View Full Version : 1st trip to Norway for the year...
Went to CHMS on Sunday...1st time out in the kart this year. I have run 1 (very wet) race in the Spec Miata at Blackhawk in 09...but next race is not until Memorial Day, so it was time for some TaG practice.
Didn't go very fast (51.lots) due to being way rusty, fat from the winter, testicularly undersized, and not very talented anyway. But it was lots of fun. And now my body hurts.
My buddy Fergal continues to struggle with reliability on his TaG...ended yesterday dead on the track with no sparks. We will get it squared away.
Hoping to head up there this weekend and maybe get a lap time that starts with a 4!
51's are good for someone who rarely drives a TAG kart. You should try doing an actual race. I think you'd like it.
51's are good for someone who rarely drives a TAG kart. You should try doing an actual race. I think you'd like it.
One more practice day and then I think it will be time for a race or two...might shame me into growing a pair!!
avmaviator
05-05-2009, 05:25 PM
The more the merrier! Ditto on body hurting after the first sessions of the year. I think I cracked a rib at my last outting, f**king hurts like hell (but I did drive a whole practice day on it hahah, didn't want to go home early)
51's are good for someone who rarely drives a TAG kart. You should try doing an actual race. I think you'd like it.
Heading up to the track for some more practice today....was there on Friday evening...still couldn't get out of the 51s, but I did cord the right rear pretty extensively by the end of the day - so some nice new rubber all round should help today.
Not sure if it's worth 2 seconds though!
avmaviator
05-10-2009, 11:49 AM
Heading up to the track for some more practice today....was there on Friday evening...still couldn't get out of the 51s, but I did cord the right rear pretty extensively by the end of the day - so some nice new rubber all round should help today.
Not sure if it's worth 2 seconds though!
I think you will see those 2 secs! Especially after a race day with a good amount of rubber.
My right front is always the first tire to go for some reason, my rears don't get used up much. I wonder if I need to look at my set up.
Race days do help with better lap times. There's more rubber on the track. New tires also help. I posted a 46.3 (46.29 according to my MyChron) yesterday in the 2nd heat race. I mounted a set of brand new MG Yellows before the first heat race. It was very windy so the speed down the back straight was limited. I'm sure that, under the right conditions, I might be able to shave at least 2 or 3 tenths off of that time.
Note: Keenan was running comparable times on an old set of tires.
No practice on mothers day I guess!
I think you will see those 2 secs! Especially after a race day with a good amount of rubber.
You were right!...Monday evening, some decent tires and a nice quiet track did the trick.
Also helping was a decent rib vest - made all the difference...especially coming off 5-6. Now I just need to grow a bigger pair and learn some technique! Don't know where I am going to find another 2 seconds...1 yes I can see that....but 2 or 3...???
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6136/timesu.jpg
:clap::thumbsup: Congratulations for breaking into the 49's! 1 second is probably tires. 1 second is probably driver. The last second is a combination of balls and just plain going faster (ask Andy about this). The thing that sucks is that if you have one, you also need the other two in order to really utilize the one you have.
:clap::thumbsup: Congratulations for breaking into the 49's! 1 second is probably tires. 1 second is probably driver. The last second is a combination of balls and just plain going faster (ask Andy about this). The thing that sucks is that if you have one, you also need the other two in order to really utilize the one you have.
Thanks - it was fun today...beautiful evening, and good to actually achieve an objective.
I am leaving lots of time on the table at T4 (need to get on the gas earlier) and through T5/T6 (need to go in faster....still got road left on the exit) for sure. The last turn onto Start/Finish is different every time I drive it....this is because I get the previous right hander a different version of wrong every lap! T8 is a new adventure every lap...no idea on the best way through there.
I haven't started messing around with kart/engine set-up at all yet. I am waiting until I just can't find any more time from driving better before I start that never ending story!
Driving the kart a lot between Spec Miata races makes the Miata feel slow and lazy in comparison....and that then helps with keeping it smooth in the SM. Driving the SM doesn't seem to help with karting at all!!
Dan, it sounds like you're taking the same path I did; Focusing on driving before jumping into the endless pit of chasing for a mechanical "advantage".
Try running the classical geometric line and be smooth. Once you can drive that consistently, you will be able to try new things on one corner at a time.
I've never driven a Spec Miata (or a Miata for that matter). But I totally understand what you're saying about the relative sensation of speed in karts compared to a car. There is really no comparison. I think the TAG even has a higher sensation of speed (and a feeling of impending death at times) than the formula cars I drove at Jim Russell racing school. When I drove my Lotus Exige S on the track, it felt like a minivan in comparison.
JET Karting - Andy Finke
05-12-2009, 11:57 AM
Dan-
You're on the right track. Ask me any questions you may have when you're out here next. Or pm. I know without question that you are driver enough to get down there.
Rick-
I know a guy that has a Miata... Can't help with the Spec Miata thing, but you can have all the miles you want in one! That Z06 makes me pretty sure you can handle all 140 of the blazing HP. :clap:
Andy
avmaviator
05-12-2009, 12:46 PM
Dan-
You're on the right track. Ask me any questions you may have when you're out here next. Or pm. I know without question that you are driver enough to get down there.
Rick-
I know a guy that has a Miata... Can't help with the Spec Miata thing, but you can have all the miles you want in one! That Z06 makes me pretty sure you can handle all 140 of the blazing HP. :clap:
Andy
The Z06 is a glorified Miata
JET Karting - Andy Finke
05-12-2009, 01:57 PM
In that case, I prefer the Miata in ALL of it's glory!
The Z06 is a glorified Miata
http://www.chicagoracers.com/images/FastNFuriousZ06.jpg
:kungfu::kungfu::kungfu:
http://www.chicagoracers.com/forum/www.chicagoracers.com/images/FastNFuriousZ06.jpg
avmaviator
05-12-2009, 03:09 PM
You can never go wrong with a Fast and Furious quote!:clap:
Patrick Gettings
05-12-2009, 04:23 PM
http://www.chicagoracers.com/images/FastNFuriousZ06.jpg
:kungfu::kungfu::kungfu:
http://www.chicagoracers.com/forum/www.chicagoracers.com/images/FastNFuriousZ06.jpg
I didn't know you lived your life a 1/4 mile at a time.
CIR-Reed
05-12-2009, 04:25 PM
Don't even get him started on the who can beat who and on the way to where debate.
I didn't know you lived your life a 1/4 mile at a time.
No, but my TAG engine lives about 1/8th of a turn on the carb at a time.
Don't even get him started on the who can beat who and on the way to where debate.
:clap::thumbsup::drinking::cheers:
http://www.snorgtees.com/images/SometimesAlcoholISTheAnswer_Fullpic_1.gif
Patrick Gettings
05-12-2009, 04:42 PM
No, but my TAG engine lives about 1/8th of a turn on the carb at a time.
This (http://www.chicagoracers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18855) engine?
This (http://www.chicagoracers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18855) engine?
Yeah... that's the one....:shakehead:
Jeff Stamper
05-12-2009, 05:15 PM
Rick, Did you race last Saturday in TaG ? Just wondering which one you were ? I had my 09 Debut last week in HPV Heavy. I finally broke the 49 sec barrier. It was fun Cant wait to get my new TaG motor. I think about a week and it will be here.
Jeff,
I was there. I was the idiot who blew the start due to mistiming that freaking light! Went from Pole to last in 10 feet. :redface: And then I started 2nd in the final, passed the leader and stayed there all race until the last lap where I got nervous and gave it back. :shakehead: AKA, the idiot in #88.
I wish I would have known you were there so I could have met you.
Rick
You're on the right track. Ask me any questions you may have when you're out here next. Or pm. I know without question that you are driver enough to get down there.
Thanks Andy - I'll stop by for some pointers next time. Hoping it will be pretty soon!
In that case, I prefer the Miata in ALL of it's glory!
Here is my Miata in all it's glory....red #33....not really leading, but it kind of looks like it in this pic!
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4838/20080810mcaug10race0381.jpg
Nice car! Do you race against the Laps, Inc. guys?
Nice car! Do you race against the Laps, Inc. guys?
Thanks!
Occasionally - I do most of my w2w with Midwestern Council. There are a few Laps Inc guys running MC. I now also have NASA and SCCA licenses so I may try to run a couple of races with those fine organizations this season too.
avmaviator
05-13-2009, 09:03 AM
I saw a Spec Miata race at Road America a couple years ago, it was a freaking bumper car fest. The cars came back with missing bumpers, dented quarter panel etc... resembled Spec racing at CHMS :rofl: But they looked like newer generation MX5s.
I saw a Spec Miata race at Road America a couple years ago, it was a freaking bumper car fest. The cars came back with missing bumpers, dented quarter panel etc... resembled Spec racing at CHMS :rofl: But they looked like newer generation MX5s.
That is the MX-5 Cup...those guys are nuts!
I saw a Spec Miata race at Road America a couple years ago, it was a freaking bumper car fest. The cars came back with missing bumpers, dented quarter panel etc... resembled Spec racing at CHMS :rofl: But they looked like newer generation MX5s.
I've been told that some people who race Spec Miata actually refer to it as Wreck Miata. :)
I've been told that some people who race Spec Miata actually refer to it as Wreck Miata. :)
It's actually Spec Pinata.
avmaviator
05-14-2009, 06:47 PM
It's actually Spec Pinata.
Thats a great one!
Fun practice today - very busy track while we were there...lots of fun in traffic. Great weather day too.
Improved my personal best to a 49.18 but still plenty more to come with some tidying up and the much needed gonadular fortification.
Ran a couple of 20 lap sessions today....never thought I would have had the stamina for that a few weeks ago....amazing how a little practice makes for longer (not just faster) driving sessions.
I am ready for a race I think - but I won't make it on a Saturday for a few weekends yet - so much other stuff going on.
avmaviator
05-18-2009, 09:51 AM
Nice Dan! Thats a nice improvement. The track is definitely coming in. I got down to a personal best 47.42 on Thursday, before I did mostly high 48s - mid 48s. Are you coming out Wed?
Nice Dan! Thats a nice improvement. The track is definitely coming in. I got down to a personal best 47.42 on Thursday, before I did mostly high 48s - mid 48s. Are you coming out Wed?
Haven't decided this week's plan yet...would like to get out one evening or another though....
rystar
05-18-2009, 09:25 PM
Haven't decided this week's plan yet...would like to get out one evening or another though....
There should be at leat 3-4 guys running tag and 1 HPV this Wed around 1pm
LikeStig
05-18-2009, 10:23 PM
I might come out Wednesday or Thursday. Dunno which yet though. Who's going to be there either days? I kind've want to play with my leopard...
Got down to a 49.06 today on old tires....some new rubber should have me into the 48's....
Jeff Stamper
06-10-2009, 06:52 AM
I think Stigs Leopard is in the 48 range also. Oh wait, thats the 48 day range before it runs again !:rofl:
avmaviator
06-10-2009, 09:54 AM
Dan, you went yesterday? (Tues) I was there till about 4 pm. Not bad time wise! The track was slippery at first in the morning, then the sun came out and was nice, then the sun went away and it lost a bit.
I was running mid 47s all day (47.38 low), then the last two sessions went to hell (running 48s), my tires are gone.
Jeff, what are you running in your rotax?
I didn't get there until almost 6...
Jeff Stamper
06-11-2009, 06:59 AM
Dan, you went yesterday? (Tues) I was there till about 4 pm. Not bad time wise! The track was slippery at first in the morning, then the sun came out and was nice, then the sun went away and it lost a bit.
I was running mid 47s all day (47.38 low), then the last two sessions went to hell (running 48s), my tires are gone.
Jeff, what are you running in your rotax?
Well just a bit of oil per gallon of gas and as much air as I can get through it legally ! LOL. DOnt know yet ! All I did was break it in last time out. I went to Springfield and raced that night and it was fast. Just seemed to be getting faster as the weekend went on. Cant wait to see this week. I dont know if I am racing Masters or TaG. Depends on how many in each. Cant win either, but just want to have fun.
I object to my sub-title being "racing fan" when I see other posters have "racer." Unless you want me to make a hundred pointless posts (like this one) to improve my status, I suggest you give me a free upgrade!
:)
vBulletin® v3.6.8, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.