Dirt Missile rebuild begins

[rrunner68]

No worries guys, you know I've got nothing but love for everyone.

What I did see happen which may have been a learning curve issue for you guys, that group was NOT a TT/HPDE4 mix, what did happen was you guys gridded first and "jumped" the start.

For a detailed explanation....

The first lap is a no passing/"gentleman's agreement" lap usually the sub 1:50 guys are in the front and bunch us up towards the end of the lap, and REALLY bunch us up from 8 to 11 ESPECIALLY at 11.
Unfortunately from what I saw, the pace vehicle pulled in after 10 and Dirt Missile TOOK OFF, hahaha.
We were still bunching, and I was in 10 when I saw the Missile disappear into 2. The regular fast guys hadn't even nailed it out of 11 yet. I knew the Missile was screwed and would be into the TT6&5 cars before they got up to speed and after looking at the video, it looks like I was right.
Easy and honest mistake to make, and the car is stupid fast. Most of the guys on Slicks are out for 2-3 laps tops and pull it in knowing that there's nothing to be done after the traffic jam starts. I'm usually only out for 4-5 laps for the same reason. spec Miatas and e30's become roving chicanes and you're not going to have a good lap.
ALL THAT said, it is always the responsibility of the passer to execute a safe and undisturbed pass without endangering the cars. As a rule of thumb in a non racing class, once the first car in a braking zone's lights come on, overtaking is over. Line up and power out. Great teachable moment and with the wonderful technology of on board cameras and the "Incredible, edible Internet", we can share these teachable moments with everyone. I spoke with the driver afterwards and the track and had a laugh about it. The car ius hard to see and like I said, I knew the E46 was there (and I know the driver and his style/personality), but had it not been for me hearing the Missile banging gears and double checking my mirrors, and subsequently surrendering the corner, that would have been an expensive turn for what was already not going to be the best lap of the day. Risk vs. Reward.
Looking forward to teh next one guys! THill in August, hope to see you there! and Greg... Seriously hope the car is legal for& you're making a push for TTU at NASA Nationals in Sept. Seeing that car on track is nothing short of awesome.

[SSLance]

Originally Posted by rrunner68

The first lap is a no passing/"gentleman's agreement" lap usually the sub 1:50 guys are in the front and bunch us up towards the end of the lap, and REALLY bunch us up from 8 to 11 ESPECIALLY at 11.
Unfortunately from what I saw, the pace vehicle pulled in after 10 and Dirt Missile TOOK OFF, hahaha.
We were still bunching, and I was in 10 when I saw the Missile disappear into 2. The regular fast guys hadn't even nailed it out of 11 yet. I knew the Missile was screwed and would be into the TT6&5 cars before they got up to speed and after looking at the video, it looks like I was right.

I noticed the exact same thing from up on turn 9 terrace...I remember thinking they should have held the green flag for one more lap to help get everyone bunched up before releasing the hounds.

Are you saying that either way (green then or on the next lap) that it is common courtesy for everyone to stay in line for the first lap after green to get everyone up to speed and warmed up...then try to make your one or two hot laps?

I could see that helping to stem the problems Darrel had all weekend catching the end of the pack too soon, but not sure if it's good or bad for the top third of the faster cars in the group? I always like to get in front of those slower than me before starting my hot lap but I've never been on track with 73 other cars with such wide variations of lap times at the same time so...

[rrunner68]

Originally Posted by SSLance

Are you saying that either way (green then or on the next lap) that it is common courtesy for everyone to stay in line for the first lap after green to get everyone up to speed and warmed up...then try to make your one or two hot laps?

Yes. We are gridded according to best lap times of the weekend, so as long as everyone is bunched well, that SHOULD give the fast guys 2-3 clear laps before they catch the backmarkers.
Looked like it was just a rookie (to Norcal NASA TT) mistake. making the TT meetings throughout the weekend can definitely help with that. We usually do one Saturday and Sunday mornings, first thing (drivers a.m. meeting) and then after the first session. As long as everyone plays/drives well, that'll be it for the weekend. If you guys ever need help, hit me up.

[Vegas69]

There is NO way a Miata belongs on the track with a car like this.(Or a majority of the others in the video) It's just asking for trouble to have such a range of speed on the track.