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View Full Version : California Speedway ROVAL Course this past Saturday... PICS!...

Nikeboy355
12-04-2007, 05:12 PM
This past weekend I went to California Speedway to run the ROVAL course with Speed Ventures...

http://www.speedventures.com/

The Nissan Festival hosted by Freshalloy and Nissan Sport was going on and there was not only the ROVAL course but a lot of people doing autocross as well... That was saturday but sunday also added a car show...

The "ROVAL" is part "Oval" and part "Roadcourse"... Turns 1 and 2 are about 25% of the oval and then it dips into the roadcourse section...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/CA-lineL.jpg

It's really fast with majority of the turns in second gear... So you are basically at full throttle and then have to brake really hard... On the oval, I got up to the car's top speed which was about 135MPH, drag limited... Maybe someone can calculate 5000 RPM in 5th gear with a 4.08 FD... And then from top speed you have to brake all the way to 2nd gear for the first turn... Turns 3, 9 , and 12 were all 2nd gear turns so my puny stock S13 brakes were getting a workout...

I dominated in 3rd gear through turns 5/6 and from 14-16 and there wasn't another car that could take that faster than me... By the end of the day I was even sliding the rear around 5/6 to get the car to rotate a little more and then I would shift early into 4th and go full throttle through 7/8... That was fun and intense at the same time... I spun out twice at turn 13(carrying too much speed into them) and once at turn 6 (I have that one on video... sliding the car on the warmup lap)... The final section entering the oval was a lot of fun and it was evident that my weight advantage was there...

At the beginning of the day it was sprinkling and the track had puddles which was scary as I was bedding in my new front brake pads(Carbotech XP10)... I just had to take it a little slower and by the third session the course was completely dry...

The oval was boring... All you do is stay at full throttle and sit there... The car felt completely stable until about 120MPH when the car started to shake a little... Nothing that alarmed me but I could feel how hard the wind was pushing against the car... The engine wouldn't accelerate the car past 5000 RPM in fifth gear and I'm guessing that's about 135MPH... Other cars(streetish) were getting to up to 170MPH which isn't much slower than the real race cars that run on this track...

Modifications to my car:
Stock S14 KA24DE (about 130WHP)
Buddy Club Spec 2 80mm exhaust
ebay intake
KTS coilovers
17x9 +20 5Zigen FN01R-C wheels
245-40-17 Bridgestone RE01-R tires
VLSD

Alignment settings were the same as before:
-2.5* camber front and rear
0 toe - front
1/8" toe in - rear
stock caster

Significant changes to my car from the last event:
Carbotech XP10 front pads (I wore out the Hawk Blues after only two events)
Takata harnesses
Removed interior sound deadoning

Onto the pictures:

Driver meeting in the morning... All guys ofcourse...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6472.JPG

Here you can see the rain clouds still hanging around...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6487.JPG

A couple more pics of the pits area...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6480.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6482.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6486.JPG

Plenty of prey... This time the Corvettes were out in full force...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6474.JPG

There were even Ferraris there...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6477.JPG

The garages are really nice here also...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6494.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6489.JPG

I drove the car to this event since it was only 30 minutes away from where I live... I packed the trunk with everything I needed...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6571.JPG

And the times we ran...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/MSL_Calspeed_Dec1-2_0056.jpg

Wallpaper version:
http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/MSL_Calspeed_Dec1-2_0056%201024.jpg

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/MSL_Calspeed_Dec1-2_0073.jpg

Wallpaper version:
http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/MSL_Calspeed_Dec1-2_0073%201024.jpg

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6526.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6536.JPG

Nitin's S13
2:08.2

-

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6475.JPG

Junior's S13
S13 SR20DET
K Sport coilovers
Falken Azenis tires

2:16

-

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6479.JPG

Bone stock with Porterfield brakes

2:19

-

Colby's 2006 Corvette (the one parked next to me in the garage)
275/295 Kumho tires
Minor engine/suspension mods

2:08.7

-

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6542.JPG

Ford Mustang GT500
Engine and suspension mods... 550WHP
Slicks
4100 lbs.

1:56

-

350Z (friends of the Ferrari guys)
Gutted and prepped chassis
Hoosier clicks
Engine and suspension mods... NA engine

1:54

-

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal%20Speedway%20ROVAL%201207/IMG_6488.JPG

Porsche 997 turbo
Minor engine and suspension mods...
Michelins from a Porsche GT3

1:58

-

Majority of the people in my run group were about 2:10... This course is really good for those with big brakes and big power... It's like you can't break 2 minutes without Brembos and 300HP...

I'll post up a vid soon...
Flybert
12-04-2007, 06:11 PM
To make the thread more worth while, how about comparing the brake pads and maybe adding tire pressures to the list of stuff.
khilgers
12-04-2007, 06:17 PM
that can't be safe to have your harness mounted like that. Other than that nice pics, I wish we had more events like this in MN :(
spool_sample
12-04-2007, 06:29 PM
Awesome thread, Nikeboy, as expected. :p
Def
12-04-2007, 11:45 PM
that can't be safe to have your harness mounted like that. Other than that nice pics, I wish we had more events like this in MN :(

Agreed, you need a roll bar or harness bar at the minimum. And they let you guys run out there without equal driver and passenger restraints? That's a big no-no here. Even if you're solo they want you to have equal safety equipment in case someone wants to ride with you to check you out on track.


That oval section seems huge... I'd probably crap myself in my S13 at that speed, as I was hitting about 6500 RPM in 5th with a 4.08 and 235/40-17 tires on just about a third of the TWS oval(basically a little of one turn and then a straight before diving back into the infield). It genuinely scared the crap out of me the first time I kept my foot buried the whole straight section... definitely started feeling a bit unstable beyond about 6k RPM in 5th in the rear - I'm sure it's making tons of lift at that point.
turtl631
12-05-2007, 12:33 AM
Haha, what track was that Def?

Rules seem way more strict out east. Equal restraints, no timing of laps for beginners, etc. I don't really know what I've run at all but one track I've been to, and I spent a decent amount of cash for an extra bucket seat and harness so I'd be equal-restraint rule compliant. My girlfriend sure isn't happy about the bucket seat. She'd be more at home out west.
swwifty
12-05-2007, 05:37 AM
cool thread. Glad to see someone around here does track days.

I'd definetly get that harness fixed though, I'd hate to see you get injured. A roll bar is definetly in order. Go with a custom weld-in, cheaper and just how you want it.

That must have been a long straight to hit 135 in a basically stock engined s13.

I'm not sure I saw what kind of times you were running?
S13SilviaGirl
12-05-2007, 08:14 AM
that can't be safe to have your harness mounted like that. Other than that nice pics, I wish we had more events like this in MN :(

Truth....that set up can kill you and I am surprised they let you pass tech with it and run on the track. Any ways...I think you meant this to be in motor sports, sooo I will move it there. Looks like fun, how much was that day?
gotta240
12-05-2007, 04:11 PM
PLEASE answer the following questions, as i'd love to go to an event there.


1. How much did it cost to run all day?

2. Did it cost extra to get a garage/work space?

3. How much actual drive time did you get?
Antihero983
12-05-2007, 07:17 PM
1. wouldn't the Chuki bumper be more aerodynamic?
2.did you drive to the track with the brigestones on?
3.im still super jealous.
renji_v2
12-05-2007, 07:44 PM
PLEASE answer the following questions, as i'd love to go to an event there.


1. How much did it cost to run all day?

2. Did it cost extra to get a garage/work space?

3. How much actual drive time did you get?



for this event (i ran it in my z, sunday)

-it was about 200 for one day - 4 session runs - beginners instructors cost extra.
-garage was 20 or so extra
-drive time was 4x20 minutes, but on saturday there were lots of delays not so much on sunday, but over all it was still over an hour with of drive time.
gotta240
12-05-2007, 10:35 PM
thank you and congrats on a great track day!
Def
12-06-2007, 02:22 PM
Haha, what track was that Def?

Rules seem way more strict out east. Equal restraints, no timing of laps for beginners, etc. I don't really know what I've run at all but one track I've been to, and I spent a decent amount of cash for an extra bucket seat and harness so I'd be equal-restraint rule compliant. My girlfriend sure isn't happy about the bucket seat. She'd be more at home out west.

It was at TWS(Texas World Speedway). Someone was swearing there was no way I was doing 140+mph that it calculates out to, but my tach is accurate to within 100-200 RPM all over the rev range, so I think I was doing about that speed. I was running 1 bar on my GT2560R.
hstylez
12-06-2007, 02:51 PM
MOAR! Looks like a blast. I wanna see videos.
DreamN
12-06-2007, 03:09 PM
DAMN YOU!!! I gotta get my car ready to head out to one of these events! I <3 your aero bumper. Is that an OEM one or a fiberglass copy?


Oh and +1 on vids if you have them.
Nikeboy355
12-06-2007, 05:45 PM
To make the thread more worth while, how about comparing the brake pads and maybe adding tire pressures to the list of stuff.
Next time I'll do that...

I really like the Hawk Blues that I had before and would recommend them for anyone wanting to try non-street brakes for the first time... They warm up faster than the Carbotechs, don't fade at all after 20 minutes, and are very consistent and predictable in their feel... They also wore out my rotors after two events and dusted more than I have ever seen before... Two weeks of brake dust after 20 minutes of hard driving is what it looks like...

I broke the Carbotechs (XP10) in the rain on the first session of this very fast course and would rather report my impressions after I run them at Buttonwillow next weekend... They did work great though and didn't fade after a really long 40 minute session... They dust a regular amount and squeal a lot on the street...

I love race compound brakes in general now... They are a pain while warming up or driving regular but when they heat up, the car will brake as good as anything... And so far they seem to be enduring the full session as well...

The track ground was cold and my tire pressure was only going up 2 degrees... I usually set my pressure at 32 all around and watch it go up to 36-38 but at Cal Speedway my air hose wouldn't fit into the garage outlet so I just ended up evening the pressures out at 29... I checked the pressures after the first two sessions and they were 31 all around... I didn't bother with the last two sessions...

I wasn't going to use the data from this track much... Just wanted some experience braking and driving fast...

A head tech for McKenna Porsche came over to check out the car (He was there as tech support for two stock Porsches that get serviced at his dealership) and he started asking what was done to the car...

I told him it was all stock except for wheels, tires, and suspension and he was shocked... He asked what was up with the exhaust and I told him that it's a racecar... He sarcastically said that I was an idiot for putting that on but said that he was impressed with how I'm trying to learn... His actual words were "I didn't expect to be impressed when I walked over here but I really am"...

He told me that he has a lot of experience racing Porsches but started with Mustangs... He said he learned the most through suspension changes and encouraged me to buy some scales and learn how to align the car myself...

He also said to get some cold air going towards the intake (especially for fast courses like Cal Speedway) and to use the bottom vents for brake ducts...

I'm going to take all this info and use it to develop this car as much as I can... Let's see how long I can go before I add 50 more HP...
oczilvia
12-06-2007, 07:59 PM
Glad you had fun.

This is great coverage of the event.
Nikeboy355
12-07-2007, 01:39 PM
I uploaded a couple of videos from Saturday...
Since the cheapo HD camcorder really sucked, I returned it already but I managed to find two warmup laps that were on there...

One video is a complete lap with the top speed section...
And the other is a warmup lap where I spin out...

http://Nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal Speedway ROVAL 1207/NitinJ - Cal Speedway ROVAL - Warmup at 135MPH.MOV
right click and save...

http://Nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal Speedway ROVAL 1207/NitinJ - Cal Speedway ROVAL - Cold Warmup Oops.MOV
right click and save...
kognition
12-09-2007, 01:21 AM
It looks like the camera was focusing on the mirror and not the road. If you get the camera lower next time, it should do a better job of focusing on the road ahead of you. :2f2f:

I uploaded a couple of videos from Saturday...
Since the cheapo HD camcorder really sucked, I returned it already but I managed to find two warmup laps that were on there...

One video is a complete lap with the top speed section...
And the other is a warmup lap where I spin out...

http://Nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal Speedway ROVAL 1207/NitinJ - Cal Speedway ROVAL - Warmup at 135MPH.MOV
right click and save...

http://Nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Cal Speedway ROVAL 1207/NitinJ - Cal Speedway ROVAL - Cold Warmup Oops.MOV
right click and save...
kandyflip445
12-09-2007, 06:55 AM
HAHA, you weren't left out of the garage this time! =P

I might be missing this....but what was your time again? (you're the Nitin guy right? lol)

I envy you having a lot of track days close to you. I can't wait till I'm in a position to be able to go race some more!
jayesone
12-10-2007, 02:04 PM
Track was fun until I found out my 115 speed govener had kicked lolz. I was blazing through my gears and then splat! Got stuck cruising around the oval at 115 hahaha. Inside track was very fun and fast.I got my car sideways at turn 3 and 4, went in to hot but didnt spin out. Thanks to learning drift control at the 626drift day ^^ Good stuff Nitten. Can wait to see you at the next track.
eli_eli
12-10-2007, 02:41 PM
wow...i am so jelous lol...i miss the track so much...but it does seem like your camara was focusing on the rear view mirror and the dash only, thats why its so out of focus on the road, but it looks like you had a lot of fun!!! Congrats!!! btw, did you maybe meet the guy who was driving the black miata in one of the pics, ive been looking for a guy with a black miata who was driving behind me at willow springs two weeks before my car got stolen, even though it was two years ago from now, i would love to have a video like this of it, since i barly have a few pics of the car ;(...oh and how much was it for both days, i would definetly come out with you guys, the next time you run it...oh and get that cage fixed man...priority lol
jayesone
12-10-2007, 11:13 PM
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/freshjuice21/5.jpg
jayesone
12-10-2007, 11:14 PM
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/freshjuice21/4.jpg
jayesone
12-10-2007, 11:16 PM
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/freshjuice21/3.jpg
jayesone
12-10-2007, 11:16 PM
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/freshjuice21/2.jpg
jayesone
12-10-2007, 11:17 PM
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc31/freshjuice21/1.jpg
renji_v2
12-10-2007, 11:54 PM
whered you find pics? or did you buy those?
jayesone
12-11-2007, 09:35 AM
I had to buy them from this website called Photoshelter.com Aaron Kupferman is the name of the photographer. Kinda pricey but its not often you can get a sick shot from Cal speedway.
Nikeboy355
12-11-2007, 12:25 PM
I bought the two action shots of my car from the same guy also... Here is his website...

http://www.motorsportlens.com/

They cost $10 each or $60 for all the shots of your car for that day...

And here are the YouTube versions of my videos from that day...
My camera really sucked and it focused on my rear view mirror... I've returned that camera and have something that works a lot better...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLK3MHy1c6E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOU68buoFq0
renji_v2
12-11-2007, 06:34 PM
I had to buy them from this website called Photoshelter.com Aaron Kupferman is the name of the photographer. Kinda pricey but its not often you can get a sick shot from Cal speedway.


ooh thanks for the site =). unfortuantely i dont liek any of the shots of me =( cuz there arent any front shots
Fat Felix
12-12-2007, 12:47 AM
Any open trackdays at cali speedway in January?

I've been there with TCRA before, but they don't have any cali speedway events for a while.. and speedventure only shows wsir in their schedule so far.
renji_v2
12-12-2007, 01:37 AM
Any open trackdays at cali speedway in January?

I've been there with TCRA before, but they don't have any cali speedway events for a while.. and speedventure only shows wsir in their schedule so far.


felix!!! man those re01 i got from you are awesome on the track =D thaaaanks!
Fat Felix
12-12-2007, 11:39 PM
^^so dope! those tires are very dope. too bad they're expensive when u pay reg. price for them.
fromxtor
12-13-2007, 07:37 AM
Ugh this makes me want an S13 front end. :( Good job man, getting an hour of seat time is awesome.
Nikeboy355
12-13-2007, 11:33 AM
Any open trackdays at cali speedway in January?

No there aren't any track days at Cali Speedway scheduled right now...
And no one really has a track day schedule with anything other than Willow Springs...

I'm going to Buttonwillow this weekend if you are interested in that...
Nikeboy355
12-13-2007, 11:34 AM
Is that an OEM one or a fiberglass copy?

It's OEM... But I'm thinking about getting rid of it and going fiberglass... I'll make my decision when I figure out the splitter and brake ducts I want to add...
Nikeboy355
12-13-2007, 11:37 AM
PLEASE answer the following questions, as i'd love to go to an event there.


1. How much did it cost to run all day?

2. Did it cost extra to get a garage/work space?

3. How much actual drive time did you get?

1. $195 to run for the day plus $20 for lap timing plus $20 for a garage...
2. Yeah... $20... Buttonwillow costs $75...
3. I was allowed to run 4 20 minute sessions... But they ended up letting me run another 20 minute session because there weren't many cars on the track... So a total of about 100 minutes on the course...
Nikeboy355
12-13-2007, 11:40 AM
1. wouldn't the Chuki bumper be more aerodynamic?
2.did you drive to the track with the brigestones on?
3.im still super jealous.
1. Probably... I'm going to be working on aero in the near future...
2. Yup... They are only street tires you know... In general I don't like driving the car on the street...