By Kathy Krzystowczyk
VIEW Contributor
Racing is definitely a family affair for the Zemmers. Rick Zemmer made his son Ryan an offer he couldn’t refuse: Stay in college, get your degree and we will continue to support your racing.

Growing up, Rick tinkered with a wrench early on. Working at various power sports stores in and around Lapeer from the age of 14, he went on to Ferris State and the University of Michigan to earn his degree in engineering.

Father and son belong to the Sports Car Club of America, as well as the Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association, participating in Vintage TransAm style racing, which has been around since the mid-1960s.

This type of racing made popular the saying “Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday!” Requirements for racing vintage are strict. With an intent to race, all equipment must be brought to the original specs that the vehicles were originally built — in other words, “period-correct.”
Purchased three years ago in Jackson, Mich., their vintage vehicle of choice is a 1965 Ford Mustang Knotchback. With a 289-cubic-inch V-8 four-speed, the Mustang has more than 400 horsepower.

Rick completed all of the mechanical work himself — from welding new floor pans, quarter panels and trunk bottom to rebuilding the engine with a cast iron block and head. He scouts for parts from different places. Rick purchased the transmission, crank shaft, cylinder head and various other parts on eBay. It was necessary to convert the rear brakes from disc to drum and change the tires to DOT-approved vintage race tires. The Hoosier brand tires are 25-1/2 by 8-1/2 by 15 on the front and 26-1/2 by 9-1/2 x 15.

Adding a roll cage and fire extinguisher for safety, as well as a kill switch for battery power in case of an accident, the only seat that remains is for the driver.

When most people think of a race car with a roll cage, they assume the doors are welded shut. These are not. Unlike NASCAR racing, vintage racing is done on a track in a clockwise direction, with 10 to 15 right and left turns. Cars must be circa-1973 or older and there are no trophies or prize money awarded for the winner, only bragging rights. Rick explained that most members like to say the cars are the stars.

Rick and his son Ryan received their race car driver’s license after taking courses at Grattan of Grand Rapids and Gingerman of South Haven. Their race circuit includes the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio and the Grand Rapids and South Haven locations.

Rick and Nancy, his wife of 31 years, have two children, Ericka (with their first grandchild on the way) and Ryan, scheduled to graduate with a degree in marketing from Western Michigan.
Rick and Ryan are gearing up for the next race, scheduled for the first week in May at Gingerman in South Haven. The season runs through October. Rick currently works for Decoma at a GM facility in Troy and in Lapeer County.

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