Please check back here throughout 2012 as we provide write-ups of our 2012 events.
- February 4, 2012: Technical event – Changing 328 Timing Belts, Cincinnati, Ohio
To broaden the Club’s appeal, we’re starting to have technical sessions to help people better understand what’s required to keep their cars in top mechanical and cosmetic shape. An appreciation of the work that’s required to do so is the goal; we’re not trying to turn you into a Ferrari mechanic or cosmetic specialist.
The first session this year was attended by 14 people. Everyone was actively involved either by carefully observing or actually helping with the work. After the day’s work, all the pieces in the way had been removed, the cams and flywheel timing had been checked and we were ready to change the belts, which is happening in subsequent sessions.
Thanks to our sponsors and the FCA, we had a light breakfast and nice lunch, which Ian and Brittany De Barros served up nicely.
A special thanks goes to Tod Ruoti of Continental Autosports for his advice during the fun we were having.
Michael Kelly
- April 20, 2012: Purdue Grand Prix, West Lafayette, Indiana
To increase student interest in the 55th running of the Purdue Grand Prix, we displayed a range of Ferraris prominently in the center of campus. This kart race, modeled on the Indy 500, raises money for scholarships for deserving Purdue students. Twelve people from Ohio and Indiana brought nine cars, and we did a great job of attracting student and faculty attention. There were many photos taken and people sitting in cars, plus a lot of good conversations about the cars and what professions the owners had which allowed them to have the cars. The FCA members also had time to chat among themselves. Attendance at the race the next day was up significantly vs. last year, and our presence was one of the reasons.
Interestingly, a Ferrari supported an earlier race – in 1972 a 512M driven by Chris Craft that finished 4th in the 1971 LeMans race was displayed.
A special thank you to the Ohio member who let my son drive his car to the event since he couldn’t attend – that kind of generosity is one reason this is a great Club. Thanks to all who displayed cars to help raise more scholarship money!
Michael Kelly
- April 28, 2012: OSU-CAR Tour, Columbus, Ohio
Over fifty people from the FCA-Ohio Chapter attended the tour of The Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research (OSU CAR) on April 28, 2012, in Columbus, Ohio. OSU CAR is an interdisciplinary research center in the College of Engineering. Their research focuses on advanced electric propulsion and energy storage systems; advanced engines and alternative fuels for reduced fuel consumption and emissions; intelligent transportation and vehicular communication systems; autonomous vehicles; noise, vibrations, and dynamics; vehicle chassis systems; and vehicle and occupancy safety.
Dr. Giorgio Rizzoni, Director of OSU CAR, welcomed us with open arms and presented an informative talk on the future trends of the automobile. The primary focus of the presentation was that at our current rate of fuel consumption, our demand for energy sources will not be able to meet the supply. Therefore, the challenge for the faculty and engineering students is to create new energy sources that are both efficient and economically feasible.
The tour of the facility, lead by Dr. Rizzoni and David Emerling, included dynamometers; alternative fuel and exhaust treatment labs; combustion and flow labs; battery testing, aging, and characterization facilities; and high performance computing facilities for modeling and simulation of automotive systems. A separate building houses the OSU Motorsports program dedicated to specific student projects such as the Buckeye Bullet (www.buckeyebullett.com) the world's fastest electric vehicle, the EcoCAR, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car, and the Electric Motorcycle Race teams.
The research activities at OSU CAR fall into three categories: Optimizing vehicles and powertrains. Employing information, communication, and control technology to improve vehicle safety and functionality. Improving passenger and pedestrian safety and identifying injury criteria.
OSU CAR students also visit high schools to promote the program and attract a new generation of young engineering talent. Dr. Rizzoni allowed time for questions and ended the presentation with an invitation to all interested young people to consider a career in the automotive engineering field.
Giorgio Bittoni
- May 5, 2012: Valley Vineyards, Cincinnati, Ohio
We kicked off our first social event in the Cincinnati area for the year, with about 25 people attending, including a couple new faces in the crowd!! We first met in Montgomery and chatted, catching up after our last meeting at the technical session. It was great to see that Dave and Michelle's 328 was up and running after 5 weeks of repairs!! After everyone arrived we started our cruise inspired by Brittany's grandfather; these were the roads he taught her to drive on!! After the scenic views and the weather holding out for us we arrived at Valley Vineyards! As everyone arrived we chatted and admired the cars for awhile in the parking lot then went inside for fantastic conversation and a great lunch! After lunch we sang Happy Birthday to Michelle, Steve, and Sarah! As lunch was winding down we continued great conversations until the early afternoon, what a fabulous way to start out the 2012 events! We can't wait to see everyone at the next event!! Thanks to everyone who came out!
Ian De Barros