BMWCQ Jan - June 2023

The Bimmer

January - June 2023

BMW Club Queensland Newsletter

BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

THE BIMMER NEWS January to June 2023 President’s Message President Report from 5th May to 30th June 2023 Our AGM was held on 5th May 2023, which saw some changes made to the committee.

New Committee: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Club Captain Social Director Merchandising Marketing/ IT Registers National Delegate Editor

John Fairman New Leanne Tymms Retained Kerri Thomas Retained Leanne Tymms New Greg Tymms Retained Russell Thomas Retained Maryann Fairman New Russell Dean Retained Brian Alderton New John Fairman New Darren Foster Retained

The incoming president would like to thank the outgoing committee members for your past service and participation in the club.

New President History: John Fairman BMWCQ Member since 2015, Membership number 1564.

Past Roles in BMWCQ Club Captain, 2019, 2020.

Membership Officer 2019, 2020 and Registers Coordinator 2019, 2020. Show of Excellence / Motorfest 2019 Coordinator Head Judge. I tendered my resignation from the committee in 2020 for personal reasons.

It’s been a big start to this quarter, many thanks to the current committee for pulling together to make the transition seamless.

We have had some great events and attendances.

21st May 2023 David Hack Display - 37 registrants, made the cold early morning start up to Toowoomba. A great day but it was a little windy and chilly.

27th May 2023 Drive in Event - Yatala Drive in - 23 registered to see FAST X. great evening.

9th June, 2023 German Club Muster, 43 registered, always a good evening and meal at the German Club.

16th June 2023. Greg Tymms and I attended the Grand opening night of the new Brisbane Motor Museum at Nudgee, 4th June 2023. Motorfest, 29 registered, particular mention from the public and registrants that they enjoyed the new layout this year. Merchandise had a good display and was well attended. We also signed up a few new members on the day.

24th July 2023. Happy Laps and Breakfast. Over 60 registrants, great morning and was very well attended followed by the Charity Day Regularity where we had 46 registered.

We had a slightly different format this year where drivers were placed in “time classes” rather than “group classes”. Great day, especially if you didn't drive a toyota.GR Yaris, With our well attended day and raffle we managed to raise $15000 for our Queensland Charities.

Very well done for all that participated, bought raffle tickets, or supplied prizes and services for our cause.

However, in reviewing the nominated Charity for donation, it was found that last year's charity Emerge Cafe, closed its Cafe Training facility in March 2023.

A new charity was put forward for consideration. More to come on this in the next newsletter.

Membership has grown to 446 active members and 122 Bundle Members.

The year ahead: We have some exciting events planned, with some totally new events on the horizon.

New events will include: - A new charity fundraising event, in the form of a Trivia Night, A progressive Model Run and a few pop-up events which will be put on the website as planning progresses.

I would just like to thank all club members for their participation in the club, your kind words and welcoming support.

Sincerely, John Fairman

BMW Club Queensland

BMWCQ Events Australia Day - family fun day January 26th The year kicked off once again with our Australia Day family fun day held at the Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane at Shorncliffe. We had fantastic weather on the day to showcase our cars on the shores of beautiful Moreton Bay. A spit roast lunch was provided as well as entertainment by John McInness. We also payed games such as thong tossing and egg and spoon racing. All who attended enjoyed the day.

At then end of the of the day we presented the VMRB with a cheque for $1000 to help with their fundraising efforts. The VMRB is a non-profit volunteer organisation whose primary purpose is to provide marine search and rescue services to the boating public in Moreton Bay and the surrounding waterways.

More information can be found HERE & photos HERE

January to June 2023

BMWCQ Events

BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

BMWCQ Events

BMWCQ Events

Bowdens Own BBQ Breakfast - Febuary 18th

Linville Hotel Lunch Run - March 11th

On Febuary 18th the club held a run to the Bowdens Own headquaters on the Sunshine Coast. Dan Bowden gave an interesting and in depth presentation and demonstartion of the Bowdens Own products.

This was followed by a BBQ breakfast and a tour of the Bowdens facility including some of the exceptional cars on site. Thanks to Dan Bowden and the team for an informative and entertaining morning and Greg Tymms for organising. All who attended enjoyed the morning. Photos HERE

In early March the club held it’s first lunch run of the year to the Linville Hotel. Thankfully the predicted wet weather held off and the run was mostly dry.

The drive kicked off from Old Petrie Town headed out thru Woodford for a comfort stop and then on to the Linville Hotel. It was pleasing to see many new members attend the event. Thanks to John Tait for organising the run.

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BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

2023 BMW Clubs Australia Nationals The BMW Clubs Australia Nationals were held on the Gold recently from the 17th to 21st of March organised by BMW Club Gold Coast in conjunction with BMW Club Queensland. Club Gold Coast organised the social and drive events while club Queensland organised the motorsport events held at Lakeside and Morgan Park. The event was a great success with over 100 members members traveling from NSW, Victoria and the ACT as well Queensland. On Friday the social events kicked off the with a meet and greet for attendees followed by a cocktail party at Twin Towns. Saturday morning was very hot for the Show and Shine held at Queen Elizabeth Park beside the beautiful Coolangatta beach. A large variety of models turned out for the day to be displayed and judged.

On Saturday night there was a dinner at Currumbin Surf Club with fantastic food and stunning scenery.

On Sunday morning there was a drive to Ocean Shores over some great driving roads with spectacular scenery with a stop at Tweed Valley Farmhouse for lunch. Sunday night was the presentation dinner held in the Horizon Room at Twin Towns where the trophies and prizes were presented from Saturdays show and shine (individual winners presented in the images below) The motorsport events organised by BMW club Queensland at Lakeside on Friday 17th March and at Morgan Park on Tuesday 21st March were well attended and enjoyed by all.

The next BMW Clubs Australia Nationals will be held in Melbourne over the ANZAC Day long weekend 25th-28th of April 2025 hosted by the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne. Details HERE. Photos HERE & HERE

BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

2023 BMW Clubs Australia Nationals

BMW Club Queensland

BMWCQ Events BMW M2 & M3 Touring Launch at Coastline BMW - February 25th On Saturday 25th February the club was invited to attend Coastline BMW on the Sunshine Coast for the launch of the new BMW M2 and M3 touring. The day included a workshop tour and a technical presentation on the newly released models Photos HERE

January to June 2023

BMWCQ Events Delux Detail BMW open day - March 25th On the 25th of March Delux Detail in Sherwood held an open day for all BMW cars. The event was attended by several club members with a large variety of both modern and older cars on display.

Photos HERE

BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

BMWCQ Events David Hack Classic morning run - May 21 st On Sunday the 21st of May we gathered bright and early at the Puma Citiswitch for our yearly drive to the David Hack Classic car and vintage aircraft display which is held at the old Toowoomba airport. The event is hosted by the combined rotary clubs of Toowoomba with proceeds being donated to the Leukemia Foundation, Blue Care and other charities. The event is named in honor of David Hack who had a passion for cars and photography but who’s life was cut tragically short at just 28 by leukemia. As per previous years there was a large variety and number of cars on display as well as many vintage aircraft. All who attended on the day enjoyed themselves Photos HERE

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BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

BMWCQ Events

BMWCQ Events

Barn on Flaxton Breakfast Run - April 16th

Fast X Yatala Drive In - May 27th

In mid April we gathered early for a Breakfast Run to The Barn on Flaxton. Being a breakfast run meant an early start at the Sweeney Reserve at Petrie followed by a great 2 hour drive along some winding roads of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The morning was finished off by a fantastic breakfast at The Barn on Flaxton perched high on the Blackall Range.Photos HERE

On May 27th we held a social event at the Yatala Drive In where club members came to view the newly released Fast X, the next chapter in the Fast and Furious series. Although the weather was cold a good night was had by all catching up and enjoying the movie.

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BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

RACQ Motorfest - June 18 th Once again the club was invited to attend RACQ Motorfest at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds on the 18th of June. The annual event as usual was popular with members with 29 cars on display to the thousands of people who came along to the event. Weather for the event was perfect with a large turnout of prestige, vintage and collector cars as well as displays of the latest in vehicle and transport technology. It was an early 7:00am start to the day at the assembly point where we then traveled to the exhibition ground in convoy to set up in our dedicated undercover area. All those who attended enjoyed the day. Thanks to those club members who organised and help run the day as well as those who displayed their cars. More photos HERE

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BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

Charity Day & Breakfast Happy Laps - June 24 th Our annual Charity Day and Happy Laps Breakfast Event was held on Saturday 24th June at Lakeside once again. The morning started out chilly but as the sun came out more, it turned into a very comfortable day.

Charity Day Breakfast Happy Laps.

This was very well supported by Club Members from both BMW Club Queensland and the ICC. Many stayed on then to partake in the Regularity Challenge also.

The breakfast had 60 people registered and everyone had a great time doing the happy laps after another good feed of bacon, sausages, hash browns and eggs plus coffee etc. catered by Lakeside. It was a good start to the day to warm everyone up and then enjoy a drive around the track. Those who were not doing the Regularity were able to drive the track and get a feel of what it is like especially in their own vehicles.

It is always a lovely sight, seeing the cars go round and all nice and shiny. Another successful time held by all.

Charity Day Inter-Club Regularity Challenge After the Happy Laps it was time for the teams to get organized and ready to start the Regularity Challenge. This was the highest number of entries to date which lead to a very successful day. The day was really well organized and finished on time and results for the winners are always anticipated. A great day all round.

Charity Raffle As part of the Day, leading up to the event, the Club puts on a raffle to fund raise and the number of prizes offered by our supporters is always gratifying to receive. The generosity provided is an acknowledgment of the work being done by the Club and the backing we receive is amazing. From BMWCA and the business’ contribution, the standard of prize is always well worth the money paid.

It was once again our pleasure to announce that the Day was a huge success and our Club along with everyone’s input, was able to raise a total of $15,000 that we will be able to give to the charities of our choice. The Committee will review suitable causes and update as this progresses. As usual, the day doesn’t just happen. There are many in the background making all the arrangements and of course, doing all the jobs on the day.

Also a big Thank You goes to John Tetley and his team at Lakeside for their ongoing support of this major Club Events.

Thanks to Zac for use of his photos Instagram link

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BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

Charity Day & Breakfast Happy Laps - June 24 th

BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

New BMW Club Queensland members motorsport experience - by Bill Pooley

Hello. My name is Bill and I would like to introduce myself and my two mates, Paul and Gary, as new members of the BMW Club of Qld. So, how did 3 old misfits like us end up here you might ask. Well it’s a long story.

I suppose it began back in the late 1990s, when Gary, who’d been enjoying go karting sessions at Willowbank with his Evans Deakin workmates, suggested to Paul and I that we should come along too, which we did, and so several years of karting began. We thought this was just a bit of fun at the time, but we were inadvertently learning stuff like finding the best line through corners, hitting the apex, and the fact that brakes are really quite unnecessary.

Fast forward a few years, and after several boys weekends with an extended group of friends attending Gold Coast 600 races, we then discovered the Leyburn Sprints – an annual event at … Leyburn .. funnily enough, which is just west of Warwick. These are timed laps around a street circuit through the township.

All sorts of machinery gets entered, from things like 1930s Ford V8s, to lots of 1960s 70s and 80s Aussie, British, American, Japanese and Euro classics and right up to fairly recent models. It’s a tight circuit, best suited to small, nimble cars.

So much more interesting to watch than V8 Supercars.

On our 2nd or 3rd visit, we started thinking .. We should do this!! And so began our quest to find something a bit historic that we could take to the track. We considered things like Datsun 1600s, Ford Escorts, and Toranas, and looked at a Fiat 1500, an MGB and a BMW 2002. But as the plan was to do this on a minimal budget, and good examples of all the above were already worth quite big dollars, we decided to forget about the ‘historic’ bit and go for something a bit more modern – and – cheap! Paul suggested a Mazda MX5. He had one for a while back in the day. So the search began, and eventually, in late 2010, we settled on a 1990 NA MX5 (red of course) with just under 200 000 km and a few modifications like coil overs and a bigger 1.8L VVT engine from a later model.

So began many years of track days with the MX5 Club at QR and Lakeside where we learned more about the right line through corners, finding the apex, and other ways of trimming a few tenths here and there off our lap times. A few mechanical upgrades helped us to achieve this as well. (Can’t go into exact details here – that would be like Colonel Sanders disclosing his secret herbs and spices.)

We would always spend some time at the pub after each event of course, where we would conduct a rigorous and in depth post race analysis which mainly involved Gary and I pointing out to Paul all the things he's been doing wrong and how to correct his mistakes. That boy has a lot to thank us for.

In 2014, after still no offers of a drive with any of the competitive Formula 1 teams, we went back to the Leyburn Sprints, but this time as an entrant. Paul and I took turns driving, and what an experience!! We had fantastic fun, and in doing so, Paul achieved the second fastest time in our class. The fastest was a Triumph TR6 I think, but it wasn’t street registered like ours so that doesn’t count in our books!

Because we are joint owners of the car, we each have our own responsibilities to ensure the smooth running of our little race team.

Paul is ‘The Boss’ – don’t know quite what he actually does, but it seems to make him feel good.

Gary is ‘The Mechanic’ – mainly because he is ..um .. the mechanic. He is also sometimes referred to as ‘The Meticulous Bastard’ and also ‘The MX5 Whisperer’ because of his almost magical ability to find and deal with potential problems before they actually exist.

Bill (that’s me) is ‘The Celebrity’ – because a picture of me in 2013, driving the car in pouring rain at Lakeside, amazing the crowds with incredible feats of bravery and car control etc etc made it onto the cover of the MX5 Club magazine!!

Over the past 12 years of track days our little Mazda has been amazingly reliable, considering the 3 of us drive on most track days, with the car rarely getting a break. One broken diff, one failed radiator, and one minor altercation with the armco at Lakeside have been the only causes of an early finish to the day in all that time.

BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

New BMW Club QLD members motorsport experience - by Bill Pooley

Over the past 3 or 4 years, as MX5 Club organised motorsport opportunities have lessened, the BMW Club has kindly welcomed MX5 members to their events. We have participated in several of the BMW Club Sprint days at Lakeside, which have been very well organised and thoroughly enjoyable. We have also discovered Morgan Park at Warwick – what an amazing track to drive! Certainly worth the trip up there. We have enjoyed 3 events there so far organised by SDT (Safe Driver Training) with members of the BMW Club, who always make us feel welcome, so we decided to join. Paul, as a full member because he actually owns a BMW, and Gary and I as associate members.

Paul’s 5 Series Beemer is getting a bit long in the tooth, but he still loves it, even if he also sometimes drives a much newer example from another German brand that has the letters A.. M ..something or other .. on the boot lid.

Earlier this year, after a very long wait, I moved a Kia Stinger GT Twin Turbo into my garage after having driven a few, and reading lots of positive reviews about them. I haven’t been disappointed.

And then there’s Gary – you know – The Mechanic. Well, he drives some nondescript silver wagon thing that he uses to transport race wheels for the Mazda, as well as bits and pieces for the other passion in his life (apart from the MX5) .. (oh, and apart from his lovely, and very understanding wife, Jane) - vintage motor bikes. He has a shed full of seriously impressive English and American bikes from the 1910s, 20s, and 30s. No Beemers though.

We’ve been doing this MX5 thing for close to 12 years with, on average 5 or 6 track days per year (apart from during Covid). The three of us are now retired, or semi retired in the case of Paul, and having just as much fun as when we started. As they say, growing old is inevitable. Growing up is optional. Any regrets? Only that we should have started all this 10 or 20 years earlier!

So, that’s us. You might see us around at a BMW track day sometime, most likely at Lakeside or Morgan Park. We’re the 3 old buggers performing lightning quick driver change pit stops in between group 1 and group 2 or between groups 2 and 3.

Oh, and who’s the quickest of the three you might ask? Umm .. well Paul reckons he is, and we can’t really argue with ‘The Boss’ now can we.

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January to June 2023

BMW Club Queensland

Motorsport Report The first six months of 2023 have been quite busy on the motorsport front. The year kicked off with Round 2 of our RX Automotive Sprint Series held at Lakeside on the 27th January this was followed by a skid pan session at Mt Cotton on the 4th February. Both events were well attended by members with those who came along enjoying the day.

In March we held two major motorsport events that were connected with the 2023 BMW Club Nationals that were held on the Gold Coast. These events gave drivers from interstate a change to experience two of our local tracks namely the iconic Lakeside Park Raceway and Morgan Park Raceway near Warwick.

The Lakeside event was held in conjunction with Round 3 of the RX Automotive Sprint Series with all that attended enjoying their experience of this great track.The second event was a motorsport driver training day at Morgan Park held by Safe Driver Training. With guidance from trained instructors members achieved maximum performance from their cars within safe limits. All who attended had a great experience.

On Friday 26th May Round 4 of the RX Automotive Sprint Series was held at Queensland Raceway hosted by the Porsche Club of Queensland.

January to June 2023

BMW Club Queensland

Membership Report The BMW Club Qld membership remains healthy with 60 new members joining in the first half of 2023.

The current membership is 447 with an additional 123 Bundle members.

The committee is looking at ways to make the club more attractive to potential members including younger age groups and residents in areas outside the South East Queensland area.

There was also continued interest in SIVS Registration indicating more vehicles (30yo +) being restored or acquired.

John Payne BMWCQ Membership Officer

CHECK OUT THE NEW AND EXCITING MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE ON THE CLUB WEBSITE LOTS OF GREAT SYTLES TO SUIT EVERYONE. Click HERE to go to the store

Check out the range of BMW Club badges, stickers, caps and bucket hats now available in our online store on the website. These can be ordered along with the other great range of club merchandise that is now able for purchase. Something for everyone for sure!

January to June 2023

BMW Club Queensland

BMW NEWS BMW Australia has announced that the new 5 series sedan will released in Australia towards the end of this year available in a petrol 520i and two versions of the I5, the edrive 40 and an M60 xdrive. The all new G60 series marks the first time the BMW 5 series range will be topped by a EV model. The M60 xdrive will deliver 442kw of power to the road via the four wheel drive xdrive system. More information HERE and a video review HERE

The Ultimate BMW Meet 2023 was recently held at the British Motor Museum. The car show was the largest BMW car meet held in the UK with hundreds of cars on deisplay. All models were represented in both standard and modified form. Video HERE

Support our club sponsors Please support those businesses that support our club. They are still working but like many businesses they are feeling the pinch so please don’t forget to contact them..

Give them a call and support our supporters.

BMW Club Queensland

January to June 2023

Upcoming Events

The BMW Club Queensland Show of Excellence will be held at the Brisbane Motor Museum on Sunday 10th of September. All financial members of the club are open to display at what is one of our most prominent and popular events. Details HERE Upcoming motorsport events include Round 5 of the RX Automotive Sprint Series to be held at Lakeside Park on the 15th September. enter HERE as well as a afternoon skid pan session at Mt Cotton on the 30th September enter HERE A Big thank you to all of the committee and the club members who come together to arrange all the great events that we, as members are able to enjoy. It has been said “The Cars are what bring us all together but it is the members who make it such a great Club!!!

As usual, we are always on the look out for any contributions, stories or suggestions from you, so if you have anything please send it through to editor@bmwcq.com.au

Darren Foster- Editor eNewsletter