Track forum general chit chat

[jfritz27]

Originally Posted by CYANiDE

Any Northeast guys on here? I just bought a pack of 4 events with Motorsports Enthusiasts that runs at NJMP. Probably looking to do another 4 events or so next year. Any recommendations on groups for a newbie?

Cool! Last season was my first with MoE. It's a great group. 6 sessions/day, and everyone generally really knows what they're doing and is respectful. Moe is a good dude, quite the character you'll find. I can't speak to the instruction, as I signed on with them only after I transitioned into solo intermediate via other clubs. Not sure where you're at in terms of skill level, but I would think it is POSSIBLE that the quality of instruction MAY be consistently better with something like BMWCCA, which is where I started. But this past season I think was the first that MoE was allowing novices in, and from what I remember the novice groups were always super small, so that certainly could be an advantage over other larger clubs.

But no doubt for intermediate/advanced-level drivers, MoE is incredible value. Track density for sure lower, in part because they often get weekday-only slots at NJMP which tends to not be as packed. Feel free to PM me when you know when you're gonna be there. I too bought another 4-pack for this year.

If anyone else wants to sign up, friendly request to PM me and I can refer you (it gets me credit)!

Side note: anyone else planning to go to the Glen on 5/10-11 with Chin? Have an unused credit from last year, and this will be my first time there, super excited.

[drroc]

Originally Posted by dvq

Finally a clear lap and I go and do this.

Note to self: keep the right side berm on the right side of the car

The car is probably okay, but you went for a bumpy ride for sure. I always use the middle tree as my reference point as to when I should turn right

[fanatic1]

NOW it's time to go racing!

Last weekend was interesting, got the MCS 1w suspension installed just in time to hit the track, WITHOUT corner balance and alignment. Of course, the car tried to kill me.

Looking forward to auto club Sunday now that it's set up.

[drroc]

Originally Posted by fanatic1

NOW it's time to go racing!

Last weekend was interesting, got the MCS 1w suspension installed just in time to hit the track, WITHOUT corner balance and alignment. Of course, the car tried to kill me.

Looking forward to auto club Sunday now that it's set up.

So CS was not good enough?

[fanatic1]

Originally Posted by drroc

So CS was not good enough?

If you can’t match Randy Pobst Laguna time w cheater tires, get cheater suspension

[dvq]

Originally Posted by fanatic1

If you can’t match Randy Pobst Laguna time w cheater tires, get cheater suspension

I feel personally attacked LOL.

[vrptstyly]

Originally Posted by CYANiDE

Any Northeast guys on here? I just bought a pack of 4 events with Motorsports Enthusiasts that runs at NJMP. Probably looking to do another 4 events or so next year. Any recommendations on groups for a newbie?

I like running with MOE as well. I think his events are a sweet spot between price and cars on track/run group size. I've never dealt with an instructor with them either. I did a lot of my instructed trackdays with NASA NE and Trackdaze before being solo'd.

I'll see you guys at a few events next year! I'm going to give up a few days at NJMP for Watkins, Lime Rock and to give Club Motorsports a try.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by fanatic1

If you can’t match Randy Pobst Laguna time w cheater tires, get cheater suspension

I would focus on the component that matters most: the one between the seat and the steering wheel

[fanatic1]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I would focus on the component that matters most: the one between the seat and the steering wheel

When you get within 1.5 seconds of a pro driver, it’s time to work on something in addition IMO

[adc]

Originally Posted by fanatic1

When you get within 1.5 seconds of a pro driver, it’s time to work on something in addition IMO

I got a 3:02 at VIR Grand, which is 2 sec off the Car and Driver lap for the M3. Theirs was DCT, carbon brakes but regular PSS tires and I was on Yoko A052 with Ohlins, so I still got some things to work on, driver side of things.

With more clear laps and perhaps warmer track I feel I could dip under 3 min though. But it’s still all driver development as far as I can tell, in my case...

[adc]

Originally Posted by jfritz27

Cool! Last season was my first with MoE. It's a great group. 6 sessions/day, and everyone generally really knows what they're doing and is respectful. Moe is a good dude, quite the character you'll find. I can't speak to the instruction, as I signed on with them only after I transitioned into solo intermediate via other clubs. Not sure where you're at in terms of skill level, but I would think it is POSSIBLE that the quality of instruction MAY be consistently better with something like BMWCCA, which is where I started. But this past season I think was the first that MoE was allowing novices in, and from what I remember the novice groups were always super small, so that certainly could be an advantage over other larger clubs.

But no doubt for intermediate/advanced-level drivers, MoE is incredible value. Track density for sure lower, in part because they often get weekday-only slots at NJMP which tends to not be as packed. Feel free to PM me when you know when you're gonna be there. I too bought another 4-pack for this year.

If anyone else wants to sign up, friendly request to PM me and I can refer you (it gets me credit)!

Side note: anyone else planning to go to the Glen on 5/10-11 with Chin? Have an unused credit from last year, and this will be my first time there, super excited.

A group of us want to do the WGI events next year, but it hinges on whether NY will allow out of state drivers there next year (we’re from MD).

[jfritz27]

Originally Posted by adc

A group of us want to do the WGI events next year, but it hinges on whether NY will allow out of state drivers there next year (we’re from MD).

Oh crap, that's a good point, forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me.

[vrptstyly]

Originally Posted by adc

A group of us want to do the WGI events next year, but it hinges on whether NY will allow out of state drivers there next year (we’re from MD).

I thought they lifted that over the summer. I remember some talk on these forums about this very subject.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by fanatic1

When you get within 1.5 seconds of a pro driver, it’s time to work on something in addition IMO

Well it tells me there’s more than 1.5 seconds to be had from driver skill alone

Depends what you’re after in the end. I no longer strive for just chasing a time and why I’ve given up driving competitively. I now only mod for safety and/or to reduce consumable costs. I run NT01 because they are the best budget tire, not because they are the fastest. I do look at my times, but it is more about improving my driving than improving the car.

That being said, I do understand the appeal of optimizing a chassis, having done so myself for quite a few years. It is a very costly endeavour in both time and money though. I’ve become too lazy for that (and also having other life obligations) .

[Suds]

I agree these cars are well balanced, the only chassis flaw is Macpherson strut front suspension vs double A-arm, but we knew that buying the car. So the camber plates are a must to save front tires.

[adc]

Originally Posted by vrptstyly

I thought they lifted that over the summer. I remember some talk on these forums about this very subject.

Very true, but depending how NY a is doing vs neighboring states, they may reinstate restrictions anytime. Maybe check a month before, but I tried that and then they brought the restrictions back days before my event. Personally I might wait until the situation clarifies a little (vaccine etc), there are plenty of tracks I can go to in the meantime.

[drroc]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Well it tells me there’s more than 1.5 seconds to be had from driver skill alone

Depends what you’re after in the end. I no longer strive for just chasing a time and why I’ve given up driving competitively. I now only mod for safety and/or to reduce consumable costs. I run NT01 because they are the best budget tire, not because they are the fastest. I do look at my times, but it is more about improving my driving than improving the car.

That being said, I do understand the appeal of optimizing a chassis, having done so myself for quite a few years. It is a very costly endeavour in both time and money though. I’ve become too lazy for that (and also having other life obligations) .

For most of us on this forum, it boils down to a hobby. 1.5 sec from a pro driver (on a faster car compared to the pro time ) might not be achievable for most of us. I have done a number of competitive sports in the past, and came to realization that genetics outweigh the classic "do your best."

I believe for most of us, buying the go fast bits either reduces the overall consumption cost or just continues to renew the interest in the hobby. It's like guys dumping thousands into their mountain bikes to have only so so times on Strava. It is about the fun in the end

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by drroc

For most of us on this forum, it boils down to a hobby. 1.5 sec from a pro driver (on a faster car compared to the pro time ) might not be achievable for most of us. I have done a number of competitive sports in the past, and came to realization that genetics outweigh the classic "do your best."

I believe for most of us, buying the go fast bits either reduces the overall consumption cost or just continues to renew the interest in the hobby. It's like guys dumping thousands into their mountain bikes to have only so so times on Strava. It is about the fun in the end

Absolutely, it is indeed all about having fun. That is the whole point since we're not doing this for a living. There's an inherent pleasure in driving a finely tuned machine even if our own personal limitations prevent us from exploiting its full potential. Adding a mod here and there can definitely renew the interest in a car and further the learning curve.

My point was more than it can become a costly spiral in both time and money to try to chase lap times. Don't ask me how I know .

[fanatic1]

Been a little quiet here lately guys.

Cheers!

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by CYANiDE

Any Northeast guys on here? I just bought a pack of 4 events with Motorsports Enthusiasts that runs at NJMP. Probably looking to do another 4 events or so next year. Any recommendations on groups for a newbie?

Yup, plenty of us, although we're busy shoveling snow at the moment!

I suggest you join an organization with a very established instructor core group, like BMACCA or PCA, and track with them. Going to the track without instruction is practically worthless when you're starting out.

[FormulaMMM]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Yup, plenty of us, although we're busy shoveling snow at the moment!

I suggest you join an organization with a very established instructor core group, like BMACCA or PCA, and track with them. Going to the track without instruction is practically worthless when you're starting out.

Throw some winters on the stroker, slicks in the back, and head south for some dates! I'd love to hear that thing screaming down Sebring's front straight.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

Throw some winters on the stroker, slicks in the back, and head south for some dates! I'd love to hear that thing screaming down Sebring's front straight.

Actually, it has winter tires on it right now although it's not used in winter.

Sebring is a nice track, I have to visit sometime. 1200 miles is a 1 day trip... but it is pretty far is something bad happens.