East Coast Sevens Annual HPDE and Social Event - 2015

[Croc]

USA7s HPDE Event – July 3 to 6, 2015

 

Tom and Michael would like to welcome you all to the fifth running of the USA7s HPDE Event at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville NJ.

 

Please take the time to read all of the following information prior to registering so that you understand all the relevant details and sign up appropriately.

 

Registration

During the registration you will be required to select the options you wish to participate in – days running, non-driving visitors, various dinners, karting, etc. The Friday night and Sunday night dinners are pay on the day format based on your selections – so we are only looking for numbers at this stage. This will produce a total for which you will be required to enter your credit card to complete registration.

 

Cancellation is possible without penalty up to one month before the event. Cancellations within the month before the event are subject to negotiation as we may be able to have penalties waived if you give Tom/Mike a heads up. We plan to cap car registrations at 25 cars to preserve a quality experience on track. We will hold reserve places in the event of late cancellations.

 

If you are not a NJMP Drivers Club member then you are not eligible for the lower member price. If you do try to register using the non-member price then NJMP will later correct your registration and charge you the extra monies.

 

It is important to register non-driving visitors as this ensures their admittance to the facility plus entitles them to the food and refreshments put on for the event. If you are uncertain at time of registration then the advantage of motorsportreg.com is that you can go back and amend your registration at a later date, up to 2 days before the event.

 

Schedule

The schedule for the 4 days is as follows:

 

Fridy, July 3, 2015

Arrival at NJMP and pit set up.

3.00pm to 4.30pm For those who arrive early and are set up before 3.00pm then an informal karting event will be held at the NJMP F1 Karting Facility which adjoins the Lightning pit paddock.

6.00pm to 8.00pm Welcome Pool Party BBQ at the NJMP Clubhouse.

 

Saturday, July 4, 2015

7.00am Registration, tech inspection for cars and breakfast at the Lightning Circuit

8.00am Mandatory Drivers Meeting in the Pit Garage

9:00am to 12:30pm Track is live. Refer to attached schedule of session times.

12:30pm to 1:30pm Lunch at the Finish Line Pub

1:30pm to 5:00pm Track is live. Refer to attached schedule of session times.

6:30pm Dinner at Don Fauerbach residence, NJMP Founding Member.

 

Sunday, July 5, 2015

7.00am Registration, tech inspection for cars and breakfast at the Lightning Circuit

8.00am Mandatory Drivers Meeting in the Pit Garage

9:00am to 12:30pm Track is live. Refer to attached schedule of session times.

12:30pm to 1:30pm Lunch at the Finish Line Pub

1:30pm to 5:00pm Track is live. Refer to attached schedule of session times.

6:30pm Dinner at Finish Line Pub

 

Monday, July 6, 2015

9:00am to 1.00pm A Drivers Club Test Day opportunity for those who reserve early. There are six places available for open track time on the Lightning Circuit. Open pit lane format.

 

 

The session times are subject to finalization and a schedule for that day will be handed out each daily drivers briefing.

 

NJMP Location

The GPS address of NJMP is 8000 Dividing Creek Rd., Millville, NJ 08332

 

When driving to NJMP it is strongly recommended that you exit off Rt 55 at Exit 24 (Rt 49) as this route option avoids trailers having to make a sharp right turn in downtown Millville. While the signposts on Rt55 to NJMP will say you should use exit 27 we do not recommend this option because of the difficulty you will have navigating the tight right turn in downtown Millville. If you are staying at the Fairfield Inn (next to Exit 27) and trailering then we would also recommend returning to Rt 55 to head south to Exit 24.

 

Event Requirements

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 the track. If you have not run at this event previously then prior to registering you will need to submit a driving resume on past track experience. This will be shared with NJMP track management prior to the event. Please bring and be prepared to show any race license you have obtained in order to verify your experience.

Helmet Requirement: A Snell M or SA rated full faced helmet dated 2005 or newer is required for all drivers and passengers on the track. Open face helmets are not permitted in open cars like sevens.

Arm restraints: NJMP requires open top cars to be driven on track with drivers and passengers both wearing arm restraints and full faced helmets.

 

Attire: NJ State Law requires all participants on the track to wear long pants and close toed shoes. No one in shorts will be permitted to enter the race track or pit lane.

Tech: A tech inspection is required for each car prior to accessing the race course. An NJMP official will tech your car the morning of the event, but please view the tech form prior to then in order to be sure your car is adequately prepared. A link to the NJMP Tech Form will be provided in your sign up email.

 

Open Top Cars: Must have approved rollover protection. Pop up roll bars or detachable hard tops are not accepted by NJ State Law.

Speed Limits: Speed limit in the paddock is 5 mph. Speed limit on access roads is 25 mph. Do not test vehicles or bed brakes on infield roads. For non-racing events, the pit lane speed limit is 20 mph.

 

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 Armco and tire wall barriers should you hit them (hopefully not!) or for the white powder to soak up oil and coolant spills on track.

Noise: Un-Muffled engines must not be run before 8:30 a.m. or after 6:30 p.m. NJMP strives hard to keep good relations with the local community and we should support their initiatives by complying.

 

Fuel: For the convenience of customers, New Jersey Motorsports Park houses fuel stations at both the Thunderbolt and Lightning Raceways. On most track days the fuel stations are open from 8:30am to 3:30pm. While not yet confirmed, we would expect that the Lightning track fuel station will not be running on Monday July 6, 2015. However, there is an event being held at the Thunderbolt track and the fuel station should be open there.

 

The fuel station at Thunderbolt Raceway offers octanes of 93 & 100 (unleaded) and 110 & 112 (leaded), while the station at Lightning Raceway offers 93 & 100 (unleaded) and 110 (leaded). The fuel stations are permitted to fill containers in proper five gallon red fuel cans only, per New Jersey 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 container that reads “FUEL”).

 

General Store: The NJMP facility has a convenient General Store open during days. It sells refreshments (including beer), ice, driving equipment (helmets, boots, driving suits), oils, some tools, safety gear and other related items. It is located on the ground floor of the Officers Club in the pit area of the Thunderbolt track. The General Store is run by the lovely Diane who is extremely skilled in extracting non-essential purchases of race gear, tools, and other interesting motoring themed souvenirs. You have been warned!

Trailer Drops: Trailer drops are typically allowed from 7-10 pm the night before. However, there are occasions when this is not possible due to events taking place at the facility. At this stage there are no events scheduled at Lightning the day of our arrival but we will alert you should that change.

 

Please keep in mind that NJMP Drivers Club Member Days are not a racing event but rather a Driver Education day. You will learn how 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.

 

Non-driving Visitors: Non-driving visitors are required to be registered by NJMP. There is space on the registration pages for this. The fee for non-driving visitors covers all refreshment, breakfast and lunch. It also provides privileges to accompany NJMP accredited/approved instructors in sevens as a passenger. Passengers are required to have paid the daily visitor fee and comply with the safety requirements of drivers – helmet, arm restraints, and clothing/shoes. A limited number of helmets/arm restraints will be available to borrow should you not have one.

[Croc]

Pit Set Up Location

Attached to the registration email you will receive are 2 maps. The first illustrates the layout of the NJMP complex, its two tracks, karting facility, Pit Suites for overnight accommodation, General Store and Finish Line Pub. The second map shows the Lightning circuit and marks out where the USA7s group has been allocated pit space to set up and congregate. The NJMP facility has 24 hour gated and patrolled security and is a secure place to leave your trailers and cars overnight.

 

As you enter NJMP you will be required to stop at the main gate to show identification. Please let the security workers know that you are participating in the Drivers Club Event at Lightning. After the security check you will want to turn RIGHT to go past the clubhouse and on to the Lightning Circuit pits. It is a long drive around the outside of the Lightning Circuit until you see the bridge into the center of the circuit.

 

When setting up on the pit asphalt please be aware that paddock regulations require jack stands to have timber or metal plate supports underneath to protect the asphalt from damage.

 

Tom and I will be there setting up from early afternoon should anyone arrive early. An informal karting event is scheduled from 3.00pm to 4.30pm at the NJMP F1 Karting facility which adjoins the Lightning pit area.

 

After the karting you can clean up and then congregate at the NJMP Club House where a full bar service and appetizers/dinner will be available for your purchase.

 

We encourage you to bring a folding chair or other seating for your time in the pits as there is no fixed or movable seating provided by the track.

 

Welcome Pool Party BBQ (July 3)

Given most people will be arriving the night before and setting up their trailers or otherwise prepping their cars, we will have an informal pool party BBQ at the NJMP Club House. A simple menu and drinks will be available for purchase at the event.

 

If you will be arriving late then there are a number of restaurants in Millville.

 

Catering - Breakfast and Lunch on HPDE Days (July 4 and 5)

Breakfast and lunches are included in your driver and guest fees paid at sign on. Breakfast will be held at the Lightning Pit Building where the classroom and pit garage are located. Lunch will be held at the Finish Line Pub a short drive from the pits. Refreshments (water, energy drink, soda) are complimentary throughout the day and are located in the ice tubs at the pit garage or the pit classroom.

 

Dinner at Don Fauerbach’s Residence – July 4, 2014

This is an annual Drivers Club Event to which USA7s members attending this HPDE event have received an invitation. Held on Don’s lawn overlooking the river, it is a casual summer event with a good menu and drinks, catered by one of the leading Chefs in Millville. Refreshments provided include beer, soda and water. It is BYO wine/spirits. In addition to socializing with other Sevens drivers, you will have the chance to meet and chat with other Drivers Club members and spouses who share a similar interest to you in performance and exotic cars. This event is located approximately 20 minutes drive from NJMP. We plan to car pool from various locations (NJMP Pit Suites, Fairfield Inn, etc) and will arrange that during the day. Dress code for this event is tidy nice summer casual – collared short sleeve shirt, nice Hawaiian shirts and shorts or long pants for gents. Ladies are usually dressed nice summer casual. It is outside on a lawn so high heel shoes are not advisable unless ladies like being rescued by a nice gentleman (or Tom).

 

Dinner at the Finish Line Pub – July 5, 2014

We have booked the Breighton Room at the NJMP Finish Line Pub for our final night. The menu is a la carte ranging from salads to burgers/sandwiches to salmon and prime rib and desert offerings. It is designed that you pay for what you want to order for food and drinks. After dinner there will be a series of awards for the previous two days.

 

Given the large number of people who walked out without paying last year, we would like to repeat, you will need to pay for your food and drinks at the completion of dinner.

 

Karting

This is the event where your competitive spirit is encouraged to emerge. You will be racing for trophies and bragging rights. Guests and family members who wish to join in to show up Spouse/Father are definitely encouraged to do so. You do not need to be a HPDE sevens driver to participate in the karting event.

 

The arrangement is a 10 minute practice followed by a 6 lap qualifier and and an 8 lap race. The karts are brand new for this year. The results of the practice/qualifying session will determine your grid position for the race that follows. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third place from this race.

 

Drivers must be a minimum of 14 years old. All minors 14 years old to 18 years old must have an executed 1 Minor Participant Guardian form or have a parent or legal guardian present. Drivers must be at least 5 ft. tall. All participants must wear closed toe shoes. Coaches can be made available to spouses who wish to beat their husbands/partners. Sons are encouraged to beat their fathers. The organizers will happily accept bribes for donation to charity to reduce the horsepower on the karts of your fellow competitors.

 

Karting requires use of a full face helmet, driving suit and neck ring. If you have these then you are welcomed to use your own. If you have guests or family members who wish to join in then we encourage them to do so. NJMP can provide loaner helmets for the cost of $4 (to cover the use of a disposable balaclava for hygiene reasons) – paid on the day. Driving suits are included in the karting fee. NJMP will also provide neck rings if needed.

 

To set expectations up front, the winner will probably be the lightest weight person given these karts have all the hp of a hair dryer. While ramming, pushing, punting or otherwise driving your fellow karting enthusiasts off track is not tolerated we understand some of you may not have full control of your kart at certain defined moments.

 

All joking aside, you will need to be completely sober for this event – no exceptions.

 

As a prize, first, second and third place getters buy drinks for everyone at the club house following the event!

 

Please arrive at the karting facility at 3.00pm.

 

Driving Format

As we are participating in an NJMP Drivers Club event, we follow their specific rules of operations for tech inspection of cars and safety gear. We also follow their practices for on track behavior. We will have a Sevens session defined in the attached timetable for the day. Passing will be by invitation only. That is a passing car will need to receive a point by by 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. Passing zones are defined at the straights, i.e. between:

 

· between turns 1 and 2,

· between turns 4 and 5 (if you are quick),

· between turns 5 and 7

· between turns 7 to 9 (i.e. up to the entry into the bowl

· turns 9 (bowl exit) to turn 1 (i.e. along the main straight)

 

Passing in the turns is not acceptable. No passing in the braking zones. Given sevens have such remarkable cornering and braking skills it is unlikely that passing cars should be held up for any length of time if drivers of slower cars monitor their mirrors and point by promptly. These rules are intended for your safety and if followed should prevent car to car contact.

 

Monday July 6, 2015 Open Pit Lane Morning

For those looking for more track time following the two full days of Drivers Club events then we have arranged open pit lane format track time from 9.00am to 1.00pm. This is for a maximum of six drivers (who may use more than one car). Participants must have run one or both of the previous two days and had their car and safety gear tech inspected by Drivers Club on either the Saturday or Sunday. There will be an additional tech on the Monday morning as a refresh of the Saturday/Sunday tech process. The price of $350 reflects the exclusivity of the track time with up to 4 hours track time on offer.

 

This is an extension of the previous NJMP Drivers Club Days and the operating conditions and restrictions reflect their policies and the need to comply with their insurance requirements and NJ State Laws governing track usage.

 

For those of you who have not run open pit lane before, it is a great opportunity to get extended track time in an uncrowded and less stressful track environment. However, the great risk is that you spend too long a session out on track at any one time and get tired and/or wear your car out. We strongly recommend that you pace yourself and your car by setting specific fixed time slots to run and then alternately rest to ensure you and your car remain in fresh condition.

 

Track rules will follow the same format as for Saturday and Sunday.

 

Unlike the Saturday and Sunday, this Monday morning will be un-catered for breakfast, refreshments or lunch. If you are looking for breakfast there are a number of places in Millville, a short 5-10 minute drive away. There is a soda vending machine at the Lightning pits plus the General Store will have refreshments over at the Thunderbolt pit area. Fuel is likely to be available only at the Thunderbolt pit area so it would be best to refuel before the end of the previous day when the Lightning refueling station will be open.

 

If you wish to register for this event a separate sign on link will be sent to you if you email to Tom/Mike.

[Croc]

Accommodation

There are a range of lodging options at all budgets in Millville and nearby Vineland. There are also Pit Suites on the NJMP site. We eoncourage you to book early as Millville is a popular spot for people to stay when visiting the Jersey Shore in summer.

 

Camping is available at NJMP by permit along with power hookups for RV with a fee. See the NJMP website for details:

http://www.njmp.com/facility-rentals-and-amenities/

 

 

Registration

Registration links will be emailed to you. Please do not go onto Motorsportreg.com and try to register that way as it will not show the registration link as we have kept it confidential to prevent non-sevens from registering and to avoid confusion with the regular Drivers Club registration links. In the unlikely situation that we get more than 25 cars we plan to cap registration numbers to preserve the quality of the track experience. We will maintain a reserve list if we go beyond that number of cars.

 

We have noted all of those who expressed interest on the “save the date” post and will send those emails out later today. If you do not receive a registration link email from the email address below then please email us using the address below.

 

Contact

All emails should be sent to sevensarefun@gmail.com

 

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

[Croc]

Would I be violating the spirit of this event if I brought the Mallock?

 

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?9691

 

I think I'd still be the only one with Crossflow power.

 

Steve

 

 

Nothing stops you bringing the Mallock but NJMP rules/event rules do prevent you running the Mallock on track on the Saturday and Sunday within the Sevens run group as it is classified as an open wheeler. You need a seven for that group. While there is sometimes an open wheeler run group (and no guarantees it will happen on those dates), NJMP does prohibit "double heading", i.e. participate within 2 separate run groups simultaneously even if you pay double entry fees.

 

However, the half day Monday is legally classified as a test day so we could run the Mallock at the same time as the other 5 cars with precautions/briefing/etc.

[bball7754]

Mike - Thanks, and the Caterham it is, then.

[Kitcat]

Mike: Thx for the update, you and Tom have obviously been very busy! This looks like another amazing event, I dont know how you guys do it.

 

Tidbits:

Is your garaj-mahal now ready?

Is the plummeting gas price reflected in the race gas price? (I like to put a tankful every year just to clean out the Cat's "arteries").

 

Finally: Is there a link somewhere that takes us to where we sign up for the track days via MotorSport Registration?

Ditto Tech sheet.

Ditto the non-track aspects (karting, dinner, etc)?

 

Is it all in the e-mail you separately sent us?

(Update: I NOW see the link in the e-mail to sign up for the two track days and so signed up for 7/4 and 5, using Michael Johnson at my NJMP member sponsor and the "white" group as my run group-I didn't see a USA7s group-is there one at MotorsportReg? I know there is a separate 7's run group at the event itself).

(Update x2: I now see the link in your e-mail Mike that wld have directed me to the USA7s group, but I wasnt able to get that link to work. Any thots on how I switch from the white group to the USA7s. You are right, if I drove like I surf the Web I'd go off on the first corner:)).

 

As you know from past experience, I am easily confused, so I may have missed the obvious here(:.

But you also know, IF I can manage it, anyone can:)!

 

Anyhow, since this seems to be the new, official, event thread, maybe put all info for signing up for all aspects of this amazing weekend here?

 

I have booked a "VIP" room on the track via the track's website.

Edited March 24, 2015 by Kitcat

[Croc]

Tidbits:

Is your garaj-mahal now ready?

Is the plummeting gas price reflected in the race gas price? (I like to put a tankful every year just to clean out the Cat's "arteries").

 

Finally: Is there a link somewhere that takes us to where we sign up for the track days via MotorSport Registration?

Ditto Tech sheet.

Ditto the non-track aspects (karting, dinner, etc)?

 

Is it all in the e-mail you separately sent us?

(Update: I NOW see the link in the e-mail to sign up for the two track days and so signed up for 7/4 and 5, using Michael Johnson at my NJMP member sponsor and the "white" group as my run group-I didn't see a USA7s group-is there one at MotorsportReg? I know there is a separate 7's run group at the event itself).

(Update x2: I now see the link in your e-mail Mike that wld have directed me to the USA7s group, but I wasnt able to get that link to work. Any thots on how I switch from the white group to the USA7s. You are right, if I drove like I surf the Web I'd go off on the first corner:)).

 

As you know from past experience, I am easily confused, so I may have missed the obvious here(:.

But you also know, IF I can manage it, anyone can:)!

 

 

Mike

 

Good to see that you read my posts somewhat piecemeal. I dont know what you did to sign up wrong? But it will be the second year in a row! :cheers:

 

Do you have the email? If you do then I will give you a call on your cell phone tonight and coach you through the process.

 

The reason we keep the link confidential is that it stops non-sevens signing up because they get confused with the regular Drivers Club event. Secondly it stops spam and thirdly it allows us to control numbers better.

 

So I will give you a call later and help you through this.

 

Cheers

mike

[Kitcat]

Mike, it IS deja vu all over again!

The link now works, so I can sign up for USA7s group. But then I will have signed up twice. I tried canceling the 1st signups but cant figure out how to do that. I was hoping someone cld just cross my name off one list and put me on the other.

[Croc]

:iamwithstupid: :jester:

 

I think you owe me drink credits now! No wonder you are an attorney! :rofl: Go back into Motorsportreg.com and click on your registration for the regular member day. There has to be a cancellation option on this page showing your registration. I have cancelled before using the online option and there is no penalty at Drivers Club up to a few days before. When I get home tonight I will register myself and then work out how to cancel it so I can explain to you.

[S1Steve]

Thanks again to Tom and Mike,

 

Signed up for the track days, I have a suite at Thunderbolt. some prep work and I'll be ready... See most of you guys in July if not before......

[Croc]

Should anyone manage to copy Mike and register on the wrong NJMP Drivers Club link then the process to cancel the wrong registration is:

 

1) Go into motorsportreg.com and log in

2) Go to the Dashboard tab and select it

3) You should see all events you registered for

4) Click the event that you wish to cancel

5) You then will see the title of the event, a colored box and a bunch of menu options

6) The very last menu option will be cancel registration - select and follow the instructions. There is no penalty for cancellation up to a week out from the event.

 

Then go ahead and register using the correct link provided within your event details email sent to you last Sunday.

 

Easy! :seeya:

[Kitcat]

It is now fixed and all is well, thx Croc. Now all I have to do is find some "Hillary for President" stickers to put all over Tom's trailer....

[yellowss7]

Potential attendees to date:

 

1) Croc Registered

2) Yellowss7 Registered

3) BBall7754

4) Kitcat Registered

5) S1Steve Registered

6) SK400 Registered

7) Sabbot

8) Wemdt

9) RGTorque

10) Paul Hill (and wife, spectating)

11) FE07

12) Dave D (and Bev) Registered

13) 951N914 (Scott L) Registered

14) JBH

15) Simon450 and Carrie Registered

16) Len C ( NJMP member)

17) Paul A

18) Michael D. (and wife)

19) Dave H. (and wife)

20) JeffS (hopefully :willy_nilly:)

21) FMorser

Edited April 13, 2015 by yellowss7

[simon450]

Believe I'm registered but this is the first time so......... Can you see if I am?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[yellowss7]

Simon, usually you will get a confirmation email from Motorsportreg that shows you as registered. Croc suggests you log on in Motorsportreg and click on the Dashboard tab and it will show you what you are registered for. I don't see you listed yet.

 

Tom

[Croc]

For those who look at the event registration page on motorsportreg, my advice is don't! That page never shows everyone who is registered - it just shows a few people. NJMP and I reported the issue to the website last year and the response we got back was "yes, so what!"

 

There are 4 ways to confirm you are registered:

1) Did you get a registration email from the website?

2) Log on to motorsportreg.com with your ID and password. The very first page after log in will show events you are registered for and below that options for events that may be of interest to you but that you have not registered for. It should have an orange yellow box to the left of the event you registered for. Click the event dashboard and you can get to your registration details.

3) Try to register all over again - motorsportreg has a control to alert you when you try to do this. If by chance you do bypass the controls and register twice like Mike did last year....then no harm or penalty as you can cancel the duplicate registration following the instructions earlier in this thread or go for option 4 below.

4) If completely in doubt then contact Carolyn Watson. Carolyn's contact details are in the memo sent to you last Sunday.

 

:seeya:

[jeffs]

So for anyone on the fence, it was a great time last year, and I highly recommend the event. Unfortunately I wont know for a few months yet whether or not I can make it. My house is currently on the market and once it finally sells I'll be in the process of moving (likely out of the area). If the car and I are still here come July though, I'll be there.

[SK400]

So for anyone on the fence, it was a great time last year, and I highly recommend the event. Unfortunately I wont know for a few months yet whether or not I can make it. My house is currently on the market and once it finally sells I'll be in the process of moving (likely out of the area). If the car and I are still here come July though, I'll be there.

 

Jeff! I hope you've hired a lousy real estate agent and that you'll make it to the event. I've been trying to pimp my ride this yr to keep up with the group and you. Don't let us down! and... see you on the track.

[Croc]

Jeff - we could temporarily store your car in Millville, either at TJ's or at my place and then you come back do the event and afterwards, car gets shipped to you. Simple!

[MichaelD]

Anyone want to post the sign up link again?