The Devil in the Dark 2013

[Terry Hanushek]

The Jersey Racing Board (Northern New Jersey and South Jersey Regions) and New Jersey Motorsports Park announce the fourth running of The Devil in the Dark 12 Hour endurance race on NJMP's Thunderbolt Circuit. The 2013 edition will be held on Saturday, 27 April 2013 and will again run from noon to midnight. There will be a Test Day on Friday, 26 April for 12 Hour competitors and other closed wheel cars.

This race is a continuation of the successful events run in the past three years. The format and rules will be very similar to last year with a no major changes from previous year's events. The open refueling rule is being retained as well as the consolidated endurance classes introduced last year. If you missed The Devil this year, be sure to put it on your calendar for next year.

The entry package will be posted on the DLB (http://www.dlbracing.com/) online registration system after the first of the year. Registration will open on 1 February 2013.

More participants, more fun in 2013!

SAVE THE DATE

Terry

[webhound]

Terry, this is awesome. I'm going to work on the sched really soon, this is really high on the list.

Will

[mossaidis]

I am thinking about entering the ITA Civic as well... :)

[StephenB]

yahoooo!

we are expecting in march and my wife said, well let's just ask her again later :) either way i plan on going!!!

Stephen

[boxedfox]

My friends and I are building an ITA / IMG PI-5 CRX enduro car at Entropy Racing's shop. If all goes well with the bodywork and shakedown, we'll be there.

[StephenB]

If anyone isn't going and wants to rent out the glow boards that they may have laying around let me know. I will hopefully need them.

Anyone that wants to have fun in the RX8 send me a PM as well. Maybe we can work something out. I am NOT doing this for any profit. Yes I want to Win but this is for the experience and FUN, if we get a trophy all the better! WE will have to stop at least 3-4 times more than other cars, the only good thing is it takes about 25seconds to fill it. FYI the car will be set up as a NASA PTC car for this particular event.

Stephen

[kcolbey]

If anyone isn't going and wants to rent out the glow boards that they may have laying around let me know. I will hopefully need them.

Anyone that wants to have fun in the RX8 send me a PM as well. Maybe we can work something out. I am NOT doing this for any profit. Yes I want to Win but this is for the experience and FUN, if we get a trophy all the better! WE will have to stop at least 3-4 times more than other cars, the only good thing is it takes about 25seconds to fill it. FYI the car will be set up as a NASA PTC car for this particular event.

Stephen
Hmm... I don't have anything planned for that weekend yet.
I might be interested in the RX8, but I'd really like the seat time to somewhat crossover to my car.

FWD car for rent, anyone?

[gran racing]

I think only about 1/3 of the fun running with Stephen and RST would be the driving. Awesome group of people to hang out with. Plus the stories... :) Absolutely want to do an enduro with you guys someday. Maybe next year.

[webhound]

Bumping this, just outta sheer excitement!! We look to be in with a 4 driver team, ITB Civic.

[StephenB]

I think only about 1/3 of the fun running with Stephen and RST would be the driving. Awesome group of people to hang out with. Plus the stories... :) Absolutely want to do an enduro with you guys someday. Maybe next year.

This is definetly part of our plans this year!!! It's going to be FUN. We have a brand new car that is in great shape... lets hope we can make it to the end! that is our goal... :)

Any suggestions from the experienced guys on what we should have "brand new" to start with? what are the likely things that will need replacing DURING the event pending zero crash damage or strange mechanical failures? I got Gas and tires... how about brakes?

Sadly we have NEVER done anything this long, longest race ever was a 4 hr and the car seemed like it just backed off the trailer after that event... no issues at all!

Stephen

PS: a LONG time ago "K" won a challenge here on the forums. http://www.improvedtouring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29138 Offer still stands if your interested! :)

[Knestis]

Dang. I'd COMPLETELY forgotten about that. I'm looking at my Devil options right now, guys. Thanks for the reminder!

K

[Terry Hanushek]

The entry information (supps, schedule, etc.) for the 2013 edition of The Devil in the Dark is posted on DLB (http://www.dlbracing.com/) (set filter for South Jersey Region | Club Race All) - and the event web site (http://thedevilinthedark.com/) .

The direct link for the race information is Supps and Schedule (http://www.dlbracing.com/download.filx?FileID=1652)

The rules are essentially the same as last year with a few refinements based on our experience and competitor feedback. Most of the previous years' enhancements including the elimination of timed pit stops and the condensed endurance classes were well received and have been retained.

The entry for this year's race will open on 1 February 2013

Hope to see ya at The Devil

Terry

[Knestis]

I like the Class Challenge trophy idea for well-subscribed sprint classes. If that was in place last year and i missed it, I apologize, but it's a nice idea.

I also want to chime in again with support for the "E" class approach. A great approach!

K

[webhound]

Terry, what are the criteria for determining what ITX class a car will be in? I see there are ITX1-ITX5...

We'll be running my now ITB Civic, I'm still undecided on rcomps or potentially using street rubber.

Will

[Terry Hanushek]

Kirk


I like the Class Challenge trophy idea for well-subscribed sprint classes. If that was in place last year and i missed it, I apologize, but it's a nice idea.

I also want to chime in again with support for the "E" class approach. A great approach!

We added the Class Challenge a little before last year's race (and after the initial release of the supps) to recognize well-subscribed sprint classes and ease the transition to the Endurance classes. It's a nice bridge.

We like the Endurance classes because it gives everybody competition. Our feedback has been universally positive.


Will


what are the criteria for determining what ITX class a car will be in? I see there are ITX1-ITX5...

We'll be running my now ITB Civic, I'm still undecided on rcomps or potentially using street rubber.

The ITXn classes are for endurance compatible cars the don't completely comply with one of the underlying rulesets. Access to them is normally by negotiations with the Chief Steward.

I'm aware of your tire considerations and will get back to you shortly.

Terry

[webhound]

Terry, thanks a lot for looking into it. However, don't go nuts over it, nor make any special exceptions, I think my team will most likely be on an RComp anyway, they are saying it is worth the extra money.

[StephenB]

Bump... I guess I was 45 minutes early today! Check back in 1/2 hour or so :)

Devil in the Dark 12 hour Enduro Registration will Open Feb 1st at 9AM

[Terry Hanushek]

Registration for The Devil in the Dark 2013 is open on DLB (http://www.dlbracing.com).

Supps and Schedule (http://www.dlbracing.com/download.filx?FileID=1652) ... Register (http://www.dlbracing.com/clubs/sjr-scca/enduro.aspx?EventID=5211&LMID=2935) ... Entry List (http://www.dlbracing.com/Clubs/clubdrivers.aspx?EventID=5211&LMID=2923)

Six entries in the first couple of hours - not exactly COTA but a good start.

The Friday afternoon Test Day will open in a week or two.

Terry

[webhound]

I registered, but of course did it wrong. So we'll be your 7th when you correct my mistake! ;)

[webhound]

Valerie fixed me up. Thanks all! See ya then.

[Knestis]

I think my ride is locked in. I'm pretty excited about it! Should be highly entertaining - and educational...

K

[Greg Amy]

I think my ride is locked in. I'm pretty excited about it! Should be highly entertaining - and educational...
Hmmm....?

[Knestis]

Pending "Full Release" by those with empowered to do so. :)

K

[RSTPerformance]

RST Performance Racing is happy to officially announce that we will be running the #50 Mazda RX8 at the “Devil In The Dark” 12 hour endurance race. The team has competed in several multi-driver 3hr and 4hr endurance races however this will be the first time that the team takes on a 12hr endurance race. It will also be the first time that we will be racing at night!

At this years event not only will the car turn some heads but we are also excited to announce our driver line-up that should turn even more heads!

Long Time endurance driver/champion: Kirk Knestis
FWD hero: Tim Dugan
Co Pilot: Raymond Blethen
RX8 "pro" driver: Stephen Blethen
5th driver: To Be Announced!

The team of drivers will be supported in pit lane by the same people who have helped make RST Performance Racing so successful over the years:

Crew Chief: Randy Schneiderheinze
Alignment Specialist: Tom Gray
Diagnostics: James Chafe
Gas Man: Justin Abbott

We are also happy to announce that we will be working with SCCA officials to test a possible future tire rule for long distance endurance racing. The car will be set up per the NASA PTC class but will run in the ITX3 class with a street tire restriction putting us in the highly competitive E3 Endurance Class for this event. We are confident that despite the restrictions on the car and the number of pit stops we will need to make, our driver line-up will be able to keep us near the front of the pack against all of the Miata’s!

http://www.rstperformance.com/uploads/3/0/1/9/3019886/2841687.jpg?1360005128

RST Performance Racing has been competing and supporting SCCA road racing since 1984; Information can be found at www.rstperformance.com (http://www.rstperformance.com). More information about the Devil In The Dark 12 hour endurance race can be found at www.thedevilinthedark.com (http://www.thedevilinthedark.com).

[Knestis]

Woo-hoo! This is going to be *very* interesting. I'm jazzed about being part of the tire test initiative. Props to the organizers for giving this a shot!

K

[StephenB]

So how far do miatas go on a tank of gas? WE only go about 60-65 minutes so I am thinking we may be at a HUGE disadvantage!

With that being said does anyone know how long an average pit stop time with refuelling takes?

With some math I can set some goals for us to start practicing :) Surely the gas will take less time since it only fits 12-13 gallons max.

Do people set up lighting out over the pit wall into pit lane? how is the lighting that already exists from the track?

What other random things do we need to plan for?


Excited to be participating in this event, I have heard nothing but great things in the past and I am excited to be part of it this year. Pretty cool to have the famous "K" with us as well! I almost put a "K" on the window instead of his last name :)

Stephen

[Knestis]

Pablo used to need about 3.5 minutes (additional time on the lap, not time sitting still) to do tires, 22 gallons of fuel (NASCAR dry break dump), and driver change. That presumes the typical rules that require the driver out while refueling.

Pit lights are helpful but differ in importance by track. I have to confess I don't remember how much lighting the track provided last year but I think it was pretty good...

K

[webhound]

The supps dictate driver out while fueling.

We used two halogens (think the ones painters use) on the wall at Road Atlanta to illuminate our hot pit, we'll use that with another two on a stand for additional. We've also decided on some sort of lighting inside our EZ Up to help with finding tools and such on the cold side. For this we'll use a couple enclosed kitchen type fluorescent lights. Another quick idea I had from watching the Rolex is a cheap collapsible shelf, probably plastic four-levels that you'd find at H-D racing on the cold side for driver gear, otherwise the gear shits up your space, and drivers end up putting that stuff on seating surfaces, tool boxes and coolers.

Will

[JLawton]

So how far do miatas go on a tank of gas? WE only go about 60-65 minutes so I am thinking we may be at a HUGE disadvantage!

With that being said does anyone know how long an average pit stop time with refuelling takes?

With some math I can set some goals for us to start practicing :) Surely the gas will take less time since it only fits 12-13 gallons max.

Do people set up lighting out over the pit wall into pit lane? how is the lighting that already exists from the track?

What other random things do we need to plan for?


Excited to be participating in this event, I have heard nothing but great things in the past and I am excited to be part of it this year. Pretty cool to have the famous "K" with us as well! I almost put a "K" on the window instead of his last name :)

Stephen

Stephen,
You have one of the best amature enduro experts on your team................ Ask him!!

[RSTPerformance]

RST Performance Racing is happy to announce that our 5th driver for the Devil in the Dark 12 hour endurance race will be Rob Foley! I think we have a great driver line up and the best crew we could ask for... Now the only thing to question will be how good these street tires do against the R compounds :)

Raymond

[Knestis]

...and that is going to be a very interesting question. The more I think about it, the more I'm pleased to be part of this experiment. Go back and look at all of the "why is Chump/LeMons better than SCCA" conversations on the various boards. I'm convinced that much of the difference is cost (real or perceived) and that a pretty substantial chunk of that is tires. NJMP is going to be something of an acid-test for the concept, being relatively tough on tires but if we can demonstrate that we can get through a 12-hour race without using the 10 tires that I would typically dedicate to the process, it may be something of a game-changer.

K

[RSTPerformance]

Agreed... Interestingly the following weekend I am running the 15hr LeMons race at NHMS with 5 drivers in a Porsche 944. It will be very interesting to me to compare the cost of the two events. The biggest difference I see so far is the RX8 will be prepped with all new parts while the lemons car is being prepped with used stuff.

The other interesting note is the entry for the Lemons race is considerably MORE than the SCCA event.

Raymond

[Terry Hanushek]

Registration for The Devil in the Dark Test is now open on DLB (http://www.dlbracing.com)

The Test Day for this year's 12 Hour is being conducted by SCCA rather than the track. The format will be the same as in the past - a four hour open track session on Friday, 26 April on the Thunderbolt course.

Although the testing is primarily to support The Devil in the Dark, it is open to all closed wheel cars. Drivers do not need to be 12 Hour particpants in order to enter the Test Day. All drivers with SCCA recognized licenses are welcome.

Direct link to enter the Test Day: Register (http://www.dlbracing.com/clubs/sjr-scca/enduro.aspx?EventID=5213&LMID=2935)

Hope to see ya at The Devil

Terry

[mf285284]

Anybody looking for a team? We are trying to fill up our Savings Auto Center team for the 12 hour.

We will be running a top of the line 99 SM. This car and team has many wins including the 2011 SCCA runoffs championships. The team also has loads of experience with enduros winning the 4-hour at the glen last fall. We have 2 fast drivers so far and we're looking for 2 more.

Anyone with questions or interest can e-mail me at [email protected] or the team owner, Ademir directly at [email protected].

Matt Ferris

[StephenB]

Up to 37 cars! Wow, what is the most that have ever run?

Also or the $200 test day entry can ALL drivers that are driving in the enduro Saturday drive the car?

Stephen

[Terry Hanushek]

Stephen


Up to 37 cars! Wow, what is the most that have ever run?

Last year we had 40 entries and 39 starters


Also or the $200 test day entry can ALL drivers that are driving in the enduro Saturday drive the car?

Yes

Terry

[Greg Amy]

I'm in. Driving with Matt Miskoe and Chris Tier in their Mee-Otter. - GA

[Knestis]

...and so we find ourselves on opposing teams. Nemesis!

:)

K

[Greg Amy]

...and so we find ourselves on opposing teams. Nemesis!
But I'm in a Miata. And Miata fenders and bumpers are cheap.

What, too soon...?

[Flyinglizard]

Questions. Does this race allow overhead fuel rigs and dry breaks? If so why?
I saw some mention of a new tire rule. What isit??'
Thanks, Mm

[Knestis]

Yes. Because it's an enduro. :)

The tire rule experiment is allowing a very small number of teams to run in an "X" class one "Enduro" class lower than where their car would otherwise end up, if it's on gen-u-ine street tires. The RX8 I'm in would be an E2 car (by virtue of it's NASA PT category classing), but is running E3 on non-R rubber.

K

[Flyinglizard]

How many teams have rigs. Of those that do how often do you use them.?
Does having a overhead rig bump you up one class?

What is the Tread wear rating for the class drop?
Thanks, MM

[Knestis]

The experimental tire test is minimum treadwear of 200.

K

[StephenB]

What are people using to change tires?

How often?

Stephen

[Knestis]

With Pablo, Cameron and the guys always used air guns and nitrogen. Give the tire changes knee pads and if they are competent wrench-turners, they can get it done in about the same time it takes to plug in a new biological control module.

K

[Ed Funk]

We ran Hoosiers at the last 4 enduros we did (late '90's), we changed the least abused tire at 8 hours and the most abused at 4 hours. Always scheduled so we always changed no more than 2, and always on the the same side of the car. Used nitrogen and air guns. Wanna borrow my nitrogen bottle?

[StephenB]

This is looking good! If you want to come spectate or even crew I can get you in for free, send me a pm!

Stephen

[Flyinglizard]

How many teams have fuel rigs?

[StephenB]

No idea, lots of sm cars and I don't see anything in the sm regs that allow that type of modification to them.

We are using ATL dump cans

Stephen

[Terry Hanushek]

Mike


How many teams have fuel rigs?

In previous years about half of the teams have had overhead fuel rigs.

Terry

[Terry Hanushek]

Congratulations to Harold Petit, Randy Mueller, Scott Baker and Joshua Smith from the #28 Johnstone Supply Team BMW M3 team for their third consecutive victory in The Devil in the Dark 2013. This year the team covered 439 laps exceeding last year's winning total of by six laps. There was a lot of excitement in this year's race exemplified by a few podium position changes in the last hour. The 1-2 finishers in E3 were on the same lap and the 1-2 in E2 were separated by a single lap and all of the E4 cars completed the same number of laps.

And congratulations to the other 41 teams that hit the track in the fourth edition of The Devil. Several teams struggled with mechanical gremlins, a few did not finish but almost 30 teams were still running when the checker flag flew at the end of the 12 hours.

Class Leaders

E1

1 - #28 Johnstone Supply BMW M3 - 439 laps
2 - #26 VAC Motorsports BMW M3 - 429 laps
3 - #57 STR BMW M3 - 426 laps

E2

1 - #87 Crucial Motorsports Group BMW 325 - 411 laps
2 - #21 Dog Gone Racing Spec Racer Ford - 410 laps
3 - #05 Alien Force Racing Nissan 300Zx - 389 laps

E3

1 - #91 Flatout Motorsports 1 Miata - 423 laps
2 - #08 Dewspeed Miata - 423 laps
3 - #12 Yushino Miata - 418 laps
4 - #50 RSTPerformance.com RX8 - 415 laps

E4

1 - #58 Fryers Flyers BMW 2002 - 220 laps

The complete results are posted on the NEDiv web site: http://www.nediv.com/images/results/clubracing/regional/2013/130426-ditd-results.pdf

Thanks to all of the teams who helped make this year's 12 Hour a very successful event.

See ya same time, same place next year

Terry

[StephenB]

Lots of Awesome photos posted by Mike Woeller on his site!

http://www.windshadowstudios.net/ditd2013/h5E51F48E#h5e51f48e