Mark Donohue celebration at Road America July, 2010

Folks:

Not every car on the track at Road America was a fast one, though this proves that at least one Porsche GT3 owner may be desperately calling his mechanic:



The 2CV belongs to my friend Tom Warth, he of Classic Motorbokks fame; we drove it 300 miles each way from Minneapolis, drafting everything from bicyclists to milk trucks.

Frank

OOOOooooooohooooo ! Bogity ! Bogity ! Boogity ! Lets go racing boys ! As Darrel Waltrip might say

Thanks for posting this photo Frank

Folks:

Not every car on the track at Road America was a fast one, though this proves that at least one Porsche GT3 owner may be desperately calling his mechanic:



The 2CV belongs to my friend Tom Warth, he of Classic Motorbooks fame; we drove it 300 miles each way from Minneapolis, drafting everything from bicyclists to milk trucks.

Frank

Frank, I assume that Mr. Warth had just popped out of the slipstream of the Porsche and that at the time this photo was taken that you were blasting past it!
Tom

Party hosted by Rick and Jacques Dresang on Thursday night
This was a very nice event at the Crystal Lake home of the Dresang's
At the table are Andree Mayer with her back to us, Bob Mayer and Michael Argetsinger. On the right host Jacques Dresang.

Host Rick Dresang and Michael Argetsinger.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 17 August 2010 - 01:35.

Numero Uno Paul Powell
Paul Powell worked tirelessly all weekend long to make sure the honored guests were well taken care of.
To say he did a great job of getting the cars and the people to this event, would be an understatement.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 23 July 2010 - 00:40.

On the right Ike Smith and Paula Hardison and David Bull
On the left Maria Garrity and Bob Hardison. This is from the Thursday night get together at the Dresang's

Edited by Jerry Entin, 23 July 2010 - 01:56.

Was really glad to see all the Mark Donohue cars up there...it's always been a wich to see the 917/30 at RA...I started going to the Sprints with my dad back in '78 when I was 10, so I missed out on those great can-am years and the vinatge races are a good way to experience these truely beautiful cars...wouldn't it be great if Porsche would do a continuation of the 917's (can always dream). It's too bad a lap or 2 couldn't have been done without the passanger for us shutter bugs (is that you Paul?...hmmm?....:+)...if it was you were deserving)....but there is no way I would turn down a ride shotgun on this stallion. Thanks to Paul for organizing this so we got to see it here...it was long overdue.

Oscar Koveleski and Ike Smith
Oscar did a great job of greeting the CanAm drivers and crew. Pam Shatraw was also very instrumental in the CanAm effort at Elkhart Lake.

Was really glad to see all the Mark Donohue cars up there...it's always been a wich to see the 917/30 at RA...I started going to the Sprints with my dad back in '78 when I was 10, so I missed out on those great can-am years and the vinatge races are a good way to experience these truely beautiful cars...wouldn't it be great if Porsche would do a continuation of the 917's (can always dream). It's too bad a lap or 2 couldn't have been done without the passanger for us shutter bugs (is that you Paul?...hmmm?....:+)...if it was you were deserving)....but there is no way I would turn down a ride shotgun on this stallion. Thanks to Paul for organizing this so we got to see it here...it was long overdue.

Yes it was me....I told Matt the car owner it would be better without me, but it was one of the coolest thing I have ever done, 2nd to having my kids.....It was a once in a lifetime thing for me and a wonderful way to honor Mark with "the last lap" for him.....

2) riding in the 2CV for five laps during the touring session on Saturday; we were passed by all of the cars but regained our status by cutting inside on the corners and taking shortcuts over the grass.

Seeing this happen going up the hill at turn 5 was one of many wonderful memories from an amazing weekend

Sorry for the delay in posting some of my pics from the weekend.



A mini TNF get together, Walt Vitez (VWV), Tom Schultz (RA Historian), Brian Brown (B Squared), Paul Medici



Michael Argetsinger signing copies of his book



Book signing Panel







Michael Hosting the Donohue Breakfast



Peter Luongo, Peter's son, Barry Tenin, Brian Brown

I had an excellent weekend but I regreat that we could not have have a better TNF meet & greet on the Saturday. Thanks to all who made my trip to Road America a wonderful experience.

Thought I'd share some more.

Here are my pics, 400 of them. Some good some bad. You can tell my bias toward Can Am and Mark's 917/30. There was a Focus RS in the Ford stand that I couldn't resist either. Hopefully the link works. This is the first time I have used Picasa.

http://picasaweb.goo...rianRedman2010#

Bet they're great pix, but the link says no public access...

Concerning that picture with the guy riding on the side of the 917- is that photoshopped? A few years ago, a paddock marsahll had a fit when my son was riding on the side of my SRF on the way to the grid, in the paddock!!

Concerning that picture with the guy riding on the side of the 917- is that photoshopped?

Most assuredly not!

photos:B²

Matt Drendel, David Bull & Michael Argetsinger before the run. Note, the left door is removed.

Chief mechanic on the Porsche when Mark Donohue ran the 917/30, John "Woody" Woodard helps strap Paul in.

A checkered flag for the drive to pit lane and the in lap.



Brian Redman made it to pit road to watch with the rest of us.

Paul Powell after hanging on for two rather quick laps.

Much more of the weekend and on pages 22 & 23, Matt Drendel & Paul Powell at speed. Note the "death grip" on the roll bar.
http://www.timothyba...n3VFH#942734989

Great to be home. More later in the day. Thanks, as always, for the interest.

I really enjoyed the event (as I do every year). I wish it was a 2 week deal like Monterey. The KIC and the pre-KIC.
I think this thread is merged with the general report from the Kohler thread so if that is the case here is my in-car video
from the Can Am race. If it should not be in this thread feel free to remove it or scold the poster !

Johan:

Great video...no pond swimming this year? That motor had some serious grunt. I thought you showed great patience and used good judgment amongst some expensive equipment.

Wish I had been there with all you guys; maybe next year.

Fixed my link. First shot at it and I removed some pictures and re-downloaded the pictures. When I redid it the pictures became private instead of public

http://picasaweb.goo...790611300736194

1966 Canadian Driving champion George Chapman was at our Mission, B.C. Historic event last weekend. He said that Canada Corner at Road America was named after him. He is from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He said that earlier on in his driving, he led some races there, but often ended up spinning at that corner, so they named it Canada Corner after him.

Vince H.

1966 Canadian Driving champion George Chapman was at our Mission, B.C. Historic event last weekend. He said that Canada Corner at Road America was named after him. He is from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He said that earlier on in his driving, he led some races there, but often ended up spinning at that corner, so they named it Canada Corner after him.

Vince H.

Wishful thinking. Corner 12 at Road America was nicknamed Canada Corner long before Chapman. In the early days of the track local Boy Scout troops were engaged to clean the grounds the Monday after a race. They reported picking up a large number of empty Canadian beer cans plus a lot of Canadian film boxes at Corner 12. Clif Tufte, founder, president, promoter, et al of the track, immediately dubbed Corner 12 "Canada Corner" and had signs put up to that effect. It has nothing to do with Mr. Chapman, who, truth be told, accomplished precious little at this track. Just another fish story, the length growing with the passage of time.

Tom
Road America Track Historian

Fixed my link. First shot at it and I removed some pictures and re-downloaded the pictures. When I redid it the pictures became private instead of public

http://picasaweb.goo...790611300736194

Great pictures and videos ! Thanks !

Wishful thinking. Corner 12 at Road America was nicknamed Canada Corner long before Chapman. In the early days of the track local Boy Scout troops were engaged to clean the grounds the Monday after a race. They reported picking up a large number of empty Canadian beer cans plus a lot of Canadian film boxes at Corner 12. Clif Tufte, founder, president, promoter, et al of the track, immediately dubbed Corner 12 "Canada Corner" and had signs put up to that effect. It has nothing to do with Mr. Chapman, who, truth be told, accomplished precious little at this track. Just another fish story, the length growing with the passage of time.

Tom
Road America Track Historian

I always heard that it was called Canada Corner because if your brakes failed you would end up in Canada.

Johan:

BTW...how were the fish in that pond?

All of these photos were taken on Friday for the initial sales and release of Michael Argetsinger & David Bull's Mark Donohue: His Life In Photographs

photos:B²

Newman Haas IndyCar hangs in the lobby of the Road America offices

Maria Bull Garrity was more than prepared to let the sales begin. An intelligent, hard working lady that was so much fun to be around for the course of the weekend.

Placard with the book sales information and signing schedule.


Chuck Sprague and John Woodard look over the Porsche

Contributing photographer Pete Luongo shares his personal collection with Karl Kainhofer.

Chuck Cantwell and contributing photographer (including cover image on regular edition) Barry Tenin. I saw many smiling faces such as Barry's throughout the weekend.

Sales and signing begin.


Author Michael Argetsinger who stood to greet and converse with each and every person who came through the line. He personalizes all of his signatures and hand writes in the date and location of the signing on each book. A most gracious and knowledgeable man. Possibly Jerry Entin having an ice cream behind Michael?

Sally Stokes Swart with Michael Argetsinger discussing Jim Clark, his family, Michael's family and shared memories of days at Watkins Glen. Michael introduced me to Sally and we ended up talking for over an hour in visits on consecutive days. What a pleasure to talk of her time at Indianapolis with Jim in 1965, and her fondness for "dear Dario" Franchitti.

Karl Kainhofer was seen visiting with George Cornwell numerous times over the weekend.

The panel of Team members ready to sign Mark Donohue: His Life In Photographs. Left to right: Jerry Kroninger, Peter Law, Ron Fournier, Karl Kainhofer, Chuck Cantwell.

My friend Jeff Filz with his production Mark Donohue Javelin. Jeff worked tirelessly since this Reunion was announced to have the car completed on time for this gathering. Congratulations on a beautiful job, Jeff.

The Donohue group of cars and transporter downtown Elkhart Lake.

The 1972 Indianapolis 500 winning Penske/Sunoco/McLaren M16B that was so kindly sent by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Special thanks to Ellen Bireley and Terry Gunter for making this possible. Walter Goodwin of Race Car Restorations brought John Darlington's 1970 Lola T153 which Mark drove to 2nd in the Indy 500. Thanks so much for putting in the effort to make it. Jacques Dresang is between the cars.


A rare quiet moment for Jacques Dresang and Michael Argetsinger

Michael & I in front of my favorite Mark Donohue car. I remember that Indy 500 in 1972 like it was yesterday.

B Squadron, Jerry Entin always carries a spoon with him...maybe even a fork.

Fabulous pix Brian worth the wait, thanks for sharing

I always heard that it was called Canada Corner because if your brakes failed you would end up in Canada.

Nope, another oft-repeated tall tale. The truth is as I posted in #469.
Tom

Many thanks for all of the photos everyone. Looks like it was a wonderful get-together and so great to see that Sally Stokes Swart was there.
John

Was going to post a few more earlier but with 11 inches of rain in northern IL I was a wee bit busy with water issues. Here's Mark's 1973 Indy 500 car - also, question for Paul....isn't there 'supposed' to be a seat for the passenger?

Well, I see my dayglo orange hat in the second and third shots in post 459. Did have an enjoyable time.

jm - I wish you would have introduced yourself to one of the many in the Donohue tent that you were a contributor to TNF, you would have been welcomed by all. Glad you had a good time.

photos:B²

A rainy Sunday morning about to give way to a beautiful sunrise over Road America.

Paul Powell and Michael Argetsinger before that morning's breakfast.

A great set up for a first class and delicious meal and gathering.

The International Motor Racing Research Center's volunteer of the year, Randy Cook and historian, Bill Green made their first trip to Elkhart Lake. Shown with B², great to talk to you gentlemen throughout your stay.

Paul Powell, Maria Garrity, David Bull and Michael Argetsinger before the rush.

George Bruggenthies, President of Road America and gracious host.

Michael Argetsinger with TNF alumni, Paul Medici and Susan.

Chuck Cantwell and Jack Deren.

Fellow TNF members Chuck Brandt and Tom Schultz.

Maria Garrity with Bob and Andree Mayer.

A hungry and interested crowd lines up for breakfast.

Michael Argetsinger emcee'd the event, impeccably, per usual.

Gib Hufstader

Sunoco's Bill Preston

Ron Fournier with Paul Powell.

Peter Law at the microphone with Jerry Kroninger and John "Woody" Woodard on either side.

Rick Dresang

Don Filz, Sunoco's Jerry Kroninger and B². Jerry has become a good friend since we met last April in Watkins Glen. Much appreciated on this end - thanks Jerry.

A photo of a photo of Mark on the ramps of the transporter now owned and beautifully restored by the Dresang's.

Brian Redman with my close friend, Jeff Filz.

Brian Redman makes my friend, Paul Rasmussen, quite happy by getting his signature on a piece of artwork.

Michael Argetsinger, Brian Redman and David Bull.

Edited by B Squared, 27 July 2010 - 18:13.

Yes it was me....I told Matt the car owner it would be better without me, but it was one of the coolest thing I have ever done, 2nd to having my kids.....It was a once in a lifetime thing for me and a wonderful way to honor Mark with "the last lap" for him.....

Does anybody know why the color of the 917-30 is so Bright . . .Almost violet. Seems like all the images from '73 . . .even the poster of the Book . . .show a much Darker color on the car than we see now?

Moving along to Brian French's Benetton F1 car...he graciously took it out on the track on Sunday when the track was still a bit damp from a heavy downpoor:

Moving along to Brian French's Benetton F1 car...he graciously took it out on the track on Sunday when the track was still a bit damp from a heavy downpoor:

Brian does love to play with this car. Not too many people are aware that it is powered by a Judd V-10, not a Renault engine.
Tom

Brian does love to play with this car. Not too many people are aware that it is powered by a Judd V-10, not a Renault engine.
Tom

I suspect with the astronomical costs of F1 engines in the last twenty years we will see this swapping of engines with increasing regularity indeed there is a group called F10, or maybe even V10, who specialise in converting recent F1 cars into reliable runners with, I believe the Judd V10.

Some of Mark's other cars on track:

Cameros - Parade Laps on Saturday:


Javlins - Parade Laps on Saturday:


1967 Lola T-70 Lightweight Spyder - Satruday Afternoon:

I suspect with the astronomical costs of F1 engines in the last twenty years we will see this swapping of engines with increasing regularity

Exactly. First of all, the availability of the original engines is very questionable. Many manufacturers, I suspect, simply will not allow their engines to be sold outside the inner circle. Secondly, there is the question of electronics. OK, so you may have the basic Renault V-10, but you do not have the electronics to run the engine as the factory will not sell that.

The Judd V-10 presents an available, relatively (compared to the original works engine) inexpensive, and reliable alternative. Hence, most recent vintage F-1 cars running in these parts are all powered by Judd V-10s.

Brian French has had a succession of F-1 cars; two Ferrari F-93As, two Jordan 197s, and now the Benetton. He originally ran one of the Ferraris with its as delivered V-12 (sounded wonderful) but soon converted it to a Judd V-10. His ace engineer, Carl Liebich, told me at the time that the Judd was much easier to run, easier to service, and had ready availability. Interestingly enough, his Jordans had the Peugeot V-10s, but outside of a few exhibition spins, Brian did not run them much at all.

A few years ago French raced the Ferrari-Judd at Road America. The reporter for Vintage Motorsport magazine rapturously reported about the fabulous sounds of the "Ferrari V-12" (sic). Except that, of course, it was not a Ferrari V-12, but rather a Judd V-10...

Tom

The Judd V-10 presents an available, relatively (compared to the original works engine) inexpensive, and reliable alternative. Hence, most recent vintage F-1 cars running in these parts are all powered by Judd V-10s.

I was looking at the Benetton up in the new paddock garages with my nephew, a first time visitor to Road America and road racing newbie. We were discussing the complexity of running one of these cars outside the works. I explained to him that the Judd is sort of the equivalent of the small block Chevy for modern F1 cars; just more exotic and expensive.

Edited by Aero426, 30 July 2010 - 15:25.

Tom,
I suppose there will be those who will complain that these repowered cars are no longer "pure" and thus re-creations!
Sorry I couldn't make it. Looks like it was a wonderfull event (again!).
ZOOOM

My pictures from early Thursday as I got in my only walk through of the vintage paddock.

photos:B²

I was looking at the Benetton up in the new paddock garages with my nephew, a first time visitor to Road America and road racing newbie. We were discussing the complexity of running one of these cars outside the works. I explained to him that the Judd is sort of the equivalent of the small block Chevy for modern F1 cars; just more exotic and expensive.

I think that you made a very apt analogy!
Tom

Was the Audi a factory car? I didn't think any are in private hands.

Was the Audi a factory car? I didn't think any are in private hands.

At least three different R8's and one Bentley are in private hands in the USA. They have all been to a vintage event at Road America in recent years. I would never say they are simple to campaign, but Bill Adam has indicated that for these cars to run the short vintage race meet sessions, they aren't breathing hard at all.

Edited by Aero426, 31 July 2010 - 01:35.

A couple of the Audi on the track - it was a 2005:

Corner 5:


Between corner 5-6:

They Also Had a 2002 Cadillac up there, was on track Saturday, but that was the only time I saw it out there:

Was the Audi a factory car? I didn't think any are in private hands.

Two Audi R-8s were at the KIC. Travis Engen and George Stauffer are the owners. Stauffer also has a Bentley Speed 8 in his collection. I talked to one of the mechanics on Engen's team and he told me that the Audi came without the works electronics package and that they have had to make their own. That must be a chore.

As stated above, there were two Cadillac LMPs from the start of this decade on hand also.

Tom

Robert Ryan's McLaren Mk 6 at turn 5


Louis Casazza's McKee Mk 7 at turn 5


photos: Gus Meyjes

Edited by Jerry Entin, 31 July 2010 - 13:25.

A pointy thing.

Love this weekends installment of pics looks like you had yourselves a mini Goodwood Festival of Speed, thanks to all who posted

At least three different R8's and one Bentley are in private hands in the USA. They have all been to a vintage event at Road America in recent years. I would never say they are simple to campaign, but Bill Adam has indicated that for these cars to run the short vintage race meet sessions, they aren't breathing hard at all.

Thanks. a Bentley and an R8 were at Lime rock last year for display, but I was more interested in vintage cars, at a vintage weekend. Wait 30 years, and hope for the best!

Here's a few pics I took in the paddock on Friday:

1963 Kellison J-2 - I really liked the color on this and thought the noggin' bubbles gave it a unique look too - didn't know much about the make until I got home and looked it up - it looks like Kellison's are kit cars from back in the day - anyone know much on this vehicle?



Mark Simpson's 1958 Scarab continuation:



As mentioned earlier in the thread, Dan Lipetz's Lola suffered some damage, here is a shot of the bodywork damage, it was nice to see it back on the track on Sunday:



Jim Bradley's 1967 Camaro "Sylvester" (nice fun touch to the paint job):



Engine bay of the 917/30:



Front Wheel of the 917/30 - this may sound quirky, but IMO the wheels are kind of like icing on the cake, it just really sets of the entire presentation of the 917-30, (I can't even picture anything with spokes or chrome/metallic on it):