Performance comparison?

[BA.]

I think what he is getting at with the spec Miata thing is they have raced at most every track so there is a number we can use to compare for the sake of comparing. I think it is a reasonable idea, not totally accurate but a reference point with a +/- attached to it.

Bill, my bucket of S**T is not ready for your show but I am salivating at the thought of flying down to witness the carnage.

I agree, the goal did not sound to me like we were comparing against the spec-Miata at all It's just the BENCHMARK, your reference point so that we can all have fun in comparing lap times against one another.

Just like my 69 RS might run a 11.0 quarter mile at 122, someone elses car with a similar LS1 based motor might run 10.5 at 124.
It's not direct component comparison, but, interesting data none the less.

[69Nova]

Man Bill and Steeve are making me want to take a even longer vacation so I can take part in the action. I'll already be in the area, whats another week or so.

[Steve Chryssos]

I agree, the goal did not sound to me like we were comparing against the spec-Miata at all It's just the BENCHMARK, your reference point so that we can all have fun in comparing lap times against one another.

Just like my 69 RS might run a 11.0 quarter mile at 122, someone elses car with a similar LS1 based motor might run 10.5 at 124.
It's not direct component comparison, but, interesting data none the less.

Yup, I get it. I understand. In response, I suggested the use of looser underwear.

[CraigMorrison]

Are you suggesting that we start to compare the type of underware we are wearing? For the love of God, its still early in the morning, there neeeds to be no discussion of sombody sporting a man-thong. Please no talk of patent-leather.

[Beegs]

My wife doesn't let me wear underwear.

[harshman]

Gotcha. After pondering this a bit more, I think it will work. It won't be the test to end all tests but two things will occur if this catches on. Obviously we will be able to compare what works and what doesn't. Second, it will get more of the pretty cars out on the track.

[Neil B]

So let's hear some track times. Here's how other sites keep track...

http://www.corner-carvers.com/trackrecords/

[Steve Chryssos]

So let's hear some track times. Here's how other sites keep track...

http://www.corner-carvers.com/trackrecords/

That list will work. If I'm running at a particular track, I can easily discern fast times from that list. The benchmarks just sort of happen. Fast is fast. X seconds below track record.

But don't expect any track records from this bunch of hot rods. So rather than post only track records, best lap times will suffice.

[Matt@RFR]

Those are personal track records, or, best lap times, if you will.

[Damn True]

Correct. Those are individuals personal best lap times on various tracks. Note that some of those mustangs (300hp+) and M3s were A LOT slower at Thunderhill than the 2:09 Spec Miata track record.

Most tracks will have lap records for various NASA/SCCA classes posted on their site.

But as Neil said, it would be cool to have a similar chart for people here. AND it would provide a nifty way for people to track their personal progress in terms of the performance of their cars and the nut behind the wheel.

[Mean 69]

That event sounds like a bunch of fun, and I think the idea is terrific and is something nice to build upon too. It'd be cool to organize something similar out here, we did a fun track event last year (Vinnie's bachelor party), and there was another event for Alcino's bachelor party, but in truth, it's hard to get even a handful of guys together, as busy as everyone is, and we have track time year round out here.

We won't have a car at the event this year, we have several in the build stage, but none will be ready and sorted in time (other of course, than my test mule, but that car is undergoing transformation(s) on the front at this time). Unless someone wants to dump a bunch of money in my pockets, that is. Penny is close, but it will essentially be a brand new car, and it'd take a bit of time to sort out regardless, but that car should work really well overall.

My prediction on the overall results is that the cars will be closer matched than people think. On an auto-cross, the fast way around the track is to get the car to rotate, it's not about power. Light + great tires + driver skill will win, and my guess is that there won't be a "runaway" winner. A well sorted stock frame car will do just as good as many of the other more modified cars with new front clips, etc.

I will bet one thing with moderate certainty though, I'd bet that I can drink more beer than anyone my size at the event. I hope everyone puts the competitive tendancies in the background, and that folks concentrate on having a great time, being safe, and learning from each other.

True, your idea is a really good one, but I think the thing that will really bias the numbers is how often a particular car sees the track, you can't easily go and be fast without a lot of seat time and familiarity. Most cars see the track once a year, at the most, and that isn't enough time to get a good feel for the performance potential. Still, it is a good indicator overall. And you bet, a purpose built race car will usually be a LOT faster than a street car on most tracks.

Mark

[Ralph LoGrasso]

I will bet one thing with moderate certainty though, I'd bet that I can drink more beer than anyone my size at the event.
Mark

I'll take that bet, LOL.

[KAA]

So let's hear some track times.

2:05 on the 3.1 mile road coarse at B.I.R. Here's a video of a 2:10 lap. Would have been faster but I had to slow down for the Miata. It's nearly 25meg so give it some time to load. Change the view size to "800" or "original".