SCCA Caroll Smith Memorial Autocross - July 23, 2006

Texas Region SCCA Autocross #5 is coming up this weekend. Registration is here: http://www.dlbracing.com/drivers/log...EventID%3d1975

So, who all is going? This will be my first autocross, in my first Miata, which I've owned for about 2 months :D. I'd like to try and meet up with some people from here once I get there - I won't know anyone, and I'm sure I'll have TONS of questions ;). I think someone mentioned in another thread that MME people often meet for breakfast on the way out there - is that the case?


Everybody sign up if you can go, and I hope to see you there!

I'm already on the list! :burnrubr:

Yep we usually do a breakfast stop on the way to Mineral Wells, keep your eyes on this post for more details as we get closer to the event!

Sounds good. My first question: what tire pressure should I run (stock wheels and crappy Yokohamas in stock size), and is there a way to air up on-site, or should I plan on stopping at a gas station to air up on the way there? I'm only in Dallas for the summer, so I don't have access to a tank or electric compressor like I normally would.

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Originally Posted by tmanAg08

Sounds good. My first question: what tire pressure should I run (stock wheels and crappy Yokohamas in stock size), and is there a way to air up on-site, or should I plan on stopping at a gas station to air up on the way there? I'm only in Dallas for the summer, so I don't have access to a tank or electric compressor like I normally would.

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If your nice, you might could barrow some air, but there is a gas station right around the corner, so you don't have to drive there on high pressures. I'm not sure about the pressure you should run though. I'll be there, first autocross in this miata, not my first autocross though. ;) I look forward to meeting you. ::Flag:: What year is your car?

Thanks for the info about the gas station, that helps.

It's a '94, Laguna Blue. If there's more than one NA Laguna Blue, look for the one with a Louisiana plate, that's me.

Another question - are there generally helmets available to borrow at these events? I don't own one, so I guess I'm counting on the possibility of borrowing/renting.

There are loner helmets, free of charge.

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Originally Posted by tmanAg08

Thanks for the info about the gas station, that helps.

It's a '94, Laguna Blue. If there's more than one NA Laguna Blue, look for the one with a Louisiana plate, that's me.

Another question - are there generally helmets available to borrow at these events? I don't own one, so I guess I'm counting on the possibility of borrowing/renting.

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Welcome to the forums! Laguna blue is my favorite NA color, congrats on the car. I won't be making this event b/c of the BMWCCA event the day before, but I'm sure I'll run into you this summer sometime.

BTW, you should either register in the street tire class in ES or as a novice since this is your first autocross. See if you can catch a ride with one of the more experienced drivers, it's always a good learning experience. Find an instructor for your runs.

Enjoy!

I'll be there, but in the Escort.

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Originally Posted by Miatamoto

BTW, you should either register in the street tire class in ES or as a novice since this is your first autocross. See if you can catch a ride with one of the more experienced drivers, it's always a good learning experience. Find an instructor for your runs.

Enjoy!

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I agree tire class may be a good place or even better may be Novice class for your first time around.

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

I agree tire class may be a good place or even better may be Novice class for your first time around.

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Yes, it would be diffucult to jump right into C-stock and compete against a previously-nationally-competitive-miata. :punchout:

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Originally Posted by Miatamoto

Yes, it would be difficult to jump right into C-stock and compete against a previously-nationally-competitive-miata. :punchout:

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Damn Straight! :D

I'll be there in my sivler and tan 01 - running tire class.

I'll be wearing my official SafetyDude cap...

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Originally Posted by onething

I'll be there in my sivler and tan .

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When did you paint the car sivler? :cat:

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Originally Posted by sammm

When did you paint the car sivler? :cat:

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::Rimshot:

Oops! I didn't realize that I had other options besides C-stock. I assumed that all novices would be competing against each other, regardless of class designation. Should I try to change my registration, either now or at the event?

I plan to go to both this and the BMW event on Saturday.

I have a '93 with stock wheels. I leave the pressure at 26 psi for the trip there, but then pump up to 40-45 psi once I arrive. I might get by fine with less pressure, but I have never tested it. Once I get my new tires (Discount Tire lost them in transit -- they ended up in CA!), I will probably use the chalk-method to determine a good pressure.

You should go buy a large-brimmed hat. It will be hot as Hell out there on that tarmac, so the extra shade it provides really helps. You can pick up something at the sporting goods store. I do not look forward to that heat out there. Yuck!

Like someone else said, you can borrow a helmet. I bought mine at the motorcycle shop. If you buy one, make sure it is has the proper Snell approval. Don't worry about gloves. Dress cool, but wear close-toed shoes.

Look forward to meeting you.

Later,
Jerrett

If it's a NA then it's ES don't forget....or is the car we're refering to a NB?

I'm trying to get my sheeeet together so I can come run Sat and Sunday. :-) I'll have my not so optimal Avons with me, but I wouldn't mind driving a certain fun looking Black 94 if the opertunity should arise ;-)

David

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Originally Posted by Miatamoto

Yes, it would be diffucult to jump right into C-stock and compete against a previously-nationally-competitive-miata. :punchout:

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Ok ya Travis be sure to chance to either ES or the novice or Tire class with an ES pax. only 99+ have to run in CS or rather can legally run there.

If I end up going (more than likely I will).....do you want a ride? I'll take ya around if you want to get up to speed so to speak on the sport. I got a 96 R myself so its similar. Plus I used to own a 94 Laguna Blue R ;-) LOVED that color and car. Ben Castillo a Ft Worth guy stll has his Laguna Blue 94 A package as well. Also a nice car ;)

David, I would jump at the chance to ride with someone else before driving the course myself. That sounds great. I hope you can make it.

I guess I got confused, I thought somewhere on dfwmiata.com it said that '94+ run in C-stock. I guess I'll just get everything straightened out when I get there. What is the purpose of the "tire class", and should I just choose the Novice class since this is my first time?

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Originally Posted by miata_racer

If it's a NA then it's ES don't forget....or is the car we're refering to a NB?

I'm trying to get my sheeeet together so I can come run Sat and Sunday. :-) I'll have my not so optimal Avons with me, but I wouldn't mind driving a certain fun looking Black 94 if the opertunity should arise ;-)

David

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David,
If you are coming to the BMW event on Sat. I'll see you there. Your Avons might actually work well out at Mineral Wells, there are a lot of BMW guys running road race compounds.

Your tires, my car, could be a very fun combination.

Hope to see you there.

If I were you I'd run the novce class. Then you will be on the same skill level as your competitors. The tire class is just people running on non-r comp tires. So there are some fast competitors in the tire classes as well.

When I first started out I ran the novice class for about 4 months I think. Great fun to run against others like me who knew where the course went (that way---> kinda thing :-) ).

ANyways.....I will be talking to my wife and seeing if its cool for me to go up this weekend :)

our 94-97 miatas were in CS up until 2005. But last year we got moved down and became competitive again :)

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Originally Posted by tmanAg08

David, I would jump at the chance to ride with someone else before driving the course myself. That sounds great. I hope you can make it.

I guess I got confused, I thought somewhere on dfwmiata.com it said that '94+ run in C-stock. I guess I'll just get everything straightened out when I get there. What is the purpose of the "tire class", and should I just choose the Novice class since this is my first time?

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David - you should enter our X class. PAX index decides the winner. Last event we had 17 entrants. I'll probably be in X this weekend too.

TMANAG08 - definitely run Novice your first time. We also offer a Novice walk through that I highly recommend. It's immediately before the drivers meeting. Tommy Saunders does the walk through, and always points out things that 'mere mortals' (just ask him!) don't think of. He does a great job with the walk through. It sounds like you've got a couple of offers for rides as well. Take advantage of all of them. Ride with someone, get someone to ride with you, etc. Don't sweat the class or car - get into a car with someone who's experienced and fast. If you end up having trouble finding rides, find me at the event. I'll make sure you get taken care of. I'll be the funny looking guy conducting the drivers meeting.

You can change your class at registration the morning of the event, but if you can do it online ahead of time it helps the worker chiefs put together a more balanced heat structure.

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Originally Posted by blackzx3_13

There are loner helmets, free of charge.

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If you're planning to share headgear with others, pick up a headsock at Home Depot beforehand. They're only a couple of bucks and it will keep you from sharing too much with your fellow helmet borrowers. :cat:

I guarantee it will be hot & sweaty out there Sunday.

Solo RX-7, thanks for the info. I'll log onto DLB Racing and see if I can change my registration to the novice class, if I can tell which one that is.

Is anybody else going to be driving from Dallas to this event? I'll be coming from about where 30 & 35 meet. What time should I try to arrive? I'm thinking I'll shoot for about 7:30, is that about right to make sure I've got plenty of time to walk the course, air up tires, etc.?


Thanks everybody for answering my questions, I'm looking forward to this weekend!

Woo-hoo, I finally got my tires! I look forward to trying them out this weekend. Actually, being Mineral Wells, I guess I should say 'wearing them out this weekend'.

Hankook Ventus R-S2 195/16R-14.

Don't forget guys, this will be the event where all the Formula SAE carts buzz around lost on course.

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Originally Posted by Darron65

Don't forget guys, this will be the event where all the Formula SAE carts buzz around lost on course.

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NO say it isn't so! :(

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

NO say it isn't so! :(

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I did not forget. I shall sit upon my sofa and drink mint juleps.

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Originally Posted by Intellicast

Sunday:
Isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the low 90s and lows in the low 70s.

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Don't forget your jacket majik

Since some of you may not know . . .

Link to Carroll Smith's site

Some interesting reading.

Looks like you CS boys will have a Solstice to play with this time. Has he showed up before? Anybody know who he is?

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Originally Posted by Mark52

Looks like you CS boys will have a Solstice to play with this time. Has he showed up before? Anybody know who he is?

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Think this may be a new one, only Solstice I have seen this year was at Walnut Ridge don't recall any in Houston. Will be interesting to see how it does.:burnrubr:

So is it really the SAE weekend???

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

So is it really the SAE weekend???

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Wish I was wrong, but I've got a co-worker who's in the UTA effort. My answer so far has been, "It isn't if, it's how much I beat him in the PAX."

I've asked why none of them have registered yet (AM class IIRC). He hasn't given me a believable answer.

Well, I tried to change my registration to Novice class, but the classes listed on dlbracing.com are just a confusing jumble of letters. Which one is the novice class?

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Originally Posted by tmanAg08

Well, I tried to change my registration to Novice class, but the classes listed on dlbracing.com are just a confusing jumble of letters. Which one is the novice class?

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If you were in ES, the novice version would be NES. Does your car have any modifications?

Thanks, I've got it changed now. My car is completely stock, by the way.

WooHoo! Looks like a "cold front" is coming in and it will only be in the 90's on Sunday!!

sae cars run in fsae. its a class just for those cars :)

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Originally Posted by miata_racer

sae cars run in fsae. its a class just for those cars :)

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Thought I got that "AM class" reference from my co-worker but now I can't find it. ::Angel::

Thanks!

the fsae class is pretty new actually. Maybe only about 3 years old? They were in AM before that and a lot of them run there. At Nationals they all run in fsae though :)

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Originally Posted by Darron65

Thought I got that "AM class" reference from my co-worker but now I can't find it. ::Angel::

Thanks!

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