I’m hanging up my drivers suit
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2018 5:29 pm
After 30 consecutive years of SCCA racing, all of it in SR/SRF/SRF Gen3, I’ve decided the time is right to stop. It has been quite a ride, starting with absolutely zero knowledge of how to go racing and growing into Central Division championships, four June Sprints wins, a few track records (now broken), a significant share of National level wins and an SCCA National Championship.
With my wife Kathy at my side and on the radio providing critical information and encouragement our adventures have ranged from Brainerd, Minnesota to St Petersburg, Florida; from as far west as Mid-America in Kansas to Virginia International Raceway. Along the way we touched Watkins Glen; Nelson Ledges; IRP; St. Louis; Ginger Man; Gratten; Mid-Ohio; Blackhawk Farms and of course the legendary Road America. I got to race against many outstanding racers, was lucky enough to finish well, and through all of the good and the bad, maintained a passion for the excitement and competitiveness of racing. A very small percentage of people get to race, an even smaller number get to do it as long as I did, and an even smaller fraction are lucky enough to achieve the level of success that I have enjoyed throughout these 30 years on-track. I am grateful.
While I could present a very long list of people who helped me over the years and contributed to the fun and successes we enjoyed I’d like to acknowledge a few as I bow out.
Beau Martin (and Bill McGovern) of Elite Autosport helped keep my car going for 29 of my 30 years. In 30 years of racing it is impossible to avoid some pretty significant crash damage at one point or another and whenever that happened and Beau’s crew finished with it the car was like new again. Beau has been around these cars so long that he can spot problems most cannot see. I highly recommend Elite to anyone looking for top CSR work. His shop has supported, I think, at least 8 national championships.
Bob Mumm was the first Spec Racer to share speed tips with me and became, and still is, a close friend. His guidance helped me get fast early enough to snag my championship ring and the Mumm instructions on engine changing allowed me to do them in my garage.
There were Kevin Kozmak, Doug Erber, and Kyle Kotlarz who crewed during my most successful period, my brother Rick and Bob and Bill Ablard, former SCCA racers themselves, who helped keep me racing the last few years. We had a lot of fun together and I thank them all.
I have been asked if I am done driving a race car. The answer is yes, UNLESS there is a car owner out there who wants a highly skilled driver to drive his or her car. I’m only quitting because I am worn down from 30 years of owning and maintaining my own car. But I still like to drive – and am pretty darned good at it. As the expression goes, “I’ll race for food”.
I want to end by wishing the best of luck to every SRF driver, regardless of the generation of car being raced. They are all exciting, amazing machines and I wish everyone personal success, fun, and most importantly, keeping the shiny side up.
Jim Marinangel
P.S. My car and configured-for-SRF trailer are for sale. Please direct anyone who might be interested in them to go to the Advertising forum to look them over.
With my wife Kathy at my side and on the radio providing critical information and encouragement our adventures have ranged from Brainerd, Minnesota to St Petersburg, Florida; from as far west as Mid-America in Kansas to Virginia International Raceway. Along the way we touched Watkins Glen; Nelson Ledges; IRP; St. Louis; Ginger Man; Gratten; Mid-Ohio; Blackhawk Farms and of course the legendary Road America. I got to race against many outstanding racers, was lucky enough to finish well, and through all of the good and the bad, maintained a passion for the excitement and competitiveness of racing. A very small percentage of people get to race, an even smaller number get to do it as long as I did, and an even smaller fraction are lucky enough to achieve the level of success that I have enjoyed throughout these 30 years on-track. I am grateful.
While I could present a very long list of people who helped me over the years and contributed to the fun and successes we enjoyed I’d like to acknowledge a few as I bow out.
Beau Martin (and Bill McGovern) of Elite Autosport helped keep my car going for 29 of my 30 years. In 30 years of racing it is impossible to avoid some pretty significant crash damage at one point or another and whenever that happened and Beau’s crew finished with it the car was like new again. Beau has been around these cars so long that he can spot problems most cannot see. I highly recommend Elite to anyone looking for top CSR work. His shop has supported, I think, at least 8 national championships.
Bob Mumm was the first Spec Racer to share speed tips with me and became, and still is, a close friend. His guidance helped me get fast early enough to snag my championship ring and the Mumm instructions on engine changing allowed me to do them in my garage.
There were Kevin Kozmak, Doug Erber, and Kyle Kotlarz who crewed during my most successful period, my brother Rick and Bob and Bill Ablard, former SCCA racers themselves, who helped keep me racing the last few years. We had a lot of fun together and I thank them all.
I have been asked if I am done driving a race car. The answer is yes, UNLESS there is a car owner out there who wants a highly skilled driver to drive his or her car. I’m only quitting because I am worn down from 30 years of owning and maintaining my own car. But I still like to drive – and am pretty darned good at it. As the expression goes, “I’ll race for food”.
I want to end by wishing the best of luck to every SRF driver, regardless of the generation of car being raced. They are all exciting, amazing machines and I wish everyone personal success, fun, and most importantly, keeping the shiny side up.
Jim Marinangel
P.S. My car and configured-for-SRF trailer are for sale. Please direct anyone who might be interested in them to go to the Advertising forum to look them over.