Here’s my download… 
The 2010 season has come to an end and what a great season it was for NorCal SE30!
For the season ender at Infineon we had a reduced field of only 12 cars this weekend…we lowered our field count by attrition from the last event (our goofed up standing start) and some out-and-out despicable thievery. Most of you heard about the SpeedTrapp Racing trailer/tow rig and contents getting stolen about 3 weeks prior to the event. The contents included Kevin Nichols’ #55 SE30 racecar, scooters, tools, tires and rims. News of partial recovery of the equipment lifted spirits but Kevin, Sean and Tony’s participation was sorely missed this last weekend. Team SpeedTrapp was 5th in season points and a serious contender for a podium season end. But that was dashed with the theft of their equipment. Likewise, Kevin Nichols entire racing effort was snatched from him and although his car was recovered, it was heavily damaged and will require a serious investment getting it back. Most of the rest of Kevin’s equipment has not yet been recovered. I know I can speak for the entire NorCal SE30 group, if Tony, Sean or Kevin need any help to get back in shape for 2011 we are all here to help. I know there are plenty of willing hands out there…just ask and we can make it happen.
This last weekend…wow…what a wet and wild 2010 season ender for NorCal SE30! Going into the event, Greg Peterson with Team North Bay Bavarian was in first in points followed by Gary Rieger with Team Berkeley Motorworks then Brad McClure and Andy Chittum with Team BTM Motorwerks. Dramatic is the word for the event as a couple of DQs (passing under yellow), a check of shocks and springs, rain and a broken throttle cable all made for a risky bet on who would emerge as NorCal SE30 Regional Champion. In the end Gary Rieger was victorious. With (unofficially as I haven’t seen the final points tally from NASA) Team BTM Motorwerks in 2nd spot (Brad McClure and Andy Chittum) and Team Bavarian Sport (Greg Peterson) in 3rd place. Congratulations guys!
As was done last season, the final Evil Genius Hard Charger Award of the season was handed to the Regional Points Champion. Gary received a crisp Ben Franklin for his win (I hope it was real…the paper felt a bit thin when I handed to Gary). A big thanks to John Pagel with Evil Genius Racing for putting up the Hard Charger Award. It’s a great award that all who have earned it can be proud of. A lot of thought goes behind each award and I was lucky to have Donny Edwards watching and making the final decision on winner. Thanks Donny for your help and support this year.
Also, in addition to the $100 cash, the Regional Champ got a free vinyl helmet wrap from Mike Barbie of Quik Graffix located in Stockton. A big thanks to Mike! Gary has a brand new white OMP helmet to decorate it will be interesting to see what they come up with for a design as anything seems possible these days with vinyl. If anyone would like to get their helmets decorated in the off season give Mike a call at 209-954-2219 or email at quickgraffix@aim.com. A vinyl job on a helmet is a fraction of the cost of a custom paint job…plus it’s repairable. Mike did an awesome job on my helmet.
The AIM Tire $100 gift certificate went to Saturday’s 6th place finish which was Derek Welch. As always, a big round of applause for Ron Cortez of AIM tire for his continued support of NorCal SE30. In honor of the stolen and violated #55 race car, the fine wine donated by Nichols Wealth Management goes to 5th place finishers for both Saturday and Sunday’s race. That would be Paul Blickman for Saturday’s race and “yours truly” for Sunday’s wet and wild race. Thanks Kevin!
We have a number new faces (and forgive me if I’ve left anyone out) coming into NorCal SE30. Newcomers for the 2010 season include Jim Bucha and Dean Walker, Derek Welch, Rick Row, Dan Gorman, Loren Trefethen, Paul Blickman, Eric and Joe Deck, Henry Schmidt, Joe Power and Bryan McQueen. We also have Dan and DJ Riley who were getting their race licenses this last weekend. Also I expect to see Glenn Kent early next season racing with us in his nicely prepped British Racing Green SE30 (yes that color does look good on a German car…but I’m afraid though the car will now start leaking oil and having electrical problems!).
Our largest field was 19 cars this season…we will break the 20-car mark this next year which is a real milestone in my mind. I also hope to see back in our field Adam Lazur, Rich Safreno, Carl Chiu and our founding father Walter Ford (Walter and Carl did make it out this year for one event…expect more in 2011).
There is never a dull moment in this sport and that’s what attracts most of us to racing. The success of NorCal SE30 is the obvious camaraderie we have amongst our racers. The inherent risk we take (both financial and physical) makes this sport one where the participants literally become “comrades in arms”. We have a real and tangible spirit of friendly good-fellowship in our group which people see and want to become a part of. Thanks to all of you for welcoming new folks to the group as it really helps us grow and prosper and make our racing fun.
I am proud to be your leader and look forward to the 2011 season.
Have a great off-season!
Cheers,
Scott
