Thứ Sáu, 24 tháng 2, 2017

Classing considerations for Toledo National Tour part 1

jcroy66 06-16-2004 02:55 PM

Classing considerations for Toledo National Tour
Here's the deal. Originally, there were 3 of us in STXL for this weekend. One of the ladies had to drop out, so now it's down to 2 of us. And so now I'm trying to decide whether to stay in ladies, or step it up to open and give it a shot.

Items I'm considering:

1. There's no Subaru contingency money for National Tours, right? Only the National Championships and Pros?

2. If I race in STXL, I'll have plenty of time to get the seat and harnesses where I'd like them (Phil's about half a foot taller than me). Co-drivers during NTs switch drivers back and forth each run, correct? (As opposed to the Pros, where each driver runs the entire heat before switching.) If so, can anyone approximate how much time there is between runs at a National Tour? I don't want to jump to open if it's going to mean that both Phil and I are really rushing to get setup between runs.

I think I'd like the additional challenge of racing in open (i.e. 12 competitors versus 1), but I have items #1 and #2 to consider. So can anyone help me answer those questions? (Particularly #2.)

Thanks!
Jen
KC 06-16-2004 03:18 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jcroy66[/i]
[B]1. There's no Subaru contingency money for National Tours, right? Only the National Championships and Pros?[/B][/QUOTE]

Right. National Championship and ProSolo only.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jcroy66[/i]
[B]2. If I race in STXL, I'll have plenty of time to get the seat and harnesses where I'd like them (Phil's about half a foot taller than me). Co-drivers during NTs switch drivers back and forth each run, correct? (As opposed to the Pros, where each driver runs the entire heat before switching.) If so, can anyone approximate how much time there is between runs at a National Tour? I don't want to jump to open if it's going to mean that both Phil and I are really rushing to get setup between runs.[/B][/QUOTE]

5-10 minutes max between runs. Things might be slower, might be faster. They usually let the 1st drivers out 1st, then someone comes and finds you for the next set of runs after 5 minutes. It might seem a little rushed.... but no sooner than 5 mintues (that's a rule). Then, when they go through the rest of the field, the 1st driver goes out for their 2nd run.

Is 5 minutes enough to get ready? That's up to you. :)

--kC
jcroy66 06-16-2004 09:09 PM

Cool, thanks for the info! :cool:
CamaroFS34 06-16-2004 09:10 PM

If it's just you and one other woman in STXL, I say go for STX, unless your STXL competitor is a "known commodity" and will push you.

I run open class because I want to push myself against the best drivers in the class. I honestly believe that if I had not been running open class Nationally for the last 7 years, I would not be as fast as I am now. The big thing is to not get discouraged, because it can take a long time to progress. Sometimes, you reach a plateau of sorts, and it takes a serious kick in the ass to make it to the "next level" (for the record, I think I've reached another of those "plateaus," and I'm trying to figure out what the "kick in the ass" needs to be this time). I first started autocrossing in the fall of 1993, and I started running open Nationally in 1998, with the occasional "dabble" in ladies class here and there. My first open class trophies at a National event didn't come until 2002. I still have not won a National event in open class, though I've come in second, and I've run fast enough in Ladies class on one occasion to have won open (and it wasn't because they ran in the wet either).

Anyway, like Keith said, they don't always give you a lot of time between drivers to get ready. Depending on how they run grid, you might actually have a decent amount of time, and your partner won't. I've seen it where the difference between driver 1 and driver 2 is more than between 2 and 1. If there is a lot that you will need to do between drivers, let grid know that [i]ahead[/i] of time, and they are usually a little more accomodating.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do!!

Karen
jcroy66 06-16-2004 09:26 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by CamaroFS34[/i]
[B] I've run fast enough in Ladies class on one occasion to have won open (and it wasn't because they ran in the wet either). [/B][/QUOTE]

First, wow and congrats! :)

But also, that reminds me of yet another reason to race open! One of the reasons I originally started running open at local events was because I wanted to be able to accurately compare my times and Phil's. My first season, I raced my BMW in FPL and Phil raced his Celica in GS. Only one event that season did my raw time beat his (the BMW wasn't very modified, but what mods it did have bumped it to all the way to Prepared!). And I was so frustrated because he had had to run in the wet and the track was mostly dry for me, so it wasn't a valid comparison. After that, I wanted to race in the same class as him, so I could actually earn legitimate bragging rights (should I ever actually beat him :lol: ).

OK, so with that thought, I think I will race in open this weekend! :)

FWIW, I definitely enjoyed racing in L2 this past weekend, because I definitely WAS pushed by racing against Kim, Patty, Jen, Barbara, etc. Another big consideration for me at the Pro was that I was concerned about the extra wear-and-tear that I might subject the car to if I'd co-driven it in the same class (given the number of runs in a short period without being able to spray down the intercooler or tires). So I think I'll probably stick with ladies at the Pros and National Championships, but I think I'll race open at the National Tour.

Thanks to both of you for your help! :)
Corey 06-17-2004 07:35 AM

Just one more point to consider is that you are running street tires. If you are running Azenis, they don't like heat. So, both of you might be a little less competitive on the hotter tires. If you aren't planning on running for the top spots, it probably doesn't matter. Also, if you are running 2 drivers, have a sprayer around to cool the tires.

I try to avoid having a co-driver at National Tours. Pros are a different story, because everybody's tires are hot after the first 2 runs.

Corey #89 STS
cac3780 06-17-2004 08:51 AM

I thought that there was going to be 4 drivers at the DC event in Ladies, then on Saturday I found out there was only two of us. I would have changed classes, but it would have been too late. I should have checked the day before. I was pretty far behind the open class because I ran two heats before them, so I didn't know where to push myself to.
Orion 06-17-2004 08:54 AM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Corey [/i]
[B]Just one more point to consider is that you are running street tires. If you are running Azenis, they don't like heat. So, both of you might be a little less competitive on the hotter tires. If you aren't planning on running for the top spots, it probably doesn't matter. Also, if you are running 2 drivers, have a sprayer around to cool the tires.

I try to avoid having a co-driver at National Tours. Pros are a different story, because everybody's tires are hot after the first 2 runs.

Corey #89 STS [/B][/QUOTE]

Not everyone thinks hot tires are a bad thing....

It's going to be right at 80 both days. Chance of t-storms late Sun. They're in no danger with Azenis and a water sprayer. ;)
If they do, I'll be next to them in grid and they can borrow mine if they run out of water since my tires don't need cooling. :devil:

I say welcome to the party if you do change to Open. I don't know that the other STXL entrant will be too happy by not having competition, but you'd certainly have a bunch more!
KC 06-17-2004 09:23 AM

Plus, it's concrete, which tires grip to better than asphalt. Is it more grippy than last year?

--kC
Orion 06-17-2004 09:24 AM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by KC [/i]
[B]Plus, it's concrete, which tires grip to better than asphalt. Is it more grippy than last year?

--kC [/B][/QUOTE]


[i]should[/i] be. i wasn't there last weekend to find out.
Storm 06-17-2004 10:01 AM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Orion[/i]
[B] [i]should[/i] be. i wasn't there last weekend to find out. [/B][/QUOTE]Marginally, as in I didn't notice as I drifted, spun, and tail wagged around the courses. Ironically only in the dry, I stuck like glue in the rain due to the dirtstockers!

Orion, I took the liberty of forwarding the BBQ info to Jen&Phil.
Jay Storm
trhoppe 06-17-2004 10:46 AM

[quote]Plus, it's concrete, which tires grip to better than asphalt. Is it more grippy than last year?[/quote]

I was very dissapointed with the lateral grip there. We had to go full soft on the rear in order to get that car under control. I think Mike ended up full soft as well. The car felt like it was on sand.

-Tom
KC 06-17-2004 10:50 AM

Ahh... so it hasn't changed much. It was a little slippery last year for the Tour too.

--kC
Corey 06-17-2004 11:21 AM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Orion [/i]
[B]Not everyone thinks hot tires are a bad thing....
[/B][/QUOTE]

Just pointing out something to consider. At least something that -I- consider.

The surface gets better as more cars run. Last week it took untill late Sunday untill any rubber was actually layed down. All day Saturday the cars were just grinding off that loose sandy surface. You could really tell when a car got off-line, as it would throw up a nice white cloud of concrete dust:lol:

Corey #89 STS
solo-x 06-17-2004 11:37 AM

kC, grip was a little better then last year, imo. the grain of the concrete slabs was definitely still a big factor. example, return slalom on right side the car was sliding everywhere. on the left side it would start to slide, then hit a block with the grain turned 90* from the others. sammy described it as hitting velcro. i was just pleased that i got the damn thing to handle as well as it was. i think the car needs a bit more rear spring or bar though, and probably a little less rear camber... more testing required... :devil:

corey's right though. that surface gets WAY better as it's being driven on. as the day wore on you saw less and less dust being kicked up by the cars ON course then early first and second heats. i want to smack those that went off course early in their runs and then just straight lined the way back. you could see all the dirt and dust they dragged back onto the racing line.

nate - hasn't removed the cone mark from his rear bumper yet
Orion 06-17-2004 01:40 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Corey [/i]
[B]Just pointing out something to consider. At least something that -I- consider.


Corey #89 STS [/B][/QUOTE]

I used to consider it until I ditched the 'Falcons'.

Jay - thanks, they were already on my list after running the last OVR event.
Orion 06-17-2004 01:52 PM

Just posted...
Run/Work Order

Run/Work Order

Run Heat 1: 1:FJ, GS, [b]STS[/b], SM, ES, ASP, STS2, [b]STU[/b],CSL, FSL, BML, BSL, ASL, FPL
Run Heat 2: 2:HS, CSP, CP, [b]ESP[/b], DM, BSP, SM2, STXL, DSL, BPL BSPL, SSL, DPL
Run Heat 3: 3:CS, BS, AS, FS, FP, BM, CML, FML, FSPL, F125L, APL, EPL, DSPL, AML, EML
Run Heat 4: SS, DP, [b]STX, DS[/b], BP, STSL, SML, ESL, ASPL, STUL, STS2L, GSL
Run Heat 5: CM, EP, FM, [b]DSP[/b], F125, AM, EM, FSP, AP, HSL, CSPL, CPL, ESPL, DML, SM2L



Work Heat 1: SS, DP, STX, DS, BP, CML, FML, FSPL, F125L, APL, EPL, DSPL, AML, EML
Work Heat 2: CM, EP, EM, DSP, F125, AM, EM, FSP, AP, ESL, ASPL, STUL, STS2L, GSL
Work Heat 3: FJ, GS, STS, SM, ES, ASP, STS2, STU, HSL, CSPL, CPL, ESPL, DML, SM2L
Work Heat 4: HS, CSP, CP, ESP, DM, BSP, SM2, CSL, FSL, BML, BSL, ASL, FPL
Work Heat 5: CS, BS, AS, FS, FP, BM, STXL, DSL, BPL, BSPL, SSL, DPL
trhoppe 06-17-2004 02:01 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Orion[/i]
[B] I used to consider it until I ditched the 'Falcons'. [/B][/QUOTE]

What are you using now eh?

-Tom
Orion 06-17-2004 02:32 PM

OEM UTQG 140's.;)
trhoppe 06-17-2004 02:45 PM

Youre going to be teh slow ;)

Falcons > OEMs
Orion 06-17-2004 02:51 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by trhoppe [/i]
[B]Youre going to be teh slow ;)

Falcons > OEMs [/B][/QUOTE]

So you're comparing a bone stock 3200+ lb car to a prepped 2990 lb car from personal experience???:confused:

We'll see how it goes. I'm on them for my remaining ST days (limited to 12/31/04, screw the STAC as of 1/1/05).
trhoppe 06-17-2004 02:59 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Orion[/i]
[B] So you're comparing a bone stock 3200+ lb car to a prepped 2990 lb car from personal experience???:confused:
[/B][/QUOTE]

3175lb car on OEMs, and 3175lb car on Falkens ;)

Never tried them on a 28xxlb prepped car though. I don't think they have what it takes on a national level.

-Tom
prove me wrong!
Orion 06-17-2004 03:17 PM

oh yeah, they're now on 17x8's too. found a bent Subzero while balancing them.:furious:
CamaroFS34 06-18-2004 09:15 AM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jcroy66 [/i]
[B]OK, so with that thought, I think I will race in open this weekend! :)[/b][/quote]
Well, good luck then!! I expect to hear some good news when I come back on Monday! :)
[quote][b]FWIW, I definitely enjoyed racing in L2 this past weekend, because I definitely WAS pushed by racing against Kim, Patty, Jen, Barbara, etc. Another big consideration for me at the Pro was that I was concerned about the extra wear-and-tear that I might subject the car to if I'd co-driven it in the same class (given the number of runs in a short period without being able to spray down the intercooler or tires).[/b][/quote]
The indexed nature of the Ladies classes at the Pros makes them more difficult for some classes and easier for others, though you're right -- running against the likes of Patty Tunnell alone is scary, and adding in the rest? <shaking head>

Keep in mind that at a Pro, the second driver (1XX the first heat, and then the slower of the two drivers in the second and third heats) will often have 15-20 minutes after the first driver is done. I know I had plenty of time to get settled into Corey's car before I ran, and Corey didn't even spray the tires Saturday afternoon, though he did Sunday morning. I actually had less time to get ready Sunday morning, as the grid chief, Mike Snyder, decided not to keep all of us STS second drivers waiting for the last two of our "group" to come in and cool down. So the first group of us went (me, the two red Civic hatchcraps, and the red Neon), then once they were cooled down, the teal Civic and the silver Celica second drivers went probably 5-10 minutes later. Anyway....

Make sure you have a water sprayer nearby before you guys start running. You will definitely need one if you don't have it. :)

Karen
jcroy66 06-18-2004 10:31 AM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by CamaroFS34 [/i]
[B]
Make sure you have a water sprayer nearby before you guys start running. You will definitely need one if you don't have it. :) [/B][/QUOTE]

Yep, it's already packed up in the car. :)
Brett555 06-18-2004 05:27 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jcroy66 [/i]
[B]Yep, it's already packed up in the car. :) [/B][/QUOTE]

Looks like temps for this weekend are going to be high 60's on Saturday and low 70's on Sunday. Perfect weather for Falkens! You might still need the sprayer, but not near as much as if it was going to be in the 90's.

Không có nhận xét nào:

Đăng nhận xét