Hi! I've never run on a track, and I'm thinking about going to VIR for the SpeedTrial event. I've got several questions:

- Car numbers: Are they required for this event? If so, do you have to provide your own, or do they have some at the track? If your own, what do you use/where do you get them?

- The NASA Tech form mentions taping all exposed lights. SpeedTech's does not. Is that required/recommended for this event? If so, do they do that at the track?

- On the Tech form, what do they mean by "No coolant present?"

- I'm taking the car in tomorrow for 15K service. Should I get my mechanic to fill out the form? Or can I wait and do it at the track? (I'm way more than 20 miles from their recommended inspection shops)

- By measurement, I probably should have a 7 3/8 helmet. A buddy has a 7 1/4 (SA 95) I can borrow. Is the fit likely to be a problem? (I'm not real keen on shelling out the bucks. My wife is already way not happy that I want to use my car as "a toy")

Thanks for tolerating my ignorance. Any other helpful first-time advice appreciated!

 

taping is recommended but not required

have your mechanic look those things over before you come to the track so if there is something wrong you won't have to fix it at the track, but we will inspect your car again during tech

your helmet fit is a choice you are going to have to make, you will be wearing it for 30 minutes at a time most likely so put it on before hand and try it out to see if it really is that uncomfortable

i imagine what the coolant comment is about is no leaking, or overflowing coolant

 

Yes, they're required. You can either have some made at a local graphics shop, or you can use shoe polish at the track. Speedtrial has a specific numbering system which they use to differentiate between run groups. I believe it is as follows...

Beginners 100-199
Intermediate 200-299
Advanced 300-399
Instructor 400-499

However, contact Jon Felton to be sure. (His e-mail is listed on the Speedtrial site which is http://www.speedtrialusa.com

Taping is not required, but is recommended. You are responsible for providing tape should you desire.

Speedtrial workers/representatives will tech your car at the track...

Try it on first to be sure...

Jason- who hopes this helps


[Modified by Darth VadeR, 9:28 AM 1/10/2002]

 

-shoe polish on the rear windows (available at the track) will suffice.

-for a HPDS, taping of the lights prevents chips/scratches... at a race event, the tape prevents the pieces from scattering all over the track in the event of an impact.

-no coolant leaks

-let the mechanic look the car over (brake system!) and check off the form (if he will do it)

-put your buddies helmet on and walk around the house for ~one hour.... if your head does not hurt... your should be fine.

Fyi... Look into purchasing better (than stock) front brake pads better brake fluid... you will enjoy the event MUCH better if you can stop without worry.

Will
-Harrisburg

 

Helmets are supposed to fit quite tightly. If you wiggle a helmet fore-and-aft when it's on your head, your scalp should actually move with it.

 

Hawk HP+ pads are available from tirerack

Carbotech Panther Plus pads are available direct from carbotech - http://www.carbotecheng.com - i'm partial to the carbotech's, you can drive to the track with them on and they work *awesome* and will be fade free all day.

-Ryan