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Volume 6 Issue 4 July-August 2010
President
Joe Grattan
Vice President
Nick Ford
Secretary
Rich Luongo
Treasurer
Lucille Chabala
Past President
Doug Ochwat
Editor-Webmaster
Ken Spingarn
Tech Advisor
Andreas Molde
Board Members
John Bleimaier
Claire Wegner
Valerie Cristiano
Pankaj T. Dayal
Committee Chair-Membership
Dave Hall
Committee Chair-Driving
Jim Potts
Photographer
Carl Ian Schwartz
Northern New Jersey Sect ion — Mercedes-Benz C lub of Amer ica
T he day couldn‟t have been any better –
the weather, the people, the cars, and
the food!!! This year‟s June Jamboree was
absolutely outstanding.
The “CREW” showed up at 7 AM and began
to set up for what promised to be a wonder-
ful day. Lucille and Valerie set up the Regis-
tration table, Nick and Rich readied the
camera, Andreas checked out the parking
lot, while Joe started to set up the „Silent
Auction‟ table – then more help arrived.
Nora and Brenda did a great job of running
the “silent auction” and kudos to all those
who bid so generously on the items and to
those who donated items.
As the cars rolled in, registered, had their
picture taken, and parked in their assigned
spot – the Jamboree was well on its way to a
record breaker. We had 100 cars registered
(the largest number that I can remember) 39
in Concours and 61 in Popular. After set-
tling the cars in their spots the members
moseyed on down for some coffee and bagels
in the cafeteria.
At 10:30 the Concours judging began and all
last minute detailing of the cars was
stopped. While the judges were hard at
work, many of the members had time to look
over the cars and then cast their ballots for
the Popular Vote cars. Others took advan-
tage of the well placed lawn chairs, while
still others chose the air-conditioned cafete-
ria to socialize and watch as pictures of past
June Jamborees moved across the screen.
As the judges finished up their task, it was
time for the members and their guests to
enter the cafeteria once again, this time for
the delicious BBQ luncheon. After lunch,
Loni announced the winners of the 50-50,
and boy were they please with the results.
Door prizes were called and membership
pins were distributed while everyone anx-
iously awaited the results. We tried some-
thing new this year and were able to display
the picture of the winning cars in the Popu-
lar Vote category. Next year, we plan on
being able to show both the Concours and
Popular Vote winning cars.
It was a fun-filled and exciting day. There
was something for everyone to do: admire
the magnificent automobiles; drive a simu-
lated race car; have your picture taken; or
sit in the SLS AMG and dream.
We certainly had many distinguished mem-
bers form MBCA at the Jamboree this year
and they include the following: Rodger Van
Ness - President MBCA; Doug Truitt -
MBCA Executive Director; Laura Simonds –
MBCA Treasurer; Richard Simonds – Acting
Publisher & Past President MBCA; Gary
Anderson – Editor-in-Chief The STAR maga-
zine; Cliff Reyle – Central Regional Director,
TN; and Werner Fehlauer – Mid-Atlantic
Regional Director.
A special thanks to the following people from
MBUSA: Adam Paige – Manager, National
Brand Public Relations; Christine Chase –
National Brand & Public Relation Specialist
(Thanks for all of your hard work – we cer-
tainly appreciated all of your efforts in order
to make sure that things went smoothly.
The lawn furniture so beautifully placed, the
water for the judges, clearing out the park-
ing lot, the display of cars in the front lawn,
and of course – the food.); and Anne-Doris
Korralus – European Delivery Program.
We would also like to acknowledge and
thank all of those who supported us with
door prizes. We appreciate your generosity
and continued support for our activities.
A great big “THANK YOU” to the following:
Globe Motor Cars, Fairfield; Mercedes Benz
of Princeton; Open Road Mercedes, Bridge-
water; Mercedes Benz of Freehold; Benzel
Busch, Englewood; Contemporary Motor
Cars, Little Silver; Intercar, Newton; Ray
Catena Mercedes Benz of Union; Mercedes
Benz of Flemington; Prestige, Paramus; and
MBUSA. Continued on page 2.
Please see photos on pages 10 & 11
PAGE 2 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
T hanks to all the judges and the parking crew for help-
ing to make the day a success and especially to Head
Judge, Andreas Molde
Engine: Frank Chabala , Felipe Cuadra , Rick Finch,
Tito Krishnamurthy , Rocky Miranti, Burgess Berlin , Jerry
Shapiro
Interior: Joe Cristiano , Larry Taylor, Bill Hopper , John
Angeleri, Tim Harrington , Bob Wegner
Chrome: Ken Spingarn , Jan Van Der Baan, Ralph
Esposito , Donald Derosa, Claire Wegner ,
Michele Loranger
Exterior: Ed Jahn, Werner Fehlauer , Cliff Reyle, Tom
Elder , Marc Loranger
Mileage /Paint Code Recorder : Victor Alicchio
Parking Staff: Don Rotolo , Karla Schwendt , Rocky
Miranti, Tito Krishnamurthy, Stu Berson
Score Sheet Runner: Rich Luongo
June Jamboree 2010 Results
*note - other than the winners - the cars are listed in the
order that they registered
** no-show cars were not included in the results
Popular Vote
New 2006 – 2010
1st Lou Manganiello 2010 E350
2nd Stephen Spector 2007 SLK350
2nd Fred Marcus 2009 CLK350
Nora Ochwat 2007 E550
Bob Haber 2010 C63AMG
Clifford Robert 2010 S550
Modern Sedan 1996 – 2005
1st Ed Ebel 1996 S320
1st Kevin Chirigotis 2002 E55
2nd Ray DiMeglio 1998 E320
Frank Caluri 2002 E320
Modern Sport 1996 – 2005
1st Nick Ford 2005 C320 sport coupe
2nd Tom Buonocore 2003 SL500
3rd Priscilla Sedita 2001 CLK230
Olga Silva 2001 SL600
Roger Jones 2000 500SL
Jim Haupt 2002 600SL
Joe LoFaro 1998 SL500
Carmine Buda 1998 CL600
Seamus Sheelan 2003 CLK320
Old Sedan 1986 – 1995
1st Robert Murphy 1994 E320
2nd Valerie Cristiano 1991 420SEL
3rd Roger Egolf 1992 500E
Tom Mitchell 1991 300E
Joe Grattan 1992 600SEL
David Lamm 1995 E320
Clark Pritchett 1991 350SDL
Daniel Nickolich 1992 400E
Michael Mendes 1991 350SDL
Old Sport 1986 – 1995
1st Hank Cosgrove 1995 SL600
2nd Vinny Milo 1987 560SL
3rd Peter Jamison 1989 560SEC
Jay Hirsch 1990 560SEC
Burton Anderson 1990 500SL
Dennis Damascus 1990 560SEC
Victor Gates 1995 E320
Ed Ebel 1992 500SL
Vintage Sedan pre-1986
1st Arpi Kertesz 1973 280SE 4.5
2nd Frank Chabala 1965 220SE
3rd Allen Wagner 1966 230
Robert Midura 1980 300SD
Lester Ayars 1966 220D
John Bleimaier 1965 190DC
Chris Sciales 1963 220SEB
Peter Weingang 1967 230
Alex Rosner 1981 300TD
Bill Dawli 1957 220S
PAGE 3 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
Vintage Sport pre-1986
1st Frank Spellman 1963 300SL roadster
2nd Richard Rose 1963 300SL
3rd Ralph Esposito 1976 450SL
Robert Perkins 1976 450SLC
Philip Medico 1980 450SL
Ron Tanner 1968 250SL
Ron Tanner 1967 250SL
Bob Knights 1983 380SL
Marc Loranger 1984 380SL
Claude Bennett 1978 450SL
Jason Fischer 1963 190
Richard Finch 1985 380SL
Wayne Faltin 1984 280SL
Concours
Class 3
1st William Miller 1958 220S
2nd Hans Karl 1957 220S
3rd Steve Wein 1958 220cab
Class 4
1st Claire Wegner 1956 190SL
Class 6 & 7
1st Keith Morgan 1972 300SEL
2nd Henry Coelho 1972 280SE 4.5
3rd Doug Lansing 1961 220Seb
Class 8
1st Paul Pinajian 1977 240D
2nd John Longo 1977 240D
3rd Mark Sluscavage 1991 300TE
Class 9 & 10
1st Carl Belt 1985 300CD
2nd Peter LoBasso 1990 300SE
3rd Samy Rizk 1980 300SD
Class 11
1st Tom Elder 2001 SLK320
2nd Greg Calabro 2003 SL500
3rd Richard Tynes 2003 SL500
Class 12
1st Barbara Fiedler 1999 E320 4matic
2nd Bob Donnelly 2005 E320CDI
3rd Rocky Miranti 2003 E55
Ignatius Wiratunga 2008 C300
Ed Jahn 2008 Smart Car
Andrew Syracuse 2009 C300
Joseph Bemelmans 1996 E300D
Class 13 & 14
1st Dean Nichols 2005 CLK
2nd Dominick Citera 1998 S500
Class 15
1st Bob Platz 1970 280SL
2nd John Betsch 1965 230SL European
3rd Alvin Martz 1971 280SL
Victor Gates 1967 230SL
Class 16
1st Peter Newman 1982 380SL
2nd Loni Spingarn 1980 450SL
3rd Sylvia Sama 1989 560SL
Nicholas Perakis 1986 560SL
Jerry Shapiro 1987 560SL
Frank Conforti 1986 560SL
Steven Raab 1988 560SL
Class 19
1st Scott Daniels 1976 Unimog
Judges Choice
Carlos Heiligmann 1978 230
Best in Show
Eckart Scheffler 1957 300SL
FOR SALE: Set of four 7 1/2 J x 16 five-slot Mercedes rims. Part number 210 401 04 02. All are 41mm
offset. (ET41) I believe these were standard equipment on the E430 model. These have served as
the winter wheels on my 1999 E300 turbo diesel. (W210) All wheel weights and valve stems re-
moved. Center caps and lug bolts not included. Some curb rash. These serve well for winter use,
and are priced accordingly at $300 for set of four. Can bring wheels to club events or arrange to
meet buyer to forego shipping cost. Ken McCauley [email protected] Cell 908-377-5982 Hunterdon
PAGE 4 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
FOR SALE: 1999 500SL Black/Black leather interior. 39,970. Excellent condition.
Garaged, both tops. New tires. Excellently maintained. $19,000.00
Contact: [email protected] Seller: D. St. Julien (973)-568-3496
FOR SALE: 1987 560SL Convertible. Arctic White with Navy leather interior. Two
tops (white hard top and navy soft top). Hard top comes with wheeled caddy for
storage. Pirelli P4000 Super Touring tires. Alpine 6 CD and cassette player with
AM/FM radio. Always covered and garaged. 102K miles. Maintained by a Mer-
cedes mechanic. Excellent condition. Driven only on weekends and in good
weather. Asking $14,500. Call Rick 973-464-5845
FOR SALE: 2001 320 SLK Convertible/Coupe Silver/Charcoal Like New only
12,000 miles
All Standard Equipment plus Automatic Trans., Heated Seats, 6disc CD Changer.
Garaged with MB cover. $16,500. Tom Zima 732-714-0080
FOR SALE: 1988 560SL dark blue, good condition, both tops, rear seat, newer tires and battery, A/C, Becker radio,
ETC. Runs great, approximately 155k miles, everything works, asking for a reasonable offer. Too many "M.B.s" and
getting involved with concours shows to really use the car. Contact Bob Wegner after 2 P.M. (973) 515-0052
FOR SALE: Gorgeous 1977 450 SL roadster for sale. Butter Yellow/Saddle 74,000 original miles. It has
never seen winter and rarely rain. Dark Brown Soft Top Replaced Hardtop with caddy. Non
Smoker, Runs Great . $11,500, must be seen to appreciate. Martin Ungar [email protected]
FOR SALE: 1987 560SL Convertible. Signal Red/Palomino. 83K miles, both tops, service records, excellent condition,
same owner since 1996, only driven on weekends in good weather, garaged. $12,900. Call for details/photos. Curt
Bradbury (973) 838-9403 [email protected]
FOR SALE: 1977 Mercedes Benz 240D, Yellow/Tobacco Brown, Manual Shift, 2nd Place-Concours
2010, Comes with M.B. Car Cover $6500 Seller is same as below
FOR SALE: 2005 Mercedes Benz E320 CDI, (Turbo Diesel) Slate Gray/Light Gray, Re-
cent $4500 100,000K Major Service, New Continental Touring Tires, 4 Ex-
tra New Blizzack Snow Tires on E320 Alloy Rims, E320 M.B. Car Cover Included, 109,000 Miles, Excep-
tional Condition. $19,995 John & Kristina Longo, Far Hills, N.J. [email protected] 201-454-7490
FOR SALE: 1995 Mercedes Benz E320 station wagon. Original Black exterior ,Parchment leather interior. Only 93,000
miles. Bought new at Southampton Motors ,1 prior owner before me. A great driving car with cold A/C. All power
options work, including the sunroof. Has a third seat. Needs some TLC. A good car to restore or drive as a everyday
driver as I do presently. Asking $4,675.
FOR SALE: 1985 Mercedes Benz 300 TD Diesel station wagon. Navy blue exterior, saddle M.B. Tex. interior. With the
optional third seat , manual sunroof, am/fm cassette Air Cond. Power windows, luggage rack, Drives great and
looks good. too! 229,000 miles owned for the last 8 years and driven locally only in nice weather. A real classic
wagon! $4875. Both cars are located in Short Hills NJ. Andy Permison 973 379 7283 [email protected]
FOR SALE: 1984 380SL convertible. Beautiful silver with new navy blue soft Top. Silver hardtop with cart. No rust. Runs
well. 178K miles. Professionally maintained. NJ inspection Oct 2011. $6500/offer. Call George Maulbeck 908-369-
4030 or email [email protected].
PAGE 5 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
PAGE 6 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
From the President …….. Joe Grattan
T he June Jamboree was a great success. 100 cars registered - more than ever before.
We added a couple of new pieces to this June Jam. Dave Hall videotaped the entire after lunch pro-
gram as well as conducting interviews during the morning. Nick Ford and Rich Luongo took pictures of
all cars in the morning and had them on the screen as the winners were announced in the afternoon.
Neat.
Now you are holding the largest issue of Star Tracks we have ever published; twenty pages – two of them
in color. A very special thanks to Ken Spingarn for all of the extra work in getting this issue published.
We have a number of events planned as we make the turn into the second half of the year. All are mentioned in these
pages. There are a couple more still on the drawing board. If you have a suggestion about a future event or a comment
about a past event please send me a note.
In closing I want to thank the folks, Andreas, Lucille, Valerie, Nora, Brenda, Loni, Doug, Ken, Dave, Carl, Nick, Rich,
THE JUDGES, the parking team and the Officers/Board.
PAGE 7 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
Open Road Mercedes-Benz has invited us to their facility for this Classic Car Show / Clinic. They have invited us as
well as all MB owners. Learn from the pros: Master technicians will demonstrate how–to basics
Contest: Best in Show – Classic Car.
Raffle: Win a flat screen TV.
This event is sponsored by Open Road Mercedes-Benz. There is no cost to you.
Open Road is on the South (Eastbound) side if Route 22 about 2 miles west of Route 287. Directions are on their website http://benz4ever.com/, on the top right of the screen select ‗interact with us‘ and then ‗directions‘.
IMPORTANT
Please contact Lucille Chabala to let her know you are coming. 973 731 9133 or [email protected]
PAGE 8 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
Valve Adjustment
M ost, but not all MB‟s up to approximately the mid 80‟s need occasional
valve adjustments. In later years, most, but not all MB‟s had hydraulic
lifters, which did not need any adjustment (see more below).
Unfortunately this important part of maintenance is often overlooked or simply
ignored.
The phrase ”If you don‟t hear them tapping, they are ok” couldn‟t be further
from the truth.
Valves that are “noisy” (loose) at least have some play, but valves that you don‟t hear may be just right or worse, to tight.
Valves that are too tight won‟t seal properly and besides causing a lack of performance (which “loose” valves will do , too),
they will eventually “burn” and cause the engine to lose compression. That‟s when it becomes time for a costly valve job.
Valve adjustment IS part of regular maintenance on older MB‟s , which should be done on average every 10-15k miles.
That interval is recommended to be “cut in half” if the engine was designed for “leaded” gas, which holds true for most
MB‟s up to about 1974. The lead in gasoline had one purpose only and that was to lubricate the valve seats inside the
cylinder head. Engines that were designed for unleaded gas, had hardened valve seats and therefore had a regular valve
adjustment service interval. We have been driving unleaded gas in the USA for about 35 years now, since the first cata-
lytic converters were introduced, which do not take kindly to lead. In later years the oxygen sensor was added and lead
was an instant death sentence for the sensors, hence only unleaded gas has been available since around that time, which
can cause excessive wear on the valve seats of older engines. A lot of Euro Models that were imported in the 70‟s and 80‟s
did NOT have hardened valve seats since they used leaded gas in Europe until the 90‟s!
Below is a guideline (!) of the approximate model years and engine type
that needed valve adjustment or had hydraulic lifters.
Needs adjustment: (Does not include older AMG Models)
All MB’s up to 1976, including V8 (EXCEPT 1976 Euro V8 ,hydraulic lift-
ers)
All MB’s from 1977 to 1985 EXCEPT V8 and 190E/D 8 valve engines
(hydraulic lifters)
All MB’s from 1986 to current have hydraulic lifters (!) and don‘t need
valve adjustment.
There is always an exception or two to the rules, of course.
The 190E 2.3 16 Valve, from approximately 1982-1988 (Euro and US) needed valve adjustment, which was done by meas-
uring the valve clearance, removing the camshafts and installing different thickness shims. A very involved job. A lot of
folks including techs, mistake the shims for hydraulic lifters!
Lastly, all V8 MB‟s from 1977 (1976 Euro) to 1991, that‟s your 350, 450, 380, 500, 420 and 560‟s, need a BASIC adjust-
ment for the hydraulic lifters which is done with a special GO-NO-GO gauge and shims. That basic adjustment normally
gets done only after replacing parts in the valve train of the engine. The simplest way to tell if your V8 from the 70‟s has
hydraulic lifters or not is to see what type of fuel injection system you have. If it is electronic (EFI, wires to the injectors)
it needs a regular valve adjustment. If it is mechanical fuel injection (CIS) it does not (hydraulic lifters).
Simple enough, right?
Andreas Molde
PAGE 9 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
B enzel-Busch Motor Car Corp. of Englewood
New Jersey offers club members a 10% dis-
count on parts and service. Additionally, they
run “specials” on a regular basis. For example,
at the time that this article was written, the
specials included a discount on a set of new
Michelin tires, and a four-wheel alignment on
pads and rotors for the period through August 9,
2010.
What you may not know is that if you take ad-
vantage of one of the specials, and you are a club
member and present your membership card, you
receive an additional 10% discount on the spe-
cial. To find out what specials are currently be-
ing run, please visit:
http://mercedes.benzel-busch.com/
dsp_servicespecials.cfm.
Additionally, Benzel-Busch has a new program
called “Legacy Services”. Legacy Services is a
certified maintenance and repair service of an
out-of-warranty vehicle without paying a pre-
mium. Legacy clinics will be run quarterly, and
the next one will be scheduled for September or
October. Additional information and cost saving
coupons can be found by visiting:
www.legacyservice.com
C ome and join MBCA members from the CT/West and NYC/LI
Sections at this well established Car and Motorcycle Club Cele-
bration on Saturday, September 11, 9 am - 3 pm. Sunday, Sept. 12—Concours d' Elegance
Share experiences and knowledge with colleagues from other clubs
as well. Renowned experts will hold informative seminars, providing
insights such as tips on the process of restoration, pointers on car
inspection related to appraisals, and instruction on how to photo-
graph cars and bikes.
Pricing & more info will be in our next email. Car and bike clubs
will bring their favorite mode of transport to show to other atten-
dees. Peer judging awards will be given with winners being shown
in the Sunday Concours d'Elegance.
Contact Lucille Chabala, 6 Brook Way, West Orange, NJ 07052
973-731–9133 or [email protected] if interested in attending.
Website for Fairfield County Car Show
http://www.fairfieldcountyconcours.com/
Saturday, October 3rd from 11 am to around 3:30 pm — Chubb Park, Chester, NJ
On old RT. 24 approximately 1 mile west of RT. 206
Featuring Authentic Oktoberfest Music ● German Food ● Official German Oktoberfest Outfits
Cost: $20.00 per car. Here's what you get back; up to $10. per car in food vouchers, free admission to the Oktoberfest.
Water, coffee & snacks are supplied by the club. $10. of the $20. is donated to the Lions Club for their charitable work.
Trophies for Sedans, 2 door's & coupes, Wagons & SUV's, Roadsters & Convertibles, along with Best of Show.
Pre-reservation is welcomed, although you may pay at the gate. We would appreciate a count of the amount of cars at-
tending. Please contact Lucille Chabala at [email protected] or 973-731-9133. Please direct any questions about the
event to Bob Wegner at [email protected] or 973- 515-0052
Name (s):____________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
Phone:______________________Email:____________________
Cost: $20.00 per car if you are bringing one. No cost per person to attend. No. of cars being entered:____@$20.00
Please contact Lucille Chabala at [email protected] or 973-731-9133
6 Brook Way ● West Orange, NJ 07052
PAGE 10 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
PAGE 11 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
PAGE 12 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
Saturday, October 23
American Automobile Association in Springfield, NJ regularly
sponsors driver improvement programs which they administer from their facility on Route 22 in
Springfield. They have these programs on a regular basis and charge $80 with a $20 discount for
AAA members. Because of the size of our class they will offer us the rate of $50 per person for all
attendees. They will run this program for us on Saturday, October 23.
The charge will be $50 for adults and a special rate of $25 for anyone 21 years of age or younger.
Session would be 3 hours, break for lunch, three hours. We will provide a pizza lunch half way thru
the day.
Benefits include a reduction in insurance premium and 2 points off license (if applicable).
Contact: Lucille Chabala, 6 Brook Way, West Orange, NJ 07052
973-731-9133 [email protected]
G et ready to enjoy our 23rd annual picnic at ―Falkenhorst‖, John Bleimaier‟s 18th century country home. We will have
some chairs and tables, but if you have your own please bring them. The third Sunday in September will be hot and
sunny, the smell of freshly mown grass will be in the air, free hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, sodas and a bunch of other stuff will
be on the tables under the tents. We will enjoy the friendly competition of a six category popular vote car show. There will be
a „silent auction‟ (proceeds to charity). Bring something lightly used. John will have slides of the latest Concours at Pebble
Beach; you will see and vote on a bunch of great Mercedes. Sounds like a lot to do in one afternoon, but we‟ll squeeze it all in.
Plan to bring the kids. Weather permitting, we will set up for the annual lawn sprints at Falkenhorst this year.
This event is co-sponsored by the two New Jersey sections. There is no cost to you, but WE NEED A COUNT. We have to
buy the food, beverages and supplies. Please complete and mail the coupon or contact Lucille Chaballa by phone or email.
I/We will be attending the NNJS Mid-Atlantic Regional Picnic & Car Show on
Sunday, September 19, 2010 beginning 10:30 AM. Please bring along an appetizer, salad or entrée as well as an item to donate for the silent auction. You may also want to bring along folding chairs, umbrellas and other comfort items. There is no charge for this
event. As always, the Northern New Jersey and the South Jersey Section are co-sponsoring this event.
Name(s):_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Email:____________________________________________________________________
No. of people attending:________________
No. of cars to be displayed:______________
I am bringing to the picnic: Appetizer ____Salad ____Side dish____ Entrée____
Lucille Chabala ● 6 Brook Way ● West Orange, NJ 07052 973-731-9133
I have had the privilege of being your newsletter editor
for the past five years. During this time, I have seen a
significant enhancement in the benefits and services our
members now enjoy. This was made possible through the
dedicated efforts of our section officers, board members
and general membership. Thank you all for your devoted
service.
I also wish to thank all of our valued advertisers who
helped make this special issue possible.
This 20 page June Jamboree Star Tracks issue is our first
with a printed color centerfold. I wish to give special
thanks to our resident photographer, Carl Ian Schwartz,
for his great images each issue as well as to member,
Remzi Gumus, from Montclair, NJ for his artful June
Jamboree interpretations. Ken Spingarn
PAGE 13 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
Sunday, August 22
Get there by 10:15; you are on the track by 11. NJMSP
provides all equipment and instruction. We will race in
our own Mini Gran Prix.
Our group will be racing on one of the club tracks. Event
will consist of (3) 10-lap races followed by a 12-lap final.
About 15 minutes on the track and a 15 minute break.
There are four sets for a total of about two hours.
NJMP provides a unique & exciting venue for a real rac-
ing experience, lots of fun and stories to tell.
Cost is $50 includes all racing equipment and activities.
Normally $80 but NNJ members will get a $30 reduction.
After racing we will have award prizes at a great lunch
at the Finish Line Pub.
Check out the website http://www.njmotorsportspark.com/karting.html
Kindly let us know if you will be participating by contacting
Lucille as soon as possible.
Lucille Chabala, 6 Brook Way, West Orange, NJ 07052
973-731-9133 [email protected]
J ohn Bleimaier will again lead the group through the
pylons again this year. Transfer your recent Karting
experience to the full size car you bring with you. We will
start about 10 AM. More info in the next issue.
PAGE 14 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
T his year‟s June Jamboree was one of the best. Great weather, record turnout, and most cars ever.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make the event as great as it was. Also thanks for everyone who
brought a car, because it‟s your wonderful cars that we are celebrating and what makes this event what it
is.
We‟ve got some events coming up this month. The German American Club Car Show and the Deutche Clas-
sic event. We also may have some other events coming up, so keep close to your MBCA-NNJ email updates.
Hope to see you soon!
Vice President’s Message…….Nick Ford
James Linn
John Mardirossian
Chris Maurer
Danny Milano
Yolanda Mitchell
Paul Nicholson
Paul James Reitnauer III
Karla Schwedt
William Slotter
Robin Bocra
Alan B. Theis
Pradeep Vachani
William Peter Vloyanetes
Alan David Turak
Brian Wisner
Saturday, May 22nd was just what the doctor ordered. One after one the cars motored into the
parking lot of the Myersville Inn in Gillette, NJ and were warmly welcomed by Rally Master
Joe and Rally Mistress Valerie Cristiano. Members then joined together under the registration
tent for some coffee, bagels, and muffins before setting off. The cars lined up and Valerie handed out the directions and
questions and then they proceeded to the starting line where Joe sent them off at 5 minute intervals. It was a beautiful
sight as 11 Mercedes and 2 Mercedes wanna-be‟s headed out for a scenic, historic, and fun- filled tour of the area.
The directions were easy to follow but you had to keep a sharp eye out and read between the lines in order to interpret
some of the clues. The rally took the cars through several towns, beautiful countryside with spectacular scenic views, and
a stop at the Historic Jockey Hollow where Washington‟s troops camped during the terrible winter of 1779 - 80. Members
were encouraged to take a walk around Tempe Wick‟s house and a stroll through the herb garden where one could find
some interesting uses for the herbs.
The cars then returned to the Inn and we sauntered inside for a delicious dinner from a menu specifically designed for
our club. After lunch, the winners were announced; 1st place – Amelia Snyder and Caitlin Ford; 2nd – John Bleimaier and
Marina Pushkareva; 3rd place – Carl Schwartz and Allen Gold: tied for 4th – Sally and Andy Creswell and Loni and
Kenny Spingarn.
PAGE 15 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
Pankaj T. Dayal
238 Ernston Rd Ste. #3
Parlin, NJ 08859-1947
732-588-5229
PAGE 16 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
We are pleased to be selected to
design and prepare the trophies for the
June Jamboree again this year.
We specialize in trophies, plaques, acrylics,
medals, glass, pens, clocks, laminations,
bronze, ad specialties and anything that can
be imprinted or silk-screened,
including custom logos.
555 Route 46 East - 973 256 5222
Little Falls, NJ 07424 - Fax 973 256 8497
Email: [email protected]
www.AwardMakers.com
Sunday, December 5 — Noon to 4pm
Appetizer will be a choice of herring in white wine/sour
cream or smoked Scottish salmon or house salad.
Buffet selection of sauerbraten and goulash and
chicken and traditional sausages as well as sides such
as red cabbage and spaetzle. In addition there will be
a selection of fruit juices, cut fresh fruit, breakfast
breads, rolls and butter.
The Viennese table will include bee hive, apple crumb,
black forest cakes as well as other items. Coffee, tea,
soft drinks are all included.
We are looking into securing a quality Riesling Eichwein
sometimes referred to as Nachschluck, according to
our friend Johannes K. Bleimaier for after the meal. All
alcoholic beverages are served as cash bar.
Costs will be $25 per adult—$5 for children under 13
The German-American Club Website may be found at:
http://www.deutscherclub.us/.
More details in our next issue.
PAGE 17 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
PAGE 18 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
PAGE 19 STAR TRACKS 2010 VOLUME 6 I SSUE 4
John Kuhn Bleimaier
T he Dolomites are among the
most beautiful mountains in the
world. They are located at the inter-
section of Italy, Austria and Sloveni-
aGeological characteristics of the re-
gion have imparted to this mountain
range a very distinctive appearance
with sharp, tooth-like peaks and
rocks whose color radically changes
in different light. The Dolomites are
not as tall as the Swiss Alps but in
terms of aesthetic appeal they need
not take second place to any of our
planet‟s protuberances.
Last month I found myself in Italy
and with a couple of extra days at my
disposal I piloted a rented Fiat up
over the Pordoi Pass into the heart of
the Dolomites. This is prime sports
car country, the original venue of the
legendary Dolomite Rallye of yore
and the staging ground for several
classic car events nowadays. I have
seen a wonderful picture of a proto-
type 300SL roadster being tested by
Rudolf Uhlenhaut and a team of
Mercedes engineers on a Dolomite
pass dating from the mid „50s. There
is no sensation quite like ascending a
seemingly endless series of switch
backs to the very heavens sur-
rounded by the unconquerable moun-
tain fastness. My every alpine drive
is engraved on my consciousness for-
ever.
The Italian part of this magnificent
region is known as the Alto Adige or
the South Tyrol. Prior to the First
World War this area was part of the
Habsburg Empire and the majority
of the population is equally fluent in
Italian and German. This bilingual
enclave attracts me particularly as I
consider myself to be moderately
competent in German while my Ital-
ian is less than rudimentary, being
based on a long ago, unsuccessful
effort to master Latin. The food in
the South Tyrol reflects this prov-
ince‟s mixed heritage and is deli-
cious. I spent the night in the de-
lightful town of Dobiaco, Toblach in
German. A peaceful bed & breakfast
inn along with a fabulous evening
repast in the local four star restau-
rant capped off an incomparable day
behind the wheel.
As is my wont, I followed a fine meal
with a brisk walk. Taking a stroll in
Toblach was a treat. The half tim-
bered houses and picturesque chalets
present architectural styles worthy of
attention. There is also a fine Ba-
roque church at the center of town
with a breathtaking interior. Walk-
ing around the town one is ever
aware of the towering presence of the
Dolomite peaks on all sides. The
scudding white clouds which alter-
nately reveal and obscure the pinna-
cles add a mystical quality to the
scene.
On the outskirts of town I turned a
corner and my jaw dropped. Before
me was a dilapidated old service sta-
tion surrounded by derelict cars…
classic cars. There were Lancia
Aurelias, Aprillias, Flaminias and
Fulvias in the company of Alfa
Romeos of the „50s and „60s. A rusty
Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 stood plain-
tively on its suspension stops next to
a Fiat Dino (the ultra rare model
with a Ferrari V6). All these signifi-
cant vehicles were in a state of ad-
vanced decay yet the vestiges of their
former selves were still apparent. I
was awe struck. For several minutes
I just stood there taking in the scene
before me. Then I whipped out my
pocket size digital camera and
started taking pictures.
As I attempted to pictorially docu-
ment my discovery a second floor
window in the residence over the ser-
vice bays opened to reveal a little old
lady. She beckoned and asked me
what was my purpose. I stammered
out that I was a car enthusiast and
boldly inquired if any of the cars be-
fore me were for sale. My elderly in-
terlocutor shook her head vigorously.
“No, No. These cars belonged to my
late husband. I am planning to have
them all freshened up and I will es-
tablish a museum dedicated to his
memory someday soon.”
I swallowed hard. Most of the recum-
bent beauties surrounding the old
service facility were probably beyond
restoration. Their value would princi-
pally be that of parts cars. Only sev-
eral of the classic conveyances looked
like possible candidates for resuscita-
tion. I wondered to myself in what
state these cars had been at the pass-
ing of the old woman‟s spouse. And,
how pitiful would be their condition
when the old girl herself went on to
her reward?
I was in a state of some agitation as I
walked back to the central square of
Toblach. It is an emotionally
wrenching experience to see beauty
in peril of extinction. I espied a mid-
dle aged gentleman sitting on a
bench at the town‟s center. By his
Loden jacket and leather knickers I
took him to be a local. Seeking fur-
ther information about the endan-
gered automotive treasure trove, I
unexpectedly blundered into yet an-
other painful experience. As I started
to open the conversation, the South
Tyrolean gentleman looked at me
quizzically. “Is that German you are
attempting to speak? Perhaps it
would be easier for you to address me
in Italian.”
150 Leeds Ct. Madison, NJ 07940
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY SECTION — MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA
NNJS Upcoming Events
Saturday, July 31 — Open Road Mer-
cedes Car Show & Clinic — Bridge-
water, NJ — See page 7
Sunday, August 22 — Kart Racing at
NJ Motorsports Park — Millville, NJ —
See page 13
Sat/Sun, September 11--12 — Fair-
field Connecticut Car Show — See
page 9
Sunday, September 19 — 23rd Annual
Regional Picnic with South Jersey Sec-
tion — Falkenhorst — Hopewell, NJ —
See page 12
September 24 –29 — Star Fest — Win-
chester, VA — See latest issue of Star
Magazine
Saturday, October 2 — Octoberfest —
Chubb Park — Chester, NJ — See
page 9
Saturday, October 23 — AAA Driver
Improvement Program — Springfield,
NJ — See page 12
Saturday, October 30 — Auto Cross —
Englishtown, NJ — See page 13
Sunday, December 5 — Holiday Party
at the German American Club — Clark,
NJ — See page 16
