Thunderhill - NorCal Shelby Spring event

[clill]

Met Ron for the first time at the track. Very nice guy that seems to really enjoy helping others gather the skills and data needed to go faster. Weld was bitching about the car not handling right. Ron digs out his durometer and shows Greg a tire that is hard as a rock. They change tires and Weld is happy again. Anybody wanting to advance in race car knowledge should be able to learn something from Ron. I really enjoyed the fact that Greg was bugging Ron all weekend instead of me.

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by SSLance

I wonder how much Ron would charge to come out to KC for a Sunday afternoon... I could've used him on site yesterday.

Great work Greg, nice pickup on times. Did it feel better too as it got faster?

You don't go faster, unless it feels better......



If that makes sense. Does to me.

Originally Posted by Damn True

So Greg, were the adjustments made to the car or the loose nut behind the wheel?

What changes did you make over the course of the weekend?

Even though the set on the car was "relatively new" - one had a durometer reading that said it was "hard". I had gone out for a session and came in (first session) and we discussed (after Ron measured things 10 ways to Sunday).... the handling. When I FINALLY shut up -- Ron said -- The right front was causing the exact issue I was describing... and the choice was to replace that tire.... I replaced them all. Next session the issue I had described went away... and when I came in I was asked if the car was locking up the rear brakes anywhere.... "why yes! as a matter of fact they do".... He says --- The rotors are telling me you have too much rear bias. Out it came with a couple turns.... and BINGO my lockup issue went away.

THEN HE STARTED TO WORK ON THE NUTS BEHIND THE WHEEL.


So first we worked on getting tire pressures and brakes right.... and between sessions we got schooled on things to think about etc. As the car became consistent - and I gained confidence that it would drive the same way it did the last session... and the tire pressures were up to maximum contact patch (and heat)... Then the nut could begin to use less brake - drive deeper - and explore different turn in points.


It was the best money I've ever spent "on the car". Not only that - unlike Charley - he is fun to hang with.

[GregWeld]

I will also say that --- Charley's Mustang has 70 or so less HP.... and runs rear drum brakes... and I can not keep up with him.

[intocarss]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

You don't go faster, unless it feels better......



If that makes sense. Does to me.

THAT MAKES TOTAL SENSE

[glassman]

Well thanx to this event, i'm no longer a track virgin.

Took the school on Saturday, my instructor.....well lets just say "i got THEE guy".

More to follow when i get home. I ran seven sessions and i am pooped.

All I can really say for now is , WOW, Hooked.

Spent time with Greg, Sieg, Charlie, Dave, Ron, Mike and G. Great guys, great time. They are dealers of the cardope and i am hooked.....

[Damn True]

Originally Posted by glassman

Well thanx to this event, i'm no longer a track virgin.

Took the school on Saturday, my instructor.....well lets just say "i got THEE guy".

More to follow when i get home. I ran seven sessions and i am pooped.

All I can really say for now is , WOW, Hooked.

Spent time with Greg, Sieg, Charlie, Dave, Ron, Mike and G. Great guys, great time. They are dealers of the cardope and i am hooked.....

It usually takes only one hit on the "Go-Fast Crackpipe"

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by Damn True

It usually takes only one hit on the "Go-Fast Crackpipe"

Word! I hadn't had a track fix in 2 or 3 years an it sure felt good!

[Flash68]

Class was in session





Sieg with a Laguna-esque exhaust mod to try to keep the sound Gods happy



But that worked only for a short time



This guy shows up at 1pm on Sunday... apparently did not read the schedule correctly



Street cars... even of the 2008 ULTIMATE variety... were present



Weld fell off the wagon he was so much faster by the end of the weekend

[sik68]

Great stuff guys! I would love to have Sutton take a dozen seconds off my lap time. Hope I can make it to the next one!!

[Panteracer]

Glad you guys had a good day
Things are good when the car doesn't
break or get bent up and ends up faster in
the end... your head is better when things
go right.. sometimes rare days

We use to rotate the front right tire out
at Thunderhill as it gets a lot of heat and wear
Maybe too many heat cycles that made it hard
I assume you have them heat cycled when you
buy them?? they do last longer

It seems like if the tires are more than a year old
then they seem like stones to me.. I laugh at guys
that keep slicks or Dot road race tires for years
waiting to go to the track... might as well throw
them in the garbage.. safety is also a concern with
old tires

I should have come up and hung out with you guys
My weekend went in a garbage can as my Firebird was
hit in the parking lot.. not too bad.. bent bumper and rear
tail piece that is fiberglass.. was thinking about painting
the tail piece black.. now that it will be off easy to do.. also was thinking
about changing the bumper to fiberglass. rethinking that idea
as when looking for parts the metal back piece is no longer
made and the bumper saved it.. too much thinking sometimes

Panteracer Norcal Bob