Back in the saddle again at Thunderhill Raceway

[VENOM V]

After a 6-month hiatus and sporting new racing stripes, it was time to return to one of my favorite tracks. I had shoulder surgery a few months back, and my re-entry to the tracking world was a private lesson with Justin Bell at Bondurant Racing School. A couple weeks ago I was back in the saddle of my own ACR for the first time. We ran the Thunderhill 3-mile over the top of Cyclone, the classic SCCA racing configuration and one that I am most familiar with.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/463/31359982873_8cde8a7670_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PMb7kT)IMG_2958 (https://flic.kr/p/PMb7kT) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/441/32052128111_1d437637af_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QQkx1t)IMG_0009 (https://flic.kr/p/QQkx1t) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

The day was frigid, first session was in the 30s, and it stayed cool all day. I don't think we got above 48 degrees the entire day. The ACR's Kumhos love cool weather, unlike MPSCs which would be spinning me out at these temps. I was hoping that after Justin's instruction I could beat my previous recored here of 1:53.1. I had my old tires on, probably 7 months old and with a good 1,000 miles of street driving. By the third session, I had tied my record exactly! Ok, time to throw on new tires and see what she will do. Again a tie, 1:53.1! This was getting frustrating.

At the end of the day, they had a 10 minute bonus session, and my bud Joe talked me in to running it. Weather was still ideal, I thought, why not? Boy was I glad that I did because I crushed my previous record and laid down a 1:52.1. Very pleased with that time, I have not heard of a stock production car running a lap that fast. Here are some shots of the day, along with a video of my best lap.

https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/542/31328802084_1063ee2877_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PJqio5)IMG_2960 (https://flic.kr/p/PJqio5) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/575/32052038701_11f5ed6d43_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QQk5qV)IMG_2961 (https://flic.kr/p/QQk5qV) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/562/32052128021_871963721c_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QQkwYV)IMG_0012 (https://flic.kr/p/QQkwYV) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/326/32052128091_8e25a63619_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QQkx18)IMG_2963 (https://flic.kr/p/QQkx18) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/473/32132118096_7167333506_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QXpvf9)Thunderhill 3-mile over the top (https://flic.kr/p/QXpvf9) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ06ZLMRIGA

Brakes and Tires:

A couple of important notes that you ACR guys may want to know. I backed off my alignment from -3.0 degrees front down to the factory-spec of -2.8 degrees. I was surprised at how much better the tires wore, previously I could only get 4 sessions before the inside edge was to cord. I think they will be good for 6 now, time will tell.

Brakes: I ran a bunch of track miles last year, I would guess about 15 track days on my factory CCMs. Front pads would typically last 4 days, however this time they look like they may not make it 2 days. I am pushing them very hard, abusing them, but then I always have. I didn't have time to burnish them, I put new pads on and ran them hard right out of the gate. That is probably the culprit. However my front rotors are showing age, lots of voids. I was told that pad wear will accelerate as the rotors become rougher/older.

[Snorman]

Great pics and video, Todd!
Sounds like a great day at the track.

I too am going to be interested to see how the pads/rotors hold up over the next several months. I've got 4-5 events planned between Jan-Apr/May.
Just curious...I notice your tire rack is empty. Do you keep a spare setup?
S.

[Policy Limits]

Epic stuff Todd. Getting a foot of snow in my parts now so racing seems so far out. Here's a couple of shots of last track season at Thompson Motor Speedway. No clue on my laps times as I just get out there, bang gears, rev off some stress and smile :)

Can't wait to see what the ACR does out there!

[dewilmoth]

My god that color! Easily the prettiest ACR I've seen.

[TA Two Oh]

Todd

You and I met briefly at Viper Tracks; your car was pretty new then, and all one color. Those are honestly some of the nicest track photos I've ever seen. Of course, your car is magnificent... but Trevor (I looked him up) is extremely talented. He absolutely NAILED those shots. Glad to see that your shoulder surgery went well. Oh, and, wicked fast driving too!!!

Doug

[BlueAdder]

Awesome stuff Todd!

There is absolutely no way that I would keep up with you at TH... Thanks for posting the video though, it gives me some pointers as of where I need to improve and use less brakes :)
Those shots are beautiful. The dude (TYR) was at TH West in October with Speed SF and he is really good, I'm surprised he doesn't do more track days.

[Bruce H.]

That was great, Todd...and shaving a full second at that pace is just ridiculously great!!!

Really look forward to tracking with you in the fall, and hoping a date at Thunderhill will work out to spend some quality time with you and some of the gang.

Awesome pics, and whenever I think of an ACR Special Edition I always think of yours captured at speed on a track. Priceless!

[greygt3]

Wow! Very impressive Todd. Happy to see you back out there.

[Brad00GTS]

Just beat the storm. Don't know if TH got snow, but Redding got 4 inches today.

[SharpMan]

Absolutely excellent!

[ACR08]

Those pics are amazing and the car looks great. Love reading posts like this. Hope to see more.

[Simms]

Great post and video!

[racegate]

Excellent write up, pics and vids along with some -nice- driving on that track! Looking forward to you future track trip posts.

[lmcgrew79]

Even though i dont know the track it looked fast!!!

[Apxnv]

Awesome driving and pictures! Looking forward to getting out there with you.

Brad

[VENOM V]

Great pics and video, Todd!
Sounds like a great day at the track.

I too am going to be interested to see how the pads/rotors hold up over the next several months. I've got 4-5 events planned between Jan-Apr/May.
Just curious...I notice your tire rack is empty. Do you keep a spare setup?
S.

Thanks Eric! I sometimes carry my spare setup in my pick up truck bed. Once in a while, the tires break loose from their tie downs in my trailer, I'm planning on coming up with a more secure way to tie them down.

[VENOM V]

Epic stuff Todd. Getting a foot of snow in my parts now so racing seems so far out. Here's a couple of shots of last track season at Thompson Motor Speedway. No clue on my laps times as I just get out there, bang gears, rev off some stress and smile :)

Can't wait to see what the ACR does out there!


Rick, so glad you made it out to the track. The ACR is gonna blow your mind- it is not only the fastest, but literally the easiest to drive hard at the track. Very stable, predictable, forgiving. Keep us posted!

[VENOM V]

Todd

You and I met briefly at Viper Tracks; your car was pretty new then, and all one color. Those are honestly some of the nicest track photos I've ever seen. Of course, your car is magnificent... but Trevor (I looked him up) is extremely talented. He absolutely NAILED those shots. Glad to see that your shoulder surgery went well. Oh, and, wicked fast driving too!!!

Doug


Good to hear from you Doug. Yes Trevor is loaded with talent. He took about 50 pics, I just purchased 5. The close up of the hood is one of my favorites.

- - - Updated - - -


My god that color! Easily the prettiest ACR I've seen.


It took a while for me to find the color combo that I liked, but man the orange with black stripes is for me a home run. Very happy with it.

[VENOM V]

Awesome stuff Todd!

There is absolutely no way that I would keep up with you at TH... Thanks for posting the video though, it gives me some pointers as of where I need to improve and use less brakes :)
Those shots are beautiful. The dude (TYR) was at TH West in October with Speed SF and he is really good, I'm surprised he doesn't do more track days.

Manu, you may be surprised at how fast you can run in your ACR there. With your experience and passion, you will be nipping at my heals in no time :dude3:

[VENOM V]

That was great, Todd...and shaving a full second at that pace is just ridiculously great!!!

Really look forward to tracking with you in the fall, and hoping a date at Thunderhill will work out to spend some quality time with you and some of the gang.

Awesome pics, and whenever I think of an ACR Special Edition I always think of yours captured at speed on a track. Priceless!


Bruce,

Looking forward to your visits! I've come up with a tentative tracking schedule this year. Your visit is my priority, so if these don't line up with your travel plans, I will try to join you when and where you'd like to go.

1/28-1/29 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures
3/25 Thunderhill 3-mile with SpeedSF
5/14 Sonoma with SpeedSF
6/3-6/4 Thunderhill 5-mile with Hooked on Driving
9/16-9/17 Thunderhill 5-mile with Hooked on Driving
10/14-10/15 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures
12/16-12/17 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures

Any and all are invited to join me at these track days. Hope to see you guys out there. PM me if you will be joining me.

Todd

[VENOM V]

Just beat the storm. Don't know if TH got snow, but Redding got 4 inches today.


Yeah Brad it's crazy, about a week of solid rain in NorCal, we are getting drenched. Just came from Christmas in Idaho, most snowfall they've had in 30 years.

[VENOM V]

Awesome driving and pictures! Looking forward to getting out there with you.

Brad



Great post and video!


Those pics are amazing and the car looks great. Love reading posts like this. Hope to see more.


Absolutely excellent!


Wow! Very impressive Todd. Happy to see you back out there.

Thanks fellas! :United_States:

[VENOM V]

Even though i dont know the track it looked fast!!!


Luke, you would love this track. This is the classic 3-mile, the 5-mile is my favorite track anywhere. Two tracks separated by a hill and connected into one monster course. You've gotta make it down here somehow!

[stradman]

Great post and great driving! Fantastic colour and lovely vid as well! Do you mind if I ask you what camber you are running at rear as well as toe/caster front and rear?

[Arizona Vipers]

Welcome back to the track Venom! Great pics and video and the new stripes look awesome!

[Policy Limits]

Omg just noticed the license plate. Great choice! The images are killer!

[BlueAdder]

Bruce,

Looking forward to your visits! I've come up with a tentative tracking schedule this year. Your visit is my priority, so if these don't line up with your travel plans, I will try to join you when and where you'd like to go.

1/28-1/29 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures
3/25 Thunderhill 3-mile with SpeedSF
5/14 Sonoma with SpeedSF
6/3-6/4 Thunderhill 5-mile with Hooked on Driving
9/16-9/17 Thunderhill 5-mile with Hooked on Driving
10/14-10/15 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures
12/16-12/17 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures

Any and all are invited to join me at these track days. Hope to see you guys out there. PM me if you will be joining me.

Todd

Prolly not going to do BWizzle but Sonoma absolutely, since it's my favorite track. TH 5 miles sounds like fun too. I've done it once but I didn't know the West side at all and the Focus was having troubles.
I still need to lower the snake, get it corner balanced and get my trailer, which I'll have to go pick up in Oregon :D

Actually, I will be at TH 3 miles on the 4th of Feb. I will most likely have to take the Focus because I won't have the trailer and I am not driving 210 miles in the ACR. Last thing I need is to pick up a nail on the way and get screwed for the track day.

[Bruce H.]

Bruce,

Looking forward to your visits! I've come up with a tentative tracking schedule this year. Your visit is my priority, so if these don't line up with your travel plans, I will try to join you when and where you'd like to go.

1/28-1/29 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures
3/25 Thunderhill 3-mile with SpeedSF
5/14 Sonoma with SpeedSF
6/3-6/4 Thunderhill 5-mile with Hooked on Driving
9/16-9/17 Thunderhill 5-mile with Hooked on Driving
10/14-10/15 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures
12/16-12/17 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures

Any and all are invited to join me at these track days. Hope to see you guys out there. PM me if you will be joining me.

Todd

Thanks Todd, and that's a good looking schedule...but where's MRLS? I've been kind of stoked about trying to beat Randy's TA time there, but in all honesty I'd be happy with a 1:34 flat lol.

I've been waiting for PCA to announce their Sept date at Utah Motorsports Complex, which Doug (TA Two Oh) had recommended, and hope that works out to do on the way to CA. I see UMC also has their own open lapping days, and waiting for those dates also. I'm going to target 9/16 at TH now. Can't wait!!!

Bruce

[sharmut]

Todd, awesome video and lap times. Can't wait to get back to Thunderhill, when all this rain stops.

[mjorgensen]

Awesome run Todd! Thanks for sharing video :-)

Give me a ring about the rotor wear I have something I can send you and we can chat.

Take care,

[BlueAdder]

Thanks Todd, and that's a good looking schedule...but where's MRLS? I've been kind of stoked about trying to beat Randy's TA time there, but in all honesty I'd be happy with a 1:34 flat lol.

I've been waiting for PCA to announce their Sept date at Utah Motorsports Complex, which Doug (TA Two Oh) had recommended, and hope that works out to do on the way to CA. I see UTC also has their own open lapping days, and waiting for those dates also. I'm going to target 9/16 at TH now. Can't wait!!!

Bruce

Laguna Seca has the 90dB sound limit and the snake won't pass it unless we find a way to divert the sound.
There are some 92dB days from time to time but those are rare :/

[VENOM V]

Omg just noticed the license plate. Great choice! The images are killer!

Haha, I had fun choosing that plate.

[VENOM V]

Thanks Todd, and that's a good looking schedule...but where's MRLS? I've been kind of stoked about trying to beat Randy's TA time there, but in all honesty I'd be happy with a 1:34 flat lol.

I've been waiting for PCA to announce their Sept date at Utah Motorsports Complex, which Doug (TA Two Oh) had recommended, and hope that works out to do on the way to CA. I see UTC also has their own open lapping days, and waiting for those dates also. I'm going to target 9/16 at TH now. Can't wait!!!

Bruce

I will definitely attend a Laguna event with you if I can, but as BlueAdder (Manu) pointed out, we will have to lift as we pass the sound booth. Let's shoot for a 92 dB day. When you know some target dates, let's look on the organizer's calendars. Speed Ventures and NorCal Shelby Club are most likely to get the 92 dB dates.

[rw99]

Haulin' the mail, buddy! Congrats on the new PB, and perhaps unofficial production car record. I haven't been able to find anything official for THill times; just listings of fast laps.

March 25 @ THill sounds fun, but I'm disappointed it's a single day...


Rich

[VENOM V]

Haulin' the mail, buddy! Congrats on the new PB, and perhaps unofficial production car record. I haven't been able to find anything official for THill times; just listings of fast laps.

March 25 @ THill sounds fun, but I'm disappointed it's a single day...


Rich

Thanks Rich!

Agree I wish it were two days, but hey at least we can sleep in at the Duck Shack Sunday AM, lol.

[Racingswh]

Car looks great and so might I add does the trailer!! What kind is it? The lighting and cabinets are beautiful.

Your shoulder doesn't seem to be an issue. Nice driving!!

[Bruce H.]

I will definitely attend a Laguna event with you if I can, but as BlueAdder (Manu) pointed out, we will have to lift as we pass the sound booth. Let's shoot for a 92 dB day. When you know some target dates, let's look on the organizer's calendars. Speed Ventures and NorCal Shelby Club are most likely to get the 92 dB dates.

Sounds good...and I'll have to practice lifting!

[darbgnik]

I will definitely attend a Laguna event with you if I can, but as BlueAdder (Manu) pointed out, we will have to lift as we pass the sound booth. Let's shoot for a 92 dB day. When you know some target dates, let's look on the organizer's calendars. Speed Ventures and NorCal Shelby Club are most likely to get the 92 dB dates.

I spent 4 days racing at Laguna in a Chumpcar in November, that track would be epic in the Viper! One of these days maybe......

[Nine Ball]

Todd, glad the surgery recovery went well. Way to kick ass! You beat your lap record twice in the same session, great accomplishment. I know it is a long haul, but you should attempt COTA at some point. That ACR is made for this track.

Tony

[VENOM V]

Todd, glad the surgery recovery went well. Way to kick ass! You beat your lap record twice in the same session, great accomplishment. I know it is a long haul, but you should attempt COTA at some point. That ACR is made for this track.

Tony

I nearly put COTA on my tracking schedule this year! The shots I've seen of the track are amazing. Will definitely make it there one day, but I've got a lot going on this year already. Seven or eight track events, Europe, and Cabo are all on the agenda. If a timeslot opens up, I may just join you Tony.

- - - Updated - - -


I spent 4 days racing at Laguna in a Chumpcar in November, that track would be epic in the Viper! One of these days maybe......

Yeah it's a sweet track Brad! What did you think of it?

[VENOM V]

Car looks great and so might I add does the trailer!! What kind is it? The lighting and cabinets are beautiful.

Your shoulder doesn't seem to be an issue. Nice driving!!

Thanks, really loving the trailer. It's a Continental Cargo Auto Master, optioned out but still reasonable in price compared to others I've seen. I had them make the cabinets with a hole just big enough for a big tool box. Worked out great, just secured the toolbox with some aluminum angle plate. Finally used the power awning, what a difference it made on a hot day...

https://c4.staticflickr.com/2/1538/26649722875_699c987bf9_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GAWN9B)IMG_1409 (https://flic.kr/p/GAWN9B) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/682/23235461651_e1be08fe60_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BpePeM)IMG_0919 (https://flic.kr/p/BpePeM) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

[darbgnik]

Yeah it's a sweet track Brad! What did you think of it?

I loved it! A major departure to my home track, that's for sure. It's get plenty of places to really stretch a cars legs, not that I could really tell in the car I was racing.... lol. And then there's something very special about racing on a track that truly great men have raced before. Surprisingly, I noticed I never saw any of the over passes(signs) the whole time I was racing, except for the last day, when I crossed the checkered and did a parade lap. I finally got to smell the roses and take it all in. The elevation changes bother some people, but I feel it really adds to the experience. Definitely my new favorite track.

By the way, I did heed a couple of your pointers when I was there, which helped, seeing as I had no scouting laps, my first stint was in the middle of a race.

I attached a couple pics, of me and my girlfriend in the pits, and the racecar I shoehorned into!

[darbgnik]

Thanks, really loving the trailer. It's a Continental Cargo Auto Master, optioned out but still reasonable in price compared to others I've seen. I had them make the cabinets with a hole just big enough for a big tool box. Worked out great, just secured the toolbox with some aluminum angle plate. Finally used the power awning, what a difference it made on a hot day...

https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/682/23235461651_e1be08fe60_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BpePeM)IMG_0919 (https://flic.kr/p/BpePeM) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr
Hey Todd, nice trailer! I'm in the market for one myself with an escape door like yours. My eyes tell me those wheel wells are too high for the Viper door to open above it, is it just my imagination? As it seems all escape door/wheel wells look around that height.

[Racingswh]

Thanks, really loving the trailer. It's a Continental Cargo Auto Master, optioned out but still reasonable in price compared to others I've seen. I had them make the cabinets with a hole just big enough for a big tool box. Worked out great, just secured the toolbox with some aluminum angle plate. Finally used the power awning, what a difference it made on a hot day...

https://c4.staticflickr.com/2/1538/26649722875_699c987bf9_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GAWN9B)IMG_1409 (https://flic.kr/p/GAWN9B) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/682/23235461651_e1be08fe60_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BpePeM)IMG_0919 (https://flic.kr/p/BpePeM) by solomontodd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20879698@N02/), on Flickr

Even nicer than I thought. Nice job having them put that cabinet setup together like that. Looks great and has what you need. Do you drive the car in?

[VENOM V]

Hey Todd, nice trailer! I'm in the market for one myself with an escape door like yours. My eyes tell me those wheel wells are too high for the Viper door to open above it, is it just my imagination? As it seems all escape door/wheel wells look around that height.

Thanks. The escape door just barely clears the Viper door at stock height. However once lowered to track height, it just touches. I'm planning on trimming away some of the aluminum at the bottom of the door seal to remedy this.

- - - Updated - - -


Even nicer than I thought. Nice job having them put that cabinet setup together like that. Looks great and has what you need. Do you drive the car in?

Yes I drive it in, usually with a spotter. There are only a couple of inches of clearance on each side, it'd be easy to scrape a rocker or catch a canard!

[BlueAdder]

I loved it! A major departure to my home track, that's for sure. It's get plenty of places to really stretch a cars legs, not that I could really tell in the car I was racing.... lol. And then there's something very special about racing on a track that truly great men have raced before. Surprisingly, I noticed I never saw any of the over passes(signs) the whole time I was racing, except for the last day, when I crossed the checkered and did a parade lap. I finally got to smell the roses and take it all in. The elevation changes bother some people, but I feel it really adds to the experience. Definitely my new favorite track.

By the way, I did heed a couple of your pointers when I was there, which helped, seeing as I had no scouting laps, my first stint was in the middle of a race.

I attached a couple pics, of me and my girlfriend in the pits, and the racecar I shoehorned into!

If you like elevation changes, next time your in our neck of the woods, go do Sears Point.
Personally, I like Sears better than I do MRLS but both are phenomenal tracks. MRLS has a special something to it though, the history of it is great.

[BlueAdder]

Hey Todd, nice trailer! I'm in the market for one myself with an escape door like yours. My eyes tell me those wheel wells are too high for the Viper door to open above it, is it just my imagination? As it seems all escape door/wheel wells look around that height.

The door wells are normally at 13" which is lower than the Viper door but the escape door has to be a little higher of course because of the door frame or whatever.
I have a trailer on order (same Continental Cargo as Todd but only 22') at the moment and I haven't yet bought the e-track or anything but I think that I'll nail a couple of boards on the floor so that the car ends up higher by 3/4" or so and clears the opening (hopefully).

[VENOM V]

The door wells are normally at 13" which is lower than the Viper door but the escape door has to be a little higher of course because of the door frame or whatever.
I have a trailer on order (same Continental Cargo as Todd but only 22') at the moment and I haven't yet bought the e-track or anything but I think that I'll nail a couple of boards on the floor so that the car ends up higher by 3/4" or so and clears the opening (hopefully).

Yeah that's another great solution. Because my track was already installed, I didn't have that option.

[BlueAdder]

Yeah that's another great solution. Because my track was already installed, I didn't have that option.

Yup, plus you have the aluminum floor, which I didn't get for mine and putting some boards on top of that would be somewhat tricky.
I love your setup to be honest. I'll have to pick mine up in Oregon whenever it's built but overall, it was a whole lot cheaper than buying it in CA.

[darbgnik]

If you like elevation changes, next time your in our neck of the woods, go do Sears Point.
Personally, I like Sears better than I do MRLS but both are phenomenal tracks. MRLS has a special something to it though, the history of it is great.

I'm sure I'd love it there too. You guys are really lucky with such a selection of great tracks in such close proximity. I'm sure one of these days, I'll do a track day tour of Nor Cal, if my schedule, and their schedules permit.

One thing I noticed, and I wasn't the only one, was that when it first rained at Laguna, it was like driving on a skating rink! I've never driven a track that was so slick when it first got wet. I was guessing it has to do with how used, thus smooth the pavement is there? I went from competing, to surviving! Until it rained for a while, then it was back to racing. But now that it's over, it just adds to the adventure.


The door wells are normally at 13" which is lower than the Viper door but the escape door has to be a little higher of course because of the door frame or whatever.
I have a trailer on order (same Continental Cargo as Todd but only 22') at the moment and I haven't yet bought the e-track or anything but I think that I'll nail a couple of boards on the floor so that the car ends up higher by 3/4" or so and clears the opening (hopefully).

I think I could do the same I think. The ones I've been looking at are wood floor, without the e-track added yet. My car is lowered a bit from stock height on Tractives, but not ACR low, I would think.

[BlueAdder]

One thing I noticed, and I wasn't the only one, was that when it first rained at Laguna, it was like driving on a skating rink! I've never driven a track that was so slick when it first got wet. I was guessing it has to do with how used, thus smooth the pavement is there? I went from competing, to surviving! Until it rained for a while, then it was back to racing. But now that it's over, it just adds to the adventure.


Laguna when cold is tricky but wet, I don't know. I don't recall ever driving or riding there in the rain.
Sears Point used to be way worse in the rain, that is until they repaved it in the early 2000's or late 90's.

The only tracks I rode at when raining were Thunderhill and Button Willow and somehow I didn't crash my bike.
I drove Thunderhill as well but I took it really easy and I was passed between T9 and T10 by a dude in a Nissan GT-R like if I was standing still. Then again, I had some Toyo 888 and I wasn't super excited to drive fast with those :)

[Bruce H.]

I nearly put COTA on my tracking schedule this year! The shots I've seen of the track are amazing. Will definitely make it there one day, but I've got a lot going on this year already. Seven or eight track events, Europe, and Cabo are all on the agenda. If a timeslot opens up, I may just join you Tony.

Todd, I've been giving this some serious thought and have a solution for you. Why don't you drive Halle to NVE3 in Vegas May '18 and then take the long way home via COTA? That's my plan, and heck, maybe we could find some others heading back that way too. Brilliant idea or what???

Bruce

[Boba Fett]

Bruce,

Looking forward to your visits! I've come up with a tentative tracking schedule this year. Your visit is my priority, so if these don't line up with your travel plans, I will try to join you when and where you'd like to go.

1/28-1/29 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures
3/25 Thunderhill 3-mile with SpeedSF
5/14 Sonoma with SpeedSF
6/3-6/4 Thunderhill 5-mile with Hooked on Driving
9/16-9/17 Thunderhill 5-mile with Hooked on Driving
10/14-10/15 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures
12/16-12/17 Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures

Any and all are invited to join me at these track days. Hope to see you guys out there. PM me if you will be joining me.

Todd

One of these days, I'm gonna meet with you and Bruce for a track day....one day

Good shit anyways as usual Todd!

[Bruce H.]

One of these days, I'm gonna meet with you and Bruce for a track day....one day

Good shit anyways as usual Todd!

Let's do it...PM sent!

[Arizona Vipers]

Any good pointers on Thunderhill? I'm going out there for the Nasa Nationals in October and have never been there. There's going to be some really fast guys there, I need all the help I can get!

[VENOM V]

Arizona,

NASA usually runs the 3-mile course, but they bypass the Cyclone (turn 5, somewhat like the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca). If you watch the vid in my post, I ran the Cyclone (SCCA configuration) but otherwise it's the same course. Hard to give tips, but I'll give you a few suggestions.

Turns 1, 2 and 8 can be run at a pretty quick pace, but they take a while to figure out. You can go flat from exit of turn 6 through 7, almost to 8. You need to slow a little for 8 but it's a fast corner.

Turn 10 is very wide and grippy, and most people go way too slow through it.

Turns 14 and 15 can be connected together into one big arc. This is one of the more important sections as it leads onto the main straight. Once you get the line, you can haul ass through there.

Those are the key corners that most folks run slower than they need to. I have no idea if any of this will be helpful, good luck in your race.

[Arizona Vipers]

Arizona,

NASA usually runs the 3-mile course, but they bypass the Cyclone (turn 5, somewhat like the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca). If you watch the vid in my post, I ran the Cyclone (SCCA configuration) but otherwise it's the same course. Hard to give tips, but I'll give you a few suggestions.

Turns 1, 2 and 8 can be run at a pretty quick pace, but they take a while to figure out. You can go flat from exit of turn 6 through 7, almost to 8. You need to slow a little for 8 but it's a fast corner.

Turn 10 is very wide and grippy, and most people go way too slow through it.

Turns 14 and 15 can be connected together into one big arc. This is one of the more important sections as it leads onto the main straight. Once you get the line, you can haul ass through there.

Those are the key corners that most folks run slower than they need to. I have no idea if any of this will be helpful, good luck in your race.

Thanks dude! I decided not to go, all the cars in the TTU class are crazy prototype stuff. One of these- http://www.ginetta.com/racing.php?championship=g57&tab=car
600hp and 1600 lbs LOL. And two Elan NP01's. No way any doorslammer could ever beat those.
But I definitely want to get to that track soon. Let me know anytime you are headed down there. It's a LONG drive for me, 13 hours

[serpent]

Hey Todd, nice trailer! I'm in the market for one myself with an escape door like yours. My eyes tell me those wheel wells are too high for the Viper door to open above it, is it just my imagination? As it seems all escape door/wheel wells look around that height.
Who is that playing the guitar? Might run faster laps if hes playing guitar and singing, riding shotgun for a live session instead of the radio!

[VENOM V]

Thanks dude! I decided not to go, all the cars in the TTU class are crazy prototype stuff. One of these- http://www.ginetta.com/racing.php?championship=g57&tab=car
600hp and 1600 lbs LOL. And two Elan NP01's. No way any doorslammer could ever beat those.
But I definitely want to get to that track soon. Let me know anytime you are headed down there. It's a LONG drive for me, 13 hours

Damn, that prototype looks fast. Which car would you have been racing in TTU?


Who is that playing the guitar? Might run faster laps if hes playing guitar and singing, riding shotgun for a live session instead of the radio!

Haha, that's my best friend Mike. He's a Porsche guy, GT3s and used to race a Cup car.