Dateline: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Warning: Before you dig into this year-end summary of our 2025 GT4 America Pro-Am season, I recommend you find a comfortable chair and a cold drink. You’re going to be here for a while.
As any long-time reader of these musings will know, it has been nearly three decades since the scR motorsports saga began in 1997. As the newsletters (and years) have piled up behind us, I have intentionally paid increasing tribute to our prior aspirations, tribulations, successes, and yes, failures as the present invariably seems to be little more than a reworked variant of what came before it. A working knowledge of the history yields context, the context yields perspective, and the perspective provides the proper lens through which to focus on the here and now. And, without spoiling the ending here, it’s usually pretty good at foreshadowing what’s yet to come.
The entirety of our trackside operations in 1997. Simpler times.
At the risk of relying too heavily on rose-colored glasses, boy, do I remember those early years with fondness. To be clear, I don’t exactly miss the days of stuffing eight guys into a hotel room with one bed, replacing Saturn front wheel bearings every 74 minutes (no exaggeration), or having the headlights on the tow rig suddenly fail while navigating Route 14 on our way to The Glen, thrusting us into complete darkness at 60 miles per hour. Remember that one, Alex? Terrifying then, but it now is simply a story woven into the fabric of who we are.
The Suburban that refused to illuminate, circa 2001. Simpler times.
But for today’s dose of foreshadowing, I’m going to take you farther back, long before the inception of this racing endeavor. Forty years back, to be exact. We are recalling 1985, and although it’s known slightly better as the starting point for Marty McFly’s travels Back to the Future, April 26th of that year marked the start of my inauspicious (and mercifully brief) acting career. I was fortunate enough to be cast as the lead in the popular musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
This might not surprise you, but yes, I was Charlie Brown. I am confident that to this day Scott would still roll his eyes about the adolescent drama (or maybe more properly, the drama of adolescence) both on and off the stage, but that’s not why I am taking this trip down memory lane. Stay with me, here. I promise this will all come together by the end of this newsletter as the perspective provides the proper lens through which to focus on the here and now and blah, blah, blah.
The playbill, the shirt, and volumes of junior high school wisdom memorialized with a Sharpie.
So, back to the present. In trying to wrap my head around yet another crushing weekend at Indianapolis, I went back and reviewed some of our past writings on the topic. In 2020, I managed to door the #19 on the first lap, sending the #82 around a full 180 degrees as the rest of the field continued on their merry way. That sucked but was entirely my fault – rookie move. Then in 2021, there was the miserable end to the IGT-8 enduro where we fell from second to fourth in the waning moments of the race because of an officiating snafu beyond our control. And our 2022 wasn’t any better. Just two laps away from full Hoosier State redemption, we were harpooned by the #52 in the middle of Turn 1 while leading Pro-Am, ending our race and our season simultaneously.
From the archive: The end of our 2022 season, told pictorially.
Following the Trail of Tears to 2023, I now get to reminisce once again about getting crashed out of a near-insurmountable Pro-Am Championship lead by a competitor who took us out us midway through Race 1. Remember the Aston Martin cruise missile? Yeah, that guy. Lost the whole Pro-Am title that year by one single point and you’re as tired hearing about this as I am tired about bringing it up. This was followed up by a ho-hum 2024 where the newsletter was mercifully brief because our performance was, for a variety of reasons, simply forgettable. Don’t ask me to tell you why because I have, well, forgotten, but if you have some time to kill, I encourage you to go back and click on the links above to see just how eerily regular this sort of thing has become.
And then 2025. Come on, Indy. Wash, rinse, repeat. As Zack has already shared with you, we were again crashed out while legitimately in the Pro-Am Championship hunt. Don’t get me wrong, it was a festive time in the medical building commiserating with the other four drivers that were also sent home early, but Good Lord (sorry, Pastor Jason, but it’s a free plug for your book!) I am SO over this. For years I thought there was a curse placed upon scR motorsports by Road America, but at least Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin gave us small victories from time to time that kept the flame burning.
Indianapolis, Indiana is just plain mean to us. So, while nobody can argue that this is getting old, what the heck does it have to do with my 8th grade thespian interlude as Charlie Brown? Absolutely everything, and I can sum it up for you with a single image.
Lucy and Indy each have four letters and end with the letter Y. Coincidence? I think not.
Now before going any farther down the path of desperation and despair, we need to take a minute here and thank Zack (the scribe formerly known as “The Teenager”) for doing a remarkable job this season filling in as the official 2025 team scR chronicler. I just didn’t have the bandwidth to do this myself, but based on the feedback we received, his accounts were a raging success with our readership. Of course, the vast majority (ok, all) of the feedback came from Dana (his mom) and Nana (his grandmother), so maybe there’s a bias in there we need to consider. But in any case, I hope that years from now when he is remembering his father fondly, he thumbs (scrolls?) through a few digital pages and smiles at the stories he memorialized for all of us.
That said, the boy blatantly overlooked a few things along the way. For example, he failed to report on the drag show.
Q: The what? Sorry, I couldn’t stay quiet any longer.
A: Nice seamless pivot to the Q&A format. I said Zack failed to report on the drag show.
Q: How did that fall between the cracks?
A: Probably because he wasn’t there. In what was most certainly a first for team scR (and BimmerWorld Racing too I suspect, but nobody would answer me honestly about this), we celebrated our double COTA victory by (accidentally) attending a full-on drag show, homeopathic sorcery fair, and spiritual supply flea market. In the immortal words of Jake Blues, “This place has got everything!”
Now, before you jump to any conclusions, it wasn’t supposed to be this way. But there we were, hungry, thirsty, tired, and smelling of stale champagne. And winners, all. The time was way too late in the day, and we pulled into the first place with a sign of life (and beer). In our defense, it was thinly disguised as a roadside, open-air BBQ joint. With that backdrop, maybe you can imagine the tension in the air as these 13 manly men in their fancy matching blue polo shirts walked into (literally) the middle of the, ahem, proceedings. Who knew there was a back door AND a front door? And then…
Q: Stop right there. Are there any pictures? There must be pictures.
A: Yes, but none like you are hoping for. We do have this shot of the crew after several hours of trying to be nonchalant about the whole situation.
Celebrating with the locals. But no drag queens in this picture. Nope. None at all.
We stayed until the wee hours, but only because the pizza was passable and the drinks were cheap. And as a bonus, I was able to pick up a new pack of Tarot cards at one of the vendor booths, so, like the race earlier in the day, it was a double win. You should have seen the look on Dana’s face Christmas morning when she found them in her stocking.
Q: Please tell me you didn’t give Dana a pack of Tarot cards for Christmas.
A: I can’t lie. I didn’t. But the thought absolutely did cross my mind. Did you ever see the James Bond movie Live and Let Die? It’s one of our favorites.
And that, dear readers, closes the scR motorsports chapter of the accidental drag show. Back in 1997, who could have predicted this?
Q: Other than the Tarot Cards, what else did Zack fail to convey?
A: Well, he didn’t provide any content regarding the wigs.
Q: Excuse me?
A: There we were, slowly rolling into our 2025 campaign. We had just finished on the podium at Sonoma but knew that we needed that extra little edge marching towards the three-hour enduro at COTA. Little did we know that the guys at Forgeline had just what we needed.
The Authentic Schardt Wig (for a limited time only!) was released to the public on April 1, and our orders were placed the same day. Dave Shardt has been a friend of both scR motorsports and BimmerWorld for decades, and while he might not admit it in public, he has been on this newsletter distribution list for about as long. His impeccable head of hair, a beacon of distinction and style, was now available as a wearable accessory. A golden good luck charm if ever there was one!
A reasonable $401.25 later, our officially licensed Forgeline merch was safely in the hands of UPS for overnight delivery. If this isn’t what industry networking was invented for, I don’t know what is.
Don’t laugh, Daniel. If it works, you’re next.
Q: Oh, that’s a new look for you. I mean, hair and all.
A: Not just me. James Clay was in on the action as well. Because, well, who would not want to “leverage the distinctive coif that has become a hallmark of the Forgeline brand identity?”
Q: You can’t be serious about this.
A: Pictures don’t lie.
This is nearly as disturbing as the accidental run-in with the drag queens.
Q: Style points aside, did the Authentic Schardt Wigs bring the team good luck at COTA?
A: More than all the rabbit feet, potions, and lotions at the homeopathic sorcery fair and spiritual supply flea market combined. But, as you already know, COTA was both our first and last Pro-Am win of the 2025 season. So, while the Authentic Schardt Wigs did their job, their effectiveness unfortunately had an expiration date. On to the next lucky charm.
Winners at COTA! We owe it all (ok, just a tiny part) to the Authentic Schardt Wigs.
Q: Just out of curiosity, what became of your Authentic Schardt Wig following your victory in Austin?
A: You should have seen the look on Dana’s face Christmas morning when she found…
Q: Stop that.
A: I know, but that was funny, right?
And that, dear readers, closes the scR motorsports chapter of the Authentic Schardt Wigs. Back in 1997, who could have predicted this?
Q: So, we have a drag show and Authentic Schardt Wigs. Anything else missing from Zack’s narratives?
A: “Missing” is a sensitive word at the moment. The (drag) queen mother of all triggers. Because right now we are all truly missing Charlie.
Q: Yeah, I heard that the old man was hanging up his driving gloves. What’s up with that?
A: Based on who you ask, he’s either 1) retiring, 2) going on a sabbatical, or 3) still upset at me for photobombing his SRO headshot this spring.
Q: You really did that?
A: Pictures don’t lie.
Yes, I am proud of this. No, I don’t care if it was sophomoric.
Q: But he really isn’t that old, is he?
A: I actually think he’s a few months younger than me, but as we like to say in the driver’s lounge, those clearly were not highway miles, Charlie!
Thinking about that just now, maybe we should have purchased him an Authentic Schardt Wig for Christmas? Seems like a missed opportunity. All that gray hair and all. If Dana refuses to wear hers, I might regift it to him next year. Don’t tell him about it, just in case.
Q: At the risk of getting all sappy about this, he really was an integral part of the team, wasn’t he?
A: At the risk of getting all sappy about this, yes. Huge. So much so that the team compiled a heartfelt Charlie Postins Tribute Video to remember his four years of camaraderie, three Am class championships, and…man…we are just flat out going to miss having that guy in the trailer. I’m getting sappy.
Absolutely one of my favorite racing pics of all time. Thank you, Charlie.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory about your time with Charlie that you would be willing to share?
A: That sounds like you are asking me to prepare a eulogy.
Q: Come on, do this for Charlie.
A: Well, there was that night in Munich back in 2023…and…well…that’s probably all you need to know.
You’re telling them about Munich?
Q: What happens in Munich stays in Munich?
A: Well, I hope he didn’t bring anything back to the States with him that wasn’t treatable with over-the-counter medication. But you never know.
And that, dear readers, closes the scR motorsports chapter of the Charlie Postins era. Back in 1997, who could have predicted this?
Q: Wait just a minute. You’re lumping your time with Charlie into the same category as a drag show and the Authentic Schardt Wigs?
A: Clearly not. But it’s keeping with the theme of the newsletter. Clearly, I enjoyed my time with Charlie much more than a wig of any sort.
Q: Any final thoughts on Charlie’s departure?
A: Well, I suspect that we will see far less of Amanda Busick in our pit box during our races next season. That is, unless Clay or I can develop a cute little British accent over the next three months.
Love you like a brother, Charlie.
Q: I want to know more about Munich, 2023, please.
A: Absolutely not. But the four of us did make a return trip there just last month for the 2025 BMW Night of Trophies. Thankfully, it didn’t end with any charades like 2023 did. But then again, maybe that’s what made 2023 so special for us.
Q: We have been going for quite a while now. Can I stretch my legs and hit the bathroom for a minute?
A: Sure, I’ll wait.
Q: Ok, I’m back. Speaking of Munich, how did you and Tyler finish in the BMW Global Intergalactic Customer Racing Points Competition thing?
A: Well, of all the 2025 BMW customer racing teams participating worldwide in BMW Sports Trophy competition (its actual name), we ended up ranking 16th overall. Which is fun, but not as much fun as finishing better than 16th. Trophies, handshakes, and the usual associated pleasantries were primly exchanged in the iconic halls of the BMW M World Headquarters, but we honestly sat there most of the night drinking while trying to figure out how to finish better than 16th next year.
Q: What other GT4 teams finished in front of you and Tyler?
A: Just two as far as I can tell, but I had a lot of wine that night so this might be horribly inaccurate. Or untrue. Or both.
I do recall with confidence that James and Charlie finished just one spot ahead of us. They got super-bonus-round recognition for also taking home the SRO GT4 America Am-Am Championship. So proud of those guys and what they have accomplished. What a run it was for them.
And then, sitting in 8th overall, was the Random Vandals Racing Secret Magic Raccoon Garbage Juice entry of Sam Craven and Josh Green. At least I think that’s where they placed. The wine was really kicking in at that point so be sure to check that for me. But regardless of where they placed, a tip of the hat to them for also securing the SRO GT4 America Pro-Am Championship this year. As a public service, I secured a bootleg copy of their official BMW media photograph to share with you below. Insert golf clap here.
Yes, I am proud of this. No, I don’t care if it was sophomoric.
Q: No, you didn’t.
A: To be fair, I didn’t plan this. I was obediently standing on the stage in my assigned location when I noticed the photographer framing the shot. Without moving even an inch to the left or to the right, I found myself perfectly aligned with his lens. It was one of those moments where you rely more on instinct than on logic and reason.
Q: You obviously did not rely on either logic or reason. You could have simply ducked.
A: Look, I knew I was going to be light on newsletter content, so I did this for you, dear readers. Otherwise, you would be plowing through some boring, corporate-style press release right now about how we attended the PRI show or something.
Now, lovingly, I am not casting stones at teams that choose to distribute those boring, corporate-style press releases. You know who you are and I respect you for it, but in my experience, people prefer to read about Charlie Brown, accidental drag shows, Authentic Schardt Wigs, and what happens in Munich when better judgement is off duty.
Q: At least those boring, corporate-style press releases sometimes have a cool racecar picture to look at from time to time.
A: Well, true. So here you go. Halston killed it at COTA this year.
Wearing team colors while flying in close formation. Go BimmerWorld!
Q: A boring, corporate-style press release would also leak your plans for 2026.
A: Nope. Not going to happen. Yet. But here’s another cool racecar picture instead.
No Photoshop here. Just Tyler getting ALL of the curbs in COTA’s Turn 9.
Q: Can you at least let us know if you are following Charlie into retirement?
A: I can say with certainty that will not happen. But his exit has certainly caused me to pause and reflect on what needs to happen next. And that takes me back to my days as an eighth-grade thespian. Here comes some of that context and perspective stuff.
One of my favorite songs, notably the one where I had a big solo, was The Baseball Game. I still hum it in my head from time to time, but only recently did I fully appreciate the parallelism between the lyrics of the opening chorus and my six-year journey with BimmerWorld. For those of you that don’t have the soundtrack committed to memory, don’t fear. I’ll copy and paste the words here for you.
There is no team, like the best team, which is our team right here.
We will show you we’re the best team in the Very Little League this year.
And in no time, we’ll be big time, with the big-league, baseball stars.
For all we have to do is win just one more game, and the Championship is ours!
Spoiler alert: the Peanuts gang does not end up winning the Championship. But that doesn’t dissuade Charlie Brown from going into the final game of the season time and time again with hope, enthusiasm, and confidence that together, as a team, they can get the job done! Sounds familiar, BimmerWorld peeps?
For all we have to do is win just one more…shit.
Q: So, it sounds like you’re going to be back with BimmerWorld in 2026?
A: That much is certainly true. These are my people…but not just my people. They are my friends. And who wouldn’t want to race with their friends? After all, that’s a 28-year tradition here at team scR. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Dave, Daniel, Austin, Michael, the dingoes simply being friends for the day.
Q: Wait a minute. That’s a picture of the guys in your backyard, not at a racetrack.
A: Good call! I now get to share what for me was perhaps the most impactful happening of our 2025 season. In another team scR first, I was privileged to host a few of the crew here in The Woodlands over the Easter weekend. How that came to be is a longer story, but backyard brisket, Shiner Bock beer, and plastic forks on Saturday were followed by smoked ham, red wine, and non-disposable cutlery on Sunday.
The guys even accepted the invitation to join our family at church on Easter Sunday! Maybe they were just being polite and saying thank you for the BBQ the day before, but sharing one’s faith, regardless of the reason or motivation, is never a bad thing in my book. It was such a special weekend.
Q: That’s awesome for sure, but how was the brisket?
A: I won’t lie; it turned out perfectly. Been working on that for a few years now. Living in Texas, it’s kind of expected that you develop some BBQ talent sooner than later. Fundamentally, it’s all the same: trim, rub, smoke, and wait. But sort of like motorsports, small variations on the same theme separate the good from the great.
Brisket burnt ends are becoming a Walker family backyard specialty.
Q: Looks tasty, but back to your 2026 plans, please.
A: All TBD, but thanks for asking. As a team we are actively playing the silly season shell game with drivers, cars, numbers, car chiefs, and on and on and on. There are so many moving parts – literally – that need to come together for the team’s success, and we are exploring every possible combination of variables that we can think of. I guarantee that there will be changes, but I will still be racing with my friends under the big blue BimmerWorld canopy.
A man down in 2026, but the friendships will endure.
Q: Can you at least let us know if you will be attending more drag shows?
A: Probably not, but I can’t guarantee it.
Q: How about wigs? Will there be any more wigs?
A: Wigs, no. But how about masks? I think we should try masks. You know, change it up a little.
Q: Did you just spontaneously come up with the mask thing, or did you have inspiration?
A: Clearly, I was inspired.
Leaked anonymously from SRO’s North American Headquarters.
Q: Releasing that photograph to the public is likely going to get you called to the Steward’s Office.
A: You’re not wrong, but I’ll take my chances. Maybe a parting haiku will make them forget about it.
Q: And here I thought 2025 was going to be a haiku-free zone?
A: And exactly how much fun would THAT be? I’ve been working on this for nine months. Prepare yourself.
I continue to…
be amazed that Dana lets…
me race. I love you!
Q: It’s kind of hard to follow that up.
A: Just ask one more question so that we can put a bow on top of this season and move on.
Q: Ok, straight to the point, here. Will 2026 be the year that you finally win a Championship?
A: Wow, that was direct. I can’t in good conscience call my shot like that. Naturally, it’s always the goal, but as we all know this sport selects its winners and losers with gross indifference to our goals.
What I will do instead is recite another stanza of lyrics I had to practice for hours on end back in 1985. It’s from the opening number “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” which is mildly confusing because the musical itself went by the same name. Nevertheless, it absolutely captures the essence of the moment as we prepare ourselves today for what’s coming tomorrow.
Some days I wake up early to watch the sunrise, and I think how beautiful it is,
and how my life lies before me, and I get a very positive feeling about things.
Like this morning for instance; the sky’s so clear and the sun’s so bright.
How can anything go wrong on a day like this?
Thank you so, so much, scR mafia©, for hanging around all the way to the end. See you at the track in 2026!
JWJr
#82 GT4 America (for now, anyways)
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