2 Day Autocross Columbus AFB, MS

[LanceS13]

This won't mean jack to most of the people on this board, but I know of at least a couple of you that aren't too far away. If you're gonna travel for an autocross, this is probably one to do it for.

The course should pretty long and pretty quick. MS Region has developed a rep for smooth-flowing events, the result being even fairly large crowds getting 6 runs in per day.

"Base access" form is required, pre-registration is requested.
The base will not be open for the general public until late Sunday afternoon: we must comply with the "base access" requirement.
David Shumaker will be the registrar for this event. All "BASE ACCESS" info and pre-registration should be emailed to [email protected] NO LATER THAN JUNE 27TH.

The schedule for the event/s will be:
Saturday and Sunday - July 3rd and 4th
7:00 AM - On Site/Course setup
8:00 AM - Registration/Tech
10:00 AM - Drivers Meeting/Ist Car on Course ASAP

Pre-registration is requested - "BASE ACCESS IS REQUIRED".
Friday night registration/tech will be available at the Comfort Inn-Columbus.
Event entry fee will be
"SCCA" - one day $20 - both days (paid Saturday) $35
nonSCCA - one day $25 - both days (paid Saturday) $45
Join SCCA - regular membership - $67.50 - enter one day free.

A Fireworks show is scheduled for Sunday evening.

For base access and registration forms, go to www.msscca.org and go to 'events.

I hope to see some of you there.

[hurleyboi514]

woah, nice location!! airports make great race courses... ive been looking in the area for a non used airport, but havent had any luck. it'd be really nice to buy an abandoned airport, build a small house, big garage, and convert it to a race track! mmmm.... :w00t:

[MovinUp-1]

Dude we are there!! Sounds like fun. Any event parties or get togethers planned?

[LanceS13]

That's what I like to hear!
I'll post any additional details as I hear about them. There probably won't be an official get-together, but several people will likely get together Sat. night for dinner.
We're actually gonna be using what is basically a giant parking lot for large aircraft. Here's a rough course diagram of our last event there in Feb (start left/finish right).
Try copying and pasting this
community.webshots.com/s/image9/0/5/29/150800529QKZKGm_ph.jpg

[MovinUp-1]

Hey Lance,

I just checked out your region's website. The description of the event site for this sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. One question though: Does your region always lump everyone into just three classes or do they run regular SCCA class structure?

[LanceS13]

We use SCCA class structure, but since we're fairly small, we PAX everybody into Street Tire (treadwear > 140 excluding ST classes), Open Tire (ST classes and all other classes w/ treadwear <140), Novice classes (6 events or less experience), and sometimes we have a Ladies class, so there's actually some competition and to keep things fair for those who don't want to spend the bucks for R-tires. ST runs Open Tire b/c their PAX takes into account that they're running street tires. For instance, me and you would both run Open Tire Class; but my time would be multiplied by the DSP PAX/RTP of 0.819, and your time would be multiplied by 0.838, the SM PAX/RTP. The guys to look out for are the lower stock classes and the ST classes, b/c their raw time might not be anywhere close to yours, but they'll "PAX out" on you...especially GS and STS. Clear as mud?

[MovinUp-1]

I see. We normally have between 50-65 drivers at our regional events so we stick to regular classes instead of paxing everyone together. We do compete for best pax as well as the class win. I'll talk up this event with some of our members that regularly go to out of town events. Maybe we can get a group to go up there. We're planning a big event in September. Every year our region does a charity event for the Navy base that we race at. All proceeds are donated to the enlisted personnel relief fund. This is going to be a two day event this year with a small party saturday night. Hopefully you can make it down to that one.

I'm going to Birmingham, AL this weekend for a one day event there. 4 or 5 other drivers from my region are going. You should check it out on their website. Might be something worth driving to for you. It is limited to the first 100 drivers so you'd need to pre-register. Go to Alabama Region SCCA's website for info or check here for the link http://www.autoxforum.com/index.php?showtopic=198
This is a link on an autocross only forum that one of our local guys started.

[LanceS13]

Actually, I just got the email telling us our run groups and schedule for the Super Summer Shootout in B'ham. I saw you and Hassan are in Group 3 with me...so yeah, I'll be there! I went last year and had a blast...lost DSP by 0.1 sec to a Spec Miata on a 100 sec course, so I'm ready for the rematch.

The Sept. event sounds fun. Too far ahead to know what I'll have going on then (there's a small chance I'm going to Nats), but I'll definitely consider coming down. Remind me when it gets closer to time.

[memphiss13]

i will try my best to make it out to this event. the PAX system is hard on me in the MS region. i can't afford R tires, but i have an SR so i am in SM. maybe next season i can get me some R compounds. i will most likely come out there anyway. i had a great time back in february.

lets try not to have any fires this time lance.

[MovinUp-1]

Hey Lance, what's with this goofy run/work order at the birmingham event? Have you ever run with these guys before? Why in the world do they have the classes spread out over all the heats? Hassan and I are in SM running in Heat 3 while the rest of SM are running in heat 5. It's the same for all the other classes too. Most every class has cars in more than one heat. This is crazy.

[LanceS13]

I dunno...Last year's SSS was the only other time I ran with them.
I think whoever puts our regions run groups together focuses on making sure each run group has at least a few trusted, experienced people in it--for course-working purposes because novices usually make up at least half our entries. But this is a "no novices" event...so who knows?

[LanceS13]

i will try my best to make it out to this event. the PAX system is hard on me in the MS region. i can't afford R tires, but i have an SR so i am in SM. maybe next season i can get me some R compounds. i will most likely come out there anyway. i had a great time back in february.

lets try not to have any fires this time lance.

Sorry Forrest, I didn't even see this post earlier.
Yeah, I imagine it can be hard to find SM-worthy grip with 205/215 series street tires. But at least you can run in the "Street Tire" class.

Oh, and hopefully no fires. :rl: I'll just have the course workers have the extinguishers in-hand while I'm on course. :hsdance:


Allen, I saw y'all sneak out at B'ham. I think at least one of you trophied in SM. I made the Fast 8 and by a crazy stroke of luck, ended up winning the Shootout!

[MovinUp-1]

congrats. You drove very well. Unfortunately our rear tires corded on our third runs so we weren't able to put down the times we should have been. I knew those tires were at the end of their life but I expected them to make it through this event. I guess the extremely long course and damp conditions wore them much harder than I anticipated. Oh well. It was good to meet you Lance. Hopefully we can meet at some more races this year.

[LanceS13]

Thanks. It was good to meet you and Hassan as well. I hope y'all can make it up to CAFB.
I imagine that stiffly sprung car was a handful anyway on that upper lot. Even with my 'soft' setup, I'd have rather seen a slightler shorter course on the smaller, but smoother, lower lot. Still pretty fun event, though.

[LanceS13]

:bump:

Here are the proposed courses for both days. They are not set in stone due to the possibility of unforseen safety issues, but it should be pretty close. If you participate, I encourage you to print them out to aide in walking/learning the course.

copy and paste

Day 1, July 3, CAFB:
community.webshots.com/s/image1/6/31/94/153863194yeIEkJ_fs.jpg

Day 2, July 4, CAFB:
community.webshots.com/s/image12/6/32/10/153863210vLJurX_fs.jpg

[lilredstiffy]

I'm in, need somewhere to crash though...anyone live nearby or want to go in on a hotel room? Allen are you guys still going?

[LanceS13]

The Comfort Inn is probably your best bet. The Comfort Inn chain has increased its rates - but the Columbus location has "grandfathered" frequent user groups including SCCA. The rate is $57.71+tax. You have to mention "SCCA" to get this rate. Do it soon b/c rooms may fill up fast b/c July 4 is apparantly a big family reunion weekend.

[memphiss13]

well it looks like i will be there for this event. can't wait. still would like to have had my brakes done before this, but it will be fun anyway. its going to be a long day though. i'm driving down from memphis on saturday morning and driving back right after the event. the things we do for racing.

[MovinUp-1]

I'm in, need somewhere to crash though...anyone live nearby or want to go in on a hotel room? Allen are you guys still going?

Not sure right now. Hassan can't make it that weekend. I have a potential sponsor deal going on right now to get my car painted. If he wants to do the car next week then I'll probably let him do it and have to miss this event.

[LanceS13]

And again...

Disregard any info in the original post...all pertinent and up-to-date info can be found below.

Dawg Days of Summer...a 2 day speed binge!

Info from the website www.msscca.org/events.html:

Next Event:
CAFB 2-day Event
Saturday-Sunday, August 28-29, 2004
Columbus Air Force Base
Columbus, MS
Special Notice: Forms should be sent to Walt Roddy ([email protected])

Forms are due by Noon, Friday, August 20, 2004.

For Non-Military Personnel: If you will be attending or think you will be attending this event, please fill out a complete Military Base Access Form (MBAF) and a Registration Form and email it to Walt Roddy ([email protected]). The Military Base Access Form must list every person and vehicle that will want to gain access to the base. You may use one MBAF for all persons and vehicles in your group/family.

Please don't wait until the last minute to send me these forms, do it NOW, this week, and you won't have to remember or forget it later. Without this information you will not be allowed on base. If anyone you know is uncertain about going, please include them on the form. There's no penalty for having more on the list than actually show up.

For Military Personnel: Please fill out the registration form and email it to Walt Roddy ([email protected]), as this will help out with our registration process on the day of the event.

Thanks in advance for our cooperation and participation!
Walt Roddy
Autocross Events Co-Chair

Forms can be found on the Events page of the www.msscca.org website.

Entry fees:

SCCA and CAFB personel - 1 day $20.00 - 2 days $35.00, paid Saturday.
Non SCCA - 1 day $25.00 - 2 days $45.00, paid Saturday.

Join SCCA - regular membership - $67.50 - enter one day free.



Mississippi Region Autocrosses (SOLO II) are all-volunteer run events. The more folks we have helping, the easier it gets!



Info from an email from the course designer (me):

...this is what I've come up with for the next CAFB event...

Almost all gates are 20+ feet wide, slolam cones range from 50-90ft., turn radii range from ~48ft to a huge 175ft radius sweeper, it should be fast enough to please even the most throttle-happy of the 'Vette guys yet still reward 'momentum' cars, plus...

…IT'S ALL ON CONCRETE!
...well, except for just a short section at the finish anyway. It's pretty much made to where if you end up on asphault, you had to have hit a cone to get there.

After a few suggestions thrown my way after the last CAFB event, I've designed this to be sort of a practice for the guys in the area going to Nationals…hence the 'all concrete'. So if you guys want to see something done differently as far as course design to better reflect a nationals event, let me know…this one's for y'all.

I dub them The Dawg Days of Summer. :-) Copy and paste the links to your browser.
Day 1:
community.webshots.com/s/image5/5/55/31/168855531emYTVx_fs.jpg
Second-cars-on-course should be fine once the first car enters the "Short Leash Chicane".
Day 2:
community.webshots.com/s/image12/5/55/56/168855556KxJLrB_fs.jpg
Intentionally shortened to allow for the usual decrease in participants (and thus corner workers) on Sundays. It can probably be run with 4 stations. Second-cars-on-course should be fine once the first car enters the "Pedigree Parkway" straight.

Opinions welcome,
-Lance-