die sonnenküeste · cover page feature. get a closer look at the some of the vintage cars in...
TRANSCRIPT
January – March 2017
In this Issue... The Ultimate Getaway The B.I.G. Car Show Fields Car Show Going GREEN
FSC Dealerships
A quarterly publication from the Suncoast Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America
Die Sonnenküeste
Current OfficersPresidentStan Dale
(305) [email protected]
Vice PresidentFrank Mann
(727) [email protected]
Treasurer Stella Metz
Secretary Carol Villar
(813) [email protected]
Current Board Members Michael Clark
Christopher Gandees [email protected]
Russ Garvey (813) 230-5705
Dave Uman [email protected]
Dennis Johnston [email protected]
Administrative Members Motorsports Coordinator Dave Uman / Russ Garvey
[email protected] Newsletter Editor (Temp) Stan Dale
[email protected] Webmeister Carol Villar
[email protected] (813)586-3572
FLORIDA SUNCOAST CHAPTER BMW CCA, INC. Post Office Box 172215 Tampa, Florida 33618
Social Media Website
www.fscbmwcca.com
Facebook FloridaSuncoastBMWCCA
Twitter @fscbmwcca
BMW CCA National Officers President
Steve Johnson
Exec Vice President Eddy Funahashi
South Atlantic Region VP J. Dwayne Mosley
The Fine Print Die Sonnenkueste is the official newsletter of the BMW Car Club of America – Suncoast Chapter. It is a quarterly publication intended to serve as a means of communication highlighting events and members of the chapter. No portion in part or whole may be reproduced without the written permission of the Suncoast BMW CCA Board of Directors.
All submissions are subject to editing for space constraints, style, and editorial consistency and must include name and phone number for consideration. All photos, articles and letters should be submitted to the Newsletter Editor at [email protected]
Any address or email changes should be submitted to the Suncoast BMW CCA President or Secretary to ensure timely delivery.
ADMINISTRATION
As the idiom goes...It pays to have good friends in all the right places! Bill Newman happens to be one of those great guys. Bill is the Driver Representative for the Central Florida Region / Sports Car Club of America. Bill dropped me an email in January inviting FSC members to take part in the Regional Florida Cup and Vintage Races at Sebring International Raceway on Saturday, February 11th & 12th. It wasn’t an offer that I/we could turn down.
This trophy event features Vintage German race cars. With awards going to the top three finishing German autos. All drivers with eligible race cars and the appropriate competition license were invited to register for this event. In addition, all German Car Club members were invited to attend as spectators at no charge. Bill offered FSC Chapter members a few laps on the track in their own BMW. SCCA provided the pace car (at a really good pace, wink wink) during the lunch break. We also had our own designated corral for parking.
As is normal on most touring events originating from Ft Myers/Naples area, we assembled at the Daniels Parkway Rest-Area to begin our drive to the track. Members began arriving around 7:00 for a 7:30 departure. As we travelled through the countryside we picked up members from the East coast, Tampa, Punta Gorda, and other points....collecting 20 Bimmers and Mini Coopers in all. The drive over was wonderful... cool, clear morning! Nice!
Entry to Sebring was made simple. In order to get a pass and gain entry, we had to show-up at the SCCA registration building and identify ourselves as a BMW Car Club member on Saturday between 7:30AM to 10:30AM. Once properly registered we drove the bridge crossing over turn seventeen to our corral parking area.
Once parked, members huddled for a quick overview about the track. Some headed to the grandstand area toget a look from the highest vantage point, others headed to various turns around the track to
To learn more about the History of Sebring Raceway go to:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebring_International_Raceway
COVER PAGE FEATURE
get a closer look at the some of the vintage cars in action.
Everyone gathered back at the corral in preparation for the Drive-on Event. Lots of excitement filled the air as we did our pre-drive safety review. George and Bev Westacott’s daughter Jennifer had flown in from Albany, New York to pilot Bev’s e39 around the track. George said she had a huge smile on her face the entire time. Like mother,like daughter!
Bimmers line-up in preparation for some serious track time
Dave & Dawn Uman tested out some helmets
During their hot laps
Bill Newman CFRSCCA Vintage Driver Rep
Bill Newman, SCCA Vintage Driver Rep. dropped by to welcome FSC members to Sebring.
Bill invited FSC members to consider membership in SCCA. “We can always use corner
workers and other event officials to help Central Florida Region SCCA put on successful races
at Sebring and Daytona.” If you have any questions, you can call Bill at (239) 229-5766.
Hey let’s take a drive somewhere... Touring group meets for a big drive out to Sebring...
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT
First Name Last Name City State First Name Last Name City State First Name Last Name City StateDennis Bonita SpringsPechek FL Kendal Billings Largo FL Bastacky Sarasota FLMichael Knott Bradenton FL Monte Hamsher Lehigh Acres FL Stephenson Sarasota FLHarry Crawford Bradenton Michael Burger Lutz FL
MaryJoAlanWill Bean Sarasota FL
Anne Bliton BrandonFLFL Charles Sheets Lutz FL Michael Harding Sarasota FL
Quentin McHenry Brandon FL Pieter Van Dien Naples FL Patryk Korbut Seminole FLJim King Cape Coral FL Lee Lanktree Naples FL Noel Dunham Seminole FLNanette Meeler Cape Coral FL Nicholas Steinbach Naples FL Rick Porter Seminole FLScott Ostrowsky FL Richard Demby New Port Richey FL Alan Barnes Tampa FLErnie Gameng Clearwater FL Jay Neal North Fort Myers FL Adam Caruso Tampa FLRoger Rommel Cold Brook NY Michael Walker Ocala FL Darren Rock Tampa FLTracy Rommel Cold Brook Gary Godek Ocala FL Matt Scott Tampa FLRichard Fults Columbia Daryle Greene Ocala FL Steven Beyer Tampa FLJoshua Alexander Englewood
NYSCFL Frank B Gabry Osprey FL Andrew Patch Tampa FL
Matthew McEnerney Fort Myers FL Scott Roberg Palm Harbor FL Ross Specter Tampa FLJose Diaz Fort Myers FL Chris Schlenker Palm Harbor FL John Curran Tampa FLMel Steves Gulfport FL William Alford Plant City FL Barry Murante Tampa FLRobert Boggio Holiday FL Roman Orazem Port Charlotte FL Jack Uselton The Woodlands TXJohn Campanella Lakewood Ranch FL Anthony Ammiano Port Richey FL Russell Rifkin Trinity FLRichard Brummer land o lakes FL Santiago Fonseca Riverview FL Scott Ettinger University Park FLBobby Dean Land O Lakes FL Richard Marrotte Saint Petersburg FL Daniel Guito Valrico FLDavid Johnson Land O Lakes FL Nelson Silverio San Juan PR John Weaver Winter Haven FLKristen Johnson Land O Lakes FL Steven Cohen Sarasota FL
NEW MEMBERS
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND EACH AND EVERY EVENT AND SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR ALL THINGS BMW AND EXPLORE WHAT YOUR BMW CCA CLUB HAS TO OFFER.
Clearwater
PRESIDENTIAL POINTSTic Toc Tic Toc, Who’s Afraid of the Old Darn Clock.... Wow...where does the time go? Here we are in May and we’ve attended ½ dozen car shows and 4 track events. If I even think of adding anything else to my schedule I’m going to have to retire! We have had the privilege of seeing a lot of our Chapter members at our different outings. A gentleman said to me the other day...”I’ve been a member for 40 years and this is my first event!” Wow, what a shame! CCA membership is more than just
receiving a magazine every month! It’s about getting out and discovering the amazing feelof your BMW Ultimate Driving Machine; it’s about meeting new people and seeing old friends; it’s about expanding your personal universe! We are a cool group of enthusiasts...no matter what your age...we invite you to come on out and PLAY! You might discover you forget about the clock when you’re in the game.
Drive ON! Stan
SEEKING Newsletter Editor
This prestigious position receives compensation and benefits equivalent to the Chapter President... okay now that I have your attention, (by the way... the President is a full-time volunteer position... but you already knew that)...
If you have the love or gift of crafting newsworthy, interesting articles... if you have the drive and passion of discovering cool things and or meeting new people, this could be your stepping stone to a fulfilling career. Or you could be a really good person and step-up and volunteer to help take our newsletter to another level.
The FSC newsletter is required to publish once a quarter. No complicated software is required. If you can use Microsoft Word and PDF, then you are, as they say, Qualified.
Newsletter Editor ResponsibilitiesThe FSC Board is responsible for appointing a Newsletter Editor as prescribed by the National CCA. The Newsletter Editor is responsible for all gathering and editing material and assumes responsibility for the Chapter newsletter (published in accordance with BMW CCA, Inc. guidelines), subject to direction from the president.
Responsibilities include: Production timeline; read, write, edit, materials presented for production in a form consistent with the newsletter layout.
The Newsletter Editor will send a PDF copy of each edition of the newsletter to the webmaster for inclusion on the Chapter’s Web site.
The position reports to the president or his designee on the Board. For more information refer to the FSC Bylaws on the website for an official description.
Interested? Drop a note to Stan Dale, (President) at [email protected]
Wow! If you didn’t attend the Ultimate Getaway & Annual Dinner this year, there’s nothing I can write here that will do the event justice. Simply said...You missed a great UltimateGetaway!
Last year FSC Officers & Board of Directors elected to combine the Naples/Tampa Annual Dinners into a single "Ultimate Getaway" opting to centralize the venue at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a 4-Star Luxury Hotel on the water in Sarasota, Florida. FSC members took advantage of seasonally reduced room prices, as all reserved rooms quickly sold out.
Friday night attendees were treated to a private Cocktail & Hors d'oeuvres Reception on the Pool Deck. Many thanks to Jurgen Otto for loaning the 1980 M-1 and Z1 for display....Nice touch!
Everyone hit the deck early on Saturday morning to get their Bimmers all polished-up and ready for the Show & Shine. Paint & chrome got a little extra attention when we discovered Jay Leno was hovering around the hotel and could possibly attend our Show & Shine.
Click here to see all the pictures from theUltimate Getaway weekend
Saturday afternoon we enjoyed a ton of laughs as folks shredded the timed Autocross Course as they tried their hand on the remote-control BMWs. Oh thank heaven we didn’t have to have insurance on these babies... as the driving experience had nothing to do with “experience”! Add to our surprise the ladies out-drove most of the guys! (I can’t believe I put this in writing...)
It was a winner’s take all challenge. Contestants elected to drive either a new M3 or I-8.
Both cars were fully powered and demonstrated an extreme nimbleness. Winners were announced during dinner.
Attendees had a chance to catch their breath with a little relax time by the pool. It was a lazy Saturday afternoon; so others took a quick nap while others worked on their winter tan.
Dinner guests mixed and mingled during the Cocktail Hour at the Boathouse. Dinner was served in the Main Room of the Boathouse. Members enjoyed sounds of the times with live music, while taking the beautiful views of the boat basin.
After dinner featured KeynoteSpeaker Mike Miller, TechnicalEditor for ROUNDEL Magazine,sharing his insights regarding the BMW brand, what’s hot & what’s coming. Taking questions from members and guests Mike addressed technical questions ranging from brake component
choice to electronic challenges. Mike also shared some of his more humorous “FloridaStories”. Mike has been on staff with Roundel since 1991, becoming Tech Editor in 1996 and has been technical contributor to Bimmer Magazine since 1999.
President Stan Dale gave the “State of the Chapter” report. Recapping some of the works and improvements over the past year as directed and approved by the Board. Festivities moved to the awards segment of the evening. Trophies for the Show & Shine were presented. (L-R below): Dave Wilkerson – Best of Show; Candice Steckler – 1st Plc 20th Century; Jamie Vicenti – 2nd Plc 21st Century; Frank Mann 2nd Plc 20th Century. Awards for the Autocross were presented: Joe Heisler took home the 2016 M3 and Mike Schroeder won the 2016 I-8.
Dennis Johnston was presented the Member of the Year award.
FSC Sweeps 2017 The Fifth Annual B.I.G. European Sports and
Collector Car Show(British, Italian & German)
Sponsored by Triumphs of Southwest Florida, (TSWFL)
FSC Chapter members had another opportunity this year to pack the trophy case at the 2017 B.I.G. Car Show. Various clubs gathered on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Jaycee Park, Cape Coral, FL to have their members share with fellow enthusiasts and the public their enjoyment and experiences of owning a B.I.G. European sports or collector car.
British Italian German
This car show is free to the public and open to all B.I.G. European sports and collector cars, vintage and modern. Participants started arriving at 8:30 a.m. Participants voted for their favorite cars within each class. This show featured European sports & collector cars, raffle items, 50/50 drawing, vendor tables and more. Food and drinks were provided by St. Andrew’s Boy Scout Troop 34. Pre-registered cars received goodie-bags and dash plaques.
FSC Trophy Count...
1st Place - Modified Division Frank Mann 2002 1st Place - 20th Century Division Dave Wilkerson 3.0csi 2ndPlace - 20th Century Division Bruce Baker Isetta 1st Place - 21st Century Division Jim Baker Z Coupe 2ndPlace - 21st Century Division Erik Kramer M3
FSC 2017 Fields BMW Car Show
Saturday, March 25th 9:00 am @ Fields BMW - Lakeland, Fla
It’s the Annual Spring Florida Suncoast BMW CCA Car Show and Social Event you never want to miss.
Many thanks to the folks at Fields BMW – Lakeland for sharing their new facility to host this year’s Fields/FSC BMW Car Show. Fields provided everyone with superb hospitality
and a hearty BBQ lunch. Participants were treated to specially prepared welcome cake. I guess there is something to having your cake and eating it too! There was no charge for this event – Members attending were enthusiastic and enjoyed the food, fun and socializing.
Many members remember Bob Louty and the many years he served FSC. In recognition, FSC surprised him with a $50 gift Certificate to honor his many years of service to the Chapter. Surprisingly Fields also matched it making the total $100.00. That’s class! Other good friends turned out for the event, many saying hello to former President Bob Ziegler. Members Cleaned & Shined up their Bimmers and brought them out for all to see. We had some really sweet cars on show display and divided them between 21st and 20th Century. Many thanks to Mike Clark & Frank Mann for organizing and conducting this event...Nice job guys!The results of the judging were as follows:
""Best of Show"" Scott Watson's
limited production 2016 M4 GTS
3rd Place - 21st Century
Joel Almonte's 2003 M5
2nd Place - 21st Century Joel Almonte's
2003 M5
1st Place - 21st Century Santiago Fonseca's
2006 550i
1st Place - 20th Century Jim Shoemaker's
1988 E30 M3
2nd Place - 20th Century Frank Mann's
1990 Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo
3rd Place - 20th Century Denny Brown's 1985 735i Turbo
2nd Place - 21st Century Jim Agnew's
2013 M3 Cabriolet
More...
FSC 2017 Fields BMW Car Show
Naples / Ft Myers
Breakfast at the
The Naples / Ft Myers group is in sort of a quandary...we’re searching for a year-round restaurant to hold our regular monthly meeting. And as any good nomadic band will tell you, when in need head toward an oasis!
Never to turn down good advice, that’s exactly what we did... we packed up our pride and headed deep into the Ft Myers Historic River District to enjoy a fabulous breakfast at The OASIS
Restaurant. In business for more than twenty-seven years, owners Bonnie Grunberg & Tammie Shackey, along with GM Sheryl Heck rolled out the red carpet for this traveling band of Bimmer brethren.
Under a crisp blue sky, we enjoyed a cool morning air and cooked to order breakfast outside on the patio. What a treat! We experienced magnificent service, great food and awesome friends sharing conversations all about.
Visit The Oasis in Ft Myers, at
2260 Dr MLK Jr. Blvd., 33901
The Naples / Ft Myers group meet on the third (3rd) For the near future we’ll be checking out local restaurants between Naples, Ft Myers and Punta Gorda. Please watch the email blasts to learn about our next outing. See you there!
This summer watch out for our ever-so-
popular BIMMERS & BURGERS events. Beginning in June the 2nd & 4th Thursday nights, we’ll be touring around to various restaurants in Naples, Ft Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte and Sarasota. Gatherings are typically 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Come on out and meet other Chapter Members and guests. The food is great, Conversations are even better. Bring a camera! You never know what kind of BMW treasure will show-up! See you there!
BMW CCA has over 70,000 BMW Chapter members across the country and around the world. Florida Suncoast BMW Chapter has approximately 1250 Chapter members spread across the same landscape. Why is this important? Read on. Quarterly your FSC Chapter is required to produce a newsletter for distribution to all members and associate
members. With today’s technology available at your fingertips via devices such as: laptop; smart phone; I-pad, etc., FSC has the ability to deliver your newsletter straight to your device. And software technology even allows you to “turn the pages” on your electronic newsletter. Heck you can even print a copy if you so desire. FSC web-archives each edition.
Here’s where we need your help! The cost to mail newsletters can consume approximately 20% of the FSC Chapter annual budget! Savings can be used towards other club events!Help FSC GO GREEN.
Log into your BMW CCA account > click on Email and Demographics Set your preference to > Receive Chapter Newsletter via: E-Mail
Help us... Help You Go Green
Tampa Monthly Dinner MeetingCheck out the monthly meeting in the Tampa/St Pete/Clearwater area held monthly at Carrabba’s Italian Grill 2680 Gulf to Bay Blvd in Clearwater. If you are coming from I-275 exit Hwy 60 and follow Gulf to Bay and turn right at the light just before Hwy 19. Arrival time is 6:00 PM with the meeting beginning at 7:30 PM. We have the private room and you get real china and a nice sit down dinner for $12.95.
Web Site Update: FSC BMW Dealerships
In an effort to provide contact information for all BMW Dealerships in the FSC territory, Chapter members and Florida visitors can now access dealership information at the touch of your mouse. Dealership information is now accessible from your desktop, laptop and mobile device. Click on About Us then scroll down to FSC Dealerships. When on page, simply click on the BMW icon to access dealership information. Dealership information will display to the left side of your screen providing address, phone & email address. Instant mapping is just a click away.
Registered for O'Fest? Then it's time to get rewarded with a lot of Shell V-Power NiTRO+!
Filling up with Shell V-Power NiTRO+ on the way to O'Fest is as natural as seeing the "would you like your receipt?" question on the pump, and hitting "yes." Longtime BMW CCA partner, Shell, is once again stepping up with a whole bevvy of gas cards this year, including two for members who collect their Shell receipts during their drive to New Orleans. Shell's not stopping there, though, because they know you're not stopping until you get to O'Fest. They are also providing a $250 Shell gas card for the club member who drives the longest distance to O'Fest, so for those of you ready to redefine the words "road trip," you could be rewarded with more than just praise and awe from your fellow O'Fest attendees.
And when talking in automotive circles, some gas is good, but more gas is better. Because you shouldn't wait for O'Fest to fill your tank with Shell V-Power NiTRO+, anyone who registers for O'Fest before the end of Monday, May 15, is eligible to win a $250 Shell gas card as part of the Shell Registration Rewards Raffle - regardless of how you arrive at O'Fest and from how far away!
SHELL REGISTRATION REWARDS FOR THOSE REGISTERING BEFORE MAY 15!
(Including those who have already registered)
PUSH LIMITS. BREAK RECORDS. Experience legendary BMW M vehicles like never before with our M Track Days. This exclusive event gives drivers a
half-day with the full M fleet, professional instruction on famous racetracks, and a timed lap that qu alifies you for a nationwide driving competition – all for $250.
THE DAY'S EVENTS Our lead-follow drills are specifically designed to get any driver’s adrenaline pumping. But the thri lls don’t stop there. Drivers will move from classroom to track for drag racing, braking, instructor hot laps, and a timed autocross. Buckle up for something special.
JOIN THE NATIONWIDE DRIVING COMPETITION
Every driver taking part in M Track Days is entered into the Ultimate Driver competition. The top drivers from autocross will move on to the finals at BMW’s Performance Center West in Thermal, California. And if you win, you’ll be crowned the UltimateDriver.
FIND YOUR TRACK. WIN YOUR TRACK.
@ mtrackdays.bmwusa.comOUR PARTNERS
Photo Credit: fogarasi
Florida Suncoast Chapter BMWCCA, Inc. P.O. Box 172215Tampa, FL 33672
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