Volume XLIX No. 2 February 2021 - Tarheel BMW CCA
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Volume XLIX No. 2 February 2021 Photos by Robert McIsaac
TARHEEL CHAPTER BMW CCA
PO BOX 30203 CHARLOTTE, NC 28230 • http://tarheelbmwcca.org
TARHEEL BMW CCA CHAPTER OFFICERS AREA COORDINATORS FINE PRINT
ASHEVILLE AREA WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTIONS to
PRESIDENT Christopher Joyner the FOOTNOTES are welcome and encouraged. Please send a
Paul Dunlevy Arden, NC self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your discs or
6424 Littlewood Drive, Kernersville, NC 27284 C: (828) 398-0325 photographs returned.
mrbimmer@fastmail.com EDITORIAL DEADLINE is the 1st day of each month
(336) 996-3149 pauldunlevy@icloud.com
prior to the publication month, i.e. February 1 for the March
CAPE FEAR AREA issue. The Editor reserves the right to edit for length and appropri-
VICE PRESIDENT
Alan Greene (910)228-5037 H (910)512-5652 M ateness. Articles and classified advertisements may be mailed,
April Curtis
(no text) cagreene48@gmail.com or emailed to the Editor’s attention.
1200 Mt Vernon Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614
The FOOTNOTES currently reaches over 2,900+ people
(919) 847-7542 acurtis995@gmail.com Matt Sarkela matt.sarkela@gmail.com throughout North Carolina, the USA and Europe.
Advertising Rates:
SECRETARY CHARLOTTE QUEEN CITY AREAS
Display Ads: Full page $90, one-half page $55, and
Karen Seymour-Blood Chris Webber (Area I)
one-quarter page $28. All rates quoted are per issue. Discounts
(704) 782-4672 (704) 523-9118 C: (704) 906-8876
for contracts paid in advance: 15% off – 12-month contract, 10%
secretary@tarheelbmwcca.org christopher.b.webber@gmail.com
off – 6-month contract, and 5% off – 3-month contract. All adver-
Andy Barbee (Area II)
tising must be coordinated/approved by Paul Hoecke 919/967-
TREASURER clt2thbmwcca@gmail.com
2069. Rates are for ads run consecutively and all ads must be
Andy Barbee (704) 701-2294
paid in advance. Ad copy must be submitted camera ready. All
(704) 701-2294
DOWNEAST/I-95 AREA copy which must be altered or prepared for publication will result
thbmwtreasurer@gmail.com
Alex Kordis in the advertiser paying standard commercial rates for any work
Greenville, NC deemed necessary by the Editor.
EDITOR Such A Deal advertising is free to all Tarheel Chapter
(757) 818-0888
Bob Blood members. Ads submitted must not be longer than 40 words, not
alexkordis@tarheelbmwcca.org
(704) 782-4672 including name and telephone number. Ads submitted which are
newsletter@tarheelbmwcca.org HURRICANE REGION longer will be edited to suit our space limitations. Ads will run for
Position Open three months only. Commercial advertising is not accepted in the
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN such a deal section.
Jonathan Strine NORTHERN MOUNTAIN AREA Non-Members can advertise in this section for a flat fee
(919) 670-1280 membership@tarheelbmwcca.org John Cochrane of $5 per issue (checks sent to Club P.O. Box). The same 40-word
PO Box 741 limitation plus name and telephone number applies.
ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN Valle Crucis, NC 28691 We appreciate the support of our advertisers, and while
Brenda Dunlevy (865) 250-4727 their ads’ presence in the FOOTNOTES does not necessarily
6424 Littlewood Road, Kernersville, NC 27284 JGCochrane1968@gmail.com imply endorsement or approval by the TARHEEL CHAPTER,
(336) 996-3149 bedunlevy@icloud.com we do encourage our members to consider our advertisers for the
ROANOKE AREA products and services they offer.
CUSTODIAN JoElla John - (540) 992-3040 The Tarheel BMW List provides a casual, online forum
Danny Staley jjohnmcoupe@aol.com for chapter members to discuss BMWs and BMW CCA events
596 Rest home road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 Scott Donaldson and related topics of interest to local members.
(336) 973-3404 adstaley@wilkes.net Blacksburg, VA To begin getting the Tarheel BMW List, send an e-mail
roanoke.tarheel.bmwcca@gmail.com to tarheelbmw-subscribe@topica.com (make sure you send the
HPDE CHAIRMAN email from the email address that you want to receive the list mes-
Tom Tice SANDHILLS AREA sages), or contact list administrator Frank Massaro at fmarch@
3711 Crosstimbers Dr. Greensboro, NC 27410 Danny Miller mindspring.com for assistance.
(336) 207-4127 teticem3@gmail.com Fayetteville, NC The TARHEEL CHAPTER, BMW CCA, INC. (hereinafter
(301) 325-9726 referred to as the “Club”) is a non-profit North Carolina corpora-
MEMBER-AT-LARGE mperformancelife@gmail.com tion. The Club is in no way or manner connected with Bayerische
Motoren Werke A. G. or BMW of North America, Inc. The Club’s
Bud Boren
TRIAD AREAS mailing address is PO Box 30203 Charlotte, NC 28230. The
P. O. Box 39403, Greensboro, NC 27438
(336) 691-1699, (336) 691-1698 Fax Winston-Salem - Marc Schatell TARHEEL FOOTNOTES is published by the Club on the first
Winston-Salem, NC of each month or on the first postal business day thereafter. This
mhs@triad.rr.com publication and all its contents shall remain the property of the
BOARD EX-OFFICIO MEMBER &
Greensboro - David Harrison Club, and all information provided therein is provided by and
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Greensboro, NC for the members of the Club. Officially recognized chapters of
Paul Hoecke, Sr.
david.harrison@outlook.com BMW CCA and BMW ACA are granted permission to reprint or
1513 Arboretum Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
excerpt any material in the TARHEEL FOOTNOTES. The Club
(919) 967-2069 hph.freude@gmail.com TRIANGLE AREA assumes no liability for any of the information contained herein.
Robert McIsaac Unless otherwise noted, none of this information bears the status
CHANGE OF ADDRESS? Clayton, NC © factory approvedTM. The ideas, opinions, and suggestions
Roundel, BMW CCA, Inc. (919) 880-8012 expressed in regards to technical matters are those of the authors,
640 South Main Street, Suite 210 robert_p_mcisaac@yahoo.com and no authentication is implied. MODIFICATIONS UNDER-
Greenville, SC 29601 TAKEN WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD MIGHT VOID THE
Jeff Krukin
WARRANTY.
Chapel Hill, NC
(919) 338-0936
Jeff@jeffkrukin.com
ON THE COVER:
Raleigh Area Roundels Racing into The New Year: To
welcome the New Year, the Raleigh Area planned our first
drive of 2021 on January 2nd. The year now fading into the
rear-view mirror was certainly a challenging one, although
we built an array of new organizational “muscle” in ’20
which will stand us in good stead going into the future. In
addition to perfecting picnics as the preferred way of en-
joying dinners, lunches, and breakfasts, we also refined a
“touchless” driving experience model which allows us to
run events that are properly socially distanced, leverage
face masks and hand sanitizer in an efficient way and reg-
ister event participants digitally. All of these were things we could not imagine using at the dawn of
2020; today we could not fathom running events without them. Kudos to the
(continued on page 6)
MEMBERSHIP CORNER
This month, we’d like to give a warm Tarheel wel- ties, and welcome the opportunity to get to know
come to 20 new and returning members and as- you better at some of these events. We encourage
sociate members. This brings our total chapter you to contact your Area Coordinator to find out
membership to 2959! Our membership is the life- about local dinner meetings and other ways to get
blood of the Club. Without your participation, there involved in YOUR club. Come join us, you’ll have a
would be no Club. We offer a wide variety of activi- great time!
Lyn Adams Apex NC
Michael Bender Raleigh NC
Steve Bergner Brevard NC
Kellie Bradley Raleigh NC
Chris Daniel Hickory NC
Marilyn Gist Raleigh NC
Katrina Hargrave Raleigh NC
Roddrick Hargrave Raleigh NC
Jim Kronquist Monroe NC BMW Car Club
of America
Cal McCollough Kernersville NC
Paul Morro Raleigh NC
Weston Norris
Michael Olwell
Wake Forest NC
Weaverville NC Tarheel Chapter
Troy Pung Franklin NC
Kevin Rayle Holly Springs NC
Scott St John Raleigh NC
Matt Swiderski Clemmons NC
Chris Tanas Fuquay Varina NC
Mary Van Gaasbeck Stoneville NC
Todd Vezina Cary NC
PAUL HOECKE Notes from the road
Random Acts of Kindness
Our club, the Tarheel Chapter BMW CCA, has innards of a 2002 or Bavaria, be they authorized
many faces. As an old saying back in the 1970s dealers or independents, were few and far be-
put it, it is made up of “people from all walks of tween. More often than not, the rescuer would be
life who have one thing in common, their love another BMW driver, whether he or she was mere-
for an uncommon automobile, the BMW.” This is ly passing by or responding to a call on the CB
as true today as it was half a century ago, even radio. (Having the handy little ‘Friends of BMW’
though both our favorite marque and the club directory in the glove compartment helped a lot.)
have evolved way beyond their American begin- Of course, things are different nowadays. The
nings. driver of a stranded late-model Bimmer will most
Instead of a little-known line of three sporty likely call BMW Roadside Assistance or Triple-A
car models beloved by only a small band of co- on the mobile and have them tow the car to a
gnoscenti, BMW is now a mainstream luxury local, hence easily accessible dealership or in-
brand with a profusion of models. And the people dependent shop. Yet ask any BMW driver whose
who are drawn to it and the club likewise repre- classic tii or 3.0CS crapped out en route to an
sent a much wider range of interests. Along with event such as the Vintage, how he or she got back
pure driving enthusiasts and shade tree mechan- on track. The answer may very well turn out to be
ics, club members these days increasingly (some something like: “Oh, so-and-so [i.e., a casual club
would say predominantly) also include drivers acquaintance] also happened to be heading there.
who appreciate the marque for other reasons: He stopped and helped me fix the problem.”
its technology, or the comforts it offers, or the This willingness to help, on the spur of the
prestige it carries – or all the above. Yet the bond moment, also expresses itself in other, minor,
between all of them, subtle though it may be, re- much less dramatic, yet no less altruistic ways.
mains unaltered. Non-premeditated actions like that epitomize
One aspect of this kinship has always been a the spirit of the phrase “Practice Random Acts of
willingness to aid a fellow BMW owner. Of course, Kindness.” Now, I don’t usually philosophize –
that too has changed over time, but only in sub- well, not much anyway. But this train of thought
stance, not in spirit. today was triggered by a couple of personal expe-
Back when our club was young – when it was riences which kinda prove my point.
still the ‘BMW-no-space-CCA’, as some of us club One was quite a while back. I had just parked
veterans like to say – breakdowns on the road my Z3 at a strip mall when a guy came up to me
were cause for concern, to say the least. I mean, and remarked that the right rear tire on my Z3
tow truck drivers and shop mechanics were clue- looked a mite low. He was right! As I thanked him,
less about BMWs; they’d ask if the letters stood I noticed that he was driving a Z3 as well. No sur-
for ‘British Motor Works’ or something along prise there! (This was shortly after I’d bought the
those lines! And repair shops familiar with the car and it was still shod with some off-brand rub-
2 TARHEEL CHAPTER FOOTNOTES http://www.tarheelbmwcca.org
ber. Though the tires looked aggressive, they were
crap, leaky, and according to Scott McDuffie, ‘real
squirrely’. But it was this incident that made me
get Michelin Pilots the following week.)
The other episode also took place in a park-
ing lot, but much more recently. I was at the local
food emporium, loading my purchases into the
back seat of my E36 M3 sedan when I noticed that
someone in an X3 wanted to park in the slot next
to me. Seeing the driver, an elderly lady, politely HYD. JACK OPERATED TIRE LIFT
waiting for me to finish loading, I moved my cart “Patent pending”
out of the way, closed my car’s door, and signaled Email: classictirelift@gmail.com
her to pull in.
As she did so and was about to turn off the “”FINALLY A DEVICE TO REMOVE AND RE-
engine, some impulse made me blurt out that she INSTALL HEAVY WIDE TIRES ON BMW AND
could pull through into the empty slot in front CLASSIC CARS”” Lift vehicle wheel 2” off ground
with a floor jack, roll tire lift under tire, no more back
of her. “It’ll let you to go forward when you leave,
strain, wheel or car damage. Unit is collapsible, light
instead of having to back out into traffic,” I said.
in weight, requires minimal storage space, makes
She laughed, parked facing out, and replied: “You tire changing effortless, fits in vehicle trunk, 4 roller
know, I never thought of that. But it makes such bearings for tire rotation & positioning. $299.00 +
good sense! Thank you!” shipping & tax in PA. Web site: www.classictirelift.
As we went our separate ways, I didn’t give com
the incident much thought. In fact, I forgot about
it. After all, it had been just a small gesture,
prompted by something I try to do routinely to
avoid the risk of getting clipped by some oblivi-
ous speed demon while I’m backing out. Besides,
it wasn’t an uncommon practice; I’d seen other
drivers do the same – park facing out. However,
she was driving a BMW.
Well, guess what? About a week later, I was
in that same lot and was about to leave – going
forward, as usual – when that same lady pulled One Stop Collision Repair Center
her X3 into the space behind me. (I guess she
Over 50 Years Combined Experience
recognized my M3.) She lowered her window and
All Makes & Models Welcome
yelled: “Take your time! I’m following your advice.
It’s already saved me from a couple of fender All Insurance Companies Accepted
benders!” Frame Work & PDR Available
Now, I know this may sound quite self-serv-
ing, seeing as how it’s me, patting myself on the Owner Scott McDuffie – Member Since 1989
back. But hearing her say that felt good. Not only 3510 E. Wendover Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405
because I felt rewarded, but because it proved (336) 375-4516
once again that this bond between fans of our fa-
vorite marque, subtle though it may be, lives on.
Which I find encouraging, especially during
these trying times.
CLUB RACING REPORT
BY PAUL HOECKE
2021 CR Season Schedule;
2020 Championships
Hey, club racing fans! Now that the 2021 Tire •NJMP Lightning Course: Aug. 14 – Aug. 15
Rack BMW CCA Club Racing (CR) season is offi- (Delaware Valley Chapter)
cially underway, we should have an official sched- •Road Atlanta: Sept. 3 – Sept. 5 (Peachtree
ule in hand as well. And we do – sort of. Chapter)
Namely, the ‘preliminary’ schedule posted in •Hallett: Sept. 17 – Sept. 19 (Lone Star Chap-
BimmerLife just before Christmas lists twenty- ter)
three CR events at seventeen tracks, starting with •VIR: Sept. 24 – Sept. 26 (Tarheel Chapter)
Road Atlanta late this month and ending with the [PENDING]
traditional season closer at Roebling Road in De- •Lime Rock: Sept. 24 – Sept. 25 (BMW CCA
cember. At least, that’s the plan. Club Racing) [PENDING]
The uncertainty has to do with the fact that •Summit Point: Oct. 1 – Oct. 3 (National
five of the events were still listed as ‘pending’ Capital Chapter)
because final arrangements were ‘yet to be con- •Watkins Glen: Oct. 15 – Oct. 17 (BMW CCA
cluded.’ According to CR, this was due to various Club Racing)
concerns regarding potential pandemic-related •Buttonwillow: Oct. 16 – Oct. 17 (BMW CCA
restrictions. Be that as it may, here is the pro- Club Racing)
posed schedule: •CMP: Oct. 29 – Oct. 31 (Sandlapper Chapter)
•Road Atlanta: Feb. 27 – Feb. 28 (Peachtree •Thunderhill: Nov. 13 – Nov. 14 (BMW CCA
Chapter) Club Racing)
•VIR: April 2 – April 4 (Tarheel Chapter) •Motorsports Ranch: Nov. 20 – Nov. 21 (Lone
•Barber: May 15 – May 16 (Heart of Dixie Star Chapter)
Chapter) [PENDING] •Roebling Road: Dec. 10 – Dec. 12 (Tarheel
•Motorsports Ranch, Cresson, TX: May 29 – Chapter)
May 30 (Lone Star Chapter) Regarding CR’s concerns, our best guess at
•NJMP Thunderbolt Course: June 7 – June 8 this point (seeing as how this report goes to press
(New Jersey Chapter) in early January) is that three of the race dates –
•Roebling Road: June 11 – June 13 (Peachtree Barber, the June race at Roebling Road, and the
Chapter) [PENDING] second (September) race at VIR – are ‘pending’
•Buttonwillow: July 10 – July 11 (BMW CCA because of potential travel restrictions (existing
Club Racing) or renewed) which could impact racers as well as
•Pittsburgh PIRC: July 16 – July 18 (Allegheny volunteers working at the events. The other two
Chapter) events listed as ‘pending’ – at Mid-Ohio and Lime
•Summit Point: July 17 – July 18 (New Jersey Rock – are still iffy because (we suspect) they may
Chapter) be subject to additional (local) restrictions as
•Mosport: July 30 – Aug. 1 (Trillium Chapter) well. (Notably, Lime Rock hasn’t seen a CR event
•Mid-Ohio: Aug. 13 – Aug. 15 (BMW CCA Club since 2007.)
Racing) [PENDING] The good news is that at least a dozen events
4 TARHEEL CHAPTER FOOTNOTES http://www.tarheelbmwcca.org
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TARHEEL CHAPTER 2020
IN-PERSON EVENTS IN FLUX - Our calendar is still in very much up in the air at this point - please check with event organizers as to the status of events until
further notice.
Feb 6 Downtown Wake Forest - Wake Forest, NC Robert McIsaac 919-880-8021 Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com
Feb 14 Brunch at Persimmons - New Bern, NC Alex Kordis 757-818-0888 alexkordis@tarheelbmwcca.org
Mar 4-7 Amelia Concours d’Elegance - Amelia Island, FL Alex Kordis 757-818-0888 alexkordis@tarheelbmwcca.org
Mar 13 Museums of Fuquay-Varina - Fuquay-Varina, NC Robert McIsaac 919-880-8021 Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com
Apr 17 Hillsborough Calling - Hillsborough, NC Robert McIsaac 919-880-8021 Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com
Jun 5 Bimmers Tossing Clay - Seagrove, NC Robert McIsaac 919-880-8021 Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com
Jul 8 Asheville Exploration - Asheville, NC Robert McIsaac 919-880-8021 Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com
Aug 14 Hundred Dollar Hamburger - Carthage, NC Robert McIsaac 919-880-8021 Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com
Dec 4 Danville Tank Museum - Danville, NC Robert McIsaac 919-880-8021 Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com
* Not a Tarheel BMW CCA sponsored event
are at tracks members of our homegrown racing gedly racing again and again in Spec E46 (the
crowd like to race at. A few – such as PIRC and largest class in 2020) despite the long odds posed
NJMP in July, and VIR and Lime Rock in Septem- by a host of fast competitors. While he finished
ber – present scheduling conflicts. But that is seventh nationally with 109.5 points (a mere 0.5
unlikely to shake up our dedicated hot shoes; for points ahead of Evan Levine), his 84.5 regional
them, having to choose between events is prob- points placed him fourth in the South Atlantic Re-
ably a whole lot better than no events at all. And gion. In both cases, this makes him Tarheel Chap-
if things go as planned, Tarheel Chapter gets to ter’s 2020 Top Dog in that class.
host three races this season! There is a caveat: All the above is based on
The other important news is that it now looks our reading of the point totals published by CR
like four local track warriors are indeed the 2020 when this report was filed. It’s therefore still pos-
Season Champions in their respective classes, sible we could end up with egg on our face when
both Nationally and in the South Atlantic Region. the official standings are announced. But we feel
They are: it’s unlikely. So, Way to Go, Tarheel Chapter rac-
•John Gardner, B-Modified (148 points na- ers!
tionally; 93 points regionally). Turning to the local pro racing scene: When
•Charles Harding, C-Modified (230 points na- we filed this report, BimmerWorld Racing (BWR)
tionally; 199.5 points regionally). owner/driver James Clay had not yet made any an-
•Sri Haputantri, D-Modified (213 points na- nouncements regarding his team’s plans for 2021.
tionally; 158 points regionally). However, it seems a safe bet that BWR will return
•Bert Howerton, Spec E36 (206 points nation- to this year’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge se-
ally, ahead of Jeff Breiner by a mere 1.5 points; but ries with a driver/car lineup similar to last year’s.
by a slightly wider margin, 186 points vs. Breiner’s (What’s different? It appears that Dillon Mach-
179.5, in our Region). avern may be codriving one of the Turner GT4s
In M3T, Alan Davis placed third nationally with Bill Auberlen instead of partnering with Nick
(with 49.5 points), but with most of his points Galante in BWR’s No.80 car, and it’s still unclear if
(44.5) being regional, he topped the short list of Devin Jones has sufficiently recovered from inju-
class rivals in the South Atlantic standings. ries last season to codrive with Clay in the No.82
In addition, we wish to award Honorable car.)
Mentions to two local racers: Chris Lindner, for As we go to press, IMSA’s ten-race schedule
having finished a respectable second in the K-Pre- for the series has been published. In fact, we
pared standings nationally (with 99.5 points) and expect the first race, the traditional four-hour
regionally (with 89.5 points); and Jeff Breiner, for contest at Daytona, to have concluded just as you
turning the virtually all-Tarheel Spec E36 season read this. So, stay tuned for coverage and results
into a real horse race. in our next report.
We also must recognize Al Pereida for dog-
ON THE COVER:
Tejas Chapter from Austin, Texas, for developing for the requisite picnic, an outdoor sculpture trail
the e-Waiver system we are using today. It works that can involve miles of walking and a surpris-
brilliantly well on many levels! ingly robust Rodin gallery that is both indoors
To get things started right, we planned a trip and out. The weather in January in Central North
to the North Carolina Museum of Art, a fantastic Carolina has the potential to be dodgy, so having
local site that includes a large park, great places something that was “target rich” made for a great
6 TARHEEL CHAPTER FOOTNOTES http://www.tarheelbmwcca.org
venue goal.
Speaking of weather, we had a long stretch of
rain over the New Year’s holiday, and the morning
Discover Your
of the drive was mostly moist, but with the prom-
ise of improvement as we got deeper into the day.
Personal Mechanic
That was enough to inspire 17 of the Bavarian
faithful to bring 10 Bimmers out to the Farm- Steve Wood
house Café in Wendell, our rally point for the day. 30+ Years of Experience
An interesting collection from across the years, CERTIFICATION/TRAINING: Degree in
including a Z4, a 135-drop top, an X3M40 and Auto Repair from Forsyth Technical Com-
munity College, factory trained in Porsche
an X5d. We also had a family affair event in the and Audi
making with a father / son duo arriving in a pair
SPECIALTY: BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW,
of handsome E46’s (an M3 and a 330Ci). When Volvo and Mercedes-Benz
the third E46 arrived, it became the most promi-
nent Bimmer of the day. In fairness, one of the PERSONAL: Married, 3 Children, Grand-
father of 4
“BMWs” looked suspiciously like a Dodge pickup
truck; the owner’s Fiver was down for suspension
work and will be back on the road by Monday.
Chef Patrick’s team had breakfast ready in
double-time for those looking to eat, and the
lattes / Americanos were good as always. As the 5316 W. Market Street • Greensboro, NC 27409
clock struck 10, we fired the BMW’s and made www.foraccents.com • swood@foraccents.com
T - (336) 294-2137 • F - (336) 852-6795
ready for action. Since the route was well docu-
mented, with a scavenger hunt providing the the trip took just under two hours. Many apexes
“checkpoints” for the drive, we left as a single to carve and sites to see along the way. Arriving
group heading for country roads “out in the coun- at the Museum of Art, we found a great spot for
ty”. By now the rain had blessedly stopped and a group photo, then grabbed chairs, masks, and
the roads were even starting to dry out. Eventual- picnic baskets so we could enjoy a culinary com-
ly cutting away from suburbia, we blitzed through mune with nature. Almost on cue, the sun ar-
an area where five counties come together, and rived, making a great day even better. As always,
the predominant the conversation
backdrop is farming. around lunch ex-
The perfect place plored a wide array
to periodically put of subjects. With
the hammer down so many E46’s in
thoughtfully; the the mix, we dis-
soundtrack from cussed an array
across the squadron of preventative
was pretty brilliant. maintenance items
As the crow that were of general
flies, the trip from interest, then ex-
our starting point plored some of the
to the lunch site is best local shops for
about 25 minutes. upholstery work.
As the Bimmers With the newest
rolled, however, of these great cars
now 15 years old, seats need repairing and head- learning the nuances of how the cars work. Pref-
liners need replacing. We are blessed with some erences for both schools of thought abounded
great local shops for all of these things. Keeping of course! What’s a better driver’s car … a vin-
“senior” Bimmers in top form frequently requires tage E36 M3 or a new M340? Like so many other
“knowing a guy”. It turns out we know lots of things in life, the answer is that “it depends”.
guys. And, in keeping with the pandemic’s limita- Beauty is, in fact, in the eye of the beholder.
tions on group meetings, we’ll be having some of After a proper walk-about around and
those guys joining us at our month Zoom meet- through the museum, it was time to saddle up
ings which are stand-ins for our dinners. Dan and head for the barn. All told, this was a ter-
Connor from the Bimmer Performance Center will rific way to start a new driving season. Even with
be kicking things off with us at 7pm on January the pandemic, life is better in a Bimmer. The
19th. schedule going forward looks to be excellent with
That led to an interesting exploration of the friends, family, and a cornucopia of BMWs. Keep
driving attributes of BMW’s from different gen- the driving gloves at the ready … more fun awaits
erations. The new ones are brilliant, in terms of around the next corner. -Robert McIsaac
power and capabilities; the older one’s reward for
That’s a Wrap – 2020, The Year That Was
With the temperatures headed down into the joining in from as far away as Wilmington. After
30’s, the better part of valor was to move to make ruminating about what we would have driven, had
our December “picnic dinner” meeting more of a we met in person, we got down the business at
virtual affair. With Zoom to the rescue, we had hand. Swapping stories being the primary point
an opportunity to connect and share a wide array of the evening. Part of the conversation centered
of experiences from a year that was many things, on the rapid evolution of Bimmers recently and
and most definitely wasn’t what we planned. how much “better” from a performance standpoint
We had a great turnout with 10 members the cars have become. On the other hand, the
8 TARHEEL CHAPTER FOOTNOTES http://www.tarheelbmwcca.orgHelping Get You on Track
Road and Track Car Sales
and Consignment On-Track Photos Courtesy of F&S Enterprises
Track Car
C S Support & Preparation
DAQ and Driver Coaching
Serving the DC Metro area,
Virginia, & North Carolina
Based at the VIRginia International Raceway
TheStartingLine.us
434-830-1183Spring 2021 M Club Day
Big Fun @ BMW Performance Center!
What and Where:
• Each year, the Tarheel and National Capital BMWCCA Chapters sponsor major events at the BMW Performance
Center in Greer, South Carolina. These events give us access to the facilities and the instructors at a remarkable
location … at a deeply discounted price. This school is a special program designed by the Performance Center staff
specifically for our chapter members.
• The price ($750 / person) covers the training sessions … and the use of current model ///M Cars for the event.
M2’s, M3’s, M4’s and M5’s were the highlight of the adventure in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. We expect
more of the same for the coming year. Best of all perhaps, is the opportunity to have a great learning and driving
experience while using someone else’s Gas, Tires and Oil!
• Remember the old adage that “no car is faster than a rental!”.
When:
• The spring event(s) are April 24th and 25th, 2021 (two separate events)
Next Steps
• Registration now open: msreg.com/Spring2021MClubDay
Contact Information: For details, connect with Rob McIsaac at Robert.McIsaac@tarheelbmwcca.org. Or check out the
National Capital Chapter website: https://www.nccbmwcca.org/driving-events/m-club-day/
level of engagement on modern cars is dramati- many of our events, is “mature”. After a good
cally lower than on the vintage machines of yore, laugh, we talked about how some other car clubs
with the number of pedals down … and cuphold- have gained traction with a younger “clientele”.
ers up. Inevitably this led into a discussion of the Performance driving events, such as autocrosses
remarkable competence of the modern DCT trans- run by the Tar Heel Sports Car Club are one ex-
missions, to say nothing of the electric 8-speed ample. The poker run we ran in conjunction with
automatics more broadly used by BMW. We are Southpoint BMW a few years ago clearly encour-
a long way from the Power-Glides and Ford-o- aged broader demographic participation. Not a
Matics many of us remember from our youth. On concern of course, just something to note as we
the other hand, the engagement of the three- plan for the future.
pedal E30’s, E36’s, E46’s, Z’s and other vintage Finally, we had a chance to look through
machines favored by many create a completely pictures from across the past year … and what a
different driving experience. Bottom line? There great group of adventures it was! No overnight
is no right answer! But the virtual tire kicking is adventures, no close-up dinner events after
always a gas. March, but still a terrific way to revisit the great
We also noted, somewhat ruefully, that the times we had. Even in a pandemic, everything is
predominant color of hair for our evening event Better in a Bimmer! Now we can look forward to
was silver-gray. Perhaps it is the types of vehicles, hitting the byways around the Old North State
perhaps the types of events, but clearly the best again in January. Places to go, people to see, ad-
description for the evening participants, and ventures to be had. -Robert McIsaac
10 TARHEEL CHAPTER FOOTNOTES http://www.tarheelbmwcca.orgWake Forest Downtown Parking!
A Park, a Picnic, Urban Shopping and Tire Kicking Await
• What: Another Old North State Towns with a great downtown area, complete with
murals, small bistros and other special jewels hiding in plain site. To start 2021, we’re
going to explore Downtown Wake Forest. With small businesses operating in “safe zone
mode” and a great, park to explore near many “take out” options, it is a target rich place.
• When: Depart on Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at 10:00am. Come early for breakfast
and/or coffee at 9:00am!
• Where: Departure from Farmhouse Café, 320 Vintage Point Ln, Wendell, NC 27591.
Driver’s Meeting will be at 9:45 at 919-588-2096
• Objective: A wandering tour of beautiful countryside as winter works her way through
North Carolina. Lunch as a picnic at the park … bring your own or use the local “take out”
options available locally.
• Duration: Figure 6-8 hours including driving.
• Contact Information: For details, connect with Rob McIsaac at
Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com or 919-880-8012.
Averasboro Battlefield and Museum
Charming Country Roads, Sweeping Apexes and a Spring
Picnic Adventure South of The Triangle
• What: Plenty of great country roads beckon as we sweep through Spring. The Averasboro
Battlefield dates to the final days of the American Civil War. Today it is a bucolic place for
memories, memorials and countryside reflection. Plenty of room for a nice walk-about
and picnic.
• When: Depart on Saturday, May 8th, 2021 at 10:00am. Come early for breakfast and/or
coffee at 9:00am!
• Where: Departure from Farmhouse Café, 320 Vintage Point Ln, Wendell, NC 27591.
Driver’s Meeting will be at 9:45 at 919-588-2096
• Objective: Great roads, terrific sites and a fantastic location for a start to a mid-Spring
picnic.
• Duration: Figure 6-8 hours including driving.
• Contact Information: For details, connect with Rob McIsaac at
Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com or 919-880-8012.Wonderful Wilmington - 2022
New Years Celebration at the Carolina Coast
• What: An adventure filled ride to a crown jewel on the North Carolina coast, the Port City of
Wilmington. This is a family friendly event that the inner child in all of us can enjoy!!! We’ll do this
to start the New Year. Also a chance to see the USS North Carolina, a surviving memorial to all the
sacrifices made in World War II.
• When: Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 10am. Coffee and tire kicking at 9am.
• Where: Departure from the Starbucks parking lot at the White Oak Shopping Center in Garner. Feel
free to come any time after 9 for tire kickin', story tellin' and coffee. Address for Starbucks is 180
Cabela Drive Garner, NC 27529
• Who: Rob McIsaac is organizing the event from The Triangle.
• Objective: A great lunch at the German Cafe in the old Cotton Exchange on the Wilmington
waterfront. From there, many attractions await including the USS North Carolina, the Seaboard
Railroad Museum and a water taxi tour of the area.
• Duration: Figure 2 hours of driving each way. If we roll at 10, expect to be home between 6 and
7pm.
• Contact Information: For details, connect with Rob McIsaac at
Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com or 919-880-8012.The Museums of Fuquay Varina!
Coffee Shops, a Picnic, Urban Shopping
and Tire Kicking Await …
• What: Yet another Old North State Towns with a great downtown area, complete with terrific coffee
shops, bistros and an array of museums that are waiting for tourists to visit. To continue 2021, we’re
going to explore Downtown Fuquay Varina. With the pandemic rolling, small businesses operating in
“safe zone mode” and a great, park to explore near many “take out” options, it is a great place to
enjoy friends and fun.
• When: Depart on Saturday, March 13th, 2021 at 10:00am. Come early for breakfast and/or coffee at
9:00am!
• Where: Departure from Farmhouse Café, 320 Vintage Point Ln, Wendell, NC 27591. Driver’s Meeting
will be at 9:45 at 919-588-2096
• Objective: A wandering tour of beautiful countryside as spring pokes her head out in North Carolina.
Lunch as a picnic at the park … bring your own or use the local “take out” options available locally.
• Duration: Figure 6-8 hours including driving.
• Contact Information: For details, connect with Rob McIsaac at
Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com or 919-880-8012.SOME IN-PERSON EVENTS ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Contact event organizers for updates and alternative vertual events
LOCAL SCENE
ASHEVILLE AREA DINNER Date: 1st Saturday each month
Date: Last Tuesday each month Time:
Time: 6:30 pm Where: To be announced
Where: Different Location Each Month Email Alex Kordis for information at alexkordis@tar-
heelbmwcca.org
All BMW marques are welcome (cars, motorcycles, HURRICANE REGION AREA (New Bern, Jackson-
Mini, Rolls, etc.). ville, Morehead City)
Contact Chris Joyner at mrbimmer@fastmail.com for To be announced
more information.
Email Alex Kordis for information at alexkordis@tar-
CAPE FEAR AREA heelbmwcca.org
Date: 4th Thursday each month
Time: 6:30 pm NORTHERN MOUNTAIN AREA DINNER
Date: 2nd Wednesday each month
Where: To be annouced soon Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Booneshine Brewery
Email Matt Sarkela for information at matt.sarke- 465 Industrial Park Drive
la@gmail.com or Alan Greene at cagreene48@ Boone, NC 28607
gmail.com 828-278-8006
CHARLOTTE AREA I DINNER Cost: Only what you eat and drink.
Date: 3rd Thursday each month Contacts: John Cochrane (jgcochrane1968@gmail.
Time: 7 p.m. com) or Mike Langley (michaelrlangley@aol.com)
Where: WaldhornRestaurant
12101Lancaster Hwy (Old Hwy 521) A fun gathering of BMW friends for a discussion of
Pineville,NC all things car related.
(Locatednear Carolina Place Mall)
(704) 540-7047 ROANOKE AREA
Date: 2nd Tuesday each month
We’re still hanging out at the Waldhorn Restau- Time: 7:00 p.m.
rant on the third Thursday of each month. Contact Where: Pizza Pasta Pit
Chris Webber at H:(704) 523-9118 C: 704-906-8876 1713 Riverview Dr.
or e-mail at christopher.b.webber@gmail.com Salem, VA 24153
to RSVP. Please join us (great German food and
beer). See you there! Near corner of Electric Road and Apperson Drive.
CHARLOTTE AREA II Contact JoElla John jjohnmcoupe@aol.com or Scott
Date: 1st Thursday each month Donaldson roanoke.tarheel.bmwcca@gmail.com for
Time: 6:30 p.m. mor information.
Where: The Speedway Club at
Charlotte Motor Speedway SANDHILLS AREA
5555 Parkway S., 6th Fl, Concord NC Date: 4th Wednesday each month
Please email Andy Barbee for more information at Time: 7:p.m.
clt2thbmwcca@gmail.com or (704) 701-2294 Where: ScrubOaks
5780 Ramsey St #108
DOWNEAST AREA BREAKFAST (Greenville, Wilson Fayetteville, NC 28311
Rocky Mt)
14 TARHEEL CHAPTER FOOTNOTES http://www.tarheelbmwcca.orgSOME IN-PERSON EVENTS ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Contact event organizers for updates and alternative vertual events
ScrubOaks is a contemporary american restaurant
that also offers a great sports bar setting. Many reg- Joyner’s EST. 1993
ulars frequent the Kings Grant golf club and stop by An Independent BMW Specialist
afterward for a meal. Wednesdays offer half off wine
(bottle and glass)
* Early and late model BMW’s
Contact Danny Miller for more information mperfor-
(Call for motorcycle maintenance)
mancelife@gmail.com
* Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or
TRIAD AREA WEST DINNER (Winston-Salem)
Date: 2nd Tuesday each month BMW Original parts
Time: 6:00 p.m. Drinks, 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Where: Sixty Six Grill and Taphouse * Many years of experience exclusively with
3440 Frontis Street BMW repairs, maintenance, and modifi-
Winston-Salem 27103
cations and race prep (Club events)
Please contact Marc Schatell for more information at
marc@tarheelbmwcca.org * Latest Diagnostic Equipment
Chris Joyner, Owner/Technician
TRIAD AREA EAST DINNER (Greensboro)
Date: 1st Tuesday each month 76 South Market Street
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Mac’s Speed Shop Asheville, NC 28801
1218 Battleground Ave (828) 398-0325 mrbimmer@fastmail.com
Greensboro, NC 27408
Hours: 9:00 – 6:00 Monday through Friday
Please contact David Harrison for more information
david.harrison@outlook.com
TRIANGLE AREA DINNER (RALEIGH)
Date: 3rd Tuesday each month
Time: 6:00 p.m. Tire Kickin’, 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Where: Farina Neighborhood Italian
Lafayette Village
8450 Honeycutt Rd #100
Raleigh
The Triangle’s Choice For Auto
Please contact Robert McIsaac for more information Body
at raleigh.bmwcca.activities@gmail.com
TRIANGLE AREA DINNER (CHAPEL HILL) Locally Owned
NONE SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME Family Operated
Community Focused
Serving The Triangle For 30 Years
Kenny Hawkins Automotive
605 Germantown Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 851-0242SUCH A DEAL
Footnotes classified ads are Excellent condition. $20,000 To join the list surf on out to:
free to members in good Chris 336-403-8215 (NC) http://www.topica.com/lists/tar-
standing of the BMW CCA. heelbmw/ Info on how to sub-
Nonmembers can also place BMW PARTS FOR SALE: scribe or unsubscribe can be
advertisements here for $5.00 found on this page. If you want
per month (see inside front Yakima Fork Mount Bike a shortcut to subscribe- simply
cover). Please enclose all
Roof Rack Complete setup to send an email to tarheelbmw-
necessary information with
your advertisement. Unless roof carry two bikes, lockable subscribe@topica.com. (make
you tell us otherwise, your ad (with key). Includes 2 Copper- sure you send the email from
will appear here for three (3) head Rails mounted to Yakima the email address that you
consecutive issues. Classified round bar type mounts and I want to receive the list mes-
advertisements can be emailed have the bases for BMW E34 sages!!)
to the Editor’s attention at Touring. Thoses bases may
newsletter@tarheelbmwcca. fit other BMW models as well. THE 02 GROUP A special in-
org. Or Copperhead rails can be terest group for 2002 owners
used with your existing round in NC. For more information
BMW CARS FOR SALE: or square bar type rack. $100. about the group and how to
OBO email rblood@yahoo.com join, check out our website:
1995 E-36 M3 $21,500. Dakar Concord NC www.the02group.org
Yellow, Black Leather Vad-
ers, 5 Speed. Many upgrades MISCELLANEOUS: The Z-Series Car Club of
to improve performance and America (ZSCCA) is a na-
appearance. 110,400 miles. WANTED looking for style 10 tional special interest group of
HAGERTY Value Guide: #4 hubcaps part #36131181288, BMWCCA dedicated to the en-
(Excellent). This car belongs these hubcaps were available joyment of all Z-Series BMW’s.
in a collection. 35 year BMW on the e30, e32, e34, e36 and Several local groups are ac-
CCA member. Retired now e46. Contact John at major- tive in VA and NC. Find us on
with 2 other BMWs. Call or lid@windstream.net. Facebook, or at zscca.org
text for many photos and ad-
ditional information. Greg Bean Tarheel Chapter BMW CCA
336.287.5500 (c), gsbean@ Email List Join us online: The
bellsouth.net “list” provides a casual, online
forum for chapter members to
2003 M3 Carbon Black/Cin- discuss BMW’s and BMW CCA
namon, 75K miles, SMG, Sub- events and related topics of in-
frame re-enforced, valve ad- terest to local members. Basi-
justment, Powerflex subframe cally it’s a sort of electronic dis-
and trailing arm bushings, rear cussion board, almost anything
axle shaft and wheel bear- is free game, as long as it has
ings replaced, clutch replaced, some connection to BMW’s (no
Eibach springs, Koni shocks, matter how remote the connec-
Eurobahn ECU, Borla exhaust. tion might be).
16 TARHEEL CHAPTER FOOTNOTES http://www.tarheelbmwcca.orgThe Museums of Fuquay Varina!
Coffee Shops, a Picnic, Urban Shopping
and Tire Kicking Await …
• What: Yet nother Old North State Towns with a great downtown area, complete with terrific coffee
shops, bistros and an array of museums that are waiting for tourists to visit. To continue 2021, we’re
going to explore Downtown Fuquay Varina. With the pandemic rolling, small businesses operating in
“safe zone mode” and a great, park to explore near many “take out” options, it is a great place to
enjoy friends and fun.
• When: Depart on Saturday, March 13th, 2021 at 10:00am. Come early for breakfast and/or coffee at
9:00am!
• Where: Departure from Farmhouse Café, 320 Vintage Point Ln, Wendell, NC 27591. Driver’s Meeting
will be at 9:45 at 919-588-2096
• Objective: A wandering tour of beautiful countryside as spring pokes her head out in North Carolina.
Lunch as a picnic at the park … bring your own or use the local “take out” options available locally.
• Duration: Figure 6-8 hours including driving.
• Contact Information: For details, connect with Rob McIsaac at
Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com or 919-880-8012.
Bimmers Rolling to Danville Tank Museum!
Tankers Racing Toward Winter in South Side Virginia …
• What: While winter’s “blast” may be on our mind in early December, we can still make
it to Danville to visit the iconic Tank Museum just North of the Border. Tanks, Bimmers
and great dining make a great combo for our final driving adventure of 2020.
• When: Depart on Saturday, December 4th, 2021 at 10:00am. Come early for coffee at
9:00am!
• Where: Departure from Leith BMW, 5603 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC
• Objective: A fun and enjoyable family outing that promises nice roads, a tour of
fascinating American military hardware and terrific food. Danville has a great
downtown to wander about, historic sites … and lunch at the Golden Leaf Bistro (215
Craghead St, Danville, VA).
• Duration: Figure 5-8 hours including driving.
• Contact Information: For details, connect with Rob McIsaac at
Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com or 919-880-8012.END GAME
Photo by Robert McIsaac
Happy Motoring!
WANTED:
Footnotes classifieds... Your photos and sto-
ries.
Ads are free to members in good standing of the BMW CCA. Got a tale to tell about your
Non-members can also place advertisements here for $5.00 Bimmer, photos you want
per month. Please enclose all necessary information with to share with your fellow
your advertisement. Footnotes readers, or just
a suggestion?
Unless you tell us otherwise, your ad will appear here for
Email your submissions to
three (3) consecutive issues.
newsletter@tarheelbmwcca.
Classified advertisements can be org.
emailed to the Editor’s attention at: Come on, you can do it...
newsletter@tarheelbmwcca.org We would love to hear from
you!
18 TARHEEL CHAPTER FOOTNOTES http://www.tarheelbmwcca.orgBimmers Tossing Clay!!!
Country Roads, Take Me Home to Seagrove
• What: A delightful cruise to The Pottery Capital of Central NC, Seagrove. This will be a
chance to visit the artisans, shop for amazing art, have a great lunch … and explore
more of NC’s byways. And yes, there could be fruitcake at Southern Supreme in Bear
Creek.
• When: Depart on Saturday, June 5th, 2021 at 10:00am. Come early for coffee at 9:00am!
• Where: Departure from Leith BMW, 5603 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27616
• Objective: A fun and enjoyable family outing the promises terrific roads and food … and
a starting tour at the NC Pottery Center, 233 East Avenue, Seagrove, NC. Lunch as a
picnic at the visitor’s center or at the Seagrove Family Restaurant, 8702 Old US Hwy
220, Seagrove, NC, depending on the pandemic.
• Duration: Figure 5-6 hours including driving.
• Contact Information: For details, connect with Rob McIsaac at
Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com or 919-880-8012.
Hillsborough Calling!
Ayr Mount / Occoneechee Speedway Trail
• What: A trip back in time to the 18th Century Hillsborough Plantation known as Ayr
Mount. An amazing historic site that happens to sit adjacent to a NASCAR track
that was used from 1949-68 … and which is now a nature trail. How cool is that?
• When: Depart on Saturday, April 17th, 2021 at 10:00am. Come early for coffee at
9:00am, courtesy of Leith BMW!
• Where: Departure from Leith BMW, 5603 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27616.
• Objective: A wandering tour of beautiful countryside as Spring returns to The Old
North State. Lunch as a picnic at the old racetrack.
• Duration: Figure 6-8 hours including driving.
• Contact Information: For details, connect with Rob McIsaac at
Raleigh.BMWCCA.Activities@gmail.com or 919-880-8012.TARHEEL CHAPTER
BMW CCA, Inc.
www.tarheelbmwcca.org
PO Box 30203
Charlotte, NC 28230
Museums of Fuquay-Varina - Fuquay-Varina, NC
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