SunRiders Autocross - 10/24/2004

[Loren]

Here we go again...

Course design is still in progress, will post when available.

You can pre-register and pay via PayPal on MyAutoEvents.com (http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=2263). (PayPal link will be sent via email after you register)

The usual BS questions answered here:

Location is SPC Allstate campus in St. Pete. 3500 32nd St. S will pinpoint it on Mapquest.
Setup starts around 7ish. Help is welcome.
Registration 8:30-9:30ish. Be early, we have an entry limit.
Entry Fees: $25 members - $30 non-members (must be a licensed driver, minors must have a parent sign the waiver)
Lunch is provided (probably Vietnamese this time) around 12:30.
We should be done between 2pm and 4pm depending on how many people show up.
Loaner helmets are available, but in limited supply. Bring one if you have it.

I'm always happy to answer any UNusual BS questions, though you may find answers on the SunRiders Autocross (http://www.sunridersautocross.com) website.

[neurovish]

UNusual BS question:
What astronomical forces must come into alignment for Vietnamese lunch to be provided. That stuff is way better than pizza and needs to occur more often :)

[Loren]

Originally posted by neurovish
UNusual BS question:
What astronomical forces must come into alignment for Vietnamese lunch to be provided. That stuff is way better than pizza and needs to occur more often :)

I enjoy it to. The event chairman is on the fence about it. I'll relay your sentiment to him.

[Bill]

I'll be there with the new car. I second the Vietnamese food, or hell, even the sandwiches we had that time. Anything but greasy pizza again. :D:D

[SRDragon]

Hello All,

Event Chairman here, I will make arrangements for a Non Pizza Lunch. I'll call our Vietnamese food expert ASAP.

[Loren]

Originally posted by SRDragon
Event Chairman here, I will make arrangements for a Non Pizza Lunch. I'll call our Vietnamese food expert ASAP.

Welcome to TR, Paul!

[SRDragon]

Thanks Loren, I will Frequent this Forum more often. Not sure what else there is to offer on the rest of the site, as soon as I have more time I'll look around. For now I'll just hang here in the AutoX section :-)

[Muddy]

The last time ya'll had vietnamese I brought a sandwich. However, the fried rice and egg rolls looked pretty good, and not very vienamese. :)

[4wdFury]

ya being half vietnamese that stuff is barely vietnamese but still good. Also it would be better than pizza since I can eat it.

[03SilXR]

I might just go. It'll be my first time.

[Durdan]

i miss these.. we might just be abel to make it

[S1M0N]

I don't care if it's pizza, vietnamese food, or adobe bricks. I don't show up because I want a good lunch. I show up to chase cones. ; ) Hope to see everyone there.

[Loren]

Originally posted by 03SilXR
I might just go. It'll be my first time.

Come on out, we'll take good care of you.

[4wdFury]

Originally posted by S1M0N
I don't care if it's pizza, vietnamese food, or adobe bricks. I don't show up because I want a good lunch. I show up to chase cones. ; ) Hope to see everyone there.

Ya, I do that too but its easier to chase cones when your stomach doesn't feel like eating itself. Even when I want to go get a sandwich the idiots at publix are not taking customers in the deli section so I am stuck drinking water.

[S1M0N]

Originally posted by 4wdFury
Ya, I do that too but its easier to chase cones when your stomach doesn't feel like eating itself. Even when I want to go get a sandwich the idiots at publix are not taking customers in the deli section so I am stuck drinking water.

Publix employees, especially young ones at the deli or bakery, are NOT to be trusted. I know. I used to be one many years ago. :evil2:

Better to get the "Sunriders Lunch Special", whatever it is.

[4wdFury]

Originally posted by S1M0N
Publix employees, especially young ones at the deli or bakery, are NOT to be trusted. I know. I used to be one many years ago. :evil2:

Better to get the "Sunriders Lunch Special", whatever it is.

ya that is why I get the subs. So I can watch them make it. As for the lunch special, I don't eat pizza or fast food anymore.

[S1M0N]

Originally posted by 4wdFury
As for the lunch special, I don't eat pizza or fast food anymore.

I'm with you on that. I'm a liquid diet case now. I'll be bringing some soup in a thermos. ;)

[4wdFury]

ya I'll just be the kid who brings his lunch if its pizza again.

[BeQuietAndDrive]

I'm looking at going too..this would be my first auto-x. Would I be okay this first time without buying a helmet?

[oilleak]

Loaner helmets are available

[Charles]

Bah, gotta work yet again......

[Loren]

I'm just hoping I have my car back together by then! Of course, I've always wanted to take my wife's underpowered automatic Saturn out just to see what it would do...

[S1M0N]

Originally posted by Loren
I'm just hoping I have my car back together by then! Of course, I've always wanted to take my wife's underpowered automatic Saturn out just to see what it would do...

I hope you can get your car fixed in time. Driving the Saturn would be almost as bad as driving a Probe. ;)

[The Kyle]

hmm...havent been out to one in a long time...i think ill be there loren...cant wait :)

[03Hatch]

I should be out there in the Mini Mini van. :D

[03SilXR]

Originally posted by Loren
Come on out, we'll take good care of you.

I'll be out there.

Heh, i'm kinda nervous i might hit more cones than anyone combined haha oh well...gonna have fun on my first time.

[neurovish]

I should make it out if my tires arrive in time....if I drive on what I've got now I think I'll just get booted again :)

[4wdFury]

from the looks of it I won't be able to make it out...:(

[Leonard]

I'm jonesing bad..... I may have to show up and kill some cones with difficult to maneuver beast.....


I'll apologize in advance for the cones... RIP

[nipper's_civic]

... yea so i think i'm gonna go... maybe just watch everyone else this round... plus i think my flowmaster exhaust exheeds the decible thingie... :D

[Loren]

Originally posted by nipper's_civic
... yea so i think i'm gonna go... maybe just watch everyone else this round... plus i think my flowmaster exhaust exheeds the decible thingie... :D

If it's not loud enough to get you harrassed by the police, it's probably okay. Consider that one side of our site is I-275 and the other side is US-19. :)

You're welcome to come watch, but autocross really isn't a spectator sport. The fun is in participating.

[Mars_302]

Man 2 the same day, I dont know which one to goto.

[Loren]

Originally posted by Mars_302
Man 2 the same day, I dont know which one to goto.

I'm sure many will be faced with the same dilemma.

Gainesville is worth going to if you're up for driving 3 hours there and 3 hours back. Otherwise, have you been to a SunRiders event yet? The sealed asphalt at SPC is a different world from the concrete at Brooksville. It's the kind of surface that drives the point of "slow down to go faster" home.

[Mars_302]

Gville is a little under 2 hours for me, but seems like a better course for my car. I heard you the sunrider courses are very tight

[SRDragon]

A tight course is relative to the person driving it. Yes our pad is not huge but, I think we are learning how to make good use of the space we have to give a Good ride. And by all means feel free to come out and try it out if you would like a Shot at course design for one of our future events there's nothing saying you can't. perhaps one of our future Chair persons would welcome some fresh design ideas.

[Loren]

Originally posted by Mars_302
Gville is a little under 2 hours for me, but seems like a better course for my car. I heard you the sunrider courses are very tight

I bet you heard that from someone who hasn't been to a SunRiders event in over 2 years. I'll tell you straight up, the club used to have some horribly inexperienced course designers 2-3 years ago. They laid out courses that looked fun and made use of LOTS of space, but were tedious to drive. Mostly first gear and a lot of too-tight turns... even in a Miata.

Since I took over the SunRiders program in January of 2003, I've made sure that we don't have courses like that. The more experience I get with this little site, the more I'm learning what can be done with it. Our courses have been much more 2nd gear this year with good flow and lots of fun. As fast as Gville? Well, that depends on how much CFR want to fudge the SCCA safety guidelines. Consider that by SCCA rules a car like a new Z06 shouldn't exceed 70 mph anywhere on course... your speed should be proportionately less.

I'll put it this way, we get some big vehicles at our events. Mustangs and Camaros, sure... but also Impalas and the occasional pickup truck. I can't remember the last time I heard anyone say that the course was too tight. Even the Impalas can get through FAST and without hitting cones.

[Leonard]

course map?

[Loren]

Originally posted by Leonard
course map?

That would be Paul's department. He's the event chairman and course designer... and he's being a slacker! :D

[Charles]

Originally posted by Loren

I'll put it this way, we get some big vehicles at our events. Mustangs and Camaros, sure... but also Impalas and the occasional pickup truck. I can't remember the last time I heard anyone say that the course was too tight. Even the Impalas can get through FAST and without hitting cones.

Yup, he speaks the truth Germ, if my SUV gets around those courses without issue you've got no excuse ;)

Besides, you can just steer with the throttle :)

[nipper's_civic]

so if i come... and my crappy 92 4 dr auto thinks it can race should i expect laughs ?... or support?... i'm the first person to admit that a stock d15 with short ram and axle back exhaust is slow, but i like it... and it gets me to work everyday and in and out of traffic decently... idk... i think i'd like auto x and i'm such a car geek i'd have so much fun just watching... but i know i'm not set up for it and i know i'd be slow so i guess i'd just like to have my first experience be semi decent ya dig?

[Leonard]

You'll find the autox crowd far more accepting than the drag racing crowd. (Assuming you don't show up and act like an ass)

[Loren]

Originally posted by nipper's_civic
so if i come... and my crappy 92 4 dr auto thinks it can race should i expect laughs ?... or support?...

Honestly, you're likely to get both. Leonard nailed it. We all just like to have fun. Razzin' you about your car might be part of the fun, but it sounds like you'll help us do that, so it's all good. :)

We try to take good care of the novices at our events, so you'll get as much support as you need.

Fast is relative. If you're out there trying to drive your car as fast as it is capable of going and on the ragged edge of control, you'll be having a good time and that's what it's about. The fact that your car might not be as fast as some of the others out there isn't going to lessen the fun that you'll experience while you're driving.

Come on out, you'll have fun.

[nipper's_civic]

alright... i'm there... what do i need? i've read through the basic rules and i need money and a valid license?... do you actually check the validity of the license or just look at it?... there's the possiblity mine is not quite valid... also no loose stuff so i should clean my car out... and anything else that i should def bring?

(what if i can't help being an ass? :mullet: )

[Loren]

Originally posted by nipper's_civic
alright... i'm there... what do i need? i've read through the basic rules and i need money and a valid license?... do you actually check the validity of the license or just look at it?... there's the possiblity mine is not quite valid... also no loose stuff so i should clean my car out... and anything else that i should def bring?

(what if i can't help being an ass? :mullet: )

We don't run a DMV check on your license. As long as the picture is you and it's not expired, you're good.

[nipper's_civic]

good to know... any pre-pre-game pointers? should i go get a roll cage or anything? lol... just did a tune up so it should run smooth... cept it's an auto.. mad lag... anybody else run auto got tips other than pull it all the time?... and then go get a 5spd... about how many people usually show?

[w0rd]

Originally posted by Loren
I can't remember the last time I heard anyone say that the course was too tight.

Your corkscrew course was too tight. I only made it over 40 mph for 1-2 secs at one spot on the course. I had fun though.

[Leonard]

Originally posted by nipper's_civic
good to know... any pre-pre-game pointers? should i go get a roll cage or anything? lol... just did a tune up so it should run smooth... cept it's an auto.. mad lag... anybody else run auto got tips other than pull it all the time?... and then go get a 5spd... about how many people usually show?

Settle down.. this is autox, not club racing.

Take all the shit out of your trunk/back seat, put as much air in your tires as the sidewall says they'll hold and clean your windshield.

[Loren]

Originally posted by w0rd
Your corkscrew course was too tight. I only made it over 40 mph for 1-2 secs at one spot on the course. I had fun though.

Had to search through old course maps to see which one you were talking about. I think it was January. Yeah, that one was a little tight. I think Don Reese originally designed it, and you should have seen how tight it was initially! I tried to widen it out as much as I could, but it was definitely not a fast course. Glad it was still fun, though. I thought the corkscrew was particularly insteresting because it was a sort of decreasing radius and also wasn't quite round. Couldn't be driven by looking at the cones or the chalk line, you had to mentally pick a nice arc around it.

Since Paul is dragging his feet, I'll attach the last draft I saw of his course. He may have made some subtle changes to it, but this should be very close to what we're running this Sunday.

[Muddy]

Originally posted by Mars_302
Gville is a little under 2 hours for me, but seems like a better course for my car. I heard you the sunrider courses are very tight
I'll be at the sunriders event. I don't think Gainesville is worth the drive for a 1 day event.

[Leonard]

I'm debating the same thing. The thing is... there's an event at Whitehouse in Jax, at Gville and at Sunriders. Should be LOTS of runs at Gainesville (if enough people show up for setup)

[nipper's_civic]

yea i was soo joking about the roll cage... i was in fact just trying to tap into you guys as a resource for prep knowledge. no worries... that course looks cool when will we know if it's the definite one?... i just try to learn alot about it before i do it and hopefully it'll help me

[Loren]

Originally posted by nipper's_civic
that course looks cool when will we know if it's the definite one?... i just try to learn alot about it before i do it and hopefully it'll help me

Won't know for sure until it's finalized and safety checked about 9am Sunday morning.

Relax, just come have some fun. We'll brand you with the "Newbie" stamp as you walk through the gate and take good care of you.

[nipper's_civic]

... brand me with a stamp?... is that some sort of hazing?

[Loren]

Originally posted by nipper's_civic
... brand me with a stamp?... is that some sort of hazing?

Kidding. But we do round up all the first timers at the driver's meeting and make sure they get adequate attention. Everything from a novice course walk-through to rides with experienced drivers, to instructors to ride with you. Whatever you need.

[nipper's_civic]

sounds great... good enough to miss church.. haha

[nipper's_civic]

more questions... will the first run be right after reg ends or when will it all actually start up? would it be rude to leave after my run?... i might have to... don't want to but ya know...

[Loren]

Originally posted by nipper's_civic
more questions... will the first run be right after reg ends or when will it all actually start up? would it be rude to leave after my run?... i might have to... don't want to but ya know...

At most autocrosses (including this one), you'll be assigned to a run group and a work group and you are expected to be there to work when you are needed.

If you expect you'll need to leave early, it's a good idea to be sure that you're there early (like 7-7:30) to help set up and let the event chairman know what your situation is. We're usually okay with letting people run in the early run group and bail out early on occasion as long as they helped us out in the morning.

How early are you expecting to leave? We're usually done by 3pm or so. We usually do 3 run groups, so if you work and drive in the first two groups, you can be done by 2pm.

[nipper's_civic]

plans changed i don't need to leave but thanks for the info.. i'll def be able to help and run.. :D

[BeQuietAndDrive]

Quick question from a novice...

I don't mean want to sound like a jerk but, there's a good chance I'll be at work untill 1 a.m the night before. What's a decent time to show up? I'm trying to get at least a small amount of sleep in,haha.

Also, what kind of tire pressure should I run? I've got 185/15's and I run 29psi on the street. This is for a FF car.

[Leonard]

look on the sidewall of your tire and see what the max rating is. put them there. it's far easier to take air out than to put it back in. (I don't remember if sunriders has a compressor or not)

[Loren]

Originally posted by BeQuietAndDrive
Quick question from a novice...

I don't mean want to sound like a jerk but, there's a good chance I'll be at work untill 1 a.m the night before. What's a decent time to show up? I'm trying to get at least a small amount of sleep in,haha.

Just be there before registration closes. Registration is open from about 8:30-9:30. We do have a 60-car limit, but I don't expect we'll reach that tomorrow. Still, it would suck to get there at 9:25 and find out that we're full.

[BeQuietAndDrive]

I think I will try and pre-register just so I won't run into that.

[Loren]

Originally posted by BeQuietAndDrive
I think I will try and pre-register just so I won't run into that.

Now you're thinking! You still need to be there before Registration closes, though.

[g-50Cab]

I just pre-registered. I need to get some seat time with my new brakes before running sebring in a few weeks. I'll be there early (7:00 or 7:30?) to help set up as I have plans in the afternoon. Good god it seem like forever since I have run an autocross.

[g-50Cab]

Sorry to hear about your car Loren - wanna take the Porsche for a spin?

[Mars_302]

signed up, hopefulyl I wont be too damn tired

[chi town brat]

i'm in...see you on Sunday

[Loren]

Originally posted by g-50Cab
Sorry to hear about your car Loren - wanna take the Porsche for a spin?

I'm starting to feel like a car slut already... but how can I refuse? :D

[g-50Cab]

Originally posted by Loren
I'm starting to feel like a car slut already... but how can I refuse? :D

You are only a car slut if yours is running and you whore out - If yours is in pieces - you really aren't even cheating...

[S1M0N]

Just an FYI. Pre-Registration for the Bill Bullington Memorial Sunriders Autocross will close on 10/22 at 12:00 midnight. We currently have 20 pre-registrations. Register now (http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=2263&psrnd=.00409086820888034910543714864741699206) before the other 40 slots are gone. ;)

Any questions can be directed to registration@sunriders.com Thank you.

[SRDragon]

Course map click me (http://www.sunridersautocross.com/gallery/srgallery.cfm?image=images/10242004course.jpg&folder=community)

LMK if you have issues seeing it I can email it If I must :-P

[nipper's_civic]

so i'm not saying for definite... but i think i just got my friend to agree to run on sunday... he's got an 05 sti with bov, 3" full exhaust, runnin 18.5 pds boost, he has to talk to his wife about it, but i think he's down for it... plus she'll prob wanna go too haha... but i'm def there (if anybody cares)

[Smileys 84Supra]

well im new to the forum posting wise but i have been browsing and reading for the past week. if everything goes as planned i should be there i also talked my friend to come and race also he has a 240 sx auto i hope thats ok and i have an 84 supra. we are definitley noobs and hope to just have a good time see ya there

[Loren]

Bring it on, guys. Noobs are always welcome. :cool:

[BeQuietAndDrive]

Hey ah..I know this may sound stupid..but is there any risk of serious damage to my car/rollover?

I know my car sits a little higher off the ground (Scion xA) but..it's certainly not an SUV or any vehicle of that sort.

Sorry for the stupid questions,I'm just nervous!

[Loren]

Originally posted by BeQuietAndDrive
Hey ah..I know this may sound stupid..but is there any risk of serious damage to my car/rollover?

I know my car sits a little higher off the ground (Scion xA) but..it's certainly not an SUV or any vehicle of that sort.

Sorry for the stupid questions,I'm just nervous!

Yes, there's always risk. The risk is VERY, VERY small, however. And YOU as the driver are in full control of it.

How's that for a cop-out answer? :) Sorry, I can't say that there is "no risk". We make you sign a waiver that states that there IS risk and we're not responsible for any damage or injury that may occur.

Don't be nervous. As long as you stay somewhat in control of your car and don't do anything blatantly stupid, you won't have any trouble.

We have instructors available to ride with you who can help you find your comfort level.

[Leonard]

I'm not a Sunriders official, so I can give you the answer without the insurance disclaimer Loren gave you...

Basicly, the risk is no higher than if you were on the street ASSUMING the following:

You don't go out there thinking you're Billy BadAss and get yourself into a position where you can roll the car.

Keep a level head and you'll stay top side up.

[Loren]

Isn't that pretty much what I said? :)

Yeah, really no more risk than you take driving to work every day. Probably less, really. No moving obstacles on an autox course.

[BeQuietAndDrive]

Thanks. I kind of assumed as long as I didn't do anything that was blatantly stupid like sharply turning the wheel while going 50 miles an hour I would be okay,haha.

[perdition79]

hey, nice course this time. i wish i could go, but i just got back from vacation so i can't weasel out of working. can't wait till november.

[Leonard]

Originally posted by Loren
Isn't that pretty much what I said? :)

Yeah, really no more risk than you take driving to work every day. Probably less, really. No moving obstacles on an autox course.


No. You had legal fine print and didn't make reference to Billy BadAss.

[Smileys 84Supra]

nice

[Loren]

New Post-Event thread (http://www.tamparacing.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=189495) started. Closing this one.