30 replies to this topic

[Tom Maycock]

I posted a link on June Sprints registrations (opens at noon today) over in the Racing News section, but neglected to mention that there will be a spec fuel rule in place for the 2011 June Sprints. So, FYI, from the supps:

"17. The following classes will be required to use a spec fuel (93 octane no ethanol): FE, SM, SRF. Fuel must be purchased at Road America from the designated supplier as delivered in the spec fuel truck, located near the gas pumps. Spec fuel availability hours will be posted at registration, the Orion Tech Center, and the gas pumps. Tests to verify compliance may include, but may not be limited to: color, specific gravity, and dielectric constant."

As you debate the pros and cons, please remember not to shoot the messenger!

Thanks,
Tom Maycock
Chicago Region Competition Committee

[Jim Drago]

I posted a link on June Sprints registrations (opens at noon today) over in the Racing News section, but neglected to mention that there will be a spec fuel rule in place for the 2011 June Sprints. So, FYI, from the supps:

"17. The following classes will be required to use a spec fuel (93 octane no ethanol): FE, SM, SRF. Fuel must be purchased at Road America from the designated supplier as delivered in the spec fuel truck, located near the gas pumps. Spec fuel availability hours will be posted at registration, the Orion Tech Center, and the gas pumps. Tests to verify compliance may include, but may not be limited to: color, specific gravity, and dielectric constant."

As you debate the pros and cons, please remember not to shoot the messenger!

Thanks,
Tom Maycock
Chicago Region Competition Committee

Don't shoot Tom, but you can shoot me if you like! I pushed really hard for this... Last year I would guess conservatively that we( SM ) as a group spent well over 5,000 in exotic fuel for qualifying and the race. The fuel did nothing but become a $28.00 a gallon spec fuel at the front of the grid and put the guys already behind even more so.
So while I sympathize for those who will pay a few dollars more per gallon than pump gas, on a whole it is in the best interest of the class
Jim

[davew]

This is GREAT. Thanks Tom and Jim

[High Chair]

Don't shoot Tom, but you can shoot me if you like! I pushed really hard for this... Last year I would guess conservatively that we( SM ) as a group spent well over 5,000 in exotic fuel for qualifying and the race. The fuel did nothing but become a $28.00 a gallon spec fuel at the front of the grid and put the guys already behind even more so.
So while I sympathize for those who will pay a few dollars more per gallon than pump gas, on a whole it is in the best interest of the class
Jim

Not sure why anybody would complain as this is a better alternative than what you had last year. You should be rewarded not shot for your efforts!
Thanks,
JT

[Tom Maycock]

Not sure why anybody would complain as this is a better alternative than what you had last year. You should be rewarded not shot for your efforts!
Thanks,
JT

It's the SCCA--anything that makes 51% of the people happy will make 49% of the people unhappy!

Seriously, we do try to please as many as possible, but you'll never please 'em all. See corresponding thread in FE section at apexspeed.com for an example!

[Jim Drago]

Not sure why anybody would complain as this is a better alternative than what you had last year. You should be rewarded not shot for your efforts!
Thanks,
JT

It is an added expense for many who are running true pump gas. But in what we spend in a weekend racing, the amount is marginal IMO compared to the benefit. But if you figure it is an extra $3.00 a gallon, an average competitor should burn 12/13 gallons over the course of two qualifying sessions and a race. So less than $40.00
Jim

[Zauskycop]

Well, there goes THAT excuse for me being at the back haha. Should be fun, as it will be my first National. At least I won't have to worry about my eyes watering...

[dstevens]

By the time Sprints come it might be closer to a couple bucks or in some cases a buck a gallon more than pump gas if things keep going the way they are. We're at 4 bucks or so here and in So Cal it's not uncommon to see it near 5 bucks in some places. In ten years, while race gas has gone up, I haven't seen it spike and ebb like street gas.

[Tom Sager]

It is an added expense for many who are running true pump gas. But in what we spend in a weekend racing, the amount is marginal IMO compared to the benefit. But if you figure it is an extra $3.00 a gallon, an average competitor should burn 12/13 gallons over the course of two qualifying sessions and a race. So less than $40.00
Jim

This is a good move. This year's big expense will be an extra test day to compare 888's to RA1's.

[James York]

This is a good move. This year's big expense will be an extra test day to compare 888's to RA1's.

I'll save you 500 bucks. RA-1s.

[Jim Drago]

I'll save you 500 bucks. RA-1s.

Gentleman's agreement to all Run RA1's? Then no need to test R888's? I'm in if everyone else is.
Jim

[Mike Collins]

I will be on RA1s

[High Chair]

It is an added expense for many who are running true pump gas. But in what we spend in a weekend racing, the amount is marginal IMO compared to the benefit. But if you figure it is an extra $3.00 a gallon, an average competitor should burn 12/13 gallons over the course of two qualifying sessions and a race. So less than $40.00
Jim

I guess there will always be those that complain but $40 to get a closer field at one of the biggest races in the country sounds like a win win to me. I know at VIR nobody was on fuel and we had one hell of race; the best one I have seen to date.

[Protech Racing]

Good job on the fuel. Thanks. Do we have to pump out and than fill, or have a 8 gal min?
What is the procedure? Thanks, MM

[James York]

Good job on the fuel. Thanks. Do we have to pump out and than fill, or have a 8 gal min?
What is the procedure? Thanks, MM

No procedure. If you get tested, just make sure your fuel sample is spec track fuel. If you think you need to flush some through the tank, then do so. Typically a pump out, add a couple of gallons of the spec fuel, and pump out again gets your tank ready. If you typically run pump gas anyway, you can probably add on top. At the Runoffs, the track fuel was just BP 93 if I remember correctly.

[pat slattery]

You should be applauded on the Spec Fuel Jim.

RA1, for June Sprints +1

Pat

[Tom Maycock]

For those attending the Chicago Region June Sprints, below is a letter from the Chief Steward with further details on the spec fuel program. I believe a copy of this will also be emailed to registered entrants in SRF, FE, and SM tonight or tomorrow.

FYI, online registration closes at midnight tonight. Late fees apply for any subsequent at-track registrations. You can register at http://tinyurl.com/sprints2011


Thanks,
Tom Maycock
Chicago Region Comp Committee

*********

June 7, 2011

Dear Competitors:

In response to numerous requests and as well as our concern for the safety of competitors and volunteers, for the 2011 Weather Tech Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints, a spec fuel requirement has been instituted for all FE, SM, and SRF competitors.

Per Supplemental Regulation, K.17:

"The following classes will be required to use a spec fuel (93 octane no ethanol): FE, SM, SRF. Fuel must be purchased at Road America from the designated supplier as delivered in the spec fuel truck, located near the gas pumps. Spec fuel availability hours will be posted at registration, the Orion Tech Center, and the gas pumps. Tests to verify compliance may include, but may not be limited to: color, specific gravity, and dielectric constant."

A fuel tanker exclusive to FE, SM and SRF competitors will be available at the track at the gas pumps.

The fuel is a 93 octane unleaded fuel without ethanol.

The track fuel pumps will be available via attendant;

Thursday June 16, 2011, from 1:00 PM to final checker of the day
Friday June 17, 2011, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday June 18, 2011 from 7:30 AM to 12: 30 PM
Sunday June 19, 2011, from 7:30 AM to 12: 30 PM

Before Friday's first session or if you have changed fuel types, at a MINIMUM, we recommend draining your tank/cell, then adding a few gallons of the specification fuel, run the car and drain the tank/cell again.

This fuel shall be purchased from Road America, under the supervision of Chicago Region SCCA and will be tested in accordance with the official 2011 Weather Tech Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints® fuel testing procedure.

Fuel testing will be available to all competitors on a voluntary basis subject to the workload in tech. Priority will be given to competitors who have not yet had their fuel tested. The scheduled times for voluntary fuel testing will be posted at Tech.

Fuel testing for compliance with these supplemental regulations may be implemented during qualifying and post-race inspection.

Thank you for being a part of the 56th consecutive running of this wonderful event.

Sincerely,
Mike Smith
Chief Steward
Weather Tech Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints

[Brian Ghidinelli]

+1 on the spec fuel, the tow cost from California is already bad enough. RA1s on my car too.

[Tom Maycock]

The Chief Steward and Road America have worked out some revisions to the spec fuel availability and the Road America Thursday test day. Spec fuel scheduled to be available starting at 10am. Combined with the revised schedule shown below, this should make it easier for affected classes to run the spec fuel starting with their first sessions. Reminder that the test day is a Road America event, not an SCCA event.

Thanks,
Tom Maycock


Tentative June Sprints Test Schedule
Thursday 16-Jun


8:00 8:30 Group 6 T1, T2, AS
8:40 9:10 Group 4 CSR, DSR, S2
9:15 9:45 Group 7 GT1, GT2, GT3, STO
9:50 10:20 Group 8 FA, FB, FC, FM
10:25 10:55 Group 9 STU, MX-5
11:00 11:30 Group 1 & 3 EP, FP, HP, GTL, SM, SSB, SSC, T3
11:35 12:05 Group 2 FF, FE, FV, F5
12:10 12:40 Group 5 SRF
12:40 1:10 lunch
1:10 1:20 Group 6 T1, T2, AS
1:25 1:55 Group 4 CSR, DSR, S2
2:05 2:35 Group 7 GT1, GT2, GT3, STO
2:45 3:15 Group 8 FA, FB, FC, FM
3:25 3:55 Group 9 STU, MX-5
4:05 4:35 Group 1 & 3 EP, FP, HP, GTL, SM, SSB, SSC, T3
4:45 5:15 Group 2 FF, FE, FV, F5
5:25 5:55 Group 5 SRF


Tentative Schedule subject to change

All cars exit to pit lane after checker at turn 14
Not a SCCA Sanctioned event

[dmathias]

Tentative Schedule subject to change

Redundant.