Just some pointless babbling... - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

*LanceS13* · 10-15-2001, 10:49 PM

Warning:  kinda long...just feel compelled to tell my weekend's event(s).  Read and reply if you wish.;)

Me and my friend who drives a Miata decided we were gonna go up to Almyra, AR for a Tri-State autox event.  The event was supposed to be Sat. and Sun., but Sat. got stormed out, so all runs were done on Sun.  Anyway...we were only going up for Sunday so that turned out good, being able to do both day's events.  We left Starkville, MS at 12:30 am Sat. night (or Sun. morning, really) and drove until we got there around 5<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>0 Sun. morning.  
Sidenote:  two hours of sleep is not good for a full day of racing and course work.  
Well, we got up and frantically fixed a sheared lug on the Miata after it failed tech.  As we were walking the course which was laid out on a runway tarmac, I realized it had a lot of pretty fast sections on the way down the runway.  When I walked around the turnaround at the end and looked back up all I saw was about 8 non-offset gates extending 3/4 the way back up the runway for around 1/4 mile!  I was like "#### yeah!"  When I ran the course I made a point to glance down at the speedo and it was at 90...that's insane for an autox course.  The only shifter cart there hit 122mph!  As for my runs, I brought up the rear in STS...still trying to find the limits of the new suspension.  The car handled great...but now it's better than I am <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>.  But I'm working on it.
My friend with the Miata had just recently performed a swap from the newer 1.8L Miatas and placed just out of the top 3 in DSP.  Needless to say, he's been doing this a lot longer than I have.  
Well...that was my weekend at the autox's.  Didn't do as well as I was hoping to, but hey, I can only improve from here.:)

*LanceS13* · 10-15-2001, 10:52 PM

ok, I'm stupid.  Can anyone tell me why I put this is Tech Talk?  Mark you can move it to Chat if you want.

BlankFlip · 10-16-2001, 06:04 AM

how often do autox events take place? i've heard of one happening around here n that's it so far. just wondering so i can go check some out some time, they sound like a lot of fun.

*LanceS13* · 10-16-2001, 09:29 AM

Most local clubs hold them on a monthly basis.  Our region takes a break from Sept. to Dec. b/c of the Tri-State events.  Go to www.scca.org and go to the region locator...if your region has a website there should be a link there.  If there's no website, there should at least be an email address where you can contact your regions event coordinator(s).  And it is definitely fun. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

HippoSleek · 10-16-2001, 01:22 PM

90 on an AX course is scary!  I know there are some events here where 3rd gear is common (NASA events), which is fine if you have a big open space and plenty of room to protect courseworkers and allow cars to spin around.  Worst thing was an AX course on a race track where they used off-sets to slow down the cars on a straight!  Bad idea b/c high speed + off-sets + no runoff area = a totaled prepared Saturn and a totaled Boxster S.  OUCH!  That said, I am always leery when I hear about any AX that gets such high speeds.

Otherwise, it sounds like a lot of fun, except for the driving all through the night - that SUCKS!  As for bringing up the rear, this year STS is a tough class with a lot of really good drivers.  I agree though - the 240 can be competitive there with a good driver.

*LanceS13* · 10-16-2001, 03:02 PM

It wasn't too dangerous considering the speed...as long as you used common sense.  A dogleg and an opposing switchback were used to slow the cars at the end of the straight...a little tricky, but there was plenty of run-off room it you went in a little too hot.  I actually had to use it on one run <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>.  
And all that driving did suck!  Call us stupid, but we wanted to hang around for MSU's homecoming and the following parties before we left out...and of course we left the alcohol alone.;)  But I'm still exhausted two days later.
About the car, I know it can do more.  If it were stock, I would have been well beyond it's limits; but the new suspension parts made it so much more capable that I found it hard to make myself push it that far.  The only time I really got out of shape was when I overshot the braking zone that one time...I think I was being a tad too timid the rest of the time.  Once I get more seat time with it and I can figure out just how far I can push it, I'm positive I can do better.

tanabs · 10-17-2001, 05:56 AM

Yeah, I am going to hit the autox soon.  I would like to at least upgrade my brake pads if anything.  I am sure an LSD would help a lot too.  I was wondering how everyone else does at autox with fairly stock parts?

HippoSleek · 10-17-2001, 07:53 AM

Pads - stockers are okay for AX.  Actually, I think those or a middle of the road pad (like Metal Masters) are best b/c a track pad takes too long to heat up.

As for the 240 - I too lack enough seat time to really run it (although the week I got it, I pulled a 2nd in ES).  Time.  BTW:  I think my favorite was on that first weekend - soft switchbacks that allowed third gear, then a left dog leg that required downshifting.  Late in the day, I carried a drift through the dogleg, around the next cone, and finally lost it in a horseshoe!  #### greasy, cheapo tires.  It was so much fun though!  Glad to hear you laid off the liquor.  At a recent track day in WV, we went out drinking the night before and then got up and raced... a buddy of mine was praying at the porcelin altar after his first set of the day <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>  

*LanceS13* · 10-17-2001, 08:55 AM

I only ran ES twice and got 3rd the first time...couldn't stick around to hear how I did the second time.  But now I have to catch up with the car...and the other drivers in STS.
And yeah...me and my friend aren't big drinkers.  I don't think he drinks at all...I do on rare occasions.  

HippoSleek · 10-17-2001, 12:57 PM

Well, STS is a tough class - between the Subies and the Si's, it is not an easy place to be.  While I know we can keep up with the Hondas, those Subies are 2 seconds faster than everyone else around here!  (DC is a tough region - we had many place in the nationals)  Good luck and let us know how you are doing on your points chase - I switched classes this year and have had to start from scratch with the 240 so I am out of it - but I would love to see some 240's winning their divisions!

*LanceS13* · 10-17-2001, 01:29 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from HippoSleek on 1:57 pm on Oct. 17, 2001
Well, STS is a tough class - between the Subies and the Si's, it is not an easy place to be. While I know we can keep up with the Hondas, those Subies are 2 seconds faster than everyone else around here! (DC is a tough region - we had many place in the nationals) Good luck and let us know how you are doing on your points chase - I switched classes this year and have had to start from scratch with the 240 so I am out of it - but I would love to see some 240's winning their divisions! </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Thanks.  I'll definitely let you know how I do.  Hopefully, I'll be able to make it to more than I have here recently.  The guy on top right now actually doesn't drive a Subaru or a Honda...it's a Ford Probe GT.  He's a very good driver.  I figure if I can beat or at least come in second to him, I'll do a CA swap and go to SM (to remind myself of what a butt-whoopin' feels like :biggrin: ).  So I guess that's my incentive...no engine swap until I master STS.  That oughta motivate me to shave some seconds.:)

10-15-2001, 10:49 PM	#1
LanceS13 AutoX Junkie Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: MS Age: 42 Posts: 2,044 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Warning:  kinda long...just feel compelled to tell my weekend's event(s).  Read and reply if you wish.;) Me and my friend who drives a Miata decided we were gonna go up to Almyra, AR for a Tri-State autox event.  The event was supposed to be Sat. and Sun., but Sat. got stormed out, so all runs were done on Sun.  Anyway...we were only going up for Sunday so that turned out good, being able to do both day's events.  We left Starkville, MS at 12:30 am Sat. night (or Sun. morning, really) and drove until we got there around 5<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>0 Sun. morning.   Sidenote:  two hours of sleep is not good for a full day of racing and course work.   Well, we got up and frantically fixed a sheared lug on the Miata after it failed tech.  As we were walking the course which was laid out on a runway tarmac, I realized it had a lot of pretty fast sections on the way down the runway.  When I walked around the turnaround at the end and looked back up all I saw was about 8 non-offset gates extending 3/4 the way back up the runway for around 1/4 mile!  I was like "#### yeah!"  When I ran the course I made a point to glance down at the speedo and it was at 90...that's insane for an autox course.  The only shifter cart there hit 122mph!  As for my runs, I brought up the rear in STS...still trying to find the limits of the new suspension.  The car handled great...but now it's better than I am <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>.  But I'm working on it. My friend with the Miata had just recently performed a swap from the newer 1.8L Miatas and placed just out of the top 3 in DSP.  Needless to say, he's been doing this a lot longer than I have.   Well...that was my weekend at the autox's.  Didn't do as well as I was hoping to, but hey, I can only improve from here.:)

10-15-2001, 10:52 PM	#2
LanceS13 AutoX Junkie Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: MS Age: 42 Posts: 2,044 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ok, I'm stupid.  Can anyone tell me why I put this is Tech Talk?  Mark you can move it to Chat if you want.

10-16-2001, 06:04 AM	#3
BlankFlip Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: The Future Posts: 1,627 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	how often do autox events take place? i've heard of one happening around here n that's it so far. just wondering so i can go check some out some time, they sound like a lot of fun.

10-16-2001, 09:29 AM	#4
LanceS13 AutoX Junkie Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: MS Age: 42 Posts: 2,044 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Most local clubs hold them on a monthly basis.  Our region takes a break from Sept. to Dec. b/c of the Tri-State events.  Go to www.scca.org and go to the region locator...if your region has a website there should be a link there.  If there's no website, there should at least be an email address where you can contact your regions event coordinator(s).  And it is definitely fun. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

10-16-2001, 01:22 PM	#5
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	90 on an AX course is scary!  I know there are some events here where 3rd gear is common (NASA events), which is fine if you have a big open space and plenty of room to protect courseworkers and allow cars to spin around.  Worst thing was an AX course on a race track where they used off-sets to slow down the cars on a straight!  Bad idea b/c high speed + off-sets + no runoff area = a totaled prepared Saturn and a totaled Boxster S.  OUCH!  That said, I am always leery when I hear about any AX that gets such high speeds. Otherwise, it sounds like a lot of fun, except for the driving all through the night - that SUCKS!  As for bringing up the rear, this year STS is a tough class with a lot of really good drivers.  I agree though - the 240 can be competitive there with a good driver.

10-16-2001, 03:02 PM	#6
LanceS13 AutoX Junkie Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: MS Age: 42 Posts: 2,044 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It wasn't too dangerous considering the speed...as long as you used common sense.  A dogleg and an opposing switchback were used to slow the cars at the end of the straight...a little tricky, but there was plenty of run-off room it you went in a little too hot.  I actually had to use it on one run <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>.   And all that driving did suck!  Call us stupid, but we wanted to hang around for MSU's homecoming and the following parties before we left out...and of course we left the alcohol alone.;)  But I'm still exhausted two days later. About the car, I know it can do more.  If it were stock, I would have been well beyond it's limits; but the new suspension parts made it so much more capable that I found it hard to make myself push it that far.  The only time I really got out of shape was when I overshot the braking zone that one time...I think I was being a tad too timid the rest of the time.  Once I get more seat time with it and I can figure out just how far I can push it, I'm positive I can do better.

10-17-2001, 05:56 AM	#7
tanabs Leaky Injector Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 63 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yeah, I am going to hit the autox soon.  I would like to at least upgrade my brake pads if anything.  I am sure an LSD would help a lot too.  I was wondering how everyone else does at autox with fairly stock parts?

10-17-2001, 07:53 AM	#8
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Pads - stockers are okay for AX.  Actually, I think those or a middle of the road pad (like Metal Masters) are best b/c a track pad takes too long to heat up. As for the 240 - I too lack enough seat time to really run it (although the week I got it, I pulled a 2nd in ES).  Time.  BTW:  I think my favorite was on that first weekend - soft switchbacks that allowed third gear, then a left dog leg that required downshifting.  Late in the day, I carried a drift through the dogleg, around the next cone, and finally lost it in a horseshoe!  #### greasy, cheapo tires.  It was so much fun though!  Glad to hear you laid off the liquor.  At a recent track day in WV, we went out drinking the night before and then got up and raced... a buddy of mine was praying at the porcelin altar after his first set of the day <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>

10-17-2001, 08:55 AM	#9
LanceS13 AutoX Junkie Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: MS Age: 42 Posts: 2,044 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I only ran ES twice and got 3rd the first time...couldn't stick around to hear how I did the second time.  But now I have to catch up with the car...and the other drivers in STS. And yeah...me and my friend aren't big drinkers.  I don't think he drinks at all...I do on rare occasions.

10-17-2001, 12:57 PM	#10
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Well, STS is a tough class - between the Subies and the Si's, it is not an easy place to be.  While I know we can keep up with the Hondas, those Subies are 2 seconds faster than everyone else around here!  (DC is a tough region - we had many place in the nationals)  Good luck and let us know how you are doing on your points chase - I switched classes this year and have had to start from scratch with the 240 so I am out of it - but I would love to see some 240's winning their divisions!

10-17-2001, 01:29 PM	#11
LanceS13 AutoX Junkie Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: MS Age: 42 Posts: 2,044 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from HippoSleek on 1:57 pm on Oct. 17, 2001 Well, STS is a tough class - between the Subies and the Si's, it is not an easy place to be. While I know we can keep up with the Hondas, those Subies are 2 seconds faster than everyone else around here! (DC is a tough region - we had many place in the nationals) Good luck and let us know how you are doing on your points chase - I switched classes this year and have had to start from scratch with the 240 so I am out of it - but I would love to see some 240's winning their divisions! </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Thanks.  I'll definitely let you know how I do.  Hopefully, I'll be able to make it to more than I have here recently.  The guy on top right now actually doesn't drive a Subaru or a Honda...it's a Ford Probe GT.  He's a very good driver.  I figure if I can beat or at least come in second to him, I'll do a CA swap and go to SM (to remind myself of what a butt-whoopin' feels like :biggrin: ).  So I guess that's my incentive...no engine swap until I master STS.  That oughta motivate me to shave some seconds.:)