PCA SDR

Rain can cancel the AX, anything else to keep an eye on?

Additionally, a couple of the posts suggested this was an "other" car day. A friend of mine has a Lotus Espirit he just traded in his Porsche for, would that be allowed if wanted to come to this Dec. 19th event?

(On that Espirit note, he seemed pretty confident in the performance characteristics of the vehicle. I politely kept my mouth shut over dinner but it makes for an interesting comparison. The 1995 4 cyl. Espirit with Turbo, kicks out about 300 horse, and certainly seems wide and light (2300 lbs, I think he said). Having ridden in the car, and driven mine the next day. I think my 300 horse feels a little healthier but my 996 has a bit more curb weight. So what says the gang?)

Bryan

Bryan:

Rain could be a factor. If it is a light sprinkle, and the safety chairs and I agree that it's still safe to run, we'll consider running under safe, wet conditions (we've done it before.) I'd say, bring street tires, or back-up street tires in case we have 'weather.'

As far as being an other car autocross, you are right. It is an opportunity to drive your other car, as long as it passes tech inspection. This is a non-competitive event, and Toy Drive opportunity for the Charity Team. (Hint, hint) If you want to drive your friend's Lotus Esprit, based on what info I currently have, I don't see a problem with it. Make sure it passes tech. Remember, if your friend wants to drive a car, he has to be a member or affiliate member in good standing (bring membership cards. It's a good idea).

Let's all have fun and bring a toy for the Toy Drive!

Dan Chambers
2003-2004 Autocross Co-Chair
Member: PCA-SDR Board of Directors

Well since it's my first event I think I'll bring my car .

Yes, I understand it's non-competitive, perfect for a first time. Does non-competitive mean that you won't have a clock and keep score? Or just no points?

Toys for the little ones are great this time of year.

Bryan

bryanearll wrote:I think my 300 horse feels a little healthier but my 996 has a bit more curb weight. So what says the gang?

300 HP/2300 lbs. trumps 300HP/3000 lbs., especially on a tight autox course, but where you will have an advantage is low end torque. I will bet the 4 cyl. turbo has to spin up some to make any power, and he will have a hard time in the slow stuff. Your engine has a very broad torque band.

Does your friend have any autox experience? If both of you are new at this, then I will say the person who does a better job of listening and taking the instruction given and putting it into practice will win. The driver makes all the difference. That's why the two favorite quotes of Jean Kinser-Dana (multiple national champion in SCCA Solo2 and the owner of the Evolution Performance Driving School) are:
"A car will only be as fast as the driver makes it"
"The most important go fast part of any car is the driver"

If your friend is feeling frisky, tell him I will entertain a small wager on the side that in my puny little 200HP Lotus replicar I will be able to turn a faster lap than him in his 300HP Esprit on the 18th.

TT

I even feel my old 3000 lbs 250 hp 944 would be up for a friendly wager against his mighty Lotus, especially if he is new to AX

MarthaM wrote:The timing system will be up and running at the other car autocross so you can see what kind of times you're getting. There will NOT be any official timed laps and no points can be earned.
Martha

The purpose of the timing lights will be as an educational tool, for comparing laps with your instructor. As stated earlier, and reitterated by Martha now, it's a non-competitive event (except for the "my dog's tougher than your cat" debates) .