A Note to NorCal SpecE30 Racers from Walter Ford
President of Valley Motorwerks
February 2008

Valley Motorwerks Support for 2008: As you already know we have stepped up and will be paying contingency monies back down into 5th place for all races. Additionally we will be drawing at random for “bonus” money, eligible drivers from 6th place on down will have a chance to win. There is also a bonus for the series leader at the end of the year. We will custom paint the series winners’ helmet with an E30 theme!

Starting at Thunderhill in March we will be taking our big trailer to all the events on the calendar. It will be stocked with brake rotors, pads, wheel bearings, coolant hoses, radiators, fuel pumps etc. We are open to suggestions and recommendations as to what we need at the track. One thought is to keep a CC card on file for anyone needing parts at the track. We can run the card on Monday and mail out a receipt to the appropriate racer, but cash is always king!

VMWERKS is working on an engine and differential program. Our first step is to get some heads rebuilt as this is the weak link with the M20 engines, more news and pricing will follow later in the year. Complete refurbished and rebuilt engines will be available shortly afterwards. Differentials will be available over the next few months however we always try to keep 1 or 2 around the shop.

Infineon Thoughts and Notes: It was nice to see all the BMW’s lined up on the ring road at the season opener. Infineon is the perfect place to hold the inaugural event with NASA and the first “real” race of the series. I think it was a great success and highlighted the real advantage of spec racing, good close inexpensive competition. March is just around the corner and I hope to see all of you out there mixing it up!

Growing the Class: I cannot stress enough how important it is both to yourself and the series to drive as clean as possible. You, the racer, are the real ambassadors to the SpecE30 class. The growth of the series is dependant upon all of us being “good sports” both to ourselves and competitors outside the series. If we’re seen as a bunch of overly aggressive “win at all costs” racers no one will want to share track space with us. It is simple, respect yourself and others while on the track, it really is a matter of life and death. That said, I think that you guys did wonderfully at a very difficult track to open the season with.

I am totally committed to the class and will do all that I can to insure its success. How do we measure success? I think enough cars to warrant our own run group is a good start! I also think having racers outside the series looking at us and wanting to join in is also a good indicator of a series success.

Unfortunately my critique of the spec exhaust has gotten out of hand. My comments and questions were made in order to insure the quality and durability of parts that you are REQUIRED to run on your car. If there were problems with any other spec’d parts such as springs, shocks etc I would take the same posture to protect the drivers and the series. To this end I have ordered 12 units to be delivered to my shop where we will make sure everything is ok. Please let Paul or Carter know that you’re expecting to get one of our dozen if you have already placed an order.

Best Wishes,
Walter Ford
President
Valley Motorwerks