Sevens Event - NJMP Drivers Club June 28-30, 2019 - Final Event Details

[Croc]

USA7s HPDE Event – June 28 to July 30, 2019

 

Tom and Michael would like to welcome you all to the 9th running of the USA7s Event hosted by New Jersey Motorsports Park Drivers Club at NJMP 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.

 

The technical inspection procedures have greatly changed from prior years. Please read the relevant section carefully and carry out all required preparation otherwise you may not be able to drive.

 

I have emailed these event details and the attachments to those people that are on my mailing list. If you did not get the email but would like to participate then please PM your email address.

 

 

Registration

This year, online registration will again be via Motorsportreg.com.

 

• Step 1 is, if you have not already, register as a user on Motorsportreg.com.
  
• Step 2 is to register and pay for the event using the following exclusive online link:
  

https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/usa-7s-event-june-29-30-thunderbolt-raceway-new-jersey-motorsports-park-656168

 

During the registration you will be required to select the options you wish to participate in – days running, non-driving visitors, various dinners, etc. All 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.

 

NJMP’s cancellation policy is outlined on the registration page. Late registration will incur a late fee imposed by NJMP.

 

Drivers Club members have a different HPDE cost to non-members reflecting their club subscriptions paid.

 

Schedule

The schedule for the event is as follows:

 

Friday, June 28, 2019

Afternoon: Arrival at NJMP. Our first day on track is at Lightning circuit. As of now the circuit is not being used Friday so we should be able to access the pits to set up the day before. Also it is close to the karting complex at the back of the Lightning pits.

3:00pm Karting is located at the back of the Lightning pits. Then a clean up and change of clothes or maybe a swim at the clubhouse before the dinner.

5:30pm Cocktails at the Clubhouse for the early starters.

6:00pm Welcome Pool Party BBQ at the NJMP Clubhouse.

 

Saturday, June 29, 2019 – LIGHTNING CIRCUIT

Times are subject to change

 

7:30am Breakfast at the Clubhouse (where you had dinner the night before)

7:30am Registration and Tech inspection at the Lightning pits classroom area

8:30am Mandatory Drivers Meeting in the pits classroom

9:00am Track is live. There will be a printed guide available on the day with session times.

1:00pm Lunch at the Clubhouse

2:00pm Track is live.

5:00pm Track is closed. Optional shift trailers/gear to Thunderbolt pits.

6:30pm Dinner at Andreas Trattoria, 16 N High St, Millville, NJ 08332

 

 

Sunday, June 30, 2019 – THUNDERBOLT CIRCUIT

Times are subject to change

 

7:30am Breakfast at the Clubhouse

7:30am Registration and Tech inspection at the pits area

8:30am Mandatory Drivers Meeting in the Thunderbolt pit classroom

9:00am Track is live. There will be a printed guide available on the day with session times.

1:00pm Lunch at the Clubhouse

2:00pm Track is live.

6:00pm Awards Dinner at the NJMP Finish Line Pub at the Clubhouse. It’s an early event, come as you are, since some people will be travelling home that night.

 

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

Google Maps link

https://goo.gl/maps/nLCXr7i8zZS2

 

When driving to NJMP it is strongly recommended that you exit off Rt55 at Exit 24 (Rt49) 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 Rt55 to head south to Exit 24.

[Croc]

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 discuss your driving experience for running in an intermediate or above skill level HPDE with either Tom or Mike. 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.

 

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

 

 

 

Tech Inspection

Please read carefully – tech inspection requirements have changed significantly from prior year.

 

NJMP has moved to a two-step inspection process for 2019 to satisfy increased state safety concerns. Every car intending to participate in a Drivers Club event must complete a comprehensive inspection by a qualified and experienced mechanic using the attached two-page form. This must be completed and signed off prior to arriving at NJMP. You will need to bring the completed form to NJMP in order to commence step 2 of the inspection process.

 

If you need a qualified mechanic then you can arrange to come in earlier on Friday June 28 and TK Autosports located next to NJMP will be available by prior reservation to complete this inspection for a fee, which will last a minimum of 2 hours. Their rates are reasonable.

 

Assuming you have read these instructions and turn up on Saturday for step 2 of the inspection process then the second attached form will need to be completed and brought with your drivers license, car, helmet, arm restraints, safety gear and completed comprehensive tech inspection form. You will then be subject to an additional shorter inspection to validate your safety.

 

If you do not follow the above two step tech inspection process, you will not be driving that day. We will be able to get you on track for day 2 but you will not be driving day 1. You have been warned.

 

Some key criteria for being able to run your car on track in HPDE:

 

• Helmet Requirement: A Snell M or SA rated full-faced helmet dated 2010 or newer is required for all drivers and passengers on the track. Open face helmets are not permitted in open cars like sevens. Rental helmets are available with prior arrangement through the NJMP General Store.
  
• Arm restraints: NJMP requires open top cars to be driven on track with drivers and passengers both wearing arm restraints and full faced helmets.
  
• Open Top Cars: Must have approved rollover protection. Pop up roll bars or detachable hard tops are not accepted by NJ State Law.
  
• Broomstick rule is applicable for rollover protection: Driver and instructor must pass broomstick test with helmets on.
  
• Belts: Only 5 or 6 point belts are acceptable. Belts 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 DOT 3 point road belts are accepted in open cars like ours.
  
• Numbers: Painters tape numbers on both sides of your seven are acceptable. Don’t pick “7” as everyone does that and you will be asked to change it.
  

 

 

 

Other Matters

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 (please don’t!) or for the white powder to soak up oil and coolant spills on track.

 

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.

 

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. It also does rental helmets should they be required.

 

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 refreshments during the day and a hot cooked breakfast and a high quality dining room lunch at the Clubhouse. It also provides privileges to accompany NJMP accredited/approved instructors in sevens (or the pace car or other vehicles) 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.

 

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. Some spare parts on hand such as bearings, throttle and clutch cables, TPS, brake pads/fluid, will help things proceed smoothly for you. Millville does have a Napa Parts and Advance Auto but beyond this, specialist parts supplies do not exist.

[Croc]

Pit Set Up Location

Attached to your registration email are some maps. The first illustrates the layout of the NJMP complex, its two tracks, karting facility, Pit Suites/Villas for overnight accommodation, General Store and Clubhouse/Finish Line Pub. The second map shows the Thunderbolt and Lightning circuits. 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.

 

If you are arriving on Friday, June 28 before 4:30pm then you would join us at the Lightning pits/karting. Otherwise people would be at hotels/changing/etc. given the pool party dinner at the Clubhouse.

 

If you are arriving on Saturday, June 29 then you would turn RIGHT after the gate and follow the access road around past the garages and over the bridge to the Lightning pits.

 

After the karting you can clean up and then congregate at the NJMP Clubhouse pool area where a full bar service and appetizers/dinner will be available for your purchase. Maybe arrive early and have a swim – there are full change rooms at the Clubhouse.

 

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

 

Welcome Pool Party BBQ – June 28, 2019

Given most people will be arriving the night before, we will have an informal pool party BBQ at the NJMP Clubhouse. A comprehensive menu and drinks will be available for purchase at the event.

 

If you will be arriving late then there are a number of fast food and other full service chain restaurants in Millville.

 

Catering - Breakfast and Lunch on HPDE Days – June 29 and 30, 2019

Hot breakfast and dining room lunches are included in your driver and guest fees paid at sign on. Breakfast will be held at the Clubhouse – a short drive from the pits on both circuits. Lunch will be held at the Clubhouse. Snacks and refreshments (water, energy drink, soda) are complimentary throughout the day and are located in the refrigerators/ice tubs at the pit classroom.

 

Dinner at Andrea’s Trattoria – June 29, 2019

You are invited to join us at Andrea’s Trattoria, 16 N. High Street, Millville, NJ 08332. This is a local institution right in downtown Millville, 10 minutes from the track and the Fairfield/Holiday Inn hotels. It is BYOB so bring any beer/wine/spirits you wish to consume. No alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. You pay for what you order at the restaurant.

 

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 summer casual.

 

Awards Dinner at Finish Line Pub, June 30, 2019

After two days on track, potentially three days if you joined us for karting, the Sunday night dinner is a very casual event – come as you are – at the Finish Line Pub, within the NJMP Clubhouse. We will hold our traditional lighthearted awards event. It will not be a late night as we recognize many of you will choose to travel home at the conclusion of this dinner.

 

Driving Format

As we are participating in a 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 series of exclusive Sevens sessions.

 

Passing will be by invitation only. 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. Passing zones are defined as the straights – you will be briefed on these at the Drivers Briefing at the start of each HPDE day for each circuit.

 

Passing in the turns is not acceptable. No passing in the braking zones. Given sevens have such remarkable cornering and braking skills it is not expected 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.

 

In the past we have no traffic issues or people being held up on track. I put that down to good drivers participating and our remarkable little cars.

 

YouTube course video links are below for those attending for the first time:

 

Lightning Circuit

 

 

 

Thunderbolt Circuit – note this is a 360 camera. Click through to YouTube and use the cursor to pan the camera around up/down/around. A moving track map is overlaid on the passenger seat if you adjust the camera down.

 

 

 

Accommodation

There is a range of lodging options at all budgets in Millville and nearby Vineland. There are also Pit Suites and townhouse/villas on the NJMP site. The better options include:

 

 

• Fairfield Inn – Millville
  
• Holiday Inn Express – Millville/Vineland
  
• Hampton Inn – Vineland
  
• Pit Suites – NJMP
  
• Villa (Half or full) - NJMP
  

 

We encourage 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:

https://njmp.com/accommodations/bottinos-shoprite-camping-zone/

 

Given we are switching circuits, you may want to set up in the Clubhouse camping area to avoid having to move camping sites mid-event.

 

A certain amount of overnight secure garage space is available at Garage Mahal. We somehow got 12 sevens in there in prior years plus some other automotive money pits.

 

Other

TK Autosports has traditionally been the mechanic of last resort when cars have broken/melted/fallen apart in prior years. TJ (the little one) and Ian (the big one) are a fantastic resource during the Drivers Club event days usually saving the day when it has all gone south. Their rates are very reasonable given their experience.

 

If you need help preparing your car in advance of or during the event then TK Autosports can be reached at:

+1-888-978-5506

http://www.tkautosports.com/

 

They are located at Millville Airport, adjoining the NJMP site.

https://goo.gl/maps/2aG6gz2JCT72

 

While they frequently do save the day they are not miracle workers so you are encouraged to take your preparation for this event seriously.

 

Contact

NJMP can be reached at (856) 327-8000. After hours the main switchboard may not be answered. In this event you should call the Main Gate security office on (856) 327-7255.

Edited April 16, 2019 by Croc

[Croc]

 

 

 

[Croc]

Bump

[Vovchandr]

Event Requirements

 

Tech Inspection

Please read carefully – tech inspection requirements have changed significantly from prior year.

 

NJMP has moved to a two-step inspection process for 2019 to satisfy increased state safety concerns. Every car intending to participate in a Drivers Club event must complete a comprehensive inspection by a qualified and experienced mechanic using the attached two-page form. This must be completed and signed off prior to arriving at NJMP. You will need to bring the completed form to NJMP in order to commence step 2 of the inspection process.

 

If you need a qualified mechanic then you can arrange to come in earlier on Friday June 28 and TK Autosports located next to NJMP will be available by prior reservation to complete this inspection for a fee, which will last a minimum of 2 hours. Their rates are reasonable.

 

Croc, trying to understand this a little better. Is this any certified mechanic or does it have to be one of their mechanics a day prior? For the first pre inspection.

[Croc]

Good question - For the advance pre-inspection it can be:

(a) any qualified mechanic (local to you) who you think is professionally suited to inspect your Caterham/Birkin/Canoe/Stalker/Locost/Ultralite/etc

(b) If you do not have access to such a mechanic in (a) then you can come in a little early and TK Autosports is next to the track and able to perform the same inspection the day before

 

Sorry if I made it too confusing. Hope this helps

[Vovchandr]

Good question - For the advance pre-inspection it can be:

(a) any qualified mechanic (local to you) who you think is professionally suited to inspect your Caterham/Birkin/Canoe/Stalker/Locost/Ultralite/etc

(b) If you do not have access to such a mechanic in (a) then you can come in a little early and TK Autosports is next to the track and able to perform the same inspection the day before

 

Sorry if I made it too confusing. Hope this helps

 

Thanks for the reply. I wanted to be sure.

 

I have no problem finding a local mechanic as I'm quite involved in the auto community here and have friends with their own shops (don't worry about bias, if anything they will be more critical/scrutinize me more than a regular mechanic).

 

I also have a friend who is not a mechanic by career but has been a mechanic for race teams over the years and is currently going on yet another stint at One Lap Of America, he's no stranger to race cars. This is why I ask. People like him and shops can definitely give it a very through inspection but I wanted to see if this will suffice in the eyes of NJMP.

[yellowss7]

Well, we are now less than 30 days from the 7s trackday event at NJMP. Mike and I are finalizing the last details, and are currently struggling with the decision to replace the Karting challenge with the New Ax throwing venue that was just installed on site.

 

We are trying to determine which one will cause the least damage to our guests. On one hand we have The Karting carnage from Seb, Kitcat and Roman. That's a given, We are weighing that against having Kitcat throwing an Ax and Jeff catching. :smash: Either way, the activities will have to commence before the drinking does. For those who have more sense, the pool will be open and the beer cold.

 

The thread has been quiet for a while and we are hoping that is due to you all working diligently to get your cars in tip top shape.

 

The track is in great shape and with us doing both Lightning and Thunderbolt, we will all have great safe event. Looking forward to seeing you all. Still plenty of room for any one else that has been on the bubble as to coming. The more the merrier. Tom

[Kitcat]

Tom:

 

This is a timely post. As mentioned, off forum, my car finally came together today and is sitting in my trailer, ready to pounce. Or, at least putter around the paddock. I have a newly rebuilt engine and have to break it in. That starts tomorrow (tho not easy since it's not street legal. Who's going to notice a Caterham tooling around with the driver in a helmet, huge #'s on the side and back, roll cage, no windows/windshield, etc., etc? I'm hoping no cops....).

 

Anyhow, first time I have driven it since the "wheel fell off" in Oct. So rebuilt rear susp, brakes, hub, anti-roll bar, half shaft, radius arms, washers, bolts, wheel lugs, and rebuilt engine , bespoke clutch, resurfaced flywheel, new oil pump, alignment, tune, etc. Every part, including the many not mentioned, was its own adventure. Even the lug-nuts and washers!

 

Bottom line: I just registered for the event, including the kart and/or Ax throwing contest:). I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to get to this year's event, but the racing gods have smiled (at least for now, you know how they are....).

[wemtd]

Very timely Kitcat. About now I expect BlackHole is being extricated from the 'inverted lotus' position by the fire company after installing his new ignition switch this afternoon. Being more sensible myself: instead of the local autoX I headed up to Vermont this morning. Three hrs up I-91, an hour spectating, another 3hrs back. Not just to support OPEC. I think I finally found the cause for my loss of power on track late last night and needed a test :driving:

[Black Hole]

I think I finally found the cause for my loss of power on track late last night and needed a test :driving:

 

I must say, changing the ignition system is definitely the easiest thing you can do under the dash. It was quite accessible. Maybe next weekend we can do a test drive to shake the cars down. I will drive mine to Greenwich for the Concours tomorrow. Celebrating Zagato so I expect some cool cars. Only a slight chance i will get soaked on the way home.,

[Croc]

I just checked the site to see who registered. So far we have:

 

1. Tom G

2. Me

3. Tom C (Mr. Birkin USA)

4. Graham (Fast G)

5. Blake

6. Scott L (915n14 or something like that)

7. Mike M. (Kitcat)

 

 

Who needs help registering? Seb with his Swedish nanny? Steve? Jay? Paul?

 

Will anyone need storage? Need to shuffle a few cars out to create room. I have blown up a few lately so time for them to be fixed anyway.

[wemtd]

Good idea. Pm me Friday. Which direction do you want to head?

[fastg]

Mike, if you can save a small corner for the Locost as I have no rain protection.

 

Thanks

 

Graham

[Kitcat]

Hotel space was tight when I signed up, so folks should not wait til the last minute.

[fastg]

Did Fred fix his car from last year? Do you need help? I think you had problems with the rectifier?

 

Graham

[Merlin]

No worries Croc. Will be registering. Wouldn’t miss it

[wemtd]

Registered.. trailer reserved. Room booked

I hope room at the garage mahal for the Birkin?

[Croc]

Should be room. CSL is at the engine builder in North Carolina. Ferrari will be sent to Wil's for its long planned repaint and more fettling. Range Rover is headed to Vermont. Blue Holden is still over at TJ's. Just leaves Cossie, Caterham, Torana and Mustang behind.