Author: Scott Mckelvey

We had a sun-filled successful event last month. February 15 was a very full event with 55 drivers participating. A few people were turned away, as we were over our capacity. So here’s a heads up to everyone planning on coming out to our next event on March 8th:

First, understand that registration and technical inspection are both busy busy places on track day. Please read the event before hand. This will tell you when you need to be at the track. Please park where you are told.

Volunteers get thru tech and registration first so that they can work. Volunteers are chosen before the event. If you would like to volunteer you can get your name on the list at a general meet, or watch the site and FaceBook page as there is usually a call for helpers. No you can’t volunteer the day of to jump the line. If you have and volunteered and do not show, you won’t be asked again.

Members get priority for the first half hour to sign up for a spot to compete. After that any non-members (and members who missed the early entry) get to fill the remaining spots first come first served. If you are not a member you need to wait to sign up. It would be a good idea to wait in line so you make sure you are on the list. Once you are on the list, find your tech sheet and wait by your car for tech. (If you are new to the club you can speed the process up by downloading a tech sheet off the website filling it out and printing it off…) Then take your signed tech sheet to registration. Also, do not to leave until you hear that registration is finalized and closed. If a car fails tech, the next person on the list will be called.

If you can’t stay for the full event make that known ahead of time. Everyone who races works, if you don’t work your run time will not count for points. We need to have enough corner workers for a safe event. It also slows every one down having to stop the event to let a sole car out.

If you don’t get in: you don’t have to leave! The track is still a great a place to hang out on a Sunday. If you do choose to leave – do so quietly. Everyone has heard our Driver’s Meeting messages. No hot rodding around the track. Western Speedway is where we are allowed to compete. If we are not allowed at Speedway our club will no longer be. Last event I had to ask a member to not come back. I’m not happy about that. Please refrain from foul language on our forums and FaceBook page. If you aren’t happy with something contact me directly.

Let’s have a great event next Sunday, hope to see you there. If you are interested in Driver Training or renting the Club Car, follow the directions on our web site www.vmsc.ca. General meet is this Wednesday at 7pm, Cedar Hill Rec Center.

Jason Gunn

President’s Message February 2015
Hola Race Fans
This past month saw our first event for 2015, January 18th. We had 36 cars sign up for a very wet cold day of racing around the cones VMSC style. If you weren’t able to attend here’s what you missed out on: The weather was so foul Registration was held in an old Ford pickup, and we had members running out to buy rope so the timing tent could be lashed to the ground. We had an announcer for this event who will coming out with us regularly – Cole Sorenson who you may have heard announcing the Hornet car action last season. Cole will be covering all of Western’s events this year. We had two run groups who had seven runs each. In between run groups we had a Chili Cook Off for charity, where we raised $165 for the food bank, and members also donated cans of food which was all taken down to the Mustard Seed. They were very happy with our donations. Myself, Alex and Bart all made kick ass chilis for everyone to warm up with before the track went hot again. Race team Baker Liz supplied us with the buns and goodies. Also thanks to Dustin Batchelor who ran out early on a Sunday morning to find a shop that would print us off more tech forms. It would be great if members (and novices) went to our website and printed off their own Tech Forms when they need them and fill them out prior to hitting the track. They are under the JOIN tab on the site, www.vmsc.ca Please list all your car mods too, so you can be properly classed.
Business this month: I had meetings with Exotic Race Tours and Western Speedway. Exotic Race Tours is interested in having some specialized Driver Training so they will be better prepared to give their customers the experience proposed on their website. The Club Car is running new wheels and tires thanks to Karl Rhynas for the awesome deal on those, and thanks to Chris MacDonald for buying the old rims and tires for his girlfriend’s Honda hatch. Remember that Honda is ready to race for $40 at any VMCS event. The Executive met and discussed a proposal from Apex Motorsports. They are looking to dissolve their club and wanted to disperse their assets through us. After discussing the legal aspects with our in house Counsellor of Cones, Mr. Reimer, we decided not to pursue this action. We will hold a poker run in the fall as part of a new Social campaign. This will properly gauge actual interest in TSD Rally in our club. Social Director Christine Stangeland has a few things planned for you this year so watch for it!
Come on out to the General Meeting this Wednesday, 7:00PM Cedar Hill Rec Center

Jason Gunn

President’s Message July 2014

I hope you all had a great Canada Day as we move into the summer months and the warmer weather. We held two successful slaloms last month, one on June 1st and the other on June 21st with turnouts of 55 and 43 cars respectively.

Spring Series III had a maximum turn out on the day which was help along by the fantastic weather. The crazy big turnout for the Swap and Shop combined with an event on Bear Mountain put us behind schedule so we all likely missed out on that eight run. However, the course included one of my favourite elements; a G-circle. This type of elements is a lesson in patience and control and further emphasize the Autoslalom mantra of “Go slow to be fast”.

Summer Series I was well attended considering it was on a Saturday. Over the last few years we have tried to avoid Saturday’s with many people unable to attend because of work commitments. This event was also Alex Theologus’ first time as a course designer and event organizer. The course was very well laid out and transitioned well between the major elements. He also did a great job on the day organizing all aspects of the event. This event also saw us ditch the bar code scanner and only use numbers. I know talking with everyone at timing this sped staging cars up immensely. I think numbers are our new best friend. Nice job Alex and thank you, we look forward to your next creation!

We did have one incident at the finish line with one of our new IR transmitters being taken out. We had ordered a spare set but they were not delivered until the next day. However, the quick decision to get the old RaceAmerica gear out only delayed the session by about 20 minutes and we were up and running again. It is very fortunate we have backup gear but I would like to remind everyone that if you hit the gear you are responsible for the cost to replace it.

The staggering of event registration with members having a priority for the first half of the registration period has had a number of very positive affect. First it has help to speed up registration and tech. Since members have priority registration it has also bolstered our membership numbers. We have been close to one hundred members in recent years but this year we have 114 as of this writing and four events to go in the 2014 season. Another really helpful aspect is we have a lot of people arriving early and volunteering for event duties. This makes putting the event on a lot easier when we have such a deep pool of experienced helpers on hand.

On a more somber note, long time member and six term president of VMSC Bill, Rumsby passed away recently. I looked back through the perpetual trophy winners and his name is there on several occasions. http://vmsc.ca/?page_id=1097 Paul Whitworth knew Bill well and has written a very nice piece about him on the VMSC forum. http://www.vmsc.ca/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1403744913/2#2

Hope to see you all out at the next event which will be a test and tune Autoslalom on July 26th. Come out a try out a new set of tires or tweak that suspension to try different settings. We’ll also have some experience drivers on hand for ride-alongs and guidance.

Cheers,

Karl Rhynas

May was a quiet month for Autoslalom but did see the first Time Attack/Lapping day for the year. The turnout was light for both the Time Attack and the Lapping but the weather cooperated for a good day of racing.

We have two more Lapping days scheduled this year but due to the low attendance we may need to reevaluate the July date. We will also be hosting one more Time Attack which will be combined with a Lapping day in September.

I know the road racing season has begun as trucks and trailers haul their race car cargos to points off Island. All the best to you all.

We changed our timing gear and software this year and have been enjoying some different track layouts because of the wireless capability. A new feature the developer just added is being able to broadcast the results on a local wifi network. We trialed this at the Time Attack and were please to see how it worked. This will now give competitors a chance to see their results on their smart phones as soon as they cross the line.

As I write this on the morning of June 1 (I know, nothing like waiting until the last minute), I look out and see the gorgeous day ahead of us. Spring Series III will be running in a few hours and I’m sure we’ll get a full house to go along with the great weather.

I look forward to seeing you all later today or at an event in the near future.

Cheers,

Karl Rhynas

It just seems like such a long time ago that we had a competitive event! I know a full grid just finished up a fun weekend of driver training but the March 2nd Autoslalom was a very, very long time ago. This was also the last event in our Winter Series which saw 120 cars entered over the three events.

I got the low down from some of the attendees and Driver Training was, as usual, a great time and learning experience to all that attended. This event is run by our Race Driver Committee. Every year, they come together and volunteer their time and expertise to grooming new drivers to experience the limits of their cars as well as their own abilities in a safe manner.

So the planning has started in earnest for our special event on August 24th. If you are interested in helping out with our Enduro style event let us know on the forum or Facebook page and I’m sure we can put you to work.

I’m looking forward to the first event in the Spring Series on April 6th with a second spring event on April 20th. Come on out and have some fun, you know it’s been a while.

Cheers,

Karl Rhynas

Winter Series II, our second event of the 2014 season, ran successfully on February 16^th.  During registration it started to snow but never really stuck and then turned to a light drizzle. Forty soles braved the cool temperatures to each get seven runs in.  The weather improved through most of the runs but turned to a complete downpour for the last runs of the B group.  We all got very wet!  We also held a third running of our now famous Club Car Challenge.  We had twelve entries and Alex Theologus turned in a great time to win the free entry to a VMSC Autoslalom. 

This was the inaugural event for our new wireless timing gear. We purchased the gear and software over the winter which includes wireless sensors for both the start and finish, as well as a wireless LED display.  The track layout for the last event was designed with wireless gear in mind.  It could not have been run with our old cable system because there were two racing lines between timing and the finish.  The gear worked really well and the only hiccups were with us learning the new software.  We were able to use the barcode scanner too; however, the range is pretty limited with no external antenna.  The position of the timing computer gave us few problems scanning the left hand drive cars but all the JDM cars were too far away so we had to come up with some unique scanning techniques to get them staged.   

We have now updated the Schedule on the website with all the dates and the event types for 2014.  The only event date without a type is on August 24^th.  We have a special event planned for that date so come out to the March 5^th General Meeting to find out what we’re up to. All I’m going to say is, it’s a team building exercise.   

There is still room in the Driver Training course set for March 29-30^th so get your spot reserved with Paul and his team. http://vmsc.ca/?page_id=711

The CACC Annual General Meeting will be on March 9^th in Vancouver at the Delta Town & Country Inn.  Let me know if you plan on attending. 

On a final note, I would like to pass on condolences to Peter Beltgens’ family.  Peter is a past member of VMSC and passed away suddenly on February 19.  Peter’s good humour and wise words will be missed at our events.  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timescolonist/obituary.aspx?n=peter-beltgens&pid=169855286

Hopefully we have seen the last of the snow for this year.  See you all out at the track sometime this year!!

Cheers, 

Karl Rhynas

Victoria Motorsports Club
Winter Series #III
Western Speedway (2207 Millstream Rd)
Sunday, March 2, 2014

SCHEDULE
0900 – 1000 Registration and Technical Inspection
1000 – 1030 Course opens for walking
1030 – 1045 Novice Drivers Meeting – Mandatory for Novices
1045 – 1100 Driver’s meeting
1105 First run group to grid
1115 First car on track.
1600 Last run group on track. Actual time may vary.

REGISTRATION Competitors may register in-person on event day or pre-register in the forum thread.  Please feel free to pre-register even it is a maybe.
Please register on the forum to help speed up the process!

FEES Members $30 Guests $40
Membership applications/renewals are available for purchase at the event. Membership is $30 for 2013. A CACC License is not required for club events.

NOTICES

• All participants and spectators must sign the insurance waiver located at the registration desk prior to entering the track.
• All drivers must present a valid license.
• Minors (under 19) must have a parent/guardian sign the standard release form.  This must be signed by guardian in person.
• Helmets must bear a Snell 2000 or 2005 or 2010(M or SA) certification label.
• Wheels/tires to be used during the event must be installed on the vehicle prior to inspection.
• Please keep noise levels to a minimum and observe posted speed limits when traveling near the track.
• Western Speedway Regulations limit noise levels on all cars to 95db. We may bring a noise meter to this event to observe limits!
• Current supplemental regulation are posted here: http://goo.gl/yKcVys

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
VMSC is a volunteer organization.  We organize these events so that we may participate as well.  As an entrant please offer your assistance, from technical inspection to track set up to take down.  The easier the work is for the organizer the higher the likelihood of more events!
If you have a specific interest in any of the following positions please email competition@victoriamotorsports.ca : Tech inspection Registration Timing Track Setup Trailer towing Newbie Buddy – Be a guide to help show a first timer how to get through a day.

RENT THE CLUB CAR Rent the club car!  More info here:  http://www.victoriamotorsports.ca/clubcar.htm

PRE-REGISTRATION To help us speed things up at registration, please post in this thread if you think there is even a remote chance you might run in the event.
Follow the format below:
Name:
Car:
Class: (if you know it/’not sure’ is also acceptable)
Member: (y/n/will register at event)
Novice: (y/n)*

*You are classified as novice if you have competed in 3 or less events with VMSC

Victoria Motorsports Club
Winter Series #2
Western Speedway (2207 Millstream Rd)
Sunday, February 16, 2014

Perhaps as a special treat this Valentine’s Day weekend you can drag your S.O. out to the track? ….no?

SCHEDULE
0900 – 1000 Registration and Technical Inspection
1000 – 1030 Course opens for walking
1030 – 1045 Novice Drivers Meeting – Mandatory for Novices
1045 – 1100 Driver’s meeting
1105 First run group to grid
1115 First car on track.
1600 Last run group on track. Actual time may vary.

REGISTRATION
Competitors may register in-person on event day or pre-register in this thread. Please feel free to pre-register here even it is a maybe.

Please register on the forum to help speed up the process!

FEES
Members $30
Guests $40

Membership applications/renewals are available for purchase at the event.
Membership is $30 for 2013. A CACC License is not required for club events.

NOTICES
•All participants and spectators must sign the insurance waiver located at the registration desk prior to entering the track.
•All drivers must present a valid license.
•Minors (under 19) must have a parent/guardian sign the standard release form. This must be signed by guardian in person.
•Helmets must bear a Snell 2000 or 2005 or 2010(M or SA) certification label.
•Wheels/tires to be used during the event must be installed on the vehicle prior to inspection.
•Please keep noise levels to a minimum and observe posted speed limits when traveling near the track.
•Western Speedway Regulations limit noise levels on all cars to 95db. We may bring a noise meter to this event to observe limits!
•Current supplemental regulation are posted here: http://goo.gl/yKcVys

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

VMSC is a volunteer organization. We organize these events so that we may participate as well. As an entrant please offer your assistance, from technical inspection to track set up to take down. The easier the work is for the organizer the higher the likelihood of more events!

If you have a specific interest in any of the following positions please email competition@victoriamotorsports.ca :
Tech inspection
Registration
Timing
Track Setup
Trailer towing
Newbie Buddy – Be a guide to help show a first timer how to get through a day.

PRE-REGISTRATION
To help us speed things up at registration, please post in this thread if you think there is even a remote chance you might run in the event.

Follow the format below:

Name:
Car:
Class: (if you know it/’not sure’ is also acceptable)
Member: (y/n/will register at event)
Novice: (y/n)*

*You are classified as novice if you have competed in 3 or less events with VMSC

NOW WITH MORE CLUB CAR CHALLENGE!

That’s right, it’s time to lay it all out!

Here’s how it works:
-Entry in the CCC is an extra $10.
-You get one run in the Club Car during the event. Drive it in your run group.
-Winner gets a free entry for a VMSC slalom (and maybe some bragging rights if you’re lucky).
-Entry is limited to 25 drivers, first come first served at Registration.
-Entrants will need to sign the Club Car waiver – All usual conditions apply.

Check out the new VMSC website, http://vmsc.ca/.  Longtime member Gavin Aitken has done a great job giving our site a much needed facelift.  The new site lets us update the content much easier and much faster.  Following the January event, we were able to have the results posted in about four hours after the event.  We will also have registration and payment for events in the near future.  If you have any suggestions or comments on the new site feel free to post on the forum or Facebook page.

What a great start to the 2014 season with 54 cars showing up for the January 19^th Autoslalom.  It was a bit cool but at least there was no moisture on the track.  Thanks to Cam for a smooth track layout and to all the usual suspects who never fail to volunteer their time.

All the dates on the Schedule section of the website are confirmed dates.  We haven’t quite decided the type of event that will be held on some of the dates but stay tuned as we finalized that in the next month.  You can also find a post on our forum under the General section with all the known dates of Autoslalom and Time Attack on the Island and the lower mainland for 2014.  As more clubs post dates, this will get updated further so let me know if you see it needs additions or corrections.

The new wireless timing gear was not available for the first event but it is all ready to go for the February 16^th event.  We are still going to ask everyone to put numbers on their cars for this event but we should hopefully have our barcode scanner working too.  The numbers will be a backup in case the scanner to laptop has issues.

Check out the website under the Join menu and you’ll find a page on our upcoming driver training course.  March 29-30 are the dates for this very popular event so make sure you sign up early to secure your seat.

Cheers,

Karl Rhynas

Picture is of Alex’s fox body Mustang to commemorate his FTD at Saratoga recently. Photo credit to JGB.

Victoria Motorsports Club
Winter Series #1
Western Speedway (2207 Millstream Rd)
Sunday, Jan 19, 2014

SCHEDULE
0900 – 1000 Registration and Technical Inspection
1000 – 1030 Course opens for walking
1030 – 1045 Novice Drivers Meeting – Mandatory for Novices
1045 – 1100 Driver’s meeting
1105 First run group to grid
1115 First car on track.
1600 Last run group on track. Actual time may vary.

REGISTRATION
Competitors may register in-person on event day or pre-register in this thread.  Please feel free to pre-register here even it is a maybe.

Please register on the forum to help speed up the process!

FEES
Members $30
Guests $40

Membership applications/renewals are available for purchase at the event.
Membership is $30 for 2013. A CACC License is not required for club events.

NOTICES

• All participants and spectators must sign the insurance waiver located at the registration desk prior to entering the track.
• All drivers must present a valid license.
• Minors (under 19) must have a parent/guardian sign the standard release form.  This must be signed by guardian in person.
• Helmets must bear a Snell 2000 or 2005 or 2010(M or SA) certification label.
• Wheels/tires to be used during the event must be installed on the vehicle prior to inspection.
• Please keep noise levels to a minimum and observe posted speed limits when traveling near the track.
• Western Speedway Regulations limit noise levels on all cars to 95db. We may bring a noise meter to this event to observe limits!
• Current supplemental regulation are posted here: http://goo.gl/yKcVys

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

VMSC is a volunteer organization.  We organize these events so that we may participate as well.  As an entrant please offer your assistance, from technical inspection to track set up to take down.  The easier the work is for the organizer the higher the likelihood of more events!

If you have a specific interest in any of the following positions please email competition@victoriamotorsports.ca :
Tech inspection
Registration
Timing
Track Setup
Trailer towing
Newbie Buddy – Be a guide to help show a first timer how to get through a day.

RENT THE CLUB CAR
Rent the club car!  More info here:  http://www.victoriamotorsports.ca/clubcar.htm

PRE-REGISTRATION
To help us speed things up at registration, please post in this thread if you think there is even a remote chance you might run in the event.

Follow the format below:

Name:
Car:
Class: (if you know it/’not sure’ is also acceptable)
Member: (y/n/will register at event)
Novice: (y/n)*

*You are classified as novice if you have competed in 3 or less events with VMSC