April 3-4 THSCC at VIR North Course [Archive] - Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club

leicaguy

January 15th, 2010, 07:20 PM

I just registered and Beth will be along for support. Registered (as of now):

Bill, Beth (G)
Jak, Dusdee
Susan (G)
Ben (G)
Troy
James (G)

If you are registered (or when you register) for this event post here so I can update the list as we go. Lets have a big MINI turnout! Who else is in? :ms_thumbsup:

We are also taking a head count of those interested in sharing the cost of a garage for the weekend. This will be a great "base camp" to store stuff and hang out. Remember, you are allowed to have NOTHING loose in your car when on the track. So anything you bring to the track like coolers, tools, etc MUST be removed when you hit the track. A garage will be very handy. Let me know if you wnat to share the cost. "G" next to a name = "in" for a garage.

I'm also doing the NASA event at NCCAR the following weekend. Am I nuts? :unsure: Anyone joining me there?!

BThayer23

January 15th, 2010, 08:39 PM

I'm in, paid my registration this week, and no you're not nuts. But you're gonna be tired. =)

You guys can PM or e-mail me if you have questions about brake pads and gear... and really anything about the track.

Paleo

January 15th, 2010, 09:28 PM

Hey I'm registered for this event too! The North course is a lot of fun. Have to get my new intercooler installed soon. Look forward to seeing you all at the track.

BThayer23

January 15th, 2010, 09:29 PM

Actually, here's my advice on brakes: Call Dan at Grassroots Garage (336-476-8551). He's a Carbotech dealer and he'll set you up right. Carbotech is based out of Concord, NC, and they make some track pads that will slow you down quickly and safely, every single lap, all weekend long.

ZOOOOOM!

January 16th, 2010, 01:01 AM

Can you tell me a little more about this I would love to take part!

leicaguy

January 16th, 2010, 07:47 AM

Hey I'm registered for this event too! The North course is a lot of fun. Have to get my new intercooler installed soon. Look forward to seeing you all at the track.

Mandy too?

---------- Post added at 07:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 AM ----------

Can you tell me a little more about this I would love to take part!

Go to:

http://www.thscc.com/timetrial/index.html

Read the info under "HPDE" on the side bar. That should answer all you questions. If not, post back here and someone here will be able to address specific questions.

Paleo

January 16th, 2010, 10:28 PM

ZOOOOOM!

January 16th, 2010, 11:09 PM

Mandy too?

---------- Post added at 07:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 AM ----------

Go to:

http://www.thscc.com/timetrial/index.html

Read the info under "HPDE" on the side bar. That should answer all you questions. If not, post back here and someone here will be able to address specific questions.
Thanks so much Bill, I am going to check my date book at work, and if I can work out I want to go...DONNA

robertshill

January 17th, 2010, 08:29 AM

No, Mandy won't be with me on this one. Of course I don't want her to grow up any faster than she is, but it will be fun when she is old enough to drive a track event with me. I saw a dad and daughter at the THBMWCC North Course event last year. Dad had given her the HPDE class for her B-Day. I think she had just turned 18, and she was driving a MINI. Mandy is ready for the spring Dragon!

Troy, I will not be driving and am certainly willing to keep an eye on Mandy while you drive should the decision change and Mandy attends this event. We girls can keep each other entertained.
Beth

MINIFIED

January 17th, 2010, 01:43 PM

Donna and Beth -- please join us and Drive! I think this could potentially be the first time that girl club members outnumber guy club members at a track event if you do!! YAY! :girl_wink:

Ben -- are you saying replacement brake pads are a "must" or is this a suggestion for anyone who is close to needing them replaced? And for those of us still under maintenance warranty .. ?

Troy -- I'm sure there will be lots of built in kid entertainers among this group if you change your mind about Mandy coming along (tho I'll bet you haven't even mentioned it to her lest she be disappointed that she's not included!)

Others: There's been a suggestion that we rent a trackside garage -- more for shelter/a place to hang out etc. between drives than a place for MINI mechanical attention tho it may be put to good use for that as needed -- need to know who's "in" for this idea since if we get 8-10 splitting the cost it's much more feasible than if there's only one or two ..

Bill: Could you update first post with a "garage count" indicator .. ie next to my name (and Ben's too, I think) just put a "g" or something for garage. If we get 8 committed we'll know to make the reservation, thanks!

Bill Xs 2: yes, you are nuts. And from what I hear, it's only gonna get worse after your first bite! :girl_wacko:

BThayer23

January 17th, 2010, 09:03 PM

Ben -- are you saying replacement brake pads are a "must" or is this a suggestion for anyone who is close to needing them replaced? And for those of us still under maintenance warranty .. ?

Yeah, you'll go through a lot of brake pad during two days on the track in April. If you're still under free maintenance (not warranty), you get free brake pads when yours wear out, just don't mention that you were on the track. BMW people do it all the time.

North Course only has one straightaway, so it won't be as tough on pads. But if you plan on doing this again, it's worth getting track pads. Street pads are designed to stop from 65 mph to 0 mph once and then cool off. On the track, you brake from 100mph to 40mph, then tap the brakes 20 seconds later, tap 'em again, tap 'em, then a straightaway, then you have to slow from 100mph down to 40mph. Track pads are designed to withstand the abuse.

So no, it's not a "must" that you get track pads, but if they last the whole weekend, there won't be a lot of pad left, and you won't like the way they get less and less responsive. I already made that mistake, so I'm just passing on what few lessons I've learned. But please, don't take my advice wholesale, call Dan and have a chat*, 'cause he's got a lot more experience than I do, and he can tailor a solution for you based on your needs and means. And don't leave this till the last second - brake pads can take up to two weeks to be fabricated and shipped (another lesson learned the hard way).

*or any one of our sponsors.

---------- Post added at 09:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:56 PM ----------

And all y'all better represent! Go out into the garage tonight, sit in your car, and visualize coming down the back hill, feeling the bump at the bottom of Hogpen, and rolling onto the gas. Push that pedal alllllll the way to the floor and hold it there for a little while. I can't wait to see some safe, smooth, and alert drivers out there!

Paleo

January 18th, 2010, 09:14 AM

Beth – Thanks for the offer, but that is Easter week-end and Mandy will be scarfing down pounds of chocolate and hunting for plastic eggs filled with more junk with her cousins. You need to make plans to meet us at the Dragon in the spring. Besides, you need to be out on the track in your car! You would love it, especially since you will have a group of MINI Chicks to run with! Here are a few points to remember: (1) You are not alone, there is an instructor with you at all times while on the track. (2) It is not a race, you drive only as fast as “you” are comfortable going. (3) You are not abusing your car by driving it on the track. Our MINIs were made to drive hard and handle well on curvy roads. Doing so in a controlled environment with no opposing traffic will allow you to learn your cars potential as well as enhance your driving skills. (4) You will love it! I know I already mentioned this, but it is important!

Susan – You are right, I haven’t mentioned this to Mandy yet. And when I do I won’t be telling her about all of her MINI friends that are going to be there or she will really be upset! So what is the cost of a garage? I have always just used a plastic bin to put most of my stuff in and covered that and tools, jack, chair, etc. with a tarp while on the track or in class.

Donna – Have you worked out your schedule yet? I sure hope you can make this.

About brakes – Ben makes some good points about this. You will put a lot of demand on your brakes and you want them to work consistently. It is important to have plenty of rotor and pad thickness before going into a track day event. Dedicated track pads are not a requirement. OEM pads will work fine for the North Course, that is what I have used for my last two events. I normally run Carbotech Bobcats for daily use to Dragon driving, but they are not made to take the heat generated from the hard threshold braking going into turn one. So for the track I use my dusty OEM pads, at least until I wear them out! Another suggestion would be to make sure you have fresh brake fluid before going to the track.

Paleo

January 20th, 2010, 11:57 AM

OK, intercooler is in! Let me see what's next...

jbalfour

January 22nd, 2010, 08:21 PM

Registered and paid! I think this will be my first event of the year.

What's the approximate cost of garage space? I can't find anything on their Web site.

RE: Brakes - I have a justacooper as well, and I don't have a problem with OEM brakes. I try to time it so the pads are pretty new when I go to the track. I have the extended maintenance plan. I don't go out of my way to mention to the service people at FLOW that I go to the track, but most people there know I do. In fact Joe Culp in sales talked me into the extended plan. He said it would pay for itself if I kept doing track events. He's right.

MINIFIED

January 22nd, 2010, 08:37 PM

For those inquiring about the garage .. I believe it is $200 for the weekend, but I will be calling VIR with some other questions next week and will confirm .. figuring if we get 10 people committed to it that at $20 per for the whole weekend, it's probably worth it. It's worth it in my opinion not to have to set up or take down tents :-) .. or call it an insurance policy in the event of rain .. :-)

(I also understand that what is rented is one bay of a 3 bay garage .. and there's a social aspect to that, too)

blitzcat

January 25th, 2010, 01:56 AM

Motorsport reg says VIR charges $100 a day for the garages, so $200 is right on.
I'm pending approval for this event.

Ben, how is the pace of these events?
Do things run continuous from the 7:30am drivers meeting? Seems awful early if I have to contend with getting the numbers on, tires pressurized and re-torqued, gassed up, etc, before 07:30. Or is there a time gap where we run around and do our business after the driver meeting?

Whoops:
Paddock-side garage: $85 per day (http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.status/uidEvent/FA37A31E-E472-24D6-9E3AD97F8EE3B7A4)

My registration has been approved for this event. See you at tech inspection day in WS?

BThayer23

January 25th, 2010, 11:37 AM

I'll take care of the garage reservation.

And to answer your question Matt, if this is your first event, yes, it will feel like a flurry of activity till about lunchtime. I would advise arriving as soon as the gates open, which is usually 7am. That will give you time to register, get your numbers, and empty your car. Usually there's a novice orientation session right after the drivers' meeting, but they allow a few minutes for your instructor to give the car a once-over. If you're the extremely worrisome or habitually late type, you can drive up on Friday afternoon, where there's usually a tech session at the host hotel. I'm not sure what the details are for THSCC, but that's the usual routine for other clubs I've run with.

My advice is to go to bed early, arrive as early as possible, and have a warm sausage and egg biscuit in your hand during the drivers' meeting. The biscuits are the best I've ever had, and they make it worth the early alarm.

I'll go over the morning routine in more detail the week prior to the event. Till then, just keep up on your maintenance - spark plugs, tires, brakes, air filter, oil changes, etc.

jbalfour

January 25th, 2010, 12:14 PM

You can add me to the Garage list.

BThayer23

January 25th, 2010, 02:12 PM

Garage reserved. We'll figure out how many people are sharing it and divide $200 by that number. Motorsportreg.com has the off-season rate listed, but April is regular season rate of $100/day.

I'm bringing a full-size jack, socket set, and brake tools, and all are welcome to borrow. I'll post my usual checklist later.

Seems awful early if I have to contend with getting the numbers on, tires pressurized and re-torqued, gassed up, etc, before 07:30.

Show up early and get through registration so you can get your numbers. Clean the windshield and side windows, then stick on the numbers.

Show up with 35psi in the tires. At the track, you measure the pressure right after you finish a session when the tires are still hot. 35 is a good place to start at VIR. They'll probably go up to 40 hot, so you can leave 'em there or deflate to 38 depending on personal preference.

Torque your wheels before each session when the bolts are cold. I'll bring a wrench for anyone to borrow. If you have special lug bolts (looking at you Susan), bring the special adapter.

Buy gas on the way in the morning. I like the Exxon station at the corner of Rt 49 and Rt 86. You'll probably go through one tank each day. If you don't fill up on the way in, the fuel light will be on when you're leaving.

Packing list:

-helmet
-driving shoes
-extra socks
-gloves (if you get sweaty hands)
-long pants, long sleeves (long sleeves probably not required)
-folding chair
-water bottles (water available at the track)
-snacks + cash for lunch
-torque wrench
-tire pressure gauge
-windex or glass cleaner
-paper towels or microfiber towels
-spare brake pads
-air tank (air available at the track)
-extra brake fluid

Catseye

February 1st, 2010, 06:14 PM

Ben, you've done a great job of getting the info out! If you all haven't already done so, the THSSC has a track web site www.timetrials.net (http://www.timetrials.net), that has most everything from what to expect to what to bring (thogh Ben's covered the lion's share).

I miss my MINI, but hope to see you all there. Just look for the biggest f'ing car there:

http://www.catseyeweb.com/forum/635_cmp.jpg

leicaguy

February 1st, 2010, 06:36 PM

Catseye

February 1st, 2010, 10:04 PM

We'll see you there! :ms_thumbsup:
perhaps 1 or 2 of you will be unfortunate enough to draw me as their instructor.......

http://www.mediabistro.com/agencyspy/original/Homer%20Simpson%20Oh%20No.jpg

jbalfour

February 1st, 2010, 10:18 PM

My registration has been approved for this event. See you at tech inspection day in WS?

I'll be at the March 14 tech inspection. i think my appt is 11am.

MINIFIED

February 6th, 2010, 09:19 PM

perhaps 1 or 2 of you will be unfortunate enough to draw me as their instructor.......

When I saw you post I was wondering if you were going as an instructor ... YAY!
Your reputation proceeds you, ya know .. :girl_wink:

sUSAn
MINIFIED
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass it's about learning to drive in the rain ..
It's knowing who's behind you, but trusting who's in front of you ..

MSSD 2008 | MOTD 2009 | MSSD 2009
... and I yet remain, a Dragon virgin

MINIFIED

February 6th, 2010, 09:22 PM

I'll be at the March 14 tech inspection. i think my appt is 11am.

Missed the group day at Performance Chassis last month (was on the Big Walker drive!) but I'll be going there one day next week .. now that we Raleigh-ites don't have a standing need to get to W/S, I'm trying to stay local whenever possible!

Glad you'll be joining us at VIR!

sUSAn
MINIFIED
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass it's about learning to drive in the rain ..
It's knowing who's behind you, but trusting who's in front of you ..

MSSD 2008 | MOTD 2009 | MSSD 2009
... and I yet remain, a Dragon virgin

leicaguy

February 7th, 2010, 08:33 AM

I'll be at the March 14 tech inspection. i think my appt is 11am.

Where is the March 14 inspection?

blitzcat

February 7th, 2010, 08:40 AM

Winston. Sign up on Motorsportsreg.com for a time slot.

my appt is at 10:40

Maybe link works
http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.advert/uidEvent/A8F2EF00-A4FF-D0FB-227A7713C2CADEA6

leicaguy

February 7th, 2010, 09:38 AM

Winston. Sign up on Motorsportsreg.com for a time slot.

Maybe link works
http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.advert/uidEvent/A8F2EF00-A4FF-D0FB-227A7713C2CADEA6

Registered. Thanks

blitzcat

February 8th, 2010, 12:06 AM

-air tank (air available at the track)

They had air tanks on sale at Harbor Freight this weekend and I didn't pull the trigger. I wasn't sure where to put it in the car with everything else.

BThayer23

February 8th, 2010, 09:44 AM

They had air tanks on sale at Harbor Freight this weekend and I didn't pull the trigger. I wasn't sure where to put it in the car with everything else.

If you haul as much stuff to the track as I do, you'll be folding down the seats or removing them all together (saves weight). I have a 5 gal air tank from Sears that fits behind the passenger seat. But I really only use it once on Saturday morning to get the tires up to 35psi. After you start driving and the tires heat up, you'll be letting air out. The exception is if it rains (+2 psi all around) or gets colder.

MINIFIED

February 23rd, 2010, 11:50 AM

.... The exception is if it rains (+2 psi all around) or gets colder.

IT WILL NOT RAIN!!!!!!!!!! :no:

(We have had enough precip in the past 3 weeks to last us a year, imo ... :girl_wacko:)

jbalfour

February 23rd, 2010, 12:05 PM

IT WILL NOT RAIN!!!!!!!!!! :no:

(We have had enough precip in the past 3 weeks to last us a year, imo ... :girl_wacko:)

I finally got to do a rain event last November. It was a blast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Yn-ky4Lp0

BThayer23

February 23rd, 2010, 01:19 PM

I love driving in the rain! All the corvettes stay in the paddock and we get to pass everybody! MINIs are perfectly suited for the rain: front wheel drive, light, rear windshield wiper, good visibility, etc. So bring your rain coat in case, but either way we'll be safe and have fun.

blitzcat

March 2nd, 2010, 12:53 PM

I think I heard a Chumpcar race is happening this same weekend on the south course. Should be a hoot to check in on during the weekend, it is spirited like LeMons (sub $500 junk cars). Is anyone in group 2?

BThayer23

March 2nd, 2010, 10:56 PM

I'm in yellow (intermediate). Might be a bit underclassed, but we'll see how that works out. I like to start low for the first time with a group. Which group 2 are you referring to?

blitzcat

March 2nd, 2010, 11:34 PM

Intermediate/yellow. Not the NASA kind meaning HPDE 2 (solo).

blitzcat

March 12th, 2010, 10:30 AM

Reminder: Tech inspection is this Sunday in Winston.

leicaguy

March 12th, 2010, 11:16 AM

Reminder: Tech inspection is this Sunday in Winston.

I'm there.

leicaguy

March 15th, 2010, 02:07 PM

Has anyone reserved the garage?

BThayer23

March 15th, 2010, 04:41 PM

yes, I reserved one garage. It's $200 ($100/day), so we'll split that amongst ourselves. I'll be there early on Saturday to pick up the key.

leicaguy

March 15th, 2010, 05:40 PM

yes, I reserved one garage. It's $200 ($100/day), so we'll split that amongst ourselves. I'll be there early on Saturday to pick up the key.

Excellent. Thanks.

BThayer23

March 31st, 2010, 01:47 PM

Things to do with less than 3 days left (!!!) :

-take out rear and passenger floor mats
-take out any loose items you won't need at the track
-check secret compartments, seat back pockets, side pockets, behind the sun visor, in between the seats, etc.
-pile stuff to bring in a corner somewhere
-check helmet, clean visor if necessary, remove old stickers
-try on helmet and sunglasses
-determine which tools will be coming and which will be going - too heavy to make last minute decisions
-double check registration, group assignment, and tech inspection
-print out any forms or directions
-email reply to instructor
-check tire pressure cold
-check weather, bring sunscreen, rain jacket, etc. as necessary
-locate long sleeves, long pants, good shoes, wash as necessary
-wash car, but full detail not necessary as the car will get really dirty on the track
-withdraw cash from ATM for food if necessary (see email about Saturday dinner at the track)

blitzcat

March 31st, 2010, 02:33 PM

This is the first event I've heard from the instructor so early. It was nice to get my driving goals for the weekend out at a calmer time than heading onto the track. Also first time I've had to share an instructor.

On Ben's ATM note, they have one there but I think the surcharge was $2.50-3.00 this season. And the store that sold racer tape/helmets/car supplies was closed/gone last month.

I'd offer to share my torque wrench this weekend but it broke last week. I do have a pressure bleeder if anyone boils their brakes.

######################################################################## #
Also, check your oil, and bring a pint (of the right kind) to spare.

BThayer23

March 31st, 2010, 02:49 PM

I'll bring torque wrench, 17mm deep socket, tire pressure gauge, all brake tools, socket set, impact gun, torx sockets, allen sockets, jack, stands, etc. And if we need more tools we can borrow 'em.

minimark

March 31st, 2010, 06:05 PM

Dang really starting to wish I'd signed up for this one... The weather looks fantastic, have fun and keep the shiny side up everyone!!!

blitzcat

March 31st, 2010, 07:40 PM

All run groups sill looked open, so you still can sign up. And you'd get to see the Chumpcar race too (http://www.chumpcar.com/events.php). It is Easter weekend though.

minimark

March 31st, 2010, 09:12 PM

There in lies the rub... got a free day Saturday (think i'm going to "The Snake") but need to spend some QT with the wife and Family for Easter the rest of the weekend....:meeting:

jbalfour

April 1st, 2010, 02:00 PM

Has anyone received a schedule for this weekend? I haven't received anything but the two messages from Brad Mackey. I wanted to get an idea of what Sunday was going to look like. I have plans afterward.

BThayer23

April 1st, 2010, 02:23 PM

I'm sure you could get an advance copy by emailing Stacy King, but I'm guessing they'll include the schedule in your registration packet. If you need to leave early, it's a fairly common practice to skip the last session on Sunday. Anybody who's gotta drive several hours will leave early. On the other hand, that's usually the least crowded session of the weekend, so you can turn in some fast laps.

BThayer23

April 2nd, 2010, 11:30 PM

All packed up, new brake pads bedded in, I'm ready to roll! Actually, I'm ready to get some sleep. I'll be there at 6:30 when the gate opens to take care of the garage. Drivers' meeting at 7:30am, see you there!

Also, I was recently informed that the food service has changed management, so I'm going to sample the biscuits and see if they're still as good as promised.

blitzcat

April 4th, 2010, 12:01 AM

Whew there are a lot of us! Video from my last session Saturday:

http://vimeo.com/10663807

jbalfour

April 4th, 2010, 05:10 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feHsNO-4J-A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5egeAnl-3cI

yaemsiri

April 4th, 2010, 08:01 PM

We got home around 6:30. We had a great times. Dusdee did every well on her last run, no more dizziness today. I also had a blast with my first solo. Hope to see you guys again soon.

yaemsiri

April 4th, 2010, 08:07 PM

Hi James,

Great videos for the GREEN group......

robertshill

April 4th, 2010, 08:17 PM

Everyone did a fabulous job on the course. I'm especially proud of Dusdee. She can go! I even got to ride with an instructor, thanks to Troy's encouragement. 125 mph! Right afterwards I drove Pepper Jack with Bill as instructor on cherry laps. Cool!

blitzcat

April 4th, 2010, 10:32 PM

My GPS says I hit 115 sometime during the last session. The in-car camera batteries didn't quite last all three sessions, but I have something I can review before I go back to VIR.

http://vimeo.com/10679296

leicaguy

April 5th, 2010, 08:31 AM

What a great weekend. It was fun to have so many MINIs there. I heard someone refer to our area in the paddock as "MINI World". A special thanks to Ben and Troy for being such a generous track day mentors for us first timers. For those of you who have never done a track day and even think you may want to.....do it! Even if you only have a JustaCooper. Witness James (jbalfour); he rides that Cooper around the track at an amazing pace, passing many cars that shouldn't be passed by such a "cute" car. I'm watching James' video to pick up line hints to try next time. ;-) Then there's Ben. My instructor was and I were discussing MINIs while waiting in the pit. He said he had seen one MINI our there taking the corners on "two wheels" all day. Hmmm..I wonder who that could be? Matt and Troy both scream around the track showing the experience they have. Jak pushes his Clubman hard for some impressive laps. As mentioned, Dusdee wins "Most Improved" award. She went from holding up traffic Saturday morning to being right in the mix Sunday. Susan complains that she "just isn't getting it" but I think she is doing much better than she realizes. Beth drove my car during lunch time parade laps and showed a good instinct for the line with only minimal guidance. As for myself? I learned a lot this weekend. By the end I was making a lot fewer mistakes and the ones I did make I realized them straight away. I was tracking much faster late Sunday than I was early Saturday.

Thanks to everyone for such a pleasant experience.

jbalfour

April 5th, 2010, 01:33 PM

I enjoyed meeting everyone. Had a great time.

Here are some videos from Sunday. Some are a little long. Bill, you can just make out the tach in the day two videos.

Day 2 - Session 2 - Early in the session

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_EZ70iQn84

Day 2 - Session 2 - Jak and I in traffic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKhgRZM5814

Day 2 - Session 3 - Chasing down a Corvette

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxP5Or5anTc

Day 2 - Session 3 - Open track

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK3xdkIXNCo

P.S. At the time I am posting this, the videos haven't completely finished processing. They should look better later.

BlimeyCabrio

April 5th, 2010, 02:35 PM

Sounds like you folks had a GREAT weekend! Glad more clubmates are making it onto the track!

And WAY TO GO DUSDEE!!!!!

blitzcat

April 5th, 2010, 03:04 PM

My mini has a hang-over. Service icon came on today, and it making some new (bad) noises. I was 6000 miles to go on the Service icon before Sunday. I'm hoping its brakes, but the display is kind of vague.

BlimeyCabrio

April 5th, 2010, 03:15 PM

If you don't have a code reader, swing by AutoZone or Advance Auto and have them read the code. Then we can help diagnose.

minimark

April 5th, 2010, 04:51 PM

Sounds like you folks had a GREAT weekend! Glad more clubmates are making it onto the track!

And WAY TO GO DUSDEE!!!!!

DITTO!

Looks like we'll need to pick the pace up a bit on the next runs.....;)

BThayer23

April 5th, 2010, 04:56 PM

Last weekend was a good time. That was my first time running North Course - very technical, small passing zones, and great for low horsepower cars. We had a 25-min morning session and two 30-min afternoon sessions, with three classrooms sessions each day. Lots of classroom time, and not quite as much track time as other clubs, but the long sessions made up for that. (comparison: THSCC = 3 sessions @ 85 min/day, BMWCCA = 4 sessions @ 100 min/day, MVP Tracktime = 5 sessions @ 115 min/day)

The quality of instruction was fantastic. The corps of instructors that inhabits VIR is top notch. My instructor also happened to be the chief instructor for the BMWCCA's events, and I definitely took a huge leap forward with my approach to the track. He was very demanding, but he was clear about his high expectations. He knew what I was doing wrong, but I made an effort to understand his criticism and correct my mistakes and he recognized that, too. By the end of the day Sunday we were absolutely flying around the course in the MINI.

The car was good and bad. On the upside, my new TSW motor mount got rid of tendency to nosedive hard when I lifted ever so slightly. Shifting was much smoother and heel/toe was more consistent. On the downside, I noticed my brake master cylinder started leaking, which caused my pedal to go soft all weekend (go ahead, make a joke). It's an easy part to replace, but not that cheap. Dan helped me diagnose the problem and reassured me that the car would still stop, just not as quickly. I'll fix that this weekend, change the oil, clean the air filter, flush the brakes, rotate the tires, and get the car ready for its next track weekend in May.

It was good to finally meet some THSCC members and hang out in the pits. Matt (blitzcat) is for real and not just a figment of the forums. Can't wait to see him out on the track again - he's gonna be good. Susan, as always, is faster than she thinks she is. Jak can be quiet, but he's not afraid to throw that clubbie around. Dusdee made some huge strides over the course of the weekend and will probably give her instructor tennis elbow. Troy's got the mileage record with 90k+ in two years, but he's gonna be driving a little faster around the curves. Bill's definitely hooked on this track stuff, and has been for a while according to Beth. And James definitely surprised people with all of 115 ponies running rampant in green group. Can't wait to see everybody in the paddock again sometime.

minimark

April 5th, 2010, 05:06 PM

Let's not leave out the Phil Wicks driving academy with some good instruction available and 5 to 6 sessions (tons of track time) and a fair amount of classroom too. I've done three of them and always left happy, tired and a better driver than when I got there!!

leicaguy

April 5th, 2010, 05:39 PM

blitzcat

April 5th, 2010, 08:44 PM

Until the track tires are off and I bleed it I can't tell exactly what is tire noise and master cylinder squeak. I'm going to try and get the code read tomorrow.

yaemsiri

April 6th, 2010, 10:26 PM

Hi Gang, We keep watching both James and Matt videos for the past 2 days. Still thinking about the track, It was so much fun last weekend. What is our next event? Let's do the planning......

Jak

blitzcat

April 6th, 2010, 11:01 PM

Dusdee might want to try the autocross Chick School (http://www.thscc.com/autocross/events/event_info.php?id=44) this weekend in Danville. I went to the school two weeks ago and had a good time (http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?23-THSCC-Autocross-School). It seems like there are a ton of track events, but this is the only women specific event I've seen.

I was encouraged to drive go karts by my first instructor, and it really did make me faster back on the track. So we could do a go-kart day in Garner or Greensboro as a 'next event'.

THSCC has another event in October that I was thinking of doing at CMP. Its farther away, but the lodging and gas are much cheaper ($45 for a double room, lower state fuel tax). The track is challenging and a bit harder on brakes than VIR.

yaemsiri

April 7th, 2010, 07:36 AM

Hi Matt,

No, we cannot do this weekend. We will be doing the Covered Bridge run this weekend instead. I hope you can join us. Please check the forum.

Go karts sound interesting! I will talk with Ben at Triangle meet/greet this coming Thursday. Please keep us posted.

Thanks,

Jak

blitzcat

April 7th, 2010, 12:33 PM

I figured out how to navigate my service menu- and the front brake senor is tripped. Huzzah! Nothing serious.

BThayer23

April 7th, 2010, 02:14 PM

Looks like you got yourself some new brake pads.

jbalfour

April 7th, 2010, 03:27 PM

Bill,

Do you know the name of the company that was taking pictures at the track? I forgot what they were called.

yaemsiri

April 7th, 2010, 03:48 PM

It called F & S Enterprises 2122 Stockdale Rd., Phenix, VA 23959 Tel 434-542-5331

BThayer23

April 7th, 2010, 04:28 PM

http://www.fandsenterprises.com/vircar.htm

Looks like they aren't up yet.

jbalfour

April 7th, 2010, 04:30 PM

Looks like maybe check back in a week.

yaemsiri

April 7th, 2010, 04:39 PM

jbalfour

April 7th, 2010, 04:45 PM

Looks like maybe check back in a week.

Hey. I never checked for my Fall photos, and there I am.

4218

BThayer23

April 8th, 2010, 12:10 AM

My tries have been making noise since Sunday. Just checked. Looks like my left front tire (on outside edge) got eat up pretty bad. Since they are directional tires, I can only rotate from front to back. Hope the noise will go away after balance and rotate.....

Yeah, your tires will typically be loud for about a week, till you wear off all the junk rubber that stuck to your tires on the track. You'll notice that the top surface of the tire looks gooey, too. That's where they got hot, and it cools kinda rough, so that has to smooth out, too, before they feel back to normal. Also check your tire pressures - they're probably low after you let air out at the track.

Michael Czeiszperger

April 8th, 2010, 02:13 PM

Nice meeting everyone! I was driving the dark silver MINI in green group, and had a great time going faster and faster with the instruction and practice; the next event can't come fast enough!

blitzcat

April 9th, 2010, 03:26 PM

Michael it was nice meeting you, glad you found the club. I'll look for you at other THSCC events- I thinking of going to the Oct date at CMP.

I'm getting my MINI back tonight all fixed. I was literally making the left turn into FLOW when the dash lit up red with the 'car on a lift' icon yesterday- needed brakes. The cold snap this morning was enough to make my cold start chatter reveal itself to the dealer too- that was pure luck. I had visited to get that fixed during the winter, but the car was shy about making the noise every day for a week. So better than new.

MINIFIED

April 9th, 2010, 09:42 PM

... Also check your tire pressures - they're probably low after you let air out at the track.

ohdear. let me just leave that one completely alone. hint: got somethin' to do with sharin' a villa ... :girl_wacko:

what a great great weekend this was .. truly one of the highlights was the blasted chumpcar races going on right outside our window all night long .. GO USS ENTERPRISE!

but next time i'm pullin' a Beth .. just going for the fun of it and hangin' out .. or at least that's what I say now ...

(and eternally grateful that the predicted "upper 80's" didn't happen .. otherwise it would have brought back memories of Phil Wicks in August a couple of years ago!)

leicaguy

April 11th, 2010, 08:05 AM

I just read my instructor's report on Motorsportreg.com. Pretty good overall. He said I had a lot of natural talent and potential. My scorecard had a lot of 3 ratings as well as some 4s and 5s and some 1s and 2s :sigh1:. His overall comment "QUICK LEARNER,NATURALLY GIFTED,TAKES INSTRUCTION WELL. EXACTLY THE KIND OF STUDENT A NOVICE SHOULD BE". Using my best Austrian accent....."I'll be back".

Michael Czeiszperger

April 11th, 2010, 10:40 AM

I had no idea we could read the instructor's eval online, thanks! It's really helpful to see where I need to improve.

blitzcat

April 11th, 2010, 10:54 AM

I looked for mine, didn't see it. The only thing in my log book is getting teched.

BThayer23

April 11th, 2010, 12:09 PM

I'm signing up for two more HPDEs this spring: the Alfa Club May 15-16 at VIR North Course and the Mustang Club June 5-6 at CMP.

Also, Susan, don't be discouraged by scoring 1's and 2's. There's no grade inflation here, and the numbers are commiserate with your run group. You probably won't score more than a 5 till you move out of novice.

http://www.fandsenterprises.com/galleries2010/thscc44inter/images/thsccapr-04950.jpg

"I'm coming to get you!"

There's 5 or 6 pictures of me chasing that GT-R, but I don't really remember that sequence on the track. I probably pointed him by on the back straight and kept up with him for a few laps.