NJMP track day options

[Boxologist]

[blubarisax]

i like to think of SV as short for Super Velocity!!!

[Boxologist]

one will be...

Tom - what are the roll bar regs for this organization?

[Kitcat]

Every track day had different rules on passengers. It seems to be a function of the insurance provided. Most will allow other registered drivers to ride along. Some will allow anyone who signs a release and has a helmet to ride.

 

I have had many fun cars at the track: Miata, Evo VIII, M3, Caterham, etc. By far, the most fun I ever had was in,my '05 Honda Accord, 4 door, 4cyl, auto. It had terrific balance, decent acceleration/braking, lateral grip etc. It was so easy to drive and had no stability management to overcome. And it was the ultimate sleeper. My fellow drivers could not help openly sneering when I showed up. I recall one guy in a super-charged Miata having a good laugh-until I rode his bumper around the track. So don't write off the Volvo, ya just never know.

[yellowss7]

Jon, here's the info on their convertable policy.

What is your convertible policy?

 

For safety reasons, all convertibles (Boxster, Miata, Corvette, BMW Z4, Honda S2000, Pontiac Solstice etc.) are required to have a roll bar that meets the following two criteria in order to be eligible to run during any event. 1) The roll bar must be in the fixed position and visible at all times. This means that roll bars which are designed to automatically deploy are not acceptable unless they are in the full upright and locked position at all times. 2) The roll bar must allow the driver to pass the "broomstick" test which means that the top of the drivers helmet must be below the line from the top of the roll bar to the top of the windshield. There are aftermarket roll bars and/or seats which can be used to help meet these requirements. If your convertible meets these standards, then you are welcome to participate! Factory hard tops are acceptable, as well.

 

This is certainly less that the Scca requirements as it doesn't mention crossbracing or mounting points. Don't know how strict they are about the broomstick rule either as I don't recall sitting in the car during tech.

[Croc]

Putting aside the Meotter for a moment, these would also look to be too restrictive for the S1's which have a roll hoop. What can be done to clear up their eligibility? Not having one handy right at this moment - I think they could clear a broomstick test if the roll hoop is deemed acceptable? I would also suggest that the S1 drivers slouch during this broomstick test or substitute themselves with something smaller - like 5'5 or midget.

 

Maybe the way to ask the question is to see if Cobra replicas are acceptable? Many of these normally have a roll hoop, behind the driver only.

Edited January 8, 2011 by Croc

[S1Steve]

Putting aside the Meotter for a moment, these would also look to be too restrictive for the S1's which have a roll hoop. What can be done to clear up their eligibility? Not having one handy right at this moment - I think they could clear a broomstick test if the roll hoop is deemed acceptable? I would also suggest that the S1 drivers slouch during this broomstick test or substitute themselves with something smaller - like 5'5 or midget.

 

Maybe the way to ask the question is to see if Cobra replicas are acceptable? Many of these normally have a roll hoop, behind the driver only.

 

I know that I can't pass the broomstick test. My head clears the hoop without a helment on.

Maybe DaveD will have better luck.

The Cobra guys just rent the track on their own, and then just do what they want !!!

[Croc]

Ouch thats not good news Steve. I guess there is no option to taking the seat base out a la Caterham and sitting on the floor to create head room?

 

If they are not options then how about the organizers granting us our own class for the day so we can make up the rules like the Cobra guys do? Tom - we need your sweet charms to work the organizers over on this one!

[yellowss7]

Croc, I'll email them and ask about the roll hoop at the same time I ask about a 7's run group.

 

Steve, how is your roll hoop attached? Welded in or bolted in? If bolted could you have a replacement one that is tall enough made to use for track days? Don't know about your seat bottom either, could it be removed to get you al little more clearance?

 

Tom

[S1Steve]

Ouch thats not good news Steve. I guess there is no option to taking the seat base out a la Caterham and sitting on the floor to create head room?

 

If they are not options then how about the organizers granting us our own class for the day so we can make up the rules like the Cobra guys do? Tom - we need your sweet charms to work the organizers over on this one!

 

I pulled all of the padding out of my seat and replaced it with a blue foam that Pegasus Racing sells. That lowered me down an inch or so. Pulling out the seat is easy, and that will put me on the floor, not to sure how my butt and back will like it. Even that won't get me under the hoop. Will see how, " Tom For Club President" can do with the organizers .

 

Is it going to be spring soon ?????? Snowing here in Ambler !!!!

[blubarisax]

My project for this weekend is making a foam seat base using a bead kit from Pegasus Racing. I measured and it gets me 1 1/2 inches lower. But even with slouching, I still need another two inches of height in my FIA roll bar. I am trying to find someone who can weld in a two inch insert in the uprights and adjust the braces appropriately while I am replacing the motor next month.

[yellowss7]

Karl, I made a couple of bead seats this past summer for my car. They fit great.

 

Process is pretty straight forward. Do several trial fits to make sure you have the right amount of beads. Smush them around to get the right shape, sit on it and then check it again to see if you need more or less beads.

 

Mix the expoxy, and add it to the bag with the beads. Knead it thouroghly, to get all the beads coated. Then place in the car and shape it roughly to get the beads spread out for good coveage, Sit in it and hook up the vacuum.

 

Prior to the final stages, have the following on hand, Ear plugs or your Ipod, a book, a bottle of beer, water or scotch. Be sure to wear long pants or even your racing suit.

 

As the expoxy cures it gets verrry warm/hot.

 

After it's hardend you can cut out a hole for your 6 point belts, using a serated knife.

 

I covered mine with some black nomex fabric that I got from Pegasus, but you could just as easily use Duck Fabric, from a fabric store. My wife picked up some that I used as a trial.

 

Tom

Edited January 8, 2011 by yellowss7

[S1Steve]

Croc, I'll email them and ask about the roll hoop at the same time I ask about a 7's run group.

 

Steve, how is your roll hoop attached? Welded in or bolted in? If bolted could you have a replacement one that is tall enough made to use for track days? Don't know about your seat bottom either, could it be removed to get you al little more clearance?

 

Tom

 

Hi Tom, The hoops are welded on. It would take a fair amount of work to get a proper cage on it. But I still have my design for it at work and I would enjoy building it. But it would mean no more top supports and no more use of the top, rear trunk cover, cutting out some of the interior. I gave this much thought years ago and I think it would be ashame to hack the S1 up. Plus my wife said I'd be a jackass to cut it up.

So if the powers to be at NJMP stick with the broomstick rule, not mention 4 points of attachment at the minium, ect.ect. I have to say that I don't blame them and understand that they are looking out for everyones safety.

Edited January 8, 2011 by S1Steve

[Croc]

I gave this much thought years ago and I think it would be ashame to hack the S1 up. Plus my wife said I'd be a jackass to cut it up.

 

 

Smart wife! I agree with her - it is too nice a car to carve up.

 

Lets see what Tom comes back with after whispering sweet nothings in the organizer's ear...

 

Worst case you buy a Volvo 240 - rear wheel drive, 5 spd manual, air con blows cold - what more could you want and you would still be faster than Tom. Here is a link to start looking:

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=289298072&dealer_id=4276991&car_year=1984&doors=&systime=&model=240_MODELSCLASS_SERIES&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&body_style=SEDAN&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&drive=&rdm=1294533547749&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=8&transmission=Manual&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&address=07302&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&awsp=false&make=VOLVO&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=2399&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

[yellowss7]

WOW Croc, that's cold. :willy_nilly: You know these are just Driver Education events. No racing or timing allowed. Are you big HP guys just compensating for shortcomings in other areas? :rofl:

 

This is going to be alot of fun, 6 more months of cheap shots. :cheers:

 

Tom

[blubarisax]

Tom, I can't say for Croc, but I am just trying to compensate for my substantial weight disadvantage over most Caterham drivers... Now has anyone put a blower on a Duratec?

[yellowss7]

I think the problem is that you and Croc have BALLS that are way too BIG.

 

My measly 195hp scares the piss out of me. I find it hard to keep my foot in it even down the long straigts at NJMP. Another 100 HP, :willy_nilly::willy_nilly:.

 

Just make sure your wheels are pointed straight ahead when you mash the pedal with that kind of HP. I know mine likes to step out if I get on it too early in a turn.

 

Looking forward to seeing you big dogs tear up the straightways. I Bought a new HD cam and recorder to catch you blowing by me.

 

Tom

[S1Steve]

WOW Croc, that's cold. :willy_nilly: You know these are just Driver Education events. No racing or timing allowed. Are you big HP guys just compensating for shortcomings in other areas? :rofl:

 

This is going to be alot of fun, 6 more months of cheap shots. :cheers:

 

Tom

 

I go out to watch the Colts and Jets play, have a few stella's, and miss all the ball busting.

I may not have a car to run, but I will be at NJMP , I can't miss this act.

 

" Tom for Club President"

[Croc]

:rofl: I love it!

 

I figure I can be cocky and confident as I plan to check thoroughly beforehand whether I turn left or right when I leave the pit lane. That should give me 2-3 mins head start no matter how bad the rest of my driving is.

 

Anyway, I know I am not another ayrton senna behind the wheel. In my only major international quality touring car race I entered I came last (ok there were a few electrical problems with the car as well - piston went through alternator) and my times were not inspiring when the car was running ok for a few laps. But I will get out there and be prepared to take my beating from a Rover....if it lasts the 20 min session.

 

:jester:

 

All humor aside, I think we need to meet the night before for a few beers and a meal and lots of laughter. Saves the early wake up and drive down there.

 

Steve - Seven drive or no drive you will always be welcome to turn up. Want to bring your daily driver?

[Croc]

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.

 

 

Pretty close actually.

• Length with spare - 11'10" add an extra inch for the ezpass box/number plate which mounts forward of the nose on my SV.
  
• Height - 45" 11/16ths (I have the standard roll bar which is lower than the FIA bar. Might be worthwhile checking for that.
  
• Front width - 66"
  
• Rear width - 68" The rear wings stick out an extra inch over the tire on the rear.
  
• The mirror does not stick out past the exhaust let alone coming close to the extremity of the front and rear wings.