Mid Ohio Race Results

[bbp]

Hey all,

I ran my first 2 races over the weekend at Mid Ohio with the 240sx.

Saturday:  Race 1

Qualified:3rd in class, 7th overall

Race:  12th in class,  16th overall

I was very happy with the qualifying session.  3rd out of 31 cars.  As we were on the false grid we got the 5 minute warning, everything was great until the window net decided to break right there on the grid!  They held me until we could get in fixed.  After everyone headed out for the  pace lap, my crew got the buckle to fasten (damn cheap GM seatbelt buckle).  I headed out to catch the field except they wouldn’t let me out of pit lane.  I had to wait for the entire field to get the green flag and before they let me out of the pits.  So I started the race from last place.  Worked my way up to 12th out of 31.  A little disappointing since the qualifying time put me up front and it was a $3 part that gave us problems...  Oh well…that’s racing!!


Sunday: Race 2

Qualified: 12th in class, 17th overall

Race: 7th in class, 10th overall

I was somewhat disappointed with the qualifying results.  We had tried some shock adjustments that just didn’t work out for us.  Made some changes in the middle of the qualifying session.  Turned a 1:48.6 or something.  There were 5 or 6 cars ahead of me that all qualified on the same second (1:48).  This race was much more fun because I was racing instead of chasing the pack around the track.  There were 3 cars that were pretty tough to get around, a Olds Calais (they have a great motor in them), BMW 325 and a RX7.  The 4 of us were swapping positions the entire race, on the last lap I finally got around them for 7th.

Nissan report:  There were 2 240sx and one Sentra SE-R in my race group.  

The winner of both races was a BMW 325, he was FAAAST, almost beat the AS Camaros!

Next race is August 3-4 at Mid Ohio again.

[HippoSleek]

Damb I'm jealous!  (that's the envy green smiley).

Sounds like she's working pretty good out there!  I can't imagine the frustration over a malfunctioning window net, but I bet you made a lot of fans by moving up through the better part of the pack!  Day two sounds like a generally solid performance that will improve as you do.

As this is the first race, how far to you think you are from having the car properly sorted out?  I know that can take a season or more - but is sounds like she's already competitive.

Aside from the rocket fast 325's, do you think you can generally hang w/ the fast cars in the 240?  Not that I'm shopping or anything...

At any rate, great job!  and thanks for holding up the Nissan name!

[sykikchimp]

Congrats!  Sounds like you had a blast.  Good luck on the rest of the season.

[bbp]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">As this is the first race, how far to you think you are from having the car properly sorted out? &nbsp;I know that can take a season or more - but is sounds like she's already competitive.

Aside from the rocket fast 325's, do you think you can generally hang w/ the fast cars in the 240? &nbsp;Not that I'm shopping or anything...
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I think there is still more left in the car. &nbsp;We are currently running too high of a spring rate, almost have to run the shocks at full soft to keep it from bouncing too much. &nbsp;Need to lose about 100 to 150 lbs out of the car still. &nbsp;The car is definately competitive (3rd in qualifying), but we aren't there yet. &nbsp;I am also thinking of sending my extra engine out to try and find some more horses.

The 325's are going to be the major competition, they have motor AND supension, especially after a few people begin to really build the cars.

Overall, with a few more ponies under the hood it is definately a good car. &nbsp;I don't know how much more can be squeezed out of the KA and still be a legal motor. &nbsp;We will see!!!

[HippoSleek]

Even better to hear there's more! &nbsp;Just unfortunate that the BMW may be such a class killer! &nbsp;At any rate, it doesn't sound like you are too far from the podium, so there's plenty to be optomistic about.

I'm in a decision process now, so I'm very interested in how you're doing... I've realized that there is little chance I will get a car together by the fall SCCA school and I'm not willing (more like able, thanks to the moonroof) of turning my s14 into a race only car. &nbsp;So there is some time for thought.

The old build or buy? &nbsp;I was looking at that IT thread where everyone always says what a better deal it is to buy. &nbsp;I wonder - especially w/ the timing factor and the ability to take a safety prepped end pack running car to school and improve it b/f it ever sees a race. &nbsp;

Next is whether to stick w/ a car you know (the s14), one you kinda know (ITS s13), or one you know a little about (ITA s13). &nbsp;Otherwise, it's the standard what to buy: 1) Miata and build it to SM? &nbsp;2) ITA 240? &nbsp;3) ITS 240? &nbsp;4) &nbsp;Other? &nbsp;I've decided to stick w/ RWD - the rest is a toss up.

I'll be watching a few ITA/ITS cars around here and getting what info I can, but I'm also curious about hearing things more directly... like from someone who is running an ITS car.