Meet the 2015 NCC Autocross Committee
If you have any questions or comments about the program they can be directed to the following Committee Members or to info@nccautocross.com.
Committee Chairmen: Responsible for oversight of program operations.
Phil (Flip) Yates, Jr.
Position: Committee Chairman
Email: phil@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2005
Autocross Car: 2004 Mini Cooper S
Profession: Project Manager
Advice To Newcomers: Be loose and have fun!
Collin Smith
Position: Co-Chairman/Timing Coordinator
Email: collin@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2011
Autocross Car: 2001 Z3 Coupe
Profession: Security Integrator
Advice To Newcomers: Get as much seat time as you can and take full advantage of our great instructors.
Public Relations/Sponsorship: Handles all public relations and sponsorship relations for program.
Christina Lam
Position: PR Coordinator
Email: christina@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2012
Autocross Car: E90 328i, E36 M3, Mazda MX5
Profession: Systems Engineer
Advice: Get out there and get seat time! Don't worry about modding your car to make it faster. Getting seat time will make you a faster driver. If you haven't tried autocrossing, come out and try it. It's a low cost way to quickly improve your control on the car.
Sarah Abernethy
Position: Sponsorship Coordinator
Email: PR@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2012
Autocross Car: 2003 Mini Cooper S
Profession: Student and Financial Intern
Advice: Taking it slow to get a feel for the course is one of the best ways to find a good line; speed comes next
Social Media/Advertising/Novice Coordinator: Responsible for all program social media including pictures and advertising. Also responsible for assisting novice drivers on event day.
Eric Hall
Position: Social Media/Advertising/Novice Coordinator
Email: eric@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2013
Autocross Car: 2004 BMW 330i ZHP
Profession: Paralegal
Advice To Newcomers: Don't be afraid to ask for help (and ride alongs) early! It's the fastest way to get to know the sport and the great people in the club."
Course Design/Safety/Compliance: Responsible for course design, event safety, and club compliance.
Alejandro (AJ) Aviles
Position: Course Design Coordinator
Email: safety@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2006
Autocross Car: 1995 Honda Civic EX
Profession: Entrepreneur
Advice To Newcomers: To the beginners in the sport, stop modifying your car and get seat time. Make it out to as many events as you can and enjoy pushing your car and yourself to the limits. Dont be afraid to ask anyone at these events any questions. In my years of doing this, Ive learned the vast majority of people love talking about this sport, teaching the new guys and showing them the ropes, and absolutely love talking about their own cars and mods. Getting involved will make each and every event many times more enjoyable and also allow for some great, friendly competition.
Jeff Noyes
Position: Course Design/Safety
Email: safety@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2010
Autocross Car: 1998 M3 Coupe
Profession: IT Program Manager
Advice To Newcomers: After trying autocross a couple times, it’s natural to want to make lots of changes to your car so “you” can be faster. But take the time to understand that the speed really does come from within you. Upgrading the car does make a difference, but only if you have the skills to take advantage of the changes you’ve made. Reward yourself over time for upgrading your personal skills by making a single change to the car. Squeeze all you can out of that improvement to raise your personal game before making another change. My reading recommendation is Ross Bentley’s “Winning Autocross Techniques”. It’ll help you learn the basics, and also keep you focused on the important stuff when you get lost in the endless details as you progress.
Steve Muth
Position: Course Design/Safety
Email: safety@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2013
Autocross Car: 2005 E46 M3 Coupe
Profession: Dept. of Justice
Advice To Newcomers: Best bet is to make the most out of the schools offered, other instructors/drivers advice and insight, and put in as much seat time as possible in your car. You do this and you'll be able to sit back and watch your times drop and your skills improve. First focus on the person behind the wheel, then you can start tinkering with your car. The car is just a tool; the driver is the craftsman.
Classing Coordinator: Responsible for developing car classing structure.
Bob Esser
Position: Classing Coordinator
Email: classing@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2007
Autocross Car: 2009 MINI Cooper JCW
Profession: Engineering Manager / Program Manager
Advice To Newcomers: Your advice to newcomers: Have fun, you will not break your car. Come on time, ask questions. Ask registration for an instructor. Quoting an old movie: "Go that way really fast, if something gets in your way, turn!"
School Coordinators: Responsible for running autocross school and test & tune events.
Okas Elam
Position: School/Novice Coordinator
Email: okas@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2004
Autocross Car: 1989 Honda Civic SI, 1989 Honda Civic STD, 1990 Miata, 1999 e36 M3,
Profession: Cyber Security
Advice To Newcomers: Run lots of events, and take as many ride a longs as you can. If you want to spend money on your car, invest on a good set of street tires.
Adam Chelikowsky
Position: School Coordinator
Email: adam@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2002
Autocross Car: 1999 BMW 328is
Profession: Biotech
Advice To Newcomers: Get as much seat time as you can. Karting is also a great way to learn and sharpen your skills.
Event Check-In: Responsible for participant check-in at events.
John Lattanzio
Position: Registration Assistant
Email: john@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2005
Autocross car: 1995 BMW 318is and 2003 Corvette
Profession: Energy Management Consultant
Advice: Look ahead, way ahead. Squeeze the pedals. Learn from others and get seat time. Have fun!
Timing Coordinators: Responsible for coordinating timing on event days.
Jeremiah Anderson
Position: Timing Coordinator
Email: timing@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2007
Autocross Car: 2005 Pontiac GTO
Profession: Cyber Security Analyst
Advice To Newcomers: Life is what you put into it, no one starts out the best. Seeking advice only makes you stronger as well as the humility of learning from you mistakes.
Kamran Bakhtian
Position: Timing Coordinator
Email: timing@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2012
Autocross Car: E36 M3
Profession: Biotech/Healthcare
Advice To Newcomers: Focus on the course walk and walk it as many times as you can. Be relaxed before each run, don't over-think yourself, and have fun!
Tech/Equipment Manager: Responsible for coordinating event day tech and managing program equipment.
Tim Walker
Position: School Assistant/Tech Coordinator
Email: tim@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2009
Autocross car: 91 Toyota MR2
Profession: Auditor
Advice: Don't get caught up comparing times with others. You are competing against yourself. Focus on your 1st run as that will show you all the mistakes you will have to fix in the following runs.
New Member Liaison: Responsible for assisting new members with getting acquainted with the program and NCCBMWCCA.
Marina Martin
Position: New Member Liaison
Email: marina@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2010
Autocross Car: MINI GP – MINI Coupe
Profession: Tax Accountant
Advice To Newcomers: Relax - Get as much seat time as you can - Ride with others - Work the course and Have fun!
NCC Board Liaison/Registration: Program liaison to NCC Board and responsible for registration.
Zachary (Zach) Pullins, Sr.
Position: Board Liaison
Email: zach@nccautocross.com
Autocrossing Since: 2009
Autocross Car: 2002 BMW 323i
Profession: Analyst
Advice To Newcomers: The race is always and only with yourself.
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