Varkwso
02-26-2007, 02:54 PM
At the first SeatTime event of 2007on 23 February several people presented their new rides for a really full day of track time at Roebling (over 2 hours if you could handle it). The belle of the ball was definitely Larry's Ford GT - white with blue stripes naturally. But the procharged C6 convertible was no slouch either. There were lots of first timers there plus a big contingent of track regulars. The C5 ZO6 was probably the largest car segment but the 911 crowd was running second (something I guess they should get used to). I have noticed a large transformation in the cars at track events in the last 5 years or so. As C5s have become affordable used cars they are showing up more and more on the track. One day there will be a SpecC5 class to run alongside the remaining Spec944s. The "911" will probably still be in production.
The weather could not have been better. Blue skies, mild temps, washed track surface from rains on Wednesday, and light breeze resulted in great engine performance and decent stick. The new track surface really makes it easier on tires.
Khoi was there showing off his CCWs and other new additions to his ZO6 along with his really nice father-in-law. Unfortunately, they did not prevent him from getting the "blue flag" (the one that means there is a fast car you are blocking - or there is a race and you are not in it) whenever a blue ZO6 was anywhere near him. My favorite one was the blue flag on the checked flag cooldown lap at T7. I almost ran off the road I was laughing so hard. Mark in his 03 ZO6 was running consistent 1:19s and is really interested in the NASA TT option. He was a little bummed out when I told him his car was in TTS (headers, 315s, et. al.) and found out the lap times for the class. But to be honest he would do much better with "competition" and someone to run with. The track density was incredibly low (~25 cars in 3 groups). I think I convinced him to enter the NASA TT in May at Roebling.
Larry had a little less than 4000 miles on his Ford GT and he was there to see if he could "learn something". I am pretty sure he did. In his first session he was pretty easy on the car and mastered the art of the point by. I took him out in my ZO6 to show him the line, basic braking techniques and how to carry some speed in the corners - it was a gentle mid 1:20 demo to get him up to speed. A demo ride for him was eye opening. In his next session he was keeping up with crowd and getting a feel for the track. Jon took the GT out with him just before lunch to help him with the line some more and to take Larry's Mom and wife on some track laps. I think Jon, and all of Larry's family, was impressed after the experience. Naturally when Larry asked me if I could show him threshold braking in his GT I graciously accepted the offer to drive his car. It really did help his braking and smoothness when I showed how smooth inputs and assertive braking could trim seconds much better than massive applications of throttle. He was asking about the next competition school and the DE he could attend. I have him signing up with T1 on 2 Mar - he is definitely hooked. I do not know what class the GT is in NASA TT - but when some rich guy (that can drive) decides to do it - get ready for some Ford smackdown.
Tom and his mechanic were there in his Ford Mustang. I rode with Tom once to tune him up on the line at Roebling and Jake instructed his mechanic. They all seemed to have a great time and the car made it all the way to 3:00 PM before it jumped time (we think). Tom has the best attitude and the worst luck of any track guy I have ever met.
I have an 73 Vette big block engine swap, new calipers on Jakes car, the Forza Showdown to watch and a few other minor items to complete over the weekend.....
The weather could not have been better. Blue skies, mild temps, washed track surface from rains on Wednesday, and light breeze resulted in great engine performance and decent stick. The new track surface really makes it easier on tires.
Khoi was there showing off his CCWs and other new additions to his ZO6 along with his really nice father-in-law. Unfortunately, they did not prevent him from getting the "blue flag" (the one that means there is a fast car you are blocking - or there is a race and you are not in it) whenever a blue ZO6 was anywhere near him. My favorite one was the blue flag on the checked flag cooldown lap at T7. I almost ran off the road I was laughing so hard. Mark in his 03 ZO6 was running consistent 1:19s and is really interested in the NASA TT option. He was a little bummed out when I told him his car was in TTS (headers, 315s, et. al.) and found out the lap times for the class. But to be honest he would do much better with "competition" and someone to run with. The track density was incredibly low (~25 cars in 3 groups). I think I convinced him to enter the NASA TT in May at Roebling.
Larry had a little less than 4000 miles on his Ford GT and he was there to see if he could "learn something". I am pretty sure he did. In his first session he was pretty easy on the car and mastered the art of the point by. I took him out in my ZO6 to show him the line, basic braking techniques and how to carry some speed in the corners - it was a gentle mid 1:20 demo to get him up to speed. A demo ride for him was eye opening. In his next session he was keeping up with crowd and getting a feel for the track. Jon took the GT out with him just before lunch to help him with the line some more and to take Larry's Mom and wife on some track laps. I think Jon, and all of Larry's family, was impressed after the experience. Naturally when Larry asked me if I could show him threshold braking in his GT I graciously accepted the offer to drive his car. It really did help his braking and smoothness when I showed how smooth inputs and assertive braking could trim seconds much better than massive applications of throttle. He was asking about the next competition school and the DE he could attend. I have him signing up with T1 on 2 Mar - he is definitely hooked. I do not know what class the GT is in NASA TT - but when some rich guy (that can drive) decides to do it - get ready for some Ford smackdown.
Tom and his mechanic were there in his Ford Mustang. I rode with Tom once to tune him up on the line at Roebling and Jake instructed his mechanic. They all seemed to have a great time and the car made it all the way to 3:00 PM before it jumped time (we think). Tom has the best attitude and the worst luck of any track guy I have ever met.
I have an 73 Vette big block engine swap, new calipers on Jakes car, the Forza Showdown to watch and a few other minor items to complete over the weekend.....