Anyone read the latest Grassroots Motorsports? 7 vs Atom...

[Maverick1]

WestTexas, if you really enjoy events like One lap of America and RunNgun you might like an event called the Targa Newfoundland. Looks like a lot of fun.

http://www.targanewfoundland.com/theEvent.asp

Cheers™

 

[WestTexasS2K]

Yeah we looked at that event maybe someday.

[Keith]

I'm running the Targa next year - you can read the build here: http://www.targamiata.com. I'm not taking the Seven, but a highly modified Miata. The Targa is a very different event than either the Run and Gun or the One Lap. It's a tarmac rally, basically. It's more dangerous and more difficult.

 

Definitely check with the organizers before making any plans. Kit/very low production cars occupy a grey area. I know Caterhams have run the NZ and Tasmania versions in the past. You'll have to run in Open class, but I suspect an Atom or a Seven would be welcome due to spectator interest.

 

If you're going to run the Targa class, you'll need to do some work on a serious rollcage. Both the Atom and the WCM are going to have to run in Open class, and it may be required to run a windshield and wipers. Minimum weight is 1750 lbs. You'll need some ground clearance.

[WestTexasS2K]

If I did it I would probably do it just in the touring class. I was reading the requirements for the Targa class we would basicly have to build a new car. The cost to modify our car to compete would be cost prohibitive for us right now. We spent a big chunk of change, doing events this year and will need a big boost in sponsorship dollars to add that event to the schedule. Keith I couldn't find the entry fee listed anywhere on the website. How much is the entry? I went thru the site last night for about 2 hours reading on the classes and rules. Targa class rule book is 76 pages long.

 

The transportation cost getting there is pretty significant as well. 7evin and I have no rally experience at all. We would have to arm wrestle to find which poor soul had to do navagate, while the other loose nut drives.

 

The roll cage and such isnt a problem we are planning on swapping all the running gear to a new chassis before new years anyway. The new chassis will have an SCCA cage and few other minor changes.

 

It looks like it would be a fun and challenging event. It is much shorter than one lap but it is 2200k but I suppose that 2200k is at racing speed which would be a good test for any car.

 

Keith have you ever done that event before? If so what basic info could you share with us?

[Keith]

The entry fee depends on how early you get your registration in, up to a maximum of $4995 Cdn for late registration. I don't recall what the early bird registration is though. Just look at the "stage by stage" listing of the route to get an idea of the logistics involved though. There's no way to put on an event like this without the full participation of the entire province. It's going to be expensive to get there, but it's a chance to be involved in a world-class event. The real Mille Miglia and Targa Floria are gone, this is the closest thing we have left.

 

It might appear shorter than the One Lap in terms of total mileage, but most of the mileage of the One Lap is interstate driving, trying to get from track to track without driving off the road or hallucinating too much. It's an exercise in stress management, both for the car and the drivers. Meanwhile, 25% of the Targa mileage is full on, timed, competitive driving on real roads. Left over crest into decreasing right, watch for gravel...that sort of thing.

 

If you're going to be building a car with a cage and you're thinking of running Targa, make sure the cage meets the requirements. It's an FIA event, not SCCA. Again, talk to the technical inspectors. They're pretty good to work with.

 

I've not run it myself, but I've been planning my shot for about a year now. I'll be going to rally school early next year and I'm at the point of sorting out the car right now. I figure I have one shot at it as I can't afford to do it again.

[WestTexasS2K]

Are running this year or next? Like I stated before this is 1400 miles of racing which would be a good test for any car. Much different than 1Lap. How long is each stage? I assume you can have a support crew to carry parts and supplies from stage to stage on this event.

 

I will have to call Mike Babcock, He and his dad have run that event before they can probably give some insight into what to prepare for.

 

I would like to do a time distance rally in south Tx. It is the Big Bend open road race. It is a time distance rally for diffrent speed catagories 80 90 100 110 etc. You have to maintane that average speed over the 60 mile course. They have an electronic class and a manual calculation class as well. It is amazing that teams can run within .3 mph from the required average.

 

 

[Keith]

I'm running next year. Otherwise I would be in the middle of the third day right now

 

For stage information, I suggest the TN website. http://www.targanewfoundland.com/route_stage06.asp

 

You can have a support vehicle, yes.

[DBs seven]

Keith , after the GRM review, you are now officially the "Atomizer" Please change your screen name at your earliest convenience.

 

.v. at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing, at·om·iz·es

1. To reduce to or separate into atoms.

2. To reduce to tiny particles or a fine spray.

3. To break into small fragments.

4. To subject to bombardment with atomic weapons

 

Yep , all of the above !:hurray:

[AtomFest]

On board Atom video from VIR, Hallett, Black Hawk Farms

[R1 Seven]

Nice "passing" video...

[AtomFest]

Nice "passing" video...

 

Jeff,

 

I checked out your GRMUTC video. Wow, it really brought back my memories of our day at VIR. Unfortunately by the time of your vid, we were on the sidelines, but enjoyed the experience anyway. I like your car. That high winding sequential shifting, sweet thing is a real blast. Nice driving too.

 

-Randy

[R1 Seven]

 

Jeff,

 

I checked out your GRMUTC video. Wow, it really brought back my memories of our day at VIR. Unfortunately by the time of your vid, we were on the sidelines, but enjoyed the experience anyway. I like your car. That high winding sequential shifting, sweet thing is a real blast. Nice driving too.

 

-Randy

 

Thanks, Randy. I'll agree that it makes sweet music, even if it is mine. It was a shame that you could not get at least one timed session in with the Atom. I know that I would have been dissapointed after the effort and expense getting there. I have had a couple of breakages this year, so I can sympathize. It was a fun event for sure. The car turnout was pretty serious...but I guess that was to be expected. I am sure you guys will get plenty more opportunities to show the media what the Atoms can do in the future.

 

I came away from the event with a positive expereince overall, but was fairly dissapointed because my car was handling very poorly. It was terribly loose. The car does not have tons of HP and has little to no torque (

 

I am acutally heading down to VIR tomorrow for a day on the full course with the BMW CCA folks. As long as the track stays dry (that blasted hurricane is coming through) I should be able to work on a car that is a little bit straighter than the last time I was there.

[Keith]

I had an old Subaru wagon with a bent rear axle like that. It also had some very entertaining oversteer, and it also would have been very slow around the track. Although it's quite possible this was due to other reasons as well.