Region: Oregon
Car #: 68
Year : 91 Posts: 2230
Status: Offline
posted
I'm down for the rain, but if it hails or snows, I'm stopping at the nearest corner station this time!
Think of it this way. You're going slower so it's safer than driving in the dry, especially when it's dry and the grass is wet. It is the most challenging thing to do while in a car, and since it only rains once or twice a year during the summer, you gotta get it while you can.
-bw
-------------------- Bruce Wilson Oregon Region SM Class Advisor
Region: Oregon
Car #: 51
Year : 1993 Posts: 272
Status: Offline
posted
I'm glad I experienced the light rain we had during school last year. It was very valuable experience. Many of us have our limits with one thing or another. I have no interest in lying underneath a car at 3:00 AM pulling a tranny, which is why I probably won't do any enduros except as a corner worker.
Region: Oregon
Car #: 68
Year : 91 Posts: 2230
Status: Offline
posted
In my enduro experience, trannys don't break at 3 AM Randy. Throttle bodies and rear axles do break at around 9am, with just a few short hour to go until victory. Surely we must be goofy in the head!!!
-bw
-------------------- Bruce Wilson Oregon Region SM Class Advisor
Region: NWR/Oregon; ICSCC
Car #: 70
Year : 1991 Posts: 1090
Status: Offline
posted
Bruce, I agree exactly with Steve on the "racing in the rain" matter. If I had unlimited money and time, learning to race in the rain would be fine. But (especially in the March regional) when it rains around here, it's cold. It snowed/hailed two years ago. It's just not fun for me to spend two days freezing, and being very uncomfortable on the track worried about wadding up my car/carcass. So, to pay an immense amount of money for the privilege (remember, we Seattle folks have to pay for a hotel, and the not-insignificant cost of hauling our stuff down there, in addition to entry fees, gas, brakes, tires, etc.) simply is not an attractive option.
Region: Oregon
Car #: 00
Year : 1992 Posts: 286
Status: Offline
posted
Don't use much brake or tires in the rain. Hardly any wear and tear on the drive line either. But you're right, can come at the expense of body parts(hopefully not...and if so, only the car's). But Bruce right, racing in the rain will make people a better dry track driver.
Region: NWR/Oregon; ICSCC
Car #: 70
Year : 1991 Posts: 1090
Status: Offline
posted
I really do understand the arguments for racing in the rain. I believe that if I did it more, and survived, I'd become a better racer overall.
I also know that there are only a limited number of weekends each year I'm able to race, and only a limited amount of money to devote to the subject. I also know that I simply don't enjoy racing in the rain, with far too much anxiety involved.
Which I why, given that I have limited amounts of both time and money, I'll avoid weekends where I know that it's going to rain.
And the March 6 weekend is not likely anyway, because I'm not sure how I'm going to test my car between now and then to see if it's working right, and I'm certainly not going to haul it down to Portland without testing it first.
quote:Originally posted by Mark de Regt: And the March 6 weekend is not likely anyway, because I'm not sure how I'm going to test my car between now and then to see if it's working right, and I'm certainly not going to haul it down to Portland without testing it first.
Mark, there will be a track day on Saturday Feb 20th at PIR. Cost is $125 + donation to FoPIR for a half-day of track time (afternoon). I'll be there with my CRX. This should be a good way to test out your car without spending a lot of money. Here's a link for more info: http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.adv...CC9-87A4-24D7CDCD14003288
Region: Northwest
Car #: 86
Year : 1995 Posts: 363
Status: Offline
posted
I agree with everything Mark wrote. Last year's Conference enduro in the rain was probably the worst, most terrifying experience I've ever had behind the wheel of a car. I was hydroplaning at 100+ mph several times a lap and hoping I'd regain traction before I hit something solid. Also, seemingly every lap I saw a different car resting against the wall. Given that a Portland race weekend costs me around $1000 and one of my limited supply of weekend passes before my car even comes off of the trailer, that a serious crash would likely mean the end of my racing hobby, and that I've got lots of other interesting things to do in my spare time, the prospect of racing in the rain isn't even remotely close to tempting. Honestly, I'm kind of baffled that you guys feel otherwise.
-------------------- Stephen Hui - '95 SM #86, Northwest / Oregon Region SCCA
Region: NWR / Oregon
Car #: 88
Year : 95 Posts: 1782
Status: Offline
posted
I'll freely admit my first time ever driving PR, a practice session in a good solid rain, was pretty scary and I hadn't hit anything there...yet. It also taught me the lesson about not picking the lowest spot of the paddock area.
-------------------- Keith Novak (Will work for tires)
Region: Oregon
Car #: 00
Year : 1992 Posts: 286
Status: Offline
posted
Last March race I bought my only set of 888 at the track for the rain/snow we were supose to have that Sunday. Ended up dry and sunny. So my set of 888 got a shave. I just bought a set of RA1 rains, so once again it will be sunny and dry this March
Region: NWR/Oregon; ICSCC
Car #: 70
Year : 1991 Posts: 1090
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by Mike Colangelo:
quote:Originally posted by Mark de Regt: And the March 6 weekend is not likely anyway, because I'm not sure how I'm going to test my car between now and then to see if it's working right, and I'm certainly not going to haul it down to Portland without testing it first.
Mark, there will be a track day on Saturday Feb 20th at PIR. Cost is $125 + donation to FoPIR for a half-day of track time (afternoon). I'll be there with my CRX. This should be a good way to test out your car without spending a lot of money. Here's a link for more info: http://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.adv...CC9-87A4-24D7CDCD14003288
Mike, I need a track day at PR, not PIR. And I need to be home when there is one.
Region: Oregon
Car #: 51
Year : 1993 Posts: 272
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by B Wilson: In my enduro experience, trannys don't break at 3 AM Randy. Throttle bodies and rear axles do break at around 9am, with just a few short hour to go until victory. Surely we must be goofy in the head!!!
-bw
Ken told me about Thunderhill. Sounds like you guys were having fun.
Region: Oregon
Car #: 01
Year : 1990 Posts: 20
Status: Offline
posted
To everyone; rain is not bad, and you need some expeirance in those conditions as you will have to do it in the rain sometime. As otheres have already said rain is great equalizer, and slow and steady you'll be fine.
For those newbees taking the school I will be there to lend assistance to you and your cars.
Region: Oregon
Car #: 68
Year : 91 Posts: 2230
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by Randy Thieme:
quote:Originally posted by B Wilson: In my enduro experience, trannys don't break at 3 AM Randy. Throttle bodies and rear axles do break at around 9am, with just a few short hour to go until victory. Surely we must be goofy in the head!!!
-bw
Ken told me about Thunderhill. Sounds like you guys were having fun.
We had what could be considered fun... for a while... I think I'm going to cry again, can we talk about something else
-bw
-------------------- Bruce Wilson Oregon Region SM Class Advisor
Region: NWR/Washington
Car #: #38
Year : 1991 Posts: 298
Status: Offline
posted
Just got word the time off request has been granted. Yeah, it sucks to still be working for the man at my age, but how else can a working stiff afford all this fun.
Anyways, am in for the school and we will see about Sundays for my first race...will do it if I can be assured of lots of company in the back of the grid. Don't want to be the lonely end of the kite.
Just curious, since I have a large amount of track time and don't want to miss anything due to mechanicals, what items might I want to bring for backup...rotors? pads? water pump? slave cylinder? Not prepared to bring an extra clutch, rear end etc., but there must be few things I could bring along to help ensure a more successful weekend...would like to hedge my bet a little bit.
Thanks and look forward having a great time.
Bill Poulsbo, WA
-------------------- William Bonsell SCCA SM/ITA #38 ICSCC SM/ITA #381
Region: Oregon
Car #: 51
Year : 1993 Posts: 272
Status: Offline
posted
As long as your rotors are not close to the minimum thickness they'll be fine. If your pads are half-thickness or more that will be plenty. A spare water pump and fan belt are a good idea. Some brake fluid and a quart of oil are also good to have along. But if you really start to lose brake fluid noticibly stop and figure out the problem before continuing. If you're bringing any cordless power tools make sure they're charged and maybe bring the charger(s). There are a few places to plug in. Can you bring all the gas you need? If not, plan a gas strategy centered on buying gas during the lunch break. Rule of thumb is around 1 gal per 10 minutes but starting out you'll use less. If it's rainy you'll use even less. Fixing cars happens almost every weekend, if not your own then helping a competitor. So either wear clothes that can get dirty or bring a set of overalls. Paint pen to mark heat cycles on the tire sidewalls (available at a craft store). Paper towels, small tube of hand cleaner, spray glass cleaner, notebook and pens, snacks, water, sunscreen, etc, etc.
Region: NWR / Oregon
Car #: 88
Year : 95 Posts: 1782
Status: Offline
posted
Don't worry about being at the back. See your first green. See your first checkered. Meet people, learn and have fun. You've got to get out there and race to learn how to get good at it. At the 1st race last year, pretty much everyone from school was lined up at the very back. I finished DFL with a DNF after I went agricultural and had a pound of mud in my wheels causing a horrible vibration. Who cares?
Randy covered most of the stuff when it comes to spares. Maybe a gallon of distilled water and some extra oil. You'll get a lot of track time in school so it would be wise to make sure you have enough fluids. If something goes wrong and you don't have what you need, you're not alone out there.
-------------------- Keith Novak (Will work for tires)
Region: NWR/Washington
Car #: #38
Year : 1991 Posts: 298
Status: Offline
posted
Thanks for the information Randy and Keith. Still need to make some hotel reservations.
IF its wet, I have some quasi RA-1 rains...meaning they have a few cycles on them on a dry track...tread is probably down to 6/32nds or thereabouts (started as 8/32nds correct?). Anyways, are there any tires normally for sale at the track or nearby just in case...
Randy - I should be good on fluids, etc. And I normally carry at least 15 gallons of gas and will probably fill up the tank a bit at the pumps for the school...new pads installed, good rotors, new alt belt, distilled water (great reminder Keith) and water wetter. Extra oil for sure.
Can't believe I am finally going to make this happen. I am so looking forward to it. As a Porsche guy, there certainly is another way to achieve "permagrin".
And if any of you have not seen Robert Linse's car, it is absolutely the finest looking Miata I have seen. A very nice young man piloting a beautifully prepped black-on-black spec.
Simply no way to sugar coat the excitement I am feeling as March gets closer. Sure glad I am a bit calmer once behind the wheel....
Bill Poulsbo, WA
-------------------- William Bonsell SCCA SM/ITA #38 ICSCC SM/ITA #381
Region: Northwest
Car #: 86
Year : 1995 Posts: 363
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by Randy Thieme: Rule of thumb is around 1 gal per 10 minutes but starting out you'll use less.
I don't have my notes in front of me, and I'm in a 1.8, but I'm pretty sure I use closer to one gallon every six minutes. You won't use gas at the same rate at a school, but on the other hand there's no reason not to run a bare minimum amount of gas at a school.
-------------------- Stephen Hui - '95 SM #86, Northwest / Oregon Region SCCA
Region: NWR / Oregon
Car #: 88
Year : 95 Posts: 1782
Status: Offline
posted
That seems closer to what most people figure. Most 1.6 guys seem to estimate about 9 gal/hr. I seem to burn a bit more than that in my 1.8 but not a whole lot. That makes the math easy for a 20 or 30 min session too.
The first part of school won't be race pace so you won't burn fuel or wear tires at the same rate.
-------------------- Keith Novak (Will work for tires)
Region: NWR
Car #: 5
Year : 1991 Posts: 245
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by W. Bonsell: IF its wet, I have some quasi RA-1 rains...meaning they have a few cycles on them on a dry track...tread is probably down to 6/32nds or thereabouts (started as 8/32nds correct?). Anyways, are there any tires normally for sale at the track or nearby just in case...
Region: nw
Car #: 8 is great
Year : 1993 Posts: 136
Status: Offline
posted
Wiring harness installed, car runs, we won't know until the race if that fixed the problem. Hopefully!
Here at KRT electrical we re-wire Miatas. Bring your new harness, your car and we'll fix it for you for the nominal charge of $1,500. $2,500 if you want to watch or give opinions. $5,000 if you want to participate or learn any of our fantastic secrets!
Seriously, it's not easy, but it's not as bad as Ken, Randy, and I thought it would be.
Region: Oregon
Car #: 68
Year : 91 Posts: 2230
Status: Offline
posted
Wish I could have helped Terrell, I'm sure you guys had fun. I was too busy working on my top secret new livery, ordering parts and sending my radio to Sampson.
Glad you guys got it running. If that doesn't do it you'll just have to replace everything else
-bw
-------------------- Bruce Wilson Oregon Region SM Class Advisor
Region: NWR / Oregon
Car #: 88
Year : 95 Posts: 1782
Status: Offline
posted
Good deal Terrell. I've been spending some late nights working on my ride too. It should be ready in time without too much difficulty but I have work left to do before I turn the key. (We can rebuild it. It will be better than before...better...stronger...more reliable. Insert Steve Austin sound effects here.)
Hopefully the engine stays in the car all year.
Send me your email. I have news on radios. Easier to tie the three of us into the same emails so we're all on the same page.
-------------------- Keith Novak (Will work for tires)
It's a piece of cake drive, Bill. About 3 hours from Seattle. Watch out for the WA State Patrol between Tacoma and Fort Lewis. Bring a few Johnny Cash CDs and you'll be surprised how soon it's over.
Region: Northwest
Car #: 07
Year : 1990 Posts: 253
Status: Offline
posted
The drive is super easy. a lot of cops like to hang out in the Lacey/Olympia area so keep it under 70 through there and you should be good to go.
I should be around for both days of the school if anyone needs a hand. I'll be with my car keeping that going, but should have some extra time on my hands
-------------------- -Mathew Waterfall Number 07 SM Red/black/mud
I found out this past Saturday at Portland that it'll take me some time to learn how to drive a CRX at 10/10ths. No need to trail brake in this thing. It's loose!
I even got my first black flag ever after the brake lights decided to call it a day.
Region: NWR / Oregon
Car #: 88
Year : 95 Posts: 1782
Status: Offline
posted
Mike, The school would probably be the BEST place to take your CRX if you can get your brake lights working.
You won't start at 10/10ths by any means. I think we got 5 hours over both days with debriefs between sessions and people around who know lots of different cars to help set it up better. Most of us took a few seconds off our time by the end of the weekend. Even if you don't feel like racing, despite the tow and such, for $310 it's the best bang for your buck I can think of.
-------------------- Keith Novak (Will work for tires)
Region: NWR/Oregon; ICSCC
Car #: 70
Year : 1991 Posts: 1090
Status: Offline
posted
I'm definitely out. Can't get on Pacific Raceways before March 15 to see if my car works (they're apparently repaving parts of it, which may be good news), and I'm unwilling to haul it down to Portland (and pay for either a test day or a race weekend, and hotel nights) without knowing whether or not it's working right.
Have fun; hopefully I'll see you all in April (and all summer).
Region: NWR/Washington
Car #: #38
Year : 1991 Posts: 298
Status: Offline
posted
Mike -
I agree with Keith - enter the school which by my calculations has over 4 hours of track time...very good bang for your buck! Hey I booked the Best Western based on your recommendation and also that you would be there...surely we can get your brake lights working (can't you get by with just one?). Come on down Mike - seems you can actually get the time off! HA.
And Keith - hopefully you will be down there, yes??
Looking forward to the weekend. Already paid the gods to ensure we have decent weather!
Bill
-------------------- William Bonsell SCCA SM/ITA #38 ICSCC SM/ITA #381
Region: NWR / Oregon
Car #: 88
Year : 95 Posts: 1782
Status: Offline
posted
I'm planning on it but right now it's on the iffy side. I need some parts for my diff to have a rear end and tuning up my tow rig, the spark plug wires came apart and I had to order some. I'm 80% sure I'll be there and don't have much work to do but time is getting short.
-------------------- Keith Novak (Will work for tires)
Region: Oregon
Car #: 01
Year : 1990 Posts: 20
Status: Offline
posted
Mike:yes you should take the school, and yes driving a front drive is differant from rear drive. I will be at the school and can help with info and some set up on your new car. Also Jim will be there and he has 20 years of front drive experience wet and dry, actually he prefers the wet in front drive. Dudley
Thanks to my dad for installing the parts i've been working hard to fund! Looks more and more possible that I'll be racing with you guys in 8 days I got my 8 year old Toyo's mounted and ready, so it will of course be dry!
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CRX if you can get your brake lights working. 
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