Performance comparison?

[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