‘Volunteer Memorial’ Weekend

27 Sep ‘Volunteer Memorial’ Weekend

Ralph Zbarsky and his former BMC Works Team MGB GT – Brent Martin photo

Updated again: October 9, 2012

Sunday, September 23rd saw some of the VRCBC’s finest hit the track at Mission Raceway Park for two Vintage races during the SCCBC’s ‘Volunteer Memorial’ Weekend. In addition to some excellent racing, this event saw the Mission debut of Ralph Zbarsky’s former BMC Works Team 1967 MGB GT, now beautifully restored. Ralph raced this car at Sebring in March of this year – see our earlier story here. (Don’t miss the link to the You Tube video showing the car’s roll over at Sebring in 1970. Hint: It wasn’t Ralph!)

The first race got off to a great start. Dennis Repel was leading until about half distance when the throttle stuck open going into Turn 2. Major streaks of rubber were required to get the ‘Heavy Chevy’ (with its dyno-proven 406 hp) Camaro stopped in time.  Judicious use of the kill switch enabled him to get back to second place behind Mark Brown before the finish. They were followed by Phil Roney, Ian Thomas, and Roger Flescher. The next three places featured a close fight between Ian Wood, Al Harvey and Paul Haym. Then Peter Valkenburg and ‘the Zbarsky Train’ of Mike and Ralph. Al Reid had to retire his MGB after only nine laps.

At the start of the second race, Mark and Phil tried desperately to outbrake Dennis into Turn 1 but couldn’t manage it and Dennis took the lead, only for his engine to let go in a (very) terminal way, entering Turn 1 on the fifth lap. Mark managed to see through the spray of oil well enough to take charge, particularly since Phil had already broken an axle shaft after only two laps. Roger took second, followed by Ian Thomas and then the scrapping trio of Ian Wood, Al Harvey and Paul Haym. (Just to show how close these three were: on the fourth lap, each of them turned a lap time of 1:24.1!). The Zbarskys were next. Peter Valkenburg and Al Reid had issues and were several laps down.

The full results are available here.

Update – October 9th: Gerry Frechette has added his 148 photos of the Vintage action on September 23rd to his web site. ( http://gerryfrechette.zenfolio.com/  ) or just click here to go directly to that album.

A big thank you to Brent Martin for providing the photos below. You can see the rest of his photos on his web site: www.martinsactionphotography.smugmug.com or  just click here to go directly to his September 23rd Vintage album of 136 photos.