Hi all,

I'm too damn exhausted to write anything coherent, so a few rambling thoughts instead. This was my first time racing and first time with Honda Challenge. Cliffs notes - I had an absolute blast, and these are a great group of guys and gals who are willing to bend over backwards to help each other. Those of you out there thinking about getting involved - what are you waiting for?

- The comp school on Friday was great, and definitely worthwhile to get a taste before being thrown to the wolves. A little more personal evaluation and feedback would have been welcome, but would have required a lot more instructors. 8 out of 10 overall.

- Nothing at all ever could have prepared me for the first start in a 60+ car field. Holy ****. I went off in 1 (oops!) after qualifying on the H4 pole. I watched fellow H4 competitiors Gregg (balled S2K) and Michael Stoiber motor by me while I was trying to get back onto the paved stuff. For those keeping notes, this was my first-ever-in-25-events-4 wheel off!

- Thanks to all the ECHC paddock for the words of encouragement and reassurance that I was doing a good job. And please accept my apologies if I made any rookie mistakes while I was around you (Bookler?)

- Karl, dude, when you're mired down in BS running the series, keep in mind that the only reason that I and many others are racing at all is because of YOU. That kicks ***.

- Thanks to the H1 and H2 crew for keeping us entertained with busted stuff. Despite having a Suburban packed with EF spares, I didn't manage to have anything anyone needed. At one point I think I offered my street car to someone for a tranny. It's infectious!

- Did I mention that racing is a blast? I'm not very good at it, but I can see the light. Definitely figured out a lot of things that I don't know during that first race. Got taught a few lessons by a couple of spec miata drivers!

- Lesson #1: Qualifying well don't mean ***** if you can't start well or get through T1 well.

- I learned more about car control in 2 days than I have in the last year. Because I *had* to. "Trial by fire".

- Anyone notice that this was about the best-run NASA event (at least among those I have been to) recently? I think NASA has shaken off their bugs. Since being involved with running our local club (THSCC), I know people are always going to be pissed off about something. But I think this orgranization has got it together, and they have clear intentions which are executed very well. They are here to stay.

- Speaking of THSCC, it was great to see a bunch of friends from the club come up to watch races and visit -- Mark S, Mark V, Kevin and Christine, Steve P, sorry for anyone I missed!

- Finally, for now, big thanks to Gregg for going off while I was chasing you on Sunday, and for going off again while you were trying to catch up, putting me in the lead Like I said, I wanted to give you a hug after the race for that. I owe you a beer.

Time for some needed sleep. I feel like I did after my first HPDE. Remember that feeling? Now I just keep thinking that HPDE/Instructor groups will feel like a big joke.

 

You looked very good out there Mike. And very fast. For your first race that was one hell of a field. I was very intmidated to say the least. Especiually on Sunday when the BMW M6 was starting right behind me on a rolling start. I guess the bug has bit you now as it sucked me dry this weekend.

Morgan - who cannot believe everyone doesn't wanna race cars

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by whitney &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">- Anyone notice that this was about the best-run NASA event (at least among those I have been to) recently? I think NASA has shaken off their bugs. Since being involved with running our local club (THSCC), I know people are always going to be pissed off about something. But I think this orgranization has got it together, and they have clear intentions which are executed very well. They are here to stay.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Speaking as an HPDE instructor, I can say they have gotten much better over the years, and now run one of the best events in town. This weekends HPDE was one of the fastest, cleanest groups ever.

 

Congrats Mike...you bastard.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Anyone notice that this was about the best-run NASA event </TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree. 349 drivers and I *think* we got off perhaps 10 minutes when the guy in the Mercedes drove the wheels off his car. Literally...

Nice job NASA. Keep doing whatever you guys did this past weekend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crack Monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">This weekends HPDE was one of the fastest, cleanest groups ever.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Group 3/4 was madness

 

wooo hooo another rookie hooked!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Nice job NASA. Keep doing whatever you guys did this past weekend.</TD></TR></TABLE>

werd, y0!

Only one gripe: we need to have 3-4 spare instructors on board, because stuff happens. We were short handed, esp. on Sunday.

Joel

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We were short handed, esp. on Sunday.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Really? What group? I went to grid for the 1st HPDE#2 session (I had no #2 student) on Sunday to be a standby and everyone was covered.

RE: group 3/4 driving.

Some of the best driving I've seen. I really don't remember looking at anyone and saying "they couldn't find the line with both hands, a flashlight, and an Indian guide." And north course is NOT easy. Which is completely opposite of Summit Pt. in June. Good God man there were some no-drivin sum bitches in group 3 at that event.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Some of the best driving I've seen. I really don't remember looking at anyone and saying "they couldn't find the line with both hands, a flashlight, and an Indian guide." And north course is NOT easy. Which is completely opposite of Summit Pt. in June. Good God man there were some no-drivin sum bitches in group 3 at that event.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I felt very comfortable with those guys in group 3, which was filled with group 3 student and instructors - comfortable enough to slam the door shut on a triplet of pavement rippling 996's that tried to duck under me in braking for Turn 4 It was pretty crowded. Going out in group 4 was alot better.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by whitney &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Now I just keep thinking that HPDE/Instructor groups will feel like a big joke.</TD></TR></TABLE>... :sigh:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">we got off perhaps 10 minutes </TD></TR></TABLE>
I sat on grid in a students car waiting for the "V8 clean up" in T1 for 'at least 10' min.

It is still a jam packed weekend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by whitney &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">- Thanks to all the ECHC paddock for the words of encouragement and reassurance that I was doing a good job. And please accept my apologies if I made any rookie mistakes while I was around you (Bookler?)</TD></TR></TABLE>

Like I said at the track, no big deal. An H1 car closes up on an H4 car VERY quickly! You did a great job out there. Besides, my car needed a little more dirt on that side, it balanced it out nicely!

Matt

 

Great job Mike. That was a rough weekend to start out on. Car parts flying, max (and then some) 25cars/mile field, etc. Good job keeping the car clean, and picking up a victory on sunday.

p.s. Unfortunately you're right, instructor and advanced groups leave me without the buzz of racing. I hardly even get my heart rate above normal during DE's.

Warren

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Warren &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Unfortunately you're right, instructor and advanced groups leave me without the buzz of racing. I hardly even get my heart rate above normal during DE's.
Warren</TD></TR></TABLE>
So True... and in a way, a little saddening.

Mike, Great Job out there man! This race was definitely a good test to see how you hold up under pressure. You and Morgan did great! Keep it up.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MaddMatt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Really? What group? I went to grid for the 1st HPDE#2 session (I had no #2 student) on Sunday to be a standby and everyone was covered.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

hpde 2, mostly. Cobetto had to take a student out one group 2 session and I solo'ed my hpde 2 guy off so I could take someone last session.

It would have been nice to have a few inst. for hpde 3. There were a couple of people looking for instructors. I rode all three groups sun. morning.

joel

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm afraid I inadvertently held them up every once in a while on Saturday. It took me a while to realise they really <u>were</u> fast enough to pass in places that seemed unsafe to me.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That race-prep GT2R (greenish with big *** wing) was hauling serious ***. I checked the mirrors coming out of hogpen... clear... checked them again at bend in front straight... clear... then saw bl00 flag in T1 and looked up and this thing is about 2 seconds from being inside my trunk. Crazy ****.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">. I checked the mirrors coming out of hogpen... clear... checked them again at bend in front straight... clear... then saw bl00 flag in T1 and looked up and this thing is about 2 seconds from being inside my trunk. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Same story here. Haven't had anything close on me like that since the Team Oreca Viper GTS-Rs on the backstraight a few years ago. I'd check my mirrors at the dip on the backstraight and see nothing. By the time I was at the crest of the hill, a Viper passed me going ~180.

 

the Super Unlimited 914 was doing test and tune on Friday with us, he caught me like I was standing still

 

Congrats once again on a great race and your first win, Whitney. Wish I could have made it more challenging for you on Sunday but I was quite busy doing VIR's lawn care. Thankfully they pay me a good rate and my RRG splitter makes for a good mower.

Couple quick notes...

1. No hugs in public
2. I like Guinness
3. I like LOTS of Guinness
4. When you bring the beer, bring a hammer. I have lots of pounding to do on my splitter before this week's MARRS race

I'd also like to thank everyone involved w/ HC and NASA for a great race weekend.

Thanks to Karl for organizing a great series that draws some wonderful personalities (and great racers).

Thanks to Corey for blowing most of a practice session on Friday, running like 9sec slower a lap, so I could play lead/follow and learn the course. Thanks to Morgan and Schultz (again) for letting play lead/follow with them when I just couldn't digest all that Corey was telling/showing me (I AM thick).

Thanks to Warren, Franza, Bookler and Mssr. Whittaker for being all-around good guys, making me feel welcome and taking an interest in what us slow guys were doing.

Thanks for the corner workers who, IMHO, were spectacular.

Thanks to Matt and Larry at Carbotech for showing me that XP's are as good on CRX's as they are on S2000's. What a difference from Blue's!

And thanks to Lorraine and Lou who knew when to get the hell outta Dodge on Sunday lest they incur my wrath.

Finally, since we had like 50% attrition in H4 before the Saturday race, I'll try to bring a spare tranny and other D-series stuff the next time around.

See you all in Charlotte!

 

Nice work Mike, podium the first day and a trophy your second . Had a great time running the school with you on friday even if it didnt turn out so well for me.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JoelG &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Only one gripe: we need to have 3-4 spare instructors on board, because stuff happens. We were short handed, esp. on Sunday.</TD></TR></TABLE>
This was the best weekend I'd ever seen for instructors being there on time and not leaving students high and dry. I had the Audi TT girl who was without most of the weekend because her instructor had gone to get a part to fix his car and the car had broken down again. I didn't find this out till Mid-day on Sunday otherwise I would have had Jeff or Shugg assign her a new permenant instructor. I can count on one hand (if memory serves) the number of other students that had to wait on an instructor the rest of the weekend. Normally it takes both of mine, and at least one other grid workers to keep count of the students left high and dry.

We did pretty good for keeping to the schedule and only had to cut one school group short on Sun due to them starting late and a required quite hour, but we made up that time in the afternoon for that same group.

That small bore group was freigin huge, I've never seen that many race cars in a single group before.

Anyway, glad you enjoyed it, hope to see you at Lowes!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dragon &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I had the Audi TT girl who was without most of the weekend because her instructor had gone to get a part to fix his car and the car had broken down again</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would have gladly traded my group two student....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dragon &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I had the Audi TT girl who was without most of the weekend because her instructor had gone to get a part to fix his car and the car had broken down again. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Wow, I certainly hope that guy gets a stern talking-to, if not be put on instructor "probation". I'm sure I am not the only instructor out there who feels that I am 100% there FOR the STUDENT when I'm instructing, even if it means missing track time because of a busted car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I would have gladly traded my student....

</TD></TR></TABLE>
You woulda traded with someone who had a blind one armed monkey as a student to get out of that CRX. BTW got your VTEC light installed yet?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dragon &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You woulda traded with someone who had a blind one armed monkey as a student to get out of that CRX. BTW got your VTEC light installed yet?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Its off the hook! You should see the power i got... i was doing at least 150 down the front straight.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by whitney &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Wow, I certainly hope that guy gets a stern talking-to, if not be put on instructor "probation". I'm sure I am not the only instructor out there who feels that I am 100% there FOR the STUDENT when I'm instructing, even if it means missing track time because of a busted car.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
The necessary parties involved in making decisions about it were informed, believe me the Chief Instructor and Race Director were quite pissed.