Feb. 21, 2010 - SPC

[nc4me]

I know Philippe, but that's how it is at SPC. There's always way more turns, especially the major ones, in one direction. If you look at the september and november course maps it's the same. That's how the courses have to be, since the site is so small.

[Native]

What with the start right by the gate, gonna need to consider posting someone to direct traffic at the gate - both cars and on foot. I usually try to keep the gate closed during the events, but it always ends up getting opened again...would be bad for someone to wander in and accidently interfere with the start.

[Loren]

What with the start right by the gate, gonna need to consider posting someone to direct traffic at the gate - both cars and on foot. I usually try to keep the gate closed during the events, but it always ends up getting opened again...would be bad for someone to wander in and accidently interfere with the start.

Starter will be right there in the vicinity, shouldn't be a problem... maybe.

[Native]

^^^ as long as the starter is informed what he/she needs to watch for.

[Loren]

^^^ as long as the starter is informed what he/she needs to watch for.

When the next car doesn't make it to the start line, they'll figure it out.

[nc4me]

Guys, guys. Just remember how smoothly the event ran in november. It wont be an issue. I gots this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Philippe]

I know Philippe, but that's how it is at SPC. There's always way more turns, especially the major ones, in one direction. If you look at the september and november course maps it's the same. That's how the courses have to be, since the site is so small.

Chris, I wasn't criticizing! I went last week to an event with mostly right turns, and with my habit of overdriving my car, my left front is falling apart!
I was only hoping for a counter clockwise course to equalize the destruction of my tires!
Anyway, I know if I want a certain course, I just have to chair it...

[Jamie]

All a little too casual. Lots of novices at this one, some of whom I'll have spent the previous day telling to "drive through the lights." They may not be asleep, but they won't necessarily be as fast to react. With that finish, Sam and I are out.

[nc4me]

Jaime- When I said I gots this. I was refering to the directing traffic thing. In regards to the finish. I see your point. I'm to busy and lazy to redraw a course map(actually I don't even do the maps because I'm to computer illiterate), but I can assure you that the finish will be lengthened(probably 25 feet, maybe more if necessary) to make it safer. Just out of curiosity. How much more would you suggest?

[Loren]

150' is typically our maximum shut-down at SPC. The only time we've ever had a problem with it was at one event where the shut-down was more like 125' AND the finish was poorly marked (no tall cones, just marked as a regular gate w/ a cone on each site).

You don't need to get bent about it or threaten to stay home, Jamie. You could be more constructive and offer a solution to what you see as a problem.

Remember, too, that all course maps are just a "suggestion". We try to not make major changes on-site, but there are an awful lot of "minor" changes that can be made when the course is set up that would address any potential issues with the finish. Moving the finish lights back as far as the cables will allow, tightening up the section before the finish, etc. It's really not necessary to make this kind of a fuss on the forum unless you see something that just plain can't be fixed. I'm not seeing that.

[Jamie]

You don't need to get bent about it or threaten to stay home, Jamie. You could be more constructive and offer a solution to what you see as a problem.

What I got when I threw out a question about the length was, "if you can't make the turn, you're asleep" -- in short, there is no problem. If you're running safety, that's your call. However, showing up and running the course endorses the setup. Ditto just fading out without letting anyone know why. So yes, we do need to stay home, and I do need to get bent about it.

The obvious solution? Lengthen the finish to a point where standing on the brakes immedately after the lights isn't necessary to make the turn. For average finishing speeds of around 35mph, 150 ft is probably adequate.

Pulling the rest of the discussion over to the course design forum later.

[Loren]

If you're running safety, that's your call.

I wasn't planning to, but it appears that I may be. I merely reviewed and adjusted the map for Chris because he asked me to... because nobody has volunteered to do safety.

I always make sure that there is at least 150' of shut-down space on the map and room for revision. There is both. We'll set it up, pre-run it, and make adjustments if necessary. If we have enough cable to move the finish back, we can. If not, we can slow the finish easily enough by moving one or two key cones a couple feet one way or another.

If you decide to come, I'll nominate you to pre-run the course and we'll tweak it to your satisfaction.

[Native]

The SPC registration form and liability form for Sunday have been posted to the website. If you'd like, you can download them ahead of time to have in advance to save a little time at registration. If you do, please print them back to back to save paper and make it easier for us to keep track of.

The forms are at the bottom of this page . One form covers the entire weekend, so if you are coming both days, we will only need one form.



As for the course design issue - I haven't done Safety/Course Marshaling for a while. I'll be busy with Reg. during the morning but should be done in time to do final walk-through if an extra/fresh opinion is wanted, and I can also do the rest of the Safety job that day if no one else wants it... Jamie - I hope you and Sam decide to come.

[Alizarin]

The new tires are on the car as of last night, and I get an alignment tomorrow. Woohoo! I'm excited. Not sure about the rest of you.

Now I just need some better suspension and some 10" wide wheels.

[shakedown067]

The new tires are on the car as of last night, and I get an alignment tomorrow. Woohoo! I'm excited. Not sure about the rest of you.

Now I just need some better suspension and some 10" wide wheels.

LOL. I'm ready to burn some rubber. I was hoping it was going to be on my new track wheels, but the rubber that came with them was hard as a freakin' rock. Had fun burning them up at 1/4-1/2 throttle today though. Got the good ole michelin's back on and just have to wait till the kumhos arrive in march.

[WAFlowers]

If the fabulous lunch you will have today isn't enough, there will also be a concession selling candy bars and snacks. All for a good cause (IMO).

[PaboShon]

I had a great time at today's event. Great job, Chris! My favorite part of the day was the fact that we got to take 10 runs. If the short/quicker courses help support more runs...I'm all for it.

I also have to mention how great the lunch was. Hats off the those that put lunch together.

See you all next month!

[WAFlowers]

I also have to mention how great the lunch was. Hats off the those that put lunch together.

Thank you. I've passed your comments on to the chef.

[Native]

Post-event thread.

Lockification.