We just wrapped up our first HPDE event of the year, held at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, IL. The weather was perfect: Partly cloudy and cool all day and then Mother Nature conveniently timed a free carwash for us right after the last track session.

Events at Blackhawk are always enjoyable. It’s a great venue for first-time HPDE participants, slow and simple enough for a beginner but also technically challenging and interesting for those with more experience.

We had 57 cars and drivers in attendance and from what I saw a great time was had by all.  We’ll be there again on July 31 so be sure to register at motorsportreg.com.

Special thanks to all the club members who helped make this event a great success!

On June 3, 2017, BMW of Milwaukee North in Glendale, WI hosted the 14^th Annual Badger Bimmers BMW Car Show.  Despite the nearly constant rain, nearly 35 BMWs attended. 21 BMWs entered the hotly contested trophy competition.  That was a fantastic turnout and proves that windshield wipers DO serve a purpose!

Cars were entered in five classes organized by vehicle vintage, along with a separate “People’s Choice” award for favorite car overall.  Class winners were selected by participant and spectator ballot, so cars were awarded prizes based on their appeal and not based on how clean or original they are.  I didn’t see anyone with Q-Tips although I think there were a few cars on display that were well-acquainted with that kind of treatment. But that was balanced out by my car which hasn’t even seen soapy water yet this year.

Special thanks to BMW of Milwaukee North for sponsoring a large supply of tasty muffins, bagels, cookies, water, and juice for all participants along with also sponsoring the elegant trophies.

The awards presented were as follows:

People’s Choice:                      Dan Hannula, 2016 M4 GTS

BMWs of the 1970’s:               Cindy Ansay, 1975 2002

BMWs of the 1980’s:               Tim Jason, 1989 325is

BMWs of the 1990’s:               TJ Worley, 1998 M3

BMWs of the 2000’s & Newer: Cal Calkins, 2015 i8

Best BMW Track Car:              Dan Hannula, 2016 M4 GTS

On April 15, 2017, the Badger Bimmers board and general membership meeting was held at Kelly Moss Motorsports in Stoughton, WI.  Larry O’Brien and the fantastic folks at Kelly Moss set up a very interesting program and tasty lunch.  After some time spent freely wandering the KM shop and drooling on the incredible cars (sorry!) Jeff Fait led a brief board meeting followed by a catered taco lunch.  Then- drum roll, please – the moment everyone was waiting for.  Kelly Moss has a beautiful all-whee-drive chassis dyno set up in its own special room.  And to that dyno, they strapped a Porsche 911 Cup Car.  Which they then ran up to about 8500 RPM putting down well over 400 rear-wheel-horsepower and nearly shattering everyone’s eardrums with race-car exhaust sounds.  It was glorious!