Autocross Committee meeting Thursday March 1st 8pm

[bisp]

Originally Posted by Chip Walterman

My 2 cents worth (it may not even be worth that much)

1st, I really don't like the idea of flying laps, although Brad had a point - it would eliminate the benifit of awd. I like the uniqueness of our starts with cold tires getting warm as the lap continues. Its difficult and I like that. I think that the hoosier ax tires I have will not be the ticket for that change either, have to change tire selection

I like the idea if it's going to be the first lap out of pits is your warm up lap, then flying lap, and then exiting the track as is done now.

[MBC Racing]

I like this idea too, but we would get less timed runs unless practice was cut shorter.
Now, if there was a way to either eliminate practice or finish practice by 10am, we could keep the current amount of timed runs AND get some more track time.

[Green Light Go]

Originally Posted by bisp

I like the idea if it's going to be the first lap out of pits is your warm up lap, then flying lap, and then exiting the track as is done now.

Interesting idea. We could put the RFID antenae somewhere between turns 1 and 4. A competitor could leave the pits like normal. Take two laps (both timed) then exit the track at the normal autocross track exit.

Hoosier A6 guys - would you tires be OK for 2 hot laps?

[ooldguy]

the " hot setup " for W2W qualifying, in class' requiring a DOT tire, are A6's. they run more than 1 lap

the A6 is the fastest DOT tire bare none.

[MBC Racing]

Originally Posted by Green Light Go

Interesting idea. We could put the RFID antenae somewhere between turns 1 and 4. A competitor could leave the pits like normal. Take two laps (both timed) then exit the track at the normal autocross track exit.

Hoosier A6 guys - would you tires be OK for 2 hot laps?

Mine would be all good for two laps. Almost perfect temp.

[bisp]

Originally Posted by Green Light Go

Interesting idea. We could put the RFID antenae somewhere between turns 1 and 4. A competitor could leave the pits like normal. Take two laps (both timed) then exit the track at the normal autocross track exit.

Hoosier A6 guys - would you tires be OK for 2 hot laps?

Even better.

[speedbugy996]

So many ideas here I'm not sure where to start. I have mixed feelings about flying laps. I think it would allow more track time, however I do have concerns about getting bunched up and not getting a clean lap. Also concerned about a rookie or so called noob causing an issue. I think that could be sorted out by run grouping though.
I really do like the idea of the new timing system, especially if the expense mentioned earlier is accurate. I mentioned before we could just model things similar to NASA and time every lap run thus eliminating practice/timed runs. 15 to 20 minute sessions times 5 or maybe 6 sessions would surely get serveral clean laps in.
As for new or different tracks, any of the tracks mentioned previously get my vote. I'd especially enjoy Road America for the reasons Chip mentioned it concerned him, I like the idea of having room to grab 5th gear and experience some top end. Granted it's not for everyone and extreme caution and common sense must prevail, but that's true at every track. I do realize the track is pricey and tricky to supply enough workers for so it may not be feasible. I wouldn't shy off of it simply due to the speeds reached though.
Standing start vs. flying lap, I'd prefer the flying lap simply because I think it will add track time. I also think it would be more safe for a newbee just joining our lil group of maniacs. Trying to drive at the limit can be tricky, trying to drive at the limit on cold tires and an unfamilar track can be down right scarey. Add a clock to that cold tire lap and desire to do well and impress can easily get a rookie in over his/her head. Granted I don't think it's been a huge probleim in the past, but how many of those rookies were holding back quite a bit and could have posted a much better time had they been on nice warm rubber?
To close out my thoughts I'll just say no matter what we change/don't change, do or don't do, I'm looking forward to getting back out there.

[Chip Walterman]

Although I favor the idea of starting cold and doing one hot lap as we do, the idea of a warm-up lap and then a hot lap with a flying start could be pretty cool. It may be a nightmare for the starter though in trying for separation between us. I'd like an opinion from one of the starters. This could be a way, if it could work, of getting us more laps.

[MBC Racing]

Originally Posted by Chip Walterman

Although I favor the idea of starting cold and doing one hot lap as we do, the idea of a warm-up lap and then a hot lap with a flying start could be pretty cool. It may be a nightmare for the starter though in trying for separation between us. I'd like an opinion from one of the starters. This could be a way, if it could work, of getting us more laps.

yep, i have the same concern. Even now, I sometimes will catch somebody on a timed run.... This would be great if it would work and not result in tons of re-runs and thus less runs for everyone else. I am not sure how you would let other cars out as cars finish? It would be difficult to keep track of who was on what lap and making sure you don't send a car out as someone was going to be starting their hot lap. Maybe send out a wave of cars spaced out to do their cold and hot lap, then send out the next group as soon as the last car starts their hot lap? How many cars are out on the track at one time?

Also, to make this result in more timed runs, I think we would have to start earlier if possible.

Speaking of starting earlier, is it possible to start things earlier in the morning or close tech earlier? I know a lot of people get there later since tech is open later. I would wake up an hour earlier if i got more timed runs. Not asking for workers to get there earlier, but trying to get people to show up and be rolling through tech earler. Just an idea at maximizing track time. Is BHF closed gate until 7am?

thanks

[Green Light Go]

Originally Posted by Chip Walterman

I'd like an opinion from one of the starters. This could be a way, if it could work, of getting us more laps.

Hello. I'm your starter guy. This was my idea.

Brad - I want to start timed runs earlier. If my timing crew gets approved we can start earlier. Doesn't matter when tech closes or opens. If you are through tech and have a number on your car you can do timed runs. I'd like to keep 2 practice sessions though. Then start timed runs.

Until we do a flying lap HSAX event. Then all your runs will be timed. Morning and afternoon.

I hate to say this, but the implementation of my plans for the HSAX events are looking very grim.