NASA - Virginia 2005 tentative schedule posted

[Black396]

NASA - Virginia has posted their tentative schedule (http://www.nasaracing.net/) for the 2005 season.

Date ---------- Track
Feb 18-20 --- VIRginia International Raceway
March 5-6 ---- Lowes Motor Speedway
April 2-3 ------ Carolina Motorsports Park
June 11-12 -- Summit Point Raceway (Shenandoah)
July 16-17 --- Summit Point Raceway (Hyperfest 05)
July 29-31 --- VIRginia International Raceway
Sept 24-25 -- Summit Point Raceway
Oct 15-16 ---- Summit Point Raceway

Ralph and I plan on starting the season off with the VIR event in February. Anyone else interested in getting some 'early' track time in? [:D]

[urtoslo]

I'll be up for VIR in Feb!

[Akcelr8]

I noticed Shenandoah on the schedule. I guess we'll find out what it's like after all! Mike, are you going for all three days in February (to take the instructor course)?

[Black396]

I noticed Shenandoah on the schedule. I guess we'll find out what it's like after all! Mike, are you going for all three days in February (to take the instructor course)?

I'm not sure about Shenandoah. I saw Andrej's review but I'm still skeptical.

Yes I'll be going down for all 3 days. I'll get a room down there for Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. Leave here Thursday afternoon and drive back Sunday evening.

The room rates weren't bad (government) last year in February.

[LilRedCorvette]

Feb 18-20 --- VIRginia International Raceway

Ralph and I plan on starting the season off with the VIR event in February. Anyone else interested in getting some 'early' track time in? [:D]

Is this an HPDE that a newbie can take part in? Or is it simply track time that you have to be a veteran and signed off solo on? Any details would be appreciated. [:)]

I don't think I'd be too comfortable on the Shenandoah track...

[Ebein]

NASA - Virginia has posted their tentative schedule (http://www.nasaracing.net/) for the 2005 season.

Date ---------- Track
Feb 18-20 --- VIRginia International Raceway
March 5-6 ---- Lowes Motor Speedway
April 2-3 ------ Carolina Motorsports Park
June 11-12 -- Summit Point Raceway (Shenandoah)
July 16-17 --- Summit Point Raceway (Hyperfest 05)
July 29-31 --- VIRginia International Raceway
Sept 24-25 -- Summit Point Raceway
Oct 15-16 ---- Summit Point Raceway

Ralph and I plan on starting the season off with the VIR event in February. Anyone else interested in getting some 'early' track time in? [:D]

What are track conditions like in feb? Im not quite sure I want
to run on a Snowed in track ;)

These are all HPDE events?

[Black396]

Is this an HPDE that a newbie can take part in? Or is it simply track time that you have to be a veteran and signed off solo on? Any details would be appreciated. [:)]

I don't think I'd be too comfortable on the Shenandoah track...

Yes, just a regular HPDE, all groups on Saturday and Sunday. Friday is the Level I instructor class.

VIR (Virginia International Raceway) is an exceptional track. It is located near Danville, VA. VIR web site (http://www.virclub.com/directions/index.html) The full course at VIR is a 3.27 mile course that is a real 'hoot'!

To register for this or any NASA event, you must be a member of NASA (http://www.nasaproracing.com/). NASA is the organization that hosts most of the HPDEs that Ralph, Andrej, Dave, etc. attend.

{The opinions expressed here at those of the poster and are not necessarily the opinion or view of NVCC}

[janderson]

Is this an HPDE that a newbie can take part in? Or is it simply track time that you have to be a veteran and signed off solo on? Any details would be appreciated. [:)]

I don't think I'd be too comfortable on the Shenandoah track...

You'd be in Group 1 and if its anything like the HPDE I attended at Beaver Run you'll have a blast. You'll have classroom and an instructor in the car when you are on the track.

Join NASA, then sign up and go!

Based on trips to the in-laws that time of year, it will be cold. May still have some snow on the grass. Might be rainy, depends.

[LilRedCorvette]

OK...so assuming I'll be able to go in February...what do I need to do to get ready for this???

I would *like* the new bushings to be in for this event if possible. Anything else I should be aware of, besides the obvious fresh oil and brake pads, etc...?

*listens for the Wise One to answer* [:D]

[LilRedCorvette]

Is this an HPDE that a newbie can take part in? Or is it simply track time that you have to be a veteran and signed off solo on? Any details would be appreciated. [:)]

I don't think I'd be too comfortable on the Shenandoah track...

You'd be in Group 1 and if its anything like the HPDE I attended at Beaver Run you'll have a blast. You'll have classroom and an instructor in the car when you are on the track.

Join NASA, then sign up and go!

Based on trips to the in-laws that time of year, it will be cold. May still have some snow on the grass. Might be rainy, depends.

That's cool. [:)] But I really don't want to drive when it's raining. I hate it. [:(]

[Black396]

OK...so assuming I'll be able to go in February...what do I need to do to get ready for this???

I would *like* the new bushings to be in for this event if possible. Anything else I should be aware of, besides the obvious fresh oil and brake pads, etc...?

*listens for the Wise One to answer* [:D]

Bushings really should be done for VIR to get the most out of the track but not absolutely necessary.


Oil, filter, pads, brake fluid (all fluids actually) are a most for VIR.

[LilRedCorvette]

Bushings really should be done for VIR to get the most out of the track but not absolutely necessary.

Oil, filter, pads, brake fluid (all fluids actually) are a most for VIR.

Brake fluid was done when the new SS lines and pads were put in. Still looks good. New Dexcool and Water Wetter in when the water pump had to be replaced, so I'm good there as well. And I'm good about getting regular oil changes. So it looks like I've got that list covered.

Haven't serviced power steering and trans fluids yet, though... Anything else I'm forgetting? [:-?]

[Black396]

Based on trips to the in-laws that time of year, it will be cold. May still have some snow on the grass. Might be rainy, depends.

That's cool. [:)] But I really don't want to drive when it's raining. I hate it. [:(]

VIR is one of the safest tracks we go to as far as run-offs go. As for driving in the rain, if you can be fast and safe in the rain, then you can be fast and safe anywhere.

[Akcelr8]

[That's cool. [:)] But I really don't want to drive when it's raining. I hate it. [:(]

It rained the first time Mike and I ever hit the track at Summit. Actually, it was a good experience. The speeds were reduced and because of the reduced traction, whatever the car was going to do (understeer, oversteer, etc) it happened a little more earlier in the input. This forces you to become smoother. I'd rather drive on a dry track anytime, but I won't shy away from a wet one...I'll just use the opportunity to work on smoothing out my inputs.

[Black396]

It rained the first time Mike and I ever hit the track at Summit. Actually, it was a good experience. The speeds were reduced and because of the reduced traction, whatever the car was going to do (understeer, oversteer, etc) it happened a little more earlier in the input. This forces you to become smoother. I'd rather drive on a dry track anytime, but I won't shy away from a wet one...I'll just use the opportunity to work on smoothing out my inputs.

I totally agree. The only event that we DON'T do if it rains is ODS. Two years ago the track at Spook was wet in the mornings and we had a number of 'offs'. Some of them weren't pretty.

If you are going to learn to drive on a 'wet' track VIR is the one to do it on. It is definitely a 'wet' friendly track. Not only is there a lot of run offs the surface dries quickly and there are very few if any places where water pools.

As Ralph likes to say, "its just another skill to add to your bag of tricks".

[Ebein]

It rained the first time Mike and I ever hit the track at Summit. Actually, it was a good experience. The speeds were reduced and because of the reduced traction, whatever the car was going to do (understeer, oversteer, etc) it happened a little more earlier in the input. This forces you to become smoother. I'd rather drive on a dry track anytime, but I won't shy away from a wet one...I'll just use the opportunity to work on smoothing out my inputs.

I totally agree. The only event that we DON'T do if it rains is ODS. Two years ago the track at Spook was wet in the mornings and we had a number of 'offs'. Some of them weren't pretty.

If you are going to learn to drive on a 'wet' track VIR is the one to do it on. It is definitely a 'wet' friendly track. Not only is there a lot of run offs the surface dries quickly and there are very few if any places where water pools.

As Ralph likes to say, "its just another skill to add to your bag of tricks".

Gona discuss it with the wife, I think I can make this =).

[Black396]

Gona discuss it with the wife, I think I can make this =).

Kool [B-)] and 1 makes 4! Andrej, Ralph, Bill and me! Look out Danville, the NVCC is about to descend upon you. [:))]

[Ebein]

Gona discuss it with the wife, I think I can make this =).

Kool [B-)] and 1 makes 4! Andrej, Ralph, Bill and me! Look out Danville, the NVCC is about to descend upon you. [:))]


Lil'Red gona make it to VIR? How 'bout you James? think you'll
be ready to go by then?

[LilRedCorvette]

Gona discuss it with the wife, I think I can make this =).

Kool [B-)] and 1 makes 4! Andrej, Ralph, Bill and me! Look out Danville, the NVCC is about to descend upon you. [:))]


Lil'Red gona make it to VIR? How 'bout you James? think you'll
be ready to go by then?

I should be ready by then, word is that the hub got the gift cert from Mid-America for my bushings...just would need them installed.

I did casually *mention* the VIR thing today but all I got was a blank stare. We'll see.

And I do understand what you all are saying about driving in the rain, etc... But I'm not able to do EVERY single event that comes along, so I really want to pick and choose carefully. I'd prefer to be driving LilRed during nice/dry weather days rather than waste my $$$ on rainy, cold, crappy days. Bad for the arthritis and more work to clean up the car afterward. Unfortunately, hard to predict what the weather will be for pre-registration purposes, so I have to decide either to take my chances on spring/summer events only or suck it up, register, and possibly drive during miserable conditions. Hmmmm...

[janderson]

Lil'Red gona make it to VIR? How 'bout you James? think you'll
be ready to go by then?

Nope too early - unless I win the Lotto or something [:((]

[Ebein]

Lil'Red gona make it to VIR? How 'bout you James? think you'll
be ready to go by then?

Nope too early - unless I win the Lotto or something [:((]

Sorry to hear that, hope to see ya in the next one. [%%-]

[Black396]

But I'm not able to do EVERY single event that comes along, so I really want to pick and choose carefully. I'd prefer to be driving LilRed during nice/dry weather days rather than waste my $$$ on rainy, cold, crappy days. Bad for the arthritis and more work to clean up the car afterward. Unfortunately, hard to predict what the weather will be for pre-registration purposes, so I have to decide either to take my chances on spring/summer events only or suck it up, register, and possibly drive during miserable conditions. Hmmmm...

"Even a bad day at the track is better than the best day at the office" [B-)]

Do I smell a 'fair weather' racer here? [:D] <j/k>

Remember that 90+ degree days with 90+ % humidity are a pain also. Harder on the equipment and harder on the drivers. Just food for thought.

[LilRedCorvette]

"Even a bad day at the track is better than the best day at the office" [B-)]

Do I smell a 'fair weather' racer here? [:D] <j/k>

Remember that 90+ degree days with 90+ % humidity are a pain also. Harder on the equipment and harder on the drivers. Just food for thought.

True dat, but I can stand heat better than cold. Bad circulation; I am cold ALL the time. I've been known to use an electric blanket in the summer. Hopefully the acupuncture will rectify that.

LilRed has higher temp fluids and lotsa crap replaced this year, so I'm not too worried. Although I do know I have to be more careful with her in the heat...

[Black396]

Bad circulation; I am cold ALL the time. .

To paraphrase George, "If you're cold, your much to slow".

Best way to get that circulation going is to pump a little adreneline through the system... works every time. [:D] [:))]

[wazzzup]

Then I'm much too slow! I hate the damn cold! Have absolutley NO use for winter! [:D] [;)] Give me 80 degree days, hammocks, beaches, and pink drinks with little umbrellas in them anyday over a cold day! [:D]

[LilRedCorvette]

Then I'm much too slow! I hate the damn cold! Have absolutley NO use for winter! [:D] [;)] Give me 80 degree days, hammocks, beaches, and pink drinks with little umbrellas in them anyday over a cold day! [:D]

Amen to that! This winter I'm going to stay in an much as possible and work on the house, drink HOT tea, and otherwise hibernate...BRRRRR, it's COLD out there! [:(] [:((]

[Black396]

Hey! Quit hijacking my thread. [:p]

We had this discussion in the other thread.

I'm not fond of the cold myself. I just ignore it when I'm at the track. [:D]

George, have you joined NASA yet?

The Ohio-Indiana region of NASA has two tracks that I want to do this year. One of course is BeaveRun (http://www.beaverun.com/)

http://www.beaverun.com/images/track_main_north.gif

and the other is Mid-Ohio (http://www.midohio.com/home.asp)

http://www.midohio.com/images/TrackMap.jpg

[LilRedCorvette]

OK, this is looking to be more and more of a possibility. I'm pretty sure I can get LilRed ready by then.

My main thing is that I STILL hafta have my second surgery and have to plan when to have it. I keep putting it off b/c...well...I really don't wanna go! [:((] Told doc it would be after the holidays. Just too much to do. Wanted to do it after the Annual Banquet...and after V-day. Now VIR's on Feb 18-20. This surgery keeps getting pushed off later and later! Ack!

Might hafta get a firesuit though, even though it's not required for LilRed...I have no idea how I'm gonna stay warm on a track in February! Recommendations???

[Black396]

A firesuit is a pretty expensive "cold suit" and the thinner inexpensive ones really only act as a wind buffer.

A good suit (FIA - SFI 3.2A/5) will set you back between $500 and $1000. {a 5 will prevent second degree burns for about 9.5 seconds, a 10 for about 19 seconds; gasoline fire 1800-2100 degrees}

A fire suit is a good common sense purchase if you wear. Unfortuanately, I normally wear mine only when it is required.

If you are just looking for warmth, a set of ladies ski long underwear is probably a more sensible (cheaper) purchase.

[LilRedCorvette]

A firesuit is a pretty expensive "cold suit" and the thinner inexpensive ones really only act as a wind buffer.

A good suit (FIA - SFI 3.2A/5) will set you back between $500 and $1000. {a 5 will prevent second degree burns for about 9.5 seconds, a 10 for about 19 seconds; gasoline fire 1800-2100 degrees}

A fire suit is a good common sense purchase if you wear. Unfortuanately, I normally wear mine only when it is required.

If you are just looking for warmth, a set of ladies ski long underwear is probably a more sensible (cheaper) purchase.

I know they're expensive...I pretty much figured that much on cost...but I planned on wearing the long underwear AND the firesuit!!! Really...I'm not kidding when I say I'm cold ALL THE TIME! I need to wear a lot of layers...[:p] Especially if the windows have to be down...

I only sweat when drinking hot tea...and well...I won't be drinking hot tea while driving! Heeheehee...

[Black396]

Well unlike A/C running the heater on high doesn't pull the motor down. [;)]

I don't think anyone will get cold while driving. [:D] It's the standing around in the pits that will get to you. (If there is any wind).

[LilRedCorvette]

Well unlike A/C running the heater on high doesn't pull the motor down. [;)]

I don't think anyone will get cold while driving. [:D] It's the standing around in the pits that will get to you. (If there is any wind).

Well, guess what?! I'm crankin' that puppy up to 90 degrees! And...I'll probably STILL be cold! [:p] [:))]

[Black396]

Well unlike A/C running the heater on high doesn't pull the motor down. [;)]

I don't think anyone will get cold while driving. [:D] It's the standing around in the pits that will get to you. (If there is any wind).

Well, guess what?! I'm crankin' that puppy up to 90 degrees! And...I'll probably STILL be cold! [:p] [:))]

WUSS! [:p] [:D] [:))] [>:)]

[LilRedCorvette]

Well unlike A/C running the heater on high doesn't pull the motor down. [;)]

I don't think anyone will get cold while driving. [:D] It's the standing around in the pits that will get to you. (If there is any wind).

Well, guess what?! I'm crankin' that puppy up to 90 degrees! And...I'll probably STILL be cold! [:p] [:))]

WUSS! [:p] [:D] [:))] [>:)]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v166/bigbozman/Bart12345.gif

[Black396]

I stuck between

the Beatles - Twist And Shout lyrics...
Well, shake it up, baby, now, (shake it up, baby)
C'mon c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, baby, now, (come on baby)
Come on and work it on out. (work it on out)

and the Grateful Dead - SUGAREE lyrics
Just one thing I ask of you, just one thing for me
Please forget you know my name, my darling sugaree
Shake it, shake it sugaree, just dont tell them that you know me...
[:((]

[Ebein]

Hey! Quit hijacking my thread. [:p]

We had this discussion in the other thread.

I'm not fond of the cold myself. I just ignore it when I'm at the track. [:D]

George, have you joined NASA yet?

The Ohio-Indiana region of NASA has two tracks that I want to do this year. One of course is BeaveRun (http://www.beaverun.com/)

http://www.beaverun.com/images/track_main_north.gif

and the other is Mid-Ohio (http://www.midohio.com/home.asp)

http://www.midohio.com/images/TrackMap.jpg

Im definately going to be running Beaver Run this year, Mid Ohio
looks fun, what direction do they usually run in?

When will the South Track/Full Track be available at Beaver Run?

[Black396]

Im definately going to be running Beaver Run this year, Mid Ohio
looks fun, what direction do they usually run in?

When will the South Track/Full Track be available at Beaver Run?

It is normally run clockwise. Check out the one lap video (http://www.midohio.com/school/video/viewer.asp?speed=High&ext=mov)

They were talking about the South course being completed some time in 2005 but I don't see it. The connecting track might be ready so they might extend the course a little.

Ralph and I talked to the GM Monday before we left. He was talking about having the connector completed last year.

The full course should be ~3.5 miles in length (even longer then the full course at VIR) so it should definitely be fun. [:D]

[wazzzup]

Bill, I havn't joined yet, but I do plan on it. I've got a ton of things on the plate right now so I just need to prioritize them. What do I need to do to get certified with them?

[Ebein]

Bill, I havn't joined yet, but I do plan on it. I've got a ton of things on the plate right now so I just need to prioritize them. What do I need to do to get certified with them?

To join NASA all you have to do is go to thier website and
fill out the app and pay your $$ ( i think 35$ ).

Each Event is registered separately and you will need your NASA
number to sign up or it will force you to join on the spot to participate.

Mike, Are NASA memberships Calander Year like NVCC or
are they 1 year from time of joining?

[janderson]

Mike, Are NASA memberships Calander Year like NVCC or
are they 1 year from time of joining?

I'm not mike, but . . . . . .

Mine is good for one year from the day I paid my $35.

[Ebein]

Mike, Are NASA memberships Calander Year like NVCC or
are they 1 year from time of joining?

I'm not mike, but . . . . . .

Mine is good for one year from the day I paid my $35.


Thanks James.

Mid-Ohio looks like a fun track, not many elevation changes
but lotsa turns.

[Black396]

Mid-Ohio looks like a fun track, not many elevation changes but lotsa turns.

What elevation changes there are good to get you airborne. It is a highspeed track. The SCCA National runoffs were held up there and the drivers seemed to really get into it. [:D]

[Ebein]

Mid-Ohio looks like a fun track, not many elevation changes but lotsa turns.

What elevation changes there are good to get you airborne. It is a highspeed track. The SCCA National runoffs were held up there and the drivers seemed to really get into it. [:D]


Faster than Summit?

BTW when's the 6 Speed going in Mike?

[Black396]

Its supposed to be, more turns and faster turns.

I've got all of the major parts clutch, tranny, driveshaft, c-beam, bellhousing, etc. I'm waiting on the stock parts, master cylinder, hose and slave cylinder.

Koons told me they should take one - two days. That was last Monday and I'm still waiting. [X-(]

I could have got them from Superior Chevy in Kansas faster.

[Ebein]

Its supposed to be, more turns and faster turns.

I've got all of the major parts clutch, tranny, driveshaft, c-beam, bellhousing, etc. I'm waiting on the stock parts, master cylinder, hose and slave cylinder.

Koons told me they should take one - two days. That was last Monday and I'm still waiting. [X-(]

I could have got them from Superior Chevy in Kansas faster.

Summit should be fun with the 6 speed, 120-130 down the straight with the 4+3. 150-160 should give a nice adrenaline
rush comming up to turn one standing on the binders [:D]

[Black396]

Probably closer to 140 - 145. 1st thru 3rd in the 4+3 is deeper than with the 6 speed. Coming out of T10 in 3rd I was able to pull harder.

Just have to wait and see what she does. [:D]

[Ebein]

Probably closer to 140 - 145. 1st thru 3rd in the 4+3 is deeper than with the 6 speed. Coming out of T10 in 3rd I was able to pull harder.

Just have to wait and see what she does. [:D]

I look forward to seeing you run with the new gearing, and
if they put 2/3 together be able to run same group this year.

[Black396]

I've never run with NASA - Virginia where they combined HPDE2 and HPDE3 but there is a good chance NASA - Ohio-Indiana will at BeaveRun again.

I hope we get the opportunity.

[JaxVette]

I'll be down at NASA's first of the year at VIR. Already got the "Joneses" from lack of track time.

Last Feb's NASA weekend turned out to be nice, weatherwise, down at VIR. Hope it turns out the same in 2005. See you guys there. - Jack -

[Black396]

Jack,
A couple of us will down for Friday doing the Instructor clinic. When are you planning on getting in? Any idea where you are staying yet?

[LilRedCorvette]

I'll be down at NASA's first of the year at VIR. Already got the "Joneses" from lack of track time.

Last Feb's NASA weekend turned out to be nice, weatherwise, down at VIR. Hope it turns out the same in 2005. See you guys there. - Jack -

I hope it'll be decent weather-wise this coming Feb. Otherwise I'll be wearing a very heavy firesuit! Was talking to some guy over at OG Racing and he said last February at VIR they had a nice weekend. *crosses fingers*

[JaxVette]

Mike,

I'll be getting down to VIR that Friday afternoon. I usually stay at the Hampton Inn in Danville. It's only a few minutes away and the price isn't too bad. Plus, there's a couple of steak houses right down the street.

Let's hook-up that Friday afternoon/evening over a couple of cold ones and you guys can educate me on all the instructor info that was inserted into your head that day!!! -Jack-

[Black396]

Jack,

Sounds good to me! Last time there we stayed in Danville... at the Holiday Inn. If I remember right, the Hampton Inn was just about across the street. Sets back and up on a hill?

Looking forward to it! [:D]

[LilRedCorvette]

NASA # 118868

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/woeii//ShareForumUse/woohoo.gif

[Black396]

LilRed has her number! [=D>]

Congrats! [B-)]

[Ebein]

NASA # 118868

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/woeii//ShareForumUse/woohoo.gif


Gratz!

[janderson]

NASA # 118868

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/woeii//ShareForumUse/woohoo.gif

Another track rat is born - congrats [:)]

[LilRedCorvette]

Thanx guys...very excited, here! Gonna get my s**t together and get ready for VIR! YIPPEE!!!