testing the waters

[rwinter]

Hi everyone.

I did a NASA event a few years ago, a HPDE. It was a good time and no red tape. Actual races are even more fun and I'm glad that you are talking about them. I have a SCCA E Production class bmw 318is. I guess I could go for GTS classes or performance touring.

Can someone point me to race results from last year if there were any? Or is this the first year for races in this region?

I haven't gone through all the work to see exactly what class my car would go in but I'm wondering how many people are planning on racing in the performance touring classes, and specifically which designations.

Another question that comes to mind is what are entry fees going to be?

Thanks very much!!

[svochuck]

WELCOME !
Last year was our first year and there were few PT/GTS racers. This year we will more than double the amount of race cars and hope to have full fields of the more popular classes... I'm sure you can find someone to run with / agianst. I have a 944 Turbo that will run in PTB or PTA /GTS or if I can get some cash into it SU.

Entry fee depends on the track ...

[bpanther]

Another question that comes to mind is what are entry fees going to be?

Good segwey (sp?)....


As Chuck mentioned, the fees will depend on the track but this is what we plan for this year. We had to increase fees slightly over our first year "introductory rate", but are still very competitive.

These are the 2 day rates:

Pueblo/LaJunta - $220
Hastings - $250
MAM will be "comparable" to Hastings

Typically each race day has 1 practice, 1 qual, 1 race - sometimes we add an extra heat race depending on schedule. Somewhere between 75 minutes and 90 minutes each day.

[bpanther]

Can someone point me to race results from last year if there were any? Or is this the first year for races in this region?

We had limited race entries last year as it was the first year to get back up and running for the region. PT was limited in all areas of the country since the class was just created in 2006. Our best GTS turnout (combined with BMWCCA) was at Miller - here is a link to those:

http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=326287
http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=326290

Here's the long drawn details:

Many of NASA's racers are home grown. They typically spend a year on track doing HPDEs learning to drive before we cut them loose with a race license. In our past experience it really helps to cut down on "rookie mistakes", body contacts, misunderstanding of rules, etc. We have a good amount of quality drivers who will be crossing that HPDE to W2W line and racing this year.

Some of the more popular groups this year will be growing by 3 or 4 times their current sizes. AI, CMC, SpecMiata, 944 will all show significant growth in 2007.

We are hoping to grow GTS as well and the potential numbers are there. Like you, there are many people who may have waited to see how our first year back (and first year with w2w racing) in the Rocky Mountain area went. I believe we got favorable marks and have had interest from 8-10 new drivers wanting to also "test the waters" in GTS. Other NASA regions have gone from 3-4 GTS entries to well over 30+ in just a year. All it takes is that first event and they are hooked. At the MidOhio Nationals I believe the GTS race group had 50+ entries, 2nd only to AI/CMC that had 60+ cars. The Denver area is prime for GTS since there are so many race prepped Porsches and BMWs sitting waiting to be raced, but aren't because of the limited opportunities to race in the area (i.e. once a year under no-body contact rules). With GTS coming on the local scene the ability to race 6-8 weekends per year is now a reality.

The best thing that can happen to GTS is for people to have a good time and then talk to their friends. We will guarantee the fun, safe racing and good times - we need our racers to let people know about it. That's how we got 6 new GTS drivers wanting to run with us in 2007.

According to our national office, the Rocky Mountain region is the quickest growing region right now. We plan to keep it that way for the next year or two while helping grow NASA in the Midwest (NE, IA, KS, OK).

Revkah and I appreciate that you've made that first step to join NASA - welcome to the family!!!

[ianacole]

I am one of those hoping to participate in GTS in 2008.

[RichV]

Your E30 could also qualify for Spec E30. Most SE30 cars are 87+ 325i cars, but the 318is is also classed.

Welcome! :D

[rwinter]

Wow thanks for all the response and warm welcomes! Oh how I wish I had few enough mods to run in spec e-30. I used to run spec rx7 and it was cheap, (for road racing) fun and really let me know where I was slow or fast on the track with my driving.

I guess I will be GTS 3 or 4. I don't care if its PT or GTS at all, just want to be where I will have the most competitors. I think I got my answer- GTS. Hate to ask more questions, but does it look like GTS4 will have a lot of racers this year?

Thanks again!
Rob

[Mustcone347]

Your E30 could also qualify for Spec E30. Most SE30 cars are 87+ 325i cars, but the 318is is also classed.

Welcome! :D

Mr. Winters 318 would be the class of the field if you let him run E30. that little car nearly keeps up with 400hp plus mustang track car at Pueblo. I think he has some "special little motor" in that little rocket. I he can just get it to start and idle watch out.

Rob even though I have never oficially made it to a NASA event I am sure we will be chasing each other around this year at the track.. For those of you who do not know any better Mr. Winter and his ride are a first class act.............he helped me smoke my old SBF motor in an enduro at my request. He is fast, polite and a pleasure to go wheel to wheel with on the track.

talk to you soon

Malcolm

[raybob9289]

Is this the Rob Winter that balled his spec7 up at CNS years ago? The same Rob Winter that built a SBF powered RX7 with his buddy Sean?
If its you, how the hell have you been?:cool:

[bpanther]

GTS is looking up. I just got a call from Lance who is wanting to campaign a VW Beetle in GTS (heck yeah it's German).

Before you laugh, this Beetle was origninally setup to do 9 second runs at Bandi, converted to a Group 4 FIA Rally car and is now being converted to a road racer.:eek:

[ianacole]

Darn - I can't wait to start, GTS sounds like it's going to be a blast!!

[RichV]

WOW, I cant wait to see that 318!! Maybe a little hairdryer in there?? :D

I hope I can keep my grubby hands out of my 325's engine. Or I'll be in that GTS category as well. A couple of small KKK's and some custom exhaust work...:eek:

[Mustcone347]

WOW, I cant wait to see that 318!! Maybe a little hairdryer in there?? :D

I hope I can keep my grubby hands out of my 325's engine. Or I'll be in that GTS category as well. A couple of small KKK's and some custom exhaust work...:eek:

No hair dryers ....all motor EP car for SCCA...its just plain fast w/o forced induction.

[95sprtcpedrvr]

GTS is looking up. I just got a call from Lance who is wanting to campaign a VW Beetle in GTS (heck yeah it's German).

Before you laugh, this Beetle was origninally setup to do 9 second runs at Bandi, converted to a Group 4 FIA Rally car and is now being converted to a road racer.:eek:

I'd be looking forward to seeing that! What I would really like to see is a diesel powered VW on the course.

[rwinter]

Hey Raybob! Yep its me. We still have the RX-7 but need to go through the engine, AGAIN. Doing well! How's the "Dudes Racing" team? I like your little pic, definitely a Raybob move!

Thanks for the compliments Malcom! Do you owe me money? ha ha! Right back at ya, really. I always have more fun when they let us out in the same run group!

Never thought people would want to see my tiny little 1.8 motor but I'd love to show it. Its a little high strung.

Rich, or anyone else, if you need E 30 325i go fast goodies, please contact me- cams, throttle body, new rockers, Dinan chip, mass air sensor, diffs, trannies, body panels, the list goes on.

[raybob9289]

Hey Raybob! Yep its me. We still have the RX-7 but need to go through the engine, AGAIN. Doing well! How's the "Dudes Racing" team? I like your little pic, definitely a Raybob move!

Its good to hear your still on the planet, you gonna come out and race NASA with us?
Dude, I know you dig it the most!

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5143/robwintereg9.png
Remember This?

I hope to see ya at the track.

[rwinter]

I think I do... John Kyer passed me on the last turn of the last lap at PPIR. Well that's what that pic reminds me of. Nothing better than passing someone on the last turn of the last lap, but being the guy to be passed is not a good time but not forgotten either I see...

And I think that weekend you might have had all kinds of bad luck with your car.. And to top it all off maybe a little impact with concrete?? Forgive me if I'm way off. Getting old I guess.

Hanging out with the "Dudes" was good though, I remember that.

Talk to you later.

[raybob9289]

I think I do... John Kyer passed me on the last turn of the last lap at PPIR. Well that's what that pic reminds me of. Nothing better than passing someone on the last turn of the last lap, but being the guy to be passed is not a good time but not forgotten either I see...

And I think that weekend you might have had all kinds of bad luck with your car.. And to top it all off maybe a little impact with concrete?? Forgive me if I'm way off. Getting old I guess.

Hanging out with the "Dudes" was good though, I remember that.

Talk to you later.

Rob,
You got a great memory, I hit the wall at PPIR, made old #12 a couple inches shorter and my neck still hurts sometimes.
I can't remember if Kyer made the pass stick?
Spec 7 was a blast I am glad I did it. Can you find time to hang with the Dudes this season?

[rwinter]

I'm looking forward to it!!

Yep, it was a blast. I have a whole new admiration for spec racing after going to the other side!

[bpanther]

Anybody know where Kyer is? I remember pitting next to him at PPIR - cool guy.

[95sprtcpedrvr]

I was going to ask why the name "Kyer" rings a bell, anybody know why?

[raybob9289]

I'm looking forward to it!!

Yep, it was a blast. I have a whole new admiration for spec racing after going to the other side!

Glad your here Rob,
We'll have a Beer at the track.
Later Bud, :cool:

[rwinter]

I lost my job and had to move to San Jose, CA. Wish I could have some fun on the track with you guys this summer. I was really looking forward to it. Come on out here to Cali to race some time, there are some great tracks. All the best and good luck to you all!!

Rob

[95sprtcpedrvr]

Tis' a shame! :(
Anyway good luck and even though I didn't get to meet you I know some here would miss you, maybe a couple of those knuckle draggers. ;)

[raybob9289]

This knuckle drager will miss not getting to hang with Rob.
I raced with Rob, and he's a righteous dude.
Hey Rob,
If we ever get out there we'll race with you guys.
Good Luck out there!