On the Pole at Laguna Seca

Two Splendid Black Stutzes engaged 27 other prewar sports and racing cars in Group 1 activities at the 30th running of the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, August 16 – 17. Team Stutz fielded Norman Barrs’ race-winning 1929 Blown Black Hawk and George Holman’s freshly rejuvenated 1928 Black Hawk with DV-32 power. Both were ready and waiting beneath the white tent of KTR Vintage Racing Services from Ayer MA. George Holman would continue his winning style on the Barrs’ #87 Stutz while Jon Lee would have the privilege of position on George Holman’s #88 car.
Thursday’s track familiarization session was invaluable and showed both cars to be in fine form. An afternoon track tour with a Skip Barber Driving School instructor, in a new Viper ACD Coupe, turned into an important educational experience. Our instructor showed a great track line for a larger car that would, ultimately, trim nearly 10 seconds from lap times of both cars.

Practice and qualifying on Friday morning would bear bittersweet results for Team Stutz. From a mid-pack start, George swiftly navigated through slower traffic, reeling in a pair of Chryslers, two Morgans, a V-12 Lagonda and numerous other slower cars. At the close of the 25-minute session on the 2.24 mile course, George had the 6 _ Litre Bentley of Jack Goffette handily in his sights. When starting grid positions for the Saturday race were posted, the Barrs Blower Stutz was listed in the Number 1 position.

During the Friday morning session, the 1928 Black Hawk, driven by Jon Lee, hung close to George Holman in the early laps and appeared to be nearly as quick. Both cars put on a great show for race spectators, following closely to the racing line demonstrated the day before. About 5 laps into the practice, the ratchet plate behind the timing chain tensioner failed and one Black Stutz coasted into pit lane. An afternoon disassembly session by capable Stutz mechanic Dean Rymer was not fruitful. Sadly, the #88 DV-32 powered car would not answer the Saturday Grid call. However, even with the shortened qualifying run, the posted time was 8th best of the 29 cars in Group 1, well demonstrating the potential of this great car.

Race day, Saturday, started with a short warm-up on the track. This showed a need for some minor tuning on Norman Barrs’ car. Dean Rymer quickly cleaned and set the dual SU carbs, reset the points and checked fluid levels and tire pressures before George Holman slipped the car into its well-earned position at the front of the starting grid. As planned during the highly secret and well-publicized race strategy meeting, George allowed a few of the quick starters to get past at the drop of the green flag, with the full knowledge of the Stutz’s capability to overtake as the 10 lap race sorted out. Nearing the end of lap 3, Stutz power had propelled George to 3rd spot. Turn 10, one of the most difficult spots on the course for a big car, was witness to a dice with the little blown Austin special in 2nd spot, and the result was a slight "off" by the big black car. VSCCA rules state that 4 wheels off course call for an automatic Black Flag so the next lap George brought the Black hawk down pit lane for a drive-through penalty. He was immediately waved back on course, now in 12th spot. George put the Stutz through its paces, posting the fastest lap of the race at 2 minutes 17 seconds, and never placed a wheel off line. Much to the delight of the spectators and the owner, The Blower Stutz was soon through much of the traffic. Five places were gained in as many laps and the Splendid Stutz took the checkers in the 4th position. By the crowd response, the Stutz was certainly a favorite of the race, and the recovery from the black flag was well acknowledged.

Opinions from race spectators assured Team Stutz that both cars acquitted themselves well. Dean & George assure us that the 1928 DV car will be back on form for the Lime Rock Fall Vintage Festival and Norman’s 1929 Blower car requires only a routine service prior to the upcoming event. Just two competitive events remain on the 2003 Team Stutz Tour and the entire team anticipates continued top performance.