An Optimistic Outlook             for the New Year
Nineteen ninety seven is starting out to be a good year for Team Harco Motorsports.  Coming off a dual championship season, in autocrossing, in 1996; Team Harco looks to make similar advances in the area of road rallying in 1997.

 

Ice Racing Season                   Too HOT to Handle

The winter of 1997, in the Detroit area, was a bit milder than usual.  As a result, all four scheduled ice runs (presented by the Michigan Sports Car Club) were canceled.  The ice thickness on Waterford’s Loon Lake never got to the required ten inch minimum on the proper weekends.

 

 

New PC Brings                      New Look to Off the Line

Team Harco has joined the computer age with a new personal computer.  The humble newsletter of Team Harco Motorsports should take on a more polished and professional look; as the editor becomes more proficient.

 

 

Off the Line

 

The Official Semi-occasional Publication of    Team Harco Motorsports                                         Issue #5 -- Spring 1997

 

            Contents

Review of 1996  .....................................................  1

1997 Ohio Winter Rally  .........................................  1   

1997 Sno*Drift PRO Rally  .........................…........  3   

1997 Moonlight Monte Rally  ....................…..........  3  

1997 Dawnbuster  .................................................  4

Mark Your Calendar  .............................................  4

Looking Ahead  .....................................................  5 

Thank You  ............................................................  6

The Team Harco Calendar  ...................................  7  

 

 

On the Cover: The NEW LOOK!  And the Team Harco/ Dragon Lady Talon at rest.

 

At the Back:  The Team Harco Eagle takes flight.

 

Off the Line is edited and published, time permitting, by Scott D. Harvey, Jr.

 

The name Off the Line, (aside from its many connotations) is used here, without being registered and is used without any ones permission.  Any resemblance between this newsletter and other published columns, of the same name, is not intended to detract from their readership in any way.

 

Comments, Questions, Back Issues, etc.

 

            Team Harco Motorsports

            221 Ormsby

            Waterford, MI 48327-1750

            Central Headquarters (810) 683-0207      

            E-mail: TeamHarco@Juno.com

(Work hours) (810) 340-8146

            (fax)  (810) 340-4410

           

 

 

 

Review of 1996

Team Harco had its finest year on record (in the modern era -- but with “vintage” cars) in 1996.  Scott Jr won the class championships in both the Detroit Region SCCA  and DCSCC autocross championship series.

The autocross Colt, with the beautiful bright red Autometric paint and the fire-breathing dragon on its engine cover, took the E-Prepared class titles in both series.  Among the highlights for 1996, would be the three events held at the Waterford Hills racetrack.  Three of the major sports car clubs in the Detroit area hosted autocross events on the, twisty, little road course.  The Colt, and its various drivers had a great time at each of the three big events.

A major highlight from 1996 was the FTD claimed by Scott Jr at the July 21st AROC autocross.

As usual, the Press On Regardless Rally would prove to be the major event of the year.  The Team Harco/ Dragon Lady rally Colt got a freshened engine just prior to last years special rally.  A GIANT THANKS! must go out to Sue Vartanian (The “Dragon Lady”) for her financial contributions to the rally and autocross efforts.

1997 Ohio Winter Rally

                                               

Feb. 1-2, 1997; Kent, Ohio. 

 

The 27th running of the Ohio Winter Rally was in danger of being canceled.  Were it not for a late January thaw, the rally may not have happened this year.  Many of the roads, which were to be used by the rally, were covered with a thick sheet of glare ice.  A couple of days worth of sun and warmer temperatures removed enough of the treacherous conditions for the rally officials to go ahead with the event.  As it turned out, plenty of those icy conditions still existed out in the shadier areas (it was really shady at night).  In particular, the unpaved roads in the northeastern part of  the state were very slippery.  Ice still covered most of these roads, with slight smatterings of gravel to help provide a little traction.  To make it even more interesting, the rallymasters (John Hinkle and Tom Benham) seemed to locate their check points at the iciest locations available.  Often these were just after a pair of 90 degree turns, which put the teams through the narrow confines of single lane bridges (at least one of which was an, all too rare, covered bridge).

 

Four of the first eight cars on the road (just after 7:00 p.m.) were from Michigan; with the father and son Hendersons accounting for half of that.  Mark teamed up with John Puffenberger and, father, Gene was teamed with Jeff Boris.  Fekete/Shaffer would start from the 8th spot in their Jimmy.  Starting from the 6th spot would be an interesting pairing of long time equipped class navigator, par excellence, Jim Mickle and (usually stock class) driver Scott Harvey, Jr.  This would be the first time Scott Jr would run in the E class.  The Team Harco Talon had been fitted with a magnetic pick-up about two weeks prior to the OWR; as Mr. Mickle asked the simple question: “How would you like to try the equipped class?”.  The answer went something like this: “Sure”.

 

Not meaning to downplay the significance of such a proposition;  as this is a bit like jumping from the AA level of baseball and going directly to the big leagues.  To say the least, the prospect of running for the overall win was enticing.  The stock class, in the opinion of many, is the purest form of the sport, as it pits the team, and their vehicle against the road (and the rallymaster) in the simplest of terms.  With a minimum of expense one can compete in a road rally, in the stock class.  The only requirement is a roadworthy car and crew!  The major drawback to competing in the stock class is that the odds against winning are quite slim.  Probably  99% of the overall winners come from the equipped class.  More than likely, all of the remaining winners, as the fine team of Fekete/Shaffer have shown, come from the limited class.

 

Aside from the crews from Michigan, there were a number of strong competitors from the region.  One such pairing, was that of Greg Lester (champion navigator) driving for Rob Moran (from Ohio and Michigan, respectively) in a Toyota “Sport Quattro” in the limited class.  Also among the top teams, and first on the road were, the two time and defending champions of the event, Laitenberger/ McArthur (representing New York).

 

The field was set; and 34 teams left the start in Kent, to take on the dark and lesser known roads south and east of Cleveland.  For the most part, the CASTs of early legs seemed to be set a bit slow.  But had the expected snow covered the roads, the assigned speeds might have been a little tougher to maintain.  As it was, the speeds may have been a little slow for the conditions.  This would change in the second half of the rally.

 

The rally route had taken the competitors on a one hundred mile tour of the back roads of northeastern Ohio;  to the mid-rally break in Ashtabula County.  The area, just a few miles from Lake Erie and the Pennsylvania border, is known for its lake effect snows in the winter.  The snow was gone, but it was more than made-up for by the ice. 

 

At the break, the competitors had a chance to share stories and compare (unofficial) scores.  Estimates had the team of Laintenberger/McArthur as the overall leaders with a total of 12 penalty points.  From all estimations the team of Harvey/Mickle were just behind with about 14 points.  Third place seemed to be held by the Ohio team of Coughnour/Marcus in their Jeep Cherokee.  Henderson/Puffenburger were not too far back; while the team of Henderson/Boris maxed the first leg and were thus eliminated from contention.  The limited class battle would be fought out between the crews of Lester/Moran and Fekete/Shaffer.  Stock class seemed to be well in hand for, New Yorker, Rick Ehrenberg and his driver (for this rally), Michigan resident, Dave Zelkowski.  The novice class would be hotly contested as no fewer than 14 of the 34 teams would mark “N” on their entry forms.

 

The return back toward Kent would prove to be the most difficult of the rally.  As noted earlier, the iciest areas seemed to be right where the check points were situated.  (As each car comes into an open control, one of the crew members is required to return to the control car and collect the team’s check-point slip, and “sticky”).  The first hard part was stopping the car.  Cars would slide past their preferred stop location by several yards.  The second hard part, and by far the most difficult, was the walk back to the control car.  It was more dangerous walking on the roads than it was driving on them!  Slip-and-fall accidents, while in the pedestrian mode, presented  the greatest risk to the competitors.  Off-road excursions were also a risk, but the only reported “off” was that of Lester/Moran.  Luckily, they continued on after extracting themselves from a ditch; again, just after a check point.

 

It was noted by a Michigan team that a lot of the guys from Ohio, Kentucky and New York were driving on studded tires (even with all wheel drive).  Just the thing when driving on ice.  It seems that studded tires are legal, on public roads, in these states.  A good bit of strategic data to store away for possible future use.  (The editor has since learned that studded tires are, again, legal in the Great Lake State!  But beware -- be sure to consult your local authority for official rules and restrictions.)

 

It was 3:30 AM before the last of the teams made their way to the finish.  Little had changed in the standings, since the mid-point break.  Laitenberger/McArthur held on for the win with 21 points after 23 controls.  A strong second was turned in by the new team of Harvey/Mickle, just 4/100s of a minute back (25).  Third was taken by WOR region members, Coughnour/Marcus with 33.  First in Limited, and 4th overall, were Fekete/Shaffer with 35.  A score of 22 on one control cost Lester/Moran their shot at the L class win, though finishing with a credible 58 (good for 8th overall).  5th overall were Henderson and Puffenberger (4th E, 46). 6th overall was taken by the Kentucky/Ohio team of Miller/Bruce with 47.  Next was the Ohio/Kentucky team of Mark Rinkel and Bill Secrest in a rear wheel drive Thunderbird!  (If this guy didn’t have studded tires, he deserves a medal for bravery).  (Additional rumor: the team’s primary ride (AWD), did not send a proper signal to the navigational computer.  The T-Bird seemed to have been a decent substitute).   

 

Zelkowski/Ehrenberg did a nice job of consolidating their lead in stock, and took the class win with 186 (10th overall).  The next four overall placements were in the stock class, with the Pennsylvania/Ohio team of Ahrens/Nick, in a similar vehicle to the class winner’s, Jeep Cherokee, taking 2nd in class with 221.  The novice battle was taken in fine fashion by the team of Chris Gray and Christy Reimer in a Volkswagen Golf (a nifty 986).

 

A word about competing in the E class.  The driver usually has the easy job (in any class) when it comes to road rallying.  The navigator is usually burdened with keeping the car on time and on course.  This is no simple task from the seat which is opposite all the car controls. It is done by taking the data from the route instructions and then transferring this data into the rally computer (if so equipped) and ultimately to the driver.

 

If the rally computer has a driver’s display, the driver’s job becomes even easier.  The amount of time up or down, from ideal, is constantly shown; based on the navigator’s programming.  When all goes exactly as planned the display will read zero at every check point.  (And of course the control crew has to agree with the same time).

 

In the case of the Team Harco run at the Ohio Winter Rally, Jim Mickle’s navigational skills made the 2nd place run possible.  Some gook luck and a steady run were the keys to success.  There were some small mistakes by the driver which could have easily accounted for the 5 points needed to take the win.  This first trial as a team, makes the outlook for the 1997 rally season a very bright one.  Scott Jr  and Jim Mickle have agreed to team-up to compete in most of the Detroit Region and Central Division SCCA Championship rallies for 1997.    Look Out!!

 

 

1997 Sno*Drift PRO Rally

 

Feb. 8, 1997;  Atlanta, MI

PRO Rally has returned to lower Michigan.  The first PRO Rally for the 1997 season was run on some very icy roads around the area of Atlanta, Michigan.  Many of the top rally racers from the eastern half of the country were there to fight for the points available for a 60% national.

Winning overall and keeping their string of winter rally victories alive were the Canadian team of Frank and Dan Sprongl in their beautiful Michelin Audi Quattro.  Carl Merrill brought his outrageous Cosworth Escort from Maine, only to find the conditions even slicker than expected.  2nd Overall were Gingras and Westrick in their Mitsubishi Eclipse (from PGT).  3rd was Landau and Marcus in their Eclipse.  4th overall and first two wheel drive (and P) were local favorites Tad Otake and Bob Martin in their Ford Escort GT.

A large portion of the field was made-up of, the twin to the Team Harco Talon, the Eclipse.  The Team Harco/ Dragon Lady Talon was certainly not out of place there.  With the large driving lights and the Hakkapeliitta tires, were it not for the required safety equipment, the car could have been competitive in the PRO Rally run that day.  Scott Jr was on hand to help at tech inspection on Saturday and then collected some excellent film of the rally (both video and still photos).

Atlanta will likely play host to another PRO Rally this summer.  Team Harco has plans to be there with the rally Colt to compete in the divisional PRO Rally this coming June.

1997 Moonlight Monte Rally

 

Feb. 22, 1997; Imlay City, MI

The second CenDiv, and first Detroit Region championship road rally, was run out of Imlay City on Feb. 22nd.  The winter thaw had hit the area early and some heavy rains conspired to make this an unusual rally in many regards.

Rallymaster Jim Mickle did a great job of presenting a straightforward TSD rally in his backyard; lower Michigan’s thumb area.  The unseasonable weather the week prior to the rally led the rallymaster to set the rally speeds at the intermediate level (of the three choices given to the rallyists in their route instructions).  Most teams were aware of the speed decision, but the team of Martin/Talcott started the rally using the faster speed set.  Unfortunately, their great run was not officially recognized and they fell to 10th place.  Lester and Swarm, from Ohio, were the benefactors and were declared the overall winners (from class L).

The Team Harco Talon saw use as the “sweep” vehicle at the Monte.  Jim Mickle offered a position as an organizer on the Monte to his new teammate.  The opportunity, to score points as an organizer (part of the scoring scheme for the rally championships), was too much to pass up.

While sweeping up the rally route, the Talon, ably navigated by Rob Moran, came across a little S-10 pick-up stopped at the top of a little hump-back bridge.  “Car” #17 of the rally had just gone into a flooded river on the other side of the bridge.  When the water came over the hood and started coming in the doors, it was time to back up!  Sweep helped get this team back on course, but they helped sweep more than they know.  Thanks for being there, Randy Gerding and Carol Golanski.

1997 Dawnbuster

            March 15-16, 1997; Brighton, MI

The second round of the Detroit Region SCCA road rally series was another rally with weather being a major factor in its running.  A major ice storm had swept the area only two days prior to the running of this “dusk to dawn” endurance rally.  Most of the rural gravel roads were ice covered and downed limbs still created obstacles for the competitors.

A small field of 9 cars made it to the start.  The route laid out by rally masters Bryan Murphy and Scott Radabaugh was well planned; and traversed a number of excellent roads in the area between Lansing and Detroit.

After a long night of tough roads and fairly brisk speeds, the team of Mark Henderson/ John Puffenberger edged out (father) Gene Henderson/ Rob (first time navigating with a computer) Moran by a score of 52 to 53.  325 miles and 10 hours of tough rallying was decided by a single point!

The Team Harco Talon started the rally, but after a couple of minor errors (putting the team right out of any chances of a decent placement), decided to go home early.  Even then it was about 1:30 AM!  The team was running up front early, and looked to be in good shape for the win.  When it was realized that the win was out of reach, the team decided to press on until the next (if any) error which would be enough to positively convince the team to drop out.  It only took three legs into the second section.

The road conditions were doing a nice job of beating the car and the sleep depravation was taking its toll on the crew.  So when a max was received on leg 11 of the rally, it was time to pack it in.  After all, this was not the Press On Regardless.  (Even though it should be good practice for the famed POR, as it will be run entirely at night this year).

The prospect for the rally season is still very favorable.  Mistakes are inevitable.  When splitting hairs (or seconds in this case), at the equipped level, the smallest mistake can put the team out of contention instantly.  However, with the strong showing at the Ohio Winter Rally and a strong run, early, at Dawnbuster, the team of Harvey/ Mickle should be a force to be reckoned with in 1997.

The next rally for the Team Harco/ Dragon Lady Talon will be at “A Grand Adventure”.  The third round of both the CenDiv and Detroit region championships will be run out of Ionia, Michigan on April 12th.  Stay tuned to this frequency for the full (of bull?) story.

(Late news: Harvey/Mickle took 1^st in E at “A Grand Adventure).

 

Mark Your Calendar

SAE Student Spring Event, April 19, U of M Dearborn

When not actually competing, Scott, Jr likes to remain in touch with the “grass roots” of motorsports.  For the 6th year in succession, he will be the chairman of the SAE Student Spring Event.  The Spring Event is an autocross competition among engineering students from the various university chapters within the Detroit Section of SAE.

Aside from the autocross, a guest speaker is enlisted to give a presentation on an interesting area within the engineering/ motorsports industry.  In the past few years; Michael Royce (Engineering manager of the Chrysler/ Lamborghini F1 engine program), Bob Corn of Roush Industries/ Racing, Neon Racing (Brad Dotson and Gary Johnson), the 1993 Camaro Z28 (Paul Allen) and Team Viper (Neil Hannemann and Al Fields) have been kind enough to give presentations at the Spring Event.  This year Dave Spitzer of GM Motorsports will be discussing the Aurora IRL racing engine program.  (April 19, U of M Dearborn)   Look for the Team Harco/ Dragon Lady/ Autometric Colt to again be on hand for demonstration runs.

SCCA Solo School, May 2-3, Lawrence Tech

This will be the third year for Scott as co-chairman of the SCCA Solo School.  In addition to helping to organize the event, he will serve as a driving instructor; to a few students, who are interested in learning how to autocross.  This event is the single largest recruiting tool to the Detroit Region SCCA.  As many as 40 to 50 new members will join the club at the Solo School.

Friday night is for the classroom session.  Here students are taught the basics of car control and mental preparation for driving in competition.  Co-chairman Mike Burke does an excellent job each year of describing, to the mostly novice class, what it really takes to drive in the most elemental form of motorsports. Autocross. (All one needs is a car that will pass tech inspection).

Saturday is spent out on the course.  5 to 8 students are matched with each instructor.  (111 students in 1996)  The students are coached and critiqued on their progress.  The students are given as many runs as time will allow.  (Usually about twice as many as a normal solo event).

Many students show-up at other autocrosses and continue to improve (some even go on to win -- for crying out loud, some even become instructors).  Some fade away; as they may find it’s harder than it looks.  Overall, the Solo School is one of the best ways to find out if performance driving is worth pursuing as a hobby.  If nothing else, it’s a great opportunity to discover the limits of the vehicle and/or the driver under controlled conditions.

 

Formula SAE, May 16-18, Pontiac Silverdome

The 17th annual Formula SAE competition will again be held at the Pontiac Silverdome.  Engineering students from across North America; design, construct and race their open wheel, single seat, race cars against one another in this most challenging of design competitions. 

Many of the competitors, upon graduation, find positions within the motorsports and engineering industry.  Some are even employed by the top CART race teams; as well as the motorsports departments within the big three.

Chrysler, Ford and General Motors have formed a consortium which has organized, and provided the major funding of, this event for the past four years.  As an active member of both SAE and SCCA, the editor of this publication has been there from the beginning.

After his year as a student competitor, Scott has been active in the support of the F-SAE competition.  Serving as a tech inspector in 92 and 93, then coming on in 94 when the consortium was formed, he has acted as a tech liaison and station captain, overseeing a number of technical and safety related areas of the competition.

 

Detroit SCCA Weekend “How the Other Side Does It”   July 11-13, Waterford Hills

“How the Other Side Does It”  is returning to Waterford Hills for 1997.  The Detroit SCCA Waterford weekend should be even better this year.  A smashing success last year, the event again promises to showcase a typical event as run by the three primary factions - Race, Rally, Solo.

This year, Team Harco will again bring the speedy little autocross Colt out for the Solo event.  Maybe even improve on its impressive 3rd overall from last year!

Not pleased with the way the rally portion was presented in its initial trial, Scott has volunteered to work with Jim Mickle to put on a true rally for 1997.  The rally will emphasize fun and simplicity.  The theme of the Waterford weekend, after all, is to sample some of the other groups’ areas of specialty.  Hence a thoroughly simplified rally, of short duration and, on primarily paved roads has been laid out by Harvey/Mickle.  The events of the weekend are primarily open to Detroit Region SCCA members, but special consideration may be allowed for the rally.  Be sure to contact your favorite representative if you are interested, but are not a Detroit Region SCCA member.

 

 

 

 Looking Ahead

Team Harco has a full schedule planned for 1997.  Along with the rallies already run this year, a more intense rally season is planned.  The Press On Regardless rally, in September, is always the biggest event on the Team Harco schedule.  Plans are currently being made to bring out the rally Colt for a couple of divisional PRO Rallies.  Two of these PRO Rallies are in Michigan and one is in Ohio.

With the strong showing at the Ohio Winter Rally and encouraging early scores from Dawnbuster, the team of Harvey/Mickle look to make a serious run at the road rally championships as presented by the Detroit Region SCCA and the Central Division series.

The autocross season is expected to take a slightly different direction in 1997.  Two or three CenDiv (Central Division SCCA) events have been targeted for entry.  This is the next step up from the regional level.  Should the Team Harco Colt and its drivers prove themselves at this level, a shot at the national finals would be the next step.  But that is still a few years down the road.  The same series which the team has run for the past several years (Detroit SCCA and DCSCC) will remain at the backbone of the schedule.

Improvements to the vehicle are always a consideration.  The list for the autocross Colt is not all that long, but it is ever present.  Still on that list are the plans to allow for more suspension adjustability and fine tuning.  This will take the form of coil-over front suspension, various lowering blocks at the rear and adjustable anti-roll bars.

Beyond the autocross Colt there are the two rally cars; the Colt and the Talon.  Throw in the trailer and the tow vehicle and there exists a veritable fleet of vehicles to maintain. Each vehicle has its own list of maintenance and upgrades. The Team Harco garage is a busy place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank You

A regular feature here, is the section where we thank the supporters and friends who help with the motorsports activities of Team Harco.

 

Larry Smith and Autometric Body Shops have been loyal supporters of the Team Harco autocross program for the past two full seasons.  The radiant red paint which makes the autocross Colt look so good was provided by Autometric. Considerable financial support has also been extended to Team Harco by Mr. Smith.

Sue Vartanian, the “Dragon Lady”, has been very generous with contributions which have gone toward many areas of the Team Harco program.  The financial support provided by the Dragon Lady, in 1996, was instrumental in the engine rebuild on the rally Colt before the running of the POR.  In notice of support by the Dragon Lady, a fire breathing dragon has graced the hood of the autocross Colt since mid-season 1996.  Plans are being made to find a suitable dragon for the rally Colt.  There is even a good chance the Team Harco Talon will have a dragon on its hood before the year is out.

Allen Hewitt and Jeff Nowicki have been especially helpful in the area of keeping Team Harco rolling.  With all the requirements of road racing slicks, rally tires, road tires and even ice racing tires; access to tire mounting equipment is essential.  Allen’s tire equipment and Jeff’s, Specter Werkes, race shop have been utilized by Team Harco for many tire mountings.

Lee Kesh and Todd Cameron at the Lawrence Tech fabrication lab have been very supportive.  When new parts need to be created or old ones repaired, the fabrication lab facilities have been graciously offered for use.  A number of special parts have been designed by Team Harco and the special welding or machining requirements have been finished by either Lee or Todd.

Arick Rushing and brother Jay helped out by volunteering the use of a cutting torch to perform a little material removal on the trailer.

Al Zifilippo, Doug Harvey, Bryan Murphy, Jim Mickle, Jeff Kaiser, Aaron Conner, Rod Natho, Tom Woodside and Pete Gladyz have all supported the team in one way or another over the past few years.  Whether it be financial support, navigating on rallies, driving the autocross car, wrenching on the vehicles, filming the cars in competition or helping with parts, their help has been critical to the success of Team Harco in recent years.

 

 

 

To all of you, we say “Thank you!”.  For without your support, fewer events would be run and at a greatly reduced quality of professionalism.

A small token of our appreciation is the production of this newsletter.  It is our way of keeping you informed and updated on the activities of Team Harco.

 

                        Thank you teammates,

 

 

                        Scott D. Harvey, Jr

 

 

Abbreviations and Definitions

Clubs:                                                                          AROC = Alfa Romeo Owners Club                                CCM = Corvette Club of Michigan                                DCSCC = Detroit Council of Sports Car Clubs  (Hotline                    number (810) 545-6733)                                                MSCC = Michigan Sports Car Club                                SAE = Society of Automotive Engineers                      SCCA = Sports Car Club of America  (Hotline (800) 503-RACE)

Classes:                                                                            EP = E Prepared (autocross class) - Autocross Colt            E = Equipped class for TSD rallies (use of a rally                computer) - Eagle Talon                                                      S = Stock class for TSD rallies (stock odo and calculator) - Eagle Talon                                                                 Studded = studded tire class for ice races - Rally colt       U2 =  under 2 liter, two wheel drive PRO Rally class - Rally Colt                                                                               Vintage = vintage rally class (car > 15 years old, mechanical odo and calculation devices only) - Rally Colt

Autocross = Solo II = Gymkahna                               Champ = DCSCC Championship autocross                    FTD = Fastest Time of Day                                            TSD = Time, Speed, Distance = Road Rally