Region: Northwest
Car #: ICSCC #322
Year : 1990 Posts: 283
Status: Offline
posted
Anyone have some good video of Spokane County Raceway?
Youtube is sketchy, I found one of Carlo from TC Motorsports, but it's too far back from the windshield. I'd prefer to find something that's good for studying a Spec Miata line.
Region: NWR/Oregon; ICSCC
Car #: 70
Year : 1991 Posts: 1111
Status: Offline
posted
I haven't driven Spokane since 2005. It's too hot now anyway to think of racing there, until September. I have no video of it, but there's lots of video on YouTube.
It's a fun track, except that it has a very, very long straight, which isn't much fun in a Miata.
A bit long for your question but hopefully helpful will be of benefit for others as well.
Don't let the heat keep you away. Some of the closest racing takes place there. Besides you get to air it out on the long straight. Sure it can get a bit on the warm side but then again remember the 100 degree plus record heat last year in the NW. The link below will provide all the weather info you'll need. I’ve also included a line about drinking too much Gatorade.
I no longer race but I do all the wrenching on the car as well as get it to and from the races. Here’s a few tips I utilized when I was racing and still do. If your physical conditioning is fairly good you’ll do fine.
Start hydrating yourself with water a week beforehand. Once there keep the intake of fluids going. Go easy on the Gatorade type drinks and soda. Bring plenty of fluids to drink as you’ll go through it rather quickly. If you think you’re buying enough, buy more and don’t forget the ice. Wear a hat when out of the car. Bring shorts. Use sunscreen and use it again. You’ll stay cooler and your gear will feel more comfortable if you’re not burnt. Bring a shelter. If you don’t have one, sit under someone else’s. They won’t mind and you’ll make new friends. Eat lightly throughout the day and definitely eat breakfast. Fruit during the day is good and don’t over snack on sweets. You’ll be able to pig out during the barbeque which is a good one at the end of the day if you want. Bring coat hangars to air and dry your uniform and underwear which works much better than flopping it over a chair or whatever. Pace yourself and don’t hesitate to ask for help from those around you if you need it. You already know they’ll help. Remember you have a long ride home when the racing is over so pace yourself and relax when you can throughout the weekend.
Give yourself plenty of time to get there and watch your gas gage as it’s easy to miscalculate just how far you can go before the next town. Take advantage of the rest stops for a stretch. You’ll be more relaxed once you get there which in turn will allow you to more enjoy the racing. Get good directions to the track and where to enter.
Region: NWR/Oregon; ICSCC
Car #: 70
Year : 1991 Posts: 1111
Status: Offline
posted
Brian, only you can decide whether 100 degrees is "too hot." Personally, I have no desire to haul my car five hours to Spokane and spend a weekend broiling, to get 15 minutes of track time with Conference.
I spent a weekend driving there in July once; never again (and that was just lapping, in shorts; I can't imagine being in all my racing gear there in July). I would consider it in September, but it's not even remotely a possibility for me in July.
I didn't drive, but was there for a weekend as crew. Not at all saying I wouldnt go there, as I like the track and plan to visit there sometime soon, just giving a heads up to the heat.
Big warning though, if you take an easy-up, take it down when you're not on track or not at the track. I kid you not, i've seen easy-ups lift off the ground with 300+ pounds of ballast attached to them there.
Region: North West
Car #: 386
Year : 1994, 1991 Posts: 257
Status: Offline
posted
Chump car is in the end of July... We are going to be there with Bruces old Spec Miata with a new front end on it... They are going to chicane the long straight... At those temps am I going to loose tread from the tires quickly? What is the gas consumption at that track for an hour in a Miata?
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