NE Track Day/Autocross/Racing Reports

[NHRef]

[quote=snid Not an entirely fair comparison, as I was solo, and the other car had a passenger and was being driven by someone other than the owner, but it's the best comparison I could find on my computer.

The footage from my car is shot at a wider angle than the footage from the S, so things look a little different.[/quote]

Actually, Jason, I was a passenger in the owner's S. Carl is an instructor, BTW.

I'm thinking about getting another lens. What size do you use?

The split screen is really cool and would be helpful if splicing laps from the same run. What software did you use?

Oh, and the video did not crash Firefox although the streaming stopped a couple of times on the initial playback.

Pete

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by NHRef

Actually, Jason, I was a passenger in the owner's S. Carl is an instructor, BTW.

Yeah, I got confused.

Quote:

I'm thinking about getting another lens. What size do you use?

I got one of the Cokin 0.5x wide angle adapters... one of the cheap ones. There didn't seem to be many choices unless you want to spend lots of money.

Quote:

The split screen is really cool and would be helpful if splicing laps from the same run. What software did you use?

I wrote a little how-to in the geek thread. It was done using Quicktime Pro. The post I made is here:
http://mini2.com/forum/showpost.php?...&postcount=799
I wanted to do the split screen in iMovie, but there didn't seem to be a way to do it without buying an "effect" plug in.

[snid]

Last night, I picked up my trophy for taking first place in class for the autocross season.

People were lamenting the weather and wondering when ice racing season would start. I don't have great interest in ice racing yet, but perhaps that will change. It sounds like it would be pretty easy to borrow someone else's beater car for some runs on the lake, so I don't have to risk running my MINI into a snowbank.

[jwardell]

We've had one email so far which obviously said it will not start Jan 15. It hit 60 here again today, so I know it won't be starting any time soon. But I can't wait, and you can be sure I'll be pulling you by the ears (side mirrors?) to join me.

[onasled]

Quote: Originally Posted by snid

Last night, I picked up my trophy for taking first place in class for the autocross season.
.........

[NHRef]

NHIS - BMWCCA - Track Day - April 13th - Be There!

http://www.wmc-bmwcca.org/event/276

[tontobird]

Well guys I'm going to race competitively this year in the amateur ranks of NASA.

www.nasaracing.net

I toyed with the idea of turning my track MINI into a race car for the Spec MINI series in NASA, but at this time there's really no one participating in this region. Then there's the issue of transportation. Technically, a Spec MINI could be street legal, but what if I were to have complications during a race? I.E. a crash! At this time, I don't care to purchase, insure, and store a truck and a trailer, so I will be renting a Spec Miata.

My first race is in February at VIR. I will more than likely also race a number of times at Summit Point, which is about 3 hours from the Philadelphia area. Perhaps a group of you will come down when I race there. Trevor always does the NASA events (as have I) and more than likely will be instructing the HPDE. You could even participate in the High Performance Driving Event, the sessions are mixed in between the qualifying and race sessions.

Perhaps I will make it to Lime Rock, so that you CT and NY folk can come. The company from whom I will be renting does more of the southern events, so I'm not sure.

Here is a link to some info about Summit Point and the surrounding area:

www.summitpoint-raceway.com/

A link to the Gallery page of the company from whom I'll be renting. Of particular note is the video "Wipe Outs!" Scroll down, second from the bottom on the right hand side of the page. I watch it every day. OMG!! I'm psyched!

http://www.kingratmotorsports.com/gallery/gallery.php

[NHRef]

Gotta love a sport where the first event on the 2006 calendar is the "Year End Party"!

Keep us posted on your events, I'm sure there are several people willing to drive to see you race (especially if we can get a high speed event in between races).

OHMIGAWD - Don't you be featured in Wipe Out!!!

BTW, the link was broken ~ try this: http://www.kingratmotorsports.com/gallery/gallery.php

Good Luck!

[tontobird]

Thanks, I fixed it. The Shenandoah track at Summit Point and the main track are both great fun to drive.

I've always enjoyed running with NASA Mid-Atlantic, as well. From the first time I did an event with them, I thought they were a good group.

[Actual Size]

Somehow I just knew you'd get into something like the Spec Miata class. If you want to know everything there is to know about it, contact Dave Del Genio. He formed the specification and builds rental cars for North American Mazda as well as cars for privateers.

http://www.drivenperformance.com/

[tontobird]

Seriously, Rick, the more racers that I talk to, the more I hear that "arrive and drive" is the way to go. Plus, it gives me a chance to try out racing without huge commitments or hassles.

I'm really looking forward to it. What a challenge and what a lot of fun! As long as I don't run in the absolute back of the pack, I'll be happy.

[Actual Size]

Dave sometimes brings a few of his cars for "arrive and drive" to tracks around the East Coast. Just look for a good looking Italian guy hanging out around a bunch of them. Whatever you end up in, ask if it's a Del Genio.

p.s. If anyone wants an OEM Miata scissor jack....just head for the Acworth, NH dump. He tosses them all there.

[tontobird]

O.K., so I passed the competition licensing school on Friday. However, during the last session, which was our "graduation race", I got hit, not once, but twice, by 2 different cars!

The first one who hit me was totally at fault. I was coming out of the oak tree turn (turn 12) when I got hit in front of my right rear wheel, by a guy that was too hot in the turn. Damage on a beat up race car was barely noticeable. It was the second hit that will cost me btw. $250-$500. The nose of my car swung to the right, then back over to the left as I was trying to regain control. A friend of mine, was trying to get around me and as my nose swung left, hit his rear wheel. Unfortunately, he was driving a delicate little spec racer called a "Store" and it tore up his fiberglass (carbon fiber?) fender and bent an "A" arm.

I was immediately operable, just cosmetic damage, and he was ready to roll the next day. I have it on video, otherwise it's so difficult to recall what happened, it happens so fast.

You'll be happy to know that the guy who originally hit me did not pass the comp school.

More on the racing later.......

[Actual Size]

Nothing like the real world of racing! Glad you're to hear you're okay and that the shiny side stayed despite being damaged. Last thing we ever want to hear is that you (or anyone else) has flipped.

[onasled]

Quote: Originally Posted by tontobird

.......Unfortunately, he was driving a delicate little spec racer called a "Store" and it tore up his fiberglass (carbon fiber?) fender and bent an "A" arm. ...... .

She's soooo cute.. .
Stohr. About a $60K sport racer. Pic Here.

Also, here is an in car video of that race, but from another car.
Click Here
Not a whole lot of fun I wouldn't think. There is a thread about this on Bimmerforums