls the Mustang Pace Car into the Pit Lane just before the start of Saturday’s race, the first of a double race weekend. Team Continental and O.R.P. are in the process of adding another dozen bleacher units to the track in time for the 2014 season.

ICSCC License Director Scott Faris lets his Novice Drivers know what he expects prior to their Saturday race.



Oregon Raceway Park

Sunday Night May 26th

The first ever OPR Night Race was held on the 1.6 mile South course.

These stunning images of cars at speed, were captured by Larrie Easterly just prior to moonrise.

Monday, Memorial Day, the final 4 hours of the Baggett’s Legacy RAT Race was run in the rain. This was the first counter clockwise race event for ORP, as was the back to back transfer of the track from one presenter to another as Team Continental turn the track over to STAR Projects in less than 45 minutes.

TCer’s participating in the RAT Race were:

Tim Deckert, Mike Conatore and Bill Murray in Ze Wulf.

Duane Starr and new club members, Dave Barboza and Scott Grove (Duane’s nephew) “The Starr Rats” (spelled the same forward and backward) in the Fabulous Party Girl.

Driving the purple #4 Team Burnt Out Race Chairmen comprised of Pete Belfanti, Allen Kolkemo and Ron Tanner.



The video of Baggett's Legacy race is up. You can view it directly on YouTube from, http://youtu.be/gAzIZTrEHQI, or through my photo site, http://photos.larrie.com/2013videos.html Hope you enjoy it.

Larrie Easterly Easterly Creative Services http://www.larrie.com

503.230.08

STAR PROJECTS EVENTS Congratulates the newest RAT Challenge Champion

MIKE CONATORE

Winner at Oregon Raceway Park Memorial Day 2013 having bested the next fastest driver of the day by an astounding margin of nearly 5 seconds over this two lap counter clockwise sprint . This event was run in the rain, a first ever for a RAT Race. Mike joins with past RAT Champions Ronnie Swyers (P.I.R. 2012) and August Macbeth (Thunderhill 2013) by adapting his broad driving skills to demonstrate his mastery of this difficult test.

http://youtu.be/gAzIZTrEHQI

http://photos.larrie.com/2013videos.html

http://www.larrie.com/



TEAM CONTINENTAL – BOARD MEETING MINUTES, revised

Date: June 5, 2013 Location: Laurelwood Brewery – Portland, OR

BOD MEMBERS: Bob Smethers, Ben Weaver, Jim Larfield, Pete Belfanti, Kevin Smith,

Jon Wilson, Mitch Lea, Terry Amundson, Val Starr, Duane Starr COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Peter Linssen, Don Smethers, Bill Murray GUESTS: Al Kolkemo, Peggy Walker

Meeting called to order at 7:04PM by TC President, Terry Amundson

OFFICER REPORTS:

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR (Kevin Smith):

TC currently has a total of 121 Members – up 5 from beginning of May, with 5 renewals including Garth & Fred Ankeny (A-N-T Tire/Trackside Motorsports);

2 new members are David Barboza & Jim Rice; CONTEST BOARD REP (Jon Wilson):

Several ICSCC races have occurred in the 2013 season – be thinking about rule change proposals;

TCR meeting: 7 pm, august 14th at Jon’s house – 9323 N St Louis Ave, Portland, OR 97203

TC should review proposals submitted in 2012 for possible resubmittal;

PAST PRESIDENT (Mitch Lea):

ByLaws committee meeting to be scheduled soon, any items of interest need to be submitted for review;

FINANCE COMMITTEE (Don Smethers): (see handout);

Don, appointed as Personal Representative for the estate of Bruce Baggett, presented an overview of Will and Actions, Review of Activity and financial transactions completed;

2 milestones – 1) Bruce did not have a will until 2008 when he was convinced to create one, 2) sale of the property was contingent on installing a well – successfully located at 220 ft (5 gal/min flow);

Attorney will submit for final probate soon;

Meeting of the Finance Committee (Mark H, Don S, Mitch L, Val S) will be scheduled soon; (M/S – Jon W/Bob S) – Motion to create a new TC perpetual trophy to recognize Baggs

contribution; discussion included possibility of sponsoring a scholarship for a novice; Motion passed, no opposed;

RACE CHAIRMAN (Pete Belfanti): (see handout dated June 1, 2013);

The TC May event was quite successful – The event looks profitable at this time;

Some expenses were over budget such as overtime fees for facility rental, worker costs for TC workers;

Total worker fund donations were $1113, TC paid indirect costs of approx. $2560 and total worker expenses were approximately $4849;

80 pre-paid participants were fed all meals which also covered TC worker meals in full;

ICSCC driver levy and sanction fees are approved and being paid;

Some TC equipment needs include T&S equipment, fuel pump for Course Marshal van, WIFI & internet connectivity for TC Registration building, MSR import capability for late entries into T&S;

(M/S – Pete B/Kevin S) – Motion to repair CM van to replace fuel pump; Motion passed, no

opposed; (M/S – unanimous) – Motion to replace graphics on CM van – 99W will cover up to $300;

Motion passed, no opposed;

TC Race Committee post-event debrief meeting will be scheduled soon – possibly end of June;



PRESIDENT (Terry Amundson):

Need to survey drivers through email for feedback on May event weekend (2-day/2-race format), possibly through MSReg direct mail; Kevin S will compose the survey, Peter L will distribute prior to June TC General Membership Meeting;

TC could consider issuing tow fund rebate to out of town competitors or provide incentive discount on 2014 entries for competitors who supported the event in 2013;

Following some extensive discussion, the TC Finance Committee will consider recommendations to reimburse ICSCC clubs for donations after 2012 race season, other agenda items to be submitted;

(M/S – Duane S/Mitch L) – Motion that TC doesn’t comingle funds between BB Estate and TC General Fund; Motion passed, no opposed;

(M/S – Kevin S/Mitch L) – Motion that if projected revenues are as anticipated, TC reimburse 50% of donations back to Member Clubs who provided support to TC after 2012; Motion passed, no

opposed;

ORP work party events have historically included tire barrier construction, ORP track building history. TC should coordinate with ORP on a suitable project, objective and date; Duane S – old bleachers from PIR could be refurbished if available, materials and labor coordinated in town then transported to ORP; Mitch L – sweat equity projects could offset future facility rental fees incurred by TC; Pete B – Turn 16 station orientation, safety tire barriers, structure and integrity could be improved; Jon W – what does ICSCC need in order to “approve” ORP run in counter-clockwise direction ? Kevin S – will draft a letter to ICSCC E-Board addressing this question; Pete B – this orientation could qualify as double points;


Total G1 students (8), 4-5 were brand new students in the TC ground school for their first time; All participants seemed to be happy with the format, limited passing, etc.

2-1 ratio of racers to HPDE participants;

70 entries generated enough revenue that the event looks profitable at this time;

TREASURER (Val Starr): (see handout – General Funds bank balance dated 1/1/2013 through 6/5/2013);

Additional MSReg funds will be released to TC soon as a result of processing lag time;

Thanks to T&S for educating Registration on limitations between MSR and T&S logistics; TC Registration used the Square® to process funds at point of service in TC Registration;

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (Ben Weaver):

Bill M would like more articles for publication in the TC TellTale; SECRETARY (Bob Smethers): 2013 BOD and General Meeting Minutes are available for review; EXECUTIVE BOARD REP (Kevin Smith): no report; VICE PRESIDENT (Duane Starr): no report;

STAR PROJECTS, Rat Race Report (Bill M): Thanks to Jim L and Terry A for safety/pace car driver, thanks to Don S for assisting with T&S transfer, equipment has been stored, cook trailer stored in spare covered garage; OLD BUSINESS: (none) NEW BUSINESS: (none) COMMITTEE REPORTS: no reports; ANNOUNCEMENTS: (none)

(M/S by consensus): Motion to adjourn, Motion passed (unanimous), meeting adjourned at 9:01PM;




Saturday Night after all the regulars have turned in!!!

~Mitch Lea

My nose must

be numb, I can’t find it!

At O.R.P. the maps are only useful for learning the names of the corners.

Still shots are beautiful, but lack the action.

Most in car video belies the complexity of the track.

Of all the film I’ve seen, this video from the camera of 74 year old Reg Pridmore, comes the closest to the true O.R.P. experience.

Click on the picture and enjoy.

Bill Murray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kZks-qcvPjw





Notes from the Driving Master (aka: The Great Gazoo) Our Friday May 24th driver training day was a

huge success not only from a financial standpoint (and did we ever need that) but

also the quality experience we provided to our attendees. We had approximately 72 paid attendees. A big thanks from me goes out to

our instructors and from the feedback I received about that instruction makes me very proud of what we did that day. Kevin

Smith did an excellent job again with the ground school explaining all the nuances of high performance driving. I finally convinced my brother to come out to the track and he really

appreciated how the ground school was broken into short segments between the track sessions. He said he could focus

on what had just been presented in the ground school then apply it on the track. I received an email from one of our attendees who had nothing but praise for his instructor, Morgan Smith. If you don’t know Morgan, he is a fairly new member to TC and lives

in the Bend area. Morgan is quick to help out wherever you need him and is easy to talk to. Below is the email Morgan’s student, Ray Yost sent to me. It not only speaks volumes about

Morgan as an instructor but also about TC driver training. Jim Larfield

TC Driving Master

Jim; I wanted to follow up my end of day evaluation with some more specific comments about the exceptional quality of

the instructional techniques of my instructor - Morgan Smith. As a former career Air Force flight instructor with over 1500 in -flight instructor hours in B-52 and B-1B bombers, as

well as having spent two years on the faculty of the SAC's Central Flight Instructor School, I know a bit about teaching in a high performance environment. Morgan hit all the right notes. He insured that the needs and goals of the student were identified, and tracked progress both throughout the sessions and at the end of the day

(something I don't ever remember experiencing with other HPDE instructors). He accurately identified the current level of his student and tailored his instruction to that level - a critical part of effective teaching.

I was also impressed with his actual in-car coaching. Inappropriate student behavior was corrected with positive suggestions for improvement, giving the student a sense of continued progress rather than frustration with the errors being made.

I've participated in a number of HPDE sessions with other clubs over the past few years, and this was far and away the best quality instruction I have received - rivaling that I would expect from a professional. I realize that TC doesn't

have the instructor training resources that we enjoyed in the Air Force, but if you are look ing for a model for others to emulate, Morgan would be it.

Ray Yost F & C ICSCC ROD



Americans Not Into Driving Anymore? By Jennifer Ghidinelli, Sept. 9, 2013, 8 a.m.

I would like to note that the information was primarily based on an article from the Associated Press by Joan Lowy.

Last week we read an interesting article from the Associated Press that suggests that according to the latest stats from the Federal Highway Administration, American's love affair with cars is over.

Can this really be true? Here are the stats:

After rising for decades, the collective miles people drive peaked in August 2007

During the "Great Recession" the collective miles driven dropped sharply and has plateaued ever

since

Vehicle miles traveled during the first half of 2013 were down slightly, continuing the trend

Average miles per individual peaked in July 2004 at just over 900 miles per month

By July 2012, the average miles per individual declined 9% to 820 miles per month

Percentage of people in their teens, 20s and 30s with driver's licenses has been dropping significantly

So what exactly is going on here? Here's what the researchers say.

Duh, It's the Economy

With the slowdown in the economy beginning in 2008, people just can't afford to buy or maintain their cars. According to the AP, driving declines exactly mirror job losses among men during the recession when male-dominated industries like manufacturing and construction were especially hit hard.

For teens and young adults, buying and owning a car is outside of their reach. It's much harder than it used to be for younger workers to find jobs and the cost of higher education is soaring. Not to

mention the cost of insurance, maintenance, parking and especially gas, have all increased over the past decade.

No, It's Our "View" of the Car

There has been a fundamental shift in the way we view the automobile. Commuters stuck in traffic, the headaches related to owning a car in central cities and the difficulty of parking, lead people to no longer associate the car with fun. Further, because cars have morphed into computers on wheels and you can't just open the hood and get to know it, young men don't care what kind of car they drive.

The Internet is to Blame

People are doing more and more of their shopping online, eliminating some of the need to drive. And social networking may also be substituting for some trips. According to a study by the University of Michigan, "the decline in teens and young adults with driver's licenses in the US was mirrored in other wealthy countries with a high proportion of Internet users."

It's the Baby Boomers

The peak driving years for most people are between ages 45 and 55 when they are at the height of their careers and have more money. Now that the last of the baby boomers are moving out of their peak driving years, the statistics are consequently declining.

Are You Concerned?

It's unlikely that the reason for the decline in the collective miles people drive is one simple answer. The real question is, how does this affect the driving events we put on? If Americans really have lost their love affair with the car, will they want to attend high performance drivers schools, club races, autocrosses, rallies and so forth? Or does our hobby necessitate a real passion for the sport regardless of the general public's behavior and these stats don't really matter?



OREGON RACEWAY PARK WRAPPING UP OF THE 2013 SEASON

Labor Day Weekend

STAR Projects Track Day / RAT Race

ABOVE: Goldendale’s Mantel Powers in the Supercharged 3.8 Liter Fiero leads the Master Mechanics MR-2 and Team Hoon Miata down the Caspell Straight early in the race. RAT Races are famous for always employing a twist; this race started counter clockwise, and with help of the pace car and careful coordination from the turn workers, reversed track direction four times at random, on a hot track, over the eight hours of the race.

Below: Jake Egger and Ben Brown both now elevated to Team Captain’s. Egger (left) running in his fourth RAT race having driven P.I.R., Thunderhill and pulling off the win at the “Baggett’s Legacy” race at O.R.P. in May, brought home another victory co-driving with Duane Starr in “The Fabulous Party Girl” . Brown, and his teammates D.J. Hedges and relief driver Gary Martin came in a solid third in

the V/W Ratbit.

ABOVE: An entry from Spokane; “The Cone Damage Racing Team” overcame some mechanical difficulties during the race and was still

running strong enough for fourth place at the end.

BELOW: L to R. Andy Robottom, Gary Martin,

Mantle Powers.

RIGHT: Tony Hauser suits up for a day of perfecting his counter clockwise

technique in one of the rental cars.

A surprising new talent and quick study; Erica Blackman drove one of the Team Hoon Miata’s on Saturday in her first Track Day ever. Sunday she drove the Ratillac to a very respectable combined

lap time in The Rat Challenge.




and The Baggett’s Legacy RAT Race.

ABOVE: Track Office Manager Brenda Pikl, O.R.P. Partner Rick Fisher of Phil Blackstone’s “Ass Fault Racing” and

Mantle Powers, driver of the 3.8 liter supercharged Fiero from Goldendale. BELOW RIGHT: Duane Starr of a Team Starr

Rats and Acurat team Leader Ben Brown with

wife Amanda on a rainy Memorial Day.

Pete Belfanti finally getting a chance to get behind the wheel himself after being the main man behind a very successful T.C. Race.

weekend

O.R.P. construction guru Kevin Kaseberg readies his ride in the “Team Ass Fault” Acura.

Ben Weaver and Jordan Allen of Team R.S.I.. The first place drivers, still smiling although ineligible for the $1,000.00 prize money due to illegal tires.



TEAM CONTINENTAL – GENERAL MEETING MINUTES, rev1

Date: August 21, 2013


Meeting was called to order at 7:09 PM by TC President, Terry Amundson;

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS: Kathy was introduced as Pete’s Guest, recently relocated from Maine

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS:


1 recent member renewal, 124 total members;

EXECUTIVE BOARD REP (Kevin Smith):

Discussions for 2014 race dates have begun

ICSCC Officers – Dave Bennitt has offered to serve as President for 2014, any TC members who may be interested in serving for 2015 should begin grooming now;

PPM changes for EBoard vote or Comp Regs EBR only should be written soon so EBoard reps can begin discussions prior to the Fall meeting – need to be prepared by middle of September;

CONTEST BOARD REP (Jon Wilson):

TC Rule change committee was held, 6-7 rule change proposals have been prepared and will be

submitted;

Once all clubs have submitted proposals, ICSCC Steward will compile and distribute for final vote;

TC will plan for this follow-up meeting to be mid-September.

TREASURER (Val Starr):

see handout report of TC General Funds and Profit/Loss, dated August 21, 2013

TC is in the black with current bank balances;

RACE CHAIRMAN (Pete Belfanti):

Driver surveys were sent out after recent TC BOD Meeting, responses are being compiled;

Per Kevin – surveys were distributed Monday am to all driver contacts on MSR who entered the TC Race, 20 responses have been received so far; Most are reasonably positive – negatives include lack of paddock space and expense in terms of dollars per track time;

Work Party is scheduled for bleacher rebuild/refurbish – important for TC in many levels to show participation in ORP related projects; 8 am Sept 7th please meet at Duane’s – refer to direct email

sent to all TC Members; tools needed include grinders, generators, sanders, paint supplies, sawhorses; Lunch will be provided!

One other work party project is in process – Pete is constructing a form for concrete to be poured for brake marker bases used for counter-clockwise course configuration;

Race Committee debrief meeting is scheduled for 7pm wed August 28th at Laurelwood Brewery;

Race pricing is being considered in the form of a Tiered structure with post-race rebates depending

on entry counts;

Race Group 8 was a large reason the TC Memorial day race was financially viable; Other special

race groups being considered include Enduro series, Legends and Vintage;

2014 date requests have been submitted for May 23rd – 26th and June 13th – 15th as an alternate;




Meeting minutes are available for review at each BOD and General Membership meeting; PAST PRESIDENT (Mitch Lea): (not present, no report);

DRIVING MASTER (Jim Larfield): (not present, no report);

PRESIDENT (Terry Amundson): (no report);

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (Ben Weaver) / TELLTALE EDITOR (Bill Murray): (see below) STAR PROJECTS (Bill Murray): (see below); VICE PRESIDENT (Duane Starr): (no report);

COMMITTEE REPORTS: (none)

OLD BUSINESS: (none)

NEW BUSINESS: (items not previously submitted for the agenda)

TellTale will be distributed soon;

Pete B – suggests to TC bylaws committee pertaining to reimbursement policy for race refunds;

Bill M – If TC is considering running ORP counterclockwise, it would be advantageous to run an off season track day event at ORP in counterclockwise configuration;

TC has already committed to banquet for 2014;

M/S – Motion to Adjourn, Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 7:56 PM;

BS & BONER DISCUSSIONS:

Bill inquired whether any TC members have run NASA events which offer a widely diverse groups of entrants and staffing;

Bill M – ORP has a new well installed, electrical and plumbing projects will soon follow;

Terry A – Have there been noon-time parade laps offered previously?

Kevin S – Boner Jacket has been MIA for a long time – who has it currently?

Bob S – Will be racing in ChumpCar this weekend with co-drivers Greg Bell, Ken Killam, guest

drivers Scott Hanken and Rick Delamare, Team Manager Holly Remington and Team Strategist Don Smethers;


RULE CHANGE NEWS / CONFERENCE AWARDS BANQUET!

A meeting was held Wednesday August 14 at 7:00 pm at the home of Jon Wilson, present were a

good turnout of Team Continental Racers to propose changes to the ICSCC competition rules for next year.

Attend Wednesday’s meeting (October 16th) to hear Jon’s report on how the club voted. Also let Jon know if you will be attending the Conference Fall Awards Banquet, so he can reserve

the correct number of banquet tables for the TC contingent. There is little that is more typical for Team Continental than a bunch of guys in Black Tie trying to

see who can keep a spoon stuck to their nose the longest. Ed.



Getting a jump on the list of track projects planned for 2014 volunteers show up for the first work day, this

one at the Starr Alpaca Farm.

RIGHT: The mold for casting brake marker bases

takes shape thanks to the engineering of Pete Belfanti.

Work begins on the first of 14

sets of bleachers for O.R.P

OREGON RACE WAY PARK UPDATE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH 2013




Date: September 18, 2013


Meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by TC President, Terry Amundson; GUEST INTRODUCTIONS:


PAST PRESIDENT (Mitch Lea):

Mitch presented TC By-Law change proposal pertaining to Perpetual Trophies, Driver of the Year;

(M/S – Bill M/Jon W) – Motion to adopt proposed wording as presented; Motion passed, no opposed;


Membership count is unchanged from previous month;

EXECUTIVE BOARD REP (Kevin Smith):

TC EB Reps are having ongoing discussions for 2014 race dates;

A letter is drafted and will be forwarded to ICSCC HQ requesting counterclockwise approval at

ORP;

Jon W – Recommendation to run a test day with counterclockwise configuration;


TC is considering partnership with an affiliate club to run autocross event in conjunction with TC at

ORP;

In order for TC DT to be financially viable, need partnership or run DT adjacent to TC race events;


List is being compiled for all submitted ICSCC rule change proposals to be distributed;

TC Meeting will be scheduled to be held prior to ICSCC Fall meeting and is scheduled for

Wednesday, October 9th at Jon Wilson’s house – 9323 N St Louis Ave, Portland OR 97203 ;

Kevin S – will distribute notification of this meeting;


see handout report of TC General Funds and Profit/Loss, dated September 18, 2013;

TC is in the black with current bank balances;

TC will be distributing reimbursement checks to ICSCC Member clubs for their financial support;


TC race dates requests will be submitted – first choice is pending NWMS swap with May date – July 11-13, May 23-25, June 6-9, 2014

TC DT dates alternate dates being considered include March 28-29 or November 1-2;

Discussion pertaining to configuration options, pending approval by ICSCC;



3 work parties have been held to refurbish grandstands and pour the first brake marker concrete

base – watch for future work party announcements – need to paint 2x10’s and pour more concrete bases;

Currently disassembled grandstands are being straightened and will be sand blasted and powder

coated;

Discussion regarding placement of grandstands and brake marker location for counterclockwise;

The next work party will be Saturday, October 12th at Duane & Val Starr – 36801 SE Proctor Rd, Boring OR 97009 – need to paint 2x10’s;

Timing & Scoring proposed equipment purchase was reviewed and will be presented for approva l;

Kevin S – per ICSCC obligation, ICSCC is responsible for providing latest Orbits software;

Pete will meet with Michael Conatore (ORP Technical Consultant) regarding networking availability to support wifi access with priority to accessing MotorsportsReg.com during the

weekend;

Paddock dimensions will be reviewed, online paddock reservation system is being considered;

Pete discussed previously distributed preliminary proposal regarding pro-rated rebate incentive;


Meeting minutes are available for review at each BOD and General Membership meeting;

PRESIDENT (Terry Amundson): (no report); COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (Ben Weaver) / TELLTALE EDITOR (Bill Murray): ()

STAR PROJECTS (Bill Murray): (see below); VICE PRESIDENT (Duane Starr): (no report);




Congratulations to Ali Montgomery for being selected as the 2013 SCCA Northern Pacific Division Worker of the Year!

Bill M is considering hosting a DT at ORP this fall, targeting skiers and how to drive in the snow/ice;

TC Banquet has already been booked at Newport Hallmark;

Kevin S – nominations for TC Club positions will be soon upon us, anybody interested should

begin seriously considering serving The Club for 2014;

M/S – Motion to Adjourn, Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 7:59PM;

BS & BONER DISCUSSIONS:

Review of recent boner-worthy violations, need current boner jacket owner Scott Hanken to produce jacket at a meeting and select a suitable recipient;

August Macbeth won the recent Rat Race Rat Challenge at ORP in Bill Murray’s Radillac;





Date: October 16, 2013


Meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by TC President, Terry Amundson;

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS:

Kathy was re- introduced as Pete’s Guest, recently relocated from Maine

Roy & Jeanine Hill were introduced by Pete B, are interested in racing events and becoming more involved with The Club;


COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (Ben Weaver):

Publicity related items – Portland Roadster Show – working on race car for display in March 2014;

Winter Wonderland – working on securing a race car for display;

Peter Linssen has recently relinquished the position of TC Webmaster after 3 years of dedicated

service. Jeremy Plance has agreed to take over the position as TC webmaster;

Jeremy – we could consider creating posters to be distributed at the Portland Roadster Show;


Call for the 2014 ORP race deposit vote $1550 for July 11,12,13 Driver Training and Race

weekend; TC BOD Motion was approved for recommendation that TC General Membership approve the

budget as submitted; (M/S – Pete B/Mitch L) – Motion to approve the race deposit expenditure; After discussion, the

motion was revised to adjust deposit to $1800 – Motion Passed;

Call for the vote on T&S equipment recommendation from race committee.

TC BOD/Race Committee Motion was approved for recommendation that TC General Membership approve the budget as submitted;

(M/S – Pete B/Kevin S) – Motion to approve the T&S expenditure; discussion – reflects

previous adjustment that ICSCC provides Orbits software to Member Clubs; Bill M – for such few events to be held, it may not make sense to make this expenditure; Jeremy – has some items on the hardware list which may be donated; Skip Y – note that this is a budget, expenditure

would happen later – Motion Passed;

Work party – The next work party is scheduled for 9am, Sunday 10/19/2013 at Duane & Val Starr

residence to finish painting bleacher boards and unmolding the brake marker form for concrete bases;

Bill M – has not heard from Johnson Concrete, based in The Dalles for possibly pouring the remaining concrete bases; the target is forecast for Feb-March 2014 for completion of the remaining

15 bases;

Pete has spoken with a representative of 4-5 radio broadcast stations to promote TC DT and race

events; TC Driving Master Jim L may provide a few free DT entries in exchange for radio promotions;

Race pricing plan discussion (see handout)

New twist on 2013 budget will reflect a profitable event with post-race rebate based on total entries for the weekend – possible discounts are being considered; Bill M – supports the

discount structure, drivers could be self-promote the event and could be supported by business-



minded driver entries to ensure the event is financially viable; Jeremy – this could be a huge impact on Treasury;

Kevin S – ICSCC requires refunds for no-shows, Member Clubs refunds are not necessarily required to be 100%, a reasonable no show fee could be charged; Pete B – the handout reflects

first race entries only, some eligibility restrictions may apply; Jeremy – could the rebate be in the form of discount for the following event? Bill C – we should not publish the actual rebate structure pre-race;

Andy R – commends Pete for the innovative idea, Race Committee is the proper venue for discussion and finalization of this level of detail; Pete B – please keep this discussion item

private; BANQUET CHAIR (Mark Hanken, reported by Terry A):

Team Continental Annual Awards Banquet scheduled for Jan 18, 2014 at Newport Hallmark;

Nominations for TC BOD Positions are open as of tonight’s October General Meeting;

NEW BUSINESS (TC BOD Nominations):

Jon W/Jim L – nominated Dennis Peters as Membership Director – accepted;

Mitch L/ Jon W – nominated Kevin Smith as Executive Board Rep – accepted;

Kevin S/ Mitch L – nominated Jim Larfield as TC Driver Training Master – accepted;

Kevin S/Al K – nominated Pete Belfanti as TC Race Chairman – accepted;

Skip Y/ Bill M – nominated Ben Weaver as TC Vice President – accepted;

Mitch L/Kevin S – nominated Bob Smethers as TC Secretary – accepted;


Ongoing discussions with an autocross club (ACCO) to co-host an event; Jim L – recommends

scheduling a planning meeting with Race Chair, President and ACCO representatives;

Kevin S – tentative DT dates need to be requested at the ICSCC Fall Meeting (November);

Jim L – November date weather issues may not be financially viable; both club entities would share the expense, may try to request a better date; Kevin S – ICSCC does not require refunds for DT no

shows; Terry A – recommends this discussion be handled at the TC committee level; Kevin S – TC could propose the tentative dates, could be finalized at ICSCC Spring meeting for insurance quote

purposes; Skip Y – if autocrossers want to be racers, would recommend having the combined event on the Friday of TC Race event; Bill M – suggest submitting a floating date TBD, ORP may be willing to negotiate a backup date, winter rental rates are substantially less expensive, Bend,

Goldendale, Yakima and other surrounding areas are a great potential customer base;


Membership count is unchanged from previous month – 124 current members;

(M/S – Kevin S/Bill M) – Motion to set TC Membership dues at $30; discussion – this would same as 2013 so Jeremy can setup in MSR for the 2014 season; Motion Passed;


See handout report of TC General Funds, dated October 15, 2013;

Reimbursement checks have been distributed to ICSCC Member clubs with letter of appreciation;

Skip Y – commends Pete B and staff for hosting a profitable event;




A Meeting was held recently to submit rule change proposal final vote for the ICSCC Fall meeting;

Andy R – Thanks to Jon for hosting this meeting; EXECUTIVE BOARD REP (Kevin Smith):

ICSCC Fall Meeting November 9-10, Pete B has volunteered to be TC EBR alternate; TC submitted agenda items with minor changes to PPM and proposal to approve ORP race to run

counterclockwise; Terry A – are refunds of ICSCC donations being received well? Clubs appreciate the thought; Skip Y – A 3 mile motorsports course is being considered in Bremerton, WA – just FYI only;

Bill M – would like to have TC Member dinner table at ICSCC Fall Banquet, November 9th;


Meeting minutes are available for review at each BOD and General Membership meeting;

PAST PRESIDENT (Mitch Lea): (no report);

PRESIDENT (Terry Amundson): (no report); STAR PROJECTS (Bill Murray): (see below); VICE PRESIDENT (Duane Starr): (no report);




Congratulations to Ali Montgomery for being selected as the 2013 SCCA Northern Pacific Division Worker of the Year!

Pete B – would like to name the 2014 event to honor Bruce Baggett’s memory;

M/S – Motion to Adjourn, Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 8:00PM; BS & BONER DISCUSSIONS:

Review of recent boner-worthy violations, current boner jacket owner Scott Hanken will produce jacket at a meeting and select a suitable recipient;

Bill M – is anybody interested in racing CSCC Enduro this weekend or Rat Race in 2 weeks?


A new monthly feature:

TC Networking

Send your business card to the TT editor. We will publish it so other club members know what it

is you do to support your habit and

they can refer you additional business.



RACEWAY PARK OREGON UPDATE 10/20/2013 / Volunteer work party.

Members of Portland racing club Team Continental cast the first brake marker base for racing in the counter clockwise direction.

LEFT; Bill Harris and Race Chairman Pete Belfanti testing the ”Lost Foam” method of forming the center hole for the numbered Styrofoam markers.

These bases hold the decreasingly numbered monoliths that help a driver gauge the distance as they approach a corner at speed.

On the right side of the picture finished bleacher assemblies await shipping to the track.

BELOW: a little worried about losing face with his teammates if his plan to dissolve the core plug into goo with acetone fails, Pete Belfanti cautiously inspects the progress.

ABOVE: Bob Smethers works on assembly while BELOW Dennis Roberts, Bert Dilly and Kevin Smith put a second coat of paint on a bleacher board. Also helping out but not pictured were George Todd, Alan Kolkemo, John Rissberger, Valerie and Duane Starr.

LOWER RIGHT: Belfanti turns out to be a pretty good engineer as well

as a great Race Chairman. Perfect fit first try!



Tell Tale

Editor

5670 SW Menefee Drive

Portland, OR 97239

MEGA ISSUE

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