SCCA racing

[Whitesmoke]

Any body on here do this? I know a couple of you hit the road course. not sure if they are in SCCA or something else. anyway i have been thinking long and hard about switching it up and joining the SCCA for Solo and posably club car when/if i get better. It's getting pretty dull going in a straight line all the time. Im wondering what all it takes to go about this. I know i will need to join and pay the dues and that it requires a completly diffrent suspension set up. i dont have a car for it yet anyway. im going to sell off the RX7 and get a Miata or maybe convert my 280ZX daily into a track car and get a new daily. or my 3rd choice was pick up a 5.0 SN95. anyway im really looking for any tips on getting started in this area of racing you guys had to offer.

[ozzeran]

AGGIE97 in 3....2.....1.....

[Whitesmoke]

AGGIE97 in 3....2.....1.....

aparently he has not been online yet lol. i figured he would be the first one in here. but if i had asked for figures on cost/year his would be all screwed up because he has sponsors :p

[HARVEL 5.0]

SCCA or NASA running the roads is a blast. if you want some more info on it i would try and talk to steeda05, him and his dad run 3 or 4 cars in SCCA.

[aggie97]

SCCA is not the way to go as they only have one road race event in this region per year, maybe two and their autox program is pretty weak for FUN as they are all on the postage stamp sized space at pennington field.

I commend you on your decision to step up to some corner carving!! :cool:

I however do not recommend a miata or other true spec class car unless you are looking to get into the Camaro Mustang Challenge where we have "spec" mustangs. These events are sponsored by www.nasatx.com and you can find a wealth of info on that site regarding how to get started and what kind of classes of racing are available.

I won't BS you and say it's cheap. It's not, but the fun factor certainly outweighs costs compared to drag racing. You can typically pick up an already built CMC stang for around $5k to $8k, freshen the motor, brake pads, wheel bearings and a set of tires and you are good to go. Tires run about $170ea and last a very long time. They are spec Toyo RA1's and we get a deal on them as well as get Toyo Bucks for podium finishes. If you stay out of trouble, your consumables are brake pads about every other event and gas. tire life depends on driving style!!

Step up to AI and all bets are off on budget. If you get hooked and can afford it, I recommend AI after you get the basics of car control down.

To get started in this addiction, I suggest you come down to motorsport Ranch this weekend. We have our 3rd event of the year there this weekend and you can see, hear and smell what it's all about. Look for the gang up on the skid pad area with all the camaros and mustangs, look for the silver #97 and I will get you introduced to a few people who can answer your questions if I can't.

It's a blast getting out on track and doing what you can't do on the streets. To get a comp license does take some time by going through the Drivers Education event requirements as well as getting signed off to race with a legal car. I would say a year atleast if you don't already have a car......but the DE's can be done in a rental car if you had to!!! Ask RyanB and MattB about that! ;)

Let me know if you have any questions but come out this weekend....it will cost you $10 to get in but you can see all the different classes which includes miatas and others to see which one you like best. We have 2 races on Saturday and a 40 minute race on Sunday which should be REALLY interesting!!! :eek:

[Cheezebandit]

if your looking to have fun doing Autocross .. the LSC BMWCCA is where its at .. kind of a far drive to mineral wells but they have faster ? Bigger courses than SCCA and you get more run time ..

[Whitesmoke]

SCCA is not the way to go as they only have one road race event in this region per year, maybe two and their autox program is pretty weak for FUN as they are all on the postage stamp sized space at pennington field.

I commend you on your decision to step up to some corner carving!! :cool:

I however do not recommend a miata or other true spec class car unless you are looking to get into the Camaro Mustang Challenge where we have "spec" mustangs. These events are sponsored by www.nasatx.com and you can find a wealth of info on that site regarding how to get started and what kind of classes of racing are available.

I won't BS you and say it's cheap. It's not, but the fun factor certainly outweighs costs compared to drag racing. You can typically pick up an already built CMC stang for around $5k to $8k, freshen the motor, brake pads, wheel bearings and a set of tires and you are good to go. Tires run about $170ea and last a very long time. They are spec Toyo RA1's and we get a deal on them as well as get Toyo Bucks for podium finishes. If you stay out of trouble, your consumables are brake pads about every other event and gas. tire life depends on driving style!!

Step up to AI and all bets are off on budget. If you get hooked and can afford it, I recommend AI after you get the basics of car control down.

To get started in this addiction, I suggest you come down to motorsport Ranch this weekend. We have our 3rd event of the year there this weekend and you can see, hear and smell what it's all about. Look for the gang up on the skid pad area with all the camaros and mustangs, look for the silver #97 and I will get you introduced to a few people who can answer your questions if I can't.

It's a blast getting out on track and doing what you can't do on the streets. To get a comp license does take some time by going through the Drivers Education event requirements as well as getting signed off to race with a legal car. I would say a year atleast if you don't already have a car......but the DE's can be done in a rental car if you had to!!! Ask RyanB and MattB about that! ;)

Let me know if you have any questions but come out this weekend....it will cost you $10 to get in but you can see all the different classes which includes miatas and others to see which one you like best. We have 2 races on Saturday and a 40 minute race on Sunday which should be REALLY interesting!!! :eek:

wow thats a lot of info. and thats awsome i was only thinking SCCA because frankly thats the only one i could remeber the name of. and as for the miata the only reason i thought about it was because thats the only car i have had any cornering experiance in. i went to that Mazda zoom zoom live event this year and got to beat the shit out of an 06 miata all day long for free and i was hooked. i had a hell of a lot more fun in that slow little car than i have ever had going in a straight line. i am going to try to make it out there Sunday i wont be in town Sat. anyway thanks for the help ill see ya there hopefully

[bellmd]

You can typically pick up an already built CMC stang for around $5k to $8k, freshen the motor, brake pads, wheel bearings and a set of tires and you are good to go.

I've got a CMC car for sale for less than $8K with new tires/pads/bearings. Car qualified 2nd out of 13 last time out.

Careful, the racing is an addiction - right Matt? :D

[aggie97]

I've got a CMC car for sale for less than $8K with new tires/pads/bearings. Car qualified 2nd out of 13 last time out.

Careful, the racing is an addiction - right Matt? :D

Quit teasing me man! You know you want to get that purple, I mean saphire blue car back out there! ;)

Yeah, don't know when our Race is on Sunday but I would plan on getting to the track early and hang out as we really don't know when our race will be yet....schedules always arrive late.

As for the Dallas Mazda zoom zoom live....ask me who had the fastest time of the weekend? :cool: :D

[89CMC#11]

Quit teasing me man! You know you want to get that purple, I mean saphire blue car back out there! ;)

Yeah, don't know when our Race is on Sunday but I would plan on getting to the track early and hang out as we really don't know when our race will be yet....schedules always arrive late.

As for the Dallas Mazda zoom zoom live....ask me who had the fastest time of the weekend? :cool: :D

I can't wait for the weekend!!!!!!
EV and I will be there tomorrow doing some "testing" in preparation for the weekend.
Mike, hopefully I'll have a little more competition for ya this time. :D
Looking forward to seeing ya'll out there.

[Whitesmoke]

Quit teasing me man! You know you want to get that purple, I mean saphire blue car back out there! ;)

Yeah, don't know when our Race is on Sunday but I would plan on getting to the track early and hang out as we really don't know when our race will be yet....schedules always arrive late.

As for the Dallas Mazda zoom zoom live....ask me who had the fastest time of the weekend? :cool: :D


ME..... na i was too busy mini drifting :p i was only 2 seconds off the best time for sunday. i didnt really care about any of their prizes. so next ill have to guess you lol.

but i would imagine runing out at MSR would be a lot diffrent than driving around a paking lot

[aggie97]

ME..... na i was too busy mini drifting :p i was only 2 seconds off the best time for sunday. i didnt really care about any of their prizes. so next ill have to guess you lol.

but i would imagine runing out at MSR would be a lot diffrent than driving around a paking lot

YEP! and Yep!

I will be on PST's doorstep at 8am getting the car aligned and corner weighted....then tagging along on skip's guest pass for some testing and pad bedding. then I will be holding side bets on whether JG's car will be done or not!! ;)

[bellmd]

YEP! and Yep!

then I will be holding side bets on whether JG's car will be done or not!! ;)

A little bird just told me JG's car has left the shop, so all bets are probably off. ;)

[RyanB]

It's a blast getting out on track and doing what you can't do on the streets. To get a comp license does take some time by going through the Drivers Education event requirements as well as getting signed off to race with a legal car. I would say a year atleast if you don't already have a car......but the DE's can be done in a rental car if you had to!!! Ask RyanB and MattB about that! ;)

Let me know if you have any questions but come out this weekend....it will cost you $10 to get in but you can see all the different classes which includes miatas and others to see which one you like best. We have 2 races on Saturday and a 40 minute race on Sunday which should be REALLY interesting!!! :eek:

I'll try to be there Sunday Matt, what time is the 40 minute race? I work until about 3am on Saturday so I was wondering if it would be worth the drive out?

And there is nothing wrong with any stinky cheese mobiles...just ask Darren!

[89CMC#11]

YEP! and Yep!

I will be on PST's doorstep at 8am getting the car aligned and corner weighted....then tagging along on skip's guest pass for some testing and pad bedding. then I will be holding side bets on whether JG's car will be done or not!! ;)
Matt,
I'll be out there around 11:00. I figured Skip would be there being that it's in his back yard. :)

See ya tomorrow.

[89CMC#11]

A little bird just told me JG's car has left the shop, so all bets are probably off. ;)
Is Armstrong running the silver #20? I read that he will have 315's all around. I haven't heard the status of his new project.

[aggie97]

Is Armstrong running the silver #20? I read that he will have 315's all around. I haven't heard the status of his new project.

Last I heard on Saturday night was the car was still at Wades getting the repairs done. and yes...rumors are 315's all around, 600rwhp Nascar motor...? and less weight than JG had in it by a BUNCH!

don't know if it's done though?...

[bellmd]

Quit teasing me man! You know you want to get that purple, I mean saphire blue car back out there! ;)



Believe me, everytime I stick another 500 bones into this CMC car I look over at the AI car and wish I was taking it to the track. I'll dust off ol' sapphire soon, take her out for a weekend. Probably TWS but maybe by the MSRH event. ;)

[MattB]

What car is John George's new car? I loved the #23 LX he had. Did he also own or drive the silver #20 SN95?

[aggie97]

What car is John George's new car? I loved the #23 LX he had. Did he also own or drive the silver #20 SN95?

No, he sold it and bought an 03 body in white and has done it VERY RIGHT.... I looked over the car at the shop last friday and there is NO WAY anyone will catch him in this region unless he is plagued with new car bugs.... My fingers are crossed! ;) :p

Oh, and mike....I have a six pack of gatorade of the winner's choice on it NOT being ready! ;)

Are you heading up Friday night?

[Whitesmoke]

so where would i go about looking for a CMC car? spent a good portion of tonight reading over the rules and im pretty intrested in this. im sure it would be cheaper for me to start out with someone elses car and build my own later on if it comes to that.

[bellmd]

so where would i go about looking for a CMC car? spent a good portion of tonight reading over the rules and im pretty intrested in this. im sure it would be cheaper for me to start out with someone elses car and build my own later on if it comes to that.

Contact me, I've got one for sale. :) 1995 Mustang GTS

Here's a pic: http://www.donovanracing.com/images/2006MSRH_Feb/DSC_5254.JPG

[MattB]

so where would i go about looking for a CMC car? spent a good portion of tonight reading over the rules and im pretty intrested in this. im sure it would be cheaper for me to start out with someone elses car and build my own later on if it comes to that.

It gets expensive and time consuming to build your own! You are better-off buying one already completed, or buy a low-milage '97 Z28 6 speed and just do the safety stuff, and you're 95% ready to race. Taking a stock beater 80's foxbody and turning it into a competitive CMC car will takes lots of time and lots of money....ask me how I know. :rolleyes:

[HobieF3]

SCCA is not the way to go as they only have one road race event in this region per year, maybe two and their autox program is pretty weak for FUN as they are all on the postage stamp sized space at pennington field.



I worked at an SCCA sales/service/rentals through high school and continued to crew SCCA and CVRA (vintage) events pretty regularly for the next 5ish years. I still crew now and then with my old boss, Bill Griffith - Bigger Hammer Racing. I'm not really sure how many events there are in a season, but there are two SCCA club racing (road racing) events this month. I think there are only 7 race weekends in the Texas Region this year.

I will say the people at the top and the politics are pretty screwy. I've been out of the scene for a long time, but was in the loop from 96-02. The SCCA is a clusterfuck and I sort of worry if it will be around in the future.

There are too many chiefs and not enough indians. The people who run the org at the top have been in it since the 60's and 70's when they were broke and young. It seems like most of them have become elitist and made it harder and harder for the low-budget/entry-level/young racer to get involved.

It seems like a lot of people in the org are there just to make things hard on everyone else.

I've been up since 3am because I can't sleep, I would like to talk some road racing and possibly offer a little advice and answer any questions I can, but right now, I'm just miserable from this inability to get some sleep.

[Darren M]

Contact me, I've got one for sale. :) 1995 Mustang GTS

Here's a pic: http://www.donovanracing.com/images/2006MSRH_Feb/DSC_5254.JPG
If this is Mike Bell posting PM HIM!!! :D


Stinky Cheese??? What stinky cheese??? OR did you mean Daron, the Aussie. ( Think that's how he spells his name. :D)

[Whitesmoke]

well unfortunatly in order for me to do this im going to have to sell the RX7 first. i would have no use for 3 cars (2 of them would not be street cars) and a motorcycle. and on top of that financing a race car is a big no no. my toy budget is currently at zero untill i pay the bike off and either trade the RX7 or sell it. im not really looking to actually move to this type of racing till the 07 season starts.

[Darren M]

Sounds like a good plan. Frankly, you're already better off than most that get into this kind of racing. Spend the rest of this year creating a business plan/budget. Get rid of what you can, put ALL monies aside for the track addiction. However, first and foremost GET TRACK TIME!!! No manner of vehicle will compensate for lack of track time, PERIOD! That is one of the few absolutes in the left and right turn world. TRACK TIME TRACK TIME TRACK TIME.

Even if you have to rent a car.................... ;)

[Whitesmoke]

Sounds like a good plan. Frankly, you're already better off than most that get into this kind of racing. Spend the rest of this year creating a business plan/budget. Get rid of what you can, put ALL monies aside for the track addiction. However, first and foremost GET TRACK TIME!!! No manner of vehicle will compensate for lack of track time, PERIOD! That is one of the few absolutes in the left and right turn world. TRACK TIME TRACK TIME TRACK TIME.

Even if you have to rent a car.................... ;)

well i had planned on taking one of the racing classes at some point this year and using one of their cars where ever i ended up going. or possably doing some autoX this year in my 280ZX but i dont know how well that will translate to road courses

[Darren M]

I'm not going to get into the open track vs autocross arguement that's sure to come up. However, I will say this: Learn to spin at 30, not 130! Autocross, FAST AUTOCROSS, for a year or more before mixing it up on track. Yes it will postpone your NEED FOR SPEED, but you'll be better for it. Trust me. <Speaking from experience.>
If not??? Have fun!!! GO FOR IT!!!!

[RyanB]

If this is Mike Bell posting PM HIM!!! :D


Stinky Cheese??? What stinky cheese??? OR did you mean Daron, the Aussie. ( Think that's how he spells his name. :D)

I meant you, funny guy!

[Whitesmoke]

just curious but what makes me better off than most? is it because i have some kinda of racing background? or am i missing something here

[Darren M]

No, not the back ground. The decision to buy an already prepped car.

[Whitesmoke]

No, not the back ground. The decision to buy an already prepped car.


ahh ok. i didnt think it would be the drag racing all that involves is timing lol

[aggie97]

well i had planned on taking one of the racing classes at some point this year and using one of their cars where ever i ended up going. or possably doing some autoX this year in my 280ZX but i dont know how well that will translate to road courses


Sorry gang, just got back from the track and the Rookie DOMINATED this weekend. I would have swept the 3 races but a mistake in aero work caused the car to run really hot in race 1 and had to give up the lead and be content with second place... :mad: :mad: :mad: fixed the problem and won the second race saturday and took the overall win in the 40 minute race on Sunday!!!! :cool: :cool: the results from this weekend have made me really think about Nationals in september at Mid-Ohio. I am going up there in July for some practice to see if I am going to be competitive with the local boys before we jump in with both feet.

anyway, to answer the question about AX into road racing...here is my $0.50...it is the PERFECT first step into open tracking. It teaches extremely good car control and placement in regards to stationary objects. This training puts you miles ahead once you step onto the race track. I AX'd for a little over 2.5 years and hit the track running because I had the control and familiarity of the car. I know it well enough to control it in just about any situation. As Darren said, seat time is the key ....Times 1 million.


Hobie, I concur with your statement about SCCA being a cluster, however, all race series are like that. We are having series growing pains in NASA but they are all for the better because we are working it as a group....not just taking what National hands down to us. It seems to be working for now.

Darren, we need to talk about home made cool suits....the 40 minute race was rediculous and I ended up downing half a gallon of water in 10 minutes after it!!!

[aggie97]

ahh ok. i didnt think it would be the drag racing all that involves is timing lol

well, we do have world challenge style standing starts!!! The silver slut actually launched Awesome today and took the first turn from the outside pole!!! Race 2 yesterday was UGLY....took the lead in the first turn from 3rd place!!!! The slut was running REALLY good!

[Darren M]

Sounds like you had a blast too. Congrats!

Darren, we need to talk about home made cool suits....the 40 minute race was rediculous and I ended up downing half a gallon of water in 10 minutes after it!!!

Not a problem. Ship me an old raggedie shirt that's not TOO bad in the BO department. I've got a 12v setup already to go, just need to fab up a shirt. We can talk about costs later. Also, you need me and Bobaganoosh's aero package on the front wheel wells!!! Seriously, if you're going to Mid-Ohio let me know. My old stomp'n grounds are realitively close to there and I know a couple of places we can crash in/around that part of Ohio. Oh, did I say we..... :D Need a pit crew??? When are nationals??? :o

[doopie]

Shit with Matts AC in the new trailer he has a portable home....

Congrats Matt......

I have started taking Matts advice and getting lots of seat time usign the LSBMWCCA group for high speed events when not at Pennington. Hopefully by 2008 I will be ready to join Matt as a competitor rather than helping out if he needed it. Just need to get rid of the drag Racer mentality and use throttle control more often.

How Did the alignment/corner weighting go?

Raymond

[Whitesmoke]

Sorry gang, just got back from the track and the Rookie DOMINATED this weekend. I would have swept the 3 races but a mistake in aero work caused the car to run really hot in race 1 and had to give up the lead and be content with second place... :mad: :mad: :mad: fixed the problem and won the second race saturday and took the overall win in the 40 minute race on Sunday!!!! :cool: :cool: the results from this weekend have made me really think about Nationals in september at Mid-Ohio. I am going up there in July for some practice to see if I am going to be competitive with the local boys before we jump in with both feet.

congrats. wish i had made it out i spend the entire day under cars. did a clutch job on my little bros truck, a new tranny and new suspension kit all around in my daily. then ran everything for an NX kit on a buddies car before we informed him that we were all way too tired to be installing nitrous :o :D

I did have some questions i was going to ask but I think I figured most of them out. i printed out and read all 18 pages of rules the other day but im sure some may change next year. I think what I am going to do is pick up someone elses car and then autoX it to get a feel for that particular car and set up.

[aggie97]

Sounds like you had a blast too. Congrats!



Not a problem. Ship me an old raggedie shirt that's not TOO bad in the BO department. I've got a 12v setup already to go, just need to fab up a shirt. We can talk about costs later. Also, you need me and Bobaganoosh's aero package on the front wheel wells!!! Seriously, if you're going to Mid-Ohio let me know. My old stomp'n grounds are realitively close to there and I know a couple of places we can crash in/around that part of Ohio. Oh, did I say we..... :D Need a pit crew??? When are nationals??? :o

Hanging around PST this weekend also gave me a bunch of ideas about some aero work at the rear of the car as well.

right now, I am planning on Mid Ohio practice trip on July 6th through 10th. Leave EARLY thursday morning and return Monday. Nationals are in September.

Corner weighting went ok...there is a lot left to get the balance right but it will require a bunch of work with different weight springs and to set a ride height. I wish I had put the camera in the car for the 40 minute race. I had given up the lead under a debris flag when one of the CMC cars lost an oil line in Little Bend as I wasn't expecting to get passed there when we hadn't seen what the problem was. Had a turned in I would have gotten drilled in the passenger door pretty damn hard. :mad: two laps later I got him back going into rattlesnake. He took a defensive line mid track with his one allowed move, I stayed left carrying about 10mph more speed and then dove to the right with about 6" to spare and dive bombed him HARD!! From there I ran away and put about 15 cars on him. At the end, he said he had nothing for me cause his tires were gone and the car was used up! I was cruising about 95% and still turned in some of the fastest race laps of the weekend!!! I also bettered my previous best in saturday qualifying with a 1:21.9.....and there was a lot left in that run too! There is a low 21 in this car and maybe a high 20 if I can get the suspension sorted and get rid of this new "push" I have developed. Need more front downforce....

[Kart21]

Glad to hear that some people get to go left and right. Had a big event at TWS years and years ago :( and the wife told me that I needed a cheaper hobbie. I still don't think I will ever be able to do turn 9 flat out as instructed. I'm trying to stay in some sort of left and right thing with the Kart. Its fast and fun but I really miss the big old 66 stang.

[aggie97]

Glad to hear that some people get to go left and right. Had a big event at TWS years and years ago :( and the wife told me that I needed a cheaper hobbie. I still don't think I will ever be able to do turn 9 flat out as instructed. I'm trying to stay in some sort of left and right thing with the Kart. Its fast and fun but I really miss the big old 66 stang.

Turn 9 flat out is interesting coming down the hill to the carousel...however, turn 7 is the fugger I have issues with. I think I am going to have to go to a 600lb spring for that event to keep the nose off the pavement! Too many rough transitions just waiting to rip the nose off the car!

[b1ake]

Matt - Way to talk shit on the Miata's.... We wouldn't want anyone getting involved in the biggest growing class in road racing.

If you want to learn to drive - get a miata. If you want to learn to drag race from corner to corner - get a CMC or AI car.

:rolleyes:

[Whitesmoke]

Matt - Way to talk shit on the Miata's.... We wouldn't want anyone getting involved in the biggest growing class in road racing.

If you want to learn to drive - get a miata. If you want to learn to drag race from corner to corner - get a CMC or AI car.

:rolleyes:

LOL :D

[Whitesmoke]

ok i have a qustion i havent been able to answer yet. would i be able to go get a fox 4cyl roller and put a stock 5.0 in? or would i have to have an LX or GT? it was just a thought after seeing several rollers for under $500 in the classifieds section

[89CMC#11]

Matt - Way to talk shit on the Miata's.... We wouldn't want anyone getting involved in the biggest growing class in road racing.

If you want to learn to drive - get a miata. If you want to learn to drag race from corner to corner - get a CMC or AI car.

:rolleyes:
Have you ever driven a CMC car or are you just talking out of your ass? As far as Miata's being the biggest growing class in road racing....not where I race.
-Michael

[doopie]

Have you ever driven a CMC car or are you just talking out of your ass? As far as Miata's being the biggest growing class in road racing....not where I race.
-Michael


I figured Matt would have been the first to respond. I mean 3000 pounds is a lot harder to drive than a go kart with race compounds at all 4 corners. Hell do Miatas go fast enough to require brakes when they reach a corner?

[71Pantera]

There is an Apex Driving Academy post on here. All of the good CMC drivers are instructors there!!!

[aggie97]

Have you ever driven a CMC car or are you just talking out of your ass? As far as Miata's being the biggest growing class in road racing....not where I race.
-Michael

Blake is a good guy, he's just talking shit...ask him why he put a turbo on his miata?! ;)

I don't think I was bashing too much on the miatas but spec classes in general. It's tough to get into that kind of racing as a newbie and not get totally frustrated and burned out spending the same money I would on a CMC or even a mid pack AI car....just to run in the bottom 3rd of a 40 car miata field.

Blake, I have driven miatas and they are fun little cars and handle awesome. But it was a sunday drive compared to a 3200lb car with 400hp and the same suspension found on a 1978 ford fairmont....pulling 21's in that kind of car at MSR is no small accomplishment. Put a properly designed 4 wheel independant suspension on a fairmont and see what we can do!!!!

It's all relative and you just have to decide what is going to be enjoyable for you. Is it the sounds, smells and viceral adrenaline high of thundering V8's and old Iron.....or the finesse and tinny sound of a sports car trying to get every .1 of a second out of the car on the best line possible? That's for the driver to decide.

I picked BIG, LOUD and NASTY muscle car racing! :D

[aggie97]

ok i have a qustion i havent been able to answer yet. would i be able to go get a fox 4cyl roller and put a stock 5.0 in? or would i have to have an LX or GT? it was just a thought after seeing several rollers for under $500 in the classifieds section

Yes, a 4 cyl roller is a great choice. Just have to get the proper 5.0 k member and I would suggest an 8.8 rear end for strength. The 4cyl car will also have less sound deadening to remove and the swap is pretty simple as you are going to replace most of the drive line and brakes anyway to get the good 4 lug stuff.

89CMC#11 can offer some CMC suggestions as he recently finished building his car last year and it's a great car. He already got a podium this weekend in just his 3rd event!

[89CMC#11]

Yes, a 4 cyl roller is a great choice. Just have to get the proper 5.0 k member and I would suggest an 8.8 rear end for strength. The 4cyl car will also have less sound deadening to remove and the swap is pretty simple as you are going to replace most of the drive line and brakes anyway to get the good 4 lug stuff.

89CMC#11 can offer some CMC suggestions as he recently finished building his car last year and it's a great car. He already got a podium this weekend in just his 3rd event!
As Matt said I built mine from a 4 cyl. coupe and basically took every part off the car to clean, paint, and go back together. If you have plenty of time and patience it can be done.
It's just your preference if you want to build from scratch or start with one partially there. If you can find a running manual v8 that needs alot of work then you will be in great shape. That way you can add parts as you go and still be able to take it to the track to shake things down.

Let me know if you have any questions and I'll help you any way I can.

-Michael

[b1ake]

As far as Miata's being the biggest growing class in road racing....not where I race.
-Michael

http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=269565&highlight=1 - 40 cars
http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=266247&highlight=12 - 11 cars

Who's growing and who is not...

And another comparative measure. Check out the fast CMC time in that race and check out the fast SM time in this qualifying session.

http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=293122&highlight=3

God - Don't get a miata and go just as fast as a 200+ hp CMC car with <120 hp!

[b1ake]

I figured Matt would have been the first to respond. I mean 3000 pounds is a lot harder to drive than a go kart with race compounds at all 4 corners. Hell do Miatas go fast enough to require brakes when they reach a corner?

Race compounds? We use the same damn tires as the CMC cars! Its not that hard to drive when you've got plenty of HP to make up for your errors in the corners. :D

[aggie97]

http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=269565&highlight=1 - 40 cars
http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=266247&highlight=12 - 11 cars

Who's growing and who is not...

And another comparative measure. Check out the fast CMC time in that race and check out the fast SM time in this qualifying session.

http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=293122&highlight=3

God - Don't get a miata and go just as fast as a 200+ hp CMC car with <120 hp!

So spend a few grand more and buy an AI car and blow the doors off a miata! ;)

[89CMC#11]

http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=269565&highlight=1 - 40 cars
http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=266247&highlight=12 - 11 cars

Who's growing and who is not...

And another comparative measure. Check out the fast CMC time in that race and check out the fast SM time in this qualifying session.

http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=293122&highlight=3

God - Don't get a miata and go just as fast as a 200+ hp CMC car with <120 hp!
We are comparing apples to oranges here w/ SCCA and NASA. I'm saying that I'm happy racing in a series that had around 7 cars in 2004 and is now up to around 25 here for 2006. That's over 350% "growth" in the last 3 years.
-Michael

[doopie]

Race compounds? We use the same damn tires as the CMC cars! Its not that hard to drive when you've got plenty of HP to make up for your errors in the corners. :D


So go head to head with a CMC/AI car have them detune to the same power to weight ratio and go to town. Sure if they weren't going 120 mph they would be able to run the same lines and make as little mistakes but then why ride a moped when you can get on a GSXR.......

Based on your dataset I would say you need to provide more data to prove that SM is growing faster than AI/CMC. Show the average entries in the past 5 years of all three classes and then use that as a the errored baseline as you will need to also add in other factors like how many cars are available to recycle, the cost to convert a fairmont into a AI/CMC car........and many others to consider as well.

So in your opinion is the only class to race SM? It sounds like you have horsepower envy.

By the way you havea cute car. :)

[aggie97]

I will only say this much....which class gets more pussy on the fence? Miatas or AI/CMC...???

I could care less if a miata is faster, more fun or cheaper than an AI car....bottom line, AI/CMC gets the crowd fired up and actually puts on a better show!

In our 40 minute race this weekend, there were 5 times as many people watching than with any other race group with the exception of the GP group....

[b1ake]

So go head to head with a CMC/AI car have them detune to the same power to weight ratio and go to town. Sure if they weren't going 120 mph they would be able to run the same lines and make as little mistakes but then why ride a moped when you can get on a GSXR.......

So in your opinion is the only class to race SM? It sounds like you have horsepower envy.

By the way you havea cute car. :)

Horsepower envy? I raced shifterkarts before I raced SM - so I know both sides of the fence.

SM is putting more drivers in the Pro (Speed WC, Grand Am Cup, etc) racing series that probably any other class right now in road racing. When I think of growth, I don't just include car count numbers, I am including opportunity to advance. SM is growing rapidly, just as fast or faster nation wide than CMC. You can run an SM in NASA, SCCA, etc where the CMC cars are just limited to NASA.

You guys are taking me all wrong - I am defending my class - not attacking yours. For such pussy cars, they sure as as fast as the CMC cars at damn near every track!

Here's apples to apples for you...

http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=276841
http://www.mylaps.com/results/newResults.jsp?id=276848

[b1ake]

I will only say this much....which class gets more pussy on the fence? Miatas or AI/CMC...???

I could care less if a miata is faster, more fun or cheaper than an AI car....bottom line, AI/CMC gets the crowd fired up and actually puts on a better show!

In our 40 minute race this weekend, there were 5 times as many people watching than with any other race group with the exception of the GP group....

Matt - I'm not sure you saw this since you were racing, but at MSRH - the SM race had the damn scoring pavilion packed. Sure didn't see that many people watching the AI/CMC race.

Before you start throwing stuff like that around, you have to take into account who is at the events. Many of the cars in SM aren't showing up to NASA events because they are running the SCCA Nationals to attend the runoffs.

Like I said, I think the CMC cars are cool. But don't go blasting the miatas because they are "gay" or "slow". Because they are just as fast as the CMC cars :)

I'd much rather corner quickly than go down a straight quickly........

[bellmd]

I could swear my CMC car has 120hp lol. Compared to AI, the CMC cars are momentum machines. ;)

[dragradialstang]

I will only say this much....which class gets more pussy on the fence? Miatas or AI/CMC...???

I could care less if a miata is faster, more fun or cheaper than an AI car....bottom line, AI/CMC gets the crowd fired up and actually puts on a better show!

In our 40 minute race this weekend, there were 5 times as many people watching than with any other race group with the exception of the GP group....
LMAO at all of those statements, Pussy on the fence , the only women I see showing up at those races is wives and girlfreinds. 5 times as many pffftt! please! :rolleyes:

[WA2FST4U]

Matt - I'm not sure you saw this since you were racing, but at MSRH - the SM race had the damn scoring pavilion packed. Sure didn't see that many people watching the AI/CMC race.

Before you start throwing stuff like that around, you have to take into account who is at the events. Many of the cars in SM aren't showing up to NASA events because they are running the SCCA Nationals to attend the runoffs.

Like I said, I think the CMC cars are cool. But don't go blasting the miatas because they are "gay" or "slow". Because they are just as fast as the CMC cars :)

I'd much rather corner quickly than go down a straight quickly........


The SM buzzbombs are definitely fast and watching 30+ of them run around the track is a sight. :D What scares me the most when I'm mixed in with them is the mass vs. momentum "thing". My 3200lb car could do some serious damage to one if the worst case scenario happens. Lets keep them separated and admire each other's lap times. :D

I like anything fast (ok, maybe not GM products except the Corvette), especially if it involves momentum and not relying on mega HP as a crutch. ;)

[aggie97]

LMAO at all of those statements, Pussy on the fence , the only women I see showing up at those races is wives and girlfreinds. 5 times as many pffftt! please! :rolleyes:

You obviously didn't get the humor as it was an inside joke....sorry.

[aggie97]

I like anything fast (ok, maybe not GM products except the Corvette), especially if it involves momentum and not relying on mega HP as a crutch. ;)

I have a natural limp and have become accustomed to using "crutches" to get around. ;)

I have driven Miatas and I love how they handle and being fast in one does take skill....however, it just wasn't for me...besides, it's only MY opinion right?

[bossskip302]

I you can drive a Miata fast you can drive anything, it makes you a better driver.....for the gent interested in roadracing one can rent a Miata for $800 per weekend @ MSR / Hallett etc, try something like this before you drop a fortune in a car, make sure it's your bag.

Skip
TexStar Ford, Motul, Performance Speed Tech and Steeda Autosports
#69 NASA AIX Ford Mustang.

[doopie]

I you can drive a Miata fast you can drive anything, it makes you a better driver.....for the gent interested in roadracing one can rent a Miata for $800 per weekend @ MSR / Hallett etc, try something like this before you drop a fortune in a car, make sure it's your bag.

Skip
TexStar Ford, Motul, Performance Speed Tech and Steeda Autosports
#69 NASA AIX Ford Mustang.

800/wknd :eek: Does that come with track fees and a blowjob? Why not hit a Hertz or some other rental agency and tear their car up for 100 for the weekend. Of course get the insurance.....

Raymond

[MattB]

800/wknd :eek: Does that come with track fees and a blowjob? Why not hit a Hertz or some other rental agency and tear their car up for 100 for the weekend. Of course get the insurance.....

Raymond


You can't wheel-to-wheel race any rental car unless you have a cage, fire supression, 5 point harness, etc! You can rent a car and do track days, but being on the grid with 25+ other similar cars is where it's at!

[aggie97]

800/wknd :eek: Does that come with track fees and a blowjob? Why not hit a Hertz or some other rental agency and tear their car up for 100 for the weekend. Of course get the insurance.....

Raymond

Nope on the track fees and you will need to find a track hoe for the BJ! Nobody ever claimed this addiction was cheap! Keep in mind that $800 only covers USE....you bend it, you pay for that too!

Skip, that is a great suggestion and quite frankly $800 is pretty cheap for a rental of a race car. I would say that if I were to rent mine out it would be $2000 or more....A DAY!!

[MattB]

Nope on the track fees and you will need to find a track hoe for the BJ! Nobody ever claimed this addiction was cheap! Keep in mind that $800 only covers USE....you bend it, you pay for that too!

Skip, that is a great suggestion and quite frankly $800 is pretty cheap for a rental of a race car. I would say that if I were to rent mine out it would be $2000 or more....A DAY!!

Some of you open road race guys might remember the guy's name, but there was a dude with a red '93 Cobra that was built for the 92-mile Silver State open road race. After he set some records and did 200+ MPH he rented it out for people to drive it balls to the wall for 90 miles, for a measly $12k.:)

[doopie]

You can't wheel-to-wheel race any rental car unless you have a cage, fire supression, 5 point harness, etc! You can rent a car and do track days, but being on the grid with 25+ other similar cars is where it's at!

You can't wheel to wheel race unless you have a license to do so and someone trying it before they buy it will not be eligible to do so.....so that is not really an option for a newbie.

Plus do you want some novice going wheel to wheel with you on the track. Never getting behind the wheel.

Now if I had a competition license and did not have a car ready it is a good thing since tires alone for a weekend are 800 plus brakepads, prep time.........So someone else preps it and I get to drive it sounds like good seat time to me :)

[doopie]

Nope on the track fees and you will need to find a track hoe for the BJ!

I thought we determined the only track hoes were wives and gfs so unless you want to be rude that may not be an option either ;)

Addiction is good!

[MattB]

You can't wheel to wheel race unless you have a license to do so and someone trying it before they buy it will not be eligible to do so.....so that is not really an option for a newbie.

Plus do you want some novice going wheel to wheel with you on the track. Never getting behind the wheel.

Now if I had a competition license and did not have a car ready it is a good thing since tires alone for a weekend are 800 plus brakepads, prep time.........So someone else preps it and I get to drive it sounds like good seat time to me :)

Oh I know all about the licensing procedure! I was just trying to tell the dude that there's no way he's going to rent a car, license or not, and race it that weekend.

[grape]

roadrace queers arguing...........with their sweaters tied around their neck of course......bla. this shit is hilarious

[89CMC#11]

roadrace queers arguing...........with their sweaters tied around their neck of course......bla. this shit is hilarious
"sweaters tied around their neck"...that's damn funny :D

-Michael
CMC #11

[san408]

"roadrace queers arguing...........with their sweaters tied around their neck of course......bla. this shit is hilarious"

Yeah that is pretty funny. Someone introduce this guy to John when he's having a bad day and let's see who's neck the sweater ends up tied around. :D ;)

[bossskip302]

You can rent a Miata @ Hallet with their COMMA event without having a Lic. thats a good way to get your feet wet. Or go to TMS and rent a Legends car with no prior seat time as well for $1500 per weekend.

Skip
TexStar Ford, PST, Motul and SteedaAutosports NASATX AIX #69 05'
Mustang GT


BJ's up to you

[grape]

wow, i'll rent my legends cars way cheaper than that per weekend.

[Whitesmoke]

Or go to TMS and rent a Legends car with no prior seat time as well for $1500 per weekend.

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

screw that. i would rather spend the other 5k and have my own race car.