IT-Miata Shootout @ Mid-Ohio June 8-10 *Grand-Am Weekend*

[downingracing]

Just checked - 50 entered so far - Class Totals:
IT7: 2
ITA: 5
ITB: 6
ITC: 9
ITS: 5
Spec Miata: 23

[Racerlinn]

Oy, that's a lotta Miatea...

[jay05]

What starter stand are we using? Front or back?

[dhardison]

Oy, that's a lotta Miatea...

Yup. Matt/Kevin, has there been any thought given to the possibility of a split start? (ITR, ITS, ITA, SM) (IT7, ITB, ITC)

During last years race it was a swerve-fest in turn one for those of us starting behind the Meotters. It seems that a few of them tried to mate going in to T1 which caused a grassy excursion for many B and C cars.

[ITA_honda]

Yup. Matt/Kevin, has there been any thought given to the possibility of a split start? (ITR, ITS, ITA, SM) (IT7, ITB, ITC)

During last years race it was a swerve-fest in turn one for those of us starting behind the Meotters. It seems that a few of them tried to mate going in to T1 which caused a grassy excursion for many B and C cars.

If no split start it would be better starting on the backstraight, IMO. While most of us are careful, the last thing we need is to take out half the field in the first turn...which could happen at the end of the backstraight too.

[924Guy]

If no split start it would be better starting on the backstraight, IMO. While most of us are careful, the last thing we need is to take out half the field in the first turn...which could happen at the end of the backstraight too.

Well, it is a pro race weekend... don't we want to show the same quality of racing in the support race?

[jumbojimbo]

The Friday schedule shows tech from 8am-11:30am.
do we all have to be there by 11:30am to run Friday night's session?

[Racerlinn]

Yup. Matt/Kevin, has there been any thought given to the possibility of a split start? (ITR, ITS, ITA, SM) (IT7, ITB, ITC)

During last years race it was a swerve-fest in turn one for those of us starting behind the Meotters. It seems that a few of them tried to mate going in to T1 which caused a grassy excursion for many B and C cars.

All IT cars get to use the pit exit lane at T1, all Meoters have to use the track?

[924Guy]

All IT cars get to use the pit exit lane at T1, all Meoters have to use the track?

Based on Downing's investigations, that'll probably happen by default! Will surprise the F outta the bottom half of the SM field to suddenly have a buncha old hatchbacks in front of 'em!

Never see it coming...

[R2 Racing]

Dan - I'm not even leaving work until like 2pm Friday, so I sure hope those tech hours are incorrect.

Can't say I know about split starts or starting location. Will try and find out.

Just registered for ITA - looking forward to lapping Linn.

[Racerlinn]

Just registered for ITA - looking forward to lapping Linn.

Hey, you get to run away on a clear track - I gotta deal with Meotters!

(actually, I don't mind that one bit)

[Racerlinn]

And something better be done about the tech hours - I can't be there until mid afternoon. I'm guessing most people will be the same.

[dhardison]

All IT cars get to use the pit exit lane at T1, all Meoters have to use the track?

Great idea! Unfortunately last year I started on the outside and couldn't get over in time to use pit out. Actually during a separate event last year I was pulled over post-race by one of the stewards and asked why I took pit out at the start. I told him I had to in order to avoid a swerving Meotter.

[darthmonkeyIT]

Yup. Matt/Kevin, has there been any thought given to the possibility of a split start? (ITR, ITS, ITA, SM) (IT7, ITB, ITC)

During last years race it was a swerve-fest in turn one for those of us starting behind the Meotters. It seems that a few of them tried to mate going in to T1 which caused a grassy excursion for many B and C cars.

Was proposed and shot down last year to have a split start. The IT guys all liked the idea - the Miata's complained about it. I can't attend this year sadly but I would prefer a split start if I was after the miata spin fest in turn one at last years event. I managed to sneak through without a grassy excursion.

I have a few friends that are not attending this year because of the miata's last year sadly. A select few Miata guys decided that bumping a 240z's solid aluminum rear bumper was the best course to try and get around him. They could not out run the 240 in a straight line but the Miata's had the advantage in the corners. Rather then trying to setup a turn to make his pass they (or maybe he) continued to smack his rear end going through turns. After the race the miata driver came over to my friends paddock to complain about how he needs to get out of his way or he will keep smacking him. Who knew the point of racing was pull over out of the way of the guy behind you?

So unfortunatly my friends don't want to deal with bumper repair again because of some of the Miata drivers. Honestly from the Miata races I have watched as a corner worker I am always cautious when starting with the SM field.