Roy Hopkins + Watkins Glen

[lumbergh17]

So today a buddy of mine brought me along to Watkins Glen for a BMW track event to get a ride in an instructor's car to see what it's like (I used to race when I was little but never anything full size).

Once we got there he said go see if you can get a ride in someone's car, so I spot a 2002, bingo! I didn't know at that time the history of Roy or his 2002 but he was extremely nice and let me hop in.

I hope he doesn't mind me posting a lap from my ride but I just wanted to do so to say thank you to Roy and his awesome 02 and for your time talking with me and going on the track.

Here is a lap around the Glen.

[TonyHavana]

Great video.................too bad it had to end!

Roy Hopkins and Woodstock are my heroes!

[M3M3]

love racing at the glen! first time i drove there i almost went off in T1 because i was mesmorized by the view from up top of the hill as you go down the main straight! think that was first and last time i saw it...;-)

[Kidasters]

Nice. Love the sound of that engine.

My father-in-law lives just up the road out of Penn Yan. Fantastic area.

When I finally move the stable up there, I plan to see every bit of the track in every one of my cars.... I have a feeling, they won't be fast laps, but if I'm having fun, who cares?

[jrkoupe]

My ol Mac here in the office wont let me watch vids anymore....Ill see it at home...cant wait.

Roy is a bit of a legend,.... never mind WGI. Did he drive her hard?....

Its a fantastic place..and I love the town.

Ive tracked there only 2x w/ an M20 e30....its a daunting track.....

The vintage Zippo event every year is fantastic...pure vintage porn.

OT..e30M50 turbo?......what kind of power?

[lumbergh17]

Glad you guys liked the video, I really had no idea who he was or that car so when I got back home and looked it up I was a bit bummed we didn't talk more. I also agree, the area around the track is beautiful!! The drive there and back was awesome and I never realized it by watching for example Nascar race there on TV.

I couldn't tell if he was going all out, we only took two laps because the session ended and he was making sure the car was ok, he also said he had some softer suspension on for an upcoming rally. Either way I had no idea a 2002 could move like that.

Is he a member here?

Edit* Haven't dyno'ed the e30 yet, should be around 350whp based on other builds, plan to hit 400whp once all said and done with tuning etc.

[jrkoupe]

I dont think he is here much if at all.......he prolly couldnt take our drippy love for the cars....lol

I put an s50 int my 90 i...I cannot fathom 350 hp!!!!....when does power come on?....

[lumbergh17]

I dont think he is here much if at all.......he prolly couldnt take our drippy love for the cars....lol

I put an s50 int my 90 i...I cannot fathom 350 hp!!!!....when does power come on?....

Eh I would say around 4k I have full boost? It will roast 1st and 2nd and tries to in 3rd but thats with the 3.73 in there. This is 3rd gear from a hole into 4th just a little.

[Jim_75Sahara]

I met Karl Hughes at Watkins Glen a few years back. He is the brother of Adrienne Hughes, co-driver with Roy Hopkins in 'Woodstock'. Karl is a very good guy. He had a race-prepared Inka roundie at WGI which looked hot. I'd love to watch 'Woodstock' running in the Targa race.

[Timmer]

Guys, I've known Roy for about 25 years, bought a '73tii from him at one point and he's helped me out numerous times with parts/break down of the tii on 4th of July weekend years ago ( on interstate 490; yes, Roy to the rescue ); he is a fantastic guy.

Tim

[lumbergh17]

I met Karl Hughes at Watkins Glen a few years back. He is the brother of Adrienne Hughes, co-driver with Roy Hopkins in 'Woodstock'. Karl is a very good guy. He had a race-prepared Inka roundie at WGI which looked hot. I'd love to watch 'Woodstock' running in the Targa race.

I saw Adrienne I think, because when we got done Roy and I hopped out and she hopped in and went out on the track. Pretty cool experience and finally got to feel a built M10 with a 5 speed.

Timmer, I noticed you are in Rochester? I go to school at RIT and was wondering if there are any local meets at all? My car is back home but I will bring it up next year to work on and drive around.

[Timmer]

Check the GVC website; local chapter of the BMWCCA; the site will have a link for upcoming driver schools, autocrosses, etc..

www.gvc-bmwcca.org

Great day yesterday for the Imagine R.I.T. event; a friend of mine set up 32 tents for it; Sean McCarthy of McCarthy Tents/Events

Tim

[dlhoovler]

Very cool! Roy is a former student of my dad's, and he bought our Orange Car from my dad in the mid-'80s. In fact, Roy says it was my dad's car that got him interested in BMWs. He even did his first driver's school (and a few others) in the car.

In 1997, he sold the car back to my dad, who passed it along to me in 2002. I am well aware of the fact that I can't drive the car half as well as Roy (heck--not even a tenth as well!), but I love the car's history. It was great to "ride along" with him vicariously--I haven't ever had the privilege of doing so myself.

-Dave