Last Updated: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 08:34 AM
June El Mirage Results and July Start Positions now posted on our Results / Points / Standings webpage. (posted June 15, 2009) (updated 6/17/09)
Road Runner Meeting Notes - Tuesday, June 9th, 7pm at Ed Martin Garage - It was an unusually cool June evening when the Road Runners gathered at the Ed Martin Garage for our regular monthly Club meeting. Too bad the "May gray" & "June gloom" has not produced some rain to help repair the lakebed at El Mirage!
Tuesday evening, we welcomed three guests: Charles Shimko, Candace Salas and Eddie Jones. Charles, attending his fifth meeting, submitted his application for membership. He plans to race a Suzuki GT250K and is considering a build on his 1970 Opel GT. He also will be training as a Motorcycle Tech Inspector. Charles was voted into the Road Runners and we welcome him.
President Mike Ferguson gave a report out on our annual Road Runners Banquet/BBQ held on June 6th. We had a good crowd and lot's of really good food. Following dinner, awards were presented to Mark Cavernder (#1011B 1350cc/P-P, Hayabusa) for 2008 Road Runners High Points and the Ferguson & Adams Team (#85 B/GC, Camaro) for Top Speed at El Mirage (182.584mph). The Harvey Haller Memorial Trophy was not presented this year.
At our meeting on Tuesday, Vice President Jack Masson proposed that we present the 2008 Harvey Haller Memorial Trophy (for outstanding Club service) to Buddy Fitzgerel in memory of his long 49 year membership and his service to and accomplishments with the Road Runners during that time. The membership approved the idea. Buddy's record in his '50 Ford , XF/PRO - Alvaney & Fitzgerel "Thrifty Fifty", set at El Mirage in June 1984, at 130.813mph still stands. We lost Buddy to a heart attack last November. He is truly missed.
Willie Martin announced that the 75th Anniversary Celebration for the Ed Martin Garage (aka "Road Runners Club House") will be held at the Garage on July 25th from 4 to 8pm. Food and libations will be provided. Road Runners, friends and customers are invited. Bring your Hot Rods for a parking lot display. The Ed Martin Garage is a third generation business started by Willie's grandfather in 1934. The business was later run by Willie's father. Willie has been proprietor for the past 18 years.
If you would like a report on all the Club business conducted at the meeting, please contact Secretary Jerry Cornelison for an e-mail copy of the complete meeting minutes.
Next regular business meeting of the Road Runners is Tuesday, July 14th at 7pm, at Ed Martin Garage. Also, if in the area, don't forget "Burrito Thursdays" at Ed Martin Garage! (Posted June 11, 2009)
May El Mirage Results - Now posted on our Results / Points / Standings webpage. June Start Positions now posted.
Pat McSwain's, McRat Racing B/DT got a real nice tech write up in the May 2009 issue of Diesel Power Magazine. Congratulations Pat! - (posted May 18, 2009) (updated May 19, 2009)
Road Runner Meeting Notes - Tuesday, May 12th, 7pm at Ed Martin Garage - The Road Runners held their regular monthly meeting last evening. We welcomed two guests, Sarah Burns, member Wendell Burns daughter and Ricky Rogers, prospective member. Ricky told us that his membership application in on temporary hold. Unfortunately the bike that he and racing partner Dean Jigamian planned to race had an unfortunate meeting with a guardrail. Dean is ok but the motorcycle was not as fortunate.
Details for our annual Road Runners Awards BBQ/Banquet have been finalized. We will meet at Mike and Dusty Fugusons' home on June 6th. The event will begin at 2pm and steaks go on the BBQ at 5:30pm. Drinks and steaks will be provided by the Club and members will bring pot-luck dishes. Door prizes and awards will follow dinner. Price for members is free and guests will be charged $5. If you plan to attend and did not already RSVP at last night's meeting, please call 951-683-8276 or e-mail us at glc311@att.net.
It looks like we will have a lot of Road Runners participating at the opening El Mirage meet this weekend. Hope to see you there. Look for the Road Runner flag flying near Patrol #3 on the Return Side of the course. See you there!
If you would like a report on all the Club business conducted at the meeting, please contact Secretary Jerry Cornelison for an e-mail copy of the minutes.
Next regular business meeting of the Road Runners is Tuesday, June 9th at 7pm, at Ed Martin Garage. Also, if in the area, don't forget "Burrito Thursdays" at Ed Martin Garage! (Posted May 13, 2009)
Road Runner Meeting Notes - Tuesday, April 14th, 7pm at Ed Martin Garage - The April Meeting of the Road Runners began with a display of many of Buddy Fitzgerel's Bonneville and El Mirage trophies. We also had his vintage 60's era, silver fire suit that he used in his B/STR and the "Thrifty Fifty" XF/PRO before he got his newer fabric suit. The family recently presented these items to the Club following the passing of our long time member and friend, last November.
We had two guests for this meeting, Bill Carling (prospective member - third meeting) and Charles Shimko (prospective member - fourth meeting). Bill Carling submitted his application for membership and was voted into the Club. He will be racing his 2007 Harly Super Glide (Dyna), beginning at the May meet. Welcome to the Club Bill! Charles Shimko will be submitting his membership application following the May El Mirage meet.
Reminder that you need your BLM/EL Mirage Pass to get on the Lake in May. You can mail your check and return address (ASAP!!) to Judy Sights - SCTA Treasurer, and she will mail your Passes back to you. Judy's address is listed on page 163 of the 2009 SCTA-BNI Rulebook.
Our annual Banquet/BBQ date has been changed to June 6th. Turns out that May 23rd, or original date, is Memorial Day Weekend this year. Mark your calendars for June 6th. More details to follow.
Richard Ross (Bonneville & El Mirage Record Holder and Bonneville 200MPH Club Member) of the Harris & Wester Camaro Team and also driver for the Masson Racing G/GALT, announced that he has joined the US Army and will be leaving for Basic Training this month. He may be back in October or November to get some seat time in the Harris & Wester Camaro and Masson Racing Altered before he deploys to Iraq or Afghanistan. Best wishes and God Speed from your fellow Road Runners Richard.
If you would like a report on all the Club business conducted at the meeting, please contact Secretary Jerry Cornelison for an e-mail copy of the minutes.
Next regular business meeting of the Road Runners is Tuesday, May 12th at 7pm, at Ed Martin Garage. Also, if in the area, don't forget "Burrito Thursdays" at Ed Martin Garage! (Posted April 15, 2009)
Recent additions to "Cars, Bikes and Drivers" Page - There are several additons to the "Cars, Bikes and Drivers" page on our website. Additions include several race vehicles under construction and several of our members "Street Rides". (Posted March 17, 2009)
Road Runner Meeting Notes - Tuesday, March 10th, 7pm at Ed Martin Garage - Nine guests visited our meeting tonight. Welcome to: Bill Carling - prospective member (second meeting); Dean Jigamian - prospective member (third meeting); Jake Krottje - prospective member (first meeting); Gary McGavin - prospective member (third meeting); Ricky Rogers - prospective member (third meeting); Charles Shimko - prospective member (third meeting); Sarah Burns - guest; Eddie Jones - guest; Kermit Thompson - guest.
Prospective member Gary McGavin was voted into the Club. Gary has a long and varied racing background, including motorcycles, formula car and sedan road racing and Pikes Peak. Gary shared pictures of some of the formula cars he has raced over the years and the F-80 wingtank and Formula Ford donor car that will provide the chassis for his new tank lakester. Gary expects the car to be ready for the 2010 season. Welcome to the Road Runners Gary.
All 2009 Patrol and Club duty assignments are posted on the "Race Schedule and Duty Assignments" page of our website. Please note that the start time for Patrol Meetings has been changed to 7am at the Start Line. In 2009, course walk procedures will be changed. Half the SCTA Clubs will start from the Start Line and half from the end of the course, meeting at the Finish Line. Club assignments have not been made yet. We will post the Road Runners Course walk assignment on our webpage when we receive it.
Buddy Fitzgerel's family has contacted our Club, offering to give us his El Mirage, Muroc and Bonneville trophies and timing tags. We gratefully accept their offer and will pickup and document the items. Some of the items may be incorporated into the Buddy Fitzgerel Memorial Trophy that is currently being designed.
If you would like a report on all the Club business conducted at the meeting, please contact Secretary Jerry Cornelison for an e-mail copy of the minutes.
Next regular business meeting of the Road Runners is Tuesday, April 14th at 7pm, at Ed Martin Garage. Also, if in the area, don't forget "Burrito Thursdays" at Ed Martin Garage! (Posted March 11, 2009)
Road Runner Meeting Notes - Tuesday, February 10th, 7pm at Ed Martin Garage - Another big night for guests at the Road Runners meeting. Tonight the following joined us for our meeting: Josh Minder - prospective member (third meeting); Gary McGavin - prospective member (second meeting); Charles Shimko - prospective member (second meeting); Bill Carling - prospective member (first meeting); Lee Schelin - prospective member (first meeting); Helen Winters - prospective member (first meeting); Sarah Burns - member Wendel Burns daughter; Kermit Thompson - guest. Welcome to all.
Prospective members Josh Minder and Helen Winters were voted into the Club. Josh and his Dad Dave, who joined the Club last month, are well into the build on a motorcycle sidecar. The father/son is Josh's high school, senior class project. Josh will race the bike and Dave will be Crew Chief.
Helen Winters joins the Road Runners as an Out of Area Member (as defined in our Road Runners By-laws). Helen will be sharing driving duties in the Ferguson & Adams #85, B/GC Camaro. Helen's husband, Mark is an Associate Member of the Road Runners. They live in Paso Robles.
The Road Runners turned in their Annual Membership report and 2009 SCTA fees at the SCTA President's Meeting on February 6th. All members who paid their dues on or before January 31st are on the current Club Roster. If you have any questions regarding your current Road Runners membership, please contact us.
Among several items of business, we discussed, were proposed changes to the 2009 El Mirage Procedures. The proposals will be discussed and voted on at the next SCTA Meeting (March 6th, Irwindale). Any approved changes will be added to the 2009 El Mirage Procedures. We have a link to the SCTA ELM Procedures page on our website. All are encouraged to review the ELM prior to the start of the 2009 season. The revised ELM will probably be online in late March or early April.
Patrol and Club Duty assignments have been selected/made and are posted on our "Race Schedule and Duty Assignments" webpage. Please check for assignments.
Big news on safety: SCTA has arranged for Stand 21, a licensed manufacturer of Hans Devices, to have a display set up at the May El Mirage Meet. You will be able to try different Hans Device configurations in your race vehicles. There will be no sales at this event. This is for trial and information only. If more news is available on this before May, we will let members know.
At the SCTA Meeting, the Rod Riders, who were spearheading the "write in" campaign regarding the USMC Land Acquisition of Johnson Valley ORV Area reported that 9000 signatures were filed in opposition. Thanks to all who took time for "their voice to be heard." Don't know how this will all turn out. Will keep you posted on what we learn.
If you would like a report on all the Club business conducted at the meeting, please contact Secretary Jerry Cornelison for an e-mail copy of the minutes.
Next regular business meeting of the Road Runners is Tuesday, March 10th at 7pm, at Ed Martin Garage. Also, if in the area, don't forget "Burrito Thursdays" at Ed Martin Garage! (Posted February 11, 2009)
Road Runner Meeting Notes - Tuesday, January 13th, 7pm at Ed Martin Garage - Eight guests joined us for the Road Runners meeting: Sarah Burns - Wendel Burns’ daughter; Dean Jigamian - prospective member (second meeting); Shawn Johnson - guest; Gary McGavin - prospective member (first meeting); Dave Minder - prospective member (fourth meeting); Josh Minder - prospective member (second meeting); Rickey Rogers - prospective member (second meeting); and Charles Shimko - prospective member (first meeting).
Prospective member Gary McGavin is building a Lakester using an F-80 wingtank on a Formula Ford chassis. The power will be provided by a Buick V6. Prospective member Dave Minder submitted his application for membership and was voted into the Club. Dave and his son Josh are building a Motorcycle sidecar. The project will be Josh's high school Senior Class project. Josh will be submitting his application for membership at our February meeting.
Two reminders for Members: Membership dues must be paid by Jan 31st, or you will be dropped and must reapply for membership. Our Club will be turning in our 2009 Roster and paying our association fees on Feb 6th, at the SCTA/Club Reps - President’s Meeting. Also, members are encouraged to buy your BLM/El Mirage passes for next season, in advance, to avoid entry problems in May. Contact Mike Ferguson, Jerry Cornelison or Pat Riley to pre-order. We will take your payment and purchase your passes at SCTA meetings on Feb 6th, Mar 6th or Apr 3rd. After that you will need to purchase you passes at El Mirage at the Registration Trailer. Good news! The bypass entry road at El Mirage has been completed. With your BLM/SCTA El Mirage pass, you will not have to wait in line to enter the lakebed.
A new page has been added to the Road Runners website. Click on the “Safety” link on the main page to get lots of info about head and neck restraints and to see what is available and what meets SFI 38.1 criteria. NOTE: The resources and links provided are for informational purposes only. No recommendation to type or supplier is made or implied. As new items are discovered they will be added to resource list.
The USMC Land Acquisition Project that proposes to take all or part of the Johnson Valley ORV area and the potential impact on El Mirage was discussed. Comment forms were distributed. Members are encouraged to send in comments to try to prevent the loss of the Johnson Valley ORV area. Information and Citizen Comment forms can be found at these websites: http://pfjv.org/ and http://www.29palms.usmc.mil/las/.
If you would like a report on all the Club business conducted at the meeting, please contact Secretary Jerry Cornelison for an e-mail copy of the minutes.
Next regular business meeting of the Road Runners is Tuesday, February 10th at 7pm, at Ed Martin Garage. Also, if in the area, don't forget "Burrito Thursdays" at Ed Martin Garage! (Updated January 14, 2009)