They rotate their map nearly a full 180 degrees from a normal map. (i.e. - South is at the top).

In the east or west paddock? When you say first turn, you are presuming I know which way the cars are running.

I've looked at the map prior to try and familiarize myself with the venue. I know the race control shack is in the center between the pits and paddock area. (Big square building).
The raceway map shows the motorsports shop and the fuel station as well as the rental garages and restrooms (each corner nearest the pit area).

Where do the tech inspections take place? The garages? or do they just walk around and check each car where they are parked?

Sorry for all the questions... I'm just trying to get somewhat prepared. Just give me a yellow flag if I'm being to pushy.

 

Gimme 45 mins until I finish this camera set-up and then I'll do a photoshop job on the aerial map.

 

Alright here ya go... Just found out we're running the #1 track configuration clockwise (which will be weird for me since I ran #13 counter clockwise a few weeks ago. Here's a clip from someone on that #1 configuration: http://www.calderons.net/carlos/post...nwillowLap.mov

AND THIS IS SOME GOOD RACIN' ON THIS TRACK FROM THE HONDA CHALLENGE.
http://www.youtube.com/p.swf?video_i...SxOgXVa4Nk9xzK

This is the best I can do in the time I have for some aerials:

 

The guys from the honda challenge looked way more aggressive than I bet NASA allows. Looked like he had contact near the end with that blue car in the 'esses' just before the last corner.

Carlos's movie was very nice. Slower speed, but probably closer to what I'll be doing. Also saw a nice passing gesture (pointing) by a vehicle he passed near the end of the lap.

Looks like a challenging course... Challenging but fun. Turn #2 and the cotton corners look to be fun. The longest straight is not open, but 'lost hill' looks to be some speedy turns back and fourth. The straight along the pit area is quite long, so I should be able to get some good speed there.

Wheee... gonna be fun. Thanks for the video links!

 

So... something like this. (yes I'm having a slow day at work).

Click the thumbnail please. It's pretty high resolution.

 

That was a NASA event, the Honda Challenge. The great part about this group is that you 'll have full race competition and HPDE in different events throughout the day. You won't be on the track at the same time, but...

Yes, that's more of what you'll experience in HPDE all the way up through TT. I believe HPDE 1 does not allow passing, HPDE 2-3 allows passing on certain parts of the track (straights), HPDE 4 runs with us in TT and allows open passing on all parts of the track, but does not provide competition timing like we get in TT.

You brought-up a good "point", point-by passing is mandatory in HPDE 1-2-3, and highly recommended in HPDE 4, not mandatory in TT, but still a nice (safe) gesture. Once you get to HPDE 4 you'll be running with us in TT which includes ALL the TT classes from TTU thru TTF on the track at the same time. This makes for an interesting experience since someone in a 120 hp Pinto can be running on the track with a 600 hp Z06. It really makes you a better racer since you're not only having to drive your own race, but you're having to watch your mirror (A S S) as well, while these guys are flying past you, or you are flying past them.

Remember that one video I posted from Willow Springs where I was getting dive bombed from every side ? Well that is the TT class...

I can hit 110 on the straight before I have to slow for the turn. You should be able to get at least another (few +++) mph when you get comfortable with the track. I usually carry through the chicane at about 90 mph then turn into the straight at about 40+.

Lost Hill is named that for a reason, it's an up-hill that has the apex of the turn at the crest, then down-hill which makes for a zero G (zero traction) turn. All of your breaking should be done as you get to the base of the hill, then throttle. If you crest the hill with too much speed and have to hit the brakes, you'll end-up in the weeds. 50-60 mph is my max.

Cotton Corners is a very similar type of turn, but much slower speeds and much tighter turn, 40 +/- and the weeds are much smaller.

The Truck Stop / Riverside complex is almost flat out for me, this is where I was telling you about how "feathering" the throttle was very difficult with the new Sprint Booster. I usually try to "DRIFT" through the Riverside turn, but now I'm having to take the turn a bit differently (haven't quite figured that out yet).

The Grapevine / Club House complex is faster than it looks on the map, should carry 70-80 mph through that part of the track.

The Off Ramp is slow, 25 mph at best.

I look forward to the weekend... I'm going to try to get this spot for us since it's directly adjacent to the restrooms and bleachers, but since it is the final weekend for NASA So. Cal. there may be quite a few tractor trailers that arrive on Friday.

 

Thanks for all the tips on the track... now I have to memorize it and watch Carlos' video again ... and again...

That would be the perfect spot... I can see why... pretty close to a lot of the essentials.

Last question. Am I allowed to mount a video camera in the car during level 1 runs? Is that up to the instructor? If so, It should be just level with the back passenger wall top right? (Similar to how you have yours, but back a little bit more).

I only ask because if I'm going to review and learn from my own mistakes, I'll have to see it more than once...

 

No mistakes, yes you can have a camera as long as it's not better than mine.

 

No chance of that... I recently bought a Cannon Elura 100 DV camera. Not likely to beat a HD production model.

Although... I do have a friend who shoots and edits News for a living...

 

Any recommendations as to a 'approved' mount. The I/O Port Video Camera mount seems nice... but a bit pricey for a first timer ($100+).

Plus it's made for a roll bar mounting... not that I can't fab a bar up and anchor it into the cargo cover anchors.

 

What I found that works the best for the stock set-up is a pair of adjustable "C" clamps that are attached and have a little mounting plate. I use this gizmo all the time and just clamp it to the structural cross member behind / between the seats.

 

Okay... Looks pretty good... I'll work on that this weekend. Thanks!

 

The countdown begins.... 6 days... It will be a bitter sweet weekend of racing because I just found out that my show has been cancelled and Friday will be the last day of production... What a great way to get out some frustration, 130 mph on a race track ...

 

The countdown begins.... 6 days... It will be a bitter sweet weekend of racing because I just found out that my show has been cancelled and Friday will be the last day of production... What a great way to get out some frustration, 130 mph on a race track ...

 

Got my numbers and camera mount ready ... I'm so pumped up I'm gonna burst!

 

No bursting, it will make a mess in your Hot Rod SRT6...

My plans are to leave as soon as I can get out of the studio (11pm-ish) on Friday night, which would put me in Button Willow at about 1:30am. I'm going to see if the gate at the track is open that late, if so, I'll dump the car and trailer in a good spot for the weekend and cordon off our "world" and then drive over to the hotel.

If I can get into the track Friday night, we can meet-up in the lobby of the hotel and go to breakfast at Denny's at 6 am and arrive at the track at 7am. If I can't get into the track on Friday night, I'll need to be at the gates at 6:30 am to secure a good paddock area near the track so the gals can observe our antics... It's about 10 miles from the hotel to the track, so worse case scenario (sleep considerations) we can always grab an (elegant) to-go meal from McDonalds and eat it at the track (YUMMY)... It's up to you...

Also, there usually is a nice get together (party) on Saturday evening with all the drivers, crews and NASA officials... Nothing special... Jeans and T's kinda thing... I'll send you a PM with my cell phone # since you're going to be on the road much of this week...

 

That's cool. If we need to get a 'to-go' meal, it's cool with me.

I could always pick up the breakfast and bring it in, that would save you a trip to Mickey-Ds.

Anyway, give me a call when you get to the track and let me know if they let you in. I know I won't be able to sleep much.

 

PM me with your cell #.

 

I'll not wake you that late... Instead, I'll call your butt first thing in the morning to get you out of the sack... Sleep is important for track days... I'm usually slow as hell on Saturday because of lack of sleep, then after a good night sleep on Sat. night I'm at top form...

Anyway, I'll touch base with you later in the week... I'm heading over to pick-up another set of new Hoosier R6 tires right now and have them speed balanced and wheel matched...

 

JK: I just received this confirmation for this weekend and thought I would post it incase you didn't get one.

This is information regarding the NASA event on Nov 11 & 12 at Buttonwillow Raceway. We are racing on the 3.0 Mile configuration #1 Clockwise. This email is confirming your participation. You may get this email in duplicate which is OK. Track information is at http://www.buttonwillowraceway.com

You are required to know all this information to participate in this event. If you do anything in violation to the rules below, you may be asked to leave

**NOTE** NASA runs events rain or shine. There are no refunds or credits for cancellations or no shows.

1. Registration will take place inside the Tower/cafeteria building (ground floor) **NOTE** If you are getting this email you are pre-registered so you do not need to visit registration. If you have rented a transponder you may pick that up from Registration. Otherwise simply wait for your drivers meeting.

I) Friday - There is a test day on Friday for race cars which is run by the track. Racers pay the track directly

II) Saturday/Sunday- Follow the instructions below.

RACERS
1) Bring a completed self tech form and logbook to a NASA official at the Tech trailer. Tech will be along the hot pit wall across from the garages. 2) Get your log book signed. 3) When you get your logbook signed you will get a tech sticker. 4) Put sticker on upper left corner of windshield. 4) Participate in first practice session and report to the drivers meeting at the time specified.

HPDE
a) "Preteched"- 1) Attend HPDE drivers meeting at time specified on schedule. 2) Bring tech form (that has been signed by a tech shop) to tech trailer and get a tech sticker. 3) Apply tech sticker to upper left corner of windshield.

b) "Trackside Tech"- 1) Bring your car to impound for inspection by 7:00 AM. 2) Car will be inspected, tech form will be signed and you will be given a tech sticker. 3) Attend HPDE drivers meeting at time specified on schedule. 4) Make sure your tech sticker is on your car when you line up in pregrid.

2. Drivers Meetings- Check Schedule
a) Race- All drivers must report to the drivers meeting at the specified time and roll will be taken.

b) HPDE- Report to the drivers meeting first thing in the morning at the time specified and you will be assigned to a run group leader and wrist bands will be distributed.

3. Transponders- (Transponders not used in HPDE 1&2)
We are using the AMB timing system. This is the red transponder which you must have to race. If you have your own transponder, you should have filled out the number when you registered. If you did not fill this number out please email me the number. If you need to rent a transponder, please report to registration with a check or cash for $30.00 and a credit card as security and we will provide one to use for the weekend.

4. Tech Inspection
a) Race- All cars must have a log book. Please make sure your vehicle has a valid 2006 Annual. If your car has a valid 2006 annual inspection, please download the Race Car Tech form: http://www.nasaproracing.com/images/..._race_tech.pdf and bring the filled out form with your log book to a Tech Inspector (at Tech Trailer) so they can sign your log book. If your car has a SCCA log book and valid annual, please follow the same procedure and present the filled out form to an inspector, however your will still need to get an annual inspection from NASA.

b) HPDE- Download the tech form: http://www.nasaproracing.com/images/..._hpde_tech.pdf and bring it to an authorized tech inspection location or bring to the track and we will tech the car in the morning. Please arrive by 7:00AM for tech. Keep the Tech form with you and place under your windshield wiper when you line up for your first track session.

5. 2006 Annual Inspections
All cars should have current Annual inspections. If you have a new car or equipment please see the tech trailer for a time slot to perform an annual.

6. Schedule
http://socal.drivenasa.com/events/BW-Nov06.pdf

7. Chapel Service
Please notice that our SoCal Chaplin Aaron Schwartzbart will will conduct a Chapel Service which will take place on Sunday morning from 7:30-7:50 am in the classroom in the control tower. All faiths welcome to attend. More info: http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2314

8. Announcements
A loudspeaker system will be set up for announcements.

9. Arrival, Parking, Gate Fee, RV info
The track charges $10.00 per person through the gate. We do not take any of this money but please have it ready to make the line go quickly in the morning. RV's may park and camp overnight, and hookups are available from the track office. Please do not park race cars or transporters along the COLD PIT WALL. We need room for Impound.

10. Paddock Maps and Traffic Flow
All drivers will be required to follow the one way directions to enter and exit the track. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH CONES OR BARRICADES. Speed limit is 5 MPH in the paddock. Anyone caught speeding will be penalized

11. Other Important Stuff
A) Fuel pumps are operated by the track and they sell 100 and 110.
B) Tire service will be available through the track.
C) Food Service will be available at the track.
D) DO NOT leave or dump oil at the track. Anyone caught will be permanently suspended.
E) Do not litter. Leave your pit space clean or be charged $100.00.
F) Motorized Scooters are prohibited. It is an insurance regulation and we apologize for the inconvenience. However, any "licensed" driver may operate vehicle that can be licensed to use on the road (moped, bicycle, ATV).

derek@hollywooddigitalimaging.com, you are receiving this message because you are a NASA Member or requested to join the following Socal NASA list: Event Confirmation Messages.

You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL:
http://socal.drivenasa.com/cgi-bin/d....cgi/u/events/


Socal NASA Region | 2750 Hidden Hills Way, Corona, CA 92882 | 310-943-7793



SEE YOU AT THE TRACK BUDDY...