View Poll Results: COTA ultimate DE Cup 2/1 - 2/3 2013
Voters: 58. You may not vote on this poll
COTA 2/1-3 ultimate DE Cup participant list
02-03-2013, 10:53 PM
#541
Rennlist Member
This weekend was fun. Great to meet all the rennlisters I see posting all the time. Especially the Greeks....
The track didnt seem to flow at first. There was hardly any grip for street R comps, like RA1, NT01, etc. Track absolutely loved slicks and R6's. Monumental difference! Also, track workers compounded the situation. Never seen so many red flags in my life. I added it up, and in our group along, lost about 45 min of track time. There was only 1 serious accident that warranted a red flag. The rest was all just spins. Really affected the weekend.
Best I did on RA1/NT01 combo was 2:29:00. I'm sure the Hoosier boys have plenty of video of me sliding around trying to get away. All in all, a great fun trip.
Would I go again? Maybe in a couple of years. In my opinion, if your located on the easy coast, it's good for 1 visit. Tracks like VIR, Road Atlanta, Sebring, etc are much better tracks.
The track didnt seem to flow at first. There was hardly any grip for street R comps, like RA1, NT01, etc. Track absolutely loved slicks and R6's. Monumental difference! Also, track workers compounded the situation. Never seen so many red flags in my life. I added it up, and in our group along, lost about 45 min of track time. There was only 1 serious accident that warranted a red flag. The rest was all just spins. Really affected the weekend.
Best I did on RA1/NT01 combo was 2:29:00. I'm sure the Hoosier boys have plenty of video of me sliding around trying to get away. All in all, a great fun trip.
Would I go again? Maybe in a couple of years. In my opinion, if your located on the easy coast, it's good for 1 visit. Tracks like VIR, Road Atlanta, Sebring, etc are much better tracks.
02-03-2013, 10:54 PM
#542
Advanced
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
adding my two cents for what a superb track and facility COTA is. Great three days - I probably dont track my GT3 as much as some on this list but what a car - it takes an incredible beating and delivers such wonderful tactile reward and sound - that there was at least a dozen RS's at the track and a handful of 3's says everything about what a superb track car the 3 is.
I was 2.33 best on Pilot Sport Cups - i dont think i could get them to go any faster - maybe a second or so - the MPSC's are very slick when cold and only give three of four laps of peak performance on this track then get greasy. At that time, the tire is squaealing in every corner and the car moving around quite a bit - fun, but not going to go much faster. I think the Hoosiers are a couple of seconds faster.
COTA is a great combination of technical and speed. A couple of great straights - the front straight is the shorter of the two - with the uphill blind trun one turn-in - in the mornings you are looking right into the sun - think Dan Gurney at Le Mans in the Cobra - and cant see the apex. The 11-12 straight is slightly kinked right and doesnt seem as much like a straight but is a 5th or 6th gear run where you are topping 150 mph before the braking zone. There are a couple of very technical areas - the esses after one are Porsche hell - rapid direction changes - and the tight section after the 11-12 straight is one in which you can get the car to pivot and grind out of low speed corners with its huge rear end grunt.
The track has great flow and is really a place where you can imagine running in a rhythm over a number of hours. The GT3's sound superb on the echoing front straight.
Well worth a trip.
I was 2.33 best on Pilot Sport Cups - i dont think i could get them to go any faster - maybe a second or so - the MPSC's are very slick when cold and only give three of four laps of peak performance on this track then get greasy. At that time, the tire is squaealing in every corner and the car moving around quite a bit - fun, but not going to go much faster. I think the Hoosiers are a couple of seconds faster.
COTA is a great combination of technical and speed. A couple of great straights - the front straight is the shorter of the two - with the uphill blind trun one turn-in - in the mornings you are looking right into the sun - think Dan Gurney at Le Mans in the Cobra - and cant see the apex. The 11-12 straight is slightly kinked right and doesnt seem as much like a straight but is a 5th or 6th gear run where you are topping 150 mph before the braking zone. There are a couple of very technical areas - the esses after one are Porsche hell - rapid direction changes - and the tight section after the 11-12 straight is one in which you can get the car to pivot and grind out of low speed corners with its huge rear end grunt.
The track has great flow and is really a place where you can imagine running in a rhythm over a number of hours. The GT3's sound superb on the echoing front straight.
Well worth a trip.
02-03-2013, 10:59 PM
#543
Rennlist Member
Lou has always been cool to me, but I don't know how he was coming across this weekend at COTA since I wasn't there (unfortunately.)
02-03-2013, 11:00 PM
#544
This weekend was fun. Great to meet all the rennlisters I see posting all the time. Especially the Greeks....
The track didnt seem to flow at first. There was hardly any grip for street R comps, like RA1, NT01, etc. Track absolutely loved slicks and R6's. Monumental difference! Also, track workers compounded the situation. Never seen so many red flags in my life. I added it up, and in our group along, lost about 45 min of track time. There was only 1 serious accident that warranted a red flag. The rest was all just spins. Really affected the weekend.
Best I did on RA1/NT01 combo was 2:29:00. I'm sure the Hoosier boys have plenty of video of me sliding around trying to get away. All in all, a great fun trip.
Would I go again? Maybe in a couple of years. In my opinion, if your located on the easy coast, it's good for 1 visit. Tracks like VIR, Road Atlanta, Sebring, etc are much better tracks.
The track didnt seem to flow at first. There was hardly any grip for street R comps, like RA1, NT01, etc. Track absolutely loved slicks and R6's. Monumental difference! Also, track workers compounded the situation. Never seen so many red flags in my life. I added it up, and in our group along, lost about 45 min of track time. There was only 1 serious accident that warranted a red flag. The rest was all just spins. Really affected the weekend.
Best I did on RA1/NT01 combo was 2:29:00. I'm sure the Hoosier boys have plenty of video of me sliding around trying to get away. All in all, a great fun trip.
Would I go again? Maybe in a couple of years. In my opinion, if your located on the easy coast, it's good for 1 visit. Tracks like VIR, Road Atlanta, Sebring, etc are much better tracks.
02-03-2013, 11:05 PM
#545
Rennlist Member
Haha. No scream fests this time. The flags were so random. Red flag for 5 min followed by 10 min black flag. But then next session, there would be a black flag for two turns, then all of a sudden green flag is waving.
02-03-2013, 11:14 PM
#546
Rennlist Member
I normally wouldn't comment on things like this, but I noticed the same thing. Whoever was in that car pulled up almost next to me on a yellow flag lap, starting weaving back and forth to get my attention (I saw him coming already), and started honking at me to give him a passing signal. I refused because we were under yellow.
That's just pretty!
02-03-2013, 11:25 PM
#547
Instructor
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
[quote=Drew_K;10194948]
I normally wouldn't comment on things like this, but I noticed the same thing. Whoever was in that car pulled up almost next to me on a yellow flag lap, starting weaving back and forth to get my attention (I saw him coming already), and started honking at me to give him a passing signal. I refused because we were
Happened in red/intermediate as well. Gtr guys got a nice ripping during drivers meeting, and I witnessed a ford gt dive bomb a z3 into the trip-apex turn.
Had a great time at Cota and enjoyed meeting new rl's. We were pretty bummed to see Geisha retire (I still don't think it will happen). nothing like grabbing drinks at a packed lounge at the W and seeing Steve st John studying his videos in the corner...
Happened in red/intermediate as well. Gtr guys got a nice ripping during drivers meeting, and I witnessed a ford gt dive bomb a z3 into the trip-apex turn.
Had a great time at Cota and enjoyed meeting new rl's. We were pretty bummed to see Geisha retire (I still don't think it will happen). nothing like grabbing drinks at a packed lounge at the W and seeing Steve st John studying his videos in the corner...
Last edited by El Matador; 02-03-2013 at 11:46 PM.
02-03-2013, 11:46 PM
#548
+1 for handling .... I was surprised by how slow the Nissan was in a straight line compared to other things, but it was loving the carousel and the esses ... averaging around 148 mph at T12, but managed a 2:28 and that was a lap with mistakes (they all were 
/ stock GT-R, street setup, used 295/680-19 Pirelli's
/ stock GT-R, street setup, used 295/680-19 Pirelli's
Last edited by dcrooke; 02-03-2013 at 11:47 PM. Reason: car setup
02-03-2013, 11:55 PM
#549
Racer
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: McAllen TX
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great meeting a few of you guys. I was in the white 27 Vette in green group. Should have some great videos to post soon.
Red flags were silly but they seem to be getting that sorted. Spoke to a SCCA corner worker they are trying to get the COTA official in control up to speed.
Track felt aukward at first seemed not to flow but by this morning it all made sence & I could tell there is way more time to make in the eases & 16-19 complex. Great to see so many GT3's in one spot. Also glad to see no Vette's oiled down the track for you guys.
Red flags were silly but they seem to be getting that sorted. Spoke to a SCCA corner worker they are trying to get the COTA official in control up to speed.
Track felt aukward at first seemed not to flow but by this morning it all made sence & I could tell there is way more time to make in the eases & 16-19 complex. Great to see so many GT3's in one spot. Also glad to see no Vette's oiled down the track for you guys.
02-04-2013, 12:27 AM
#550
So you thought the Advanced groups were crazy ;)
[quote=El Matador;10195028]
I normally wouldn't comment on things like this, but I noticed the same thing. Whoever was in that car pulled up almost next to me on a yellow flag lap, starting weaving back and forth to get my attention (I saw him coming already), and started honking at me to give him a passing signal. I refused because we were
Happened in red/intermediate as well. Gtr guys got a nice ripping during drivers meeting, and I witnessed a ford gt dive bomb a z3 into the trip-apex turn.
Had a great time at Cota and enjoyed meeting new rl's. We were pretty bummed to see Geisha retire (I still don't think it will happen). nothing like grabbing drinks at a packed lounge at the W and seeing Steve st John studying his videos in the corner...
Speaking as one of the aforementioned naughty GT-R drivers .... the red group was at best half Intermediate, half beginner. There were no point-bys to be had for love nor money on Friday. I will definitely to having had a bit of a case of the red mist over this, and in hindsight, if someone simply isn't checking their mirrors, or simply doesn't care to give point-bys, no amount of Manselling around behind them with your main beam on is going to help. I put it down to a combination of inexperienced DE participants and the awe of being at that track
On Saturday, John and I decided to do a pit lane pass every 3 laps to just avoid the traffic, but Mark's briefing seemed to have a positive effect on the mirror checking; Sat morning was remarkably better, and the mini-session strategy proved unnecessary.
It's really unfortunate that there was so much chaos, because Mark is a fantastic organizer ... I think a number of folks must have inflated their resume on him in order to get into the DE. I hope the track forgives him, and I doubly hope it is not scored as a negative against DE's in general.
I will say, despite early frustrations and a lot of red flags, it was still an epic and enjoyable weekend, and I hope everyone else agrees .... at least those whose cars came home intact
Amid all the crazy in red, there was also a pretty competent chap in a black GT3RS, I learned a few things from following him
I normally wouldn't comment on things like this, but I noticed the same thing. Whoever was in that car pulled up almost next to me on a yellow flag lap, starting weaving back and forth to get my attention (I saw him coming already), and started honking at me to give him a passing signal. I refused because we were
Happened in red/intermediate as well. Gtr guys got a nice ripping during drivers meeting, and I witnessed a ford gt dive bomb a z3 into the trip-apex turn.
Had a great time at Cota and enjoyed meeting new rl's. We were pretty bummed to see Geisha retire (I still don't think it will happen). nothing like grabbing drinks at a packed lounge at the W and seeing Steve st John studying his videos in the corner...
On Saturday, John and I decided to do a pit lane pass every 3 laps to just avoid the traffic, but Mark's briefing seemed to have a positive effect on the mirror checking; Sat morning was remarkably better, and the mini-session strategy proved unnecessary.
It's really unfortunate that there was so much chaos, because Mark is a fantastic organizer ... I think a number of folks must have inflated their resume on him in order to get into the DE. I hope the track forgives him, and I doubly hope it is not scored as a negative against DE's in general.
I will say, despite early frustrations and a lot of red flags, it was still an epic and enjoyable weekend, and I hope everyone else agrees .... at least those whose cars came home intact
Amid all the crazy in red, there was also a pretty competent chap in a black GT3RS, I learned a few things from following him
02-04-2013, 12:39 AM
#551
GT3 player par excellence
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
[quote=dcrooke;10195162]
Speaking as one of the aforementioned naughty GT-R drivers .... the red group was at best half Intermediate, half beginner. There were no point-bys to be had for love nor money on Friday. I will definitely to having had a bit of a case of the red mist over this, and in hindsight, if someone simply isn't checking their mirrors, or simply doesn't care to give point-bys, no amount of Manselling around behind them with your main beam on is going to help. I put it down to a combination of inexperienced DE participants and the awe of being at that track
On Saturday, John and I decided to do a pit lane pass every 3 laps to just avoid the traffic, but Mark's briefing seemed to have a positive effect on the mirror checking; Sat morning was remarkably better, and the mini-session strategy proved unnecessary.
It's really unfortunate that there was so much chaos, because Mark is a fantastic organizer ... I think a number of folks must have inflated their resume on him in order to get into the DE. I hope the track forgives him, and I doubly hope it is not scored as a negative against DE's in general.
I will say, despite early frustrations and a lot of red flags, it was still an epic and enjoyable weekend, and I hope everyone else agrees .... at least those whose cars came home intact
Amid all the crazy in red, there was also a pretty competent chap in a black GT3RS, I learned a few things from following him
i have no issues with slower driver or slower cars if they understand the art of point by. after a lap, i start using my front bumper.....
Speaking as one of the aforementioned naughty GT-R drivers .... the red group was at best half Intermediate, half beginner. There were no point-bys to be had for love nor money on Friday. I will definitely to having had a bit of a case of the red mist over this, and in hindsight, if someone simply isn't checking their mirrors, or simply doesn't care to give point-bys, no amount of Manselling around behind them with your main beam on is going to help. I put it down to a combination of inexperienced DE participants and the awe of being at that track
On Saturday, John and I decided to do a pit lane pass every 3 laps to just avoid the traffic, but Mark's briefing seemed to have a positive effect on the mirror checking; Sat morning was remarkably better, and the mini-session strategy proved unnecessary.
It's really unfortunate that there was so much chaos, because Mark is a fantastic organizer ... I think a number of folks must have inflated their resume on him in order to get into the DE. I hope the track forgives him, and I doubly hope it is not scored as a negative against DE's in general.
I will say, despite early frustrations and a lot of red flags, it was still an epic and enjoyable weekend, and I hope everyone else agrees .... at least those whose cars came home intact
Amid all the crazy in red, there was also a pretty competent chap in a black GT3RS, I learned a few things from following him
02-04-2013, 12:43 AM
#552
Great meeting a few of you guys. I was in the white 27 Vette in green group. Should have some great videos to post soon.
Red flags were silly but they seem to be getting that sorted. Spoke to a SCCA corner worker they are trying to get the COTA official in control up to speed.
Track felt aukward at first seemed not to flow but by this morning it all made sence & I could tell there is way more time to make in the eases & 16-19 complex. Great to see so many GT3's in one spot. Also glad to see no Vette's oiled down the track for you guys.
Red flags were silly but they seem to be getting that sorted. Spoke to a SCCA corner worker they are trying to get the COTA official in control up to speed.
Track felt aukward at first seemed not to flow but by this morning it all made sence & I could tell there is way more time to make in the eases & 16-19 complex. Great to see so many GT3's in one spot. Also glad to see no Vette's oiled down the track for you guys.
02-04-2013, 01:35 AM
#554
Rennlist Member
LG running a 2:34 in a bone stock down to the tires Camaro ZL1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DQjqyg0qaw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DQjqyg0qaw
Not so much.
The two long straights are balanced by the highly technical esses (irregular radii, on/off camber, blocked visuals, etc.) and the tight double 180's (13-15)followed by huge triple apex increasing radius sweeper (16-18). Well driven handling cars pick up tons of time in those sections, while the big power guys take charge on the two big straights.
I ran 2:33 in the CRX (210 hp, 1900 lbs) on Hankook RS-3's and 2:35's in my 7.2 GT3 on MPSS. The CRX did 135 mph on the back straight while the GT3 topped 150. Different solutions to the same problem.
The two long straights are balanced by the highly technical esses (irregular radii, on/off camber, blocked visuals, etc.) and the tight double 180's (13-15)followed by huge triple apex increasing radius sweeper (16-18). Well driven handling cars pick up tons of time in those sections, while the big power guys take charge on the two big straights.
I ran 2:33 in the CRX (210 hp, 1900 lbs) on Hankook RS-3's and 2:35's in my 7.2 GT3 on MPSS. The CRX did 135 mph on the back straight while the GT3 topped 150. Different solutions to the same problem.
+1 for handling .... I was surprised by how slow the Nissan was in a straight line compared to other things, but it was loving the carousel and the esses ... averaging around 148 mph at T12, but managed a 2:28 and that was a lap with mistakes (they all were
/ stock GT-R, street setup, used 295/680-19 Pirelli's
/ stock GT-R, street setup, used 295/680-19 Pirelli's
[quote=mooty;10195183]Worst open passing manners ever. I've never seen anything like that before. 90% of the points were in the straights despite the option to pass in the corners. And even then there were some high hp cars parking it in the corners and flooring it in the straights.
02-04-2013, 01:38 AM
#555
Rennlist Member
Ok, here's mine in the CRX from Saturday. Did not run video in the GT3 today. Sound sucks, so turn it down.
http://youtu.be/SULlPs8fuQQ
http://youtu.be/SULlPs8fuQQ