New to road racing - Northern California Ford Owners

This is topic New to road racing in forum Road Racing, Auto X & Drifting at Northern California Ford Owners .

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Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

When is the next track event? When do I have to enter by? What all do I need to have safety wise? Do I need to take any classes first?

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

Greenflag is having a event Nov. 28-29 at Buttonwillow. Good group of people, safe track and the entry is like 225.00 per day I think. I'll be there in my new racecar (track only) for testing and a few of my buddies will be too. It's to much fun and you'll be addicted so start saving your money. Go on the website for safety equipment and things. Greenflagdriving.com I think. You don't have to take any classes but just some common sense. Helmet, fire extinguisher (I think) for all groups, decent brakes and tires and a good learning attitude. If your a cool guy I'll take you out in my car.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Thanx for all the info. I'll more than likely go to the event with my GF dad he's got a sweet ZO6 and he's been racing for a little while. I realy appreciate all the advice and hopfully you will think that I'm cool enough guy so I can get to ride in a real race car. Mine is only around 650 to the wheels so yours must be bad ass.

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

Lol, only 650 to the wheels. What the hell do have in that mustang, mine has like 300 rwhp right now. However, the is car will go around the track very fast at 2850lbs. It's all about the corners, I'll see you out there. #95

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Where is Button willow located???? Haha.. Ya the engine is toward the drag race side but I have all road race suspension it's a full Maximum Motorsports adjustable coilover suspension system on my 02GT. Hey.... Do they have noise restrictions???? My car is hella loud.

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

You'll have no problem with noise, there are retired Nascars and things like that that are crazy loud. The track is off hwy 5 about 3.5 to 4 hrs south of San Jose. The track is very fun, many turns and really no where to wreck your car if you go off track. It's a great track to learn on.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Rite on. I'll see you their.

Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :

If you do go to Buttonwillow, you absolutely need a helmet and gloves. Motorcycle helmets are OK and helmets are available for rent at the track. For your own safety, it's important that the helmet is the right size and not too big.

Fireproof driving gloves are recommended but any type of glove is the minimum. Passengers are allowed except for the first session of the day. They also must have helmet and gloves. There's no formal instruction program but there should be enough experienced drivers to help out.

Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :

deleted - double post

[ November 03, 2009, 10:35 AM: Message edited by: SteveL ]

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Thanx steve. I just might have a passenger on the second day if my car lasts that long.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

How many laps are each race? How many races in each event day? What's the estemated time each heat or race last?

Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :

Well, it's open track, not a race. We're not running for position or lap times. Drive as fast as you want or can while keeping control of your car and operating it in a safe manner. We hate to see people wreck their cars or worse, get hurt by trying to go too fast too soon.

As far as track time, figure that you'll get close to two hours of track time per day. There are five track sessions per day. The first session is typically 20 minutes and then extend to 30 minutes in the afternoon.

Besides making sure your car is ready, there some additional info that would be helpful to know.

Flags: http://www.hookedondriving.com/video.cfm?video=4

Primer: http://www.norcal-saac.org/ot/primer.pdf

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

Steve L are you going to this event too? Also F1R/GT if your car is really running that much power you REALLY SHOULD consider running 100 octane or a mix. I assume your supercharged running that much power and *HEAT KILLS ENGINES*. I would hate to see it grenade and your stuck at the track. Also, you need some good brake pads. I don't know what brakes you have but this is very important especially since your car is heavier and has more power. Remember, you want to drive home!

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Wow!!! You guys are very helpful. It's nice to know that theirs gonna be cool people that are willing to help out if needed thanxs so much. By the way my car runs race fuel only, has an oversize canton oil pan, a big fluidyn radiator, air to air 3 core inter cooler , water methanol injection system, 2000 Cobra R front brake system, sloted rear rotors with stock calipers, and I'm trailering it down their. I'm just hoping it all holds together I've never driven it that hard for an extended amount of time. I'm running a good amount of boost from the procharger. It's a well built car though, I guess I'm just nervous. [Roll Eyes]

Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :

Yes, I plan on going but not certain at this time.

If you're going to trailer your car, you can drop off the car and the trailer at the track Friday if you get their before they close the gates (at least 6 pm, maybe later). The exit for the track is Lerdo Hwy off Hwy 5. The hotels are 10 miles further south at the Hwy 58 exit. There's room to park the truck & trailer at the any of the hotels if you arrive late.

Gas, including 100 octane is available at the track but will probably be expensive. No place in town sells race gas.

If you're not sure you're going to run both days, sign up and pay for one day. You can simply pay the difference on Sunday if you run the second day.

The drivers meeting starts at 8am and the first group will go out at 9am.

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

quote:
Originally posted by F1R/GT:
Wow!!! You guys are very helpful. It's nice to know that theirs gonna be cool people that are willing to help out if needed thanxs so much. By the way my car runs race fuel only, has an oversize canton oil pan, a big fluidyn radiator, air to air 3 core inter cooler , water methanol injection system, 2000 Cobra R front brake system, sloted rear rotors with stock calipers, and I'm trailering it down their. I'm just hoping it all holds together I've never driven it that hard for an extended amount of time. I'm running a good amount of boost from the procharger. It's a well built car though, I guess I'm just nervous.

Sounds like a really badass mustang, I can't wait to see it out there and using that suspension like it was meant to. Your brakes are good but I really do recommend some race pads for the front. They will fade after a few laps and it's not a comfortable feeling. If you already have them then forget what I said. I was nervous my first time and couldn't sleep the night before but it was all worth it, believe me. You will learn so much and it will make street racing look like a joke which is why I drive a taurus everyday. Just take it easy and start out slow and progress through out the day. Look for me #95 white cobra and I'll help out with tips and things but most everyone out there is there to help and have fun. Fun Guaranteed!

Posted by acmikee (Member # 5568) on :

NASA has an event this weekend at sears point. one of the race groups is tha camaro-mustang challang and the factory fives. first event you will need to sign up for HPDE 1 and they will give you an instructor....mike

http://www.nasanorcal.com/

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Thanx for all the information and the kind words a out my car I've put alot of money into it way more than I care to mention. I'm glad to know that I'll have friends at the track it makes things a bit more comforting. Keep an eye or ear out for me... The blue mustang with the white cobra r hood it's way loud.... No mufflers. Hehe

Posted by acmikee (Member # 5568) on :

over 103bt and you go home..

Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :

No, not at Buttonwillow. There, Sears Point and Thunderhill do have max sound limits but they're rarely enforced.

Posted by Wolfie351 (Member # 651) on :

quote:
Originally posted by F1R/GT:
2000 Cobra R front brake system, sloted rear rotors with stock calipers

Are your new rear rotors stock GT style with no cooling veins? I ran an '01 GT with upgraded front and stock style rear rotors and burned up the rear pads in one single 20 minute session.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

My rear rotors are sloted with stock calipers.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

I think that I'm going to try and put some exhaust pipes on that dump out of the side kinda like the cobra R

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

quote:
Originally posted by F1R/GT:
I think that I'm going to try and put some exhaust pipes on that dump out of the side kinda like the cobra R

You really don't need to do that at this track but you will on other tracks to cut sound.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Well things aren't looking good. Nextgen finally got my car back together yesterday started it up and they said it sounded great and it was running fine then they herd a clackeling sound comming from the right side of the engine. Shit!! The good thing is they did a leak down and compression check and it came back all good so it shouldn't be anything to major. It's still very disappinting though. I've been looking forward to driving my car and they've had it for some time now. The up side is that they fought it before it possibly turned into catasrofic failure. Sorry for the spelling. If anyone has suggestions please let me know what you think.

Posted by FoX GT (Member # 4587) on :

wasn't it a bearing in an accessory and nothing major?

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Ya that's what it turned out to be. Boy they had me a little scared for a minute. I'm glad that Danial shut it off and tore everything appart just to make sure nothing major was wrong. I think that shows me just how good they treat every persons car that goes into their shop. I'm very confident that my car is in good hands.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Well my cars very first pull on the dyno netted 513whp 511wtq. That was only at 14 psi and at full retard. Can't wait to see the numbers at 20 psi. and more timing. I think it has a little more left. Hehehehe. VERY EXCITED!!!!

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

Can't wait to see it out at the track

Posted by SF Coupe (Member # 1810) on :

Do you have aftermarket water temp gauge and oil temp gauge? That combo is going to make a lot of heat. It's going to take more than just a fluidyne radiator and aftercooler to cool it. You probably won't get it too hot your first few times on the track but as you get better heat will become an issue. If you get serious about this hobby you will need an oil cooler, radiator ducting from the bumper to the radiator, and possibly a heat extractor hood. I would stay very conservative with the tune.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

I do t really plan on doing any serious road racing with this car. I just kinda wanted to do it a few times just to see everything that I put into it work. I'm probably going to put it up for sale and get a new ZO6. Thoes cars are great and pump gas will be a nice chang. I'm tired of going through the rigamaro of getting race fuel.

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

The weather looks awesome with no rain in the forecast at all. My buddy is bringing his GTR as well as hopped up 240 Z. I'm #95 white cobra

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Do they sell 100+ unleaded at the track??? See ya their I can't wait to see what my car will do and also see how well I think I can drive compaired to other people.

Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :

100 unleaded is available at the track. Credit cards only.

FYI There is also a tire shop who's usually open on Saturday. The track store as driving equipment (gloves, shoes, etc). I believe they also rent helmets but call them to double check.

Just so there's no surprises, drivers and passengers require helmets and some form of gloves. Registration at the track is open Friday sometime around 5pm (depends on when Jimmy gets there) and again Sat & Sun morning.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Thanx steve I can't wait to meet everyone their. I'll finally be able to put a face to all the names.

Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :

Your welcome. Saturday night Green Flag provides free margaritas at the Willow Ranch restaurant. It's supposed to be tequila but I think Jimmy uses race fuel. We meet at the outside dining area around 7pm.

I'm looking forward to the weekend as well. I just retuned the car for 25 more horsepower and got some new tires.

Posted by SteveL (Member # 1241) on :

In case you didn't get the email from Tom, we're starting early on Sunday to get an early start back home. Drivers meeting (Sunday only) is 7am and the first group goes out at 8am.

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

I just talked to Barbara and there's only something like 15 signed up at the moment but there will be more last minute people I bet. We should get a ton of track time. [burnout]

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Well i'm not able to go!!!!!! My car is still at the shop I guess their having a hard time getting it tuned. I'm so disapointed I can't even put it into words. I had the whole weekend planed I took time off work now it's all out the window. I'm sure I'll be able to make the next event although I have no idea where it's at. Come hell or high water I'm going to be their!!!!!!!

Posted by acmikee (Member # 5568) on :

why not come up to thunderhill this weekend dec 5-6 and see roadracing at its best.
25 hours at thunderhill. there are over 70 cars registered. you should see it at nite
http://www.nasa25hour.com/

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Well... Danial is bad ass. My HP numbers have been well above my expectations it's up to 719rwhp and still climbing!! The mass air peged out so theirs more to be had. This thing is going to be a monster!!!!!!!

Posted by 9cobra7 (Member # 2812) on :

That is some serious power, is this out of a 2 valve or 4? Sounds like a very very fun and scary car to me, be careful with it. See if you can get it on the track next time. I got some good footage from front and rear hi def. camera in 1080p. I hope I can post it to you tube or something but it takes up some serious memory.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

It just a little 2 valve. He he.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Looking forward to seeing the vid on you tube. My GF has the blue ray that connects to the Internet and you tube directly and a new samsung 1080p 52inch. It's bad ass, now all she needs is suround sound. So I'll be able to really see and here what I missed.

Posted by phil a (Member # 6951) on :

quote:
Originally posted by F1R/GT:
Well... Danial is bad ass. My HP numbers have been well above my expectations it's up to 719rwhp and still climbing!! The mass air peged out so theirs more to be had. This thing is going to be a monster!!!!!!!

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

STILL NO CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! AARRRRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!! So frustrating.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

Well I guess it's for the best it will keep me out of trouble for a little longer.

Posted by F1R/GT (Member # 7404) on :

I finally drove my car this weekend [Big Grin]

it's a beast 719 to the wheels and it's still has another thousand rpm left. My tuner says it should get close to 800rwhp damn!!!

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