Michigan Turn Marshals Newsletter
June - July 1999 (Page 2)

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Maps and directions to racetracks may be found at the bottom of the MTM HomePage http://www.chasinracin.com/track-locator/

Motegi (Willy Perez, Phil Schilke & Don Tessmer)

A cold and very windy (40 MPH gusts) day. This was the worst wind condition we've ever seen racecars go out in.

We watched the almost continuous airshow put on by a pair of Latvians in an amazing responsive plane. One favorite trick was performing hot laps around the track, about 50 feet off the deck.

We got through a very confusing and trying race. We had cars making contact and landing in the pits and debris that landed in blind spots on the track. After the race was over we peeled off for Race Control, Tech, and Timing to help tear down all the equipment and pack it for the flight back. Ah, the glamour of it all.

The Regional Events Need More MTM Support!!
(Barb and Dave Johnston)

We had 10 licensed F&C people Saturday and 8 Sunday. Per the Chief Steward we used drivers and crews and spouses (!) to fill the void. It still meant during sessions that some turns went with only one per turn (Grant and Barb worked 5 and 6 like an oval so they could face traffic) 8 had to cover with eyes both back to 6 and up to 9.

We were lucky to have only 60 cars. The small fields made thing bearable.

Anything more and I think some of us would have "walked" under the conditions.

Sorry it could not be cheerier from the May 29/30 WMR Double Regional @ Grattan

Worker Equipment Available (Matt Kendall)

I used to be a member of MTM and the SCCA Western Michigan region. I have been hanging on to some race stuff in case I ever got back into corner working but it doesn't look like I will. Therefore, do you know of anybody who would be interested in purchasing a proban suit (from the '93 DGP) and a pair of fire retardant gloves? The suit is a medium and is in very good condition. The gloves are also i medium. If you know of anyone that may have an interest, they can give me a call at (616) 681-5674 after 6pm or e-mail me at: matt_kendall@spartanstores.com

A small enthusiastic group of cornerworkers shook the wrinkles out of their whites and dug out their track bags to work the Detroit Region Drivers' School at Waterford Hills on April 17 - 18. Unfortunately, they had to unfold rain suits, boots and warm gloves as the weather deteriorated from a warm Spring sun to cold April showers as the weekend progressed.

Willy Perez and Don Tessmer held their annual worker training school. Registration was very low. Do people not know about our excellent faculty at this institution?

The approximately three dozen drivers demonstrated fast learning curves as incidents were confined to a few spins and off-road excursions. They even learned the art of being black flagged without a number board. Does this mean we don't need a new one?

Weather aside, it was a good weekend. Thanks to all who participated.

SAE

The weather was its usual self for the SAE event at the Pontiac SilverDome - totally unpredictable. Sitting in a tent out of the rain for half a day was time to chat. Workers, later, were driving the course in their own vehicles to dry it off. You can get dizzy! Don Tessmer's proved his van could maintain a fast pace on a tight course.

There was a good turnout of MTM members to assist these young innovators. Many people from the auto industry were there as volunteers too. They better understand and think it is fun what we as Marshals do. Not all think we are sane.

Entrants were from most States, most provinces in Canada and Britain. They had to basically design and build a car with a few limits plus develop a business plan.. Wow those students were certainly great ambassadors for their respective Universities. Each team ran Figure-8, acceleration test, tilt tests, brake tests, solo and endurance events.

Phil Schilke, as Chief, kept it moving but ensuring all students got their full opportunity to prove their vehicle. Yes it was two long days.

Editor Dick Coburn thecoburns@sympatico.ca

Dick

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