yellowss7 Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 (edited) As Karl said, a group of 7's on track would be a blast. I ran track days with two different groups last year at NJMP. Both were well run and safe events. For 2011, they have set a couple of dates at NJMP. First up is Thursday May 19th on Thunderbolt, the longer of the two tracks. Its a nice track with a few Long straights and a few high speed turns and then a nice twisty section that allows our sevens to shine. The June dates are Monday and Tuesday, June 27 and 28, one on Lightning, and one on Thunderbolt. I've never run on Lightning, but I hear it's a Monmentum type course. Looks similar but slightly shorter. Thunderbolt is 2.25 miles around and I think Lightning is 1.75 miles. The first date is a private group, and I'll have to ask if they have room for us. The June dates are run by a track day company and last year, entertained the idea of a 7's run group if we got enough cars. That would potentially mix novicies with experts, which could be a problem, but let's cross that bridge when we get there. So, realizing that you will have to take a day or so off from work to do the track day,and the cost will be around $300 or so a day, plus fuel used, how many of you might be interested in getting on board? I'll follow up with both groups to see if they can accomodate us if there is interest. For those of you who have not had your car on track, this is a great way to safely drive your car at speed. Instructors are available, (and recommended) You drive at your own speed, it's not a race or timed event. Passing is restricted by run group to either No passing for novice, Passing on the main straights with a wave by, for the the iintermediates, to passsing with a wave by in the expert groups. It is also a good place to meet up with your 7's and watch if you want to see what's its like too. So how about an early headcount of who might be able to make it. Tom Edited January 4, 2011 by yellowss7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 OK I will bite. Assuming I am on the road by then, I will put my hand up for the June 27/28 options. Would prefer the Monday as I would probably travel down on a Sunday to stay overnight and be bright and fresh for the track day. I dont think mixing up expert and novice Sevens is a bad idea - may actually encourage some good behaviors by the virgins in their new monsters following a couple of seasoned experts with doggy cars (I have a Rover...woof! ). Passing on straights only with a wave by sounds like good practice. Also if we have a Sevens only group we may be able to get some leniency for Steve's S1. If Jon's SnakeBite (Snake Bought It?) is not up and running then I would be inclined to let his Meotter into the Sevens group - its lap performance will be sort of similar. Potential population of Sevens: - Tom - SteveS1 - Karl - Ron (redgoose) - Bryce (Bster) - Stewart (Sabbot) - Jon (Boxologist) Possibly get a few ring ins from the DC area? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 (edited) Put me down as a definite maybe for the June dates. It's so far off it's easy to be unrealistic:). It wld be "fun" to match my 95 hp wonder against all of your overpowered monsters (for the 1 st 1/2 lap or so:)). Yes, definitely let Jon's Miata in so I have someone I can run with! Mike M. Edited January 4, 2011 by Kitcat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted January 4, 2011 Author Share Posted January 4, 2011 Just a heads up for those interested in the trackday event. Helmets are required, and 2010 was the last year for the 2000 year helmets. That means that if, like me you have a 2000SA helmet, it needs to be replaced for 2011. 2005 SA helmets are still good. So if your helmet is not at least a 2005 SA one then you will need to get a new one. Neither of these groups provide helmets. You must bring your own. The 2010 helmets just came out, some models are not even available yet. Obvioulsy they are at a premium, but I've seen good discounts on 2005 models, that will still be good for atleast 4 more years. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blubarisax Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Count me in... and Monday's are better for me too. If I get the Caterham rumors right Ron's (Redgoose) car is sold and a new Se7ven may be on the way. Hopefully the new owner will also be in Jersey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 I dont think mixing up expert and novice Sevens is a bad idea - may actually encourage some good behaviors by the virgins in their new monsters following a couple of seasoned experts with doggy cars (I have a Rover...woof! ). Yeah, Yeah, Croc, I know it's only 195 hp but it is a true superlight, and at 1164 pounds plus my new svelte profile, it should have about the same power to weight ratio as you and your Big Dog. I just hope to put enough distance between you and Karl on the turns and hope that you'll have to brake sooner on the straights so that I can avoid giving you guys a wave by. :puke: :smilielol5: I can't wait to see your new rides. Hey Karl, I may be interested in a few more HP. How heavy is that big ole, 2.0L truck engine? :drool: I might just have to talk to you about it. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blubarisax Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) I'm not exactly sure of the 2.0L engine weight, but the Cosworth motor tips the scales at 113 kg, (249 lbs) in full trim without the flywheel/clutch. I read that the Duratec is about 40 lbs lighter than the Zetec motor, or about the same as the crossflow. Anybody with some real facts, please speak up. And don't forget with the Titan Roller Intakes, it sounds marvelous! Edited January 5, 2011 by blubarisax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted January 5, 2011 Author Share Posted January 5, 2011 Wow, what a Porker. :jester: My 1.8L Rover weighs in at 89KG dressed. No wonder you guys need that big HP. :smilielol5: But I still am envious of the Duratec. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blubarisax Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 It is a sweet engine. Just let me know if you want to take a closer look at it. Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabbot Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 It's a long way off but count me in - one of the New Year resolutions that I would like to try and keep is to take the 7 out a bit more often in 2011. p.s. I'm thinking about having an aluminum trailer made (for the inevitable track day break down) can someone send me the track and wheelbase for an SV - if i'm having a trailer made it might as well fit more portly version as well as the classic. Stewart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted January 6, 2011 Author Share Posted January 6, 2011 Yeah I know it's still a way off, but I've found that if you put it on your calendar, you are more likely to tell people that you have plans for that day and keep your schedule open. Also note that they have two days back to back, one on Lightning and the next day on Thunderbolt. Last time I stayed over at the track in one of their trackside suites, which sleeps 2. Price was around $100 or so. So if you want to make it a couple day event you can get your fill of the track. Last time I got about 2 hours or so of track time. That may not sound like much, but I guarantee you will be begging to end the day and get a beer. Looks like we have a nice number of 7's interested at this point. Any others considering it should post up and as we get closer and people can firm up their schedules, I'll approach them about the possibility of a seven's only run group. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 p.s. I'm thinking about having an aluminum trailer made (for the inevitable track day break down) can someone send me the track and wheelbase for an SV - if i'm having a trailer made it might as well fit more portly version as well as the classic. Stewart Oi ! - First you call me portly and then you want my measurements! Lets just say I am voluptuous. More seriously for the moment - I will do this on the weekend for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 Google says a SV is: 11', 11'7" w/spare, long. 45" tall 66" wide Will be interesting to see Croc's real world #. Not sure if above width incl mirrors. The above sound like my S3. Mike M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveD Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 You can add me to the list as a possible. I have an S1 like Steve, so I'll need to know if they will accept us there. I ran mine twice at Summit in 2009. Had a blast. It would be really fun to run with all 7s. Dave D ----------- Superformance S1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelD Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 Tom, Sounds like a good time. I am at Summit all weekend before but will try to fit it in if possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted January 7, 2011 Author Share Posted January 7, 2011 Wow Guys, that's a great initial response. I count 11 or 12 possibles and we haven't even heard from Mazda or Al yet. This could turn out to be a really good, fun event. Hope to see you all then. Keep the date free. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tharbold Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 Tom - Pardon my ignorance for asking, but since I have no idea what a track day entails, are there any opportunities for a poor wannabe-7 guy to tag along? If things worked out I'd be happy to act as assistant pit crew, sandwich boy, havigator, passenger etc. Sadly, I don't have a 7, though I do have the 7 bug - and I'd love to just have the chance to check out that many 7s in one place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted January 7, 2011 Author Share Posted January 7, 2011 (edited) The track day is a pretty laid back affair. Arrival is usually about 7-8 am. Check in, then have your car Teched. Again this is a pretty laid back process, They check lights, Helmets, Brakes, Battery tie down, check for leaks, wheel bearings, no loose stuff in the car, etc. You are basically responsible to make sure everything is in good working order prior to arrival. They do a classroom session on safety, flags, passing rules, and a brief chalkboard on the track layout. This is all open to anyone that attends, so as a spectator you could sit in and observe. The paddock area, where the cars/ trailers, park is a good place to view the cars up close and everyone i've met at these events are pretty happy to talk about their cars. The drivers are broken out into several groups, usually, Novice, intermediate, and advanced. But there could be several of each depending on the number of cars/drivers. Heats usually run about 20 to 30 minutes and you can view the track from alot of different view points, and get good pictures as you are not too far from the track at most points. That means that each driver has at least an hour or so between runs so plenty of time to talk. Lunch is usually around 12-1pm and sometimes is included or the concession stands are usually open. The event usually runs until about 5pm or so. If you can last that long. I've actually passed on the last heat a couple of times as I was loosing concentration and figured it was better to sit the heat out . Instructors are available. As for navigator/passengers. I don't think that they are allowed in New Jersey. (at least they are not for autox events) but It might be possible to get an instructor to take you out. You don't need a 7 to do this either. Any car that passes tech can run. You could take a volvo 240 out, they wouldn't care as long as you paid and met tech requirements. So If you have a car in good shape and the entrance fee, you could join in on the fun too. Tom Edited January 7, 2011 by yellowss7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Tom - Pardon my ignorance for asking, but since I have no idea what a track day entails, are there any opportunities for a poor wannabe-7 guy to tag along? If things worked out I'd be happy to act as assistant pit crew, sandwich boy, havigator, passenger etc. Sadly, I don't have a 7, though I do have the 7 bug - and I'd love to just have the chance to check out that many 7s in one place. Come along - there will be plenty of chances to check out Sevens and I am sure some other nice cars. We are also a pretty funny bunch when you get us together. You could take a volvo 240 out, they wouldn't care as long as you paid and met tech requirements. Oh wow...a block of apartments that can play mobile chicane for us! Can you keep up with it Tom? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted January 8, 2011 Author Share Posted January 8, 2011 Sorry, did I say Volvo? I meant SV, same thing.:rofl: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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