Sebring - June 9 & 10 - Chin Motorsports

[pdisme]

Hehe, very nice, I just noticed that Zdoc has signed up for the Murci, this should be a fun event! For those not familiar, see the post on car clubs, you can read more about Chin Motorsports there or on their site at http://www.chinmotorsports.com Great car club with fantastic amounts of track time and a very safe operation.

Brandon offered to help be my pit crew if he comes down to hang out, I said I've got tire changes with your name on it. :)

[pdisme]

Wow, all novice spots gone in ten hours.

[zzzzdoc]

Wow. Hard to keep a secret around here.

Still have some concerns about taking the Murci on the track, but at least I have a spot.

In the time it took me to register, 4 spots disappeared.

[pdisme]

Don't be nervous; with Chin's point-by passing system, no one will come around on you when you don't expect it, or they'll be asked to leave after one warning, and you can always drive slower for a couple corners to clear out any cars near you so you aren't riding their bumpers where debris might kick up.

[zzzzdoc]

BTW, I'm assuming that's your G on Chin's website from December at Sebring?

[pdisme]

Yeah, they're pimping my car out, I didn't even get a lousy t-shirt. :) The full assortment of 80+ pics of my car on the track are at:

http://whoi.be/vroom/v/20061230/00lambo/

[zzzzdoc]

What the heck is that you're passing on picture 6126?????

[pdisme]

Don't go there! :lol2:

For those of you who would like to see this and take pleasure in making fun of me, here's the pic 1600x1200 super size:

http://whoi.be/vroom/v/20061230/00lambo/DSC_6126.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=4

At that resolution, you can see my hand out the window pointing to the side of the car because yes, I was telling a Toyota(?) 4 banger pass me. :lol2: :lol2:

Based on the time showing on the pic, I can tell you that this was in my second session of the day, so at that point my track experience amounted to about 6 laps around Sebring, so I would have let grandma in a house scooter pass me at that point. :) I was really nervous about the car. Although at least the fact that there is only one person in that car means that is a solo-qualified driver so they should be good.

[zzzzdoc]

Wait, I thought you were passing him.

Whoops.

It's OK, I'll be a granny out there with my car too.

[pdisme]

LOL, at low res yep, I was blasting by him, at hi-res, not so much. :)

Kind of like this picture:

http://whoi.be/vroom/d/2832-2/DSC_7923.JPG

Did I just take the inside and pass that track Miata? Or was he on my ass through the past four turns waiting for me to point him by. :lol2:

[Minch00]

Toyota(?) 4 banger



Acura RSX. SOrry I'm a stickler. I'll be in your pit crew for next weekend too if you want, I just have to be in Apopka by 5pm.

[pdisme]

Acura RSX. SOrry I'm a stickler.


Whatever, I still got served. :lol2:

I'll be in your pit crew for next weekend too if you want, I just have to be in Apopka by 5pm.

Probably not worth coming down Brandon, you'd have to leave pretty early and Apopka is a good two hours north of Sebring if traffic is cooperative so you'd have to leave early too and they stack up the novice sessions at the end of the day so at least an hour of my driving is gonna happen after you'd have to go. I'll be back there on May 6th and then June 9/10, whenever you want to come down, if I do well, I may have provisional solo on Sebring by that point since I'll have five more driving days by then. I did check, $20 lets you ride with any solo or instructor driver.

[Minch00]

Well, I'm going to be heading down there no matter what, when does it start? Says 12 hours but no beginning time that I can find (maybe I'm just illiterate?). So if you can use my help I'm so there, if not it'll be cool to just hang out a bit, maybe get a ride in the Ariel Atom that's registered :D

Did you say you had an extra helmet?


EDIT: Also, I should be totally free May 6th (as of right now I have no other obligations, so I'd be happy to spend the day tending to your Radical's basic needs.

[pdisme]

Ah, yes I heard about that thing, I think someone told me they saw it in action at Homestead's event last month. Wow, just checked the schedule, they have a full complement of drivers, 41 solos and 13 provisional. The Z06's are fun too, they go blasting down that back straight, 150+.

Event schedule for Saturday the 14th is:

7:45 mandatory drivers meeting

8:30 to 8:55 is warm up session where all drivers are able to go out, no passing.

9:00 AM to 9:55 AM is novice classroom time and open track for instructors and advanced solo, so that's your first opportunity for some ride along.

10 to 10:25 is novice only.
10:45 to noon is all drivers

1 to 1:25 is novice only
1:30 to 2:25 is instructors & solos again
2:30 to 3:15 all drivers
3:35 to 5 PM all drivers

That's a lot of track time, Saturday is running the "open track" format so it can get a little hairy during those all drivers sessions since you have advanced people wanting by you and getting pissed off if you don't give them a point by. Sunday is the dual groups format where novices and advanced are never on the track at the same time; that's more typical for Chin events.

Yes on the helmet, it's a large, you have to remind me to bring it though, I'll try but I have a horrible memory.

[jrfootin]

I still can't believe yu got passed by a Toyota Camery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pdisme]

I still can't believe yu got passed by a Toyota Camery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Acura RSX, and it had nitrous and a blower, 1800 RWHP.

[Minch00]

Acura RSX, and it had nitrous and a blower, 1800 RWHP.

1800 FWHP. ;)

[pdisme]

No, it had a RWD conversion. :)

[zzzzdoc]

Saturday is running the "open track" format so it can get a little hairy during those all drivers sessions since you have advanced people wanting by you and getting pissed off if you don't give them a point by. Sunday is the dual groups format where novices and advanced are never on the track at the same time; that's more typical for Chin events.

Great. :banghead: Unfortunately, Sunday isn't an option. It's my anniversary. Saturday may turn out not to be an option for similar reasons.

Well, you should get some good pictures, and I should make some numbnuts day by pointing by a VW bug or something...

[pdisme]

LOL, I'm going to tell the camera guys $40 bonus if they get pics of you giving a point by to a 4-cylinder car! :lol2: :lol2:

[zzzzdoc]

Dave, were you wearing a full racing suit out there, or just a helmet?

[zzzzdoc]

LOL, I'm going to tell the camera guys $40 bonus if they get pics of you giving a point by to a 4-cylinder car! :lol2: :lol2:

Et tu, Brute???:eek: In a minute, I'm going to bale and ride shotgun in the Aerial Atom. If memory serves, it should have your Radical's lunch.

[pdisme]

My first racing suit will be here Tuesday, up until now I've just worn jeans, short sleeve t-shirt, gloves, helmet and my trusty Addidas wrestling shoes. Chin will even allow shorts since racing is strictly forbidden, not all clubs are like that though, PBOC requires pants and all clothing to be a natural fiber for HPDE; racers must wear full gear. I'll still be wearing my Addidas, they work great, I'll probably get some real nomex shoes in a month or two but I'm saving up for a hans device first since I think a head injury is more likely than burning to death. :) Any of it is really overkill for me since I'm a novice and am not racing but there's always that slim chance of a problem and a little equipment now will cost less than a huge medical bill later.

[pdisme]

Et tu, Brute???:eek: In a minute, I'm going to bale and ride shotgun in the Aerial Atom. If memory serves, it should have your Radical's lunch.

Sorry, you're wrong. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfvuBFDfGbU

The Radical has much more downforce which results in insane braking, so as she says at the end, had the Radical's brakes been warmed up, it would have been even faster. Of course that is with equal drivers, so the Atom would have my lunch, but not my car's. :lol2:

[zzzzdoc]

Yeah, I'll likely get a helmet, but will put off the suit purchase until I'm more serious. If I get serious, I'll need a track car, since it won't be my Murci. And, other than wanting to get pointed by by you in my LS400, I don't really have any other cars that are appropriate. If I do go for the LS600hL, I might consider it. 400HP and all that, plus I could say I blew by you in a hybrid saloon. :wave:Still trying to decide which. Despite my love for open wheel racing, I'm not comfortable with their limited visibility on the track. So, some form of GT it would be.

[zzzzdoc]

Of course that is with equal drivers, so the Atom would have my lunch, but not my car's. :lol2:

Well, maybe. She drives like crap, though. Nice to see her blow the same turn in both cars. I guess that's equal. I would've thought that the straights would have heavily favored the Atom, but I didn't realize both had 400bhp/ton.

I like the oversteer of the Atom to the understeer of the Radical. I work better with cars with a little oversteer so I can correct with modulated throttle application, instead of brakes, but that's just my driving. You need to be able to do both.

Of course, hard to argue with the extra downforce. ??? Atom with a wing???

[pdisme]

Helmet is required; I do have a spare size large SA-rated brand new one if you want to borrow it and it's the right size. I bought it online, didn't like the fit when it got here, and then went and bought a second helmet at Motorsports of Tampa. The reason I kept it is because my new helmet is M-rated (motorcycle) which is fine for the tracks, but drag strips require SA due to NHRA requirements and I still plan to take the g-wagen to the strip so I've been saving the helmet for that.

As for the track car, that's going to be a decision that is as difficult to make as what to go with for your regular car; my need a track car thread that morphed into an unending monster started out with me trying to decide what to purchase for that. A Miata actually makes a really good track car for example, you can set up the suspension, brakes, etc. to have awesome cornering (relatively speaking) but you're still hampered by that engine and me personally, and you probably too, would get frustrated on the straights as the big 140 hp builds speed like a moped. It's incredibly cheap to maintain though, there's always a ton of them at the track so if something breaks it's unlikely to end your day and it's reliable. You might want to look at a BMW M3 or Porsche, both make great track cars if set up properly and you can have some tuning on the Bimmer done to get the power up to what you'll probably want. There are also a ton of aftermarket parts for both due to their popularity for that use so the parts are not super expensive; six point cage for under a grand for example.

[pdisme]

Well, maybe. She drives like crap, though. Nice to see her blow the same turn in both cars. I guess that's equal. I would've thought that the straights would have heavily favored the Atom, but I didn't realize both had 400bhp/ton.

The Atom 2 300 did a 1:19.5 on Top Gear with the Radical SR3 at 1:19.0 so they're very close; I'm not sure if that's the top end Radical though since they didn't specify 1300, 1400 or 1500 cc. Atom could probably use some more downforce on twisty tracks but would slow it down on long.

[zzzzdoc]

We should meet up some time in the next few weeks to see if the helmet will fit me. If it does, I'll save a few bucks for now. If not, I'll pick one up.

[zzzzdoc]

The Atom 2 300 did a 1:19.5 on Top Gear with the Radical SR3 at 1:19.0 so they're very close; I'm not sure if that's the top end Radical though since they didn't specify 1300, 1400 or 1500 cc. Atom could probably use some more downforce on twisty tracks but would slow it down on long.
I'll have to search for the Radical on Top Gear. I saw the Atom (great stupid pictures of Clarkson with his cheeks vibrating). Didn't know they tested the Radical.

[pdisme]

They did an episode of airplane versus Radical SR3 :) Actually, Hammond mentions in the commentary that their Radical is a 1300, so they did the 1:19 in a car with I think 50 hp less than the 1500.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LENGdyhldag

[Minch00]

I'll have to search for the Radical on Top Gear. I saw the Atom (great stupid pictures of Clarkson with his cheeks vibrating). Didn't know they tested the Radical.


All the Radical stuff is from the first season after the hiatus. So around 2002/2003 Season 1. How much do helmets normally go for? I'll try Dave's spare this weekend, but if ZDoc wants to use it to race I sure as hell can't take that from him being a rider and all :D. ALso, know of any place in Orlando that sells them?

[jrfootin]

zzzzdoc, I have a suit that I have worn only 3 times that I can sell you? I should be getting a new one with Dave this week.

Let me know!

If not, it's going up on ebay.

Only $300.00.

[zzzzdoc]

Size / Brand / Style???

[jrfootin]

ProFox Racing suit
Size XL
Black
SFI 3-2A/5 fire rating

Only worn 3 times. I am only selling because I bought a $1K+ suit with pdisme.

Only thing wrong with it is a little worn on the back both part on the pant legs down by the shoe heal. I guess during the afternoon I was when I took it off and wrapped it around my waist, I guess I was walking on the back (like if your jeans were to long). Not bad maybe the size of a quarter.

I will offer 100% money back if your not happy when you receive it. Shipping not included. I can meet you somewhere in the middle between Tampa & St Pete. I think your in St Pete right??

Let me know.

[pdisme]

Jamie, think Chris will be willing to answer some of my Radical questions this weekend even though he's there to take care of your car? :) I've been building up a list.

[jrfootin]

I'm sure he would be happy too.

Just park next to him in the paddocks, we will all hang out together the entire weekend. I also think it would be good to all go out to dinner Saturday night together.

Is Greg coming too?

[pdisme]

Greg's up in the air, so we need to convince him to go. His Radical's transmission is trashed so he's shipping the entire engine and diff out this week to go ahead and do the normal 30 hour rebuild and get the tranny fixed since he was going to miss the next Radical Cup race anyway.

I talked to him earlier today, he might take the 360cs down to drive or he might just come down to hang out Sunday and teach me how to drive. I hope he makes it, not that the Chin instructors are not great, but none of them have driven a Radical so he'd be much better for me to learn from.

[jrfootin]

I think if things go well this weekend, I will join Chris Hall in the Radical series and race the 28th & 29th this month in Miami!!!!

As long as Chris says I'm ready!

[pdisme]

That would be cool, it's very intense from what I saw at Barber.

I'm hoping I can make some big improvement over the next few track days, I'd like to get solo qualified to save some money, and it's not like the instructors won't come ride with you if you ask them.

[jrfootin]

I did not know he had a Ferrari too!? Have him bring that to Sebring!!!!

[pdisme]

Here's his car next to Vroom's G at last month's cars & coffee:

http://www.talklambo.com/pics/data/527/medium/2007-03-17_020.jpg

He said he doesn't like to take it to the track because he beats it up pretty hard and the brakes cost a fortune since he has the ceramics on there. :)

[zzzzdoc]

ProFox Racing suit
Size XL
Black
SFI 3-2A/5 fire rating

Only worn 3 times. I am only selling because I bought a $1K+ suit with pdisme.

Only thing wrong with it is a little worn on the back both part on the pant legs down by the shoe heal. I guess during the afternoon I was when I took it off and wrapped it around my waist, I guess I was walking on the back (like if your jeans were to long). Not bad maybe the size of a quarter.

I will offer 100% money back if your not happy when you receive it. Shipping not included. I can meet you somewhere in the middle between Tampa & St Pete. I think your in St Pete right??

Let me know.
Only problem is that XL might be a little tight. Depends on how it runs. Black would have been my color preference.

We should meet sometime soon on Ulmerton near Feather Sound, so it's a quick trip for both of us. Otherwise, somewhere in the middle between Tampa and St. Pete is in the bay.

[pdisme]

Or we could all go grab some food at Bahama Breeze. :)

[zzzzdoc]

Or we could all go grab some food at Bahama Breeze. :)
Or that.:) Try Dave's helmet, the suit.

When's the swimsuit competition?

[pdisme]

When's the swimsuit competition?

I'm out. :lol2:

[pdisme]

Greg, you owe me shipping on your Alpinestars suit; I will waive it if you come to Sebring this weekend. :)

[Shuey2k]

Are you serious about the shipping? I paid them $40 to have them ship it two day air to LA last week. Did they charge you as well?

I am trying to make it but I am struggling with the CS - yes, I know it was made to track but when I track that car I drive it and drive it hard. I was actually thinking about driving the CLS. I bet I would shock some people with the times I think that car can put down.

[pdisme]

I'll call them tomorrow and get it straightened out; I think they had already charged me to ship all three suits so they should not have charged you.

I understand about the CS, most Ferrari drivers don't like to drive their cars. :lol2: :lol2:

[Minch00]

I understand about the CS, most Ferrari drivers don't like to drive their cars. :lol2: :lol2:

And on the other foot, some are so nonchalant about it, it's staggering. Like the F40 around here, and it's just kinda like "Oh, look, Simon is here." When a year ago I'd have become a drooling idiot mumbling engine specs and other information useless to those around me.

[pdisme]

You still do that.

[Minch00]

You still do that.

That's because each time you're around I go up a notch in "things I've done category".

First time it was "Man, that Gallardo spyder is sweet, never seen one of those *insert drool mode*"

Second it was like "Hey, it's that same Gallardo, sweet as ever........wait, I can have a ride!?" *insert drool mode*"

Third time, "An XJ220, one of the greatest supercars ever!?!?! And I can.........*insert drool mode*"



I think I'm getting pretty close to the summit of "seeing" and near the pinnacle of "riding in". Next venture........driving! Volunteers!? :D

[pdisme]

Sure, you can drive the Avalanche, tow my trailer to Sebring for me. LOL

[jrfootin]

The suit actually runs big. I'm 6' 200 lbs & it is big on me.

I'm up for Bahamma Breeze. I'll bring the suit so you can try it on to see if it fits & if you like it.

If you buy it, I will give you a ride in the Radical this weekend @ Sebring too!!!!!

[jrfootin]

Are you serious about the shipping? I paid them $40 to have them ship it two day air to LA last week. Did they charge you as well?

I am trying to make it but I am struggling with the CS - yes, I know it was made to track but when I track that car I drive it and drive it hard. I was actually thinking about driving the CLS. I bet I would shock some people with the times I think that car can put down.



"Struggling with the CS is right" if you are going to try to hang with us Radical guys with a Ferrari!!! Just kidding!:crazy:

[pdisme]

Sad thing is Greg in the 360 would be faster than me in the Radical, I can't wait for this weekend though, back at the track I'm familiar with and that I've ridden around in in a Radical before; I hope to make big improvements in driving.

[jrfootin]

Greg,

If you want, I haev an empty trailer going down to Sebring, I will be happy to tow your Ferrari down to the track!?

I will towing my Radical back up but this way, if yuor driving your car down, you won't have so many miles on it!

Let me know.

[Minch00]

Sure, you can drive the Avalanche, tow my trailer to Sebring for me. LOL

Hell I'd be ok with that. I'd actually consider it a huge honor to have someone trust me enough with their property. I usually the designated driver, but I'm not sure how credible some of my references would be :D

[Shuey2k]

Greg,

If you want, I haev an empty trailer going down to Sebring, I will be happy to tow your Ferrari down to the track!?

I will towing my Radical back up but this way, if yuor driving your car down, you won't have so many miles on it!

Let me know.


Thanks for the offer Jamie but the miles don't bother me. To be honest once you have driven the Radical everything else just doesn't compare. I am sure you understand. I am still on the fence but maybe I will work something out.

[pdisme]

Work it out!! :cry:

[Shuey2k]

"Struggling with the CS is right" if you are going to try to hang with us Radical guys with a Ferrari!!! Just kidding!:crazy:

I hear yeah - I would be able to pass on both straights and then "bye-bye".

[zzzzdoc]

The suit actually runs big. I'm 6' 200 lbs & it is big on me.

I'm up for Bahamma Breeze. I'll bring the suit so you can try it on to see if it fits & if you like it.

If you buy it, I will give you a ride in the Radical this weekend @ Sebring too!!!!!

Unfortunately, I won't be at Sebring this weekend. I was planning June 9th. I'd love the ride if you'll be there that day.

I'm 5"10, 225. So, maybe it will be perfect.

[zzzzdoc]

I hear yeah - I would be able to pass on both straights and then "bye-bye".
I'm thinking I will suffer the same fate. Of course, you can hog up a lot of track with a car as wide as a Murci.:fu2:

[jrfootin]

no problem just let me know when your coming to Tampa side next week & I'll met you to let you try on the suit. For the money it is the best suit around.

[pdisme]

I'm thinking I will suffer the same fate. Of course, you can hog up a lot of track with a car as wide as a Murci.:fu2:

We'll get you a wide load sign. :lol2: :lol2:

[pdisme]

Greg, status please. :) We gonna do some drivin' in June?

[zzzzdoc]

no problem just let me know when your coming to Tampa side next week & I'll met you to let you try on the suit. For the money it is the best suit around.
We should probably get together in the next week or so for me to see if the suit fits. I'll PM you contact info for me.

OR, Are you going to Cars and Coffee this Saturday? If so, I could meet you there and try it on. Should give everyone a thrill.

[Minch00]

We should probably get together in the next week or so for me to see if the suit fits. I'll PM you contact info for me.

OR, Are you going to Cars and Coffee this Saturday? If so, I could meet you there and try it on. Should give everyone a thrill.

I'll bring the camera!

[pdisme]

Yeah right, J never goes! :) Not that I blame him, he works Friday nights and getting up 6 AM to go to a damn car show is not fun.

[zzzzdoc]

Well, thought I'd ask. He still hasn't officially said anything, so go ahead and prove pdisme wrong.

PM coming your way.

[Minch00]

he works Friday nights and getting up 6 AM to go to a damn car show is not fun.

You know there are other people on this site that do the same thing......

[jrfootin]

pdimse is right. Sorry.... Sat 6 AM is way to early for me! I usually wake up around 10:30 -11 AM everyday!

I sent you a PM (e-mail) about the suit.

[zzzzdoc]

I usually wake up around 10:30 -11 AM everyday!



I am so jealous. 5:30am for me. Man do I miss sleeping in.

[pdisme]

It's all relative; I'm up until 3 AM most nights working, so I sleep in a bit. Personally I'd prefer to get up early and have my evenings free, but in my business I need to be available more in the evening so it sucks.

[zzzzdoc]

Yeah, except I'm a night person in an early morning job. If I had your hours, I'd drink half the coffee I do now.

[pdisme]

I thought doctors were genetically coded for early wakeup. I'm a night person too so at least my work coincides with when I like to be awake anyway, just too much of it.

[zzzzdoc]

I thought doctors were genetically coded for early wakeup.

Must have slept through that part in career selection day in college. My bad.