Speedtrial VIR

[sykikchimp]

There is a Speedtrial event at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) on December 7-8.  I was thinking about getting together a Meet there and having some fun driving around a really nice Road Course.  Normally it's $239 per person.  But The guy with Speedtrial said if we can get 20 entries then its only $199.  Thats for Both days.  He said they can get about 30 cars per class, and there are 4 classes. (same setup as the National Meet in SoCal in July)  

Let me know if you guys are interested.  I could try to help set it all up.  I know a couple people on this board have run at VIR already this year and can tell you more about it, as I have not been there yet.  Looks like an AWESOME Course though.

-Charles

[bbp]

December?  I'm still trying to figure out next month!

What exactly is a Speedtrial?  Is it just an open track day?

If so, I am interested!

[DSC]

Cool, I'll definately be there!
Here's the site
http://www.virclub.com
http://www.speedtrialusa.com
http://www.steamymirror.com/dsc240sx/images/vir.jpg
http://www.virclub.com/images/courses/aerial/aerial.jpg

[s14vaxlr8]

kick ass that will really give me time to perfect my sr, aug 20 im gonna have ht put it in, i was supposed to get it this week but i posponed..oh well, im from northern va so ill be there

[sykikchimp]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (bbp @ April 25 2002,07:47)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">December? I'm still trying to figure out next month!

What exactly is a Speedtrial? Is it just an open track day?

If so, I am interested!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Yeah it's an open track day where the cars run in groups. &nbsp;

This is some of the stuff you need to know: (from Alex's post of the speedtrial event in Socal)

SpeedtrialUSA’s website, http://www.speedtrialusa.com, lists all of the technical requirements to run a track event. &nbsp;In order to participate in this event, you must meet all of the following conditions:

1) Have paid your track event fee by the registration deadline (May 31st for
early bird, June 30th late registration).
2) Have a valid drivers license.
3) Have a Snell SA-95 rating or better helmet. Please note that M-rating
helmets are NOT allowed for this event.
4) Have your car pass a mandatory tech inspection. A form is available at
http://www.speedtrialusa.com/techformweb.htm (Convertibles will require a rollbar for your own safety)

There are 4 major run groups for the track event:

1) Advanced - You have professional/competitive experience at track events
and track racing, or you have been to many track events (over 8 events) and
to Streets of Willow at least twice.
2) Intermediate A - You have more experience than those in Intermediate B
class (roughly 5-7 events) and have been to Streets at least once.
3) Intermediate B - You have experience in autocross and/or track events
(roughly 2-4 events), but have never been to Streets of Willow.
4 Beginner - You have never run a track event, or you have limited autocross
experience.
*Please note that the run groups are listed as your reference. &nbsp;If you feel you should be in a different run group, please make a note of that in your registration.

[uuninja]

A couple of things that anyone showing up for this might want to think about.

Helmets. If purchasing your first, go with a SA2000 as opposed to a SA 95 Helmet the standard will be upped to 2k very soon and that will meen that you will be left expensive paper weight.

Car tech, if you have any questions about if your car will pass tech or not have one of the local guys take a look BEFORE you take it to a shop. I know a few tech inspectors and could get you an answer on what you will and won't need before you start forking over $$$$ to a shop.

Car setup. I would reccoment that any one who has never been to one of these type events take their car as stock as possible. The learning curve will be quicker and the car more forgiving. Pluss you will get a good base line for what your car is really like and what your mods really do.

[HippoSleek]

Nice catch on the future ST date. &nbsp;I think that is the next commonly open full VIR event (although NASA may have an event in Sept.). &nbsp;I'm sure I will be there...

Nice work on catching Jon about the discount. &nbsp;I went with a discounted group last time and paid $199. &nbsp;I can follow up if you would like since I have occasional contact with Jon and regular contact with some of the ST-East underlings. &nbsp;If we can get our own, that would be great. &nbsp;The hard part, however, is finding enough people to fill the group and making sure that we will be able to use it for people w/ other makes of cars. &nbsp;If that is the case, 20 is no problem. &nbsp;If not, it may be tricky. &nbsp;We'll just stay on top of it.

The info posted from Alex re: the 240 event at Willow is not accurate for ST East Coast. &nbsp;No matter how many autoxes you do, you will be a beginner. &nbsp;In fact, you will 100% be a beginner unless you have been signed off to drive solo at a prior event. &nbsp;If you have been signed off to drive solo before AND you have a considerable amount of expereince OR have driven VIR before, you are elegible for intermediate (me <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> ). &nbsp;I only know of two members of this board eligible for advanced... one was my last instructor and the other lives in NE Ohio (bbp, come on down...). &nbsp;The four groups at an ST-E event are Instructor, advanced, intermediate, and novice.

What uu said about helmets is important! &nbsp;Remember, that is another $200 of expenses you have to look out for. &nbsp;Ditto what he said about a stock car being a safe car!! &nbsp;The best upgrade you have have for a track day is a damn good set of brake pads. &nbsp;I can show you 70 hp cars that will kick your a$$ all over the track. &nbsp;Speed is easy... it's stopping that is tricky.

As the dates get closer, we'll keep up on this.

[sykikchimp]

Hippo, That'd be great if you followed up with him. &nbsp;building a relationship is tough through email. &nbsp;If you think there is enough interest, we should post the idea on the other forums and get their input as well.

[HippoSleek]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (sykikchimp @ April 25 2002,12:15)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hippo, That'd be great if you followed up with him. building a relationship is tough through email. If you think there is enough interest, we should post the idea on the other forums and get their input as well.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Will do. &nbsp;Jon Felton has done a lot for motorsports in the Mid-Atlantic, including bringing us ST and working with NASA-VA (while holding down a "real job" since he makes no money from ST). &nbsp;He's awfully busy, so I understand how hard it is to keep in touch with him. &nbsp;

Last time I went, I went on the Honda-Tech discount which was great. &nbsp;I also know, however, that they had to close that discount b/c the classes were full. &nbsp;There, Jon allowed cross brand entries (i.e., my Nissan in their Honda discount). &nbsp;If the same can happen, I'm sure we can get up to 20, if nothing else by poaching H-Tech members that get closed out of that discount.

Of course, all this is months away, but we'll keep up on it. &nbsp;Also, I'll be sure to let you know when NASA is running an event there. &nbsp;Their last time was a bit more expensive ($250), but that is STILL a great deal for VIR full!

[sykikchimp]

Great idea to get cross brand entries. &nbsp;It is a long ways off, but good planning is key. &nbsp;also, what is NASA??


Anyone seriously interested, Please post so we can get a count.

-Charles

[HippoSleek]

National Auto Sport Association. &nbsp;It is like SCCA, only not so large and unruly. &nbsp;The VA region is very active and sponsors several road race series, open track event/ driving schools and autox events. &nbsp;The main courses for track days and races are Lowes Motor Speedway, Carolina Motorsports Park, VIR, and Summit Point.

Check them out at:
<a href="http://www.nasaracing.net/" target='_blank'>http://www.nasaracing.net/</a>

[bbp]

Chimp,

I'm in! {barring any major crash damage this season!} &nbsp;December is a looong time away. &nbsp;It would be cool to meet you guys in person. &nbsp;

Any other track events in between now and then?

[nrcooled]

I am definately in!!!! &nbsp;Can't wait to see what trackracing is all about and what my SR can really do

[RedSuns]

i'm there......

[tnord]

man, i fuckin hate you guys out on the east and west coast with your tracks all over the place. i drive 5 hours to get to the track. my god does that look like a big track that is going to rape the shit out of your brakes. if you're using the full track, and it runs clockwise, that back section is going to be nuts. i would really really really like to go, and i might even see if i can. but i'm guessing it's a long drive from kansas. 15-20hrs. but i can chime in on some preparation tips. the helmet thing, $200 is pretty much a minimum. i paid $300 for my full face Bell M2. this is not something to skimp on cost, ask yourself "how much is my head worth to me?" a couple weeks before you go have the car checked over. anything that is rigged up, like zip-ties holding brake lines out of the way just will not do. one way to get through easier is to prepare it for presentation......translation, make the thing look nice. example; once going through tech i got through in about 2 min while the guy behind me with the dirty as hell corvette they spent like 10 min looking over. get a new set of pads put on, possibly some EBC yellow's. stock pads might not last the weekend. the day before you should spend all evening checking all the components of your car, make sure you pack everything accordingly. for you guys that have never been to something like this, there is more preparation involved than you can imagine.

for the guys who've never been. for the love of god go slow. if you try to do too much too soon you'll wreck your car, get hurt, and possibly crash into others. prepare to get passed by cars that you don't think have any business passing you (i got took by a miata in my old Z32). let them pass, you will learn a lot more by following these guys than drag racing them down the straight.

so yeah........i hate you guys

[bbp]

tnord,

just to be dick <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> &nbsp;I thought I would list the tracks close to my home sweet home.


Watkins Glen NY - 4
Michigan Intl Speedway - 3.5
Mid Ohio - (oh baby) 1
Nelson Ledges - 45 min
VIR - 5
Gingerman - 5
Putnam Park, IN - 6
IRP - 6
Beaver Run - 1.5 (when completed)

Ohio isn't just for corn anymore! &nbsp;It's for racing!! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':cool:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Anyway, (sorry tnord, couldn't resist!<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> &nbsp; Tnord is right...if this is your first track experience, be prepared. &nbsp;

Here is a typical classroom for one of these events for the novice...

&nbsp;Road Course driving can be a lot fun, but it can also be very expensive (crashing), so you should have the right mindset when you go to a school or driving event. &nbsp;Don’t go to the event thinking you will be the fastest guy there, or that you already know how to drive. &nbsp;In my experience, the guy with biggest ego is often times the guy who blasts the wall first. Driving is more than "driving" it is about making good decisions. &nbsp;As you drive you are constantly making decisions, very quickly, about everything that is happening around you. &nbsp;Slow your mind down to process the input properly. If you allow yourself to think this way, you will learn more than you ever imagined about driving in a 2 day school.

Before you go, either check the car yourself, or have it done by a shop. &nbsp;Check tire wear, no dry rot, cord, flat spots. &nbsp;If you have non performance tires, crank up the pressure a little bit. &nbsp;Change your brake fluid. &nbsp;I recommend Ford HD brake fluid from any dealer. &nbsp;It works great (same as Motul) and costs about half as much ($4 a can). &nbsp;Don’t get the silicone stuff for the Focus! &nbsp;Check all your ball joints etc. &nbsp;Check air filter etc, normal tune up stuff.

Skip ahead…

Your first session: &nbsp;Take your time. &nbsp; Don’t worry about going fast… it will come. &nbsp;Learn where the track goes, learn the names and numbers of the corners. Most importantly, learn where the corner workers are located. &nbsp;Wave to them, they are there to save your butt if you screw up. &nbsp;Drive around just counting the corners, memorizing pavement changes, bumps, curbing, standing water…anything and everything about the track. &nbsp;Think about where you are braking… is it uphill, downhill? Is there a lot of rubber on the track? &nbsp;When this session is done (normally 20-30 minutes,) you should be able to describe the entire track. Quiz yourself…drive laps in your head.

Session 2: &nbsp;Again, forget about going fast… &nbsp;you need to learn how to slow down before you learn how to go fast. &nbsp;Fast drivers know how to use the brake pedal properly… they know that the brake pedal does much more than slow the car, it transfers weight. &nbsp;Fast driving is all about weight management, about moving the weight to the proper area of the car to maintain balance. &nbsp;This session practice your braking technique. &nbsp;As you approach a turn, get your braking done in a straight line… get it done early so as you begin to turn the wheel, your foot is moving from the brake to the throttle. &nbsp;Don’t wait until the last second to mash the brake in. &nbsp;This will cause all the weight to be on the front wheels when you turn the wheel and will cause under steer (very common mistake for the novice.) &nbsp;It feels fast, but it’s not and you will shred tires in the process. &nbsp; Nice smooth braking is critical. Your application of the throttle and brake pedal should be very smooth. &nbsp;You should not be able to feel it when your foot makes that transition… exaggerate in the beginning. &nbsp;When I had a student who was very jerky with his braking, I would pull in the pits and get a half full cup of water and have him put it between his legs. &nbsp;If he weren’t smooth, he would get wet. Talk about incentive!

That’s all for now…

[Kreator]

I guess i'm in too.... If i still will have enough money when December comes...

Kre

[HippoSleek]

More great advice from bbp! &nbsp;That is all right on the money. &nbsp;At VIR, the classroom instructor is Ron Spencer. &nbsp;He is a NC/VA Miata racer who is so helpful, you won't even realize how much is getting into your head!! &nbsp;

Travis - for the record, I am about 4.5 hours to VIR from here and about 1.5 to Summit Point (which is strangely missing from bbp's list - even w/ the new circuit their building). &nbsp;Those are the two closest! &nbsp;

Otherwise, you've got to realize that VIR is a 3.3 mile circuit! &nbsp;Actually, it is one of the best tracks for brakes b/c there are three long straights and lots of places where you don't hit your brakes. &nbsp;The only real braking zones are 1, 4, 11a, 14, and 16. &nbsp;There are a few lift and tap sections to set the car, but it is mostly fast. &nbsp;

The places for offs are 1, 4, 10, 11a, 14, and 17a (gee, the braking zones!<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>. &nbsp;Some are harrier that others too! &nbsp;Many ugly offs around 9-10 and if you go off at 17a it is very scary, I hear (fortunately RWD 0wnZ that Hog Pen)! &nbsp;As for speed, the stock s14 was hitting about 100 mph b/n 5a and 10 (that last section of uphill esses is taken flat out if you got balls); about 105 (should have been faster) down the back straight; &nbsp;and <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'> through Hog Pen - but that's where I rolled on people!

Anyways as events come up, I'll keep you posted about what I hear about. &nbsp;
mark

[DSC]

After some digging around, I managed to find a picture of the classroom
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http://www.carguysinc.com/images/[email protected]_JPG.jpg



HEHE, for those who are interested, http://www.carguysinc.com has a 3 day ($675<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>) event (not sure if its a class or what??) in August (http://www.carguysinc.com/Calendar.htm#August)

[bbp]

forgot about summit point! &nbsp;I don't think I ahve been there b'fore....

another upper end school like carguys is www.tracktime.com &nbsp;(used to work there) <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>