NASA VIR participants check-in

[Black396]

Well, the long ranged forecast is for middle to upper 50s and partly sunny. Looks like the weather is going to be good for us.

I've got my room reserved. I got the windshield replaced today. I'm going down to Mike Wood's Sunday to put on the 6 piston Wilwoods. I think I'm ready to go. How is everyone else coming?

I looking forward to this. [:)]

[urtoslo]

I've got fresh tires, a room reservation and am very pleased the long range forecast is as good as it is.

See you there!

[Jtribble]

I'm putting on stainless steel brake lines and adding super blue brake fluid. And toying with the idea of lowering the car.

[:)]

[Black396]

Do you have time to lower it and get it re-aligned?

After hearing Ralph's horror story about what his alignment cost him, I'm dreading the next time I have to have mine done.

[Jtribble]

They say -- drop it -- drive it --- an check it after a thousand or so miles. ... yeah, a thousand track miles perhaps. [:D]

Last time it was perfect after 1200 miles -- didn't need to touch a thing.[B-)]

[Black396]

Must be nice. When I dropped mine I had to have it aligned. Apparently dropping a C4 causes the rear camber to change.

[Jtribble]

... hmmm ... let's say this one doesn't get distroyed on the street ... who is the best person to check the allignement?

I'm still a little gun shy about lowering the car ... given all the damaged it caused when I found myself a top of a mountainous curb.

[Black396]

who is the best person to check the allignement?


The jury is still out on this one. The last time I had mine done was over a year ago at Currys, but they were the ones that tried to rape Ralph.

CDE Motorsports in Chantilly might be okay. Maybe Joe Maloe at Koon's could recommend someone since Koon's doesn't want to do custom alignment settings or deal with cars that have been lowered.

[Jtribble]

[:O] rape? no thanks!!!

[urtoslo]

... hmmm ... let's say this one doesn't get distroyed on the street ... who is the best person to check the allignement?




I use High Tech Auto and Truck in Chantilly for my Vette alignment needs.

[Black396]

I just got my confirmation email from Laura at NASA. Did you guys receive yours?

It looks like there are so many instructors running and so few HPDE 3 and HPDE 4 drivers that they are going to combine the 3 & 4 groups and make a group just for the instructors.

[C5inWV]

I got my confirmation notice today as well.

New ceramic pads all around for me.[:D]

See you there.

[urtoslo]

What groups are you guys running in?

[Black396]

I'm running HPDE 3. (Now 3 & 4) unless I get intimidated by all those HPDE 4 guys. [:D]

[StompAndGo]

Hey Ya'll -

My experience so far has been excellent at NTB. They let you specify the alignment you want, AND let you hang out in the shop to watch, AND give you 6 months warranty if it wanders out from track (ab)use.

It's only $90, and if the machine (brand new high-tech laser driven at Springfield location) printout says its aligned to your spec's, what more do you need?

Get there early in the morning and you're done an hour later.

RjP [B-)]

[Black396]

Where is it located in Springfield? The Merchants on Rolling ripped me off on the 96 with a 'standard' alignment. Are you talking about the one down by the tank farm? If so, I didn't realize they did Corvettes. They sure didn't like trying to change the tires on the 96 with the LTPWS in the wheels. [:((]

[StompAndGo]

The shop is on Port Royal Rd., over there behind Kilroys Bar off of Braddock. Call in advance and tell them it's a Corvette - they have two mechanics who are familiar with them so it's generally not a problem. They'll also tell you if there's anyone in line before you.

Looks like I'll probably be there on Thurs. morning myself! I just remembered I corded my Kumho's at Summit last year and need to get front camber checked [:-/]

RjP

[Jtribble]

[:D] What a fantastic weekend at VIR !!!

Did anyone get any videos of the course?

And did anyone get any lap times?

[urtoslo]

FWIW, I was running 2:30.5 in the Miata and the owner was running 2:28's.[B-)]

[JaxVette]

Hey NVCC NCCC Govenor,

I just wanted to say thanks for the help and instruction you gave me in my '84 down at VIR. Had a great time and really enjoyed it.

Question, how many tracks and HPDE 1's do I need to attend before I can move up to the HPDE 2 group?

Thanks again and look forward to seeing you at the event up at Summit Point in May.

Jack - Richmond, VA '84 Vette. (http://zaxjax.com)

[urtoslo]

Jack!

I replied to your other message and didn't know the originator was you. I'm glad you found our web site!

To answer this question, you have to show mastery of all those items in your log book before you can move up a group. You did a fine job for your first time on the track, so if you continue along those same lines, and other instructors give you good marks, you should move up shortly. I can't say for sure how many tracks/events that NASA may want you to have before that happens, but Rick Poage may be able to answer this question better than I. Give it at least 3-4 events, IMHO. My personal criteria for signing someone off is if I would feel safe on the track with that person, and I think you are well on the way to that point.


See you around!

Andrej

[JaxVette]

Andrej,

Thanks for the info on the HPDE classes. I appreciate it. I'll keep working on them.

Hope to see some of you guys down here at the VMSC autocrosses now and then. We could use some more Vette drivers down here.

First VMSC event of the season is on 21 March '04 down at Dinwiddie. Should be fun.
Later - Jack - '84 Vette

[urtoslo]

I've got it on my calendar now! Is there preregistration?