yellowss7

Since it is our own run group, I'm sure we can get some agreement to take a lap or 3 at a moderate pace to show the new guys the line. As you correctly assumed, you definitely want the car settled before mashing the go pedal or you will go around, as the backend is last to settle as you go over the hill. I find that the key is aiming for the curbing on the right with the car following the angle of the curbing, remember that the track is curving to the right, so if you take a line that aims for the middle of the track, you will go straight off. That's where people get into trouble as they try to steer while the car is light and nothing good can happen then. Turn one is similar in that it is also blind and although not off camber, you can get light on it as well and again, if you put two wheels off, trying to come back on will most likely result in meeting the tire wall on the right. There are some YouTube videos, that prove that, like this one. [/url]

I guess you could get airborne on turn 5 on Lightning, but you'd have to be really crazy to take that at full throttle as it is a turn, and totally blind, so you do want some control coming over that one. Hopefully everyone checks the flag station before going over the crest. I've come over that crest a few times to find a car or two, facing the wrong way. Taking that turn you also have to be careful as it drops off down hill and off camber, and the track is still turning right, so it is CRITCAL that you take the right line as any variance will cause you to go off the track to the left. IF you do go off there, just ride it out, DO NOT try to correct to stay on track or the tire wall on the right side of the track will be your next stop. :ack:

There is NO WAY that Croc gets airborne. Come on People, he's driving a WideBody, Sumo Version CSR. I don't care if he calls it a "CSR Superlight", but a Barge is a Barge is a Barge. :jester::jester::jester: Shane, where he "thinks" he gets airborne is on TBolt so you won't get to see it for yourself, but he does tend to go off track a bit on Lightning. :svengo: He is faster that most of us thru there, but Airborne, Nah! Tom

Paul, I know that there are electric hook ups on Thunderbolt and I believe they are available at Lightning as well. Don't know if they are a 50A hook up, but we will check it out. We'll put our heads together and once our track season opens, we'll look over the paddock and determine where it will be best for us to set up so that we can all be together and set up our tents, tables, etc. Bring an extension cord, and some sunscreen. :cooldude: Tom

Curious that they weren't wearing helmets while lapping like that on track.

Yeah, I'm going to make it a Dually in the rear and a Tyrell in the front. Yeah, that should do it. :rofl::seeya: Tom

Just wanted to Thank Bill for a good international transaction. Wheels arrived and are just what I was looking for. Other than some weather delays, and a wacky UPS agent, it was a smooth process. Thanks again. Tom

Mike had a discussion with senior management at NJMP and they are excited about the large turnout of Sevens at our proposed track and karting event. They have suggested that we limit the number of cars in the run group to around 20ish to provide for a good driving experience. While some groups have run significant larger numbers on track, they strongly feel that the lower number will be safer and more enjoyable given the varying levels of experience, and power levels. Mike and my past experience at this circuit concur with NJMP management in this respect. We asked about the potential to move drivers with limited or no track experience, or for those that would be more comfortable learning the track in a no passing group, to be included in the GREEN run group and NJMP management were supportive of this. The Green run group is a NO passing group, following a pace car. It’s an excellent way to learn the track and especially for those of you new to your cars and track driving, to get up to speed a little more gradually, concentrating on the track, your car and not having to worry about looking in your rearview mirrors for other cars looking for a point by to pass. There will be limited numbers available in this group, say 5 or so, with a final decision yet to be made. Based on your driving resume which you will provide at time of registration, the Track will have final say as to who will be allowed to participate in the passing group. So at this point we have 20 drivers who have expressed their intent to attend. Any additional seven owners that would like to participate on track will be put on the list as a standby and once the actual registration opens, we will advise them if there are any cancellations or openings. Those of you who have expressed interest in attending as a non-driving guest, are welcome to come and socialize, and participate in the Karting event on Sunday morning. I believe Karting will be open on Friday and Saturday as well if you want to get some practice in ahead of the competition, but I will double check on that once they post their schedule. To assist the Track Management with numbers we will need you to pre-register in advance as well. Registration for the event will be done through an online website. We will notify those on the list through a PM to you when registration for the event opens and will notify standby driving participants if people on the original list drop out. Cost for Driving guests has not been published yet, but last year was $195 per day, and that includes the Breakfast and Buffet lunch and water, soda, Powerades, throughout the day. Cost for a non-driving guest is also not published yet but was $25 per person per day and includes breakfast, lunch and water, soda or Powerades throughout the day. Please expect some increases over the 2013 rates for our event. Once NJMP publishes its rates, we will communicate them to you. Our plans for dinners are dependent on the availability of the Club house, so at this point the order may change but our tentative plan is for a dinner at the Club house one night, Each person is responsible for their own cost. We will need a firm head count so that we can provide appropriate notice to the restaurant. Don Fauerbach, one of the track founders hosts a July 4 private backyard BBQ, for NJMP Club members, and he has extended the invitation to our group. We will also have to provide him with early notice as he will need time to prepare. There will be a cost per head TBD for this event that we will learn of shortly. There is also possibility of a BBQ dinner at the track for another night. Again, a headcount and per head cost will be required. This is a casual event. Our goal is to meet new 7 owners, checkout each other’s cars, have a lot of laughs, and enjoy our cars safely out on track. The event is what you make it. Track and Paddock safety rules are to be obeyed at all times for our safety. The social aspect of the event in the past has been as much fun as the track time, IMO. Sorry for the long post, but we are blown away by the enthusiasm for the event and Mike and I want to make sure that we provide you with the info you need to enjoy the event. This is a big group now and we actually have to think thru the logistics now instead of our past relaxed practice of just showing up and saying lets go to dinner. So bear with us. Thanks. Tom and Mike

Sorry for your Loss Paul, Didn't mean to offend. Alcohol is NOT allowed in the paddock while the track is HOT BTW for the edification of all attendees, whether you are driving or not. Tom

Oh, that's a tough one. NJ :puke:or Arkansas beer. Do they make a local beer there? :jester: Tom

Paul, if you agree to be a videographer for a session or two, you're in (just kidding) you and your family would be most welcome. DaveD and his wife Bev came to the first two events as spectators, and last year got his S1 out on the track with us. He's coming back again, so I think he's really hooked now. Sounds like you're bringing a ringer to the Karting event. :driving: Oh, and BTW, new guys have to bring a local beer to the party. :rofl::seeya: Tom

This is actually our 4th annual get together. Started with 6, then 9, then 12, and this year is looking like 20+++. We MIGHT have to limit on track entries if it gets too much bigger. Otherwise we'd be like a Porsche club event with 60 cars on track at once. :cooldude: Croc would crap if you drove his old sv all the way back East. :jester: And yes we will do it again next year, and from past experience, Those who make it out, come back again and again. BBall7754 and KitCat are two of our founding members, that make the drive every year. And Boy does that CROSSFLOW sound great. :drool: Tom

That is what I've seen. If the group you are running with recognizes you as an instructor then they MAY allow you to take passengers. I'm sure you will be a force to be feared on the track the full weekend.:driving: Looking forward to seeing your Brilliant shining Crossflow back out leading the pack again. Tom:seeya:

Steve, you know I love the sound of your car. It's a classic. :jester: NJMP has interpreted the rules layed out by the New Jersey state police to allow Instructors to ride along or take passengers out for instructional purposes. NJMP instituted an Instructor certification process and several of us have been granted Instructor status. So those of us who have that status are allowed to either ride with or have someone ride with us. So, to answer your questions, technically, you can't have passengers, but Instructors can. Crossflows RULE!!!:flag: Tom

Come on down and join us. Bring a folding chair and you're all set. I'll add you to the attending but not driving list. Just remind us as we get closer if you want in on the breakfast and Lunch deal. Tom

Steve, check out summit racing, or any other place like, Pegasus, OG racing etc. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sim-36000bk/overview/ Sparco USA has a good deal on them. http://www.sparcoracingusa.com/sparco-racing-arm-restraints.html?productid=1250 Tom

Fits on the forearm, and attaches to the shoulder harness with a sliding loop.

Doubt, it Andy. I have an extra set or two that you are welcome to use. Tom

For those of you planning to attend our 7’s gathering this July, we thought we’d give you a heads up as to what Safety and Mechanical requirement you should anticipate for our track day at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Safety is the number one priority for those of us who take our cars on track. You are responsible for the proper maintenance of your vehicle, to insure that it will perform as you intend it to on track. Here are a few recommended service items you should perform or check prior to taking your car on track. This is not a complete list, but a starting point: 1) Check your brake pads and components to make sure that they are adequate and up to the job of stopping you. 2) If you haven’t done it recently, Change your Brake and Clutch fluids. 3) Check your tires to make sure they are safe and will last the two trackdays and your drive home. Bring spares if you can. 4) Do a complete Nut and Bolt check of your car. Suspension points, engine mounts, every bolt you can find. 5) For those with motors other than Crossflows, Make sure your car isn’t leaking any fluid. Check your hoses for cracks and change if necessary, tighten clamps, etc. 6) Change Oil and coolant as needed. 7) Check your clutch wear. Better to do it now versus having an issue on track. 8) Check your bearings for play. Replace or repack if needed. 9) Check and replace any belts as nessessary. 10) Tune it up if needed. Check throttle and clutch cables, fittings etc. 11) Inflate your tires and torque your lug nuts. 12) For those of you towing, remember to have your bearings checked, tires inflated properly, and that your trailer brakes and lights work. The Safety stewards at NJMP will conduct a Tech of your car prior to being allowed on track. Do NOT assume that if they sign off on your car that it is safe. That is YOUR responsibility. Remember, Some of us will actually hit speeds in excess of 130 mph on the front straight, (not me) :smilielol5: and then have to get down to about 70mph for Turn 1. You don’t want mechanical issues to prevent you from making that turn. The safety stewards will check : 1) That your positive battery terminal is covered. A piece of tape will suffice. 2) That your Roll Bar is secure. 3) That your Helmet is an SA 2005 or newer full face shield one. 4) That your Seat belts/Harnesses are in date. If your harnesses are outdated, replace them now. 5) That you have Arm restraints, which are required. 6) That your battery is securely mounted. 7) That there are no leaks. 8) That your Brake Lights Work. 9) That you have a Number on both sides of the car. (Painter Tape is fine) 10) That your tires don’t have cord showing. 11) They will check camera mounting to ensure it is secure. There may be a few more checks but that is what they were looking for last season. There is a nice General store on site that stocks, helmets, gloves, oil, tools, and various supplies, but it does not stock any parts, so bring anything that you have that might be needed. There is an Autozone in Millville, but again, I doubt they carry Caterham, or Birkin parts, The Stalker guys may be ok. There is a tire place in Millville that can mount tires, but you should plan on bringing along your own spares, as I know they don’t carry slicks or any assortment of 13 inch tires suitable for our Cars. Guys with Bigger rims or more standard tires might luck out but be forewarned, it is Millville, NJ. As far as on track dress, as I said, an SA2005 or newer Full Face shield Helmet is required. Long sleeve shirts, and long pants are also required. Nomex gloves, suits, balaclavas, and shoes and socks are recommended but NOT required. The Last item that we will need prior to the event, is a Driver Resume on each of you. The Resume should include your name, any track experience you have, e.g. the name of the tracks you have driven on, and the number of days and level at those events, Which organizations you have driven with, e.g. SCCA, Porsche, BMW, club etc. Any certifications you have like a racing license, include the number and a copy of it. This is usually done to prequalify non members for Passing run groups. For those of you that have Zero experience on any track, we will arrange for you to have an instructor ride with you and one of us will show you the line at a nice pace that you can follow to learn the lines and get the feel of your car. We may also be able to get you into the Novice group as well if the timing of the run groups is right, that will allow you to learn without anyone passing during that session. There are a lot of good videos on YouTube of laps on NJMP's Lightning that are a good way to learn the general layout of the track. I highly recommend watching them, using the start finish line as your starting point. After about a half hour or so you will be able to anticipate the turns and recognize where on the track you are. Hint. There are only TWO left turns on the track. Turn 4 and turn 7. :cooldude: Every other turn is a right hand one. We will expect that the track will ask for Payment around Late April, early May, and at that time we will require your commitment, check and Driver’s resume. We will post a list of Lodging options shortly as I expect that rooms will book quickly as it is a Holiday weekend, and the track is only 35 to 40 minutes from the Jersey Shore. If you are planning on attending, you may want to book a room now as options will most likely be limited as we get closer to the event. I’m sure we will have a few more additions to the list above, but we Just thought we’d give everyone plenty of time to get their cars ready and prevent any surprises at the track. Let us know if you have any other questions. Tom and Mike

Wow it must be the cold weather, or is it global warming. :willy_nilly: It’s mid January and the interest level for this year, the 4th annual gathering of 7’s at NJMP is off to a Low Flying start. No money is due or paid yet, so we realize that throwing your hat in the ring at this time is verbal commitment only, but from the level of excitement we are seeing, we are pretty psyched about the potential of the turnout level. Croc, Blubarisax, JBH and I are members of the Drivers club member day we have been allowed to participate in. As Croc pointed out in a previous post, they have offered us an opportunity to bring in a group of 7’s to run in our own 7’s only run group. We will be running on the Lightning Circuit, one of the two tracks at NJMP, on both days, which although, precluding us from running on Thunderbolt, it does mean that for those of you new to the track, you will have two days to get comfortable on Lightning, which is a fun momentum track, with a few neat features. As of this moment, we have 19 drivers who have expressed their interest and desire to attend. For those of you who are NOT interested in taking your car on track, you do have the option of attending and joining in on the group pictures, dinners, etc., and for a $25 guest fee, participate in the breakfast, Drivers meeting, Lunch and even get a passenger ride from those of us who are approved Instructors. So, the Current list of attendees as of now are: 1) Yellowss7 (Tom) Caterham 2) Croc (Mike J.) Caterham 3) Blubarisax (Karl) Caterham 4) JBH (Jeff H.) Caterham 5) Kitcat (Mike M.) Caterham 6) Michael D (Michael D) Caterham 7) Sabbot (Stewart) Caterham 8) BBall7754 (Steve M.) Caterham 9) Dave D (Dave D.) Superformance S1 10) Jeff S (Jeff S.) Caterham 11) S1Steve (Steve N.) Superformance S1 12) EvilRomeo (Roman) WMC Ultralight 13) Iceberg1234 (Paul B.) Birkin 14) Xcarguy (Shane) Stalker V8 15) 4Mario ( Mario) Stalker V8 16) SK400 (Sebastien K.) Caterham 17) Len C. (NJMP member) Caterham 18) Doug P. (NJMP Member) Caterham 19) Andy B. (Andy B) Caterham 20) Poorichard Stalker

Mike, now that could make for a fun evening. An engine Transplant at the track. Can we get it done in time for him to run it. :drool: Stewart's been there and done that. Tom

Welcome aboard Mario. I have you on the list of attending drivers. Croc and I are in contact and will be updating the list here shortly. I have it at 18 and 1/2 drivers at this point. Should be a blast on the track and in the paddock and dinners will be a hoot. Come on Summer!!! Tom

Great Shane. Looking forward to meeting you and seeing your car. Too bad now that we aren't mixing it up with the Corvette and Porsche boys on track. That V8 would certainly not have to wait for a throttle lift to get by. :smilielol5: With Sebastien, Shane and a possible AndyB, I put our count now at 17 1/2 Se7en owners who have expressed an intent to attend. I know of a couple more that are potentials or just waiting for their schedules to clear. :party: Tom

Or if you are looking for a project. It's in Ohio. http://www.race-cars.com/engsales/cosworth/1292010643/1292010643ss.htm

Here you go Steve. :flag: http://www.race-cars.com/engsales/cosworth/1389303434/1389303434ss.htm