Pe7e

I was just given a 6 event phone quote, with BMW Car Club of America membership (thanks for the tip, Karl), of $900. [Edited to add: this was only for $25K, however.] Quite the deal, considering that, due to their claims records, NJMP participants require a 33% surcharge. Pete

Is any insurance available for a non-street legal track day car? I assume the entry fee includes liability insurance. Is this true? Is supplemental liability insurance available and if so, from whom? -Pete the Precaucious

Thanks, Skip; a good find. First time I've seen laps at Fiorano. I was amused to hear his "over too soon" reaction, which I sympathized with (on a much lower level.) Pete

I'm really busy today, but this news from the management at Lime Rock Park is so important that I felt I needed to take the time to post it: Ecclestone Greenlights 2017 F1 Race at Lime Rock ASKWITH, U.K. (March 32) – In a surprise announcement, F1 major domo Bernie Ecclestone told reporters that he’s made a deal with Lime Rock Park owner Skip Barber to bring the Formula 1 circus to Connecticut’s 1.5-mile, 9-turn road course, starting in 2017. A date has not been set, and the F.I.A. World Council must still approve the expanded schedule, “But that’s simply a formality,” Ecclestone said. “I met Skip in Monaco back in the mid-70s, when I was running Brabham and Max [Mosely] was trying to stick Skip into that crap-can March,” Ecclestone said. “When I heard from one of my many minions that America’s New England region didn’t have an F1 race, well, I was shocked. So I rang up Skip." http://image01.netatlantic.com/relay/455/April_1_Bernie_Skip.jpg Ecclestone (l.) and Barber met secretly at Lime Rock Park in 2012. Photo: “Photos by Kimi. Because I know what to do” Ecclestone, who had gathered 241 racing reporters around his feet inside his quaint $650 million cabin in Askwith, Worchestershire-on-Gloucestershire-no-thanks-to-Shropshire, England, also revealed that Formula One Management will not charge Lime Rock Park the normal one-year rights fee of $21 billion. “Instead, Skip’s going to buy me dinner at Mizza’s Pizza – and he has to change the oil in one of my Range Rovers,” Ecclestone said. On the other side of the Atlantic, Barber said, “As much as I would like an F1 race at Lime Rock, my handshake agreement with Bernie does not include an oil change. We’re still negotiating. I think rotating the Hankooks on his Wolseley 16/60 is sufficient, really.” Because of this ground-breakingly different business case, Barber said he will set ticket prices accordingly. “I’m thinking $12.50, plus the 10% Connecticut Amusement-Admission Tax, for a three-day pass,” Barber said. Ecclestone was quoted further as saying, “I am also very excited to bring my 75-meter motorhome, Helga’s Revenge, to the infamous Lime Rock infield camping area for the Formula One race. I personally love the painfully passé ‘No Fear’ bumper stickers you see on the campers. I mean, literally, they’re stuck to their arses. As well, the plush pigs along the camping area’s roadsides really do make me feel at home. Well, at least one or two of them.” -end

Thanks very much for all the tips, guys. They've been very helpful; even the "worthless" ones. B-T, yours looks like the one that got away. Though even then, I wouldn't have scored your price. Trying to avoid trailer jealousy, Pete

I haven't been able to find something used, so for not too much more I'm having a semi-custom open, single axle with brakes, wood bed, built. It's for trackday use, dunno if I'll ever race it. Any advice on the best trailer length? The minimalist in me wants to go for 12'. (lighter, of course) Is this enough for tire tie-down? Will I regret not having extra length for extra stuff? Is 13' (extra cost option) the magic number? Is there a reason to bring another set of tires to trackdays/weekends? Thanks for the newbie care. Pete

Thanks, Shane! Is there any reason you chose the Ultra Shield over a Kirkey or ButlerBuilt? rnr, heh, heh, heh, the Ultralight looks so *alien* contrasted with the other cars. Nice effect. I should have said, "seat of pants to eye distance". I was trying to gauge the impact the HALO has on peripheral vision. Do you notice it? Pete

Thanks for all the posts, guys. Having spent too much time reading about the subject over the weekend, I'm waffling back and forth between just a foam seat and using foam in a seat, which has the advantage of a HALO structure. xcarguy (I assume this name was part of a Cars Anonymous 10 step program that didn't quite do the trick?) Do you happen to know your shoulder width and do you have any interference from the soulder wings? rnr do you have any pics of you in the car with helmet? Could I trouble you for a seat-to-eye measurement, when you get a chance? Tom, thanks for the offer, I'll pm you when I need the beads. If anyone is looking into foam seats for racing, my research has indicated that the system provided by baldspotsports http://www.baldspotsports.com/products/ or the bsci energy impact systems product, http://www.rollbarpadding.com/downloads/seat.pdf are superior offerings. Polyurethane foam should be avoided becase its rebound characteristics can cause or increase injury in the event of an impact. Pete

Any recommendations? Has anyone experienced Kirkey and/or Tillet B6F seats in a 7? I'm comparing the Tillet B6F, which has a 30 degree layback and head-rest positioned for helmet clearance, with Kirkey, ButlerBuilt, or Ultra Shield aluminum seats, which have less layback (18-25 degrees) and no apparent "helmet hunch" accommodation (it's tough to imagine they don't have that right, but...) The metal seats have what looks like much better rib and shoulder support, also options for a helmet halo. I've ridden helmeted in the Caterham seats (equivalent, I'm told, of Tillet B6, not B6F) and found the head-rest pushed my helmet forward a bit, making for a slightly vulturish driving posture. The seat is for a trackday and, optimistically, race car. I currently spec out at 6'1, 170lbs, 33inch inseam (185 cm, 77Kg, 84 cm, 12.1429 stone, according to google). Has anyone tried a halo seat? Annoying or innocuous? Pete

The how-to-fit-a-helmet guide found here may be helpful: http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/node/27 They've tested 100's of helmets at this site; no word on test procedure, most are bike helmets, I think. Only one data point, but all of the Bell's got 5 stars, (except the M10, 3 stars) including the $165 M1. Other manufacturers I checked were far less consistent. I was glad I was able to get to a dealer to get fitted; got it on the 7th or 8th try. As far as I could find, the retail store nearest to me ('Jersey, near Philly) was Stable Energies, Garfield, NJ. I was glad of their advice during the fitting. The guy who fit me holds two NASA lap records at Watkins Glen (I had to pry his racing experience out of him.) Pete

if you're a fan of Lime Rock Park. I just got an email on this from LRP. Deadline is Friday. Not affiliated, etc. "Skip Barber the Person – the guy that owns Lime Rock Park – asked Skip Barber the Racing School if they would be amenable to offering to Lime Rock Park customers only a special deal for April schools here at Lime Rock. The School said yes... and they gave us a whopping 40% off! But you have to act fast if you want to take advantage: You must book your program by tomorrow, Friday, March 15, 2013, no later than 5:00 p.m. EST. Call 800.221.1131 or register online and use code LRPApril13 to get the special 40% off the price of any April program at Lime Rock Park. (Don't call us at the track. You have to call the Skip Barber Racing School for the discount, okay? Thanks!) Skip is always looking for fun, unique ways to treat the fans of Lime Rock, and he thought this was something many of you would appreciate. Here are the Skip Barber Racing School April Lime Rock dates where you can get the special, LRP Fans-Only price... Program Date Orig. Price LRP Price 3 Day Racing School April 1-3 $4,000 $2,400 1 Day Formula Racing School April 4 $1,800 $1,080 2 Day Mazda Driving School April 4-5 $1,400 $840 1 Day Mazda Driving School April 12 $1,000 $600 Advanced Car Control – p.m. April 16 $1,300 $780 3 Day Racing School April 16-18 $4,000 $2,400 3 Day MX-5 Racing School April 16-18 $4,000 $2,400 1 Day High Performance Driving School April 18 $1,800 $1,080 2 Day High Performance Driving School April 23-24 $3,200 $1,920 Teen Safety & Survival School April 27 $1,000 $600 This offer is valid only on the dates above, cannot be combined with other offers and must be mentioned at the time of purchase. Think fast! The Racing School Fans at Lime Rock Park"

Whoa, Paul! Way to seize the 7! Pete

Thanks, Mike. edxdoc, I'm embarrased to say I did not look at the brakes. What should I have looked for? Pete

So I'm considering buying a Zetec engined car with a weak clutch and no 3rd and 4th syncros in the T9 gearbox. Do these syncro failures point to some other issue which should concern me? I have no problem with pulling the engine and replacing the clutch, but rebuilding the trans has me concerned. Is this something that can be accomplished without a machine shop or press? If so, is it still so fraught with failure opportunities that I should have it done for me? If so, is there anyone in the Philadelphia area (or the Mid-Atlantic to Northeast region, for that matter) whom you would recommend? Does anyone have ballpark part prices for a clutch job or trans rebuild rattling around in their brains? Thanks to all who've already helped out on the SCCA racer for sale thread, btw. Pete

Martin - Oh, sorts of Aston Martins... now I see what you mean. So, having driven an untitled and totally uninspectible 7 cleverly disguised as a racecar, on the street today, the petrol vapors are still wafting out of my brain. Rational thought has yet to regain it's precariously maintained, perhaps merely fabled, throne. However, in addition to the incidentals (front-end skin replacement which looks as if it was fabbed during a pitstop by a crew armed soley with a chisel and a pair of Channel Locs, various other cosmetic issues, indications that the steering column clamp fitting had impacted the firewall, and a few oil leaks) it has no detectable 3rd or 4th syncros and the clutch is probably nearing end of life. Word (from Mike) has it that the Zetec is good for hours and hours of fun as long as it is not revved too far past 7k, but the trans issue raises the specter that, as a rental racer, there is a significant chance that this excellent advice may have been ignored some at some point. The steering is tight, it seems to have a quick-rack and a new quick-release wheel and splines, no diff whine or tappet noises, Bilstiens, 13" wheels, two and a half fingers of ground clearance in racing stance, the grunge troughs on either side of the front frame were clean, original plywood in trunk :-), fire supression system in place, when sitting on the floor I fit with helmet clearance (according to Mike) ECU form factor appears to be about 8" square x 1.25 thick mounted in right footwell and protruding vertically slightly through the firewall shelf. It is, as my wife says, a lot of money for a car I can't drive. (On the street.) On the other hand, I could drive it at very high speed. This may not be a convincing line of reasoning for the skeptic. But... what are trailers going for these days? Pete

Ah, but do you really an Aston? I suppose they do make more sense as a daily driver, but then I find the Bentley GT to be so much more practical, don't you? :-D I'm really sorry I can't make Saturday work, because I'd like to meet up. I hope to see you at NJMP in March. Mike and I are going to stop by This a.m. to have a look at the car. Pete

Wow! Thanks for all the generous advice, guys. Taking it all into consideration, I like The Stig's idea of an NJMP syndicate. Is anyone else interested? Ed was going to show me the car tomorrow afternoon, but I may wait and take Mike up on his offer of a visit on Saturday. I'll call you Thursday, Mike. Pete

So I'm being tempted by thoughts of immediate track day gratification followed by many cheerful blats (post street conversion) promised by this vehicle. It's located in my home state of NJ. Do you guys and gals have any wisdom to offer on any of the following questions? 1. What should I look for and ask about when looking at the car? 2. Is an old racecar a series of problems held together with hidden cracks and I should walk away? 3. Ballpark ideas on the cost of streeting it, if I do all the work. What would it need beyond headlights, turn signals and actuator, -are those rear lamps "factory"? marker lamps, seats (perhaps the most costly item?) windscreen, wipers system (a big deal?) (has anyone registered a car with brooklands in NJ?) safety harnesses. It's starting to look as if this is going to add up; I'll put "heater" on the future upgade list. 4. Is it worth it (vs. other 7s) as a street conversion? I know, it's sort of like asking, "what is the best car?" -But I already know the answer to that one. :-) Let me know if you want my phone number or email. -And if this should be a new post. Pete

Well, I plunked for Montana, etc. on the grounds that it would be more of an adventure (for me, a Right Coaster) and it would balance the East Coast bias of the T.O.D. event. I'd be perfectly happy with the Ozarks as well. Pete

Has anyone registered a Brooklands screened car in NJ? They *are* windshields, right? Tim W at 7-7-7 had a nifty clamp-on hand-powered wiper that could satisfy the letter of the law... Do you think it would work, Al? Pete Byar (Cross posted to usa@se7ens.net)

A big and well deserved congratulations, Bob! Yes, be sure to let us hear it. Pete

So I finally have a post-7-7-7 breather and a chance to load some pics, now that everyone is thoroughly sated. But first another THANK YOU to Al, Marcy and everyone else who made the event such an enjoyable, unique and positive experience! It's impossible to calculate the amount of camaraderie and sunny good memories that this weekend provided. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/110000976_IMG_6805.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/432683708_IMG_6808.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1761714213_IMG_6719.JPG The sweet white S2 http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/713493294_IMG_6809.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1037708431_IMG_6810.JPG The Deman http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1457903333_IMG_6740.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1933075606_IMG_6701.JPG SV http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/2020951591_IMG_6818.JPG S3 (Caterham) http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1414771675_IMG_6821.JPG With 1200cc Datsun power Tim W's Birkin was still quick! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/577420914_IMG_6893.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/566394419_IMG_6871.JPG My wife enjoyed her ride in it - when she realized that she was still alive! Thanks, Patrick! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1144469277_IMG_6908.JPG A tiny bit of what it feels like as a passenger http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1568119210_IMG_6839.JPG Passenger's view 1 http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1075920159_IMG_6900.JPG Passenger's view 2 http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/717131908_IMG_6917.JPG On the Tail http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/2051720941_IMG_6849.JPG At the turn-around of the non-parade http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/2101984769_IMG_6860.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1185148705_IMG_6872.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/256415394_IMG_6873.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1742741754_IMG_6874.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/840958308_IMG_6890.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/458078113_IMG_6891.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/626036260_IMG_6892.JPG Brooklands screen attach on Dick Brink's excellent cage http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1886166202_IMG_6884.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/512484392_IMG_6876.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/417088728_IMG_6882.JPG S1 http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1045556751_IMG_6932.JPG Stalkers http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1760613768_IMG_6934.JPG Another reason Jonny Lieberman wants to move to Tennessee http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1300884334_IMG_6951.JPG That's it for now. Pete Byar

Your old avatar really didn't do you justice anyway... Pete

A well deserved congratulations, Jeff! Pete Byar

Thanks, Al; and my apologies for misquoting your car. Pete