NHMS, day one

[JLawton]

Well that didn't really happen and instead I got a nice ambulance ride and someone else took my car back for me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JonOgVC--7Y

At least I still have a fan club that doesn't seem to care that I didn't finish!
Stephen

That really, REALLY sucks!!!! I was VERY sorry to hear about it. I know how much time, money and effort you've put into it..............

[0100]

Wow that sucks big time.

[gran racing]

What a rough weekend for you Stephen. I know how heart breaking it can be but especially when you pulled off to the side. Just glad you are okay physically!!! Stopped by medical and Ray just said you were really, really pissed.

The third race became interesting when a EP ? decided to brake late into turn three, capture the rear end of Mark Gregory's Miata, and I found myself facing head to head with the car. Lucky I didn't hit him. Of course video memory card became full a couple of laps before then. Happy NHMS is behind me.

[georgethefierce]

How'd the VW end up out there? Target fixation?

[StephenB]

Yup. His first race. I remember thinking release the brakes, release the brakes, is this really happening! I can honestly say he was very sorry and felt terrible. Naturally I was upset but after talking to him I can't say anything negative about his character. A really nice guy that was renting a car and wanted to have fun with us.

Stephen

[preparedcivic]

Stephen:

Wow, that's terrible. You were WAY off. With all the effort put into the car and now this.

Hope the repairs go smoothly.

[gran racing]

A valuable lesson for others too... go way, way, way off behind a wall or somewhere totally protected. Get out of the car, watch the race with the corner workers. Although when I've done this I'm pretty grumpy.

[StephF]

Stephen, I'm glad both of you were okay, and I feel really bad for both of you too. What a sucky thing to have happen.
For the other driver, (whose name escapes me) I do hope he doesn't give up after this. Shit happens. And I know he felt horrible having that happen his very first race. It's got to shake your confidence, plus now having what looked like a major crash damage bill added to his race weekend, well....damn. It certainly wasn't intentional.
Hoping that you can maybe simply pull the frame, and get back sooner than later. If there's anything any of us can do to help, just ask. Oh, and if you haven't done so already, I wouldn't hesitate to talk to John Weisberg too. He may have some parts, and if nothing else, he sure has practical experience with the '8's and straightening stuff back out.

[lawtonglenn]

.

here are videos from Saturday's ITS and STL races:

https://vimeo.com/lawtonglenn/videos

best
Glenn

.

[Ed Funk]

Great weekend with great folks! Good to see everyone after a year off the track and over 2 years away from NHMS. Hate to see good cars driven by good folks get wrecked.

See you at the NARRC Runoffs!

NARRC Offs!!! WTF!!!! Didja blow-up another motor?

[Andy Bettencourt]

NARRC Offs!!! WTF!!!! Didja blow-up another motor?

Nope. Don't have the time or the money to throw around at this like I used to. Little League baseball is all-consuming these days...in a good way. Trying to do a trade with a customer, mine for his straight up and then do a slow ITS Miata build.

[JeffYoung]

Finally joining the big leagues.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Finally joining the big leagues.

I was in the big leagues and then was 'sent down', LOL. I was one of the first in the ITA car and we don't have any ITS Miata up here yet. I like being a little different but not like you crackers...unless this C4 pans out....then I'll have you guys make the power sauce.

[JeffYoung]

Kip proved what you can do with the ITS Miata. THey can make good power.

Whole ITS dynamic is changing although people don't realize it. RX7 is still a great car but development is stagnant. On the other hand, people are improving the power to weight on the Nissan L motor, the GSR, my car, the Earpstang, the E30 and working on handling, etc.

We are slowly getting to the point where ITS is catching up to where the unrestricted E36 "was" back in 2004.

[StephenB]

A valuable lesson for others too... go way, way, way off behind a wall or somewhere totally protected. Get out of the car, watch the race with the corner workers. Although when I've done this I'm pretty grumpy.

I totally agree! Although I thought I was in a safe area well of the track and most likely covered by a yellow in reality anything can happen. I have raced at NHMS hundreds of times and rarely witnessed a car off track here especially when covered by a yellow BUT you never know. After 13 years I was reminded of something I was told a long time ago... go behind a corner station to be safe! I will NEVER make this mistake again.

Stephen, I'm glad both of you were okay, and I feel really bad for both of you too. What a sucky thing to have happen.
For the other driver, (whose name escapes me) I do hope he doesn't give up after this. Shit happens. And I know he felt horrible having that happen his very first race. It's got to shake your confidence, plus now having what looked like a major crash damage bill added to his race weekend, well....damn. It certainly wasn't intentional. .

He was really really upset about it and I personally told him not to give up and to come back. I told him I wouldn't hesitate running with him again. He is the type of Racer we at SCCA are looking for. Enthusiastic, friendly and LEARNING. We are not profesionals and unfourtunatly we have almost all had a bad learning experience along the way. I just happen to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. I will be honest that I was completly pissed at first until I met him, and instantly could tell he was someone we all would like to race with and have at the track.
On a side note I thought the cheif steward did exactly what he should have. noted the incident, spoke to the driver sternly, spoke about our regions "red book", and made sure that the two of us had time to talk about things. I really don't think it could have gone any better from the point of view of the officials and me.

Hoping that you can maybe simply pull the frame, and get back sooner than later. If there's anything any of us can do to help, just ask. Oh, and if you haven't done so already, I wouldn't hesitate to talk to John Weisberg too. He may have some parts, and if nothing else, he sure has practical experience with the '8's and straightening stuff back out.

I purchased every last piece from John when he wrecked his. When I say everything I mean everything... even partially worn brake pads. He is totally a porsche guy now!

I have had a ton of kind e-mails and offers to help find someone to pull it. I am going to go to Mike Lavigne who races in AS and is a good friend of my fathers. He is local and does amazing work. I feel confident the car will be fixed and you will not be able to even tell anything ever happened. I do need to save up for parts so I am skipping June and July races to stay within my racing budget with the wife. I promissed NEVER to charge or go into debt on anything for racing. See you all in August if all goes well!


On another note I hope Mr Deyo is doing well. His hit was terrible and worse than mine. I really hope he gets things figured out so he can get back out on track. Does anyone know if he can clip the front rather than swapping cages?

Stephen

[StephenB]

I was in the big leagues and then was 'sent down', LOL. I was one of the first in the ITA car and we don't have any ITS Miata up here yet. I like being a little different but not like you crackers...unless this C4 pans out....then I'll have you guys make the power sauce.

Andy, what did you get for lap times this weekend? You may already be competitive with your car for ITS and close in ITR...

We did have a few ITS cars in our group but I don't think they are built to ITS rules, not really sure though. I know a few of them where quick in a straight line!

Stephen

[wepsbee]

I totally agree! Although I thought I was in a safe area well of the track and most likely covered by a yellow in reality anything can happen. I have raced at NHMS hundreds of times and rarely witnessed a car off track here especially when covered by a yellow BUT you never know. After 13 years I was reminded of something I was told a long time ago... go behind a corner station to be safe! I will NEVER make this mistake again.


He was really really upset about it and I personally told him not to give up and to come back. I told him I wouldn't hesitate running with him again. He is the type of Racer we at SCCA are looking for. Enthusiastic, friendly and LEARNING. We are not profesionals and unfourtunatly we have almost all had a bad learning experience along the way. I just happen to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. I will be honest that I was completly pissed at first until I met him, and instantly could tell he was someone we all would like to race with and have at the track.
On a side note I thought the cheif steward did exactly what he should have. noted the incident, spoke to the driver sternly, spoke about our regions "red book", and made sure that the two of us had time to talk about things. I really don't think it could have gone any better from the point of view of the officials and me.


I purchased every last piece from John when he wrecked his. When I say everything I mean everything... even partially worn brake pads. He is totally a porsche guy now!

I have had a ton of kind e-mails and offers to help find someone to pull it. I am going to go to Mike Lavigne who races in AS and is a good friend of my fathers. He is local and does amazing work. I feel confident the car will be fixed and you will not be able to even tell anything ever happened. I do need to save up for parts so I am skipping June and July races to stay within my racing budget with the wife. I promissed NEVER to charge or go into debt on anything for racing. See you all in August if all goes well!


On another note I hope Mr Deyo is doing well. His hit was terrible and worse than mine. I really hope he gets things figured out so he can get back out on track. Does anyone know if he can clip the front rather than swapping cages?

Stephen

Stephen,
Thanks for that concern, it really shows what our area has when it comes to racers.
We all care about each other and try our best to help. Even after they are having major issues of their own, really, good luck with your car.
My car is toast, everything forward of the engine is smashed. Right side is pushed back so much the roof is 3 inches higher than the cage. The body is bent at and behind the firewall so there is too much damage to repair. The steering column and steering wheel were pushed back far enough so that I bent the steering wheel on the left side into the dash. I think it will be easier( cheaper ), to swap to another shell. There is a bright side, engine runs strong, front struts are still good, cage is good so the most expensive parts are OK.
I also plan on trynig to make it back on track in August.
Again thanks for the concern and good luck to you!!
Dan

[Greg Amy]

I think it will be easier( cheaper ), to swap to another shell.

Sorry to hear about that, Dan.

If in your searches you come across an Integra GS-R of the same vintage (DA) and at a good price (but they're very rare) I'll buy the engine from you.

Greg

[JLawton]

Here's my video from race #3 on Sunday afternoon. I started 11th and made it up to 6th by turn 3 on the first lap. I admit I was full on the gas by time the green flew. I got REAL lucky with the timing. Please pardon the language at the end...... I didn't put the whole race on here. Only to the point where I fall to DFL.........


https://vimeo.com/43114465


I apparently I am an idiot when it comes to video. Not sure why this comes out so crappy. The output from my camera to my computer or TV is great. When it's in Movie Maker it's still decent but when I save it to Windows Video File it gets crappy..... REALLY crappy.......

[Jeremy Billiel]

Here's my video from race #3 on Sunday afternoon. I started 11th and made it up to 6th by turn 3 on the first lap. I admit I was full on the gas by time the green flew. I got REAL lucky with the timing. Please pardon the language at the end...... I didn't put the whole race on here. Only to the point where I fall to DFL.........


https://vimeo.com/43114465


I apparently I am an idiot when it comes to video. Not sure why this comes out so crappy. The output from my camera to my computer or TV is great. When it's in Movie Maker it's still decent but when I save it to Windows Video File it gets crappy..... REALLY crappy.......

Must be nice to never have to shift during the lap! Do you need a lower gear to avoid over slowing in the bowl as you run out of revs?