NTAXS Autocross #6, 11/21/2010, Pennington Field

[OZMDD]

Last DFW event of the season!

[jrj512]

Course:

[altiain]

Interesting. You should make the loop direction optional.

[CosmosMpower]

Interesting. You should make the loop direction optional.

Criss Cross Crash for real this time.

[jrj512]

Interesting. You should make the loop direction optional.

That would be pretty cool, but I think it could really confuse people working on the course, as they would not have an expectation of the vehicle's path.

[OZMDD]

Safety shmafety... natural selection FTW!

[jrj512]

Safety shmafety... natural selection FTW!

Onething just felt a disturbance and sat up in his barcalounger.

[cwemyss]

OK, this is my first-evah autocross... good time for a loop. What's the time penalty for going the wrong way around?

Couple questions:
1) This is just going to look like an unbroken and confusing sea of cones, isn't it??

2) Where do we "pit". There's more parking lot north and west of the one we're running on, I'm assuming we can park over there, clean out our cars, etc etc etc.

3) A couple friends have expressed an interest in seeing me make an ass of myself... what are the rules regarding spectators?

4) Not a question, just a comment. If you look at the area on Google Maps, there's snow on the ground and on a couple rooftops, where it's fairly protected from the sun. We average what, 5 days a decade where there's snow accumulation? What are the odds that Google's satellite goes over on that particular morning.

[jrj512]

1) This is just going to look like an unbroken and confusing sea of cones, isn't it??

Since it's your first time, then it might. However, if you understand how the pointer cones work, then it will be much easier to see where you are going. We can explain this to you that morning, but in general, if you see an upright cone with a cone laying down next to it, then it is a pointer cone that is laying down. Exiting that gate, you turn into the side on which the pointer in laying. Look at the map again with this in mind and you will see what I mean.

2) Where do we "pit". There's more parking lot north and west of the one we're running on, I'm assuming we can park over there, clean out our cars, etc etc etc.

Paddock in the the lot west of the course. When you arrive, park in that lot with the others and prepare your car. Arrive no later than 8 AM to allow yourself plenty of time to prepare.

3) A couple friends have expressed an interest in seeing me make an ass of myself... what are the rules regarding spectators?

They are welcome to watch and even ride with you, but they will need to sign the waiver form (along with everyone else), and they will need a helmet if they ride with you. They can use a loaner helmet, if available. Loaner helmets are free, but you must have a head-sock, which we sell for $5. Watching autocross, as POS Racing puts it, is about as much fun as watching paint dry, but without the benefit of fumes. Rather than watch, they should join in the fun and compete.

4) Not a question, just a comment. If you look at the area on Google Maps, there's snow on the ground and on a couple rooftops, where it's fairly protected from the sun. We average what, 5 days a decade where there's snow accumulation? What are the odds that Google's satellite goes over on that particular morning.

Yeah, I noticed that, too.

[OZMDD]

There are two keys to avoiding the "sea of cones" effect:

1) Walk the course at least 3 times, more if you can. This makes a huge difference when you really pay attention to refernce points and not just stroll around chatting.

2) Ride at least once in another car before you drive so you see the course at speed.

Not related to the sea of cones, but ask an instructor to ride on your first couple of runs. They can help you avoid doing anything really bad or dangerous. Dont' worry, it gets easier quickly.

[onething]

Einsteins anybody?

[jrj512]

To help out some of the new and novice drivers, we will have a Novice Walk-thru at this event at 8:45. An instructor will walk you through the course and explain various elements, how to handle them, and provide explanation to some of the basic rules and concepts.

Don't forget that you can also request to ride along with an instructor and/or have one ride with you.

[TxCoyote]

JJ
Won't make this one as I'll be in Sedona on vacation but count me in for the winter series

[jrj512]

Is that Ataim that I see registered?

It also looks like we'll have a V8 Miata joining us.

[GregW]

Einsteins anybody?

Check. I'm in. Lox and cream cheese is a great way to start any day!!

[Ataim]

Yes that me. And the former Mrs Monkey (not mad monkey's) will also be driving.

[cwemyss]

Einsteins anybody?

That was my plan... I figured I wouldn't be the only one.

[wrx74]

.N

[cone-cerned]

I'm in.

[CosmosMpower]

In