Note From The RE

It’s hard for me to believe that this will be the last note I write as your regional executive, after four years serving on the board.

As I reflect on those years, I can recount our fair share of ups and downs. The ups are easy and fun to remember, right? They’re exciting things like starting new programs, winning region of the year from national and finding new and exciting venues. The downs, on the other hand—while they’re easy to remember—they’re also unpleasant; the most prevalent one in our case being the loss of venues over the last year.

Ups and downs are not only expected, though. They are necessary, and push us to make changes that further the goal… to continue having fun with cars. That’s why we’re all here, after all.

So, while I find myself sitting with a bit of sadness, I’m also wrapped in a lot of excitement for the next chapter of region leadership. I have every confidence that the incoming board will take the wheel and steer us in new and exciting directions. And, while I may no longer be a voting member of the board, don’t think you’re getting rid of me easily. I’ll be around at events (hopefully behind the wheel!), and behind the scenes lending support and guidance when needed.

I am proud of the team of volunteers we have in this region. I am humbled and honored to have been a part of its leadership. And I am beyond excited to see what comes next. I hope you are, too.

From The Editor's Desk

Howdy doodily neighborinos!

This month we won't be having a meeting, however from all of us here in the Susquatch region, we'd like to wish you the happiest of holidays filled with cheer, beer, and grabbing the next gear. We'll see you in the new year!

Jake Limm
Editor, The Squeal

We Need YOUR Help!

As many of you know, our Region has struggled with venues this past season, and our struggle continues.  While we do have a few venues lined up for the 2020 season, we are always in search of more…the bigger the better!

What does that mean for you?  We’re looking for people who would have time during the day to scout venues, and once they have been given the greenlight from our Venue Committee, we’d love to have people to go and speak with the contacts about their use.  If you’re retired, or have just have some time during normal business hours, we could use your help. If you’re a sales person, or are good with people – even better!

If you have any interest in helping us out, we’d truly appreciate your help.  We are in search for venues for all programs within the Region – both Autocross and Rallycross.

If you can help, please email Melissa at mmauro@scca-susq.com and I will get you started!

Who's Ready To Party!

You’re invited to come out and help us celebrate our 2019 Autocross and RallyCross Series at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey on Saturday, January 11, 2020. We’ll present our region recognition awards as well as our series of competition awards (and a few new special ones) while enjoying complimentary beer and soda, a great buffet dinner and, of course, door prizes!  We’ve upgraded the menu and added more/better beer to this year’s selection, so don’t miss out!

Registration is NOW OPEN. We have the event capped  at 140 people, and we’re starting to fill up, so don't wait to RSVP!
SCCA members pay a discounted rate or $30 per person, with one non-member guest at the same price. Non-members and additional guests are also welcome to join us for $50 per person.

2020 Executive Board

The 2020 Susquehanna Region Officials and Board of Directors Elections were held at the November membership meeting.  Below are the new officers and directors for 2020, who begin their terms at the banquet on January 11, 2020.

Regional Executive: Melissa Mauro
Assistant Regional Executive: Nick Landis
Treasurer: Alan Lesher
Secretary: Jared McGahen
Director (1 Year): Markus Houser
Director (2 Year): Rob Springer
Director (3 Year): Chris Brown

Staying Sharp In The Off-Season

By Jared McGahen

For most of us in America, the fall and winter usually mark a time of hibernation from racing. Most racers head to their warm garage and begin their mods and prep for next year. If however, you are content with your car but would still like to improve as a driver, what can you do?

With Summit Point being only a few hours away, several local members participate in the Fridge Bowl series. It isn't quite a road course, but isn't quite an autocross. They call it trackcross. Hosted by Get Fast Events, Justin Peachey says "it's like Pocono autocross but without the cones". 

If traveling two hours in the winter isn't your thing, or you've already put your car up on jackstands for the next 3 months, Kenny Adam has another suggestion: go-karts. Autobahn has a track in Lemoyne and one in northern Maryland. These karts are plenty quick and lap times often come down to the hundredth if not thousandth of a second. This is a great way to practice driving lines, improve reaction, and indirectly learn better car control. Plus you can go-kart every week if your budget allows.

Now let's say you don't have the budget for trackcross or go karting every other weekend, what else is there. You can play video games! While not as hands on or helpful as actual driving, it certainly doesn't hurt. Many drivers setup simulations and practice with their own style of car on real race tracks. Although it's not the real thing, many drivers say it does help.

So whatever your winter plans are, be sure to stay sharp and stay ahead of your competition!

Competition In Other Regions

By Jared McGahen

With the shortened Susquehanna season in 2019 and the combined points event with our neighboring NEPA region, several Susquehanna members attempted to compete for year end awards in other regions. Jeremy Condon, a York resident and Susquehanna member, competed once again in the Central Penn Region where he is from and successfully defended his STS title. Jim Bobeck competed in BS in the NEPA region with his Corvette taking the title. Derek Colton took his 350Z to both regions winning STU. Jared McGahen tried to take the HS title away from defending NEPA champion Peter Ling but came up short winning second place for the year. Daryl Stoner ran his Lotus at the longer NEPA tracks this year and took a close second in Super Street Modified losing by only four points.
 

December Regional Meeting

We will not be having a meeting this month, enjoy this time with your loved ones!

News from SCCA

2019 Rules