VIR Track Weekend,Get your FD on track and drive it the way it was suppose to be!
Nice driving Dan. As a first timer to this, it's very helpful to see the track info overlaid on the video. Shows you the types of speed and lines to take on the course. Really shows me I need to do more track events
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Brent, Fritz and Jonathan
Wow, hell of a weekend guys! I feel like I need a vacation from my "vacation". I've been wanting to run VIR for a while now and couldn't have asked for a better weekend for it. The weather was absolutely perfect. VIR is a FANTASTIC track! We definitely held down that BBQ! With the help of Dave McLaughlin and his "slices" hahaha. Thanks again Dave for the Jameson and green party cups.
I was fortunate enough to have Fritz as my co-pilot/instructor for the first few sessions before he deemed me clear for solo flight
Thanks again Mr. Fritz for the course notes and ride alongs. I may have had more fun riding in your car than I did driving my own haha. Either way I can't wait to get back down to VIR and go for that 2:15
Get your next ride ready, I'm hoping to get back down there once more before the end of the season.
Brent, had a blast hanging out as always. Thanks again for letting me and Renna snuggle in the trailer... Jonathan couldn't get over that extra door you had; nothing a sawzall can't fix lol. Unfortunately I didn't get a ride in your v-8 powered monster, hopefully one of these days I'll have the opportunity. Huge thanks for hooking me up with those Kuhmo tires, can't wait to try em out.
i'm hoping to have a little video from one of my sessions up in the next few days with that fancy data overlay. My best lap was nowhere near Fritz and Brent's screaming times, but I managed a best of 2:19...I'm more then happy with that time and have a good idea where I can improve for next time.
-Dan
Wow, hell of a weekend guys! I feel like I need a vacation from my "vacation". I've been wanting to run VIR for a while now and couldn't have asked for a better weekend for it. The weather was absolutely perfect. VIR is a FANTASTIC track! We definitely held down that BBQ! With the help of Dave McLaughlin and his "slices" hahaha. Thanks again Dave for the Jameson and green party cups.
I was fortunate enough to have Fritz as my co-pilot/instructor for the first few sessions before he deemed me clear for solo flight
Thanks again Mr. Fritz for the course notes and ride alongs. I may have had more fun riding in your car than I did driving my own haha. Either way I can't wait to get back down to VIR and go for that 2:15
Get your next ride ready, I'm hoping to get back down there once more before the end of the season. Brent, had a blast hanging out as always. Thanks again for letting me and Renna snuggle in the trailer... Jonathan couldn't get over that extra door you had; nothing a sawzall can't fix lol. Unfortunately I didn't get a ride in your v-8 powered monster, hopefully one of these days I'll have the opportunity. Huge thanks for hooking me up with those Kuhmo tires, can't wait to try em out.
i'm hoping to have a little video from one of my sessions up in the next few days with that fancy data overlay. My best lap was nowhere near Fritz and Brent's screaming times, but I managed a best of 2:19...I'm more then happy with that time and have a good idea where I can improve for next time.
-Dan

Again really enjoyed riding shotgun and hope to see you back at the track soon
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
^ too funny. I could hear the car popping flames. Especially happened when Mark the other driver was on course as he feathered the throttle. Massive flamage result. I will show this to Steve Osley as proof more tuning needs to happen although he's already offered to strap it back on the dyno.
Yes decel fuel cut is on. No the car doesn't have an ISC on it and as John points out this won't help either. As supposed to get this back on for AC control but we ran out of time.

Anyone looking for excuses look no further.....

Excuse generator
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Before the end of the season I'd like to head down again. Next time hopefully with an even bigger 7 showing 
Anyone looking for excuses look no further.....
Excuse generator

Anyone looking for excuses look no further.....

Excuse generator

Although I was sorry to read of the incident which caused the damage to the cars, I could feel the enthusiasm throughout this thread, both before and after the track day. It struck a specific chord with me as I just made it back to VIR for the first time since about 2000, racing the SCCA event there the weekend before this incredible gathering of FDs. I especially enjoyed the videos you all have posted so far which have given me ideas in a few places for improvement next time.
I'm overseas for another 15 months without a sports car and looking forward to being back permanently to take part more often in sunny days just like this. Thanks very much for taking the cars out and running them--it's great to see!
I'm overseas for another 15 months without a sports car and looking forward to being back permanently to take part more often in sunny days just like this. Thanks very much for taking the cars out and running them--it's great to see!
Hey Dan,
Great pics. Sorry to see my only pics were "parking' on the infield. I was having some serious suspension issues amplified by extra HP thanks to Ray Wilson. 2:19 is as good as I did all weekend. Great Job! Get back out here. You couldn't have asked for a better instructor. I'll bring Sir Jameson again; even if he doesn't hang around very long...
Dave
Great pics. Sorry to see my only pics were "parking' on the infield. I was having some serious suspension issues amplified by extra HP thanks to Ray Wilson. 2:19 is as good as I did all weekend. Great Job! Get back out here. You couldn't have asked for a better instructor. I'll bring Sir Jameson again; even if he doesn't hang around very long...
Dave
Last edited by GoodfellaFD3S; May 24, 2012 at 07:25 PM.
Hey Dan,
Great pics. Sorry to see my only pics were "parking' on the infield. I was having some serious suspension issues amplified by extra HP thanks to Ray Wilson. 2:19 is as good as I did all weekend. Great Job! Get back out here. You couldn't have asked for a better instructor. I'll bring Sir Jameson again; even if he doesn't hang around very long...
Dave
Great pics. Sorry to see my only pics were "parking' on the infield. I was having some serious suspension issues amplified by extra HP thanks to Ray Wilson. 2:19 is as good as I did all weekend. Great Job! Get back out here. You couldn't have asked for a better instructor. I'll bring Sir Jameson again; even if he doesn't hang around very long...
Dave
I did get some other shots of your car, unfortunately they did not come out very well. I'll double check my pictures and see if I have anything worth posting.
I just got an email from First Settlers....Looks like the Fall event is September 22-24! Plan accordingly, unless there's a better alternative.
-Dan
Edit:
I found one of your car under the tree....The pic you quoted was Fritz's...
Sir Jameson is wonderful!
I may bring a little Scottish friend next time to compliment the Irish
I did get some other shots of your car, unfortunately they did not come out very well. I'll double check my pictures and see if I have anything worth posting.
I just got an email from First Settlers....Looks like the Fall event is September 22-24! Plan accordingly, unless there's a better alternative.
-Dan
Edit:
I found one of your car under the tree....The pic you quoted was Fritz's...

I did get some other shots of your car, unfortunately they did not come out very well. I'll double check my pictures and see if I have anything worth posting.
I just got an email from First Settlers....Looks like the Fall event is September 22-24! Plan accordingly, unless there's a better alternative.
-Dan
Edit:
I found one of your car under the tree....The pic you quoted was Fritz's...

Two days on the south course? I've done this one a few times. My lady will probably want to do this one. She drives a Miata. She is doing great. Soloed and bumped to Blue Group. South is a great Miata course. Hard on brakes and rotors for us. I'll be there most likely...waiting for the Full Course on the last day. Come on down! The momentum line is worth learning.
Thanks,
Dave
Borrow a Miata for the first two days; then run your FD on the Full....LOL. That's what I'm gonna do.
Cheers!
South course is a lot of fun and you can really put your brake kit through it's paces. It will also help you get faster on that part of VIR. Fish hook and the bitch are fun too. I still highly reccommend the fall event. If I have my stuff squared away by then and on leave, I'll be at this event.
We really did have a lot of fun this weekend prior to Sunday. From the good times on track to Hoy hooking us up at the Tokyo grill with all kinds of awesome food to getting to hang out in the paddock with fellow FD owners and chew on the fat and tell lies.
Dave, I'll be bringing the next round.
We really did have a lot of fun this weekend prior to Sunday. From the good times on track to Hoy hooking us up at the Tokyo grill with all kinds of awesome food to getting to hang out in the paddock with fellow FD owners and chew on the fat and tell lies.
Dave, I'll be bringing the next round.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Although I was sorry to read of the incident which caused the damage to the cars, I could feel the enthusiasm throughout this thread, both before and after the track day. It struck a specific chord with me as I just made it back to VIR for the first time since about 2000, racing the SCCA event there the weekend before this incredible gathering of FDs. I especially enjoyed the videos you all have posted so far which have given me ideas in a few places for improvement next time.
I'm overseas for another 15 months without a sports car and looking forward to being back permanently to take part more often in sunny days just like this. Thanks very much for taking the cars out and running them--it's great to see!
I'm overseas for another 15 months without a sports car and looking forward to being back permanently to take part more often in sunny days just like this. Thanks very much for taking the cars out and running them--it's great to see!
Good luck over seas and not many thought better than VIR so keep those close in mind
Hey Dan,
Great pics. Sorry to see my only pics were "parking' on the infield. I was having some serious suspension issues amplified by extra HP thanks to Ray Wilson. 2:19 is as good as I did all weekend. Great Job! Get back out here. You couldn't have asked for a better instructor. I'll bring Sir Jameson again; even if he doesn't hang around very long...
Dave
Great pics. Sorry to see my only pics were "parking' on the infield. I was having some serious suspension issues amplified by extra HP thanks to Ray Wilson. 2:19 is as good as I did all weekend. Great Job! Get back out here. You couldn't have asked for a better instructor. I'll bring Sir Jameson again; even if he doesn't hang around very long...
Dave

Sir Jameson is wonderful!
I may bring a little Scottish friend next time to compliment the Irish
I did get some other shots of your car, unfortunately they did not come out very well. I'll double check my pictures and see if I have anything worth posting.
I just got an email from First Settlers....Looks like the Fall event is September 22-24! Plan accordingly, unless there's a better alternative.
-Dan
Edit:
I found one of your car under the tree....The pic you quoted was Fritz's...

I did get some other shots of your car, unfortunately they did not come out very well. I'll double check my pictures and see if I have anything worth posting.
I just got an email from First Settlers....Looks like the Fall event is September 22-24! Plan accordingly, unless there's a better alternative.
-Dan
Edit:
I found one of your car under the tree....The pic you quoted was Fritz's...

YOU MUST come back for the S/F course in the fall.
South course is a lot of fun and you can really put your brake kit through it's paces. It will also help you get faster on that part of VIR. Fish hook and the bitch are fun too. I still highly reccommend the fall event. If I have my stuff squared away by then and on leave, I'll be at this event.
We really did have a lot of fun this weekend prior to Sunday. From the good times on track to Hoy hooking us up at the Tokyo grill with all kinds of awesome food to getting to hang out in the paddock with fellow FD owners and chew on the fat and tell lies.
Dave, I'll be bringing the next round.
We really did have a lot of fun this weekend prior to Sunday. From the good times on track to Hoy hooking us up at the Tokyo grill with all kinds of awesome food to getting to hang out in the paddock with fellow FD owners and chew on the fat and tell lies.
Dave, I'll be bringing the next round.
It's the best training track there is. REALLY technical with a nice carousel which is great for learning car control (four wheel momentum drift). The bitch is a bitch of a corner along with getting in and out of fish hook smoothly. If you can nail those two corners consistently you won't have too much to worry about at most any other track. Also the S course will make you faster through 10 because you enter it slower and go through it twice as much. Instead of a throw away oaktree will be one of your most important corners because it leads onto the straight that's 1/2 as long so you have to really nail it to get a good time on the S course. AGAIN learn the S course and you will be faster on the full and less technically challenged overall at other tracks.
Start practicing yoga and meditation now it will pay massive dividends hehe.
Two other track thoughts.
First, if any of you are considering doing this and are around 6 ft. or taller, buy a race seat. With a helmet on, I didn't fit in the car with anything close to a proper seat position. I had to recline the stock seat way back so my head would fit in the car. I also had to lean a bit to the right when driving so my head wouldn't bump into the headliner. Not a good way to have to drive particularly as a newbie. It's enough to worry about driving but to be in an uncomfortable position also sucks.
I do have a touring model and considered ripping out the headliner to give me an extra 1.5 or so inches but even with this, I still wouldn't fit well. I'm going to invest in a used race seat and install it in the car for track events. Anyone have good suggestions on which one to buy?
Another thought as I reflect on Fritz's accident. I just got my Progressive insurance renewal this week and am looking to swapping over to Hagerty or another policy. As I understand it, none of these policies will cover damage done to a car during a track event. That means you are screwed if something happens to your car during an event. After all of the $$ we put into our street cars, I can't imagine how I'd feel if I crashed the car. Most certainly food for thought if you are thinking of going to an event. I'd like to know if there is any insurance that will cover cars during track days (maybe I'm wrong here about my policy although it does have a big section that discusses excluding racing as does Hagerty) or I'm thinking of prepping a race car for tracking so I won't cry smashing the 3 rotor into a rail.
First, if any of you are considering doing this and are around 6 ft. or taller, buy a race seat. With a helmet on, I didn't fit in the car with anything close to a proper seat position. I had to recline the stock seat way back so my head would fit in the car. I also had to lean a bit to the right when driving so my head wouldn't bump into the headliner. Not a good way to have to drive particularly as a newbie. It's enough to worry about driving but to be in an uncomfortable position also sucks.
I do have a touring model and considered ripping out the headliner to give me an extra 1.5 or so inches but even with this, I still wouldn't fit well. I'm going to invest in a used race seat and install it in the car for track events. Anyone have good suggestions on which one to buy?
Another thought as I reflect on Fritz's accident. I just got my Progressive insurance renewal this week and am looking to swapping over to Hagerty or another policy. As I understand it, none of these policies will cover damage done to a car during a track event. That means you are screwed if something happens to your car during an event. After all of the $$ we put into our street cars, I can't imagine how I'd feel if I crashed the car. Most certainly food for thought if you are thinking of going to an event. I'd like to know if there is any insurance that will cover cars during track days (maybe I'm wrong here about my policy although it does have a big section that discusses excluding racing as does Hagerty) or I'm thinking of prepping a race car for tracking so I won't cry smashing the 3 rotor into a rail.
^ When I signed up for a track day last oct. at NJMP, I had the option to purchase on-track insurance (good just for that track day)for an agreed value.
I do not know of any "mainstream" insurance company that includes motorsports under their policy, although, admittedly I did not look to hard.
I do not know of any "mainstream" insurance company that includes motorsports under their policy, although, admittedly I did not look to hard.










