Tracquest @ Laguna Seca
03-03-2003, 01:38 AM
#1
Race Director
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Tracquest @ Laguna Seca
For a few photos, click on the Rennlist Gallery link in my sig. I took very few photos this time, I was too busy driving!
The event was a blast and very well organized. The only thing I would have changed was to revert back to a 3 group rotation and 30 minute sessions, as the 20 minute sessions ended right about when you finally got a rhythm going for a few laps.
I made several new friends that I hope to get together with again soon. I also got a chance to meet a few Rennlister's and put face to name.
From a driving perspective, things really started coming together for me in the afternoon. I noticed that I was going faster at the end of each straight, and since it's the same car, I can only assume it was due to a better line through the previous corner. I believe this was due to the level of instruction, in particular Hank and Carl, both of whom quickly nailed what I was doing poorly and offered clear and useful direction. I feel I left the event a better driver.
Highly recommended.
The event was a blast and very well organized. The only thing I would have changed was to revert back to a 3 group rotation and 30 minute sessions, as the 20 minute sessions ended right about when you finally got a rhythm going for a few laps.
I made several new friends that I hope to get together with again soon. I also got a chance to meet a few Rennlister's and put face to name.
From a driving perspective, things really started coming together for me in the afternoon. I noticed that I was going faster at the end of each straight, and since it's the same car, I can only assume it was due to a better line through the previous corner. I believe this was due to the level of instruction, in particular Hank and Carl, both of whom quickly nailed what I was doing poorly and offered clear and useful direction. I feel I left the event a better driver.
Highly recommended.
03-03-2003, 11:43 AM
#2
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Great pics, Pete. Thanks.
Your car looks terrific on the track.
Did anybody hit the apex cone?
Also does TQ use turn in and track out cones?
Finally, whose Radical is that?
Thanks
Your car looks terrific on the track.
Did anybody hit the apex cone?
Also does TQ use turn in and track out cones?
Finally, whose Radical is that?
Thanks
03-03-2003, 12:07 PM
#3
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Nice Pics Pete! Your car looks fantastic!!
I'm green with envy! I got to drive Laguna Seca...
Kim did you have the yellow monster on the track?
That Radical sure looks sweet. Looking at the name it says "John Morris" ???
I'm green with envy! I got to drive Laguna Seca...
Kim did you have the yellow monster on the track?
That Radical sure looks sweet. Looking at the name it says "John Morris" ???
03-03-2003, 02:01 PM
#4
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Mike in Chi:
<strong>Great pics, Pete. Thanks.
Your car looks terrific on the track.
Did anybody hit the apex cone?
Also does TQ use turn in and track out cones?
Finally, whose Radical is that?
Thanks</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I have had a few folks suggest that I should return to the 993 board, and it seems calm (at least this thread), so I'll jump back in and see how it goes.
TracQuest does use cones - turn-in, apex, track-out. I think almost all survived the weekend. Interesting thing about Laguna is that "1" marker is an almost perfect turn-in reference at EVERY corner - I've never seen another track with that characteristic.
The Green Radcial is John Morris. He is a Viper owner and was really impressed by the Radical when we ran with him (and ran circles around him) at a previous TracQuest event - so he bought one. This was his first outing in that car and he did great.
<strong>Great pics, Pete. Thanks.
Your car looks terrific on the track.
Did anybody hit the apex cone?
Also does TQ use turn in and track out cones?
Finally, whose Radical is that?
Thanks</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">I have had a few folks suggest that I should return to the 993 board, and it seems calm (at least this thread), so I'll jump back in and see how it goes.
TracQuest does use cones - turn-in, apex, track-out. I think almost all survived the weekend. Interesting thing about Laguna is that "1" marker is an almost perfect turn-in reference at EVERY corner - I've never seen another track with that characteristic.
The Green Radcial is John Morris. He is a Viper owner and was really impressed by the Radical when we ran with him (and ran circles around him) at a previous TracQuest event - so he bought one. This was his first outing in that car and he did great.
03-03-2003, 03:18 PM
#5
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Danny, Kim and Mark
Thanks for the responses.
We usually lose a few TO cones too, and once and a while an apex one -- but no one ever hits the apex, right.
It's helpful I believe to have the cones removed after awhile, so you drive by "trackviews" rather than "connecting the orange dots".
When I was a beginner the cones helped to learn a track, but I found they kept me from having my eyes up.
Mark, how many Radicals were out there? They look like a lot of fun.
Thanks for the responses.
We usually lose a few TO cones too, and once and a while an apex one -- but no one ever hits the apex, right.
It's helpful I believe to have the cones removed after awhile, so you drive by "trackviews" rather than "connecting the orange dots".
When I was a beginner the cones helped to learn a track, but I found they kept me from having my eyes up.
Mark, how many Radicals were out there? They look like a lot of fun.
03-03-2003, 03:39 PM
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If I may ask, what do you do for insurance when you track your car? I am assuming most track their non-dedicated racer.
My insurance (Allstate) changed its policies April 2002 by denying coverage for "bodily injury or property damage arising out of the participation in any prearranged, organized, or spontaneous racing contest, speed contest, or use of an auto at a track or course designed or used for racing or high performance driving, or in practice or preparation for any contest or use of this type."
Note that "spontaneous racing contest" means if I just happen to be "challenged" by a Viper (or whatever) we begin a "contest", and if I'm involved in an accident, I'm not covered.
OK, I could change insurance companies, but I am more interested in hearing if you have (or have heard of) "track day" insurance coverage.
Make sure you know what the fine print in your insurance policy says - you may not be covered should something happen on the track or during a "spontaneous event"
Dan
'89 930 3.4
'97 993TT
My insurance (Allstate) changed its policies April 2002 by denying coverage for "bodily injury or property damage arising out of the participation in any prearranged, organized, or spontaneous racing contest, speed contest, or use of an auto at a track or course designed or used for racing or high performance driving, or in practice or preparation for any contest or use of this type."
Note that "spontaneous racing contest" means if I just happen to be "challenged" by a Viper (or whatever) we begin a "contest", and if I'm involved in an accident, I'm not covered.
OK, I could change insurance companies, but I am more interested in hearing if you have (or have heard of) "track day" insurance coverage.
Make sure you know what the fine print in your insurance policy says - you may not be covered should something happen on the track or during a "spontaneous event"
Dan
'89 930 3.4
'97 993TT
03-03-2003, 03:41 PM
#7
Lifetime Rennlist Member
We had three Radical SR-3's out there. With the strict rules at Laguna, John was in the fast (non-instructor) group while DJ and I were in the instructor group. We did manage to get all three out in the same sessions once for photos.
What was really funny is that they black flagged all three of us, in a group, for sound since we would not seperate to let them get their measurments.
What was really funny is that they black flagged all three of us, in a group, for sound since we would not seperate to let them get their measurments.
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03-03-2003, 04:39 PM
#8
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Mark
"What was really funny is that they black flagged all three of us, in a group, for sound since we would not seperate to let them get their measurments."
lol
Reminds me that 962 at the IMSA Del Mar in the late 80s. He was leading, they twice flagged him for a stop and go sound violation. On the way out of pit lane, he took out the sound meter. Of course they black-flagged him but the announcers were rofl.
"What was really funny is that they black flagged all three of us, in a group, for sound since we would not seperate to let them get their measurments."
lol
Reminds me that 962 at the IMSA Del Mar in the late 80s. He was leading, they twice flagged him for a stop and go sound violation. On the way out of pit lane, he took out the sound meter. Of course they black-flagged him but the announcers were rofl.
03-03-2003, 04:47 PM
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Dan;
I specifically asked that question of my insurance carrier (GMAC)and they told me that I was covered for Drivers Ed at the track as long as no timing or racing took place.
Mark; Welcome back.
I specifically asked that question of my insurance carrier (GMAC)and they told me that I was covered for Drivers Ed at the track as long as no timing or racing took place.
Mark; Welcome back.
03-03-2003, 04:47 PM
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Pete,
It was terrific meeting yet another Rennlister at the track. Beautiful car!
Greg,
I never did get a chance to meet you, but hopefully some day. I would love to get some track tips from another fellow Lister. Mark and DJ have given me many tips in the past and they have always been extremely helpful. I only wish I could execute as masterfully as they can. More seat time...
Mark O,
It was a blast caravaning to & from the track with you. The caravan is almost as much fun as the track.
For those that haven't done the caravan, Todd Serota has an incredible route that we take at a rather spirited pace. On a sad note, one instructor with the caravan put his beautiful E30M3 race car on its side during a lapse in concentration during the twisty bits. He was uninjured, but the car was out of commission for the weekend.
Kim,
Your car was as beautiful as usual...too bad about your tranny.
Mark & DJ,
It was fun seeing you guys and watching the Radical action. You two looked very busy "shuttling" students around this weekend.
It was terrific meeting yet another Rennlister at the track. Beautiful car!
Greg,
I never did get a chance to meet you, but hopefully some day. I would love to get some track tips from another fellow Lister. Mark and DJ have given me many tips in the past and they have always been extremely helpful. I only wish I could execute as masterfully as they can. More seat time...
Mark O,
It was a blast caravaning to & from the track with you. The caravan is almost as much fun as the track.
For those that haven't done the caravan, Todd Serota has an incredible route that we take at a rather spirited pace. On a sad note, one instructor with the caravan put his beautiful E30M3 race car on its side during a lapse in concentration during the twisty bits. He was uninjured, but the car was out of commission for the weekend.
Kim,
Your car was as beautiful as usual...too bad about your tranny.
Mark & DJ,
It was fun seeing you guys and watching the Radical action. You two looked very busy "shuttling" students around this weekend.
03-03-2003, 05:51 PM
#11
Lifetime Rennlist Member
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Silver Bullet:
<strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Mark - Was it at the sound station or the hand held up at turn 7 where Robin's magical mufflers turn into Supercups?...</strong>[/QUOTE]
Yes - LOL. I got caught a time or two by the roving station. Normally I take T5 one gear higher and then ~1/2 throttle up the hill. At the end of the day, if I have not been busted too many times, then I try to get some hot laps and blow the sound station. We were also watching the station at 7 to see if there was an extra body there. With the light-footing for sound and carrying a passenger, we are probably 5 seconds off our real pace, but it was fun anyway.
We both really enjoy giving rides as it is unlike anything that most people ever get to experience. For example, my data shows that I am doing a bit over 130mph entering T2 - I brake at the "2" marker which is ~100 yds deeper than the prepped street cars that can hit similar speeds. I tried once to use the "2" as my lift point, rather than where I was actually on the brakes - oops, that was too deep, but it was an exciting and smokey ride.
<strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Mark - Was it at the sound station or the hand held up at turn 7 where Robin's magical mufflers turn into Supercups?...</strong>[/QUOTE]
Yes - LOL. I got caught a time or two by the roving station. Normally I take T5 one gear higher and then ~1/2 throttle up the hill. At the end of the day, if I have not been busted too many times, then I try to get some hot laps and blow the sound station. We were also watching the station at 7 to see if there was an extra body there. With the light-footing for sound and carrying a passenger, we are probably 5 seconds off our real pace, but it was fun anyway.
We both really enjoy giving rides as it is unlike anything that most people ever get to experience. For example, my data shows that I am doing a bit over 130mph entering T2 - I brake at the "2" marker which is ~100 yds deeper than the prepped street cars that can hit similar speeds. I tried once to use the "2" as my lift point, rather than where I was actually on the brakes - oops, that was too deep, but it was an exciting and smokey ride.
03-03-2003, 08:49 PM
#12
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last weekend was wonderful.
peter: it was nice seeing you out there. trying to keep up with you, but having only 120hp proofs to be a prob
)
kim: thanks for your hospitality and hope you get your 3rd gear and YZ back soon.
DJ: thanks for an incredible ride in your small yellow carP
david: it was great chatting with you in the hot pit wall. hope to see you at another TQ event.
mark O: you were sure flying on that very last session on sunday... aventurine grn is a beautiful color.
peter: it was nice seeing you out there. trying to keep up with you, but having only 120hp proofs to be a prob
)kim: thanks for your hospitality and hope you get your 3rd gear and YZ back soon.
DJ: thanks for an incredible ride in your small yellow car
P david: it was great chatting with you in the hot pit wall. hope to see you at another TQ event.
mark O: you were sure flying on that very last session on sunday... aventurine grn is a beautiful color.
03-03-2003, 09:59 PM
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Greg, it was great meeting you in person last Saturday 
Mark, it's always nice to meet you again. From the top of the hill, I saw the 3 Radicals playing with each other, that was quite a sight
DJ, thanx for the ride... That was truly unbelievable. Quite honestly, that was one of the most thrilling ride I've ever been in a car. Thanx DJ
Mark, it's always nice to meet you again. From the top of the hill, I saw the 3 Radicals playing with each other, that was quite a sight
DJ, thanx for the ride... That was truly unbelievable. Quite honestly, that was one of the most thrilling ride I've ever been in a car. Thanx DJ
03-03-2003, 10:40 PM
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I am SOOO jealous! <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" />
When's the next Radical convention?! I wanna come!
Mark, it's great to see you here.
When's the next Radical convention?! I wanna come!
Mark, it's great to see you here.
03-03-2003, 11:17 PM
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That was one great event. Laguna Seca is one hell of a track. I think "Respect the track" was probably the best advice I got.
One thing about that track was the uphill braking areas. I caught myself braking too much in 6. I would brake as if the track were flat, causing me to enter too slow. I also couldn't get turn 3 and 5 down. I was in third and would brake too much, leaving me out of the power band for my car. Second, however, was wrong for those turns for me.
David:
You are correct. That was one great caravan. Even though we kept the speed down last night, that was fun as well. Do you remember what Todd said about DJ driving with expired tags? I didn't notice that my tags expired a bit ago until this morning. Maybe we would have gotten away with a "warning" because of it, had the V1's not been working.
John:
OH YEA! I spent 2 days working on smoothness and suddenly, speed followed. Sort of weird how that works.
Kim:
Please tell everyone what you told us at the track regarding the black flag. Or allow me... "It wasn't my RSR's setting off the sound meter, it was my screaming." Too funny.
One thing about that track was the uphill braking areas. I caught myself braking too much in 6. I would brake as if the track were flat, causing me to enter too slow. I also couldn't get turn 3 and 5 down. I was in third and would brake too much, leaving me out of the power band for my car. Second, however, was wrong for those turns for me.
David:
You are correct. That was one great caravan. Even though we kept the speed down last night, that was fun as well. Do you remember what Todd said about DJ driving with expired tags? I didn't notice that my tags expired a bit ago until this morning. Maybe we would have gotten away with a "warning" because of it, had the V1's not been working.
John:
OH YEA! I spent 2 days working on smoothness and suddenly, speed followed. Sort of weird how that works.
Kim:
Please tell everyone what you told us at the track regarding the black flag. Or allow me... "It wasn't my RSR's setting off the sound meter, it was my screaming." Too funny.