I realize this might be boring to some and passe to others, yet I thought I would share some thoughts and observations about this past weekend, for what they're worth...

First, I'm very glad I waited nearly two years since re-joining the motorsports scene before I attempted to do this. The time spent at many autocrosses, a Phase I Evolution drivers school, reading the info posted on this board and other web places, and talking to track-experienced and racing friends, was enourmously helpful. The collective contribution of all these elements greatly aided in my mental and equipment preparation.

Second, track friends (i.e., those folks you know well, hang out with, chew the fat, bench race, and who are happy to help turn a wrench on your car when needed) are simply the best. To name a few, Asahi (Trey C.), the event organizer, did a fantastic job as usual. He pulled everything off without a hitch. For those going to the "Expo" in April, you are in very good hands. SPiFF (Zsolt), my instructor, was superb. He provided in-car footage of the track for me to view prior to the event, took me as a passenger in his car before my first session, and while riding in my car's right seat was able to help me execute the basics with clear, concise instructions. Madhatter (Chris), one of my very first Atlanta-area Gurus in all this motorsports madness, was fantastic as well. From off-track advice and instruction, to tons of pit crew assistance, I'd be lost without his friendship. Finally, Catch 22 (he needs no introduction around here) sold me a crap load (and I mean a CRAP LOAD) of spare GSR brake parts for a song, which he delivered to me at the event. Turned out to be more than a great deal because at the end of day 1, I had worn down my POS AEM rear brake pads to the backing plates (no ****, the pad material was completely gone on both sides), as well as demolishing a previously used (tho in good shape) brake rotor and Hawk Blue pads on the front driver's side. My weekend would have been over without these spare parts.

Lastly, as you would imagine, my first track event was a total "wow" experience. Not sure it was such a good idea to do this, as I sense a very slippery slope quickly approaching. While the mental and physical demands of this type of driving have left me so forkin' tired I can hardly see straight this morning, I can't help think about my next fix. The "go-phast" crack pipe claims another poor fool. I am happy to report that I had no "offs" or spins during my first event, so I believe I succeeded in achieving my two goals for the weekend, which were to learn how to drive at track speeds in a safe and controlled manner (as to not be a danger to myself and others), and to suck less by the end of the weekend.

 

Glad you had a good time. Let us know when the buzz wears off! You chewed up every group you ran in .. very nice driving!

Thanks again to Trey for another great weekend!

 

I was working turn 3 when the workers were driving and you were awesome on the track. Great lines and good speed. You looked like a pro.

The dub was fun for me and a whole new experiece compared to my Civic.

Trey C did a great job and I look forward to the next event.

 

What a quality run event (Thanks Trey C./Renee H.) and a great bunch of guys. My instructor (Blake Meredith) was awesome and taught me the right lines and techniques on a race track compared to the AutoX way. Also it was great meeting Neo (Casey), SPiFF (ZSolt), Matt (Carolina Hondas) and all the others. I hope to see all of you again at an AutoX or track day.

Ivan

 

This was a fun weekend. I am having a hard time moving my head to the left from bracing for all the right hand turns in some very fast student's cars, but otherwise, am none the worse for wear. Shook down the car, determined that I will be wanting for a diff for a while, but am very pleased with how well the little mule is easy on tires, brakes, and engine oil. Had a lot of fun. Thanks everyone.

 

Glad you had fun, Casey. You let me take 3rd place STS instead of 4th on Sunday.

 

Happy for you.

Scott, who suspects that you can master the GFCP, and not the other way around...

 

Uhm...... is this even possible? I'd say that the GFCP ownz0rz all of us....

 

Uhm, no, I'm sure it's possible. Why I'm proof. I could stop anytime. I choose not to.....for long.

Scott, who can't afford to race till mid summer...but just spent enough money to buy a set of tires on a CD, 2 Books, and and thick stack of SAE papers...technically speaking I'm not ownz'd by the GFCP, I'm just not very bright...

 

Hmmmm, musta been absent the day we covered that in class. Would someone say what those letters stand for? I would guess, but I tend not to try embarrass myself in public....

 

I guess i have much to learn...... i spent a ton of money in the past week with my new project.

 

GFCP = Go Fast Crack Pipe

 

Scott, who's lauging at Casey - (he pauses, sets down the GFCP, and asks "Just what is a GFCP")....I remember when I didn't know either....I KNOW NOW!


[Modified by RR98ITR, 9:48 AM 2/24/2003]

 

LOL! I hear ya bother!

Casey ... Read this.

 

Ok, now you've got me laughing, too, cause I'm a numskull.... I had one other embarrassing moment this weekend where I showed my complete ***-itude at the end of my final track session on day 1. But you'll have to ask the others what it is 'cause I'm not telling...

Casey, who drove his car hard enough this weekend such that my clutch is ill, very ill, and needs surgery ASAP.

 

Glad you could make it this year, Casey. Hopefully you'll come back next year. It was great to meet some of the HT guys and put a face with a name ( or screen-name ).

Tony - the slow black Si in the Intermediate group.

 

Glad everyone enjoyed the event. I broke my clucth in the first session and proceeded to bum rides.

I drove a total of 3 Type-R's, 1 Civic Hybrid (GSR motor), a 350Z and a GSR. What a fun weekend. Would have preferred to spend more time in my car but hey seat time is seat time right?

We did have one accident but all passengers of the car were fine although the cra will be a total loss. It was a 318ti California edition (SC'd and Rag top Sunroof).

I got an invite to the Ferrari day at the track March 8 for some ride arounds and get to drive my car (Working properly) during lunch). Also got an invite by Jim Osborn (THe World challenge driver) to be their teams guest at a WC race.

Very fun stuff.


Casey, this wouldn't be when John (The Grid/Starter) was waving the checkered (Cool Down) flag at you for 3 laps with NO other cars on course would it?

Good job everyone and Casey for a track virgin you sure tore it up this weekend.

 

He eventually made it in ... besides, John and I were enjoying watching his rotors turn bright red as he braked as late as possible into turn 1.

 

Hi Casey, glad to hear that you had fun at your cherry popping experience...!

 

Neo, your thoughts are not passe at all, in fact I think they show the type of attitude that will take you far in road racing. It's the guys who come back saying "It was my first time and I kicked everyone's ***!!" that usually find the wall at thier 2nd event and are then too ashamed to ever show thier faces again (which is really better for everyone). Keep it up, I've been driving for years now and everytime I race or even do lapping days, I learn a little something new, it never ends! I love seeing new guys get into it and it sounds to me like your hooked, hold on, enjoy the ride and don't loose that attitude, it's the key to opening a thousand doors in racing!

 

I crewed for an enduro team this weekend and learned a massive amount without even being in a car

 

Thanks for all the comments, gentlemen. Glad to have first-hand experience now about all this track/HPDE madness, and to know what the GFCP is all about.... Now I can stand up and say, "Hi, I'm Casey, and I'm a GFCP addict." Admitting that you have a problem is the first step toward recovery -- or is it?

Yes, I'd like to deny it, but it's true. And while I've taken my fair share of good-natured ribbing about doing this, I'm not at all proud of the fact that I missed a course workers flag, especially one that was right in front of me at the end of the front straight. What if it was a course worker waiving a yellow, black, or, worse yet, a red flag? I hope to never make that mistake again. Interestingly, on one of my cool down laps, SPiFF has asked if I'd been noticing the corners workers and if I could describe what they were wearing. I was only able to describe one of four, only because I'd noticed he was sitting down during the session. Next time out, I'll work on being more "course aware."

 

i'd probably be just as bad off as you. In auto-x I don't think i've ever payed attention to the people with flags, but i guess its not as important as out on a real track.

I'll be looking forward to the normal competition against the family sedan back at auto-x in a couple weeks.

 

I was at the event too, and it was my first cherry-popping road track event too. I loved every minute of it! The event went very well according to schedule, everything got plenty of seat time for very cheap!! It was worth every second and every penny!

I too learned a lot, especially about being smooth. I'm more used to autocross racing and there isn't much time to be smooth... you can only be so easy on throttle and brake. On the track, the car felt really good and stuck to the track like glue.

I wasn't the fastest of the intermediate group by any means, Matt usually outran me in his little CRX every time. Not to mention most of the rest of the group. I think what's important is I learned a lot!

I feel very lucky that I stayed on the track... there were quite a few of us who experienced some "agricultural excursions." It was a challenging track.

Props to everyone who made it an awesome weekend!!

I took over a hundred photos at the event (high-res) which I've talked to JeffS about posting on carolinahondas.com. I'll let you all know when they are up.

Luke - Red Si


[Modified by PupaScoopa, 7:10 PM 2/24/2003]

 

A few thoughts. First, had it been a yellow or Red and the situation more dire, you would have notice by the increased movement and enthusiasm the flag had to it. They WOULD have gotten your attention.

Secondly, ironically enough there were 5 workers