By Ron Pace

The Badger Bimmer Chapter of BMWCCA is nearly 1000 strong across the entire state of Wisconsin.  We are vibrant, financially sound and growing. Looking back, we have held some excellent events that span social gatherings, driver’s education, autocross, car shows, shop visits, brewery tours and car clean ups. We vary the locale of events to spread the wealth across the state.   In some cases, we hold several activities in a month. Essential to having the number and variety of events are volunteers to take up the torch to lead activities and for that matter the chapter as Board members and Officers.  The vibrancy of the chapter is in OUR hands.  I am sure many of us, including yours truly, have said we will help but not lead an activity.  Quite frankly, that will not do.  The result will be we will exhaust those who currently lead events.  We need folks like yourselves to step up and pick up that torch from those who have done it for years.  As we all look forward to a great 2020, make a resolution.  Individually and collectively let’s take the challenge – lead an event, lead an activity such as web master or newsletter editor or board member or officer. The rewards are boundless. As a Board member and officer for many years – I have been rewarded by meeting new people, learning things about the marque I would have never thought possible and developed some lasting friendships.

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On January 26^th the Badger Bimmers  held our 7^th annual edition of Chili & a Movie at Ron’s Toy Barn.   While the day was dreary outside the camaraderie inside was overwhelming with 17 Badger Bimmer folks in attendance.  The day started out with greetings to the people who attended, followed by a tour of the garage with comments about each example of vehicle ranging from a vintage Can Am racer, American muscle cars, and contemporary race cars. We then settled down to enjoying 9 varieties of chili with a diverse  set of flavors from mild to wild. This was followed by voting for the people’s choice chili, which the host (yours truly) won.  No, the ballots were not stacked, and unlike a city south of Milwaukee only one vote was allowed per attendee.  The group then adjourned to the movie Shelby American, the history of an automobile icon who started as a chicken farmer in East Texas and went on to become one of the winningest drivers in the history of motorsports.  He was a man who continued  to reinvent himself when he faced adversity throughout his life until he was taken from us in 2012. A remarkable man who left an indelible mark on motorsports. The day wrapped up with folks packing up the leftovers and leaving with great memories of the 7^th annual Chili & a Movie.

Each year the region hosts a winter event featuring cooking championship chili and the most recent release of an automotive related movie. For 2018 eleven Badger Bimmers members gathered on February 3rd at Ron’s Toy Barn to share some winter comradery, bench racing, 6 varying types of chili with all the fix ‘ins and the new movie about Bruce McLaren’s life. Mother Nature granted us snow but the team shouldered on. The chili ranged from a white sauce based chicken offering to a true chili con carne with a number additional great choices. The author brought mystery chili which was quite spicy. As is traditional, we took time to tour and learn more about the vehicles in the Barn. Particular interest and discussion occurred about the under 2 liter Can Am Lola racecar which is powered by a 2cycle 1700 cc Kohler motor. After the tour we took time to vote for our favorite chili with Brent Starry taking the honors with the chili of choice. His chili con carne was to die for! Next we went to the movie. Lights dimmed and we sat to view the new McLaren movie. It was a wonderful documentary with original vintage footage of Bruce including commentaries ranging from original team members to world champion Mario Andretti. With our stomachs fully satisfied and the movie complete we called it a day at about 3:30 PM to brave natures’ gift of snow.

Tasting the chili before the vote!

Brent’s winning chili

Ron talks about his Kohler Powered Lola