Yes sir, the weather is suppose to be really nice. Im excited!

:iagree:

Have fun tomorrow, guys. Wish I could join but I need to take care of a bunch of maintenance items and tomorrow is my only free Saturday!

Guys ... Guys?

This episode of RoadKill has a Dodge Viper, a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, and a Dodge Charger Hellcat.

This is an epic RoadKill ... episode 38. More fun could not be had! :rofl2:

I have a huge man crush on Carlos Lago. <3 him.

It was good seeing you fellas out there at AAM today, we had a good time..

Is the 240Z done?!!!

May 9th, is an SCCA level 1 school. Has anybody ever done one of these? I'm thinking about signing up to go.

WDCR will be hosting a Level 1 novice school on Saturday, May 9. Register here:
Log In
All of our schools are located at FedExField in Landover, MD (Redskins Stadium). They are all day schools, and Brian Garfield, who runs our schools, sends out an email a couple days before to let people know what the schedule really looks like. But typically, the Level 1 school is from 7:30am - 3pm. A description of the school is as follows:
LEVEL 1
This school is designed to "get your feet wet" with information and time behind the wheel. As a new autocrosser, you'll learn how to prepare for the event including doing a tech inspection on your car, work the different positions of the event, walk the course and drive the course. One of our seasoned National level instructors will ride with you and help you navigate the course with great precision and get you started on your car control needs. With some of the largest events in the country, we have great courses and lots of friendly competition, this is your opportunity to see what it's like to be part of the SCCA Solo community. $200

At $200, I'd MUCH rather do an HPDE for a little bit more.

Jim, I've never done the autocross thing, but I'd think it would be a fun time regardless. Don't forget that you can also do a "intro" type event to HPDE up at Summit Point. Its called a "Hyper Drive" and last time I checked it was $50.00 for half an hour, with an instructor and half an hour of class room right before.

This is correct, but I have only seen NASA offer the $50 hyperdrives. For around $250-350 (depending on the organization) you can get a full weekend HPDE at a road course like Summit Point in WV. It includes 4-6 25 min sessions on the track, with an instructor riding along, as well as classroom sessions.

I did my first and only HPDE 2 years ago and it was one of the most fun times I've had driving. Improved my driving skill as well and it was cool seeing my lap times get better over time in my recorded runs. I would highly recommend it.

I'm personally not a huge fan of autocross because it's usually like 30-40 seconds of driving and then a lot of waiting. Takes like all day and you get like 3 mins total driving time, at least that was my experience. It does cost significantly less per event (around $30-40) and doesn't require as much car prep. I prefer being on a big open road course where you can legally hit 130 mph instead of just a parking lot.

Fixed

Yea I have thought about HPDE. My car isn't ready for fast laps on a track. Nor am I. The car needs some minor brake mods and maybe an oil cooler first. And I'm interested in getting used to feeling the car slip around at lower speeds first, so I don't kill myself, an instructor, or the car. It has been some time since I have driven a car, any car, at enough speed, with the intention of getting it to the edge.

Starting slow and will work my way up to track days. Besides, it's not really speed that does it for me, more g's.

Well you probably shouldn't be doing an HPDE as a beginner with the intention of getting it to the edge anyways. You are free to go at your own pace, you must need to point by people behind you so they can pass safely. All you really need is a brake fluid upgrade, especially if you are just doing a hyperdrive. Oil cooler is recommended, but if you're going at a calmer pace then not an absolute need. When I did my hyperdrive without an oil cooler, I just upshifted to a higher gear to let the oil temps cool down a bit.

You could always just try both and see which you like better. I would not recommend spending $200 on an autocross experience before trying out a normal autocross day first.

I did autox in my younger days out in Washington State. Had a lot of fun. Probably not as crowded then (78-79) as it will probably be now.

Was at the Nissan Dealer yesterday. Saw a new 2016 GTR, Premium. Only 103K.

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/...psgwzrs07u.jpg
http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/...psbgayd3mw.jpg

Also saw a white drop top 370Z. Only 51K? Mr. K. is probably rolling in his grave.

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3tfxgvfb.jpg
http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/...psrizprhc8.jpg

$51k. :bowrofl:

Some sucker is going to pay it, too. What a waste!

I attended my first HPDE/track day ever.

HPDE 1 was so much fun. I don't think I've ever learned so much in 2 days lol.

Passing and getting back on line is soooo much fun.

My instructor was so confident in both my and the car's ability, he asked to have me placed in group 2 after my 6th (of 8) session, but NASA rules don't allow it. So I got a couple more sessions to eat the field alive lol. Except for a 480hp/500rwtq 5.0 with full aero/suspension/cage/seats/harnesses, and a 911 turbo :/

The trophy is coming home safe and sound with the car in the same working condition as it entered the gates.

I had an instructor try to push me before I was truly ready. Ask me how that went :-|

There's a reason those rules are there...get another weekend in before you even think of moving up...

Good job, got some video?

For real. Anyone who pays $51k for that and doesn't buy a lightly used C7 should be slapped upside the head. :p

Sounds like fun! When I did mine, I nearly ran a miata off the track in the rain on my second day. Was out driving the crap out of him, but he refused to give me a point by the entire session and his dumbazz nearly went off track on a couple of turns. My instructor made me pull up to this guy afterwards so he could talk to him and his instructor. Dude's instructor was a dbag too saying "Nah bro you couldn't keep up with us, no need for a point by". I wish I had gotten that session on video.

good times today at Summit. Next time I'll be on the track for sure

Yup! I'm transferring it now, then upload. With my computer though, this could take days lol.

Congrats! :tup:

$51k is downright reasonable for a car that offers the best bang for buck under $30k

5 years ago...

Constructive criticism is welcome and encouraged!

The Z couldn't keep up with the 600+rwhp E85 mustang in the straights, but I made up some of the distance in turns 4+5. You can see him get nervous around carousel, and his line approaching 9 is sloppy.

The instructor had me calling out each flag station. It was a cool drill that helped me look further and further up the track and not focus on whats in front of me.

When I was off line or turn in/apex/brake point were off, I made mention of it, and thats why when you see me miss the line by 3+ feet, the instructor gives me thumbs up.

First thing first, I strongly recommend a new camera mount. You can barely see the road at all. A good spot that will show both yourself, and the wheel, is actually OUTSIDE of the car on the driver side. The tiny window behind the side window. Throw the camera there, and you'll see most everything...

I'll watch when I get home, though.

I was worried about the suction cup getting loose and flying off lol. It's never been tested above 50 mph, and I wasn't trying to test it on summit's main straight at WOT lol.

Are there any specific mounts you would recommend that'll hold under those conditions?

Is this not a GoPro? The stock GoPro mount will work up to...really high speeds, assuming you mount it properly (not to waxed paint, for instance).

Amazon.com : Fat Gecko Mini Camera and Camcorder Mount : Photo Mounting Supplies : Camera & Photo

I use that mount for my microphone, but it'll work on a "normal" point-and-shoot camera as well. It's suction cup is very similar to the GoPro mount. It's also extremely sturdy.

Also, I apologize - didnt get a chance to watch last night. I'll try to make some time tonight. Thanks for trimming it down lol - I have a bad habit of throwing my whole videos up and not caring about editing.

Just ordered that same mount for the go pro I just ordered. Should have it by Saturday.

I need to check out mounts for zdayz

Planning on doing a local cruise this weekend and maybe next weekend to so I can get the gopro mounting thing figured out and become familiar with how to use it. Will post videos once I do.

No problem!

Yes, it's a go pro hero 2 (I want to get a 4 before zdayz) that I have mounted via gopro suction mount on the inside of the hatch window.

I trimmed it down a lot. After the mustang passes me, it gets a little slow, but you can see the line the instructor had me take. When I catch up to the back of the pack is when it gets better to watch.

After seeing photos that Khoi took, I'm at least 3' off of turn in, so I really need to learn the car's profile. It's just difficult to look up track and keep turn in, brake points, and apex (basically the whole line lol) in your peripheral vision while balancing the car and trying to keep it smooth.

I had the chance to sit down and speak with Grand Am driver Liam Dwyer (awesome - awesome guy, by the way) and I told him its like high speed problem solving. He agreed and added that its high speed problem solving while keeping the car on edge.

Then yes, your GoPro mount is solid as a rock, as long as you dont stick it to something overly waxed. Glass works dandy, it's extremely sturdy.

I PROMISE I'll watch this tonight lol. Last night was busy again.

That being said, it sounds like you're describing typical newbie mistakes: not hitting the right turn-in points, not utilizing the whole width of the track, and managing throttle and all the other goodies simultaneously. This isn't uncommon at all, but you'll quickly get better. This is why I say, you just aren't ready to move up yet...MAYBE to the next level of novice, but otherwise, just stay where you're at and take it in for another weekend or two, at least.

You know you're getting there when you start to feel more "one" with the car, I feel. And, rather than feeling unsure as to what is going to happen at times, you are confident in yourself and your vehicle's capabilities, and are more inclined to experiment.

Actually, the moment I felt I was starting to get it, was when I felt my instructor was giving me an awful line to follow around the track, and that my line was superior. I later found that my line was, indeed, faster.

So I have been reading this recently and have found it entertaining. He talks about all the points you have made, especially the last one, and more. Get's good reviews. This focuses on autocross but the process extends across to driving track as well. There are several in the series. He spends some time on the idea of visualization as well. I thought it was a good read.

Speed Secrets, Winning Autocross Techniques

Anyone have any experience with Pure Automotive Performance in millersville? I know Hills is probably the most popular tuner in the area probably followed by AAM. I have been reading the differences between Ecutek and Uprev and it has me leaning more towards Ecutek. AAM has Ecutek but I think that might just be GT-R but I'll need to call them and confirm that.

Pure Automotive has experience in tuning 370z with Ecutek and I know John Visconti will actually be there this Saturday and they are tuning a twin turbo 370z. I spoke to John via email and he asked if I could make it there this Saturday but I don't think I will be able to as I have an issue with my car currently. Has anyone heard or dealt with Pure automotive performance? Price wise I think a dyno tune at Hills will run about $725. A Ecutek dyno tune will run $650 as I did call them this morning to inquire.

If you're just N/A with bolt ons, I'm sure what UpRev can offer is more than enough to extract what you want/need out of your set up and more!

Well I have done a lot of reading on both tunes and they seem to be about equal but Ecutek has control of the timing and uprev basically gives a suggestion of the timing in regards to the ECU. I know it's still about who it is tuning as well. That's why I asked if anyone here had experience with pure automotive not which tune is better. In my opinion Ecutek is slightly better and the price is about the same. Uprev isn't out of the question but I am strictly asking if anyone has dealt with Pure Automotive performance?

I felt towards the 7th session I was beginning to experiment how deep I could brake, how I could smooth out turn in, messing around with different gear selections, and different lines (like you said).

My instructor specifically told me to stay to the outside on the approach to turn 10 (under the bridge), but I found that if I drove a straight line from 9's exit to 10 turn in, it took me to the inside of the track, and was a bit faster. He showed me his summit main videos in his vette and he took the same approach as I did into 10 lol. He said "do as I say, not as I do" but never elaborated. Maybe staying outside is faster?

If the instructor believes I'm good enough for HPDE2, then I am good enough for HPDE1 again :driving:

Omfg, I just had a huge post typed out, and lost it all thanks to logging out of the forum on accident. Awesome.