132 replies to this topic

[Johnny D]

I think I saw in the rules that the grid should be made up on lap times, which make sense.

 

And, again, I think I read in the NASA Forum the TT Director couldn't make it this weekend.

Don't quote me.

 

Still a class act Danny,

J~

[James York]

Rules,

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

 

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

 

J~

What?  I was commenting on the race video from Topher of whatever group NASA calls it that was wheel to wheel racing and showed a BMW driver being an ass.  What does that have to do with TT rules?  What are you smoking?

[Johnny D]

What?  I was commenting on the race video from Topher of whatever group NASA calls it that was wheel to wheel racing and showed a BMW driver being an ass.  What does that have to do with TT rules?  What are you smoking?

 

Relax.

I posted the rules because guys didn't think Danny did anything wrong. I don't really either.

I didn't see the video, just the comment, assumption was incorrect.

Please accept my apologize.

Marlboro light but I'm down to a few a day, why?

Maybe try decaf.

J~

[James York]

Johnny,

No problem.  I was just curious what it was that distorted your vision...  

 

Give up Marlboros....... bad for you.

[Brocodile]

Danny and I both are part of the OPM operation. We both ran the TT at Barber and were near one another in every session. To fully understand the NASA TT program and the complaints voiced on the NASA forum, some background is needed:

 

1. In TT, all cars of every description are on track together. Time differentials to Spec Miatas are well over 10 sec/lap and speed diff on straights over 30 mph, but equal, at best, in the turns. Among the quickest are the wing-equipped Thunder Roadsters (TR), who appear to be the most vocal complainers.

 

2. The officials gridded the cars in groups on the basis of predicted lap times. TR's were first and Spec MIatas were last. This was not our idea, but it seemed to make sense.

 

3. The out lap was run under yellow. There were no noticeable stragglers or big gaps, but there were probably 50 cars on track. Thus, they were strung out for a considerable distance. That's just how it works.

 

Danny and I both were WFO as soon as we saw the green (I had no radio for the TT, and I don't think Danny did), but we were still two turns from the straight when the TR's saw it. They already were up to speed before we got going, so it's little wonder they caught us so quickly. Matters were made worse by the fact that, although many cars gridded ahead of us were much faster than ours, their drivers were not, so we were held up.

 

Frankly, I feel Danny owes no apologies. If he does, I do, too.

 

Here's a link to a clip from the second TT on Saturday which is typical of the weekend. It starts in Turn 2 on the first lap after the green. Note the wide assortment of cars and driving skills. Danny (with the bright orange and blue paint job) and I are separated early, but he hits traffic and we are nose to tail by the end of the lap. With all that going on, how is it possible to single Danny out for criticism? It must be the paint job.

 

Here's the vid. Judge for yourself. http://youtu.be/pmx056GNvN8

[Jim Drago]

Here's the vid. Judge for yourself. http://youtu.be/pmx056GNvN8

Well the problem is obvious. You need one of those wings 3 ft above the car

Skip, that is one of your better tracks! Nice job
Jim

[James York]

 

 

Here's the vid. Judge for yourself. http://youtu.be/pmx056GNvN8

Skip, that thing on your dash would distract the crap out of me...

 

I couldn't help myself from watching it.

[Strongbad]

After watching Skip's video it is obvious that both Danny and Skip should not be allowed to participate in the 2014 Nationals (east) due to such flagrant violations of the rules (Sec 3.2 of the NASA sporting code).

heh,heh...

 

Joseph

[suck fumes]

Man you guys got balls running in that group and risking damaging your cars

[David L]

Well obviously you were both cheating. LOL 

 

Did anyone complain about the red trans am seems kind of dangerous to lock up your brakes like that when another car is passing.   

[Johnny D]

Have you seen or done a Lemans race?

or been in the drivers meeting when they ask the question...

 

By a raise of hands, how many have never been here before or raced a car?

J~

[suck fumes]

He probably peed his pants when another car got to close hahaha. Kind of like some of the vintage racers.

[suck fumes]

Have you seen or done a Lemans race?
or been in the drivers meeting when they ask the question...

By a raise of hands, how many have never been here before or raced a car?
J~

LOL!!!

[Mark McCallister]

Here's the vid. Judge for yourself. http://youtu.be/pmx056GNvN8

 

Wow I don't think I would enjoy that experience at all.  All the pressure of qualifying in an HPDE setting.  Heart skipped a beat at the Vette/TransAm near miss..

[Tom Sager]

Skip, that thing on your dash would distract the crap out of me...

 

I couldn't help myself from watching it.

 

That is quite a nice piece on the dash.  Thought it was a weather vane at first but then realized that it's a lateral accelerometer, and a wireless one to boot.  

[Brocodile]

Skip, that thing on your dash would distract the crap out of me...

 

I couldn't help myself from watching it.

It's a crude accelerometer. She's just a tad top-heavy, so her leg extends in the direction of the turn. I'm considering replacing her with a Tom Fowler talking bobble-head. Pull the string and it says, " Six-foot-five? No problem! You'll fit right in my 1.6 rental with room to spare." The power of positive thinking and the birth of my most expensive vice.

[Bench Racer]

 

Here's the vid. Judge for yourself.

Don't know NASA TT or what ever from jack squat. Looked like a bunch of vintage drivers and two race car drivers. IIRC the brake lock-up was in a straight, hammered the brake at shift rather than the clutch pedal. The silver wing and thing sure had a fine straight line suspension. Did someone blow it placing the two of you in that group? 

[38bfast]

Danny you have nothing to apologies about. NASA has put in place an envoirment that is a no win situation for any one driver on the track. The verity of cars and skill level is so diverse that some one is always going to be in the way.

I tried doing TT once with my DSR and while entertaining I was not able to put down one good lap. I was not pissed because I recognized it for what it was. But come on NASA, neons to DSRs and rookies to pro drivers all on the track at the same time trying to lay down a lap. A bit much to ask of your paying customers IMHO. I can't see anyone thinking that is a great plan.

[Danny Steyn]

Thanks for sharing that video Skip. Brings back some big smiles. Fortunately none of us are taking the NASA TT seriously, just using it for track time, but when you see that video, you question the value of the track time you are getting. What you are learning for sure, is to expect the unexpected!!!!!

[Johnny D]

Danny's right, some of the best fun to be had is in an enduro, multI-class, 25 hrs, Devil in the dark, etc. for hours with friends and family.

No better way to learn, strength and weakness of a another car, hp to weight to handling, different lines to pass, racecraft, etc.

 

Sure you can run a single spec class, absolutely nothing wrong, but there's always something to learn in multiclass.

Really not any different than lapping a back marker or being lapped. Race awareness, closing speed, etc.

J~