Join Bill and I for HPDE and UTCC

[Steve Chryssos]

Bill Howell and me, Steve Chryssos, will be attending NASA High Performance Driver Education at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA. Dates are July 23 and 24th. I, for one, am so excited to FINALLY learn how to drive the right way. It'd be way cool if some more pro-touring enthusiasts signed up for the HPDE program as well. It's a chance to learn and improve your driving prowess as well as reinforce proper on track etiquette. As an added bonus, you can watch the nation's wildest track toys duke it out in the Pirelli Ultimate Track Car Challenge. That takes place on July 22nd, so get there a day early to watch the show. To run HPDE, you need to be a NASA member, then register at the NASA Mid Atlantic Site. Links for both are provided below as well as details on the Pirelli Ultimate Track Car Challenge.

You must be a NASA member to run HPDE (Joining gets you a subscription to Grassroots Motorsports):
https://www.nasaproracing.com/renew

Register for NASA HPDE at VIR July 23-24
http://nasaproracing.com/event/1272

As an added bonus, get in one day early and come watch the Pirelli Ultimate Track Car Challenge. Camaro on Camaro action is fun. But wait til you see Glenn Bunch's Frankenstein Hemi Challenger or an RCR Superlite. Chrysler even showed up last year with a couple of Viper ACR-X's! Our own Randy Bell will be participating as well. Forgeline Wheels is a major sponsor of the event and will be on hand. Details:
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/events/UTCC2011/

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/utcc_update_1_-1.jpg

[wmhjr]

Wish I could. Rules exclude my car due to NASA requirements for roll bar design.

http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf

You guys have fun!

[tazzz25906112]

Signed up and attending....

[Steve Chryssos]

Since it's driving school, you could bring the family Jetta, rental car, BMW M5 or pretty much anything this side of a Unimog. It's more about the edumacation. The instructor won't care what you bring. And for the record, I studied your roll bar at the Motor State Challenge. I'm SURE it's legal for HPDE 1 where passing is NOT allowed.

[wmhjr]

Since it's driving school, you could bring the family Jetta, rental car, BMW M5 or pretty much anything this side of a Unimog. It's more about the edumacation. The instructor won't care what you bring. And for the record, I studied your roll bar at the Motor State Challenge. I'm SURE it's legal for HPDE 1 where passing is NOT allowed.

Steve, you're way more involved than I, but it has been inspected and failed. Maybe they're more picky some places but they refused to ignore the requirement that the rear support bars be one continuous section with no bends. I knew that when I built it but thought I'd try anyway for kicks. Now if NASA depended enough on the revenues from Gm a body participants I'm sure there would be a miata kind of exception..... I know I could bring the sedan or the diesel truck but just can't work up the excitement considering the total cost. No big deal. I am very jealous.

[Steve Chryssos]

If you're genuinely interested in attending, email me images of your roll bar and I will seek special dispensation from the pope of NASA Mid-Atlantic. I'm guessing the nice people who inspected your roll bar need to wear looser underwear. (if they had their HPDE hats on--not track day or competition hats).

[69lt4]

Damn, bad week for me. I have been looking for similar events since Motor State.

Thanks,
Kevin

69 LT4 T56 DSE suspension Baer Brakes Budnik wheels Vintage Air.......

[wmhjr]

If you're genuinely interested in attending, email me images of your roll bar and I will seek special dispensation from the pope of NASA Mid-Atlantic. I'm guessing the nice people who inspected your roll bar need to wear looser underwear. (if they had their HPDE hats on--not track day or competition hats).

Steve, thanks. Let me look closer at the logistics. I'm going to heidts the week before so I will look at the drive, etc to see. I am interested.

[Bill Howell]

I am looking forward to this event and the knowledge I will gain from attending. Some form of training or driving school will be required for those wanting to play in the top tier of our hobby soon. I intend to play in this class so figure I will get my first step towards proper education and instruction.
More on what is coming in the next few weeks. Put your minds at ease, if you are just coming to events for fun, nothing will change and there will be plenty to do, but if you are going to run all out, you need to get ready.

[wmhjr]

Steve, I spent a good bit of time looking at this last night. I think it's going to be pretty tough for me to make this particular event. Get this - I start a brand new job with a new company on Monday July 11th. I'm taking that Friday off because I'm leaving Thursday evening to start driving to Heidts. I just got back from a 3 day at Motor State. I'd have to probably take at least a half day off on the next Friday to make the event at VIR you guys are going to. Probably not a great idea since I'll again be taking time off in Sept for RTTH.

However, I'm going to start looking around for other similar events and wonder if (since they'd also be mid-atlantic) if you could still reach out when that happens to your "pope"? My local track (Beaverun) is mainly SCCA and not NASA due to some organizational issues. But I'd love to participate in one of these with the Pontiac. If I find something maybe there are guys which it would also be closer for them as well.

[parsonsj]

I'm signed up. Not sure if I'll be there in time for the UTCC, but I'll definitely be there for the HPDE-1 fun on Saturday.

[SicMonte]

This looks tempting....

I did two driving schools at Summit Point back in 2005 and got my SCCA lisence...but it has expired. Looks like I need to get one again!!

[Atomic 67]

Bill,

I am working on getting to this event...are you enrolled in the HPDE 1 course?

Brad

[Bill Howell]

HPDE1 on Saturday
HPDE2 on Sunday

[Steve Chryssos]

Nice to see a positive turnout. Thanks for coming out everyone. Driving prowess is the most important accessory you can get for your pro-touring car. After Run Thru The Hills two (2006?) a motto emerged: "Get Your Car Done and Drive.". Five or so years later, with so many great cars built and dialed in, a new message is bubbling to the surface: "Learn How To Drive." Here we go....
/Steevo

[Vinz68]

See you guys there!!! Looking forward to it. Running UTTC on Friday and TT HPDE4 on Satyrday, don't know if I'm going to stay for Sunday yet.

[Atomic 67]

Granger is signed up for HPDE 1. I was not clear if HPDE 1 was just Saturday or Sunday too, anyone know for sure? It appears my Godfocker is taking HPDE 1 and 2 so if he is, I better too. I agree, this course is going to be very helpful in understanding the basics of road racing. It may even help me better cope with "pucker factor" track moments.

Looking forward to see US participants and even North of the boarder too!

Brad Granger

[parsonsj]

It's a small point, but passing is allowed in HPDE 1 via hand signal communication between drivers.

[MIGOAT]

I will be going. Not sure If I can get the wife to let me take the G8 out or not. I love the HPDE events so many bad cars and exotics at VIR.

[Mike Holleman]

Glad to see so many folks coming to VIR in July. You won't regret it. Really great experience. Where is everybody staying? When I checked last week everything at the track was full.
Mike

[tazzz25906112]

Signed up for both days....

[pedro]

I signed up for the Hyperdrive on saturday. I don't think the camaro will be ready and I am already doing a few track days with the bike that month so $375 was a little steep. It will be my first time out in a car on a real track. Should be interesting to compare since I am doing full the week before on the bike.

If the camaro does well at its first auto-x on the 10th I will bring it, otherwise I will have the G8.

Pete

[Vinz68]

Glad to see so many folks coming to VIR in July. You won't regret it. Really great experience. Where is everybody staying? When I checked last week everything at the track was full.
Mike

I booked a few rooms at Fairfield Marriot about 24 miles from track. Its the recommended hotel from VIR

[Steve Chryssos]

I signed up for the Hyperdrive on saturday. .....

Pete

Oh yeah, that's right. There a Hyperdrive program for $50.

A Hyperdrive session is also offered on Saturday. A session is one track session plus classroom for $50, and you are assigned an instructor. This is intended for those new to the sport although intermediate drivers may also participate. You do not have to be a member to participate in the one session hyperdrive. When you get to the membership screen for hyperdrives, the system will allow you to click continue to bypass this default screen.

[Steve Chryssos]

Thanks for coming out everyone--especially you Albert, I know it's a haul. Here's a video from last year's Pirelli Ultimate Track Car Challenge. It's Glenn Bunch Hemi 74 Challenger walking away from a brand new factory-supported 650 HP Viper ACR-X. Not exactly a slow car, but the Challenge just disappears. Them Chrysler engineers were dead serious about winning the event too.

Try to watch the whole video. The Challenger shrinks to the tiniest dot, then disappears over the hill. And if you are coming to watch the Pirelli Ultimate Track Car Challenge, bring a bicycle, scooter, atv, etc, so that you can watch these cars run from various vantage points.
/Steevo


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FXljXJ9m3I

[Stielow]

Glad to see so many folks coming to VIR in July. You won't regret it. Really great experience. Where is everybody staying? When I checked last week everything at the track was full.
Mike

Guys VIR is a awsome track. I broke my car there last year and drove Mile Holleman's Elco. He did a great job preparing his car. I beat the crap out of it and it stayed cool and didn't leak a drop of any fluid. I think the worst thing that happened we was blew the headliner loose. Every time I can in the pits I would ask Mike can I go harder. I kept an eye on his gauges and it was hanging in there. By the last couple sessions I was going flat out. Passing Cobras and all kinds of cool cars. Mike, thanks for letting be drive your car last year it was a very nice vehicle.

The only reason I bring this up is a broken or leaking car can ruin a great day.

My safety check list for Open Track Days....

High temp brake fluid
High temp and bedded brake pads
Fire extinguisher
Differential catch tank or cooler
Rad catch tank
Transmission catch tank or cooler
Exhaust system hanger strong enough to take a day of track use. (This was a big problem with my old One Lap of America car until I started to us OE style hangers.)
Good seat belts
Easy to read gages – better if you have warning lights
Locktighted critical fastners. (I’ve seen a brake caliper come off at speed – not good)
I run a torque run over my whole car before a track event.

Have fun guys! Drink lot of water it was 105 degree there last year….

Stielow

[Mike Holleman]

Well, You can always return the favor and let me drive that ragged ole Red Camaro you got. By the way, the headliner is fixed. We made some brackets that keep the bows from rotating at 150. Good point Mark. Leaks will ruin a good day on track. You not coming out to run the UTCC with the Devil. Bet she's got a 2.10 in her.
Mike


Guys VIR is a awsome track. I broke my car there last year and drove Mile Holleman's Elco. He did a great job preparing his car. I beat the crap out of it and it stayed cool and didn't leak a drop of any fluid. I think the worst thing that happened we was blew the headliner loose. Every time I can in the pits I would ask Mike can I go harder. I kept an eye on his gauges and it was hanging in there. By the last couple sessions I was going flat out. Passing Cobras and all kinds of cool cars. Mike, thanks for letting be drive your car last year it was a very nice vehicle.

The only reason I bring this up is a broken or leaking car can ruin a great day.

My safety check list for Open Track Days....

High temp brake fluid
High temp and bedded brake pads
Fire extinguisher
Differential catch tank or cooler
Rad catch tank
Transmission catch tank or cooler
Exhaust system hanger strong enough to take a day of track use. (This was a big problem with my old One Lap of America car until I started to us OE style hangers.)
Good seat belts
Easy to read gages – better if you have warning lights
Locktighted critical fastners. (I’ve seen a brake caliper come off at speed – not good)
I run a torque run over my whole car before a track event.

Have fun guys! Drink lot of water it was 105 degree there last year….

Stielow

[parsonsj]

I just got a couple rooms at the Fairfield too. See you guys there.

[wicked68]

I will probably be there.

looking forward to seeing everyone. will know for sure this weekend.

[Mike Holleman]

I booked at the Fairfield also. First time I will by staying off track. Most track day events don't fill up the track accomedations. Last year I think this event had 400 cars. Should be fun.
Mike

[Steve Chryssos]

We're almost at 10 people. Pretty soon we'll need to come up with a name for this shindig. And I have reserved another date for us later in the fall. Then a major effort next April. Before you know it, we will have a small army of qualified drivers.

Watch this video at least 50 times before our HPDE party.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwvSvpjJzpc

[parsonsj]

I have reserved another date for us later in the fall.Sounds great! NASA FLorida is running the big track at Sebring the 1st/2nd of October. Is that what you had in mind?

[Steve Chryssos]

Uh, no. A little further north means greater accessibility, but still good weather. CMP

[MIGOAT]

Staying at Holiday. Participating in the hyperdrive. Will work for a ride as well. See you guys there.

[Bill Howell]

For those looking for a room, I found a hotel with several available right now. It is about 20 minutes away, so not bad. It is the Holiday Inn Express Danville 2121 Riverside Dr. Danville, Va. 24520 Phone is 434 793 4000

[blacklab]

Signed up ready to have fun

[wicked68]

I tried to sign up for hpde 2 last week and it was full. i guess I will see you guys next time. they put me on the waiting list but I am not holding my breath. I am signed up for road atlanta the first weekend in august if anyone wants to go to that.

[Rod]

ummmm :dunno: what about a west coast deal like this??

[MrQuick]

ummmm :dunno: what about a west coast deal like this??

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?80808-Track-Day!-Buttonwillow-NCRC-Sept.-17-18

should be a fun outing. $149 for both days

[Steve Chryssos]

ummmm :dunno: what about a west coast deal like this??
That's the nice thing about NASA. You can pretty much hop on the merry go round at any region or event across the US. Compared to schools like Bondurant and such, NASA's HPDE program is affordable AND you get legit NASA credentials at the end of your training. NASA's actually based in California. http://www.nasaproracing.com. And I'll repeat, if your pro-touring car is still under construction, bring the daily driver. Your pro-touring ownership experience will improve exponentially if you start out with some skills.

[Payton King]

I am going to be there but just as a spectactor and to have a beer or 2 wit the fella's. Car is still apart.

[Mike Holleman]

This post pains me more than anyone can imagine. Once again a medical issue is causing me to miss an event I truly want to be part of. No it's not the pneumonia, I'm finally over that. Yesterday my Dr. says I have Shingles. I've been having shooting pain from my left ear to my neck, and now I've got rash and sores on the neck and shoulder. Doctor's orders, stay out of the heat and sun, rest. I can hardly wear a shirt as the pressure is painful. No way I could stand the helmet, HANS and harness. I am really going to miss hanging with you guys, especially those of you doing your first HPDE. You will have the time of your life. Don't be intimidated by VIR. Listen to your instructor. Let the speed come to you. I guarantee at days end you will have a ear to ear grin. Mike

[RS_Customs]

This post pains me more than anyone can imagine. Once again a medical issue is causing me to miss an event I truly want to be part of. No it's not the pneumonia, I'm finally over that. Yesterday my Dr. says I have Shingles. I've been having shooting pain from my left ear to my neck, and now I've got rash and sores on the neck and shoulder. Doctor's orders, stay out of the heat and sun, rest. I can hardly wear a shirt as the pressure is painful. No way I could stand the helmet, HANS and harness. I am really going to miss hanging with you guys, especially those of you doing your first HPDE. You will have the time of your life. Don't be intimidated by VIR. Listen to your instructor. Let the speed come to you. I guarantee at days end you will have a ear to ear grin. Mike

Man that sucks, hope you get feeling better!

Robert

[Mike Holleman]

Thanks Robert. Until yesterday I didn't know what Shingles was. Right now I wish I still did not. Hurts like the dickens. Even worst though is missing the opportunity to cut laps around VIR. I will have at least one more track weekend there this year, maybe two if I'm lucky.

[Steve Chryssos]

Get better Mike!
/Steevo

[Mike Holleman]

Thanks Steevo, You guys have fun. My neighbor Bobby Jones with be coming up to do his first track event. You guys keep an eye out for him. Make sure he doesn't melt.

[protouring70]

Hey Mike, hope you get better soon

[Vinz68]

Get well soon Mike!!

[parsonsj]

Sorry to hear it Mike. I was hoping to see your Elky hustling around the track with no fuel slosh. :) Get well soon.

[SicMonte]

I had shingles two years ago...I feel your pain. Started at the center of my back down my arm. Hope you get better soon!!!

[Mike Holleman]

Thanks for all the concern for my health. The Shingles suck! I feel like I fell into a cactus. But this too will pass. John, I wasn't bringing the Elky but I'm pretty sure your vent cartridge will cure the venting issue. I topped off the tank and did some high G circles with no leaks. Vinnie, I was hoping to be there to maybe be some help to you. I have run more than a hundred laps there and was planning to give you what little help I could to get you to speed quickly. UTCC only gets three 20 minute sessions. That is not much time to learn a track the size of VIR. And it is fast with some very unforgiving sections.
Mike

[Vinz68]

Thanks Mike I could have used it but I only got one timed lap before my rear main seal let go. I ran a 2:12.9. I def think I could have shaved a few seconds once I got used to the track. Oh well there's always next year. I placed 38th out of 76 I believe.

[Mike Holleman]

Thanks Mike I could have used it but I only got one timed lap before my rear main seal let go. I ran a 2:12.9. I def think I could have shaved a few seconds once I got used to the track. Oh well there's always next year. I placed 38th out of 76 I believe.
Vinnie, A 2.13 is damn quick on the full course. You got it real quick. I was looking at some of the times last night and man guys were going quick. Popp a 1.56. Guys the DP Grand Am cars only run 1.40s. GT's run right at 1.50. They had not posted all the times, just the class winners but it looked to me like a bunch more guys were below 2.00 than last year. What did Kyle run in Stacys car? Were you on slicks? Stupid question. I might could of helped you with 4, maybe 14,14A but if you were already running 2.13s I would have been of little help otherwise. Good driving.

[Vinz68]

Thanks again Mike!!! I was on Hoosier R 6's Kyle rana 2:13.5 Here are the final results.
http://www.mylaps.com/results/showrun.jsp?id=1988824

[Yelcamino]

Thanks again Mike!!! I was on Hoosier R 6's Kyle rana 2:13.5 Here are the final results.
http://www.mylaps.com/results/showrun.jsp?id=1988824

Looks like you guys were cutting some quick laps! Too bad there's no list of the cars that were being driven, or is there?

[Vinz68]

Thanks Herb! Not that I know of yet. I bet Steve Chryssos will have the list. I'll ask him.

[Mike Holleman]

Thanks again Mike!!! I was on Hoosier R 6's Kyle rana 2:13.5 Here are the final results.
http://www.mylaps.com/results/showrun.jsp?id=1988824
Thanks Vinnie, You guys done good. 2.12 and 2.13 are very respectable laps at VIR. Especially with such limited practice. Thanks for the results. My car finished 41st last year with a 2.17. Kyle was 40th with a 2.13 this year. Took a faster lap this year. And Herb, you can get the published entrants list on the NASA mid atlantic web site. But they added a bunch of cars to the list. There was no where near 78 cars listed. Mike

[Steve1968LS2]

Sorry to hear about all the engine and brake carnage.. that track is certainly HARD!

But it sounds like everyone had a great time.. us west coasters get jealous..

And to Mike, hope you're feeling better real soon!

[Beach Cruiser]

I had a great time hanging out and chasing you guys down the back straight! (or you guys chasing me!) Good to finally put some faces to all the people I see on the forums. I'm getting close on my 67, maybe next year I'll be driving a "sanford and son" syle camaro! If you were there, you'd know what I'm talking about!

And Mike, hope you get well soon, missed watching the Yellow Bird go around the track!

Mills (The Blue Trans Am in HPDE 1)