132 replies to this topic

[suck fumes]

What's the link on the NASA forums?

[Danny Steyn]

Topher or anyone - can you send me the link so I may wade in and offer my apoligies

[svvs]

I know in the NE for TT they try to space the cars exits from the pits, and they grid based on times.  I'm not sure how they do it down by you, but it sure sounds like they didn't have a structured grid.

 

Now that being said, in terms of qualifying for a race there is no rule for how fast you need to exit the pits last I checked.

[Johnny D]

"I have and will continue to DQ for that."

_________________
NASA-SE Time Trial Director, Instructor

 

J~ (Not me)

 

http://www.nasaforum...ans!!!!#p478092

[Danny Steyn]

Found the thread - it's here

I will make my apologies there, and Victor, I was ALWAYS ON IT, flat out from pit row!!! 

[LarryKing]

I'm guessing that this is referring to NASA TT not NASA race group.

[Johnny D]

If you want to email the TT director...

 

Looks like it's Jeff England.

 

NASA username Varkwso

aardvarkperformance@yahoo.com

 

J~

[Topher]

Interesting banter on the other forum, especially from the TR guys. 

 

http://youtu.be/CPOMcI5GxHc

 

Comments on how do handle a out of class driver who is making life difficult for you? If you are faster in the corners force him to the severe outside line until you can get enough gap that he can't out motor you?

[James York]

Your too nice.  Since I haven't been to Barber, I don't know the corner numbers, but, for example at time equals around 4:20, you keep setting up wide for the upcoming turn and letting him back up the inside.  Move over and block his ass.  Worry about any complaints later.  He should not be out braking you and if you block him and then go through a series of corners, you should be able to pull away enough that he can't catch you on the straight.  It may take more than 1 block.  He should also get a clue you have had enough by doing this also.

 

The other option is to let him know you want by with your bumper.

 

Sometimes to get by you can't be so conservative.  You show great patience.

[Danny Steyn]

Apologized on the NASA forum, however since its my first post they have to approve it - sucks when your first post is an apology.

Also sent an apology to Jeff England

Topher, always available on race days in the trailer to look at data and video. Ask Ben if my analysis of his race video helped........

[Jim Drago]

Found the thread - it's here
I will make my apologies there, and Victor, I was ALWAYS ON IT, flat out from pit row!!!

Flat out! Cause that is how he drives, Flat Out!

[LarryKing]

Danny, what are you apologizing for?

 

I guess I don't get NASA TT. My impression is that it's like a glorified qualifying session.

[DrDomm]

Danny, what are you apologizing for?

 

I guess I don't get NASA TT. My impression is that it's like a glorified qualifying session.

 

Same here.  I don't get it.

[Danny Steyn]

RG, Dr. Domm

 

TT is a Time Trial session for those that don't want wheel to wheel contact and also don't want the point-by requirements of HPDE. So for them they are all into getting ONE killer lap to determine who the winner of their TT session is. And when you are hoping to get your killer lap on your first hot lap, and you run up on a slower car out on the course, yes I can see their frustration. 

 

I posted an apology on the NASA forum thread, however its waiting moderator approval. Despite what was said by one particular poster, I did not hang back intentionally wanting my own clean track. On two of the 5 sessions I was just late getting to the grid, and each time they waived me onto the track and of course I wailed on it from pit out. but a 125HP SM waling around the track is still going to be a moving chicane for a 500HP TT car, especially when they are hoping to closed down their run after one flying lap.

 

I fully get it now, I should not have gone out on the track, not fair to those guys. Have to see it through their eyes.

[DrDomm]

Danny, that seems tough on yourself.  TT sounds just like qualifying to me.  Unfortunately, they group too many cars of different classes/abilities.  If you were breaking a rule, they shouldn't have let you out of pit lane.

 

My opinion.  Never done it.

[Johnny D]

Rules,

Also James, No blocking, drafting, contact, etc. etc.

 

http://www.nasaprora...trial_rules.pdf

 

J~

[LarryKing]

 

but a 125HP SM waling around the track is still going to be a moving chicane for a 500HP TT car

 

Just doesn't seem like a good idea.

 

 

they group too many cars of different classes/abilities

 

Main reason I quit going to NASA events.

[suck fumes]

In Texas they separate the cars a LOT better than what I saw in that video. Dave runs our NASA region very safely and well. That video looked like a dangerous event with speed variables so different.

[Johnny D]

Just doesn't seem like a good idea.

 

 

Main reason I quit going to NASA events.

 

Wuss. 

J~

[Danny Steyn]

As a first time TT driver this weekend, from my viewpoint, if you come from wheel-to-wheel racing, it appears as if the TT format is fraught with several issues relating to compatibility of car, and compatibility of approach,

 

• First there is this huge discrepancy in speed between 500HP GT cars and 120HP cars (and of course some relatively high HP cars just being driven really slowly)!! In many multi class events this is not an issue as the fast car has many opportunities to get past the slower car, but when drivers are looking to only run ONE HOT LAP, well you get the idea.
• The sessions are short – 15 minutes from track out to track in, and this is made worse by the front cars going 30mph weaving from side to side, with marshals displaying double yellow flags, preventing any passes, ensuring that everyone stacks up, using much of the allotted time to this wasted outlap, all the while ensuring the front guys get an open track for 1 or 2 laps, but killing time for anyone else hoping to get his good lap in on say the 4^th lap.
• Then when the GT car has his time in, he backs off and hopefully pulls over to the side but on a small flowing track like Barber, the guy on his cool down lap often becomes the moving chicane for everyone else still on a flyer trying to get in a time.

 

I am sure that it is better than HPDE for some, but for a racer that likes to race other cars, it must be an acquired taste. Not knocking it, just saying that it wasn’t very satisfying for me.