East Coast Sevens NJMP event Info Request

[yellowss7]

I'm sure Croc will join in the conversation. He has set up a nice Karting program that includes a warm up session, a Qualifier and the main event. We use their Karts which can hit up to 55 mph so they aren't as fast as a true shifter kart but the competition is what it's about. Helmets, suits neck braces are included, so wives and kids are welcome to join in.

 

We will just be running Lightning as Mike said. I think that is good because it allows everyone to learn the track and then build speed. TBolt is a great track too, but is much more technical and one day on it is not really enough to learn it well.

 

As for Safety. 2005 or newer SA helmets with full face shield are required. Long pants, are required, driving suit is optional but recommended. Arm restraints are required, but need to be loose to point by. Current Harnesses are required. HANS is optional but recommended. Roll bar is required. You are responsible for teching your own car, on site tech is a helmet check, no leaks, battery tie down and positive post covered. No cording on tires and brake light test. Gas is available on site as well as at several local gas stations off property nearby.

 

As for Point by's either method is understood, and a few of us have been known to use our horns in turns just to remind the guy in front that he's slow. :jester: We are a very easy group that loves to tease each other so a somewhat thick skin is recommended. All in good fun of course.

 

As for learning the track, the first lap of the first session of the day is under yellow, so no passing, and it's a chance to warm the car and tires up a bit, and note the location of the flag stations. Since we are running our own group, we could if necessary take another lap or two at slightly progressive speed so that everyone gets an opportunity to see the track a few times before any passing and speed is added. We can talk about that. Last year I had a couple guys follow me around for a few laps picking up the speed on each just to give them a feel for what is possible before we went full throttle. I think it worked out well. I'm sure that Karl, Jeff, Croc and I who are members could each take a small pack around for a few laps in the first session to get everyone up to speed, if that is agreeable to everyone.

 

 

Tom

Edited May 7, 2014 by yellowss7

[Croc]

Tom has it right on the karting program. We have a special program worked out - just for us. Non-drivers are invited to join in. So we could see spouses beating husbands. Daughters whipping Daddy and so on! An initial practice. A qualifying session. Then the race. Trophies are awarded and bragging rights on this forum are guaranteed. They are plenty fast enough and have suitable "nerf" bars in the event that you accidentally on purpose take out your fellow competitor. There is a ton of run off as I found when I went "mowing" and you can pile head on into the special barriers they have and not even break a sweat (I was able to). I was pissing myself with laughter the whole time - I forgot how much fun karts can be! They have booked 2 karting tracks for us so if our group gets over 15 karts we can split into 2 groups on 2 of the karting tracks simultaneously. For karting they provide you with a kart, driving suit, neck noodle and helmet or you can use your own (helmet, driving suit, neck noosle). You cannot bring your own kart - nice try though!

 

I like Lightning - its a nice fun track. Really nice emphasis on momentum. If you get a good run off the bowl then you can really crank up there on top speed by the end of the straight. Just remember on Lightning, gentlemen rules apply. Pass bys only in the correct zones with a point.

 

Use of middle finger is only for those in Noith Joisey.

 

 

Given I am planning another video, my car will be modestly circulating with enough cameras and angles to beat a porn movie so that I get all of you on "film" at some point. I am happy to have someone follow me for a few laps to get a feel for the lines.

Edited May 7, 2014 by Croc

[Klasik-69]

All of this sounds like a ton of fun, and it sure sounds like you guys know how to have fun. Karting can be a blast. We have an indoor track in Orlando with European built electric karts that are amazingly fast, or it sure seems like we're going amazingly fast, not sure which is a better evaluation. At times we too accidentally on purpose take out a competitor who we know deserved to be shoved into the padded barriers. The operator of the track takes a dim view of bumper car techniques and can individually with wireless control slow you down or shut you off. Running in a group of friends is always more fun since the competitive drive to run your friend off in a turn seems more important than posting good lap times.

 

I think Croc has a good idea to take a few cars behind each seasoned track star to learn the lines and proper technique. I know that I can benefit from it and would enjoy the opportunity. It's better to run smoothly, and certainly more enjoyable than seeing the track from the 360 degree panaramic view from a slide out. Also, I have a brand new paint job that I would like to continue to enjoy for a while longer.

 

I'm still puting my car back together from a complete disassembly. Yesterday, after puting the engine and tranny back in the car, I found the tranny reseal job I paid a pro to do didn't work to my full expectation with oil running out the front lower nose cone faster than I could pour oil in. Out came the engine and tranny again (what a fun job), and this time I sealed it and tested it prior to puting it back in the car. Hopefully, one more week of re-assembly and we'll be road ready.

[yellowss7]

I have a brand new paint job that I would like to continue to enjoy for a while longer.

 

Then I highly recommend NOT following Kitcat around the track as he tends to cut the corner on turn 3 every damn time and throws up a ton of dust and pebbles. :smash::smash::smash:

 

I usually have to get a new helmet shield after any lap that I end up behind him. :smilielol5: My Brookland screens look like they've been shot blasted.

 

Tom

[Kitcat]

Just be glad I dont still have my Evo. I recall a track day where they said as long as you kept 2 wheels on the track it was ok. Of course, they meant if you slid a bit wide and partially off the track, no foul.

 

But I routinely kept the outside two wheels just on the inside of the track in tight corners-the rest of the car was on the infield. It really straightened out the corners and fit the Evo's rally type suspension perfectly. Definitely the fast way around.

 

After that event they changed the rule:).

 

But I think in spirit of se7ens brotherhood, I will do better at NJMP-unless, of course, Tom is behind me!

[yellowss7]

But I think in spirit of se7ens brotherhood, I will do better at NJMP-unless, of course, Tom is Lapping me.:jester:

 

Fixed that for you! :jester::smilielol5:

 

Tom

[Klasik-69]

On a point-by, does the person giving the point-by hold their line and the passer goes around ? In SCCA TT events, that is usually the rule but I wasn't sure about the way your group was enforcing that. Also, it is customary for the person giving a point-by to let up a bit to allow for a clean and safe pass. Since this is a pretty calm group except for Kitcat and Yellows7 grinding it out, I assume some degree of civility will be evident, at least on the first morning. I understand that after that egos and bragging rights take over rational thinking, and the word "civility" is long forgotten. I'm beginning to wonder how long my new paint job is going to last.

 

You mention Kitcat cutting corners a bit. At Daytona, we had a HPDE event with the Audi club of Ohio and some guy rented a Corvette from Hertz to run it there. On the back straight with the Rolex 24 circuit bus stop in place, he would cut through that grass section at about 120 mph throwing up a cloud of dust and a cubic foot of dirt onto the pavement, worse of it on the bus stop exit which led to a few cars sliding out of control. They finally cooled him down in the paddock for some "reflection time". I would have loved to have been at the Hertz place when he returned the Vette all trashed from the track use to hear his explanation of what happened. He had torn off the front splitter. That is why they require a credit card to rent.

[Kitcat]

All kidding aside, everyone (even me:)), will try their best to be polite and respectful on the track. That will be even more tru in this se7ens only group.

 

When we ran with other makes, there were the occasional Audi/Lexus/Corvette drivers with attitude issues. Sometimes we se7enrs wld eventually give as good as we got (I mite "accidentally" cut right in front of an offender who had refused to let me by once I finally got the point by. Another time I just passed the guy w/o a point bye (I know, shame on me, I get it).

 

Typically a "friendly'' chat with the offender after the session ended was sufficient. Failing that, a friendly chat with the organizers wld help sort the fellow out. It typically was someone refusing point byes, or holding everyone up all around to the straight, then blasting away, only to be caught at 1st turn and holding everyone up again (I am getting steamed all over again, just thinking abt it.).

 

Often it was a newbie who simply wasn't watching his mirrors and was oblivious. Rarely, it was an ego thing. Other infractions included such things as passing under yellow, yakking w/passenger and not having "situational awareness."

 

As most know, its more fun to be the hunter than the hunted (How many time has the guy in front of you just gone off the track in his effort to keep you in his mirrors and forgetting to drive?). And it can be very instructive (shocking even) to see how much faster some people are at certain parts of the track, and to watch and learn.

 

Long story short; this will be a fun event, we will keep bragging and kidding to the pits/bulletin board, on track we will be unfailingly respectful.

 

As to point-by's, the passee seems to dictate the terms. Typically he maintains the line but lifts so the passer can get around. Sometimes the slower car moves off line to let the faster car maintain momentum.

It is not helpful if the slow car maintains the line and drives as hard as he can without lifting:that really doesn't give the passer a meaningful, safe way around him.

Edited May 8, 2014 by Kitcat

[xcarguy]

Okay, now that you guys have this follow-the-leader thing worked out for 'WE NEW GUYS', us Storker drivers are requesting a privately escorted convoy complete with flashing lights, sirens, confetti and a beauty queen doing the closed-fingered wave. So, the question is, who's going to volunteer to be the beauty queen?

Edited May 9, 2014 by xcarguy

[yellowss7]

Shane, We can provide you with the flashing lights and sirens if you Storker guys need the Saftey crew and tow trucks to be escorting you on the end of a tow hook. :ack: You will have to give the waves.

 

I rarely agree with Kitcat, :iagree: but I think I can safely say that he's right. This is all about enjoying our cars and the company of other se7en enthusiasts. A safe event is the priority. The fun in the paddock and socially is all in good humor.

 

There MAY be a few awards :jester: but certainly none for the fastest speed or laps. Trophies for the Karting event will have to suffice for those that want to WIN.

 

Looking forward to seeing everyone in about 8 weeks.

 

Tom

[Kitcat]

I am pretty sure there will be a prize for the "Best Beauty Queen", if she (or he) shows up in a dress! Let's call, uh, "her" Miss USA7s. Points will be subtracted for possessing actual beauty, after all, this is to honor the "Storkers" on their parade lap around the paddock:).

 

Addendum: Points will also be added for tackiness, sleaziness and tattoos (fake or otherwise). Maybe Bessie the Se7en could offer some tips to prospective contestants? She has been quiet for far too long around her

Edited May 8, 2014 by Kitcat

[S1Steve]

Just think, I have front row seats to this Maddness.... Xcarguy bring lots of popcorn...

[xcarguy]

Okay, I think my attempted humor may have overstepped some bounds and raised a concern or two. When I said "the 'new guys'" I meant 'us new guys' (yep, that's me in the mix). Let me reassure all that I'm ALL about safety and having a good time on and off track. Period. If there is a No Ego award, I'll win. Having said that, I refuse to wear a dress (well, maybe. . . If there's good money in it). And my feelings are beginning to get a little hurt as there has been no mention of providing confetti for the parade lap. I'll bring my own tow rope.

[MichaelD]

Mike, Mike & Tom have said it all. Think Safety, Safety and Safety first. Watch your mirrors and let the faster cars by when you feel safe to do so. Don't crowd slower cars and don't give or take point by's that can't be made safely before the next turn.

 

Have fun. Drive safely. Enjoy the day and our time together on the track and after.

 

I look forward to meeting new friends and being together with old ones again.

 

See you all soon.

[Croc]

Maybe Bessie the Se7en could offer some tips to prospective contestants? She has been quiet for far too long

 

Sadly, Bessie is no longer a member of this forum. :nopity:

 

However, I have invited Dolores the Donkervoort to attend the July 4 event. We will see if she turns up.

 

 

More humorously I did send an invite to Simon Cowell's agent and PR representative!

[Klasik-69]

One problem I seem to have in the 7 is the limited mirror function. I have three mirrors, two side and one center and sitting low, having a roll bar and not having the mirrors mounted on the windshield frame since I don't have a windshield all contribute to the limited visibility. I really can't mount the mirrors any higher since there is nothing to attach them to. I will have to be more aware of my surroundings as I think this event will show some very fast 7's with some very capable drivers. Hopefully I can learn from you guys without getting too much in your way. I would rather not be the topic of conversation, if you know what I mean.

[yellowss7]

Mike, I have a Spa center mirror that originally was mounted low and blocked my view of the right front of my car. I bought a piece of threaded rod and used a coupling nut to extend the height of the mirror so that I could see thru to the right side and it also helped with the vision to the rear as it cleared the diagonal cross bar. I had a spare one that I gave to Jeffs and he said it worked well for him too. I think I still have some of the threaded bar left, I'll cut a piece or two and make up another coupling nut. Assuming you have the same Spa center mirror. I think the thread size and pitch was a M12 with a 1.0 pitch which is a strange size.

 

Tom

[Klasik-69]

That's a good idea. I didn't think of making an extension. No need for you to make one, I can do that here and I'll test it to see if the angle is good. How long of an extension did you go with? I'm thinking any more than about 4 or 5 inches and vibration will nullify the gain. Thanks for the tip, don't know why I didn't think of that.

[yellowss7]

Around 3 1/2 inches. No vibration issues.

[yellowss7]

here is a picture of it.