Jump to content

Croc

Administrators
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    9,155

  • Joined

 Content Type 

Everything posted by Croc

  1. Croc
    I thought I did post the results from the UK pilot - clearly not - I must have senior momented. Nova ZZS identical to old Avon version. That makes it light years ahead of R888 in the dry. No idea on wet performance. Nova ZZR was similar to less grippy Avon ZZR compound. That makes it light years plus ahead of R888. Do not use ZZR in damp or wet same as old Avon version - shift to ZZS then. No information on whether the ZZR will have multiple grip compounds. Now the real question is whether the price justifies not using MRFs as a dry or damp intermediate tire. I’d be wary of ZZS until tested in the wet. MRF is marginally worse than ZZS in damp conditions but it’s a lot better in the dry. I suspect MRF will work out cheaper.
  2. Croc
    Week Beginning September 13, 2026 USA7s Classified Ads of Cars for Sale USA7s classified pages - USA7s club members have the benefit of selling their cars by listing them for free on USA7s forum. https://usa7s.net/ips/forum/26-cars-for-sale/ New Ads Since Last Summary Posted Caterham https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1977-caterham-seven/ Caterham https://bringatrailer.com/listing/caterham-seven-7/ Lotus 7 S4 https://ebay.io/m/QnfDkm and here https://www.facebook.com/share/14sYVabBcJe/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/19cQHaNC5t/ Caterham (back again) https://www.facebook.com/share/19NSFk9QUY/ Westfield https://www.facebook.com/share/1JwT2TbzdQ/ Repeat Ads Since Last Summary Posted Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2021-caterham-bellevue-wa-2959244 Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1957-caterham-jupiter-fl-2947891 Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2025-caterham-seven-costa-mesa-ca-2961070 Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2026-caterham-seven-miami-fl-2916813 Lotus 7 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1962-lotus-seven-sun-city-az-2949927 Lotus 6 Replica https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1952-lotus-6-norfolk-ct-2945955 and here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C8DopGtCx/ Birkin https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1972-lotus-seven-san-diego-ca-2946925 Caterham https://www.beachmanracing.com/inventory Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/2005-superlight-260-cosworth/ Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/76907-2/ Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/csrtwenty02/ Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/inventory/ Locost https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/north-newton-lotus-almost-new/kYZuK66e7MDvsr27x97gjK Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bn6ah29vn/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1KDyTKemFP/ Stalker https://www.facebook.com/share/1P44grpQRm/ Mitsuoka Zero https://www.facebook.com/share/18Sy6PJ4mE/ Birkin https://www.facebook.com/share/19B5E3qQ3W/ Stalker https://www.facebook.com/share/19VS2sdtws/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQ9rvnayP/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/14Zuni9uwH6/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1Esd5xBoc3/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1CB7hw6Ghq/ Lotus 7 S1 https://www.facebook.com/share/19KddEUccn/ Stalker https://www.facebook.com/share/1chitKU5Sx/ Westfield Pre-Lit https://www.facebook.com/share/19h8ZF7sAh/ Diva https://www.facebook.com/share/1M8h3vnuyu/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9F9yKaV7/ Caterham SP300R https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dm95ghomb/ Birkin https://www.facebook.com/share/18cxaM1bdH/ Canada Ads Lotus 7 S4 https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/lotus-unspecified-convertible-gasoline-green-cat_ma44gr200883-ab87a903-b601-4fda-b315-e5cdbd00a240 Locost Project https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/bmw-2002-barn-find-cat_ma13gr2163-9b5e3f67-7e4f-4f56-acac-2df6e6c12e99 Locost https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/lotus-7-kit-car/1742593542 Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/19NKoCyFE6/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1DLCodQ1is/ Fejer https://www.facebook.com/share/1EhFfKaBmb/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/1EdHFJdbJR/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1EtiiRrsNq/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1Mk9xEjVaf/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1EsWVDLHWA/ Westfield https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cz8YABtN4/ Lotus 7 https://www.facebook.com/share/14rKVh6f3Y9/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/18y9jPtwzE/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1Esg2f3tph/
  3. Croc
    He just supplied me some intermediate damp tires - very much enjoyed dealing with him.
  4. Croc
    After 2025 when I was driving on track in what seemed liked a monsoon, I signed up to go back to Zandvoort Circuit in 2026 to try again. It sort of worked - first day was dry. Second day, not very much dry! Zandvoort is a beach resort to 20 miles or so to the west of Amsterdam. Beach season ends August 31 as the North Sea turns cold. It also turns wet. Given not much is open in September in Zandvoort (its a ghost town), I prefer to stay in Amsterdam near the Central train station. Then you can Uber or take a train there with a short walk. Plenty of dining options at night that way. The Zandvoort Circuit is built into the sand dunes behind the beach. Its undergone enormous changes over the years to make it safer for F1, the last Dutch F1 GP was run two weekends before I was driving there. This trip I was supported by Raw Motorsport, in conjunction with TFL Racing, as TFL were overcommitted to support me as I was a solo car this trip. As it turned out Raw Motorsport lost one of their customers so they were only supporting a single Radical SR3 this event. I was based in the F1 pits, in the actual garage space where Kimi Antonelli had parked his F1 car for the F1 GP. The track is built into the sand dunes and follows the undulations. It is extremely we suited to a Caterham. The photo below illustrates this character. It is one of the original track sections from its first inception. Its great fun as a Caterham stays on full throttle through the curves. Turn 3 is a full on tight banked curve. The quickest way around is to just go around the top. Entry is a little tricky with a camber change from turn 2 immediately preceding. You can drop to the apex at the bottom of the banking if you are overtaking - something I would do regularly. Its bumpy and you are climbing out for the "straight" section immediately following. Beats your body up from the G forces. The last turn leading on to the main pit straight is also heavily banked. It is a full on acceleration. One of the few corners where I will change gear mid corner - not always advisable. Rob at Raw Motorsport is famous for his mastery of the George Foreman grill - toasted ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch both days! Damn they were good! Day 2 saw the wind and rain move in. When it rains here it does so viciously. I started with the MRF tires as I wanted to see what they were like in the wet conditions as an intermediate treaded tire. I was quite happy with them in the dry but wanted the intelligence of what they could do. Happy to report they are a better damp surface intermediate than the Toyo R888 - which was never going to be a surprise to be honest. They will never get up to optimum warmth on a cold day but that's just a byproduct of their long lasting nature in regular tarmac conditions. After a session on the MRFs, I switched to full Nova race wets as there was standing water and a more aggressive tread pattern was needed to clear water. The trick with using tires like this is you need to be higher tire pressures (like 25psi cold) to give stiffness to the sidewalls and allow the tread grooves to work to clear water. They work brilliantly in adverse wet conditions. You are always careful as braking distances are lengthened. I never could really get the car to stop in the braking zone to turn 1 Turn 3 - the image below conveys the corner layout but hides the banking depth - its a tall corner with at least 3 stories high of banking.
  5. Croc
    Continues on from Part 1 which was here: Part 2 continues below: Dijon-Prenois Circuit One of my all time favorite circuits. Suits a seven brilliantly. Great use of elevation. So many corners where you are just on it. Sits just outside one of the world's greatest wine regions. It was a drought period for France. Stinking hot 95 degree day. First order - getting rid of the crap Toyo R888s and switching to the MRFs: It was so hot the radiator cap failed and started leaking coolant. Had to wait for it to cool off then change caps to a new one that was spare in the truck. These days are quite social. Most TFL customers are acquainted with each other from prior trips or days on track. So the humor can be quite elevated. Two chaps decided to swap cars and try them out. A Caterham 420 race car for an Atom with a turbo Honda engine. Buddies were enlisted as passengers. Off they go. A short time later I see red flag shown - back to the pits to see what happened. Well the Atom owner driving the Caterham got into a bit of a braking duel with the Caterham owner driving the Atom at Turn 1. Predictably it was mega lock up and straight into the gravel pit. At this point the Atom driver remarks "What do you mean Caterham's don't have anti-lock brakes....." The tow of shame back to the pits ended like this - missing rear wing, quite dusty. The car owner watching this took it in very good grace, absolutely dying with laughter at his friend's deep embarrassment. Then the gravel removal commenced - I have NEVER seen a Caterham collect this much gravel from an excursion into the gravel pit. It spawned a meme that night: Magny-Cours Circuit Then it was on to Nevers in the Loire Valley. This was home to the French F1 GP for many years. I was last here in 2015. I just remembered it as another manufactured circuit - maximum length within a small space, so you get lots of hairpins and looping back. Fortunately, my memory was not that accurate. There was a bit of that looping but there were plenty of corners to test skill and focus the mind. I focused on finding shade to keep the car when not on the track - it was another 95 degree day! Some on track photos Now I am booked again for next year. The 2027 French Frolic is four circuits: 1 - Le Mans Bugatti 2 - Dijon-Prenois 3 - Pole Mecanique near Ales 4 - Circuit de Ledenon near Avignon
  6. Croc
    August is time for a vacation in France. A tour of circuits, wine tasting, and stunning food. Or as some comedian friend of mine noted, a drink driving holiday. Again I was joining the Lotus on Track (LOT) Club of UK. Twice a year - every May and August - they set up a group tour of French race circuits. The circuits differ year to year to keep it fresh. The August event is massively popular, you book a year in advance. I have already booked August 2027. The pace is relaxed - you get a relaxed transit day between circuits. There is a group hotel option or you can go alone and stay in special places. The appeal of running with LOT is they specialize in lightweight cars only - Lotus, Porsche, small BMWs, Caterhams, Westfield, and the like. So all cars know how to get through corner, unlike say a Mustang. This year the circuit order was 1) Le Mans Bugatti, 2) Dijon-Prenois, and 3) Magny-Cours/Nevers. There was a 4th circuit on offer but I could not make that date. Naturally these circuits fall nicely into the Bourgogne and Loire wine regions. My car was being trucked over from the UK by TFL Racing, along with 11 other cars (Caterham, Atoms, and a Lotus 2-Eleven). TFL support something over 50 cars, based in the Stratford area. They have rental Caterhams to go to events - quite a few people from this site have rented before to try out their bucket list tracks. You are fully supported - fuel, tires, mechanical. If something goes wrong then you have a fighting chance to fix it unless it is major like an engine or gearbox failure. The rental solution is easier - if that goes wrong then they throw you in another car. https://www.tflracing.co.uk/ Le Mans Bugatti This circuit is part of the full Le Mans circuit used for the famous 24 Hour race. It connects the start finish, the run up under the tire bridge around to the esses just before the pit straight. In the map below, the blue line is the section of the circuit used in the 24 Hour race. The red line is the purpose-built Bugatti circuit. I have never run here before but I have wanted to try it out for quiet a while. Unusually they only run this with sessions - above 900kg or below 900kg (my class in a Caterham). This gave you alternating 30 minute sessions. In theory 30 cars on track but it never felt like it was this crowded. The day before I ran on track, I went to the Le Mans Circuit Museum. Stunning. One of the greatest collections of race cars I have seen outside of the one in Redmond WA. An array of original and restored cars that previously competed at Le Mans. One nice surprise was the extensive Formula 1 and World Rally Championship cars. For 3 Euros extra you get access to the track to wander around. This is worth making the effort to see. Views from the top of the grandstands on pit straight - Looking over the back of the grandstands. TFL Racing were supporting a lot of cars - my 420R SV. Sadly this Lotus 2-Eleven dropped a timing chain in the first session. Game over for his vacation. Gives you an idea of the types of cars I was running with. A nice collection of Eliges. No on-track photos from this day, apart from this one along the main straight - family member out in my car while I was on top of the grandstands. Its pretty daunting coming between these tall towering stands, sweeping right at full throttle after the start finish line, then left right esses to then head up under the Dunlop/Goodyear Bridge. Part 2 continues here
  7. Croc
    That does not even look like the same or close to same spec pump? Did you get a good match with correct flow rate? Matches the original car - Rover piece of shit 200 (or something like that)? Edited to add: Sorry just worked out what came out of your car - the Walbro. I think your car must have had a fuel pump replacement in its life before it reached you as that matches up to a US Volvo and not a UK Rover. My guidance on replacing an original pump is obviously going to throw curve ball into your replacement exercise!
  8. Croc
    Really sorry to hear that Paul. No idea what the key type/lanyard item refers to. Not everyone has traditional metal keys and rely on electrical cut off switch, fuel and electrical switches plus a push button (e,g, my Mustang or BMW CSL - fairly conventional race car set up). Jetskis use a lanyard system - as I discovered when I launched myself big time after messing up a wave in Bora Bora.
  9. Croc
    But when it was dry it was very dry.
  10. Croc
    Very very wet…
  11. Croc
    What an ordeal! Congratulations on making it through to the finish line. Kudos to you for having the stamina to see it through to the end.
  12. Croc
    Zandvoort today. Using the same garage as Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes - from the recent Dutch F1 Grand Prix.
  13. Croc
    This is a frustrating thing to chase down - can take a while. Do you think it could be the diff? You don't say where it directionally is coming to you from.
  14. Croc
    Usually in even minor insurance claims these days, the insurer does a quick calculation of parts cost plus labor cost to repair and decides it is not worth it. The owner/insured has no real say in the matter unless they decide to purchase the car back and fix themselves. When you consider that you likely have to source parts from the UK and the cost per hour of specialists to do say aluminum panel repair plus keep the claim live for 9 months plus - insurers have not got the stomach for that. But when that happens the car usually earns a salvage brand on the title. Sometimes they do not. Sometimes some disreputable people title wash to keep it clean and unbranded. A car can end up through Copart even if it is not an insurance claim car - bankruptcy can send a car there - no salvage in that case. Some owners get skittish on a car after a crash and dump it. Call it lack of confidence - that could be the situation here. Crash damage can be hidden on these cars. Watch for warped chassis or bent tubes hiding in odd spots. For your answer I think you have to consider the dealer - good quality Caterham dealers will know the history and be upfront about what happened. Others may not. Try having a conversation with them and see what answers you get. Obviously you are right to be on guard about this.
  15. Croc
    Thanks Bruce. Will add that to our library. Will drop Tom a note and beg for forgiveness (again)!
  16. Croc
    Photos are needed to understand condition and spec better but comparable asking prices for older Birkins in the classifieds thread would have you in the low to high teens range. The range will narrow based on condition, readiness to drive, etc. As you get newer, the prices rise into the 20s, 30s, etc.
  17. Croc
    By then you may be able to source the first batch of Nova ZZS. Just talked with Brandon Kraus of Kraus Racing Tires. He is a Nova agent. Otherwise Toyo R888R is fine as a cold weather or damp intermediate. Take it easy in cold weather - you will never get any heat into tires. Likewise be cautious in damp weather as the light weight of a seven prevents the tires from gripping well. For snow track days I previously used Avon ZZS - intermediate tire. However you are on the Jersey Shore. You only get one snow day a year if you are lucky.
  18. Croc
    Week Beginning August 30, 2026 USA7s Classified Ads of Cars for Sale USA7s classified pages - USA7s club members have the benefit of selling their cars by listing them for free on USA7s forum. https://usa7s.net/ips/forum/26-cars-for-sale/ New Ads Since Last Summary Posted Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2025-caterham-seven-costa-mesa-ca-2961070 Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCpNzmREX/ Lotus 7 S1 https://www.facebook.com/share/1JYSnzpoTX/ Repeat Ads from Prior Summary Posted Lotus 7 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1962-lotus-seven-sun-city-az-2949927 Birkin https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1972-lotus-seven-san-diego-ca-2946925 Lotus 6 Replica https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1952-lotus-6-norfolk-ct-2945955 and here https://www.facebook.com/share/1CX8FUzuyN/ Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2021-caterham-bellevue-wa-2959244 Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1957-caterham-jupiter-fl-2947891 Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1980-caterham-super-7-sussex-wi-2954418 Lotus 7 https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jj428754i/ Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2026-caterham-seven-miami-fl-2947285 Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2026-caterham-seven-miami-fl-2916813 Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/inventory/ Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/2005-superlight-260-cosworth/ Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/76907-2/ Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/csrtwenty02/ Caterham https://www.beachmanracing.com/inventory Locost https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/north-newton-lotus/tgnUvbJLPvJ2juT7NABjvz Caterham SP300R https://www.facebook.com/share/18GXxUWEe3/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/1DZfEkx3xr/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1KMPJYgyKH/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/18wmKSykYZ/ Birkin https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSzW7a8nz/ Westfield Pre-Lit https://www.facebook.com/share/1C1dnUg9jV/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1CTHStquMR/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bugj4V4qg/ Lotus 7 https://www.facebook.com/share/1WUeuCcqsn/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4qSNk9G8/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/18ZDCs5fyy/ Stalker https://www.facebook.com/share/1cRaByDBD1/ Lotus 7 https://www.facebook.com/share/1BfHMQdEbD/ Stalker https://www.facebook.com/share/1FJLhekr2c/ Mitsuoka Zero https://www.facebook.com/share/1K7eCGjMCn/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1cu5TwXBxF/ Birkin https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMu7yd1Na/ Stalker https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bt8iZqFwi/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/14rbi2cDqed/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/197iUF2gjR/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/18QoofMQVT/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/14vMnD1w7j8/ Canada Lotus 7 S4 https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/lotus-unspecified-convertible-gasoline-green-cat_ma44gr200883-ab87a903-b601-4fda-b315-e5cdbd00a240 Locost Project https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/bmw-2002-barn-find-cat_ma13gr2163-9b5e3f67-7e4f-4f56-acac-2df6e6c12e99 Locost https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/lotus-7-kit-car/1742593542 and here https://www.facebook.com/share/192MpR7pRZ/ Locost Project https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/london/project-lotus-7-kit-car/1742449534 Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/1PvcTNy4Tx/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/14nUYyeq6VW/ Fejer https://www.facebook.com/share/1HAefiSoDS/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1DpaHBpfvr/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/19DU1R6EBS/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1onDkyx2/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1JTHhfGfxK/
  19. Croc
    Converted HEIC to JPEG so image can be readily seen.
  20. Croc
    You are a guest with member in attendance. Three members to be precise. The person running the event sent the attached tech sheet to me so I am communicating that and not the one you link. It was approved by NJ State Troopers. The tech inspectors just ignore the section on hybrids if you do not have a hybrid - that was what they did to me at my last event. Given some people mount enough video cameras on their cars to qualify for a porn shoot, that might have enough batteries to be considered a hybrid. Their driving matches the output I suppose?
  21. Croc
    Oh my - their Reuben is amazing! Reopens September 2 - they always take August off for vacation.
  22. Croc
    Which FBO are you using for your jet? I'm sure someone can pick you up.
  23. Croc
    Thread locked - event organization now posted here:
  24. Croc
    Welcome NJMP Drivers Club has generously invited USA7s back to NJMP in Millville, NJ to run the Thunderbolt Circuit. This will be the 15th running of our club's participation in the NJMP Drivers Club HPDE. Dates: Saturday October 17 and Sunday October 18, 2026 Please take the time to read all of the following information prior to registering. As in prior years, the NJMP Drivers Club is fully responsible for operating the day. Using past numbers from prior year attendance, we will run with the Formula Fords in open wheel class. This is desirable as you do not have to be out on track with big heavy cars around you, and your momentum will not be impeded by some big heavy car slowing you down through corners. The NJMP Drivers Club rules and regulations apply for registration, technical inspection, driver qualifications and all aspects of safety in compliance with New Jersey laws. They will offer the registration site and collect all fees for this event and provide all services/facilities. As an incorporated not-for-profit club, USA7s does not make any revenue or profit out of this event. Please keep in mind that NJMP Drivers Club Member Days are not a racing event but rather a Driver Education Day. You will learn to handle and control your vehicle at high speeds as well as explore the capabilities as a driver and those of your vehicle. At no time will you be pushed or encouraged to go any faster than is comfortable for you. All participants are organized into run groups based on experience, skill, and type of vehicle. If you have never done a Driver Education day before, then NJMP Drivers Club has an excellent introductory green group program with classroom sessions and paced laps behind a pace car. This is designed to get you up to speed gently. Many USA7s folk have come through this in the past before "graduating" to a passing group with the rest of the se7ens. Even if you do not wish to drive then there are reasons to join us. Spouses are welcome to join in the fun! It is a great social event to meet your fellow owners and share in the joy of our cars. If you are thinking of buying or building a Se7en then we recommend you join us. You can talk to a number of experienced owners and see a large range of cars in one spot to facilitate your building or buying experience or just get ideas for your se7en. Photographers have a ready made opportunity for pursuing automotive photography and arrangements may be available to join the official NJMP photographer as he takes photos around the track. Schedule The event schedule is as follows: Friday, October 16, 2026 Afternoon: Arrival at NJMP. Both days are being held on the Thunderbolt circuit. The Thunderbolt circuit is running a Ciocca NJMP Advanced Track Day Event on the Friday and so the pits will not be accessible until close of track operations around 6pm or so. If you arrive early then head to the either the Finish Line Pub/Clubhouse or alternatively to the on-NJMP property garages at 367 Corsair Drive (NJMP can provide directions but its the last garage building on right before the bridge to Thunderbolt pits). 5.30-6:00pm Welcome Pool Party at the Clubhouse/Finish Line Pub (TBC). Casual wear is appropriate. Saturday, October 17, 2026 7:00am Breakfast at the Clubhouse. 7:30am Registration and Tech inspection 8:30am Mandatory Drivers Briefing near the control tower in the pits 9:00am Track is live 1:00pm (est) 1-hour lunch break. Lunch is served at Clubhouse. 5:00pm Track is closed 7:00pm Dinner – Clubhouse/Finish Line Pub (TBC). Casual wear is appropriate. Saturday, June 14, 2025 7:00am Breakfast at the Clubhouse. Option to get grab and go box to bring back to pits 7:30am Registration and Tech inspection 8:30am Mandatory Drivers Briefing near the control tower in the pits 9:00am Track is live 1:00pm (est) 1-hour lunch break. Lunch is served at Clubhouse. 5:00pm Track is closed Dinner - We expect most will be heading home afterwards but for those still around I am sure something informal can be sorted out by Tom offsite in Millville. The sessions times are subject to finalization and a schedule for that day will be handed out each daily driver briefing. Registration Online registration for drivers and their guests is via the MotorsportReg.com site. Step 1 is to register as a user. Step 2 is to register and pay for the event using the links provided below. NJMP’s cancellation policy is outlined on the registration page. Late registration will incur a late fee. Drivers Club member' have a different HPDE cost to non-members reflecting their club subscriptions paid. Non-driving visitors are required to be registered by NJMP. If you are a driver bringing a guest, then there is space on the registration site to do this. The fee for non-driving visitors covers all refreshments during the day plus breakfast and lunch. If you are attending as a non-driver then we recommend you register at the track on the day when you turn up as the registration site is not designed for guest only attendance. The following links should be used to sign up for each day individually. Please sign up as a Non-Member Guest in the yellow open-wheeler group, identify your car as a seven of some description, and we will will work with NJMP to move your registration into the right group later. If you need to list a Drivers club member who you are a guest of please use "Joe Mills" as he is the NJMP Drivers Club Lead Coordinator. Saturday Registration Link - October 17, 2026 https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/dc-member-day-10-17-26-thunderbolt-w-usa7s-njmp-new-jersey-motorsports-212641 Sunday Registration Link - October 18, 2026 https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/dc-member-day-10-18-26-thunderbolt-w-usa7s-njmp-new-jersey-motorsports-778269 Event Requirements Safety: All safety requirements that are mandatory for all participants are specified in New Jersey Law – Chapter 62 here: https://www.njsp.org/divorg/operations/pdf/mvracetrack/20150709_racing_regulations.pdf Please read the section on HPDE as it will specify all safety and tech requirements you are subject to. Driver’s License: All drivers must have a valid Driver’s License and be at least 18 years of age to participate. You will be asked to present your Driver’s License at NJMP during sign on. Attire: NJ State Law requires all participants on the track wear long pants and closed toe shoes. No one in shorts will be permitted to enter the racetrack or pit lane. Driver overalls are perfectly acceptable but are not mandatory to those without them. Technical Inspection/Rules & Regulations You will be required to complete a tech inspection prior to the event - however, I attached it to this post. Please prepare for the event by seriously checking each item on the attached tech form. Each year someone turns up without in-date belts or tires. This can be avoided by taking this seriously and checking BEFORE you arrive at NJMP. NJMP Hybrid Tech Form 2026.pdf Please read the HPDE section of New Jersey Law Chapter 62 seen here. These regulations are yet to be updated for 2015 helmet requirements: https://njsp.njoag.gov/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Chapter-62-Regulations-2022-2029.pdf Some essential criteria for being able to participate in an HPDE at NJMP: Helmet required: A Snell M or SA rated full face helmet dated 2020 or 2025 is required for all drivers and passengers on the track. Open face helmets are not permitted in Se7ens. Rental helmets are available with prior arrangement through the NJMP General Store. Arm restraints: NJMP requires these as mandatory safety equipment in open cars Open top cars: Must have approved rollover protection. No pop up roll-bars or detachable hard tops. Broomstick rule is applicable for roll over protection. Broomstick is from top of roll bar to front chassis tube (at nosecone) as the windscreen is not viewed as structural. Belts: Only 5 or 6 point belts are acceptable. Belt age must be on a label on the belts. No label – no driving. SFI belts must be 2 years or newer. FIA belts must be within 5 years or newer. No 4-point belts allowed. No DOT 3-point belts are accepted in open cars like ours. Numbers: Painters tape or vinyl sticker numbers on both sides of your seven are acceptable. Please don’t pick “7” as everyone does that and you will be asked to change it. Tires: NJMP considers tires 5 years old to be out of date and expired. Please anticipate tire wear and do not turn up with marginal tire tread. Consider that the track may be damp in which case slick tires are unsafe. If you are close to wearing out a set of tires, then consider ordering and bringing a new spare set. TK Autosports can mount these on your wheels at the Thunderbolt pits for a modest fee. Effective June 2024, NJMP is mandating all participants at their events must use a recognized head neck restraint system. This includes brands such as HANS, Simpson Hybrid and the like. This policy includes any guest/visitor drivers. You will have to go through a tech line on the day and complete a tech form. These forms will be available from NJMP in the pits on the day of the event. Other Matters Getting to NJMP: The GPS address of NJMP is 8000 Dividing Creek Road, Millville, NJ 08332. If you are coming to Millville on Rt 55 South, then it is strongly recommended that you exit off Rt 55 at Exit 24 as this route option avoids trailers having to make a sharp right turn in downtown Millville. While the signposts on Rt 55 say you should use Exit 27 to access NJMP, we do not recommend this option because of the difficulty you will have making the turn. Participants, including Drivers Club Members and their guests, are responsible for any damage to NJMP property including on track and off track. This includes damage to the Armco and tire wall barriers or for the white powder to soak up oil and coolant spills on track. Fuel: NJMP houses fuel stations at the Thunderbolt and Lightning pits. The stations are open from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The fuel station at Thunderbolt pits offers 93 & 100 octane (unleaded) and 110 & 112 octane (leaded). The fuel stations are permitted to fill containers in 5-gallon red fuel contains, as per NJ state law. Larger fuel containers of 10 gallons or more (any color) are permitted to be used as long as they are marked appropriately (stickers or writing on the container reading “FUEL”). General Store: NJMP has a convenient General Store open during Drivers Club days. Located at the back of the Thunderbolt pits, it sells refreshments, ice, driving equipment (helmets, boots, driving suits, gloves, etc.), oils, some tools, safety gear and other related items. It also does rental helmets (with advance notice) should they be required. Spares: Consider what may or is likely to break on your cars and consider bringing some select spares of known frequent failure items that will keep you mobile during the weekend. Prior events have shown a need for bearings, throttle and clutch cables, TPS, brake pads/fluid, duct tape, silicone tape, Hylomar (for making fuel seals). Millville does have a Napa Parts outlet and Advance Auto but beyond this, specialist parts suppliers do not exist. Pit Set Up Location: We normally set up in the big barn-like garage in the center of the Thunderbolt pits. There are also garages underneath the Pit Suites complex. You are entitled to use of a garage during the daylight hours of the event. You can also choose to set up on the pits outside if you prefer a more outdoor setting. Overnight garage storage is available plus there is some storage space at Garage 367 of Exotic Car Garages on the Thunderbolt pits access road. In prior years we have had as many as 12 sevens in there plus an eclectic selection of other automotive money pits. Seating: We strongly encourage you to bring a folding chair or other seating as there is no seating in the pits provided by NJMP. Accommodation: There are a lot of preferred options available. NJMP has pit suites at Thunderbolt available. Note the check in time is 7pm and the check out time is 3pm. This allows you use of the lodging during your day at NJMP. On-Site Accommodations – New Jersey Motorports Park (njmp.com) In Millville, there is a Fairfield Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Conventional check in/out hours. In Vineland, about 10 miles away, there is a Hampton Inn or Wingate by Wyndham. Conventional check in/out hours. Camping is available at NJMP by permit along with power hook ups for RVs with a fee. Showers and bathrooms are at the Officers Club at the back of the Thunderbolt pits. Those with RVs also have the option of parking outside my garage and hooking up to my 120v power. Camping and Electric – New Jersey Motorports Park (njmp.com) Mechanics: TK Autosport has been our trusty mechanic of last resort when our cars have broken/melted/fallen apart. TJ Kenny and his team are a fantastic resource during Drivers Club event days, usually saving the day when it has all gone wrong. They are not free. Their rates are very reasonable given their experience. While they do frequently save the day, they are not miracle workers, so you are encouraged to take your preparation seriously. If you need help preparing your car in advance of the event, then TK Autosports can be reached at (888) 978-5506. They are located at Millville Airport, adjoining the NJMP site. They also have a tire shop located in their workshop at Millville airport should you bring new tires you need to have mounted. TK Autosports - Home Other attractions in the Millville area: There are a number of other things to do around this part of southern NJ. The NJMP website has some suggested options: Around NJMP – New Jersey Motorports Park Contact: NJMP can be reached at (856) 327-8000. After hours, the main switchboard will not be answered. In this event, you should call the Main Gate security office on (856) 327-7255. Driving Format As we are participating in an NJMP Drivers Club event, we follow their practices for on-track behavior. We will run in the open wheeler group. This group runs passing with point by, even in the corners - be awake and vigilant on your mirrors. Good drivers should be able to stay ahead of the Formula Fords. Passing will be by invitation on. That is, a passing car will need to receive a point-by from the car being passed. No point-by, then no passing. It is courteous for drivers to monitor their rear vision mirrors and let cars past promptly. We will be instructed on passing rules at the drivers briefing the mornings of the event. Given sevens have such remarkable cornering and braking skills it is not expected that passing cars will be held up for any length of time if drivers of slower cars monitor mirrors and point-by promptly. These rules are intended for your safety and if followed should prevent car-to-car contact. In the past we have had no traffic issues or people being unreasonably held up on track. I put that down to good drivers participating and our remarkable little cars. Being considerate of other drivers on track goes a long way. If you are new to driving on track, then we encourage you to participate in the “Green Run” group. This is progressive paced laps and includes classroom sessions to help you understand the best techniques for driving on a circuit. It introduces the concepts progressively in a way to maintain the safety of you and your car plus facilitates your learning of core driving skills. It is a very well designed program to get you familiar with the basics of a se7en on track. Many USA7s members are successful graduates of this Green Run group introductory program and have graduated into passing groups. A number of NJMP Drivers Club members who will be participating in the event have done substantial time on this track since it was first built in 15+ years ago and we can coach you on specific lines and driving approaches to get the best from your car on this circuit. Driving the Thunderbolt Circuit This circuit is technical in nature. The first half of the circuit is fast, long straights, fast sweepers, where the key is to carry as much speed as possible. The second half of the circuit is tight, technical and quite slow in average speed. Turn 1 was slightly reprofiled at the beginning of 2024 to make it much faster. So it will be slightly different for those returning to NJMP after an absence. New for 2026, a bypass was built to avoid the Jersey Devil section. The Jersey Devil section is comprised of the most radical decreasing radius corner (Turn 9) of any racetrack in North America, then a heavily off camber slow left corner (Turn 10) which rewards experimenting with different entry points, apex points and exit lines. If the bypass is run then turns 9 and 10 are avoided with a 90 degree off camber left to rejoin the section before the bridge onto the main straight. For an instructional look at the circuit, below is a 360-degree video. This video is before the 2024 turn 1 mild re-profiling to increase speed and does not show the Devil bypass being driven. For those who have not used one before then: Click through this video into YouTube itself. Play the video Move the camera around by (a) the arrows top left, or (b) clicking your mouse on the video playing and dragging to look behind, up, sides or down If you move the camera to point down slightly you will see I overlaid a track map on the passenger seat below the speed. You may have to move the view slightly right to read the various captions anyway as the YouTube screen size is narrower than my video edit app. Sorry no sound as this 360 camera does not have an external mic. Time: 0:00 Leaving the pits - where to line up to await going out on circuit 0:23 Pit lane and the turn onto the circuit 0:40 Leaving the pits and the blend line you should follow merging onto track 0:52 For the next two warm up laps I have added text commentary on some of the more tricky corners and what you should not do. 5:35 Some clean laps at a good moderate pace to illustrate the lines. I deliberately tried lots of different lines in the Devil section of the Thunderbolt track to show you what happens - the speed is relatively low. Experimentation will teach you a lot about your car in this corner. Just watch the entry speed on the decreasing radius right hand corner on entry into the Devil - it will catch you out first time. 19:19 I follow Tom so you can see the track lines from a different perspective. 23:50 Returning to the pits and back of pits For those that have never participated in this event then two videos of the event by Glen S, a USA7s member, Lotus Enthusiast and all-round good guy, will help you appreciate it. This is above all a social event. We do it to enjoy our sevens’ unique handling and performance capabilities in a facility that allows safety compared with doing the same on road (which would be illegal too). There will be no racing or timing of events. We want the atmosphere to be relaxed and social, above all, enjoying our cars as they were designed to be used, in a mutually respectful and safe manner. We look forward to meeting you at the 2026 event! Questions: Should you have event related questions, then you can post them via USA7s (either PM or public on this event thread). Heads up to @yellowss7
  25. Croc
    Have you seen the fuel pump part number thread to by a new one yet?
×
×
  • Create New...