Modified Magazine Cover Story: FD Testing Event Virginia International Raceway
05-07-13, 11:52 AM
#176
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I hear you but the South Course is a great technical test according to Fritz. The idea here is to get a feel for the handling and performance characteristics of each car and that should be very doable on the shorter South Course.
As an aside, I just got back from a track session at Roebling Raceway, a 2.02 mile course. I originally thought it wouldn't be as much fun as VIR but I have to say, I learned much more at Roebling than the North Course at VIR. Because it is pretty technical I was able to focus on the handling characteristics of the FD and got to experience weight shift, loading of the suspension, etc. Prior to this weekend I wasn't good enough to "feel" these things so it was pretty cool. The result is I got comfortable with how the FD handles and how to make corrections along the way.
BTW, the FD rocks as a track car. Very predicable and linear in its movements.
Too funny! I understand.
As an aside, I just got back from a track session at Roebling Raceway, a 2.02 mile course. I originally thought it wouldn't be as much fun as VIR but I have to say, I learned much more at Roebling than the North Course at VIR. Because it is pretty technical I was able to focus on the handling characteristics of the FD and got to experience weight shift, loading of the suspension, etc. Prior to this weekend I wasn't good enough to "feel" these things so it was pretty cool. The result is I got comfortable with how the FD handles and how to make corrections along the way.
BTW, the FD rocks as a track car. Very predicable and linear in its movements.
Too funny! I understand.
^ rx7 se, you can take out any car for the track experience if you'd like to get a taste of what driving on track is like. It will be faster than a parade lap, but not so fast you'd need an RX7. It will be a fun, controlled environment so feel free to drive on what you bring.
Carpenter, we'd like to get everyone signed up by no later than next Tuesday, so a week from today. Remember, we only have a total of 6 slots for the 1/2 day driving session and afgmoto1978 has already paid so that leaves 5 other guys that can confirm and pay. Once we hit this, we will cut off the sign up.
With a next Tuesday cut off or sooner if we get a total of 6 to confirm and pay before then, this will give Fritz enough lead to set up timing for the run groups. As of now, we think we can get guys out for more than 4 sessions in the 1/2 day. In fact, I bet we will give you as much or more driving time than you'd get in one full day of regular tracking. Normally, you'd get 4 sessions of 20 minutes, or a total of 80 minutes drive time. If we can get in 5 sessions at 15 minutes, then you are at 75 minutes, or the equivalent of a full day. So I'd say think of it as a full day crammed into an afternoon session.
On Sunday and Sunday night, our tentative plans are to get the testing cars out on the track so Fritz, Peter, and Logan can get some seat time in the test vehicles. If I am not mistaken, this will happen on the North Course as the PCA event is going on then. We will switch over to the South Course on Monday.
Sunday night, we are all going out to dinner, including the Modified staff, so this will be a good time to hang out and get to know everyone.
Carpenter, we'd like to get everyone signed up by no later than next Tuesday, so a week from today. Remember, we only have a total of 6 slots for the 1/2 day driving session and afgmoto1978 has already paid so that leaves 5 other guys that can confirm and pay. Once we hit this, we will cut off the sign up.
With a next Tuesday cut off or sooner if we get a total of 6 to confirm and pay before then, this will give Fritz enough lead to set up timing for the run groups. As of now, we think we can get guys out for more than 4 sessions in the 1/2 day. In fact, I bet we will give you as much or more driving time than you'd get in one full day of regular tracking. Normally, you'd get 4 sessions of 20 minutes, or a total of 80 minutes drive time. If we can get in 5 sessions at 15 minutes, then you are at 75 minutes, or the equivalent of a full day. So I'd say think of it as a full day crammed into an afternoon session.
On Sunday and Sunday night, our tentative plans are to get the testing cars out on the track so Fritz, Peter, and Logan can get some seat time in the test vehicles. If I am not mistaken, this will happen on the North Course as the PCA event is going on then. We will switch over to the South Course on Monday.
Sunday night, we are all going out to dinner, including the Modified staff, so this will be a good time to hang out and get to know everyone.
We'll be driving the same course you drove or the full course Fri, Sat and Sun with PCA. Those not signed up with the PCA club won't be able to get on track Sunday but should be able to ride as passengers if they sign the waiver and get a wrist band etc..... However some clubs only allow students to ride with instructors and visitors/guest are not allowed on track. I can't remember how PCA FSR monitors guest ride alongs.
I'd suggest 25 to 30 minute sessions because it's takes approx 5 minutes to get on and off the track.
If we start running at 12pm (what time is the track ours?) we are looking at 5 and a 1/2 hours of track time possibly 6 if we have the tack until 6pm with two run groups max and a touring lap session thrown in so we are talking 5 hours of lap time or 2.5 hours per group so yes you'll see as much or more time than you would during a normal full day HPDE type setting.
We may want to begin with the touring laps which we can use to get everyone on track at once at a slow speed so we will be able to use those laps as a walk through for those who haven't been on VIRs south, bed pads whatever...... sort of kill two birds with one stone sort of thing OR NOT because it may be good to have a break in between the run groups because again with just two groups a 1/2 hour isn't much rest between sessions. After the touring laps the testing can begin and I can have a quick talk with those signed up for track time about the course layout etc.....
I think private track days/test and tune days allow for 6 cars on track at one time so who knows if the driver and car can handle it we could get even more than 2.5 hours if other cars/drivers don't go on track during the rotations. For instance if one car comes in or doesn't go out during a session another car can take it's place etc..... With 12 cars or less scheduled to go on track split between an hour of track time it won't take an organizational specialist to make sure each driver/car gets adequate track time so those who have signed up please be sure your pads are thick and your tires are fresh because you'll use them.
We should be able to designate one of the VIR staff to monitor the car #s and police the on and off traffic again this isn't going to be rocket science on a track that you can see from the paddock with only six cars running at one time. If there's no staff working the pit lane we should be able to find a volunteer to police the cars going out on track etc.....
Again the compression on my car isn't the healthiest but it's still starting and running strong so hopefully it will be OK. My plan for now is to drive the GT3 during most of the PCA event saving the FD for the test and tune thing BUT if the GT3 isn't working well for me (pushing etc....) then I'll run the FD.
This should be a great event just hanging out and having dinner will be super fun
I'll alert Hoi that we'll be coming for dinner Sunday night so a head count would be nice 
05-07-13, 07:27 PM
#179
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I am there for the PCA event and am staying Sunday night so I am game for dinner as well. Trying to decide if I should stay Monday or not, should probably go back to work Tuesday...
Is anyone arriving Thursday for the weekend? Figure I'll be there that evening.
Is anyone arriving Thursday for the weekend? Figure I'll be there that evening.
05-07-13, 11:02 PM
#181
T67, did I say 7?
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The Paypal address is: modmagvir2013@gmail.com
I Want to Attend
1. Jonathan "Snappin necks and cashin checks" Hallenborg
2. Marshallbc
3.
4.
5.
I Want to Get Out on the Track as a Passenger
1.Tvon
2.Mdessouki
3.Driftfc3s
4.rx7se (My Mom has taken the day off as well so add her)
5. Islander
6. ledgebmx
7.ncaudio
8.ncrx791
9. Project88Turbo
10. marshallbc
11. Mitsuninja (and his wife) <--- She is hot worth the ride along
I Want to Participate in the “Track Experience” Session - $35 Cost
1. ledgebmx (Beginner)
2. rx7se (Beginner)
3. ncaudio (Intermediate), if I bring a car
4. Nassin31spr
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I am a Qualified Driver and Want to Drive in the ½ Day Session - $100 Cost
1. afgmoto1978 - PAID
2. RGordon - CONFIRMED
3. wrankin (Bill Rankin)
4. thewird
5. Sabre002
6. Carpenter (Scott)
_
I Want to Attend
1. Jonathan "Snappin necks and cashin checks" Hallenborg
2. Marshallbc
3.
4.
5.
I Want to Get Out on the Track as a Passenger
1.Tvon
2.Mdessouki
3.Driftfc3s
4.rx7se (My Mom has taken the day off as well so add her)
5. Islander
6. ledgebmx
7.ncaudio
8.ncrx791
9. Project88Turbo
10. marshallbc
11. Mitsuninja (and his wife) <--- She is hot worth the ride along
I Want to Participate in the “Track Experience” Session - $35 Cost
1. ledgebmx (Beginner)
2. rx7se (Beginner)
3. ncaudio (Intermediate), if I bring a car
4. Nassin31spr
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I am a Qualified Driver and Want to Drive in the ½ Day Session - $100 Cost
1. afgmoto1978 - PAID
2. RGordon - CONFIRMED
3. wrankin (Bill Rankin)
4. thewird
5. Sabre002
6. Carpenter (Scott)
_
05-08-13, 07:53 AM
#184
Fritz, thanks for handling this. For the track participants, get in the $100 payment to lock in your slot. Going to be a good amount of track time following Fritz's recommendations.
I also like going to Hoi's for dinner. That was a great time last year. Now all I have to do is get the car together. Spent yesterday putting the cooling system back in and will pressure test this morning. If that is a pass, then it's on to figuring out the tune and why I was down on power a few weeks ago. Hoping it's just a setting in the Haltech or the wiring of the AEM coils. Then it's on to the electrical issue and finally, replacing the brake lines and putting in Endless fluid. Not much to do
I also like going to Hoi's for dinner. That was a great time last year. Now all I have to do is get the car together. Spent yesterday putting the cooling system back in and will pressure test this morning. If that is a pass, then it's on to figuring out the tune and why I was down on power a few weeks ago. Hoping it's just a setting in the Haltech or the wiring of the AEM coils. Then it's on to the electrical issue and finally, replacing the brake lines and putting in Endless fluid. Not much to do
05-08-13, 08:22 AM
#186
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Fritz, thanks for handling this. For the track participants, get in the $100 payment to lock in your slot. Going to be a good amount of track time following Fritz's recommendations.
I also like going to Hoi's for dinner. That was a great time last year. Now all I have to do is get the car together. Spent yesterday putting the cooling system back in and will pressure test this morning. If that is a pass, then it's on to figuring out the tune and why I was down on power a few weeks ago. Hoping it's just a setting in the Haltech or the wiring of the AEM coils. Then it's on to the electrical issue and finally, replacing the brake lines and putting in Endless fluid. Not much to do
I also like going to Hoi's for dinner. That was a great time last year. Now all I have to do is get the car together. Spent yesterday putting the cooling system back in and will pressure test this morning. If that is a pass, then it's on to figuring out the tune and why I was down on power a few weeks ago. Hoping it's just a setting in the Haltech or the wiring of the AEM coils. Then it's on to the electrical issue and finally, replacing the brake lines and putting in Endless fluid. Not much to do
If we are doing the dyno thing Monday morning it would be helpful to stay in the North paddock where we'll be stationed already for the PCA full course event so it would be nice to know if we can just stay in that paddock Sunday night.
05-08-13, 01:47 PM
#187
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I see the schedule going something like this:
12:00 Parade laps lead by a volunteer (I'm thinking Pete) for 15 minutes (I'll do a track talk etc.. with the open lapping group while this his happening)
12:15 Parade laps lead by me for 15 minutes with lapping group and anyone else who is signed up for parade laps and wants to go back out on track for more slow lead follow laps.
12:30 Test and tune cars on track
1:00 Open lappers
1:30 Test and tune etc...etc...
And again most likely not all the spots in each group will be filled for each of these back to back 1/2 hour sessions throughout the afternoon so if someone's changing tires, pads, etc... and can't make there run session someone else can take their spot etc...etc.... which equates to some extra freedom and track time.
Above schedule is completely up in the air but that's my 1st thoughts and I'll print up some official schedules that I'll hand to each driver Monday morning.
05-09-13, 11:14 AM
#190
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Speaking of breaking etc...possibly adding (one open slot for 6 cars on track) to or replacing a car in the current test and tune roster could also be an option so I think we have plenty of room and flexibility across the board. If I'm not mistaken there are 11 cars at this time which shouldn't be too hard to manage.
05-09-13, 11:57 AM
#191
T67, did I say 7?
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David, sent payment yesterday. Everything good?
Fritz, what will the drivers need to wear? Helmet, long sleeves, jeans ok?
Do we need a fire extinguisher in car?
Thanks!
Fritz, what will the drivers need to wear? Helmet, long sleeves, jeans ok?
Do we need a fire extinguisher in car?
Thanks!
05-09-13, 12:46 PM
#192
All out Track Freak!
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Cars should obviously have good tires, pads, rotors, fluids topped off and flushed, no leaks etc.....
Everyone who's signed up is familiar with track day prep so no reason to worry with tech sheets and inspections etc..... and if one of us leaks oil all over the track I don't think Gordon is going to pay the clean up bill
05-09-13, 02:12 PM
#193
Yes, all good. Been wrenching on the car for the past 72 hours in an attempt to get it all together for the event. Cross your fingers!
Updated List
The Paypal address is: modmagvir2013@gmail.com
I Want to Attend
1. Jonathan "Snappin necks and cashin checks" Hallenborg
2. Marshallbc
3.
4.
5.
I Want to Get Out on the Track as a Passenger
1.Tvon
2.Mdessouki
3.Driftfc3s
4.rx7se (My Mom has taken the day off as well so add her)
5. Islander
6. ledgebmx
7.ncaudio
8.ncrx791
9. Project88Turbo
10. marshallbc
11. Mitsuninja (and his wife) <--- She is hot worth the ride along
I Want to Participate in the “Track Experience” Session - $35 Cost
1. ledgebmx (Beginner)
2.
3. ncaudio (Intermediate), if I bring a car
4. Nassin31spr
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I am a Qualified Driver and Want to Drive in the ½ Day Session - $100 Cost
1. afgmoto1978 - PAID
2. RGordon - CONFIRMED
3. wrankin (Bill Rankin)
4. thewird
5. Sabre002
6. Carpenter (Scott) PAID
_
Updated List
The Paypal address is: modmagvir2013@gmail.com
I Want to Attend
1. Jonathan "Snappin necks and cashin checks" Hallenborg
2. Marshallbc
3.
4.
5.
I Want to Get Out on the Track as a Passenger
1.Tvon
2.Mdessouki
3.Driftfc3s
4.rx7se (My Mom has taken the day off as well so add her)
5. Islander
6. ledgebmx
7.ncaudio
8.ncrx791
9. Project88Turbo
10. marshallbc
11. Mitsuninja (and his wife) <--- She is hot worth the ride along
I Want to Participate in the “Track Experience” Session - $35 Cost
1. ledgebmx (Beginner)
2.
3. ncaudio (Intermediate), if I bring a car
4. Nassin31spr
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I am a Qualified Driver and Want to Drive in the ½ Day Session - $100 Cost
1. afgmoto1978 - PAID
2. RGordon - CONFIRMED
3. wrankin (Bill Rankin)
4. thewird
5. Sabre002
6. Carpenter (Scott) PAID
_
05-09-13, 08:47 PM
#194
On Sunday and Sunday night, our tentative plans are to get the testing cars out on the track so Fritz, Peter, and Logan can get some seat time in the test vehicles. If I am not mistaken, this will happen on the North Course as the PCA event is going on then. We will switch over to the South Course on Monday.
Sunday night, we are all going out to dinner, including the Modified staff, so this will be a good time to hang out and get to know everyone.
Sunday night, we are all going out to dinner, including the Modified staff, so this will be a good time to hang out and get to know everyone.
Well damn, didn't realize all this was going on on Sunday. My flight doesn't get into Raleigh till 7:35pm (and it's the only flight out that day). Then I have to get my rental car and make the drive over. Guess I'll miss out on all the Sunday stuff.
05-10-13, 06:39 AM
#196
Yep, Monday is the big day so you will be fine. We will be going out for dinner on Monday too so it will work out for you.
So, it's been scramble time for me. Doing lots of wrenching on the car in a valiant attempt to get it all together. If you know me, you'll know this is a major effort as I would not say I am mechanically inclined. Will try like hell though and will to do anything. Major props to Steve Osley for his help and shop use - never could make it without him watching over and helping out.
Had a radiator blow up, got it repaired, only to find out it wasn't
Griffin Radiators has saved the day though and I pick up the new unit today. Now back to it!
So, it's been scramble time for me. Doing lots of wrenching on the car in a valiant attempt to get it all together. If you know me, you'll know this is a major effort as I would not say I am mechanically inclined. Will try like hell though and will to do anything. Major props to Steve Osley for his help and shop use - never could make it without him watching over and helping out.
Had a radiator blow up, got it repaired, only to find out it wasn't
Griffin Radiators has saved the day though and I pick up the new unit today. Now back to it!
05-10-13, 03:56 PM
#197
New radiator in hand waiting for the condensor brackets to be welded on. Should be up and running by tomorrow and then it's on to checking the tune.
Updated List
The Paypal address is: modmagvir2013@gmail.com
I Want to Attend
1. Jonathan "Snappin necks and cashin checks" Hallenborg
2. Marshallbc
3.
4.
5.
I Want to Get Out on the Track as a Passenger
1.Tvon
2.Mdessouki
3.Driftfc3s
4.rx7se (My Mom has taken the day off as well so add her)
5. Islander
6. ledgebmx
7.ncaudio
8.ncrx791
9. Project88Turbo
10. marshallbc
11. Mitsuninja (and his wife) <--- She is hot worth the ride along
I Want to Participate in the “Track Experience” Session - $35 Cost
1. ledgebmx (Beginner)
2.
3. ncaudio (Intermediate), if I bring a car
4. Nassin31spr
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I am a Qualified Driver and Want to Drive in the ½ Day Session - $100 Cost
1. afgmoto1978 - PAID
2. RGordon - PAID
3. wrankin (Bill Rankin)
4. thewird
5. Sabre002
6. Carpenter (Scott) PAID
_
Updated List
The Paypal address is: modmagvir2013@gmail.com
I Want to Attend
1. Jonathan "Snappin necks and cashin checks" Hallenborg
2. Marshallbc
3.
4.
5.
I Want to Get Out on the Track as a Passenger
1.Tvon
2.Mdessouki
3.Driftfc3s
4.rx7se (My Mom has taken the day off as well so add her)
5. Islander
6. ledgebmx
7.ncaudio
8.ncrx791
9. Project88Turbo
10. marshallbc
11. Mitsuninja (and his wife) <--- She is hot worth the ride along
I Want to Participate in the “Track Experience” Session - $35 Cost
1. ledgebmx (Beginner)
2.
3. ncaudio (Intermediate), if I bring a car
4. Nassin31spr
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I am a Qualified Driver and Want to Drive in the ½ Day Session - $100 Cost
1. afgmoto1978 - PAID
2. RGordon - PAID
3. wrankin (Bill Rankin)
4. thewird
5. Sabre002
6. Carpenter (Scott) PAID
_
05-12-13, 07:43 AM
#198
One week to the event! Going to be a good time for those that want to come out and participate. The weather looks nice as of today, with temps in the low 80's and no rain. Would hope for a little cooler as the mountains of NC have spoiled me.
I continue to scramble to get my car together. Nothing like having multiple issues seemingly pop up out of the blue a few weeks before the event but that is rotary life. Spent all day yesterday reinstalling (for the second time) the coolant system. New Griffin radiator is in and mad props to them for making a custom one for me in less than one day - that is customer service at its best. Still having a pressure drop issue though and a slight leak is coming from somewhere that I can't see. Steve Osley is taking over from here as I've exhausted my meager abilities and knowledge on the issue. The likely culprit is the custom filler neck and who knows what else. We did pull the plugs to spin the engine to test for evidence of coolant but found none. Good to know it's not the engine. Did find some pretty bad plugs in the car though so we think that will take care of the HP problem I was having. Car seemed down on power and now we know why.
So for me, it's now down to the wire tracing the coolant leak and then it's on to final tuning for the event. Should make it but we shall see. I am still hoping Marco comes down from Canada so we have a backup turbo 3 rotor just in case.
I continue to scramble to get my car together. Nothing like having multiple issues seemingly pop up out of the blue a few weeks before the event but that is rotary life. Spent all day yesterday reinstalling (for the second time) the coolant system. New Griffin radiator is in and mad props to them for making a custom one for me in less than one day - that is customer service at its best. Still having a pressure drop issue though and a slight leak is coming from somewhere that I can't see. Steve Osley is taking over from here as I've exhausted my meager abilities and knowledge on the issue. The likely culprit is the custom filler neck and who knows what else. We did pull the plugs to spin the engine to test for evidence of coolant but found none. Good to know it's not the engine. Did find some pretty bad plugs in the car though so we think that will take care of the HP problem I was having. Car seemed down on power and now we know why.
So for me, it's now down to the wire tracing the coolant leak and then it's on to final tuning for the event. Should make it but we shall see. I am still hoping Marco comes down from Canada so we have a backup turbo 3 rotor just in case.
05-13-13, 01:26 AM
#199
Not sure if you'd want to use my car as a test car. I am not happy how its handling at all after my first track day where the transmission lasted more then 10 laps. It's also been detuned with the Apexi ATS. Still considering coming but I need to fix the wastegate re-route which decided to break at the weld to the wastegate flange >_>
thewird
thewird
05-13-13, 05:02 AM
#200
David,
I think this event is going to be a classic. Unfortunately I am currently abroad and would not be able to attend. I really do hope all 5 cars are in good health for this event. With that said I have a question for anyone attending other than drivers. Would anyone be willing to record and or live stream this event to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project? I'd personally pay said camera man $100 out of my own wallet to watch the cars we all love while contributing to our wounded service members/veterans.
Thanks,
Idel
I think this event is going to be a classic. Unfortunately I am currently abroad and would not be able to attend. I really do hope all 5 cars are in good health for this event. With that said I have a question for anyone attending other than drivers. Would anyone be willing to record and or live stream this event to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project? I'd personally pay said camera man $100 out of my own wallet to watch the cars we all love while contributing to our wounded service members/veterans.
Thanks,
Idel