13 Jan FAST autocross -- registration is now open!

[pullg]

We're live! Go to the autocross event schedule at myautoevents.com -- the first 2007 FAST autocross is on the schedule for 13 January at St Petersburg College. Online registration will be open until 11 January...if there's room on the grid, we'll take walk-ons up through 9:30 the morning of the event as well. See the event annoucement on myautoevents.com for details.

[Alizarin]

For those that are wondering, I'll be designing the course for this event... so it, um, will... well, I dunno how its gonna turn out. I guess I did a pretty good one for Brooksville so we'll see if I can keep the streak going. ;)

[jblaine]

Online pre-registration closes in ~14 days.

Make our lives easier and help get the event moving along more quickly on 1/13!

You do not have to pay at the time of online registration for this event (although it makes things easier).

REGISTER HERE (http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=6418)

[Native]

I'm in - can't wait!

[Driftz28]

This would be my first event. Can I get a little info on what to expect? Like the amount of time on the track and what I need to do before and after? thanks for any help.

[Driftz28]

O and what do they mean "all drivers will work"? thanks again!

[Driftz28]

OK well I just pre-registered, I guess that means Im in!!! I don’t exactly know what to expect but I hope it will be fun..

[pullg]

This would be my first event. Can I get a little info on what to expect? Like the amount of time on the track and what I need to do before and after? thanks for any help.

O and what do they mean "all drivers will work"? thanks again!
See the FAQ at the top of this forum, or read FAST - Autocross (http://wedrivefast.com/axdefined.cfm) for a basic description of an autocross, and some prep hints.

A typical course at SPC is something around 1/4-1/3 mile -- typical run times are in the 40-second range. Figure we'll get 5-7 runs. Up at Brooksville, the courses are a little longer, so run times are about 10 seconds longer.

The biggest thing you can do before hand is clean all the loose items out of your car, and make sure everything else is screwed down tight. If you have a Snell 95 or later helmet, bring it -- if not, we'll have loaner helmets. Pump your tires up about 10 psi over normal pressure. F-bodies have a reputation for fuel starvation in hard corners if the tank's low -- probably want to make sure you have at least 3/4 of a tank.

Find me (black Miata #31) or anyone else who looks like they've done this before if you need help setting up -- help's easy to come by.

Afterwards, help cleaning up is always welcome. :)

Autocrosses don't have a separate group of people to work the course -- primarily setting up downed cones and calling them in to the timing crew. If you drive in one group, you'll work in another. Blowing off a work assignment turns all your runs into DNFs...but we normally don't have that problem. Working the course provides a good spot to see the action, too.

[Alizarin]

And bring sunscreen! Not too sure what the weather will be like but its always nice to be prepared.

[jblaine]

This would be my first event. Can I get a little info on what to expect? Like the amount of time on the track and what I need to do before and after? thanks for any help.
Glad you're gonna make it out.

Here's some additional info (pardon the website formatting goofyness... Loren is working on it):

Novice Car prep
FAST - Autocross (http://www.wedrivefast.com/novcar.cfm)

Novice Driver prep
FAST - Autocross (http://www.wedrivefast.com/drivprep.cfm)

[jblaine]

Also this "article" I wrote on my website a few months back might help:

How good a driver are you really? | Thrashing Stinks (http://www.kickflop.net/blog/2006/08/14/how-good-a-driver-are-you-really/)

[Native]

Looking forward to meeting you Driftz28 - glad you're gonna join us!

[w0rd]

NX 150shot
I don't know if FAST has considered a rule on this, but the SCCA does not allow any Nitrous bottles on site at all. You would have to leave it outside the event site location if you forgot to take it out beforehand.

[pullg]

Ditto for FAST -- no nitrous.

[Driftz28]

Yeah I got the impression that nitrous wouldn’t be allowed... I was planning on taking the bottle out before the event... but thanks for the heads up.

Also thanks for the links.

I hope to meet all of you and look forward to any advice on driving technique you might have.

[pullg]

...look forward to any advice on driving technique you might have.
No matter what you see Native Steve do, stick to using the forward gears. :cool:

[Native]

I'm an INNOVATOR, Da**it!!!

:lol: :lol:


pullg is just jealous...

[Driftz28]

I’ve got a question… what do we do about numbers? They have assigned me the number 13 when I registered, do I need to have the numbers on my car when I get there or do they provide them? Also if I need to get them how big do they need to be, and where do they need to be on the car?

I will probably have a bunch of other questions before the event, I just like to be prepared….

Thanks for your help

[pullg]

We don't have a minimum number size -- other events you go to might, just to make life easier on the courseworkers. We have some small magnetic number panels in the tech box; if there's not a "13" in there, I normally have some blue painter's tape in my kit.

Ask anything, here or send a note to wedrivefaster@yahoo.com

[Adalaxy]

ok im registered but i have a question.

depending on how my money turns out i might be bringing a different car then the one i intially regestered ...can i change it later on before the event or am i obligated to use that vehicle?

[w0rd]

ok im registered but i have a question.

depending on how my money turns out i might be bringing a different car then the one i intially regestered ...can i change it later on before the event or am i obligated to use that vehicle?
You can drive any car you want at any time. Just let the people at registration and/or timing know.

[pullg]

You can drive any car you want at any time. Just let the people at registration and/or timing know.
That's right. You can edit your online entry up until two days prior to the event. If you change at the last minute, still no pain -- just tell the people at registration on-site, and they'll pencil in the changes.

[pullg]

11 days left to preregister! 24 cars on the grid...still lots of room!

[Loren]

I'm in.

[treekiller]

That means me too.

http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs9/300W/i/2006/152/c/b/I__m_a_slow_learner_by_silentnight745.jpg

[Little Nicky]

Im in,just lowered the miata and got some rt615's.Let em scream ;).I'll be there with my step dad who also has a MB miata.

[Little Nicky]

BTW whats tech like?My pads arent in the best condition,i plan on replacing them but not before the event.My car stops fine and all just wondering if they look at that.

[w0rd]

MB miata.
Mercedes Benz?

BTW whats tech like?My pads arent in the best condition,i plan on replacing them but not before the event.My car stops fine and all just wondering if they look at that.
As long as you have some pad material left, you should be ok. Backing plates rubbing on rotors might be cause for concern.

[Little Nicky]

Mercedes Benz?


As long as you have some pad material left, you should be ok. Backing plates rubbing on rotors might be cause for concern.

Marinier Blue lol,my brakes should be fine then.Thanks hope to meet some of you.I'll be number 69 lol.

[pullg]

That means me too.

http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs9/300W/i/2006/152/c/b/I__m_a_slow_learner_by_silentnight745.jpg

Quite, since you haven't put in an entry yet.... :)

Today's count: 33. Keep 'em coming....

[Little Nicky]

Got A family friend to sign up,88 saleen mustang with a vortech.Any chance the course map will be out before the event?

[Native]

The event chairman is working on it. If it's done in time, we will post it...the suspense is killing me, too :D

[Little Nicky]

So i ran into the crank nose gayness lol ON A LONG NOSE MOTOR TOO...
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/01-10-07_1614.jpg
Lets see if i get it fixed before thursday so it will be dry by saturday...

[Presidential_Detail]

So i ran into the crank nose gayness lol ON A LONG NOSE MOTOR TOO...
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/01-10-07_1614.jpg
Lets see if i get it fixed before thursday so it will be dry by saturday...

what is this crank nose gayness? what happened?

[Little Nicky]

Miatas have a problem with the design of the crank nose pulley.They go bad ALOT,they "fixed" it with the Longer crank nose.Mine still went bad lol.What happens is the keyway gets rounded out and the car runs out of timing really bad.Hope its fixed.Loctite and new keyway,pulley,bolts.Actually works for years and years if done right.

[Presidential_Detail]

Miatas have a problem with the design of the crank nose pulley.They go bad ALOT,they "fixed" it with the Longer crank nose.Mine still went bad lol.What happens is the keyway gets rounded out and the car runs out of timing really bad.Hope its fixed.Loctite and new keyway,pulley,bolts.Actually works for years and years if done right.

Well atleast its something you can fix..i spun bearings in my honda like no other!:lol: i guess thats fixable too but the motors are only like $200. One of these days ill come to an auto-x dont know how ill do im more of a road course guy(not used to the whole cone situation haha)

[pullg]

One of these days ill come to an auto-x dont know how ill do im more of a road course guy(not used to the whole cone situation haha)
Same concept -- the turns just come faster and harder. Sign up for February!

[BeQuietAndDrive]

Dammit, I missed the pre-reg. I knew I shouldn't have procrastinated so badly. I'll just have to show up now and hope for the best.

[jblaine]

I think it's safe to say that it's at capacity + some... even if 5 registered people don't show.

[Native]

^^^ 'tis true, but you never know...you could always stop by and see. worst to worst, next one is 2/17... :D

[Driftz28]

the event is in two days do we know what the course will look like?

[Alizarin]

It was approved by safety this afternoon. I was hoping Loren would post it while I was out bowling, but hey, he's probably busy.

http://mystic-lights.net/kmgardner/images/uploaded/Jan-13-rev-final.png

[Little Nicky]

Cool course,the miata wont be ready:( The dumbshit who did the timing chain decided to Tighten it up way to much,Anyone have one of those timing chain tools if so call me 727 798 0577,if not ill be out saturday in the v6 mustang vert its silver....lol

[BeQuietAndDrive]

Course looks cool. I'll drop by anyway and if I can't get in, I guess I'll just wait untill next month. I havn't had a chance yet to test out the tires at SPC..I fared pretty well at Brooksville so I'm wondering if my car would do better or worse at SPC?

[Muddy]

SPC has much less grip. Your car would be slower than it would be at Brooksville, but I can't say how it would do in comparison to other cars. When I had a slow car, I used to do better against my competition on slower courses, or when it was wet. :D

[robofunc]

Course looks cool. I'll drop by anyway and if I can't get in, I guess I'll just wait untill next month. I havn't had a chance yet to test out the tires at SPC..I fared pretty well at Brooksville so I'm wondering if my car would do better or worse at SPC?

You should show up. I registered and planned to go, but--guess what--I can't go now. One more spot for someone else.

[Little Nicky]

I might have the miata fixed,im gonna have to pull an all-nighter to get it back together....DEVOTION!If anyone see's me #69 come wake me up.

[iamboon]

i will be there... looking forward to it! Hopefully there will a spot open for my Legacy GT. completely forgot to register...what a noob

[Driftz28]

I have a few newbie questions…

Will there be room for an E-Z up tent (it’s like 8x8 ) and some chairs for my wife and dad?

Also, I know I need a helmet and pants but do I need to ware a jacket or even a long sleeve shirt?

If I bring an extra helmet can my wife ride with me or does she need to be registered also?

Thanks for any help.

[w0rd]

There should be room for a tent and chairs.
There are no clothing requirements. Closed toed shoes being the only possible exception.
I think anyone over 16 can ride, no need for them to register.

[Driftz28]

Thanks for the info...

I am looking forward to tomorrow and I want it to go smoothly.

[Adalaxy]

this is bogus about how much crap happens in one week -

gator cv axels go bad.
+
power steering pump going bad.
=
me going, probably not running ,so my spot will be open.

[Loren]

Shorts and a t-shirt is fine, closed-toe shoes are required.

SPC has a nice covered shelter with picnic tables, so you may not even need the tent.

Our insurance requires all drivers AND passengers to be fully licensed drivers. No permits allowed, and even if you're over 18... gotta have a license. Under 18 must have a parent to sign the waiver. Technically, we don't allow "passenters". Every passenger is a student riding with an instructor, or instructor riding with student. (we all have something to teach... we all have something to learn)

[Little Nicky]

Its almost 5 am and i just got my car done,took it about 10 miles and took all my loose stuff outta it i cant believe i got it back together in time.Well look for number 69 lol im gonna be dead tomarrow.

[Loren]

Let's continue this discussion here (http://www.tamparacing.com/forums/auto-x-road-racing/362335-fast-autox-1-jan-13-post-event.html).