NE Track Day/Autocross/Racing Reports

[snid]

Here's the list for SLMP I, with cars as I know them:

1. Paul Mello - MCS with lots of toys
2. Loren Ladd - hillclimb Neon (ACR?)
3. Patrice Ladd - hillclimb Neon
4. Ron LeBlanc - Miata (or C6 corvette)
5. Jared LeBlanc - Miata (or C6 corvette, or 350Z)
6. Chris Rielly - WRX wagon
7. Russ McLaughlin - stupid fast Saturn or some beast of a Ford Focus
8. Mike Oliver
9. Brian Lalor - MCS
10. Tim Wasilewski - Miata (R package)
11. Rosalind Wasilewski - Miata (R package)
12. Bill King - Honda Civic with Integra type R motor swap and everything else too
13. Seth Achilles - WRX wagon
14. Eric Brigham - shifter kart / WRX wagon
15. Mike Soter
16. Jason Ross - slow MINI
17. Bill Repichowskij - 2008 Audi TT
18. Shawn C. - Nissan 200sx
19. Scott Bassage
20. John Bassage

Saturday only:
1. Jason Fuller - Miata
2. Rodney Companion - 1980's Camaro
3.

Sunday only:
1. Jim Bauman - Mitsu Galant VR4
2. Jason Fuller - Miata
3. Rodney Companion - 1980's Camaro

FTD will probably be Jason Fuller in the Miata or Eric in the kart. If Jason takes a run in the kart, that will definitely be FTD.

[GBMINI]

SLMP, FTD, ... shouldn't this be the geek thread?

[blalor]

FTD == "Fastest Time of the Day", I'm guessing. SLMP == "St. Lawrence Motorsports Park" in Morristown, NY.

Jason, what the heck are you doing at #17?!

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by blalor (original)

Jason, what the heck are you doing at #17?!

I was expecting someone to give me a key to the post office box and I would collect the forms. That didn't happen.

I was going to just slide my form into the stack once I picked them up. I wound up mailing my form in a few days after registration opened.

I haven't heard word of what (if anything) was in the mailbox today.

It would have been easier if someone would have just given be a mailbox key.

No word back from the garage that is going to do the front control arm bushings either. I guess I'll call them tomorrow and see what's up.

[snid]

Is anyone going to the July 6 NHIS / Boston BMWCCA event? I'm undecided. There's the first SLMP event on June 23-24, the MINI only ADSS on July 15, the second SLMP event on July 28-29, and possibly Tremblant with COM on July 30-31 already on my schedule. I think another July event might be too much.

But, if enough people say "I'm going" and a cheap place to sleep the night before were to appear (even splitting a room at the Red Roof in Loudon), I might be able to be convinced. I have to improve upon my previous NHIS outing.

I'm definitely going to need my next set of brake pads before the end of July in any case.

[Sideways]

Just a reminder / bump re. this upcoming event - I see Brian L. is signed up, but nobody else from the MINI2 clan that I know of. Do it NOW! OK, I missed the first 2 events this year, but not on purpose (Orlando vac. with kids + MoT).

Registration is also open for the next event on July 29 at The Boston Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America - Boston Chapter BMW CCA Once you register a user name & PW on the website, you can view past results and see who's registered so far for upcoming events.

I really like the BMW events because they do a great job of using up the runways - runs are relatively high speed (still <65mph max) & usually in the 70 - 80 sec. range. Plus, you almost always get 8 runs in a day. How can you go wrong for $35? The only catch is that you need to be a BMWCCA member ahead of time ($40/year).

BMWCCA has a points system for classifying your car (see attachments). It may look complicated, but it's a relatively fair way of letting you compete in your daily driver, especially if you have a few mods.

PM me if you want any other advice re. these events.

Later,
Dan

[snid]

I'll post a report from the go-kart track (SLMP) soon, but here are some piccies:

SLMP I 2007 - a photoset on Flickr

[snid]

My 16"x7.5" Kosei K1 Racing wheels with Hankook RS2 z212 tires (around 4/32 tread left on all 4) are probably for sale. Someone in California has expressed interest, but if someone local wants them that would save shipping charges.

Wheels are in good shape cosmetically. One is bent, but can still be balanced and has no vibrations at up to 105mph or so.

I'm selling because I bought some 17" wheels so I can run Toyo RA1 tires. There are no good RA1 sizes for 16" wheels. If you're not looking to run RA1s, these 16" wheels are a good choice.

$300 for all 4 wheels and tires would make me happy.

[blalor]

Crap, that's a good price.

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by blalor (original)

Crap, that's a good price.

You can always offer me more than that.

[snid]

SLMP I video:
SLMP I 2007

[LePew]

What size RA1's are you planning to run? My newest set of Goodrich GForce Sport 215/45R17s rubbed big time, had to trim the inside of plastic fenders in the rear. Was getting this a little bit with the Eagle F1 GSD3's -- but those were nowhere near as bad as the GForce's.

Next time I'll go back to a stock 205 size to avoid this issue.

Are you having them shaved or heat cycled?

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by LePew (original)

What size RA1's are you planning to run?

I was out on some nearly dead 205/40R17 and they don't rub at all. Even when full tread depth, the 205/40R17 is safe. So, that's what I'm going with.

Quote:

Are you having them shaved or heat cycled?

Most likely not. Someone is selling me a slightly used set. Our local club member who works for a tire distributor is working on getting set up to sell us RA-1s. I'm pretty sure they'll be unshaved/ uncycled from him.

I know Greg V. has said shaved is the way to go, assuming you don't want to run them in the rain. I haven't yet convinced myself it makes sense to pay more for less tire.

I'm still looking for someone to take my old 16s off my hands... They're no good for r-compounds, but for street tires (Azenis, Hankook RS2, Goodyear Eagle, etc) they're great, and one won't outgrow street tires for a few years anyway. (not aimed at you, LePew)

[LePew]

Quote: Originally Posted by snid (original)

I was out on some nearly dead 205/40R17 and they don't rub at all. Even when full tread depth, the 205/40R17 is safe. So, that's what I'm going with.

That answer is .... correct! I'm beginning to learn that form and function (usually) win out over fashion on the race track.

Quote: Originally Posted by snid (original)

I know Greg V. has said shaved is the way to go, assuming you don't want to run them in the rain. I haven't yet convinced myself it makes sense to pay more for less tire.

This answer is ..... wrong! Having now chunked up a third set of new front tires, my next set will be shaved. Or R-compounds. I guess the other solution is to start using your new tires on the street and wear them down there before tracking them.

[snid]

Horn tooting time!

I just got my instructor evaluation from the last BMWCCA event I went to... I've been promoted to run group 1 (the most advanced student run group)!