8 replies to this topic

[ryoung99]

Realizing that no one on this list knows me.... my name is Rick Young and I live in the Sacramento area. Today I was able to make my first laps in a SM.

About 2 weeks ago, I went out and bought one that had not raced for a couple of years. From a racing perspective, I have turned a few laps in my life but have never road raced cars, although I did do a test a few years ago in a F500. Over the past 32 years I have raced; karts; sprint cars, midgets, offshore powerboats and I have a dirt late model as well. In my garage right now I have two dirt cars (midget and late model). The midget weighs in at 800-900 pounds and has a 300+hp engine. The late model is 2250#'s sporting 450+ hp. So one would not think the Miata would be intimidating, but that was not the case.

Both of the other styles of cars are direct drive, so no shifting. No to mention they only turn left at the track (the wheel is often pointed to the right to control the car while turning left though). So with exception of the kart racing I did and about 10 24hours of Lemons races, I do not have a ton of experience turning right on a track.

I have to say that I had a blast today and can hardly wait to race (although the next NASA race is not until August in this area). While I have no idea what my laps times were, and I know I missed more than one shift today (and forgot to shift a few times, but the rev limiter gave me a more than gently reminder) I felt good in the car. The car was predictable and easy to control at all speeds and angles. When the rear end would step out, it was easy to stay in the throttle and put it back in line.

The day did not start off the best, when we were prepping the car the tires had a bunch of rubber build up which hid flat spots, so after the first session I had to buy some new tires, thanks to guys at Thunderhill for having some in stock. Once I got that done and found that a plug wire had come loose during the first session the car really ran well.

Unfortunately my day was cut short as it started to rain and I do not have a set of rains yet. I wish I would have listened to a buddy of mine who told me to get one of these years ago, what a great little car. While I am not ready to give up the dirt cars just yet, adding the SM to the stable for some racing might just put the others out to pasture before I had originally intended.

Good news though, I have a almost new set of shaved tires to race in August.

[KentCarter]

Welcome to the addiction of racing itty bitty little girly cars.

[fotostars]

Awesome, welcome to SM!

If you're not ready for big fields (NASA or SCCA), we have a small SM contingency with ARC (ncracing.org) racing mostly at Thunderhill and few times a year at Buttonwillow.
Would love to see you around! PM me if you have questions.

[granracing]

Good for you Rick and welcome to SCCA. Someday I'd like to try dirt racing, or even just that oval stuff. lol The crossover between oval and roadracing is great to see. You do realize "we" have an entry fee which is different from a "fee to enter", right? First time I spoke with guys about how much it costs to enter a circle track, then said no, I want to race and they said the same damn "$15 to enter", I couldn't help but laugh (kinda).

[ryoung99]

Awesome, welcome to SM! If you're not ready for big fields (NASA or SCCA), we have a small SM contingency with ARC (ncracing.org) racing mostly at Thunderhill and few times a year at Buttonwillow. Would love to see you around! PM me if you have questions.

I have already sent Dave a message to see if I can race with ARC and he has given me the green light. Although I am looking forward to the big field of cars. If it was not for the fact that I will be at the Lemons race at Buttonwillow next weekend I would race ARC.

Good for you Rick and welcome to SCCA. Someday I'd like to try dirt racing, or even just that oval stuff. lol The crossover between oval and roadracing is great to see. You do realize "we" have an entry fee which is different from a "fee to enter", right? First time I spoke with guys about how much it costs to enter a circle track, then said no, I want to race and they said the same damn "$15 to enter", I couldn't help but laugh (kinda).

Yes, the cost to "enter" is quite different, as is the payout at the end of the night.... But I am sure dirt racing with midgets and late models is much more expensive, you know $15,000 - $50,000 engines do not last long in dirt, and we go through a bunch of tires (every weekend). Although I did drop a bunch today on 2 new sets of tires, a new canopy and a cool suit system.

Thanks for the kind responses.

[FTodaro]

Congrats Rick your finding out what many on this forum have discovered that SM's are a blast, I started out years ago turning left in the dirt, that drifting will come in handy on the pavement or when you leave the pavement. You will really enjoy the process and getting faster. Keep us posted this is a good place to get information and share experience.

[fotostars]

I have already sent Dave a message to see if I can race with ARC and he has given me the green light. Although I am looking forward to the big field of cars. If it was not for the fact that I will be at the Lemons race at Buttonwillow next weekend I would race ARC.

Thanks for the kind responses.

Ok great! Glad you connected with Dave already.

I will be at Buttonwillow too car #160. We have RV spot #1 I believe... Blue/white/red Datsun 1600. Stop-by to say hello!

[Todd Tagget]

Hey Rick, welcome!! it will be my first SM race in August as well. I'd be racing this weekend had i not decided to upgrade my suspension system a week ago ( that being a total knee replacement).. Sorry I'll miss the Lemons race have never driven BW,, but have a bunch of those races under my belt in a ford escort..

[ryoung99]

Congrats Rick your finding out what many on this forum have discovered that SM's are a blast, I started out years ago turning left in the dirt, that drifting will come in handy on the pavement or when you leave the pavement. You will really enjoy the process and getting faster. Keep us posted this is a good place to get information and share experience.

Will do, thanks for the kind welcome.

Ok great! Glad you connected with Dave already. I will be at Buttonwillow too car #160. We have RV spot #1 I believe... Blue/white/red Datsun 1600. Stop-by to say hello!

I will come by and see you on Friday, we will be in the red and white Eagle Talon #98 (Target car). We are taking the Rv, but will be on generator. We like the ability to pit over by the paddock.

Hey Rick, welcome!! it will be my first SM race in August as well. I'd be racing this weekend had i not decided to upgrade my suspension system a week ago ( that being a total knee replacement).. Sorry I'll miss the Lemons race have never driven BW,, but have a bunch of those races under my belt in a ford escort..

Look forward to meeting you Todd. See you in August.