Racing..........

BPWilliams · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 09:43 AM

We run with ASRA, and PASA. I like the longer tracks it lets my car use its ability to generate speed................................
Next event is AMP with NASA Oct. 24-26th. We will be at the Laughlin show so I will not be there, but Jim, and Wade will be running their Cobra's. After that we are running at FIR-Main with PASA on November 8-9th.
Tis the season.........

Hope to see more of you guys out there! please stop buy and say hi!

Brian

Slither · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 10:02 AM

We are thinking of purchasing one of the Shelby Challenge cars. Have you ever had any experience with one of those?

coyled · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 11:03 AM

The challenge cobras are the fastest cobras you can get right out of the box. They come with a strong 351 and are well sorted chassis wise. If I had the cash and was going to race only, I would buy the challenge cobra. How do you guys like AMP? I have not been there yet but am going to run there soon. Scott

Slither · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 12:08 PM

Scott, since I live less than 5 miles from the track, I like it a lot. There is minimal covered parking for shade. I haven't been on the track, but I understand that it is a fun track with all flat turns. You have to check it out. I thought Mike said he might try to get a day for Arizona Cobras club members to run out there. That would be fun.

BPWilliams · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 12:38 PM

First, I need to clarify that this is not racing, it is a test and tune
opportunity to run in a safe, bla bla bla
My friend that has a Z06 and runs with a local club, got his insurance dropped when he was found on a web page, and posting shots of his car on the track. The insurance company said "read the fine print" "No Track time" and droped him like a rock!
I actually have very little experience with the track events, Jim B. has been driving his Cobra here in the valley for 2 years, and I am sure others for much longer. My car was the first of mine to see the track, and I am hooked! What a blast, it is worth every penny to finally use the car for what it was intended for. At the events that I have been at, you can usually find one or two Cobra's out there, a small number considering how many are here. I know that it sure would be nice to see others, and see somebody drive the same line for a change! (not a 4 wheel drift line) Everybody at the track is so friendly, and it is very safe. The only bad thing that I need to say is that, Firebird has to many rocks, and it blast my paint job when we are there, other than that, life is good.
Brian

mikiec · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 05:16 PM

Brian,

Most of the gang has no desire to get on the track. I know you, Jim, Scott, and Wade are probably the ones that will run the most. Jerry, Paul and Lyle once maybe twice a year. I've been out once and really did not enjoy it. It may have been my instructor. I'm thinking of arrainging a gathering in January. This may generate more interest in HPDE.

I do feel strongly that everyone who drives one of these beasts needs to do the HPDE at least once. Is there a way to get a group rate? Many also, find it expensive to run.

The next time we meet let's talk about you and Jim keeping everyone posted as to the events that are coming up. Jim sent me an email with track dates and I sent it out to the gang.

Mike

BobW · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2003, 10:06 PM

I will run at AMP Oct 25 also. I did my first HPDE at AMP the last weekend in Sept, and it was a blast. AMP is a great track with plenty of runoff room so not likely to hurt your car if you get off track. Look forward to seeing more cobra's out there!
Bob

BPWilliams · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 07:50 AM

I know that this is not for everybody, and it does get to be hard on the tires. I was thinking that of the guys that go to the track, it is a hit, or miss event with us hooking up. I am very cautious, and after taking 2.5 years to build the car, I am not ready to swap paint or run it into the ground. I am sorry that I will miss the 25th it looks like it might be a good turn-out...................

Brian

coyled · #9 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 08:16 AM

Mike, I had the same instructor if its Michelle. I still have a piece of my ass missing from her post lap lecture. She pulled me off after 2 laps at PIR. I just figured she was mad at all us guys for something. The learning experience of continued open tracking is worth it. I would bet that they would give us our own run group. That would be fun. Nelson and I had a blast chasing each other around at road america. Scott

mikiec · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 08:28 AM

Yes, Scott

It was Michelle.... All she did was yell and scream. I was going slow and taking my time trying to learn. She really got upset when Bob Broberg passed me twice in one session.

I have been thinking of doing it again.

Our own run group, I can see me on the track with you and Nelson.

Mike

coyled · #11 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 08:52 AM

She was pssied at me. I was passing people but was not on the line for any corner according to her. She was probably right to. When I slid though the hairpin because I brkoe way to late after a pass, she had enough at that point. If you can follow Nelson, he is very good. Scott

Gordon Levy · #12 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 09:23 AM

Scott, are you coming out to AMP the weekend of the 25th. We will be out there with the aluminum blocked car having some fun.

Jason Lee Nye · #13 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 09:58 AM

So are you saying this Michelle is not big into Customer Service?

I plan to run mine when I finish it. Chances are it will be battleship gray for a while though.

Should be interesting to hear her yell. What the hell does she do for a living? I hope it isn't any form of training for a company?

mikiec · #14 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 11:43 AM

Jason,

No with my instructor there was no instruction. I had no idea what I was doing out there. Did not know when to brake, when to turn into the corner, how to turn out.. ETC. In spite of that I did learn how my car handles. Actually I learned more about getting around the track by reading the NASA book and Bob Bondurants book.

Some day I'll do it again. Maybe talk Gordon into being my instructor.

At the rate you are building it will be 2020 before it's finished. 3DSMILE:

How's the house coming along?

Mike

Jason Lee Nye · #15 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 11:58 AM

Which one? Haven't sold our old home. I have been able to tear down some of the old horse fencing on the new property. I still have the poles to dig up. Angelina said there is a car show or something on Sunday. I might be on your side of town on Sunday.

RACER X #99 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 01:44 PM

Guys,
I have been instructiong for 4 years at 4 different driving schools(including HPDE) and at every instructors meeting we are told the same thing. If you are uncomfortable with your student than pull in and get out of their car and get them another instructor. The same holds true for students, if you can't stand your instructor pull into the pits and tell them to get out. They will find you an instructor you can get along with.
Most Open Track, HPDE instructors are just experienced drivers(who get free track time) and few are trained at instructing.
That woman instructor who was yelling at you guys may be a great driver but she is clueless about instructing.

Give it another try and tell that woman she would be better at serving refreshments to the students.

RD

Jason Lee Nye · #17 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 02:15 PM

RacerX,

Her method is high stress teaching? I will be new to the race scene but if I am paying for intruction I sure as heck wouldn't put up with a person screaming at me on my dime.

However if they have a DI cover on then they have my full attention.

BPWilliams · #18 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 02:27 PM

Watch out for this one, she is tough...........

She treats everybody the same way, I am not sure if it comes from her childhood, or the fact that she drives a under powered car!

I can tell you that most of the instructors do not have a good feel for the Cobra's, and none like to sit in the passenger seat, and I do not blame them. I try to find instructors that know high power rear wheel drive cars because the line is so diffrent, but I never push it with some body in the car. The line is the same line, going fast, or slow...........

Keep it above 100..............

Brian

Jason Lee Nye · #19 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 02:33 PM

Gordon,

Can we request to have you?

Gordon Levy · #20 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 02:40 PM

Jason, I would be happy to instruct. I instruct with NASA, The person that you are talking about instructs with PASA. They are not the same organizations. I would be happy to help at any NASA event. Please let me know in advance that you would like my help.