April 2016

Our next Monthly Meeting will be April 27th, 2016 at Macaroni Grill,
7245 E. Gold Dust, Scottsdale at 6:30 p.m.
The only way to get The Alfa Rumor is by email. Send your name and email address to
rgbotkin@yahoo.com
Phoenix, Arizona
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARIZONA ALFA ROMEO OWNER’S CLUB April 2016
The ALFA RUMOR
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President/
Rick Mahrle
602 256-4433
rmahrle@gblaw.com
Vice President/
Alan Headley
480-813-2874
2nd42@cox.net
The Arizona Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club
Informazioni
The Alfa Rumor is published monthly as the official newsletter of the Arizona Alfa Romeo Owner's Club
(AAROC). AAROC is a local chapter of the national Alfa Romeo Owner's Club and is dedicated to the
enjoyment of Alfa Romeo Automobiles and the advancement of the Alfa Romeo marque. Subscription to this
newsletter is included with membership to the national Alfa Romeo Owner's Club and expressed affiliation
with the Arizona Chapter. Classifieds, contributions, and criticisms are welcome and should be addressed to
the editor by mail, phone, or email.
Technical information, data, or suggestions in this publication are the opinions of the contributing authors,
and, as such, their accuracy or correctness cannot be warranted by AAROC or the national organization. All
owners should determine the suitability of any modifications: the club will not assume liability for any
consequences.
Meetings
General meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. The meetings are held at an
appropriate Italian restaurant (see the latest newsletter or club website for details). Board meetings, open to all
members at the discretion of the board, are held two weeks prior to the general meeting.
Website
The Arizona chapter now has a website located at:
http://clubs.hemmings.com/azalfa/
Treasurer/Secretary:
Terry Greenslade
602-765-0061
tgreenslade@cox.net
Newsletter Editor:
Dick Botkin
602 618-8230
rgbotkin@yahoo.com
The website contains general information about the club and a copy of the yearly events calendar.
2016 EVENTS CALENDAR
http://www.huntcal.com/cal/view/AAROC/aaroc
April 27
May 14
May 10
General Dinner Meeting
Cottonwood Wine Tasting
Indy 500 Party
Trustees:
Joseph Frischknecht
joseph@justcomm.com
Photo by Rick
Fred Firschein
alfaoro@yahoo.com
Below: Ladies and Gentlemen, Start your Crockpots.
Photo by Tina
On the Cover: Il Presidente Alfa Romeo
Russ Staub
480-357-0818
bbb11489@azboss.net
Mark Kirchner
602 248-8451
mlkrandom@cox.net
Ken Felthouse
danafelthouse@cox.net
Bill Greenslade
602 765-0061
bgreenslade@cox.net
Webmaster:
Joyce Himes
joyaz711@yahoo.com
Phoenix, Arizona
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARIZONA ALFA ROMEO OWNER’S CLUB April 2016
The ALFA RUMOR
Presidential Bondo
(All the Filler Fit to Print)
You would think that after 26 years, we would have seen
it all on the Copperstate 1000. One year, one of the
female co-drivers found it liberating to ride topless,
which caused some distraction. On another rally, we had
a driver end up upside down and another planted against
a tree at the top of a ravine. But, there is a first time for
everything.
The Sunday departure on April 10 was dampened by the
rain showers around the Valley. However, it was dry as
we left the stadium. We were off with 85 vintage cars
through Wickenburg, up Yarnell Hill, to Prescott for
lunch. So far, so good. After lunch we went up Mingus
Mountain and through Jerome. However, as we
progressed toward Sedona, rain became our companion.
For those of us in cars with tops, not a big problem.
However, we had a large number of cars without tops
this year. Then there were the four 1950’s Porsche
Speedsters. Talking to the guys at the bar on Sunday
night, they were not sure whether they were better off
with the tops down (at least some of the rain blew over
the top), or the tops up (which funneled the rain through
the window areas). In any event, they all got pretty wet
and it was cold by the time we pulled into Flagstaff on
Sunday night.
My theory had been that to stop the rain all I needed to
do was replace my windshield wipers. Imagine my
surprise when I called the auto parts store and asked for
new wiper blades for a 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider and they
said sure, they are part 13-1. Well, the one for the
driver’s side fit just fine, but the passenger side wiper
arm is totally different than the driver’s side, so we only
had one new blade. It did not stop the rain from
coming, but it did keep my side of the windshield nice
and clear.
The Arizona Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club
amazing thing was about to happen. Jakob Greisen from
San Francisco was on the rally in his 1959 MGA Roadster.
Jakob has been on the Copperstate several times before
in this car that he rebuilt with his father. On Monday, it
suffered catastrophic engine failure. Did that stop him?
No. He made some calls to the MG Club of Arizona. A
replacement engine arrived and overnight, Jakob and the
Copperstate mechanics preformed an engine transplant
in the parking lot at the Ritz, mostly in the dark. That is a
first. It may even be a first for any vintage car rally. The
car performed just fine over the final two days.
Day three of the rally took us through Saguaro National
Monument, south to Arivaca, then to Sonoita and back to
the Ritz. Interesting driving, but also some rough roads.
Day four took us to Bondurant for an afternoon of laps on
the track, friendly autocross competition in Hellcats, and
go kart racing.
There were four Alfas on the rally. Of course, I had mine
along. There was a black 1964 2600 Touring Spider
driven by David Word from San Francisco and a 1959
Spider Veloce driven by Bradley Price from New York
City. The fourth Alfa won the Director’s Award for the
best sculpture on wheels. This was a bright blue 1958
Giulietta Sprint Veloce Zagato brought by Glenn Rudner,
also from New York City. Glenn told me that even
though he lives in Manhattan, he tries to drive the car
every week (Photo below by Denise)
The Participants’ Choice Award went to a stunning 1962
Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB driven by Archie Urciuoli
from Florida.
The rally starts on April 1 next year. Get it on your
calendars. The committee is already working on the
route for next year.
Ciao
Rick
While it was still chilly and cloudy on Monday morning,
the rain pretty much stopped as we headed south by
Lake Mary, through Strawberry, Pine, Payson and down
to Roosevelt Lake where we had lunch. Now it was time
to finally take the top down as we went through Globe
and down to Marana to the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain.
So, now we have had rain, which is only the second or
third time on the Copperstate. However, a more
Phoenix, Arizona
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARIZONA ALFA ROMEO OWNER’S CLUB April 2016
The ALFA RUMOR
Active Rumors
Notes from the Editor
We are the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club, and our Marque is
near and dear to us all. Rumor has it that there are other
makes out there in the world that are also much loved by
their owners. Two recent events here in Arizona shed
some light on this. The Cooperstate 1000 vintage rally is a
multi-marque event for the best of the best. Rick gives us
his insights this month in his column.
Another, at the other end of the automotive spectrum, is
the BUG-O-RAMA, which was held March 20th at the Wild
Horse Pass Motorsports Park. Arno and I spent the best
part of the day feeling those good vibrations from the
hundreds of farfegnugen fanatics we were rubbing
shoulders with. Iconic VW Transporters, Hippie and
Surfer Wagons, Campers, Sand Rails, Things, Bugs, and
every other VW ever offered by the folks at Stuttgart
could be seen. Some were stock restorations, but many
were realizations of their owners’ fantasies (or
nightmares). Chopped, lowered, bejeweled, brightly
colored, richly upholstered or not, all on display. The
owners were often reflections of their cars, bejeweled,
tattooed, pierced, and colorfully dressed (or not).
The Arizona Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club
It was lunch time so we pointed ourselves towards
trackside for some fine racetrack cuisine and a couple of
beers. We took our banquet into the bleachers for some
mealtime entertainment. The Bugorama Racing Series
drag racing competition was in full swing. Two by two
they approached the Christmas Tree. On green off they
went in clouds of smoke (usually from the tires, but not
always) towards that distant finish line, ¼ of a mile away.
I am not a keeper of stats, but I do recall one brave little
fellow hit a top speed of over 170 MPH in the quarter.
Even Herbie would have been pressed to beat that one. A
good time was had by all at BUG-O-RAMA 2016. Other
people DO love their cars as much as we love our Alfas.
Photo by Scotts VW Works, Bug O Rama 2012
Thanks to Fred and Tina for another wonderful day at
their annual cookoff. See Fred’s report in this issue and
find Jill’s winning recipe on these pages as well. On the
event horizon we have a wine tasting trip to Cottonwood
scheduled for May 14th. Watch the calendar for more
details. The Indy 500 party at Casa Botkin is on the 29th of
May. Check the calendar for details. Our next meeting is
Wednesday the 25th of April. Sadly, Sharon and I both
work on Wednesdays, and cannot attend. Have a glass or
two of wine for us, while we whine about not being
there.
Arrivederci
Dick
Photo by Scotts VW Works, Bug O Rama 2012
We needed a break, so we headed off to the vendor and
swap meet area. Here we found a myriad of trinkets for
the VW person in your life, but also enough new and
used parts to construct your own VW from the ground
up. Bicycles were a popular item in the swap meet. I
guess one needs transportation until the new-old bug is
complete.
Phoenix, Arizona
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARIZONA ALFA ROMEO OWNER’S CLUB April 2016
The ALFA RUMOR
The Arizona Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club
Fred and Tina’s
Annual Cookoff
Fred Firschein
Saturday April 6 was the date of this years’ gastronomical
event. As the noon hour approached crock pots and
various containers were lined up on tables. Coolers with
favorite adult beverages were unloaded, chairs gathered
around, and lively conversation was heard in the shade of
the ramada. Soon we had 8 different chili pots going,
wine was flowing, and beer was consumed.
Pit Stop Champ.
Photo by Tina
The Gathering
Photo by Tina
Now that we were all lubricated it was time to start a
new tradition with a Pit Stop Challenge. I was hoping to
get more participants in what was a fun event but I think
some were a little apprehensive and decided to just
watch and cheer. We had 4 participants in the event, Bill
Greenslade, Russ Staub, Mark Kirchner, and Alan
Headley. The winner with a time of 1:02.53 plus a 10
second penalty for not shutting down his engine was
Mark Kirchner. Next time this is run perhaps we can get
some of the wives to participate against their husbands
and show them who really knows their way around the
car. The challenge is on.
Soon after the cry of “when do we eat?” was heard and
sampling of the chili was started. Ballots were given out
and the voting commenced. Facing long lines to cast their
ballots, with the cry of vote early, vote often, a final
tabulation, and the official results determined. A clear
winner from all the great entries emerged and the
winner was Jill and Bill Burns. Some of our long time
members might remember Jill and Bill as members of the
club, from many years ago and had not had an
opportunity to participate in club events. This event
being close to their home, gave them and us, a chance to
rekindle old friendships and meet new friends.
Congratulations to our winners of the Pit Stop Challenge
and Chili Cook-Off. Thanks to all who participated and
made this event a success.
Parting Shot
Photo by Tina
Phoenix, Arizona
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARIZONA ALFA ROMEO OWNER’S CLUB April 2016
The ALFA RUMOR
Jill and Bill’s
Winning
Chili Recipe
I wanted to thank the members of the Alfa club for
allowing us to participate, along with Fred and Tina (aka
'Teener') for hosting the event. The trophy is on display in
my office. It looks so cool. I haven't won a trophy since I
stopped bowling 17 years ago.
It was a very good thing for Bill to be able to socialize
which isn't something he is able to do very often. I had a
great time too seeing everyone after all this time.
The Arizona Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club
adjust portions of all ingredients to make the kind of chili
you prefer.
Sweet Cornbread w/ Jalapenos
2 Packaged Cornbread mixes (your choice)
Prepare per package instructions (eggs and milk) Set
aside to rest for up to 5 minutes Then add the following:
1 can Creamed Corn
2 fresh jalapenos cut up into small pieces, with seeds and
white rhine removed
2 tablespoons of Honey (to taste)
2 tablespoons of Honey Butter (optional)
Bake per the instructions on the box to make muffins or a
loaf.
If anyone has any questions about the recipes, they can
just call. For me, cooking is NOT an exact science.
(602) 740-1088 cell
Sweet & Hot Chili
4 slices of bacon (optional)
2 ½ pounds Ground Chuck (you can substitute any ground
beef or ground turkey)
1 large can of crushed tomatoes
1 can kidney beans
1 can red beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
1 large can tomato paste
1 bottle Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili Sauce
Trader Joe’s Hot & Sweet Pepper Jelly (add to taste)
Trader Joe’s Chili Sauce (add to taste)
Apricot Marmalade (add to taste)
Saute 4 slices of bacon until crispy. When they’re cooled
down, break them up into smaller pieces. Set aside.
Divide the ground chuck into large chunks (approximately
2 inches by 2 inches). In a large skillet, brown all sides of
all the chunks. Avoid breaking the chunks up. Set aside.
In a crock pot, put all other ingredients in. With some of
the beans, I drained off some of the liquid but that is
optional. Stir all crock pot ingredients to mix. Depending
on how sweet and spicy you like your chili, you can add
more of the Trader Joe’s sauces/jellies. Add the chunks of
meat and the bacon and gently stir. Put the cover on the
crock pot, set to High and cook for at least 2 hours.
Occasionally stir but continue to do so with a gentle
touch. Turn down to Low and continue cooking until
you’re ready to eat. I left it on low for another few hours.
If there is too much liquid, just skim and remove with a
large spoon to the consistency that you prefer. You can
Phoenix, Arizona
The Winner is…….Photo by Tina
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARIZONA ALFA ROMEO OWNER’S CLUB April 2016
The ALFA RUMOR
The Arizona Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club
Fred and Tina’s Chili Cookoff
Copperstate 1000
Photos by Tina
Photos by Rick
Classifieds
Classified ads for Alfas and Alfa parts are still
free for members. Just email your ad and any
photos to me at rgbotkin@yahoo.com .
Phoenix, Arizona
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARIZONA ALFA ROMEO OWNER’S CLUB April 2016
The ALFA RUMOR
The Arizona Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club
If you wish to join the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, please complete and mail the following application. Benefits include
close camaraderie with other Alfa enthusiasts, a one-year subscription to the national club magazine (the Alfa Owner)
and, as a bonus, a one-year subscription to this newsletter.
ARIZONA ALFA OWNERS CLUB
Membership Application
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
City State, Zip:___________________________________________________________
Chapter Affiliation-Arizona
Do You Own an Alfa Romeo?
What Kind(s)?_______________________
Please enclose a check in the amount of $68 (dues) to:
ALFA ROMEO OWNERS’ CLUB
PO Box 92155
Portland, OR 97292
Phoenix, Arizona
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARIZONA ALFA ROMEO OWNER’S CLUB April 2016