First SCCA Race at NJMP

[kakarot]

Some pictures
http://picasaweb.google.com/kakarot1...gRaceJul202008

[mowog]

Sorry I can't remember who finished where in DP (don't have the results with me), but Jeff Harding won. Congratulatins! Glad you guys were running two races, group 1 certainly was better because of the additions.

I loved the track. They certainly made the most of the elevation they had to work with. It's not difficult to learn how to get around the track, yet it is challenging and will take time to get the most out of it. Note to self - do NOT even glance at those huge mega dollar jets landing when you are heading up the hill....

My .02 on the event....kudos to SJR and the track for a very successful first event. There are some things to work on, mostly by the track management I think. The negatives were few though. Arm bands - I ended up with 4 wrist bands and got another for the ATV. I received one Thursday evening and was told by the track staff I must keep it on all weekend to enter the track (yellow/white). I was given another for Friday's practice session (red/white for BB group). On Friday morning, I was given yet another (green/white), the guy at the gate didn't know anything about the yellow one. SCCA gave me a solid red one. I got a red/white for the ATV - darn, could have used the test day one if I had only known LOL . Some crew weren't allowed to go onto pit lane because they didn't have the SCCA band AND some other color (blue or green I think). When one person went back to registration, they didn't know anything about this. Yeah, teething problem to work out (not unexpected). Actually I was laughing at the collection I had, wondering how many different colors and combinations they must have purchased....Prices - $12 for ice, $9 for a slushy fruit drink, etc. On the other hand, there were vendors, and they needed to be sure they would at least break even, so not much of a negative I guess. Probably my biggest complaint regarding prices was the extra $100 for the test day if you didn't sign up in time... NJ rules and laws - one time it was OK to be on the false grid with shorts, the next time it wasn't. During lunch (no cars, no traffic, no workers), I was stopped from setting up a beacon because I was wearing shorts. OK, so now I know, but it did seem over the top at lunch and on the false grid.....Dust - they need some fast growing grass to keep the dust down. Someone said showers will be added next year. It's a luxury, so no negatives on this one, but it certainly will be a big plus, especially considering how dusty everyone was....Practice groups - should have been split up better, but at least they did make some changes (original schedule was SRF and formula in one group, big bore (AS, T1, T2, big GT) in another, and everything else in one group (all Miata's, all IT, SS, prod, GTL, SPU, etc). In other words, one small group, one medium group with incompatible cars (SRF's were later given their own group after several incidents), and one huge group. Several of us were allowed to run with BB, which helped.

On the plus sign, there were two sets of flush toilets at either end of the facility, and the rooms were air conditioned. I considered moving in there for the weekend but the car wouldn't fit thru the door.

All in all, an impressive start, so again, kudos to everyone.

[dominojd]

itb
Rick
Ken
Nat

Nice! :d

[mowog]

oh-yeah, how about the checkered flag umbrella over the starters.

Brief note about that....the permanent starter stand wasn't up yet, so no roof or shade (did anyone mention it was sunny and HOT? ) I happened to be on pit lane and noticed them putting up the umbrella, immediately worried that some might notice and momentarily be distracted. I mentioned this to them, and they did consider the possibility, but at that point they didn't have anything else. All agreed something was necessary (we really don't want a started to fall off the stand due to heat stroke, do we). I talked to three people in that run group, not one took notice of the checkered umbrella. However later, Beth and John Burkhard loaned them a blue and white umbrella because it was a potentially better choice, and they did make the change.

[lateapex911]

is the concern that someone might get the umbrella and a checkered flag confused, and stop on lap one?

Boy, if we have racers that dumb, we need to re-examine our requirements for a license!

[wdether]

Sorry I can't remember who finished where in DP (don't have the results with me), but Jeff Harding won. Congratulatins! Glad you guys were running two races, group 1 certainly was better because of the additions.

I loved the track. They certainly made the most of the elevation they had to work with. It's not difficult to learn how to get around the track, yet it is challenging and will take time to get the most out of it. Note to self - do NOT even glance at those huge mega dollar jets landing when you are heading up the hill....

My .02 on the event....kudos to SJR and the track for a very successful first event. There are some things to work on, mostly by the track management I think. The negatives were few though. Arm bands - I ended up with 4 wrist bands and got another for the ATV. I received one Thursday evening and was told by the track staff I must keep it on all weekend to enter the track (yellow/white). I was given another for Friday's practice session (red/white for BB group). On Friday morning, I was given yet another (green/white), the guy at the gate didn't know anything about the yellow one. SCCA gave me a solid red one. I got a red/white for the ATV - darn, could have used the test day one if I had only known LOL . Some crew weren't allowed to go onto pit lane because they didn't have the SCCA band AND some other color (blue or green I think). When one person went back to registration, they didn't know anything about this. Yeah, teething problem to work out (not unexpected). Actually I was laughing at the collection I had, wondering how many different colors and combinations they must have purchased....Prices - $12 for ice, $9 for a slushy fruit drink, etc. On the other hand, there were vendors, and they needed to be sure they would at least break even, so not much of a negative I guess. Probably my biggest complaint regarding prices was the extra $100 for the test day if you didn't sign up in time... NJ rules and laws - one time it was OK to be on the false grid with shorts, the next time it wasn't. During lunch (no cars, no traffic, no workers), I was stopped from setting up a beacon because I was wearing shorts. OK, so now I know, but it did seem over the top at lunch and on the false grid.....Dust - they need some fast growing grass to keep the dust down. Someone said showers will be added next year. It's a luxury, so no negatives on this one, but it certainly will be a big plus, especially considering how dusty everyone was....Practice groups - should have been split up better, but at least they did make some changes (original schedule was SRF and formula in one group, big bore (AS, T1, T2, big GT) in another, and everything else in one group (all Miata's, all IT, SS, prod, GTL, SPU, etc). In other words, one small group, one medium group with incompatible cars (SRF's were later given their own group after several incidents), and one huge group. Several of us were allowed to run with BB, which helped.

On the plus sign, there were two sets of flush toilets at either end of the facility, and the rooms were air conditioned. I considered moving in there for the weekend but the car wouldn't fit thru the door.

All in all, an impressive start, so again, kudos to everyone.

I agree with everyone that it was hot, hot, hot.

I have not seen Thunderbolt up close and plan on attending the SVRA event (first public event) on August 7 - 10 to check out the track. It's also a chance to see some great vintage cars.

DP Results
1. Jeff Harding
2. Greg Amy
3. Joe Diminno
4. Robert Breault
5. Enrik Benazic

The Friday test and tune in August (Lightning) is being run by NNJR. Suggestions about practice groups should be made to the region (DA). I am not sure about the test and tune at Thunderbolt in September.

Considering it was the first event at the track, I was surprised how well the event went. The lessons from this weekend will be used by the two regions at the track (SJR, NNJR). There was a nice mixture of volunteers from other regions to help out SJR in their first event in 40 years. The track personnel are also learning how to run a track and I would think (hope) the few issues (registration is one) would be fixed by August.

By the way, the overall track record for the weekend was 0:58.630 (best time) or 116.664 mph by John Thompson in his FA. Smokin'

[kevin22]

is the concern that someone might get the umbrella and a checkered flag confused, and stop on lap one?

Boy, if we have racers that dumb, we need to re-examine our requirements for a license!

WHat if the corner workers start carrying yellow umbrella's?
or what if after seeing that Checkered umbrella for 18 laps you don't notice the real checkered was out?

I just think they need to keep anything that can cause confusion away.

[Z3_GoCar]

Good weekend. HOT is the understatement of the year!! Qualified 3rd with a gift from AB. Had a great start and was in 10th by turn 2- started 16th, with only 2 cars separating Joe and I. Then it happened....I got absolutely punted by an ITS car in the left hander after the bridge on the first lap!! Reentered the track in 22nd.....finished 11th, 4th in ITA. John was DQ'd for being light by 150# (not for not showing), so net result was 3rd. However if I hadn't gotten punted would have easily been 2nd....(sorry Joe there was no way you'd hold me off for 3 laps with only 3 tires and a 2-3 sec differential)

Good track but 8+ hours to get home, makes this a tough decision to return. How do people in NY elect to sit in that traffic daily????


R

Hey Rob,

Congratulations on the third place. Oh BTW, I'm in East Hartford for the next couple of days. PM/email/or phone me if you're up for me buying you a beer.

James

[megmeyer]

Some pictures
http://picasaweb.google.com/kakarot1...gRaceJul202008

Nice pics! Thanks for posting.

As an SJR Race Planning Committee member, I want to thank EVERYONE - drivers, crew, workers (especially all the help we got from surrounding regions - NNJR and WDC in particular, but including Philly, Nepa, and too many more to mention!), and even the track! (just kidding)

All things considered, it went better than I had hoped. I agree the test day had some issues (first being I would love to give the miatas the track to themselves, so they don't punt unsuspecting others - but I have always had issues with miatas). It was good that they separated the SRFs, much less incidents after that.

As for the multiple armbands, we had several discussions about it, and (I, at least) am hopeful that that will be smoother for the next event.

The track has taken both Fridays from SJR (first SCCA event at each track), so they will run the test day (assuming and hoping there is one) for the Thunderbolt 9/20-21 event.

If you are going to that event, get your hotels early - there is a vintage group on Lightning, and an air show and a car show all the same weekend. It will be crowded! The good news is, there should be showers at the big track.

Personally, I broke in my new engine, had some power issues that turned out to be wiring for the kill switch, and took my usual long time to get comfortable on a new track. I qualified 4 of 5, 4 seconds slower than Beth. At the start, Jeff Haines got by me, we had some great little battles, and I finally got some space between us and pulled away. Dave (I can't remember his name right now) in the #7 rabbit, could not race, I think he said his clutch went bad. I finished 3rd, but my time was only 1 second slower than Beth, so I felt a lot better about that!

The SSM race was excellent (only one I had time to really watch).

I have to apologize to group one, because I lost the checkered flags, and did not find them until just after they got off the track. So they did not get their victory laps. Hopefully, I will get the podium pics soon, and post them on the SJR website.

Thanks again to all who helped make it a successful debut!

Meg Meyer
SJR Membership/Webmaster
#27 ITC Civic

[gran racing]

Meg, do you know if camping is allowed at the Thunderbolt track?

[megmeyer]

Meg, do you know if camping is allowed at the Thunderbolt track?

Yes, camping will be allowed. I believe it is $50 per RV, $10 per tent. There is some charge for electric, but I am not sure what that was (I believe $25, but not positive).

The paddock is supposed to be bigger at the new track, but I have not seen any of it yet. The Tower is reminiscent of the old tower at the Glen - just newer and prettier and bigger. (If they build the one I have seen artists drawings of)

I had hoped that we would be able to see the other track, but everything was locked up tight. Maybe by the August race (because by then I think Thunderbolt will be open) we can go over and get a look.

[dtanthon]

Sounds like we all had a great time at NJMP this past weekend. We have a new track so now we need to use this wisely.
What do we want as drivers for future events? This is our club, what do we want?

Series Competition:
Do we bring back the MARRS vs NJRRS/NARRC at the Jersey Road Racing Classic (JRRC) that will be in October? Have a capture the flag type trophy. What ever series wins the most classes takes the trophy. I can remember the blue - grey classic at Summit Point years ago, always great seeing cars from the other series. Makes for better competition. Appears it is time to resurrect this series and challenge. Do we make the Sunday races in October the MARRS 1 and NARRC 1 for the following year? That might be possible in the future.

Track Time:
How were the races groups? These were based on MARRS. As of now the August race uses the NARRC groupings. Does that need to use what we had this past weekend? We are trying to maximize track time so combining classes is one way to do that.

More about Track Time:
The Driving Impressions Pro-IT will be at the August and October Lightning dates at NJMP. Check http://www.NJRRS.com for details on this series. More track time if you want it and you get back some prize money if you finish in the top 10 of your class. There is also year end prize money. This is modeled after what Atlanta does with their Pro-IT except more distribution of prize money.

Series:
NJRRS is the series that SJR and NNJR have created for NJMP and Pocono events. As of now we will have the usual trophies and jackets for class winners at the end of the year. What else do we want? This is our series, we can make it how we want it.

Tell us what you want at NJMP and we will try to make it happen. This is a great facility and the management and staff at NJMP work very well with SCCA staff.

Thanks,
Darrell Anthony
NNJR-RE
http://www.scca-nnjr.org
http://www.NJRRS.com
my email is - [email protected]
or send the Jersey Racing Board an email at [email protected]

[mowog]

How many races do you anticipate having at the two tracks in 2009 (how many Regional, how many National, which tracks)? I like the idea of at least one MARRS event at one of the two tracks. I also like how DCR handles the points - driver declares if they are running for points (or which series points if there are multiple championships), so if someone shows up just to "play", they can opt not to mess up a points battle.

It's probably not possible, but any consideration for a "double" weekend with a race on one track Saturday, and a race on the other track Sunday, or something like that?

[Magical Trevor]

Tappan Zee. It's longer, but it avoids the Cross Bronx, (Hell on Trailers) and the general NY gridlock mess. and with no tolls going west, it generally moves along. Coming back on Sunday can be rough, but if you are a mid to late race group, I imagine you'd miss the bad stuff and sail through.

Just don't try to get there on Sunday mornings that happen to be the date of the NYC Triathlon. Wasn't allowed to the GW (even at 4:00 AM) so I had to take the Lincoln tunnel after navigating the lower west side... not rush hour gridlock, but still crazy cabbies (and it was already over 80 and straining the old Escort...)

[jjjanos]

Track Time:
How were the races groups? These were based on MARRS. As of now the August race uses the NARRC groupings. Does that need to use what we had this past weekend? We are trying to maximize track time so combining classes is one way to do that.

What are the groupings? It appears that there is an inconsistency between the various NARRC races and what is listed as the "suggested" 2008 race groupings.

I will say that it would be unwise to include SM with any slower classes. There's going to be special-me caused carnage between mid/back pack SMs and the leaders of the slower classes somewhere between turn 1 and turn 5.

NJRRS is the series that SJR and NNJR have created for NJMP and Pocono events. As of now we will have the usual trophies and jackets for class winners at the end of the year. What else do we want?

Where to get stickers to be eligible.

Tell us what you want at NJMP and we will try to make it happen.

Shade.

[dominojd]

Track Time:
How were the races groups? These were based on MARRS.

I'll respond to this one. It usually isn't a very good idea to group ITR, ITS, And ITA. Lap times are way to close.

[dtanthon]

Jeff,

Check www.NARRC.com for the groupings. I need to talk with the NNJR race committee about changing things to match the SJR mix in groups. We are not a NARRC race in August or October. I thought the groups worked rather well this weekend. We just need more cars in some of the other groups.

You can get the stickers at the next event. Plus we are not going to withhold points if you don't have a sticker. This is our first year with NJRRS so we need to keep things simple until the dust settles (I can't wait for the dust comments to start). What do we want for a series? It is our series so let's make it what we want as a series.

Shade at NJMP will be interesting accomplishment. I think that would be clouds. I'm sure JD and Terry will ask NJMP about that.

Thanks,
Darrell
NNJR-RE
[email protected]

[erlrich]

I'll respond to this one. It usually isn't a very good idea to group ITR, ITS, And ITA. Lap times are way to close.

Agreed - we've been having issues with that grouping in the MARRS races this year. In fact that was one of the deciding factors in my leaving the car at home this weekend. In addition to the close lap times, this usually results in one of the largest non-Miata race groups; if I'm not mistaken wasn't that the largest group this weekend?

Joe - sorry I missed you; I came by to say hello Sat evening, but you all must have still been chowing down, as your paddocks were empty. You guys should come down to SP for Labor Day.

[mowog]

I would rather see Legends and SPU with DP, production, GTL (and GTP if it's a MARRS event) than SM/SSM.....much more compatible.

[wdether]

Jeff,

Check www.NARRC.com for the groupings. I need to talk with the NNJR race committee about changing things to match the SJR mix in groups. We are not a NARRC race in August or October. I thought the groups worked rather well this weekend. We just need more cars in some of the other groups.

You can get the stickers at the next event. Plus we are not going to withhold points if you don't have a sticker. This is our first year with NJRRS so we need to keep things simple until the dust settles (I can't wait for the dust comments to start). What do we want for a series? It is our series so let's make it what we want as a series.

Tech will have NJRRS stickers at the August event, along with NARRC stickers.

Upon further review, I think Joe is right, the race times of ITS and ITA are very close. It seems that ITA and ITC are compatible while ITS, ITR, and ITB seem to work well.