Heidts Performance Car Challenge - Midwest
 

February 21, 2011 (Wauconda, Il) - Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts is proud to present the Heidts Performance Car Challenge - Midwest, July 15 - 17 at the Autobahn Country Club located in Joliet, IL. The three-day event will provide enthusiast drivers the opportunity to hone their driving skills in the following elements:

Road Course
Autocross
Acceleration/Braking
Road Rally

The event will be open to domestic performance vehicles of all years. The experience will start Friday at Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts headquarters, offering participants time to meet and socialize, followed by a 50 mile cruise to the host hotel in Joliet, IL.

On Saturday the road course element will be run on the Autobahn Country Club North Track. The 1.46-mile track is technical but forgiving and will challenge all levels of drivers from novice to experienced.
http://www.drivefastbesafe.com/PDFs/northmap.pdf.

On Sunday, drivers will tackle one of the most unique autocross courses ever dreamed – created right on the 1.46-mile track. Rumble strips, slaloms, rotundas and other features will test set-up and driving skills. Simultaneously, the acceleration/braking challenge will be run on the front straight, demonstrating not only the vehicle’s braking prowess, but the driver’s abilities and skills as well.

This is a premium driving experience that you don’t want to miss. More details and sign-up information to follow – mark your calendars now!

The Heidts Performance Car Challenge will be an OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational qualifier.
www.optimainvitational.com

Jimi,Sound's great.I think Kevin and I can make this event.:thumbsup: Scott

Starts right out of my backyard .
Autobahn North is a blast ! Turn one and Six :unibrow: :unibrow:

Can't wait for this. Sounds awesome!

I’m in! I hope we take highway 59 for road rally. I’m not seeing too many E85Gas Stations in that area and I could be in trouble. Time to invest in fuel jugs:D

I'll be there with the Camaro & maybe some other surprises!:unibrow:

Are people and cars that ren't running in the event welcome on friday to come and hang out? I have a convertible without a rollbar so i'm out, but I would like to drive up and hang out for awhile. Also will saturday be open to the public or is it a competitors only event?

You are welcome to come out to Heidts on Friday and hang out, we are still ironing out the details regarding spectators for Saturday. I will know more this Friday afternoon

That sounds great, can you let me know I would love to hang out on saturday as well.

OMG......this is 20 minutes from my house!!!! I've already taken a vacation day on Friday!! I will be in attendance for the whole program!! This is so GREAT. :unibrow:

We're in! Autobahn is an awesome facility. When are we able to sign up. Is there going to be a vendor area? If so we may want to bring a few cars down.

All spectators are welcome at the track on Saturday and Sunday...:woot:

Sign up will begin in a couple of weeks, I will post as soon as we open it up, we are going to have a vendor midway.

looks like i may take out the bumble bee and see what it can do.

Heidts Performance Car Challenge Car Show
 

The Heidts Performance Car Challenge team is excited to announce that the 2011 Heidts Performance Car Challenge, taking place at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL, will include a full-scale car show as an additional element to the event!

In today’s enthusiast market, the “show” is as important as the “go” and we want to make sure that everyone is represented. If you have a stunning showpiece or if you’d like to bring your ride and just spectate, you are welcome and invited to the Heidts Performance Car Challenge! We’ll judge the following classes:

Street Rod (pre 49)
Any domestic cars built prior to 1949.
Classic Custom (49-63)
Any domestic cars built between 1949 and 1963.
Muscle Car (64-74)
Any domestic cars built between 1964 and 1974.
Street Machine (75-95)
Any domestic cars built between 1975 and 1995.
Late Model (96-11)
Any domestic cars built between 1996 and present.
Classic Truck (pre 74)
Any domestic trucks built prior to 1974.
Muscle Truck (75-95)
Any domestic trucks built between 1975 and 1995.
Late Model truck (96-11)
Any domestic trucks built between 1996 and present.
Under Construction
Any unfinished project vehicle.
Best of Show
Winner takes home the “Big Trophy”and sponsor prize package

The HPCC Car Show is Saturday and Sunday, with judging both days. The Heidts Performance Car Challenge promises to be one of the biggest events of the summer – don’t miss it! Mark your calendar today for July 16-17, and visit www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com for more details.

Here are the rules: http://www.heidts.com/heidts_perform...nge_rules.html

Some Highlights -

:D

I was the first official entry last week. It will almost certainly be the only thing that I will be able to say I was faster at than anyone else :) . Gotta take pride where you can.

3700 pounds (plus me :) ) of mass in motion!

I looked at the rules and points system for this event. Can anyone tell me if the cruise is mandatory and if there are points awarded for this??? The event site does not address this in depth.

Thanks

The cruise is not manditory, but points will be awarded for participating.

Heidts Performance Car Challenge Registration
 

Registration is officially open for the Heidts Performance Car Challenge. This promises to be a great three day event July 15th - 17th. The schedule includes: Participant lunch, Road Rally, Road Course time trials, Autocross, Braking Challenge, Karting Enduro, Participant Awards Dinner, Car Show and Manufacturers Midway. This event is open to spectators! Any volunteers interested in helping with the event, please PM me.
Go to www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com to sign up!!!

Can someone add a .com to the link?

Lets Race!
 

Hi Everyone, I was just looking at the details of the Heidts event & I must say that in comparison to other events out there this is a great opportunity & deal! I have been to other events that have cost more than this & only had the track part, no lunch or dinner, no karting, etc. I haven't run at Autobahn but hear it's an awesome facility. I am also looking forward to some great compitition at the event from some great drivers & killer cars! I hope to see old friends & to meet new ones, so tell your buddies to get the cars uncovered, check those tire pressures, put on your driving shoes, & LET'S GO RACING!!!!!:drive: :thumbsup:

SEE YA THERE!:cheers:

Maybe these are stupid questions, but I feel like I'd be stupid later for having not asked.

I see on their "Rules" section for the event , it says:

"Participants must use DOT approved, non-competition, treaded (non-grooved) street tires (no competition radials, no R compound, drag radials or shaved tread) with a manufacturers tread wear rating of 200 or greater. "

I'm having a set of wheels & tires made by Driverz, Inc. for me right now and the tires I am going with (based on their recommendation) are Nitto NT555 front and NT-555R in the rear. Are these tires not in compliance with the rules for the event? Is this a typical regulation that is going to prevent me from competing at future events?

Also, it states glass shall be "Safety-glass or Lexan windshield ". I'm considering whether or not I want to / have budget to replace the original glass in my '70 Chevelle. Is the original considered "safety glass"? Is all replacement glass you would get from the big suppliers (OPG, Year One, The Parts Place, etc.) safety glass?

Thanks for the help!

You are correct,tires must be non-competition 200 or greater tread wear. This is a common rule in many of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car qualifying events. The original windshield is considered safety glass. We would really love to have you at the event, I hope you can make it.

So what is everyone running for tires at these events? From your post I take it Nitto NT-555 / NT-555R's aren't allowed because they don't meet the rules?

Great question
Nitto NT-555 is rated at 300 treadwear is LEGAL
Nitto NT-555R is rated at 100 treadwear is NOT LEGAL
Some guys run:
BFG KDW - 300 treadwear
Nitto NT05 - 200 treadwear
Hankook V12EVO - 280 treadwear
Pirelli P Zero Pilot Sport - 220 treadwear

If anyone has other suggestions, please chime in.
Thank you

The Nitto 555R is a drag radial made for straight lines. I would not try to turn corners very hard in those. I have run them before.

The NT05 is a good and popular tires for these events, as are the KDW and the newer Falken Azenis 615.

I've run the Falken RT-615s, Nitto NT-05s, and Michelin PS-2s. All depends on what you need for sizing. They are all good. The Michelins are by far the best all around tire, but they are a lot more money than the other two.

Thanks for the advice, guys. Looks like I need to call Justin @ Driverz, Inc. Monday and see if I can switch my order (rims will be finished next week, I'm told). Originally I was going to go with a 275/35/18 and 305/40/18 set-up on the car. Now it looks like Falken Azenis 615's in 275/35 and 295/40 may be the best I can do (don't see a lot of choices for 200 treadwear in 305/40).

Rob

Got things squared away with Driverz, Inc :thumbsup: - changed my order to Falken RT-615's, 275/35/18 up front and 295/40/18 rear. Giving up about 0.4" in width to do so (hard to find a 305/40 non-drag radial, apparently), but I suppose these will give me better grip around corners than the NT-555r. Now I just need to finish the car so I can go put-put around the track!

Glad to hear you have the tires squared away, you're going to have a great time at this event. See ya there!:lateral:

Event Sponsors
 

We have many Great Sponsors for this event
Wilwood - Braking Challenge
Nitto - Autocross Sponsor
QA1 Motorsports - Road Rally Sponsor
Route 66 Motorsports - Car Show Sponsor
Carbon Kustoms - Karting Event Sponsor

This will be a great day for all people involved :thumbsup:

I'll be there, for sure, but the car is another question. Still have to do final assembly of basically the whole car (although GM A-bodies aren't overly complicated and any missing parts can be easily had from The Parts Place, Inc., which is just down the street from me. Big thing is the delays on receiving all the high performance parts - still waiting on my AFX spindles (3 months now), Lee steering box, Hydratech Hydroboost, and Ricks Stainless tank. My EFI 565 should be finished next week, and the Strange S60 is being assembled this week. So, if all goes well, I'll have it all together by the 4th of July, however, I think the schedule has too many potential snares that would keep me from being ready for the Heidt's event in time, so at this point I won't be registering as a participant.

Where are you located? If The Parts Place is down the street from you we have to practically be neighbors. Can't wait to see your car. Not enough A-bodies out there.

I'm just north of Wasco - technically I'm a resident of Campton Hills. I think I've seen your car at the Country Car Show a year or two ago - can't wait to see it after you finish the latest mods from the RS. Your '66 hardtop was one of the inspirations that got me going towards a PT build over a stock restoration on my '70.

Heidts Performance Car Challenge welcomes new participants
 

Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts is proud to announce that Mary Pozzi and James Shipka will both be competing at the Heidts Performance Car Challenge July 15-17 in Joliet, IL at Autobahn Country Club!

James and Mary recently shared seat time in the OPTIMA Batteries One Lap Camaro at the 2011 One Lap of America. After 3900 gruelling miles, this team of accomplished drivers walked away as 2011 Vintage American Class Champions.

James and Mary will compete head to head and alongside the rest of the competitors at the Heidts Performance Car Challenge for a coveted OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational berth. James will be driving the first generation Camaro known as the OPTIMA One Lap Camaro. Mary will be competing in her beloved, but recently revamped, second generation Camaro. Don’t miss your chance to run with two of the pro-touring worlds most popular drivers and cars.

This event features a full schedule of high horsepower fun including:
Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle car Parts shop tour and luncheon
QA1 Road Rally
Rt 66 Car Show
Heidts Road Course Challenge
Carbon Kustoms Karting Enduro
Nitto Autocross Challenge
Wilwood Braking Challenge
Strange Engineering Awards Banquet

The event is all about the experience, so whether you are an experienced or novice driver, we would love to see you at the Heidts Performance Car Challenge. Heidts is offering a $40.00 discount to all participants who sign up before June 20th. For Information visit www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com

If you're nervous, don't be...
 

Hey crew - we've heard from a few folks out there that some of you might be a little nervous about coming out to play because you feel you're inexperienced or that your car may not be competitive. Let me be the first to reassure you that you are welcome and we will do everything we can to make you comfortable. These events are designed to allow everyone to have fun and our emphasis is on getting folks out to participate, not the overall competition.

Sure, the clock is running on every lap, but nobody has any expectations. You're going to earn a ton of respect from us and all the participants if this is your first event. This is the perfect type of event to learn what an apex is and to try that heel/toe braking technique. There are no professional drivers here, and we'll even put you in a run group that fits your speed and style.

I can't emphasize enough how much fun it is to be able to run your car as fast as you feel comfortable. The feeling you get when you exit the turn at the the exact spot you envisioned and then roll onto the throttle down the straight is unbelievable. Shaving a half second off your last lap time on the autocross makes your chest swell with pride. Having spectators come over and shake your hand when you pull into the paddock area after a session makes it all worthwhile.

And, how many people are going to show up at work on Monday and say "I just did a 1:20.3 lap at Autobahn yesterday and Mary Pozzi helped me shave a full second off my autocross time!" You'll be hanging out with some of the industries highest profile names and companies, not to mention having more fun with your car than a barrel of monkeys! For around $350, you can have an entire weekend of a lifetime! Sign up at http://www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com

If you're nervous, don't be...
 

Hey crew - we've heard from a few folks out there that some of you might be a little nervous about coming out to play because you feel you're inexperienced or that your car may not be competitive. Let me be the first to reassure you that you are welcome and we will do everything we can to make you comfortable. These events are designed to allow everyone to have fun and our emphasis is on getting folks out to participate, not the overall competition.

Sure, the clock is running on every lap, but nobody has any expectations. You're going to earn a ton of respect from us and all the participants if this is your first event. This is the perfect type of event to learn what an apex is and to try that heel/toe braking technique. There are no professional drivers here, and we'll even put you in a run group that fits your speed and style.

I can't emphasize enough how much fun it is to be able to run your car as fast as you feel comfortable. The feeling you get when you exit the turn at the the exact spot you envisioned and then roll onto the throttle down the straight is unbelievable. Shaving a half second off your last lap time on the autocross makes your chest swell with pride. Having spectators come over and shake your hand when you pull into the paddock area after a session makes it all worthwhile.

And, how many people are going to show up at work on Monday and say "I just did a 1:20.3 lap at Autobahn yesterday and Mary Pozzi helped me shave a full second off my autocross time!" You'll be hanging out with some of the industries highest profile names and companies, not to mention having more fun with your car than a barrel of monkeys! For around $350, you can have an entire weekend of a lifetime! Sign up at http://www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com

This is going to be a great event! I had the opportunity to make a whole five laps at Autobahn during this years One Lap of America and can say from personal experience that it is a great facility and the track that we will be running on is perfect no matter what your level of experience. It's definately a track that gives you the opportunity to improve as you run it - there are no really complicated combinations, the visibility is great and there is plenty of room to run. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to run there again.

Now... on to other business...

Since this is going to be the first time that Mary and I have an opportunity to play head to head I think that a little wager is in order... "Loser" (lower placing overall for the weekend) has to run the wet skid pad during OLoA next year... and has to wash the other one's car. Unless you win the whole thing - which would prove that you should run the wet skid pad because you are so good.

After a couple years of reading about how much fun these driving events are! I went to my first event last year. The mid west muscle car challenge. The event was put on by Jimi and FM3 marketing. Not knowing what to expect, I was amazed at how professionally it was run. They broke us down into groups based on experience (I was in the no clue group), and walked us through everything that we needed to know. When you hear or read about people saying how much fun they had at one of these events, multiply that by 10 for 1st timers. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for week. Yeah, I was nervous at the thought of "competing", but I quickly found out that everyone wasn't watching me blow the corner they were all just having a good time. I met four or five other newbs, and a bunch of really nice people. If your tired of sitting in a lawn chair and talking about cars, you really ought to come out and drive. I was blown away by how well my car really performed, because I hadn't ever gotten the chance to push it safely on the street. Anyway, i just wanted to say that even though taking that first step was kinda scary, it was one of the most fun and gratifying things I've ever done:thumbsup: