Da Groj

As far as I know "course design" is normally still mainly up to the Chair or Co Chair. Be prepared to defend your design details to the safety committee who answer to K & K and arrive on site early. Jeremy's picture is worth a 1000 words addressing the apparent only issue with the course "visually"? Since this was proposed as a dual purpose course for a later event would that still be an issue running 1/2 of it?

The first group of the morning is the only one who had to run on memory from only a walk? Seems like most people manage a ride prior to their runs at some point anymore.

Parade lap? One car on course at a time for the whole first run group on their first run only so there's no distractions?

Personally, I like parade laps no matter who's car I'm a passenger in

The allure of the early group is pretty clear = well fed and home by 1-2pm and in the pool with a limeadebrewski.

The simple answer here is that we get a LOT of first timers at each event, and by the same token, a LOT of really green novices at each event. For this event, there were a total of 14 first-timers and an additional 12 novices... and that's only the people who CLAIM to be novices, there are surely more who don't. So, you're talking about over 25% of all of our drivers being very inexperienced.

The course was designed for the Duel event, which is ALWAYS an event that is limited to experienced drivers due to its nature. Using that course for a regular event was just a dumb idea. I get it. Lesson learned.

I still like the fact that it was a 50-second course at SPC that was fully 2nd gear and FUN to drive. Even running one car at a time and getting just 4 runs, it made for a great event.

Loren wrote:I still like the fact that it was a 50-second course at SPC that was fully 2nd gear and FUN to drive. Even running one car at a time and getting just 4 runs, it made for a great event.

I really enjoyed this course exactly for this reason.

Loren wrote:I still like the fact that it was a 50-second course at SPC that was fully 2nd gear and FUN to drive. Even running one car at a time and getting just 4 runs, it made for a great event.

Are you telling me I could have shaved time off by taking that first 360 in second? Geez, I might have caught that Porsche.

jev61 wrote:Are you telling me I could have shaved time off by taking that first 360 in second? Geez, I might have caught that Porsche.

Idunno. I took it in 2nd. Seemed right.

But, you were faster than me, so I'll defer to your judgement.

Loren wrote: Idunno. I took it in 2nd. Seemed right.

But, you were faster than me, so I'll defer to your judgement.

You ran it in second in a six speed, I ran it in first in a 5 speed. At least I think you were in a six speed, 10AE right? Might explain the difference. I only just touched the rev limit at the beginning of the 360, and then again just past the 360 leading to the first big left if I delayed up shifting.

Seems like one that could be argued, but I didn't lose any time with my shift to 2nd. I did it right before the first right-hander where I had to tap the brake a little, anyway. So, even if I were in a 5-speed and had enough 1st gear to get around the loop, I'd have lost a bit for the shift to 2nd instead of just starting that straight after the loop in 2nd gear.

You were a touch faster than me on this course... but I don't think that's where it was. I still think it was the last turn. I never drove that turn "confidently" and it probably cost me a couple tenths.

Loren wrote: I never drove that turn "confidently" and it probably cost me a couple tenths.

Bernanke said that to Congress didn't he?

Loren wrote: I still think it was the last turn. I never drove that turn "confidently" and it probably cost me a couple tenths.

That was a faith turn.

jev61 wrote:

Loren wrote: I still think it was the last turn. I never drove that turn "confidently" and it probably cost me a couple tenths.

That was a faith turn.

Exactly. And I just don't have faith in Ben's car yet.

Loren wrote:

jev61 wrote:Are you telling me I could have shaved time off by taking that first 360 in second? Geez, I might have caught that Porsche.

Idunno. I took it in 2nd. Seemed right.

But, you were faster than me, so I'll defer to your judgement.

I drove the whole course in second gear, seemed fine to me.

Les, your car could launch in 2nd gear... and drive home in 2nd gear... and never complain about it!

I had a great time on this course! For my first autocross, I honestly didn't do too bad, I think. I didn't get lost, didn't hit any cones, and made it out alive. Of course, I had plenty of time to react to everything in the Jetta. I had to skip out on a run because the engine would overheat. The water pump, one radiator fan, and thermostat were replaced, and it runs fine now. Besides the cooling problems, I had a great time and really hope I can race again. I don't think I'll take the Jet next time, though.
Here's a video of the first run:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uItcDXzOahY

Jason, do you have any pics of how you mounted your GoPro? That's a great vantage point for working on driving skills.

Drew, glad the ride-along worked for you. I guess you saw all the stuff not to do on the ride with me.

Tyrell, good luck at Silverstone!

Tim, you can't fight progress. I feel like the 911 is the prototypical sports car, and that the 7-speed PDK automatic raised the bar on performance.

Wikipedia definition: A sports car (sportscar or sport car) is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for spirited performance and nimble handling. Sports cars may be spartan or luxurious but high maneuverability and minimum weight are requisite http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_car

Looking forward to next month at my new local track. Have a great weekend!

TD

There's a thread on Jason's camera mount:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1655&hilit=camera+mount

You know that eventually someone (totally anal) Jason beats will moan that it's an illegal rear strut brace. And you also know that a stalker will show up at Oldsmar with the rope tow bar off their ski boat with a go pro attached

twistedwankel wrote:You know that eventually someone (totally anal) Jason beats will moan that it's an illegal rear strut brace.

Not in this club! It's impossible to create a bolt-on rear strut brace that is not legal for FAST.

We have no such restriction.

twistedwankel wrote:You know that eventually someone (totally anal) Jason beats will moan that it's an illegal rear strut brace. And you also know that a stalker will show up at Oldsmar with the rope tow bar off their ski boat with a go pro attached

You read my mind!!!!

Tony Davis: Progress? Nah...just good, smooth driving.

Tim_M wrote:Tony Davis: Progress?

Tim -- you're talking to a guy who drives a car that first came out in 1963...don't let him lecture you about progress!