2011 SCCA Runoffs

[Jason@SportsCar]

We are just about three weeks away from the start of the 2011 SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Road America. We get four days of Qualifying, from Sept 19-22, we are on track once a day. The championship races start on Friday the 23rd. The H Production race (Yaris content) is on Sunday at 8:30am (eastern).

Once again live timing and scoring, as well as streaming video, will all be available. :cool:

The HP Yaris is stronger than ever... Fresh engine, new suspension bits, and lots of laps in this year. It should be a blast. The Honda Fit is a no show so far, but I am really looking forward to seeing the new Mini on track with us.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6078684584_cc7916c048_z.jpg

Added bonus that we just locked in today... They are going to have a B-Spec demo race on Saturday. This will be a short (4-5 laps) race just to introduce B-Spec to the media, racers and members on hand. We were asked, and have been able to secure the #98 Yaris from the Playstation project, and will be entering it in the demo race. So far Honda (Fit), Mazda (2), Ford (Fiesta) and us are in, and Fiat (500) may have a car done in time. Should be a good show.
We are picking the car up this week to make a few necessary changes, and freshen up all the fluids.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6078089243_36141506d7_z.jpg

[KSIbucky]

I wish I could do something like that.


Omg ROAD AMERICA I live near that. Like 20 miles. I want to see you!!!!! I'm coming Sunday. I wont sleep. Can I come in the paddock?

[KSIbucky]

Jason do you actually drive or are you just a pit member?

[cali yaris]

LOL he DRIVES.

[cali yaris]

Would the new iQ fit into the B-spec class?

[Jason@SportsCar]

Jason do you actually drive or are you just a pit member?

I do it all... Drive it, built it, fix it when I break it. :biggrin:

I will be in the 99 at the Runoffs, and Philip Royle will be in the 98 for the demo race. Philip just picked up some stock parts from Micro Image that we needed to make the car 100% legal for the race - we had a K&N CAI on the car, but the rules require the OE box - he has a busy weekend ahead of him.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Would the new iQ fit into the B-spec class?

There was talk of putting it in there... But at the time I don't think the SCCA board realized it only comes in a CVT. Traditionally only manual trans cars are classed for road racing. They have started to allow SMG type trans, but if the iQ went in it would be the first CVT in a car. I think it would be to slow.

[Jason@SportsCar]

The 98 car is all set for its ride to Road America. It will be nice to have a parts car on hand in case something goes wrong with the HP car. :laugh:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ec4IkyCr7aY/TlwY6YnjnbI/AAAAAAAAAyY/pa6CwPtDnG4/s1152/2011-08-29_14-13-30_697.jpg

[cali yaris]

lol, but don't say that in front of it.

I just noticed your car says 99 HP on the side. I know you make more than that! :laugh:

[Jason@SportsCar]

lol, but don't say that in front of it.

I just noticed your car says 99 HP on the side. I know you make more than that! :laugh:

Yeah, that was just the class, but everyone asks... "It only makes 99hp?". No.

The 98 will get class a ID on the side once they tell us what the class will be called. We printed out B-SPEC and SSC, since B-SPEC runs as part of SSC.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Cool news... They are now going to have two B-Spec demo races, one on Friday and one on Saturday, both during the lunch break. :cool:

By our calculations, even with the shortened demo races, Philip will actually turn as many laps than he did last year - due to two flat tires parking him on lap 8. :laugh:

[thebarber]

the car needs a micro image decal on it

are they going to post the b-spec race online somewhere afterwards? id like to watch it

[Jason@SportsCar]

the car needs a micro image decal on it

are they going to post the b-spec race online somewhere afterwards? id like to watch it

I hope they cover it in some fashion. Everyone seems to be putting a lot of effort into this event, it cost just as much to get the car there for a 4-lap demo race as a full championship effort, so we know the manufacturers are behind it.

Just got word that they are setting up a tent for all the B-Spec cars, just inside the main gate at Road America. So if anyone is heading out to watch the races, you will be able to see the B-Spec Yaris, Fit, Fiesta, 2 and 500 all in one spot.

[minired5stby]

I hope Speed channel dose some coverage.

[Jason@SportsCar]

I hope Speed channel dose some coverage.

The Runoffs has not been on SPEED for a number of years, since they discontinued the partnership with SCCA on the World Challenge series.

Speedcast TV (no relation to SPEED) offers live streaming video of the races, as well as enhanced coverage after the event - often in-car footage and interviews are added and the updated video is posted a few weeks later.

http://www.speedcasttv.com/scca/

SCCA also sells a DVD set of the event.

[cali yaris]

So if anyone is heading out to watch the races, you will be able to see the B-Spec Yaris, Fit, Fiesta, 2 and 500 all in one spot.

Very cool, wish I could spectate. Good luck!

[Astroman]

Man I wish I could see the 99 car run up here in the PNW

[fnkngrv]

Jason, you should post up a nice HD class wallpaper of you on the track. I would rock it on my PCs for sure!

[Jason@SportsCar]

We are getting closer... The 98 went into a Reliable transport truck last night, should be at Road America some time next week.

One last weekend to put the finishing touches on the HP car, then we hitch up the trailer and start the looooooong drive. :eek:

[Thirty-Nine]

Road America is one reason I miss living in Wisconsin. I have friends going--wish I were!

I've driven that track before in three vehicles including an xB. As this picture proves ... the xB wasn't the fastest thing out there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Tekka_Maki/VSCDA%20RACE/RoadAmerica41.jpg

Have fun, good luck. Say hi to turn 5 for me. :D

[KSIbucky]

Just got my tickets for the race at road america and I will take lots of pictures.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Just got my tickets for the race at road america and I will take lots of pictures.

Cool, make sure to look us up. We will be in the west paddock, under the Toyota tent.

[Jason@SportsCar]

TOPEKA, Kan. (Sept. 12, 2011) – Sports Car Club of America will again have flag-to-flag coverage of the National Championship Runoffs® on the internet via SpeedcastTV.com. For the first time ever, the event will be broadcast in High Definition.

For the third-straight year, viewers worldwide can catch each lap of the 24 races that comprise the prestigious event, which crowns National Champions in 24 separate races and has been long referred to as the “Olympics” of motorsports. The action will be called by familiar voices to road racing fans, including Greg Creamer, Chip Herr, Dorsey Schroeder and Jim Tretow. John Bisignano returns as the grid and winner’s circle reporter, the 16th-consecutive Runoffs for the former Formula 1 broadcaster.

“We’re very excited about the Runoffs webcast this year,” SCCA VP of Marketing & Communications Eric Prill said. “We have a talented and knowledgeable team of broadcasters, and the move from standard definition to HD will definitely enhance the viewing experience. Special thanks have to go to our Official Vehicle, Volkswagen, for making the upgrade to HD happen.”

All 24 races will be broadcast live Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (CDT). Following the live broadcasts, each race will be available on demand. Both the live and the on demand broadcasts are free of charge.

"We're very excited to deliver the Runoffs for the first time in HD,” Speedcast Productions President Clark Cambern said. “This is always an incredible event, and the combination of high definition footage and a world-class broadcast team is going to make this year's show the best yet."

To view the SCCA National Championship broadcasts, please visit www.speedcasttv.com/scca. A full listing of past events from 2009 and 2010 is available on demand now.

[KSIbucky]

Cool, make sure to look us up. We will be in the west paddock, under the Toyota tent.

I will!!!!

[KSIbucky]

Does your wife come and do you camp on site?

[Jason@SportsCar]

Does your wife come and do you camp on site?

Not this year, she could not fit it in her scedule.

We stay on the lake in Sheboygan.

All loaded up, hitting the road at 6:00am. We have to knock out 1000 miles tomorrow.

[thebarber]

good luck

[Jason@SportsCar]

Fuel stop in Richfield, UT., just past half way to Denver.

Toyota, please put the V8 back in the 4Runner line... The V6 gets a tiny bit better gas milage, but hates towing up hills.



https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4JcsT45TZO0/TnPJM6t-UkI/AAAAAAAAAyw/Mv7Y8AfPB7M/s800/2011-09-16_15-03-21_10.jpg

[Jason@SportsCar]

Only two hours to Elkhart Lake.:thumbup:

[Jason@SportsCar]

2070 miles in just under 23 hours. Got moved in to the Toyota tent. Both cars got teched and are ready to race.

We are sitting down for dinner in Sheboygan... back to the track first thing in AM for 8:00am qual.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Well, I should be suited up and headed to grid... but with three more days of qualifying I think we will sit in the media center and stay dry. It would be fun to try out the rain tire, but the down side could be big.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KUcMjx-ZhTM/Tnc3qE-M_7I/AAAAAAAAAy0/nimv5-s0lgw/s400/2011-09-19_07-36-46_382.jpg?source=androidclient

[CrankyOldMan]

I hope you get some clear weather soon! That's an awful expensive rain delay.

[cali yaris]

I'm jealous of your trailer. I want it. :wink:

[Jason@SportsCar]

Q1 is over... currently sitting 7th, which is much better than 13th from last year. But I am stumped, lap times are slower than last year, and no improvement in top speed on the straits.

Thinking about a front spring change to get off the turns better.

[03Z33]

Q7 sounds great! Good luck out there!!

[ROCKLAND TOYOTA]

Fuel stop in Richfield, UT., just past half way to Denver.

Toyota, please put the V8 back in the 4Runner line... The V6 gets a tiny bit better gas milage, but hates towing up hills.



https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4JcsT45TZO0/TnPJM6t-UkI/AAAAAAAAAyw/Mv7Y8AfPB7M/s800/2011-09-16_15-03-21_10.jpg

the more i look at that 4runner i think it should have the old school toyota stripes as well...

[Jason@SportsCar]

Super busy week. Doing the day job now, covering the STO/T1 race.

The HP car just does not have the legs to get it done this year. The stock motor we put in offers a lot more tq than the setup we ran last year, so corner exit is great, but it just starts to run out of power about half way down these very long straits.

We are up one spot from last year in qual, so hopefully we can make something happen during the race. Engine work is on the list for this winter.

In other news... Brian Borget was having trouble with his SSC Neon, so we offered him the B-Spec Yaris (which is legal in SSC), and he is going to run it. So this will be the first B-Spec car to race at the Runoffs (or any SCCA National race for that matter). So far this week there has been a lot of interest in the new class, so getting a car on the track for everyone to see is cool.

The SSC race is on Sat at 11:30am Eastern, the HP race is Sun 8:30am Eastern.

[thebarber]

i suppose THAT race will be able to be viewed online somewhere afterwards?

[Jason@SportsCar]

i suppose THAT race will be able to be viewed online somewhere afterwards?

Yes, they run live and can be viewed later at speedcasttv.com.

[KSIbucky]

I didn't go today because my boss is a jerk and called me at 8 to come in at 9 but I'll be there tomorrow.

[Jason@SportsCar]

The B-Spec Yaris is on grid right now with Brian Bogert behind the wheel. Race starts in about ten minutes. Brian has to start last, because he had give up his qual time when he changed cars.

[Jason@SportsCar]

I didn't go today because my boss is a jerk and called me at 8 to come in at 9 but I'll be there tomorrow.

We are the first race of the day, I hope it is dry.

[KSIbucky]

Oops it's raining

[KSIbucky]

Where I'm sitting there are lots of yaris fans. I wish I could upload a pic from my iPhone

[racerb]

Way to go Jason, 3rd place and on the Podium! Way to represent the Yaris crowd!!

Oh and by the way, how'd you like racing in the rain?

racerb :w00t:

[Jason@SportsCar]

Wow, what an exhausting week. I had never road raced in the wet, and the Yaris had only seen one wet practice lap over a year ago at Willow Springs.

We got to the track at 7:00am Sunday and decided to gamble on a wet setup - starting back in 12th way down on power we had nothing to lose.

I had not ordered Goodyear race wets, so we tossed on some Kumho W710 DOT R tires. On top of the lack of experience on a wet track, we had also never set the Yaris up for radial tires. We quickly changed the camber and front toe setting, guessed at tire pressure and went for it.

The wet track helped to negate our power deficit, but we still got owned on the straight. The car was good in the turns, once I found the wet line around the track. But my strong point was corner exit, the OS Giken LSD really put the power down, and it saved my butt in the carousel turn when I got loose. All those years of autocross certainly helped in keeping me pointed in the right direction, and adjusting to the ever changing course conditions.

I can't wait to see the broadcast.

After the race we had to go to impound. The winner took his, motor home in a box, it was completely torn down for inspection. For second place and us it was a fuel test, and displacement and compression ratio check. Everyone was legal.

Can't wait to get home. Made it to Lincoln, NEB last night, and continue to motor down the road.

Hope to get my in car video up by the end of the week.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Glad to be home and have this event behind us.

SpeedCastTV has posted the Friday and Saturday races so far.

The B-Spec Yaris raced on Sat, and you can catch a few glimpses of it in the footage.

Fast forward to 187min for the SSB/C race: http://www.speedcasttv.com/scca/#/races/258

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6188419035_f267d0c266_z.jpg

[Jason@SportsCar]

The HP car in the rain...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/6193392208_99be1a8f65_b.jpg

The battle for 3rd was settled by .2sec at the stripe.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6193392298_0666d9e6a9_b.jpg

[Jason@SportsCar]

H Prod race is up... Its the first one in the broadcast.

http://www.speedcasttv.com/#/races/260

[Jason@SportsCar]

I think watching it was more exciting than doing it. :drinking:

[03Z33]

Great race! You need to get a gif of that lap 2 slide through the carousel ;) That was a great save!!

[Jason@SportsCar]

Great race! You need to get a gif of that lap 2 slide through the carousel ;) That was a great save!!

I gave 100% credit for the save to OS Giken. I just stood on the gas, it did the rest. :thumbup:

[soloecho2]

I'll second that awsome save !!! Well done Jason. You have done us all proud.

[yrsgirl]

congrats on medaling! my hubby was watching the spec miata race and said it was an great battle for first. then we watched hp. he wants to know what happened when you braked, broke, broked? late and ended going real wide? any way great job at hanging in there and regaining third on that last lap! YW is proud of you.

[Viperoni]

Congrats :)

[Jason@SportsCar]

congrats on medaling! my hubby was watching the spec miata race and said it was an great battle for first. then we watched hp. he wants to know what happened when you braked, broke, broked? late and ended going real wide? any way great job at hanging in there and regaining third on that last lap! YW is proud of you.

I got to far to the right going down into turn 5, I put my right side wheels on the outside FIA curbing as I drifted out under braking... Normally this is ok, most all of the curbs at Road America are drivable, but when wet they are like ice.

I thought I had plenty of room, but as soon as the wheels touched the paint I knew I was in trouble. So I backed off the brakes until I cleared the curbing, then turned in and gave chase.

I just watched my in-car video again... What they did not catch on the broadcast was me nearly rear-ending Rogerson in the Honda as I went for the pass into Canada Corner. He was on the brakes very early, I just happened to pull out of the draft at that very second, it was super close.

[racerb]

The HP car in the rain...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/6193392208_99be1a8f65_b.jpg

The battle for 3rd was settled by .2sec at the stripe.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6193392298_0666d9e6a9_b.jpg

The first picture shows my freind Keith Church in his Corolla behind you, didn't see him but another of my freinds, A.L. (Tony) Drum in his Midget or Austin is in the race also!

racerb:coolpics:

[Jason@SportsCar]

The first picture shows my freind Keith Church in his Corolla behind you, didn't see him but another of my freinds, A.L. (Tony) Drum in his Midget or Austin is in the race also!

racerb:coolpics:

Kieth was paddocked right next to us in the Toyota tent, really nice guy, he had a tough week... They were chasing carb/induction/fuel issues, seemed like they spent all week working on the car.

http://www.toyotamotorsportsmedia.com/image/thumb/250-250/13651473.jpg

[ilikerice]

epic.. congrats and a great run. my idol

[Jason@SportsCar]

Got my video together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm4NJaZ3CHo

[racerb]

Kieth was paddocked right next to us in the Toyota tent, really nice guy, he had a tough week... They were chasing carb/induction/fuel issues, seemed like they spent all week working on the car.

http://www.toyotamotorsportsmedia.com/image/thumb/250-250/13651473.jpg

Yeah I crewed for Keith years ago when he was racing an ITC Corolla, which was about the same time I raced a SSC '84 CRX. I like following your exploits in the Yaris, cause it reminds me of the '74 Honda Civic 1200 I raced in the late 80s.

[ilikerice]

So you say you lost some top end with this new engine. Do you think it was better to lose the top end and gain speed out the corners?
Or, do you plan on trying to get your top end back, possibly sacraficing the quick acceleration?

looked really good out there.

[Jason@SportsCar]

So you say you lost some top end with this new engine. Do you think it was better to lose the top end and gain speed out the corners?
Or, do you plan on trying to get your top end back, possibly sacraficing the quick acceleration?

looked really good out there.

Watching video from last year we really thought the place we were loosing was corner exit, everyone would pull me on corner exit and I would catch up at the end of the strait. We decided to go for Tq, so we could be there on corner exit and hopefully draft by on the strait. It did not work out like that. The car was great on exit, I could get a run, but half way down the strait it would just poop out.

We are going to look at the head again - I still have the modded one. We will either use the modded head (port matched, decked, valve job, stronger springs) with a stock cam, or take another shot at cams - it just depends on how deep the development budget is for 2012.

We had a program already set to go for next year, and engine work was in the budget, but after the Runoffs some changes were made... Now we have to do the math and figure out how much mad money is left over for the engine program.

[ilikerice]

Now do you think that the rain messed up with your original settings and not for radials? I mean, do you think you probably have a chance to fight for 1st against mosley's crx if the rain didnt throw you off.. Or did it throw everyone off basically? Some ran slicks other ran radials.
Also u mentioned that you were not tuned for radials to begin with and it sounded like it was a last minute adjustment. I'd like to see the modded top in with the torque you have now.

I ask these cuz I am getting skeptical with the yaris performance. Oct. 21 is my first track event. kinda like a PDX thru SCCA, but its run by "Hooked On Driving" instead. So its just some seat time to get some experience and hopefully one day to get my license and do what you do eventually. I enjoy watching your progress

[Jason@SportsCar]

Now do you think that the rain messed up with your original settings and not for radials? I mean, do you think you probably have a chance to fight for 1st against mosley's crx if the rain didnt throw you off.. Or did it throw everyone off basically? Some ran slicks other ran radials.
Also u mentioned that you were not tuned for radials to begin with and it sounded like it was a last minute adjustment. I'd like to see the modded top in with the torque you have now.

I ask these cuz I am getting skeptical with the yaris performance. Oct. 21 is my first track event. kinda like a PDX thru SCCA, but its run by "Hooked On Driving" instead. So its just some seat time to get some experience and hopefully one day to get my license and do what you do eventually. I enjoy watching your progress

The rain helped us, we had nothing for the front guys in the dry - the wet helped negate the lack of strait line speed, you could make up a lot by just pushing a little harder than the next guy in those wet turns. :eyebulge: A race track in the wet is a lot like an autox, every turn is different pretty much every time you get to it. 18 years of autocrossing payed off.

We need a lot more to get out front, more than the car likely has in it. I honestly doubt the Yaris would ever be a championship winning car, we never thought it would do this good. Even if you got the power and handling equal to the other cars, the really high roof is going to hold it back for top speed.

Its fun, its unusual, its reliable... Buts its not likely the ticket to a championship. But you never know, over the long haul rules can change and you never know what will become the hot car.

[ArmyYaris]

Awesome job way to represent the yaris community !

[Jason@SportsCar]

The SpeedcastTV broadcast have now been broken out into individual races in HD: http://speedcasttv.com/#/races/283

[ilikerice]

sweet.. I will be watching this again later today.

BTW, My first track day (novice) will be this weekend at Roebling Road Raceway. Tips and suggestions what to bring would be appriciated..

Sofar:
jack and ramp to swap tires during lunch break since its mostly right turns.
Tire temp gauge
Tire pressure gauge

I do not plan on doing alighnment adjustment there. I am not going all out. I am just trying to get some seat time in. I will be with an instructor for the first half definitly. If he likes what I'm doing, I will be able to run solo for the afternoon.

[03Z33]

sweet.. I will be watching this again later today.

BTW, My first track day (novice) will be this weekend at Roebling Road Raceway. Tips and suggestions what to bring would be appriciated..

Sofar:
jack and ramp to swap tires during lunch break since its mostly right turns.
Tire temp gauge
Tire pressure gauge

I do not plan on doing alighnment adjustment there. I am not going all out. I am just trying to get some seat time in. I will be with an instructor for the first half definitly. If he likes what I'm doing, I will be able to run solo for the afternoon.


I like this checklist:

http://www.microimageonline.com/forums/showthread.php/4291-TRACK-DAY-CHECKLIST

Have fun! :thumbsup:

[Jason@SportsCar]

sweet.. I will be watching this again later today.

BTW, My first track day (novice) will be this weekend at Roebling Road Raceway. Tips and suggestions what to bring would be appriciated..

Sofar:
jack and ramp to swap tires during lunch break since its mostly right turns.
Tire temp gauge
Tire pressure gauge

I do not plan on doing alighnment adjustment there. I am not going all out. I am just trying to get some seat time in. I will be with an instructor for the first half definitly. If he likes what I'm doing, I will be able to run solo for the afternoon.

1. Have fun.
2. If you have not done it before, work up to it. Its not a race, just run your pace.
3. Use the cool down lap as a cool down lap, run at a speed that allows you to use the brakes as little as possible, and DO NOT set the parking brake after a track session.

As for tracking the Yaris, it is a short wheelbase car, if things get out of shape it happens quickly. Use slow hands and steady inputs when turning in, too quick and you will upset the car - but if it starts to go, quick hands to save it.

[ilikerice]

that is a good checklist.. thanks

[racerb]

I've raced at Roebling for years, if you can add a little more negative camber to the left front, do so and dial in about an 1/8" toe out up front. That track if tough on left fronts, especially on front drive cars. What tires will you be running? Tire pressures can be a little tricky there also, couple pounds here and there makes a huge difference. My Celica is just a bit heavier, but with Kumho V700s on it, I was running 34-36 psi up front and between 30-32 in the rear. On my old Nissan Pulsar which only weighed about 1900 lbs. and was also front drive, I would run about the same front pressures but only 18-20 psi rear.

Have fun and just go into it with an open mind and if you have an instructor, listen close and try to get all the knowledge of car control and apex/turn-in. Roebling is a much more technical track than people think, so be very carefull exiting turn 8 onto the front straight, if you drop wheels off on exit, just keep it going straight and ease back on coarse.

Good Luck and have fun!!
racerb:w00t:

[ilikerice]

Sorry Jason for the thread hijack..

great tips.. I will try to get an alighnment done thursday before the event. I will be runnig Hankook RS-3's... they say to rotate your front tires during lunch because of the wear you will get on the front left. I normally try to keep front psi at around 38-40 and rear around 32-34 in autocross, but ofcourse this is a different ball game. I will probably take your suggestion on tire pressure and just monitor the temps and pressure in between heats.

This is trickly a learning and enjoying the track day for me.. I have no ambitions to out corner anyone.. I just wanna see how to dial the yaris for hopefully more events like this in the future

[Jason@SportsCar]

. My Celica is just a bit heavier, but with Kumho V700s on it, I was running 34-36 psi up front and between 30-32 in the rear. On my old Nissan Pulsar which only weighed about 1900 lbs. and was also front drive, I would run about the same front pressures but only 18-20 psi rear.


racerb:w00t:

I know some people like to drop the rear pressure to get rotation... But that is not the direction I would go. It makes for unpredictable handling, as the sidewalls wallow, and it kills the outside edge of the tire. If you want to free up the back of the car raise the pressure - it makes the breakaway much more predictable, preserves the edge of the tire, and effectively increases rear spring rate which helps keep weight on the front tires.

In the B-Spec Yaris we are running 36psi cold (Goodyear Eagle RS DOT R race tires) all the way around, we want a hot pressure around 42psi in the front. Alignment is -2.5 camber in the front, with a 1/16" toe out, and the factory alignment in the rear (I think it is about -1 with about 1/8" toe in). The car is very easy to drive this way.

On our Spec-V that weighs 3100lbs and has no camber adjustment, we end up 40psi cold front, and 60psi rear to get the balance we want. We might have gone higher in the rear, but our gauge maxed out at 60psi. :laugh:

Rice, keep in mind that in Solo you are typically setting to a hot pressure, and bleeding down between runs, on the track you want to hit that same hot pressure, so you have to start lower to allow for tire/temp growth.

[ilikerice]

Rice, keep in mind that in Solo you are typically setting to a hot pressure, and bleeding down between runs, on the track you want to hit that same hot pressure, so you have to start lower to allow for tire/temp growth.

hmm.. interesting, I didnt think about that.. thanks for the tip

[racerb]

I know some people like to drop the rear pressure to get rotation... But that is not the direction I would go. It makes for unpredictable handling, as the sidewalls wallow, and it kills the outside edge of the tire. If you want to free up the back of the car raise the pressure - it makes the breakaway much more predictable, preserves the edge of the tire, and effectively increases rear spring rate which helps keep weight on the front tires.

In the B-Spec Yaris we are running 36psi cold (Goodyear Eagle RS DOT R race tires) all the way around, we want a hot pressure around 42psi in the front. Alignment is -2.5 camber in the front, with a 1/16" toe out, and the factory alignment in the rear (I think it is about -1 with about 1/8" toe in). The car is very easy to drive this way.

On our Spec-V that weighs 3100lbs and has no camber adjustment, we end up 40psi cold front, and 60psi rear to get the balance we want. We might have gone higher in the rear, but our gauge maxed out at 60psi. :laugh:

Rice, keep in mind that in Solo you are typically setting to a hot pressure, and bleeding down between runs, on the track you want to hit that same hot pressure, so you have to start lower to allow for tire/temp growth.

Jason is on the money about pressures for a car with stock suspension, my Showroom Stock CRX for example, was usually set at 36-38 cold front and 34-36 cold rear. On most East Coast road courses, our turns and transitions aren't as tight as many in the West, so we usually only gain about 4 psi during a track session. The reason I quoted my Pulsar pressures so low, was that this car ran no front swaybar, inverted Cerrara shocks at full rebound at the rear with higher spring rates and a 3/4" rear swaybar. Without the lower tire pressures, this car would oversteer like a rear drive car all the time, not just when you wanted it to.

He also mentioned the short wheelbase, my ITC Civic 1200 had roughly an 86" wheelbase, making it spin like a top if you ever over drove it into a turn. Believe me you learned very quickly easy throttle control and using the front tires to pull you out of trouble. If you get comfortable enough later on in driving on track with this car, left foot braking can help lower lap times, as I use this technic to make the car rotate and still be able give throttle imput for stability.

Once again good luck and just have fun, it's the name of the game when playing with cars!

racerb :thumbup:

[cali yaris]

Here is my track day checklist, in case it's helpful to others:

http://www.microimageonline.com/downloads/TRACK%20DAY%20CHECKLIST.pdf

[ilikerice]

I am already good with left foot braking for autox, but I am just going to take it easy. Friend from autox who also tracks says, instructors dont like to see newbies left foot braking or getting the car sideways. Give the car 75% of its capabilities and the instructor will more then likely sit out and let you run solo after the lunch break.

Love the checklist Garm

I will be monitoring and keeping notes on pressures and temps each heat for future setups. I think I got all the info I need though. I take everyone's tips and suggestions with a grain of salt. I am new to "track" events so I will see what happens for myself and enjoy the weather.. lol

Again, thanks guys.

[racerb]

I am already good with left foot braking for autox, but I am just going to take it easy. Friend from autox who also tracks says, instructors dont like to see newbies left foot braking or getting the car sideways. Give the car 75% of its capabilities and the instructor will more then likely sit out and let you run solo after the lunch break.

Love the checklist Garm

I will be monitoring and keeping notes on pressures and temps each heat for future setups. I think I got all the info I need though. I take everyone's tips and suggestions with a grain of salt. I am new to "track" events so I will see what happens for myself and enjoy the weather.. lol

Again, thanks guys.

Definately keep a log of things that worked good and changes that just didn't feel right. When I sold the Pulsar, we gave the new owner a book full of info on camber/caster, toe, spring rates, suggested tire pressures, and even carberator jetting for nearly every track in the Southeast. So when he prepped for the track, all he had to do was flip a page and there was anything from VIR to Daytona. Your auto-xing will be a big help, cause it's much easier to go from auto-x to road coarse, not as easy the other way round.

If you get the bug really bad, our NASA Southeast group runs Road Atlanta 4 times a year and Roebling usually 1-2 times a year. We have HPDE groups 1-4for everything from Novice to Instructor level drivers, with Time Trials and 3 Race Group almost every event. Check us out at www.nasa-se.com in fact we're running this weekend at CMP (Carolina Motorsports Park).

racerb:headbang:

[ilikerice]

Thanks so much for the nasa-se link.. I do have the bug pretty bad already. I would like to get some information on liciense requirement for track events. They will probably have that this friday though.

Hopefully on my next bonus/tax refund next year, I will get the roll cage (from garm), extra set of rims and tires, and a good bucket seat. I think Tires are going to be the biggest investment.

Worse case, I wont be able to run the yaris and will have to pick up another project car (MR2 MK1 gots my attention). Girlfiend says I shouldnt be running my DD as a track car, which she has a valid point. we will see when the time comes

[racerb]

Check out these 2 sites for early model Toyota performance goodies, in fact Jeff at Toyz Unlimited might even have an MR2 like your looking for. www.toyz-unlimited.com www.toyheadauto.com

[ilikerice]

awesome, when im ready, ill email that guy. awesome links

[Jason@SportsCar]

It pays to look good... The Runoffs were weeks ago, and we just picked up another award. :cool:

http://www.scca.com/news/index.cfm?cid=50875

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.291143877582478.86254.150136958349838&type=1

TOPEKA, Kan. (October 24, 2011) – Twenty-one drivers were paid contingency money for the Black Magic Shine contingency program at last month’s SCCA National Championship Runoffs.


Selected by a panel of judges, the winning cars were scored based on appearance and “shine” over the week-long event. Top contenders were chosen based on category, where cars were observed on the grid and in the paddock throughout the week.

Three places were selected in each of the Club Racing categories, according to the program requirements that included a display of the Black Magic sticker on the car. Each category winner received $400, with second place earning $250 and a $100 prize for third place.

The top finishers in each category are:

Production: 1. Jason Isley, Toyota Yaris, HP; 2. Jon Brakke, Mazda Miata, EP; 3. Charlie Campbell, Mazda Miata, FP
Super Touring: 1. Joe Koenig, BMW M3, STO; 2. Eric Heinrich, BMW M3, STU; 3. David Pintaric, Dodge Viper ACRX, STO
GT: 1. Mark Boden, Porsche GT3 Cup, GT2; 2. Jeff Dernehl, Mazda RX-7, GT-3; 3. Kent Prather, Mazda Miata, GTL
Touring/American Sedan: 1. Andy Wolverton, Pontiac Solstice GXP, T2; 2. Andy McDermid, Ford Mustang, AS; 3. Chris Puskar, Honda S2000, T3
Showroom Stock/Spec Miata: 1. Toby Grahovec, BMW Z4, SSB; 2. Luke Wilwert, Honda Civic Si, SSB; 3. Tom Brown, Mazda Miata, SM
Formula: 1. Glen Cooper, RFR F1000, FB; 2. Charlie Schlismann, KBS MK VII, F5; 3. Dennis Marklein, Formula Enterprises, FE
Sports Racing: 1. Corey Fergus, Carbir CS2, S2; 2. Steve Forrer, Ralt RT-41, CSR; 3. Brian Schofield, Spec Racer Ford, SRF.

A gallery of the prize-winning cars are available on the SCCA Facebook page at facebook.com/sccaofficial, or by direct link here.

Black Magic, the Preferred Automotive Detailing Product of the SCCA, offered a similar contingency for Solo competitors at this year’s Tire Rack Solo National Championships.

More information on any of the SCCA programs are available at www.scca.com.

Follow SCCA on Twitter @SCCAOfficial.

[ilikerice]

awesome, congrats dude :clap:

[ArmyYaris]

Sweeet!!

[LtNoogie]

That was an exciting video of your race!

I feel sorry for car 98 during SSC. The camera kept cutting away as he showed up because he was so far behind.

[Jason@SportsCar]

That was an exciting video of your race!

I feel sorry for car 98 during SSC. The camera kept cutting away as he showed up because he was so far behind.

The B-Spec trim Yaris just doesn't have enough speed on those long straits at Road America. :frown: We saw the list of trap speeds from the Runoffs - this is the speed at which you approach Turn 5. The 98 was going 100mph, not too bad. The 99 was going 110mph, in the rain. There is a big speed difference between the two prep levels.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Some crafty people found the online location of the Dec issue of SportsCar before we announced it. :laugh:

Here is the Runoffs coverage: http://www.sportscarmag-digital.com/sportscar/201112#pg1

H Prod is on page 62. :smile: