The 2018 season started off with high hopes, confidence and only 1 goal, to win the championship!
For several years I've wanted to join my brother and my dad as winners of the series. I've never had the funds to do a full season, but have always done reasonably well.
The year started as planned, winning the first round at Winton and then taking out second at Wakefield Park. From then on is where all the troubles started for me this year. In April I injured my back at work and was unable to walk properly, I was told that I couldn't drive a car or race for 3 months at a minimum. I lost all independence, which then led me to losing my job after nearly 5 years, but somehow with the help of my amazing family and friends, many doctors, physiotherapy and many appointments, I managed to only missed round 3 of the championship at Sandown. Luckily in the championship we are able to drop one round, this was it for me.
I finally got back in the car for the first time at a BMWDCM sprint day, only to get through 3 sessions before having to sit out the rest of the day from the pain. This was 2 weeks before my return to racing at Phillip Island for round 4, it was a huge step and achievement of how far I had come since the injury.
Round 4 was a massive struggle for me mentally and physically with the high loads and demands of racing, yet a big tick for moving forward and pursuing the goal which was still in the back of my mind! In trying conditions all weekend I managed 2nd for the round which was a huge achievement and success!
Round 5 was the big one, two 1 hour races at Winton, which included a driver change! With a month between events the body had a bit of time to improve again and although not all thatflash mentally and physically, Brett Dickie (my co-driver) and I managed to again bring the car home in 2nd for both races. After several minor issues throughout the weekend, we weren’t going to let anything stop us from putting the car on the podium again!
The sixth and final round came around pretty quickly on Melbourne Cup long weekend, finishing up again at Phillip Island with 3 races, including a 1 hour single driver endurance race to end the year.
We did the calculations and going into the weekend, all I had to do was finish fourth for the round and we would win the championship by 1 point. Friday practice was a typical day at the Island with heaps of rain but still some sunshine. Of course the sunshine only came out when we weren't on track but we managed to top the timesheets during the day and all was looking good. Saturday came, and we qualified fourth, then finished fourth and second in the 2 sprint races with some great battles all race with Cam Hudson! With the body struggling to cope, I was not looking forward to the final race of 1 hour Sunday morning.
I ran the season on an extremely tight budget and with a 3-yr. old engine that had been blowing smoke and down on power. We knew that the 1 hour race was going to push the engine but we gave it everything we had. Sunday morning's race came and we pushed hard for 55 minutes, holding down 3rd spot until the engine lost power, rattled and lost oil pressure. At this point I thought it was all over, I got on the radio to Dad and told him I didn't think I was going to finish. Dad encouraged me to keep going, I just needed to finish, we only had 5 minutes to go. "Just do what you can to get it across the line. Go as slow as you need" – Dad's encouragement kept me going. Somehow, I was 3/4s of a lap in front of the next few cars, so I limped the rattling car around for 2 laps hoping the engine would hold together to cross the line. These were the 2 longest laps I’ve ever done at Phillip Island and were probably the hardest of the year. Eventually on the last corner, my sister of all people, passed me and crossed the line just before I was able to, making the moment even sweeter. I HAD JUST WON THE 2018 CHAMPIONSHIP!!!! By a solitary point!!
Limping into the pits with a car and engine in about the same condition as my body was all made worth it when I saw so many of my close friends and family there all clapping, crying, popping party poppers and all dressed in t-shirts dedicated to me! A moment I will never forget for so many reasons!
There are lots of people that deserved to be thanked, but no more than my dad, Graeme Bell, this man has not only taught, encouraged and inspired me for as long as I can remember but continuously worked tirelessly to make sure I am happy on and off the track. To not only put my name on the championship trophy next to his and my brother, but to also do it in the same car he did it in 15 years ago was such an amazing achievement for me and a moment/year I’ll never forget.
For the rest of the family Jo, Jess, Sean, Jenna, Mum and Peter, I thank you for the endless love and support to get me through each day. I've been a big pain with my moods and having to rely on you all and you have all stuck by me and I couldn’t ask for a better family!
So many others have supported, encouraged and helped me through not only this years tough time, but through several years of racing and my life in general. Thank you Tania and Adrian Read, Stephen Mattingly, Brett Dickie, Joshie Williamson, Benny Grice, Jasmine Fraser, Michael Monshing, Anton Bergman, Alex Jory, Jesse Bryan, Cam Dawes, John Mina, Les Small and all the extended Bell Motorsport family!! Without everyone I wouldn’t be able to get up everyday, continue to have the strength to get better and still enjoy driving a race car and doing everyone proud.
There's so much more I could say and more people to thank but if your attention span is like mine at the moment, you will be sick of reading!
For me, this year was a success on the track but by far the toughest I’ve had personally, there is still a long road ahead for not only to be able to race at my best again but to also get my life back on track as well and hopefully when next season starts, we can be as good as ever and come back for a crack at back to back!!
Chris Bell | Member #6 - 2018 Garagistic E30 Racing Champion BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
8 Fest 1, despite weather most suited toward Melbourne Cup goers, the first Australian 8 Fest had a great turnout. We had Chris Halliday drive down from Brisbane while Drew Herbert also from Brisbane flew in and out within 24 hours. In all we had 16 cars and thanks to all who displayed cars and made it possible. Eric Holton, Personal collection Manager for Lindsay Fox, gave up his day to bring the bosses 23,000 klm 850 Csi which was one of just two six speed manual car at the event. Clarence Tang also attended in his deep blue 840 manual.
The event saw V8's and V12's in all states of repair, most finished and Road Registered, at least one on the Club Permit Scheme and Con's 98 Individual (on trade plates for the day) which is awaiting a start on body repairs. Con bought this one at auction with the intention getting it back on road and is currently collecting parts for the rebuild.
Judged Best 8 at the show was David O’Dwyer’s immaculate Calypso Red 840 which also took out People's Choice Award. Well done after so many years of being pipped at the post by cars that have the advantage of high kilometres. Higher klms means extra points so that everyone has a chance.
We also had a fantastic array of other BMW’s and were lucky to have the Stilwell Groups Z8, thank you to David Stilwell for bringing that down in on a slightly damp day.
Other members brought their exotic none BMW cars and it really made for some amazing viewing.
Standby for details of the 2019 8 Fest which will coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the release of the E31.
Theo Hoffs | Member #23 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
BMW PRESS CLUB
MONTH IN REVIEW
With the cold weather slowly becoming a memory, we had a whole lot of fun in October!
We kicked the month off with our October Members Meeting at Essendon BMW where we were welcomed to check out the new dealership. Unfortunately the miserable weather didn't make for a great night to be out and about but the team at Essendon gave us a fantastic night. Read more about the night here.
In mid-October we then spent our weekend at Motorclassica with a number of members cars on display. We were lucky to also have an i3 from BMW GA and an M4 Competition from Hawthorn BMW. Read more about our weekend here and here.
We then held our first Oktoberfest with Hawthorn BMW on a beautiful Friday night. We also got to take a look at Walter's M5 Competition and Ange's M4 Competition which sat proudly outside. Read more about the evening here.
While we were at Hawthorn BMW we also announced our acceptance into the BMW Corporate Program, with our preferred dealer being Hawthorn BMW. Members - you can login and find our more information about this program here.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 254 MEMBERS
Welcome to all our new members, we can't wait to welcome you in person at the next event!
For more about our month, catch up with our October update from Graeme Bell here.
THE MONTH AHEAD
EVENTS NOT TO MISS!
NEWS | BLOG
SPECIAL OFFER!
BMW Clubs Australia Nationals
Every 2 years the BMW Clubs from all over Australia come together at the BMW Clubs Australia Nationals.
It is a chance for Club Members from all the clubs to meet and share their love of their BMW’s with other people from all over the country.
The BMWCA Nationals is held in a different location each time, with the last one held in Brisbane in 2017.
In 2019 the Nationals is being held in Melbourne and hosted by BMWCCV.
As BMWDCM is a member of Clubs Australia, we are invited to attend any of the events our members wish to enter. Find more information here.
BMW Classic Newsletter
MEMBER SERVICES
President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296 Vice President | Jo Mawson 0412 661 900 Secretary | Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290 Treasurer | Shaaron Glynn
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
Dear Members,
Wow! Only 6 months down and what an epic achievement, we've now got over 250 members! So very proud of what we have achieved in such a short time. Personally, I am very humbled with how many have come on board to support our little club, the passion people share for the Marque and the way you all come to support our events, it is just amazing!
Looking at October, we have had some outstanding events:
We had an amazing selection of cars in a prime location at Motorclassica this year and our display was fantastic, with each car displaying information cards with very interesting details of the history of that particular vehicle, and BMW in general. Great work Lawrence! We were also lucky to have an i3 from BMW GA and an M4 Competition from Hawthorn BMW included in our display - a very big thank you goes out to them both.
Our big news for October was being accepted into the BMW Corporate program, which gives our members special deals when purchasing a new vehicle. Better still, Hawthorn BMW have upped the offer from 3 years/60,000 km servicing, to 5 years/80,000 servicing on all vehicles purchase from them under the BMW Corporate program. Anyone wanting to purchase a new BMW call Hawthorn BMW and ask for Riley Aickin.
We are organising a club trip to the Bathurst 12 Hour, to support our #100 member, Steve Richards and the other BMWs again, from 31 January to 4 February. This is an all-inclusive package, with 4 nights’ accommodation, entry to the event, entry to the museum, dinner on Friday night with celebrities/racing drivers, entry into the exclusive Bathurst Club on top of the pits (overlooking the start/finish and main straight) with all you can eat and drink, incl beer and wine, merchandise, official program, etc. Price is $1,750 per person (twin share) and we have very limited spots left for this, if you want to come with us we need to know now, today! Call or email for details as we have held this open for this newsletter and need to confirm our numbers.
We will be doing a special edition shirt for the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour, so if you want one of them we will be ordering them soon too. Feel free to give Jo or I a call to order one! Our other merchandise is up on the website now too, so check that out and either buy online or come to an event and get some!
Graeme Bell | President BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
P.O. Box 81, TYABB, VICTORIA. 3913 Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695G BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of: BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International Council CAMS Affiliated Motorsport Club
The turbo engine is a key component of the new Class 1 regulations, which come into force in the 2019 DTM season. The previous V8 engines are being replaced by efficient and significantly more powerful four-cylinder turbo engines with two-litre capacity. All the modifications required to fit the new engine, in accordance with Class 1 regulations, have already been made on the BMW M4 DTM. These include alterations to the air inlets and outlets, as well as the intake and exhaust system. Further evolutionary phases, based on the new regulations, will be implemented before the new car is homologated.
“BMW Turbo Power has enjoyed success in motor racing for almost 50 years. In the first year with a BMW turbo engine, back in 1969, Dieter Quester was immediately crowned European touring car champion with the BMW 2002 TI. In 1973, the BMW 2002 turbo became the first German production automobile to feature a turbocharger. We are now adding a new chapter to this story in the DTM,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Our first few kilometres of the Class 1 era went very positively. We are happy with all the functional tests. The new turbo sounds awesome. However, its most impressive attribute is its efficiency – despite being considerably more powerful than its predecessor.”
“After my first kilometres with the new DTM engine, I can hardly wait for next season,” said Spengler. “I can just imagine how much fun it will be to take to the track with so much BMW Turbo Power. You can feel the extra horsepower. We will put on even more of a show for the fans in 2019. The amount of time at full-throttle is reduced – but the top speed is higher than before. We will have to work even harder at the wheel.”
The first ITR test in preparation for the 2019 season is scheduled to take place from 11th to 14th November 2018 at Estoril (POR).
We had a great relaxed Friday night at Hawthorn BMW for our Oktoberfest evening. Something a little different to just a cars and coffee meet up. With a few sporting their traditional Bavarian outfits, with plenty of German snacks and even some beer and other drinks on hand, there was of course lots of the best Bavarian cars to admire!
Some of our members brought out their new toys for the members to check out. Walter’s M5 Competition and Ange’s M4 Competition sitting side by side out the front had lots of members looking inside and under bonnets. It paired nicely with Hawthorn BMW’s M2 Competition in the front window.
Thank you to the fantastic Team at Hawthorn BMW, for not only hosting us for a casual get together, for coming on board as our preferred dealer, but for offering to extend the new BMW Corporate package available to members out to 5 years or 80,000km! What a fantastic group of guys! Make sure that you give Riley at Hawthorn a call if you are in the market for a new car. For more information on the BMW Corporate package and what it means to new car buyers, click here or feel free give either Jo or myself a call and we can tell you more.
Not only are Hawthorn BMW great supporters of BWMDCM, but Riley and many of the sales staff at Hawthorn BMW, have joined the club as members as well! Thanks guys, we really appreciate your support and hope you enjoy the club as much as we do! It's great to have you on board!
Graeme Bell | Member #1 - President BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Easter, Friday 19th April to Monday 22nd April 2019 All Clubs Australia Members and Families are invited to join us at Novotel Melbourne St Kilda, 16 The Esplanade, St Kilda.
ACCOMMODATION: Please note accommodation is required to be booked directly through the Novotel on (03) 9525 5522 during business hours and state that you are part of the BMW Nationals 2019. Alternatively log on to the Novotel website at https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1506-novotel-melbourne-st-kilda/index.shtml for specials that may be available. As it is Easter, bookings should be made as soon as possible to secure your room.
REGISTRATION: Registrations for the Nationals will open shortly. Introductory presentation can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZAGWPHqMIE
CHECK-IN ON THE EASTER WEEKEND: Will open from approx. 2pm on the Friday - Meet the Nationals Organising Committee, grab your welcome pack and have a look at what St Kilda has to offer. Plenty of secure parking on site with trailer parking available.
FRIDAY NIGHT MEET AND GREET COCKTAIL PARTY AT NOVOTEL ST KILDA. Cocktail Party: We ask that most participants arrive in time for the opening meet and greet scheduled to commence at 7pm. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know the other attendees (many coming from Interstate). Canapes will be provided at $35.00 and drinks will be at bar prices.
SATURDAY SHOW OF EXCELLENCE AND MOTORSPORT AT SANDOWN RACECOURSE. Show of Excellence: Do you love to show off your vehicle? Well we have been fortunate enough to secure the area around Sandown Racecourse to host our Show of Excellence event. Commencing at 10am the judges will walk through the criteria and start the show! Prizes will be awarded to the category winners at the Sunday night presentation dinner. Entry is only $10.00 per car so it’s well worth entering!
MOTORSPORT MANIA! That’s right, BMWCCV are excited to announce that Sandown Park Circuit, “The Home of Horsepower” will be all ours for the day! More details are to be released about the day, but for $275.00 you can have a ball (Please note Motorsport regulations do apply). We may be able to offer Pace Car Laps during the day.
SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER AND RIDES AT LUNA PARK. Saturday night you are in for a treat. The Committee has arranged for a night out at the famous Luna park at St Kilda! Only a short walk from the Novotel, enjoy a buffet style dinner at $55.00 at Luna Park followed by reliving your childhood with an unlimited ride package at $25.00.
SUNDAY TOURING EVENT THROUGH THE TREE LINED HILLS OF THE YARRA VALLEY.Touring Event: A couple of options for today. An earlier start for those wanting to travel a bit further on a spirited drive or for those that want to go at a slower pace, a later start and a shorter trip to our luncheon destination at the RACV Country Club at Heasleville. Cost for lunch will be $50.
SUNDAY NIGHT PRESENTATION DINNER TO BE HELD AT THE FAMOUS MCG.Sunday night it’s time to party. The formal presentation dinner is set in the Jim Stynes room at the iconic MCG, included is a tour of the National Sports Museum, a 3 course meal and drinks at $120.00. Prizes, presentations of awards and we expect to party on well into the night.
MONDAY STAYER’S BRUNCH AT THE NOVOTEL ST KILDA OR SELF-DRIVE OPTION ALONG THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD.
Stayer’s Brunch. For those that are not in a hurry to get on the road we have arranged a relaxing morning at the Novotel St Kilda where we can catch up and say our final goodbyes. Brunch is at own cost. Great Ocean Road: The Great Ocean Road is an iconic road that hugs the southern coastline of Victoria! You can travel this famous piece of tarmac at your leisure as a self-drive option.
We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne in 2019! Please register your interest and any questions to nationals@bmwccv.com.au
The most beautiful motorcycle classics will once again attract two-wheeler fans from all over the world to Cernobbio in Northern Italy between 24th and 26th May 2019. Once again, a unique collection of elite rare beauties from different eras of vehicle history will come together at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2019 in the parkland of Villa Erba located on the shores of Lake Como. The Concorso di Motociclette is one of the spectacular attractions of the event for public spectators and contributes to the distinguished character of the show presenting rare classic vehicles. For the ninth time, it will be a fixed element of the exclusive beauty contest for historic vehicles that will this year celebrate its 90th anniversary.
This year’s weekend of classics is represented by the motto “The Symphony of Engines – 90 Years of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este & BMW Automobiles.” to match this and another anniversary. As the organisers, BMW Group Classic and the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este present particularly sensational automobiles and two-wheeled chart toppers from all eras of vehicle history: motorcycles which are not only admirable as exhibition items but are also roadworthy in almost all cases. They demonstrate this on the Street Run when the participants parade in convoy on the Saturday from the parklands of Villa Erba through the streets of Cernobbio to the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este where all the motorcycles taking part in the competition are presented to the public on the shores of Lake Como. On the Sunday, the two-wheelers are the focus of attention at Villa Erba where they are presented to thousands of visitors.
In 2019, the Concorso di Motociclette also offers a fascinating overview of the history of motorised transport on two wheels. As usual, the Selecting Committee applies a great deal of care in choosing the rare gems from all over the world. The motorcycles permitted to line up on the starting grid here all need to have an impressive and exclusive history.
The rare gems on two wheels will compete in five award categories for the favour of the Jury. The Selecting Committee has already defined four vehicle classes for the contest:
This category harks back to the year 1969, which was a very special year in motorcycle manufacture. Big-bore machines with two, three and four cylinders fuelled the motorcycle boom during the 1960s even further. Brands like BMW, Honda, BSA, Kawasaki, Laverda, Moto Guzzi, Norton and Triumph were the key protagonists at the time.
In the 1950s, motorcycle racing attracted hundreds of thousands of fans throughout Europe. Anyone with the necessary financial means could even have a racing machine built with a roadgoing license at their local dealership. Alongside the successful brands produced in the 1960s, manufacturers like FN, Gilera, Jawa and Velocette were also popular.
Emperors, kings, heads of state – were always accompanied by motorcycle escorts when they came on a state visit – a ceremony recalled by this competition class. Manufacturers like BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi and Triumph delivered specialist model versions with special equipment such as side panniers, radio equipment, pennant holders, and running boards instead of footrests.
Exceptional motorcycle studies have now become a tradition at Villa Erba. As in the last two years, there will also be a dedicated class for the most unusual and spectacular two-wheeled concepts from motorcycle manufacturers as well as from independent designers.
The definition of these four vehicle classes opens the nomination phase for the Concorso di Motociclette 2019. Owners of exceptional historic motorcycles are invited to apply for a place in the beauty contest – irrespective of whether or not their vehicle matches one of the categories already defined. The other categories in the contest will be announced later.
For online registration, you can go to the official website at http://concorsodeleganzavilladeste.com.
Entry tickets and visitor packages can also already be booked there now.
On Sunday the 14th October Hawthorn BMW were lucky enough to be given the opportunity of visiting the 2018 Motor Classica event. Riley and Sally both attended and found the experience educational, motivational and overall fantastic. It was very fortunate to be able to go along to see all the different cars especially being exposed to a bit of BMW history. It was a great feeling to be a part of the BMW Driver’s Club Melbourne display and to show off one of our very own special vehicles amongst the wide variety of BMW vehicles. We want to thank BMWDCM for the experience and opportunity and cannot wait for all our future engagements.
Riley Aickin | Member #175 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
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