And in my mind......did NASCAR design the chicane...........

or is it possible in order to get permission to laser-measure the track,

the company designed the chicane FOR NASCAR.?
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Racing driver's car speed secrets

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•Jul 17, 2020

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Casey Putsch
124K subscribersCasey Putsch shares the secrets to speed and handling with the IMSA GTO Corvette and Genius Garage students. Much of the data collecting revolves around the tires to know how the car is handling. The students are getting ready for their first race and Casey is teaching them how to collect data and get a car ready for racing while at a Mid-Ohio School race car test day. Thank you to Hoosier Tires and especially Avalon King Armor Shield Ceramic Coating. This stuff really works!

 

Mexican carbon fiber race car is a secret SPEED MACHINE!

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•Jul 3, 2020

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Casey Putsch
124K subscribersCasey Putsch shows Genius Garage students working on their 1991 Tame Prototipo race car. The students have been in contact with the original designer and builder and have come to fine out the car will be MUCH faster than anticipated. Buy Avalon King ceramic coating products here so they won't kill me for using their sponsor dollars to build the KING ZERO supercar!!!!! Also, they work.

 

Solo: Coughran sets the bar high for the next-generation enthusiast

Images via Coughran family
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emailBy James Heine | September 17, 2020 7:00 AM

It doesn’t take long in any conversation with Mitchell Coughran to recognize not only the enthusiasm of the 19-year-old university student for motorsports, but also the importance of encouraging someone who expresses an interest in motorsports to take the next step.

A Regional SCCA Solo champion in two classes, an autocrosser ready to lend a hand at local events, a Tire Rack Street Survival instructor, and a fan of Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack, Mitchell also is a student and SAE Formula Electric team member (photo above) at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he is studying aerospace engineering.

Even amidst of the current coronavirus pandemic and its effects on everyday life – including motorsports – Coughran is a busy young man.
The plaques and trophies are beginning to pile up …

A Sports Car Club of America member since 2015, Mitchell earned the SCCA St. Louis Region’s Solo novice award in 2016, alongside a first-place title in D Street Prepared. In 2017, he recorded another first in DSP and followed that in 2018 with a first in Street Mod. He moved to F Street last year, where he recorded a second-place finish for the year and was also named the Region’s most improved driver. Along the way, he has become a driver for Missouri University of Science and Technology’s SAE Formula Electric team as well as the team’s chief technical officer and its head of aerodynamics.

“Mitchell represents our younger generation of autocrossers with enthusiasm,” observes St. Louis Region Solo chair Todd Benne. “Whether he is on course, driving, providing help to fellow competitors, or handling Timing and Scoring duties, he always has a positive attitude. His energy and dedication to the sport is admirable. We are fortunate to have him in our program.”

More SCCA / SportsCar Magazine!

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Venerable Varsha makes Runoffs broadcast debut

IMSA, SCCA launch collaboration to cultivate motorsports involvement

For Mitchell, it all began with sim racing and a Street Survival course.

“I became interested in motorsports at age 14 and attended a Tire Rack Street Survival course shortly after I turned 15 and got my first car,” he explains. “My parents had never been car enthusiasts, but my father used to be relatively interested. My [Street Survival] instructor referred me to SCCA Solo and asked if I was interested. My parents agreed to try it with me as a family bonding activity, and we were all immediately hooked. It just spiraled from there.”

The “we,” by the way, includes not only Mom and Dad, Mitchell says, but now also his 17-year-old twin sisters, Olivia and Adelle, who, like Mitchell, have begun a Solo career.

“None of this would’ve happened without my parents supporting me and helping make me competitive,” Mitchell says. “And without the referral of my Street Survival instructor, Thomas Sotiropoulos, I may not have ever found the SCCA Solo program.”
Coughran’s competition efforts are a family affair (left to right): sister Olivia, mother Traci, Mitchell, dad Phillip and sister Adelle.

Regarding Street Survival, Mitchell calls the program “fantastic,” adding that in many ways, Street Survival and autocross complement one another. “Street Survival gave me a taste of car control, but Solo really allowed me to make the transition to learning how to actually have control over the car – not just feeling it out, but going over and learning where the limit is when you get stuck in a sticky situation, whether you’re on course or on the road,” he explains.

Serving as a Street Survival instructor is rewarding also, Mitchell adds, even though balancing school, autocross, and Street Survival duties means that he’s hasn’t been able to contribute as much to the program as he would like.

“A lot of the participants are 15, and they don’t have much driving experience,” he says about the Street Survival students he’s mentored, “and you are kind of throwing them in the deep end. They start off freaked out about it, and then, by the end of the day, you see their confidence shift. By the end, they’re running the lines, and they’re confident in it. It’s cool to see how their confidence changes about just being on the road in general.”

And Solo? Well, there’s something about the finesse of the discipline and the room to grow in performance driving skills that has captivated him, Mitchell says.

“No matter how good you are, you can be better,” he says. “That, and every car is a different challenge. Mainly, there’s no better place to learn the challenge of handling a car skillfully at – and past – the limit without severe consequences than at a Solo event.”

Autocross, he adds, “has given me a place to grow my driving skills more than anywhere else simply because no matter how good or bad you are, there are people supporting you who you can learn from; there are people of a similar skill level you can compete against, and there are people you can help to grow more comfortable and faster on course. In motorsports as a whole, the SCCA has given me a hugely supportive and rewarding group of people with similar interests.”

His SCCA activities also complement his university work, Mitchell notes, including his participation in his school’s SAE Formula Electric program. “Rolla,” local shorthand for the university, is definitely a hard school in terms of academics, not in the least because he is studying aerospace engineering, Mitchell says, but it offers benefits in addition to providing a good education, too. There is not only the SAE program but also an automotive performance club and a strong car culture, which means he’s surrounded by likeminded people even when he’s not participating in SCCA events.

“One other benefit of being a part of the SCCA and motorsports as a whole is the connections it opens up,” he says. “Not only have I met my closest friends at car events, but my passion for motorsports has opened up career opportunities with people I’ve met through Formula Electric competitions and employer/sponsor meet-and-greets, and even at normal motorsports events.”

Honestly, he adds, motorsports is one of the most satisfying hobbies anyone can take part in. “Sometimes cars can seem to become more of a lifestyle,” he says, adding, “The advantage of this is that anyone who shares the interest is an instant friend.”

In terms of advice to someone new to the sport, Mitchell recommends going through the learning curve on course in a safe environment. “People new to the sport overestimate how much they are in control of their vehicle at the limit,” he explains.

“However, this shouldn’t scare someone away,” he adds, “because if you do decide to jump into motorsports, you’ll become a part of one of the best groups of people there is, and you’ll experience some of the most rewarding moments in your life when you learn something new about driving and doing it right.”

This feature originally appeared as a First Gear column in the June 2020 issue of SportsCar magazine, the official publication of the Sports Car Club of America. A print+digital subscription is just one of the many benefits of SCCA membership.

Solo, SCCA / SportsCar Magazine

 

Thinking fast

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emailBy George Tamayo | October 7, 2020 3:30 PM
Presented by: Lexus Racing If there were a Venn diagram for the challenge that racecar drivers and teams face to maximize their collective performance, it would be comprised of two circles. One would be car setup. The other would be driver skill. The intersection of the two could be called “the thinking zone,” the point where engineering and talent meld in search of the ultimate lap time. And for AIM Vasser Sullivan Racing drivers Frankie Montecalvo and Townsend Bell, that thinking zone starts before they even climb inside their Lexus RC F GT3 racecar.
The benefit of two drivers sharing the same racecar is the ability to learn from each other to find the optimal line.

Through every turn on a race track, precious time and speed can be found, but they can also be lost. At the limit, there’s little tolerance for mistakes, and the more demanding a sequence of turns, the more there is to lose – or gain.

One example is the run between Turn 1 and Turn 4 at Virginia International Raceway.Turn 1 traces a long arc to the right until Turn 2 changes the direction and leads into a tightening left-hand Turn 3, before a final and abrupt change of direction back to the right at Turn 4b. To be quick through here requires impeccable timing and restraint.

Too much too early will force the driver into damage control mode over the rest of the sequence, virtually wasting the whole lap since it’s followed by a long, fast section.



“Getting that set of corners right is the key to a good lap at VIR,” Montecalvo explains. “Once I’ve had a session on track in the RC F and analyzed the data, then I’ll start to visualize how I implement what the data is telling me so I can achieve the target time on track.

“When I’m trying to think my way fast, I start at the brake zone, visualizing not just when I brake, but when I spike the brake and then release the pressure and transition to power. It’s not just about when to get on the power, but how much to feed in – especially coming out of Turn 1 and into Turn 2. The more laps you can turn in your head, the more it becomes muscle memory so that when you’re in the racecar, there’s no need to think. It’s just happening.

“We’re so spoiled with data because we can see the theoretical target time for each part of the track,” he adds. “So you almost know what’s possible, but the reality is that things like traffic or tire wear are never ideal enough to hit it. The data analysis and the visualization that we do before the session is what enables us to find the limit every lap.”



We’ve all seen images of racecar drivers, eyes closed, hands reaching out to turn an invisible steering wheel while they drive the track in their mind’s eye. As Frankie Montecalvo notes, active visualization between track sessions can be key to maximizing his performance in the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 racecar. But even before he gets to the race track, Montecalvo’s teammate, Townsend Bell, uses a driving simulator to get in the groove.

“Simulators are really the new visualization technique,” says Bell. “I’ve only started using one regularly this year, and the benefits are huge.

“Mostly, it comes down to running consistent laps in the sim on the track we’re racing at next, and building the muscle memory for all the key points of the track. The more laps you do, the more feel you can build, not just for braking and throttle points, but also for how much input is needed.

“When that becomes ingrained, it ramps up how fast we can get up to speed when we get into the racecar at the track. And since most everyone is using a simulator, the level as a whole has gone up dramatically. So, we’re seeing really fast lap times right out of the box on every race weekend.”

 

His Dad makes millions every year racing in NASCAR.....
And he is teaching his kid how to do the same.....at a very early age.

If you had the money and the time, you would do the same for your kid too.
We all want our kids to do better than we have done.
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In this video,
They have the same conversations as the grown up professionals.
Same safety equipment, same electronics readout to analyze the car, etc.
They have the same crew, same preparation, they even have the same winners trophy ceremony....
Pour stuff all over the kid just like pouring champagne over the real racers at Daytona.
Photos and cheering,........ hold that trophy high.......give credit to others.....just like the professionals do.
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Did you notice that dad has secured sponsorship....look at the decals, etc.
Wearing a $500 helmet....and Bell logos all over it, including next to his face...both sides.
There is a lot to be learned here from watching the video....
----------------------
Most successful stock car racers started out racing on dirt.
The dirt and drifting sideways develops a fine feel for what a car is doing in a limits-of-control situation.
--------------------
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The best present you can give your kid is to support what he wants to do.

When I was Tech Inspector at Orlando Speedway
years ago Mark Martin made 11 million dollars per year.
He had a 3 man crew drive his son to race tracks near where dad was racing the big cars
and to maintain the car.
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3 races per Friday or Saturday night, and Matt had at least 5 kids cars (Bandelero cars powered by lawnmower engines)
in the top of the hauler, spare parts, tires, tools, the whole deal.
That means if your kid crashes with Matt, Matt is coming back, but your kid won't be back until next week.
At 15 years, Matt Martin became a contract driver for Ford Motor Company.
---------------
Then he quit...no explanation...nothing.

Before Matt Martin quit, his dad, Mark Martin had video'ed every race his son Matt raced in,
every celebrity he ever met, every sports game he ever went to.......
-------------------
But the best thing Matt Martin got from his dad was memories....
memories that no matter what Matt did, dad was always there for him.
The best present you can give your kid is to support what he wants to do.
------------------
Even if he changes his mind next week.
----------------

 

Race Day Lessons | Brex Episode 3

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•Aug 27, 2020

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Kyle Busch
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In this episode we take you behind the scenes for some of the stuff we're trying to teach Brexton about racing, wrecks, and going faster. While myself and my Dad (Grandpa Tom) have to find out who's right when it comes to the heat line ups.

It's all part of Race Day at the dirt track with Brexton and the Busch family. Brexton Busch is 5-years old and the son of two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch.

He is in his first year of racing in the Beginner Box Stock division at Millbridge Speedway. Follow Brexton Busch on Instagram for more racing and life at home content.

 

Mark Hawkins 2 months ago
Kyle, I like watching the “line” Brex is using. Looks like he’s getting a little more comfortable, but I believe he’s looking too much on the other carts and is getting distracted. I like the in-car cameras where you can see he eyes. I know he’ll come around the more seat time he gets. Great explanation you gave Brex on the line he needs to take. Hopefully, the next video, Brex will have more foot in the throttle. Keep up the good work and got to love patience. 😬


jfoster1515 2 months ago
I could never offer any racing critique as my racing experience is that of watching... Kyle, you're a Coaching Father with the real racing experience and it's encouraging that you're able to do both with great trainable moments all while being a supportive father... Clearly, your father did the same with you and Kurt and it's noticeable... Thanks for sharing your family with us...
Have fun and be safe !



Stick A3031 2 months ago
Kid could care less he just wants to have fun. Reminds me of when we raced dirt bikes. Show up with a bike in the back of a truck.Guy parked parked beside us had a motor home hauler with multiple bikes. My boy waxed him. Dad preceded to rip his ass he got beat by a scrub with one bike. Kid started crying, and with no coaxing.

My 10 year old went up and said to the other kid: dont worry about it we are here to have fun. You can ride my bike if you want. It was a used up 65cc KTM. All their shit was brand new yamaha.

 

Fast Lap (Tire Cam) at the 2019 NASA National Championships at Mid Ohio

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•Sep 24, 2019

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TrackDayTire
77 subscribersHere's a Fast lap on Hoosier A7's! Running at Mid Ohio at the 2019 NASA National Championships!

 

If you are the kind of person who quits easily, don't watch this video. You don't have what it takes to race.

Team Development | Captains | Rules | Building A Solar Car

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•Oct 25, 2020
This is a bit lengthy, and not for everyone, but only for special people....

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Solar Car Challenge
129 subscribers2020 Fall Webinar Series - Webinar 1 Agenda: - How to Develop Your Team - The Importance of a Team Calendar, Budget, and Suppliers - The Role of the Team Captain and Team Publicity - 2021 Race Rules and the Race at the Texas Motor Speedway - What it’s like to Build a Solar Car: A Solar Car Team Captain’s View