Croc

You are from Arkansas.... :leaving:

We would not do that Mike - as you note there are too few of us. The NJMP event really gets locked down for date in the January before the event. So we can wait to see if a Dragon event gets momentum for 2017 before committing to an NJMP event.

Being serious for all of 5 seconds, why dont you ping a message to James A? He is in Houston and has a seven and may have more intelligent contribution. He can also advise on good schools for the kids, nice neighborhoods, even a real estate broker and moving company possibly... Is that a much further drive for you from NJMP? :leaving:

Oops - should have mentioned that. Fairly close in weight. Mine with windshield on (instead of aeroscreen) and with side screens and full tank of gas no driver is 1325 pounds. Tom mentioned a number of approximately 1300 pounds for the Birkin in the configuration shown above. I don't know if that included a full tank of gas. The CSR is quite heavy compared with a regular Caterham due to the weight of the Passat IRS. That said the IRS delivers back more in performance in my view compared to the De Dion.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38148_zps8s5neobe.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38150_zps1rn1yzkn.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38154_zpstbn3rj75.jpg And its Bessie the Seven!!!! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38193_zpszbeeuyjl.jpg

It is now!

Tom's Birkin XS Turning In http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38137_zpsr8kpfdg0.jpg Apex http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38139_zpsrovdnipt.jpg Track out http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38144_zpsixqnhepp.jpg

Jim's Superlight http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38054_zps9f0vfdto.jpg Jeff's Superlight http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38083_zpsk4ca4ctj.jpg My CSR http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38085_zpsivdzke1p.jpg Norm's Caterham http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38162_zpscnkkstem.jpg

Here are some additional photos courtesy of Paul (Wemtd) who will be driving next year (hint hint...) Roman in turn 7 http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38038_zps6i57ef8c.jpg Scott L http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38048_zpspcpr2nwp.jpg Dave or Ryan in their Birkin http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38047_zps445k0qpw.jpg Paul's sharp looking Stalker http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_38056_zpsnw4fqzi2.jpg

Still at Turn 7 http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_7301_zpseefgyseq.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_7308_zpssjahcjty.jpg Mike, the official photographer for Saturday who took the big group photo, will let me know when he has everything together from the photos he took.

Here is Steve trying my CSR on for size when he assisted me doing the shuttle run from my garage around to the Lightning circuit. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/IMG_0689_zpsrdeejusu.jpg One of the official track photographers, Bobby was there on Sunday and took a few photos of my car and then played around with photoshop to try and get a more art like feel. Here I am with Colleen (Stewart's wife) heading into Turn 7. Colleen wants her own seven for next year. She took Stewart's BDG out in the green group for a taste and loved it. Maybe Stewart could finish off her Lotus Elan S3? I would allow an exception for that car to run with the sevens group! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_7130_zpsnvp7haao.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_7150_zpspcag4gkr.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/DSC_7274_zpsfpzyaedy.jpg

Engine bay of the CSR One thing on the CSR that I feel could benefit the Birkin XS is some form of cold air intake. I lowered the CSR intake temps by 30 degrees by adding a scoop to the side of the bonnet next to the air filter. Easy fix to make. One thing I just realized I forgot to check - is the Birkin XS dry sumped or wet sumped? Tom can chime in on here when he gets back home. He is probably somewhere in Ohio heading west right now. Now the next bit is where the surprise kicked in for both Tom and myself - look at the rear end differences The CSR has far more rear end height than the Birkin XS. The chassis on the Caterham is definitely higher - the style is more horizontal whereas the Birkin slopes down towards the rear. But the ride height is much more on the CSR. Both cars are standard chassis set up - nothing special. I have the CSR on its original 15 inch wheels with Avon CR500s. Both are IRS cars - which is why I wanted to do this comparison. The theories we chewed around with for such a significant difference were: 1) Birkin deliberately styled it this way to avoid any copyright issues given the earlier litigation between Birkin and Caterham 2) The CSR uses early 90s VW Passat rear end components adapted to fit to give it IRS. Could this be of such a height that they had to style the CSR this way? Really should have put my regular SV next to the two to confirm this idea. The roll bar on the CSR looks higher but that seems to be just because the car sits higher. Another observation is that the rear wings on the Birkin are wider than the CSR but the tires are narrower. So looks under tired at the rear end. I prefer the meatier look of the CSR tires. Tom said you could go wider on the back tires but then you had to go up a width on the front. Pretty easy fix to make and probably worth the time to do so if you were tracking the car regularly. Tom was talking about a new engine option which will provide 300+ hp in a very clean installation. That is a game changer for going one up on Caterham power options. I will let Tom announce that one - very exciting news. In my scrutiny of the Birkin XS I will say I was very impressed. Fit and finish were excellent. Tom clearly puts together an excellent car. It went very well on track and sounded great. I followed it on track to observe and it was steady, stable and smooth in the high speed corners. I am not sure of the price but if you were to buy a CSR today and put a similar engine spec of the Birkin XS in it your price tag would be roughly $100k - double the Birkin XS. Is a Caterham CSR worth double a Birkin XS? No way in my view. If I had to buy a seven today that was wide body, has independent rear end, traditional looks, good quality then I would choose the Birkin - no hesitation. That saving of roughly $50k could be used for any number of other toys or keeping the better half happy. You could bling it up with carbon for another $10k and still have virtually the same car as the CSR for a $40k saving. Is a Caterham badge worth $40k - I don't think so. That Caterham price premium disadvantage kills any Caterham advantage in resale values. I think Birkin is on a winner here with their XS model! I wish I had time to try it out on track.

Cockpit of the CSR Not really a fair comparison as the CSR cockpit is not the standard one. I would like to see a 6 speed in the Birkin though. Can it take a Caterham 6 speed? Is it even worth it? I prefer the Caterham seats to the Birkin but quite frankly you can put any seat you want in the cars to suit your personal taste. Both cars are easy to customize. Birkin front suspension. The headlights include daylight running lights and indicators. Much cleaner design and look. CSR front suspension - ok its got inboard shocks but does that make a notable difference? We did not do back to back drives to compare unfortunately as time got away from us. Comparison of engine bays - the Birkin XS. What it does not show is there is a ton of room on the other side for a turbo charger. this is the 2L Duratec. The Caterham has the 2.3L Duratec. The purpose of this comparison is not for power contest but to compare packaging. Very similar layout and placement of chassis bracing. The CSR has a nose duct to take the airflow out of the radiator as it supposedly improves aero. The problem with this approach is that the engine bay becomes a closed cell which pumps hot air down the transmission tunnel and superheats the chassis tubes next to the driver. The regular Caterham matches the Birkin XS and I think the simpler approach is better in this instance.

Yesterday, I put my Caterham CSR next to Tom Carlin of Birkin USA's brand spanking new Birkin XS to compare and contrast the two. Very interesting exercise that prompted debate on which company got it right. First up is the front view. My car is a 2010 kit built 2011. I am flattered Tom copied my paint scheme! The photo is deceptive - it appears the CSR is lower nose height, bonnet height etc, but it is not - maybe a fraction of an inch but the difference is optical. Headlights clearly are lower. CSR has the carbon double chin which visually lowers the look for aero. The Birkin has a different profile intended to reduce lift - looks far more integrated as a unit than the Caterham. Width of front track is about the same. Yes I know the CSR is running directional tires backward - in CR500 it gives better grip plus it evens out the wear on the Lightning track from the bowl. Side on to the Birkin - this shows cowling and bonnet height are pretty identical. Wheelbase is same length (or close enough to not be noticeable). Now side on for the Caterham. Steering wheel in the Birkin is closer to the driver. That could be because the Caterham has the swoopy dash which uses a Rover Metro steering column which differs to the regular dash. I prefer the higher wheel height of the Birkin - the Caterham wheel is too low. Cockpit of the Birkin XS

But then it builds up to the 15 degrees max. Throttle hard down and hang on for a fast ride out on to the main straight. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/111%20IMG_0973_zpsbrxu7keg.jpg The story behind the bowl banking as told by Don Fauerbach at dinner on Saturday night was the original plans showed a 5 degree banking. Carroll Shelby was a consultant to the project and when he looked at it his words were "Not enough f-ing pucker factor. Increase it to 15 degrees." Next day the bulldozer started grading to the new angle.

'Then we get to the bowl. A brilliantly fun corner http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/108%20IMG_0972_zpshvm8oc01.jpg You come in fast to this corner and take it fast the whole way around. For me around 105mph (give or take 5mph). The 15 degree banking helps as you can scrub speed off by going up the banking then build it again by dropping down for the exit. Ideal entry is left 1/3rd of the track before turning in. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/107%20IMG_0971_zpsevkyifqu.jpg but if you get it wrong then you will unload the rear and spin....here is DaveD's tremendous effort! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/109%20IMG_0948_zpsszsn4sku.jpg Initially the banking is not that steep http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/110%20IMG_0950_zpsuerfble2.jpg

Then we get to Turn 5, a bit of a tricky one. Blind crest, apex at the top of the crest with the track dropping away sharply immediately after and sharp right. Turn in is at the beginning of the left hand side curbing. Ignore the orange cone - it was moved after Kitcat attacked it repeatedly on Saturday. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/104%20IMG_0966_zpsy2hbsbu5.jpg If you get it right then the car sweeps around on to the back "straight". Challenging fun corner. If you get it wrong then you visit the Seven Sandpit. I lost count of those who went visiting this patch of sand and doing some "gardening" Kitcat, Ryan H, Dave H, Simon, Norm was heading in that direction once but saved it. This is what they saw just before - love the skid marks! This was a safe exit - fence is a huge distance away so it is safe to run off to the grass here to avoid spinning in a blind corner. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/105%20IMG_0967_zpsx5glcuoo.jpg Turn 7 is a simple 90 degree left. Downhill entry. So simple yet so many spin here because they overcook it going in. Lots of favorable camber built in plus the "magic" curbs - grooved to give extra grip. I will own up to the tire mark going inside the curbing... http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/106%20IMG_0970_zps7ywchavn.jpg

Some more photos to show off the track to those who have not been to NJMP Lightning before. Here is the track map which unfortunately does not show the elevation changes. http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp346/Meech355/Lightning-Map.jpg It is a very quick track. Ideally suited to momentum driving and our types of cars. Braking zone into turn one is initially downhill before a sharp up hill to the corner. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/100%20IMG_0963_zpsb5b9ixwx.jpg It is a blind corner where you cannot see the apex until the last minute. The car is light at the crest making it essential you know your line. I aim at the Benningans advertising sign down at turn 2 as that is the first thing I see as I crest. Notice the sand next to the curbing....lots of people miss this one and go wide...and...try to save it and end up kissing rubber on the right. Smart ones keep it on the track or bail left once they realize they have run out of talent. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/101%20IMG_0964_zpsmcg94cy7.jpg Then you get into the turns 2, 3, and 4 esses - great fun as agility is essential. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/102%20IMG_0965_zpsdkjayzi4.jpg

Bring on the 2016 event - looking forward to seeing you all again!! :seeya:

Photo thread opened - please post your photos at the thread in this link http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?10558-2015-East-Coast-Sevens-Event-Photo-Thread&p=95412&posted=1#post95412

Final night dinner was at the clubhouse with the awards http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/29%20IMG_0941_zpsj7wsl8m9.jpg In the foreground are the trophies we awarded. Someone else will have to post the photos as I did not take them but our worthy winners were: Mechanical Sympathy Award - Stewart for managing to disassemble and reassemble his Caterham several times over the weekend. I Can Steer Award - to Roman for being most improved driver over prior year. Not one little hint of a spin. The Golden Skidmarks Award (a golden commode) went to Mike (Kitcat) for his epic effort at spinning. By the end of the first day he had 920 degrees of spins to his credit. No one ever came close to that. Hitting the Apex from Time to Time Award went to Dave D for an absolutely spectacular spin in the bowl in front of me. We had been playing tag on track and having great fun when he went in just a little too hot. The trophy was quite special - it was for lawnmower racing. The Greenpeace Economy Award for lack of fuel saving went to Tom Carlin for his epic drive across the country! The Gorgeous Car Pity About the Driver Award went to Steve for his super shiny Caterham. Every time we looked he was off polishing the car in the pits. Everyone - post your photos!

Now Tom as a rabid Republican was just begging for this: http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/26%20IMG_7754_zpsimujyifr.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/28%20IMG_0904_zpshr7bynf2.jpg Oops she is peeking out! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/29%20IMG_3952_zpskuixewwi.jpg

Down in Don's man cave checking out the original renderings of NJMP http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/24%20mancave_zpszrqj4qbj.jpg The weekend had its small incidents. Tom had the new Birkin hit by a rock - lucky there was a windscreen to protect him http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/25%20IMG_0937_zps31c8v8bp.jpg Mike said on a thread how much he like Ted Cruz so I got him a poster to wear with pride. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/27%20IMG_0893_zps6lailhjb.jpg

Ok kids, you all be good while the adults are off at dinner! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/20%20IMG_0891_zpsu3pcbo2v.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/21%20IMG_0892_zpsltuzk9lk.jpg July 4th dinner is always a special event at NJMP Drivers Club as it is the anniversary of its first operation. Don Fauerbach, track founder and all round great guy puts on a lavish event for the NJMP Drivers Club members at his home out on the lawn overlooking the river. He generously opens the event up to the Sevens event participants. The food is superb by one of Millville's leading chefs. This is definitely a highlight of the weekend for me. Don is in the center sitting on the lawn. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/23%20WSPS-untitled-N.J.M.P.%20Drivers%20Club%20July%204th%20Track%20Day%20amp%20BBQ%20July%202015-0001_zpsbxttaxrc.jpg Steve and I chatting at the event http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/22%20Steve%20and%20Mike%20at%20Dons_zps8f5dj535.jpg

Fred brought along his Locost with 1000cc bike engine. It sounded awesome screaming along at 9500rpm. Given the small engine size it was not the quickest but it did not disgrace itself in the slightest. It had beautiful handling. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/17%20IMG_0916_zps3kv4ayhn.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/18%20IMG_0917_zpsvu7iktip.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/19%20IMG_0918_zpshgs74cu3.jpg