Upcoming Willow Springs Time Trial

[JHPGT3]

Here's a prediction:
Our next Time Trial will be by far the most competitive ever at WSIR, with all of the Top 10 at or under 1:30.

[kary]

Here's a prediction:
Our next Time Trial will be by far the most competitive ever at WSIR, with all of the Top 10 at or under 1:30.

That will be a tall order. I am going to dance with the girl I brought no matter how unmatched she is against all your cosmetic surgical anomoly implanted cars

I need to do some analysis to get to 30's but I guess that is what Saturday is for!

[JHPGT3]

2 more thoughts:
I can name 10 for sure who will be at or below 1:30. And there are at least 2 more, who have a better than even chance to also be there.
Consider that just a few months ago, a 1:35 put you in the Top 10!!
And last year, a 1:37 put you in the Top 10.
Indicative of how much faster everyone is going is Jim Copp, who was in 10th position in 2004 with a 1:37 and now he's 10 seconds faster!!!!!!! 10 seconds!!!!!!

[kary]

2 more thoughts:
I can name 10 for sure who will be at or below 1:30. And there are at least 2 more, who have a better than even chance to also be there.

Ok, name them.......

[JHPGT3]

Here's another prediction, Kary.
There's usually 8-9 seconds difference between 1st and 10th place. This year the difference will be 4 seconds (the lowest time :26.4 and the highest :30.5.

[JHPGT3]

2 more thoughts:
I can name 10 for sure who will be at or below 1:30. And there are at least 2 more, who have a better than even chance to also be there.

Ok, name them.......

I hesitate doing this because I may have left someone out by mistake (my apologies to all I may unintentionally offend)

In no particular order

Dawson
Grosskemper
Gagen
Copp
Van Zandt
Meggs (a friend from POC)
Riz
Payne
Ehrman
Schmidt
also possible
Bogard
Benbow
Clements

Also there's Jack M. He could easily be Top 10 also. I just don't know what he's been doing lately.

[Steve Grosekemper]

John,
I think you have been dipping into the eggnog a bit early this year.

I was just having a conversation yesterday about Willow lap times and how the incremental shortening of lap times is much smaller as you approach the 1:30 range. I went from 135:00 to under 1:32 in my first outing to The Big Track .

I have been spending every successive trip trying to get that illusive 1:29:99 and haven't been able to get there yet.

Another interesting fact is some drivers can pull out there best times in final timing, (Dawson, and Ehrman and Dougherty come to mind) and others like myself need a few more laps to get into the groove of the perfect lap. I don't think I have ever gotten my best laps in timing. So, our posted timed laps don't really indicate what we are capable of. Averaging the best 5 laps might be a better marker of our "talents".

That being said, I would love to get a 129:99, but don't see it happening. My only goal is to beat my last outings time, and beating you in timing instead of just in practice, so I can hear some more of your excuses.

I will agree with you that we will see more drivers in the sub 1:30 range as we all have benefited from Jacks great TT series and have slipped farther down that slippery slope. I have personal knowledge of several cars heading out to Willow with some aces up their sleeves or at least some radically different set-ups...(Oops, I've said too much already)

PS- Thanks for including me in the "Fast Group" but I will settle for being in the Faster Than J.P. Group...

[MikeD]

Bogard was in a Boxster S and Benbow was in a Spec-944 last year. This year they both are in GT3's. I would say that makes them both more than possible Top 10 contenders, but probable.

[MVZ944T]

John,

I think of a couple of things that might make sub 1:30 laps more of a challenge. Possible daytime temps in the 30-40's, rain, and wind. Hopefully none of the above though. A nice 70 degree day would be great. Hopefully my car will be running right for change and I can break out the Bee stomper (aka boost control). Ha ha. A new 3.3 ltr engine may be in the works for next year (450-500hp to the rear wheels!!!) Not sure yet, but it is sounding better all the time.

Mike

[JHPGT3]

Just remember my prediction, guys!!!

[Steve Grosekemper]

Just remember my prediction, guys!!!

Is that a prediction or a bet John?

Last time 1 car under 1:30 and now 10 of them? Is that what you are saying John? Better put the eggnog down before answering...

[Chris Benbow]

I'm not sure I agree with you Steve......
That not eggnog it's more like crack!

[lowyder993s]

Indicative of how much faster everyone is going is Jim Copp, who was in 10th position in 2004 with a 1:37 and now he's 10 seconds faster!!!!!!! 10 seconds!!!!!!

Thx John, your check is in the mail
I've got a hot rodded motor that I didn't have in '04...uh plus about 45 more race days
We'll go around for a bunch of sub :30's if the wx is like it was last Weds. 48 deg and NO WIND. Looking forward to it, I haven't run w/ my peeps in a while

[JHPGT3]

I need to clarify something (I'm not hedging; I really didn't make myself clear). When I said sub 1:30, I didn't add fractions, but I MEANT any 1:30 time from 1:30.0 to 1:30.99.
Please don't bet me --7 out of the 10 are already there. I just need three more to step up to the plate, and I know what happens, especially with certain members of this esteemed group when the competitive juices flow.
OK, that's all I'm saying!!!
My whole point was that this is going to be competitive like none other (at Willow), and I stand by it!!
P.S. I forgot John Gordon. If he shows up, he's also already in the :29s, so I've got 8 guys who are already there, with him. Of course, I'm assuming everyone else on my list shows up.
Incidently, the egg nog is indeed delicious tonight!

[MikeD]

Point of order: "sub 1:30" is 1:29.9 and under. "1:30's and under" could be 1:30.9 and under.