Yes!  Motorsports in the bicycle capital of the U.S.!  And why not?  After all, many more people drive their cars around town than they do their bikes.

Mission

Our primary mission is to promote safe and responsible motorsports.  No, not that fart can, freeway games, video game-inspired street racing crap.  We're a big believer in the "take it to the track philosophy".  We see ourselves as setting an example while also providing a way for people to get involved in motorsports, whether than be from the grandstands or from the drivers seat. 

We organize events, provide mentoring and coaching for new drivers, and offer technical support when we can.  We are also a good resource when you are looking for shops and companies in Davis and the surrounding area that provide services and support needed by motorsports enthusiasts.

So, if you suffer from the compulsion to drive like a crazed teenager and need a way to safely and legally indulge that compulsion, or if you are are a bit more mature about it and already understand what performance driving is actually all about (Hint, it's not what you see in the movies.), join us in a little fun at the track.  Hell, we'll even let you drive our race car.

Background

The Davis Motorsports Club was started in 2005 by Steve Ryan and ... as a way to meet and compete with other Davis-located motorsports enthusiasts. The club's principal focus was on participating in motorsports, not just watching it on TV or from the grandstands. A statement from the webpage read:

"Originally formed to be just an autocross club, competing in local SCCA Solo II competition, the club morphed into something that encompassed all realms of motorized competition and recreation. In the club we have circuit-type racers, autocrossers, drag-racers, and show car enthusiasts alike. This diverse makeup allows for a great deal of cross-genre education and opens up enthusiasts to other forms of automobiledom."

The club was successful in seeing that Davis was well-represented at regional SCCA Solo2 events and it increased the participation in track-day events at tracks all over northern California and Nevada. In addition, one if it's members, Ryan Flavell, organized two car shows which were held on the UCD campus, an event which there still seems to be interest in. Club activities also increased interest and participation in karting, both at the Blue Max track here in Davis and at indoor facilities in Sacramento. Eventually the club ceased operating because key people graduated and moved away, but not due of a lack of interest.

In August 2007 Alex Kang set up a new DMC forum. The original members have been reappearing as word of this gets out, to be joined by many new members. As of April 2008 the club had over 100 members, so now it is entering a new phase where it is developing a more formal structure, sponsored membership options are being explored, the bi-weekly meetings are going to be less free-form, fund raising and sponsorship programs are being developed, and a number of projects, some small, some quite ambitious, are being planned. Other notables during the club's first year back in operation are:

• Registered as a UCD student organization. DMC has student and non-student components of the club.
   

• We had an outstanding float in the Picnic Day parade.
   

• We have a race car, a 1st gen Mazda RX/7, that members can drive at autox events and which will see action again in the Pro 7 road race series

Like the original DMC, the club is open to all car enthusiasts! People can join by visiting the forum. If you are interested in more information or publicity please contact the site's administrator at here.

Motorsports in Davis?

Yes. While Davis is not car-oriented town (Image-wise it isn't, but for all practical purposes it is, although it would never admit it.) there are motorsports people and interesting cars in our fair city. Ignoring, if you can, the occasional annoying import or "American Iron" you might see and hear around town, there are some genuinely interesting cars here. At least one new Ferrari, a Lamborghini Galardo, a couple of NSX's, at least a half-dozen cars from the muscle car era, a silver Porsche 356 (pre-1964), a green 1930's vintage roadster, a vintage Lotus Europa, a Shelby Cobra replica, and more. Look around and you'll see some interesting cars that don't fit any sports car category, such as a Ford Edsel, a classic Mercedes, a Lincoln Continental, a Red Flyer, and more classic and unusual cars.

The auto-crossers in our town drive cars that look normal, but take a second look and you might notice that they are lowered, are not rolling on your typical street tires, and may even have completely gutted interiors, have only one seat, and contrary to the expectations of many people, very few stickers.

Even UCD has a motorsports faction.  The Department of Mechanical Engineering has a long running and award-winning research program (an outgrowth of their 1980's human-powered vehicle programs that produced a tandem recumbent bike that could reach speeds over 60 mph) where the students either build cars from scratch or modify production vehicles, all geared towards developing more fuel efficient vehicles. UCD also has a Formula SAE club that designs, builds, and races their own cars.  Back in town again, 2Bennett builds race cars and parts for Audis. Davis also has a couple of noted motorsports persons living here, such as Justin Hall (Blog, Off-camber Racing) and Becky Swafford (track record at Blue Max, SCCA club racing, an appearance in the Grand AM series) and probably more. A club like DMC might be able to bring them out of the woodwork.

Driving at Thunderhill Raceway with T.E.A.M. Racing. Track days like this offer excellent opportunities to get some safe and fun performance driving experience. Many clubs that put on these types of events offer personalized instruction and mentoring for all skill levels.

The driver's view of turn 6 at Thunderhill Raceway (near Willows).  The car is holding steady at 0.7 G's cornering and is just getting back on the throttle as it approaches the apex.

Auto-crosses are timed competition events that take place in a large parking lot or similar open paved area. Drivers try for their best times on a coned course. It requires skill, precision, and patience, and while speeds rarely get over 60 mph, the action is quick. Cars compete in classes depending on their basic design and level of preparation and ranges from bone stock to formula racers and karts.

Unbeknownst to the average Davisite, there are a number of interesting and exotic cars in our fair city. Here is but one example from the 2007 DMC car show.