From the great state of Texas comes Beth McClure-Strelnieks. Beth proudly calls the Lonestar Region home. Driving her husbands 2008 BMW 135i in D Stock Ladies on Hoosier tires Beth is our 2008 Solo Champion.
RR: Is this your first attendance at Nationals?
BMS: No.
RR: How many times have you attended?
BMS: I can’t believe it, but it was my 12th.
RR: Is this your first national championship?
BMS: No, this year’s championship is my third. In Solo, I won in 2000 for the first time in my 1993 Rx-7 R1 in SSL. I Followed that up last year with a win in SM2L in the same car, but now it’s a completely different beast; 3 rotor single turbo. In the midst of that I’ve won 3 ProSolo Ladies class championships, and 3 ProSolo Ladies overall championships, since 2001. I seem to do better with a drag race start, and another car next to me to directly compete against 
.
RR: What was your favorite memory of the competition?
BMS: I really enjoy seeing all our friends from around the country at Nationals.
RR: What do you think was your key to success?
BMS: I guess I would have to say Erik, he’s amazing at setting up a car, we bought the BMW the end of June, and he gave it a really great quick set up. Nationals was my 4th event in the car.
RR: Who has most influenced you?
BMS: There are a few. I first started autocrossing after I met Erik, who was already an accomplished driver and a National Champion. Erik is obviously my biggest influence, but I learned a lot from some of his biggest competitors, namely John Ames, Tom Kotzian, Gary Thomason, either by watching them, or them offering me tips. Jim McKamey also made a big impact on me when I had the privilege to have him as an instructor in my first year or two of autocross.
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
BMS: No, not really, I like to be prepared, have the car in grid early and ready to go. That gives me time to focus and not worry.
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
BMS: No, I’m more of an intuitive driver. I focus on the basics and try not to get bogged down in the details, it just works better for me.
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
BMS: I have no idea, I just try to stay calm and focused.
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
BMS: Several Evolution schools, excellent training tools and great as a refresher. The first one I took was still under the McKamey moniker.
RR: Describe your driving style.
BMS: Aggressive but smooth.
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
BMS: 1993 Rx7 R1, it was my first, and it’s still my favorite.
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
BMS: I just go with the flow on the rules.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
BMS: My husband Erik, he sets up all our cars and does an amazing job, I’m completely spoiled. My best friend Ann Hollis, she is an awesome coach when I ask what I did wrong, and she is always there for me.
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