If there is ‘Spec Car’ in any class it would appear that the Mini Cooper S would be it. Anthony ‘Tony’ Savini used his to good effect in capturing the 2008 Pro Solo G Stock Championship. Tony calls Cochranville, Pennsylvania home and hails from the Philadelphia Region SCCA. He drove a 2005 Mini Cooper S on Hoosier tires.
RR: Is this your first attendance at Nationals?
AS: I first attended Nationals in 2005. I went out in a borrowed car (Thanks Joe McCormick!) that was completely stock just one week before Nationals. We went ultra low budget, stock exhaust, stock wheels, just some single adjustable Koni’s and fresh rubber-no rain tires. I remember looking around at my competitors with fully prepped cars, 3-4 sets of wheels and tires sponsor stickers, big trailers and thinking ‘I’m in trouble’ After talking to a few folks, I realized that it was the same bunch of friendly folks we had at our local events, just on a much larger scale. (Ended up leading after day one, only to have reality, in the form of Mark Chiles, and Brian Garfield, slap me in the face on day two, ended up happy in third.) I’m hooked; I’ve been back every year since.
RR: Is this your first National Championship?
AS: Yes.
RR: What was your favorite memory of the competition?
AS: Pro Solo is just so much fun… I love the fast pace, and the head to head competition. There is nothing like looking over at the other guy when you are lined up at the tree, especially in the challenge rounds where you both know somebody’s going home afterwards.
RR: What do you think was your key to success?
AS: Being able to be consistent. There are a lot of drivers out there capable of turning really fast times. I think the thing I did differently this year was keeping my head straight, and executing when I had to.
RR: Who has most influenced you?
AS: Sam Strano usually manages some nugget of wisdom when I’m struggling and have a chance to talk to him. The guy has a closet full of Jackets after all; he must have lots of wisdom to share at this point.
RR: Who inspires you?
AS: Wow, inspire is a strong word. My father Sam was a drag racer back in the 60’s, and when I was a little kid I found a box of his old trophies in the attic, I was so impressed! I can still remember being 6 years old staring at those trophies and thinking I wanted to be a race car driver like my Dad!
As a driver I’d have to say Mark Daddio. I still remember the first time I saw him drive. He was running a Neon in D stock and so was I (98 or 99). He came all the way down to Philly from Connecticut to get some practice at one of our local events. After seeing his first run, I decided that he was competing in a whole different sport than I was. Truly humbling. Dr Strelniecks can make you feel like a rookie on occasion as well.
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
AS: Well, I did wear the same lucky underwear the entire 2007 season… but I’m over that now. Actually my only real superstition is my ‘lucky’ number 32. I have always been #32 ever since my first BMX race way back in 1982.
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
AS: I do use in car video sometimes, as well as a Max Q Data to compare runs.
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
AS: I never give up. I can be down a full second, but each run is a chance to win the event, on the dash of my car you’ll see a sticker in big bold lettering that says ‘Never Give Up!’
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
AS: I am an instructor with the Evolution Performance Driving School, and before I was an instructor, I was a student. The best thing I ever did to improve my driving, bar none. Seat time is everything, and you get tons at every Evolution School.
RR: Describe your driving style.
AS: Smooth. I’ve been told many times that my runs don’t look that fast from outside the car, but then the time will be quick. Unsettle the car as little as possible is my mantra.
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
AS: 1996 Plymouth Neon ACR was my first autocross car, and I had a ton of fun with that car. My favorite has got to be my current Mini Cooper S. It does so many things so well. Great fuel economy, fast in a straight line, and it does things a car shouldn’t be able to do on the autocross course. (Great resale value doesn’t hurt either!)
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
AS: I just wish there was a way to space out the East coast swing of National events. I understand why it runs the way it does, it just gets a little tough on the home front when the only National events within driving distance (10-12 hrs) end up on back to back weekends.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
AS: Steve Snow at Bimmerworks for all the great set up work, and for mounting about a million Hoosiers. Along the same line I would like to thank Jeff Speer and his crew from Hoosier Tire. The great contingency program they offer along with their track side support (and good old friendly conversation) makes it possible for us small budget folks to attend more National level events. Oh yeah, it’s one heck of a product they offer too! Thanks Hoosier!!!
My wife Yukiko supports my racing efforts 100% (she is the little Japanese girl with the clipboard, jumping up and down when I win, and pacing around angrily when I don’t) Having your family involved makes our sport so much more enjoyable, from having someone to talk to on the long tow, to having someone to celebrate with when you win. It’s the best! With out her telling me ‘You can do it’ or my favorite ‘Go Tone!’ before every run, I don’t think I could have had the success I’ve had so far. We are a team. Maybe some day I’ll be able to get her behind the wheel. Thanks Yukiko!
Photos courtesy of www.gotcone.com, Team WTF? and Tony Savini
For copies of photos email david @ evorticity.com
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