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I Autocrossed Yesterady


ShelbyPilot

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I tried something new yesterday. I took Precious out to California Speedway in Fontana to an autocross event. It was hosted by the LA region of SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and sanctioned as such.

 

I had an awesome time. I had a handful of people who seemed happy to help a novice. I watched a lot of other fast cars and drivers. Also some not so fast cars and drivers but everybody was having fun. My run group was the last of the day.

 

When my time came I first had an instructor drive while I sat in the passenger seat. He was very clean and conservative but showed me the line. It's amazing how much you can say in 60 seconds. I then drove my three timed runs with the instructor sitting beside me offering advice. WHAT A BLAST!

 

Most of the day 60 seconds flat seemed to be the median mark. My first run was 70 flat. I improved 6 seconds to 63.843 on my second run. On my third run I got really sideways in a corner, sliding to a stop and fell to 65 something. My second run would have actually been good enough for 5th in class but I had classed myself as a novice.

 

After the competition runs were over the course was opened up to fun runs for $1 a run. After 8 more runs I hit 60.7. Almost there but out of time.

 

I highly recommend giving autocross a try. I had been waiting all summer to do this and I wasn't disappointed. You can find local events by starting on the SCCA web page and looking for your region. I had several people come to me and tell me how well the Shelby GT does in the FS class (basically stock muscle cars). However, my Shelby GT/SC didn't qualify. I actually had one person tell me too bad because the Shelby GTs are very competitive in the FS class. The event yesterday cost $25 with a SCCA membership or a points card from the local region. Plus $1 per fun run. Otherwise I think it was $40.

 

The next event at California Speedway is Dec 8th and 9th. Practice on Saturday and championship on Sunday. I will be there Sunday. If anybody is interested look for me in the pit area. There is no spectator fee. If you are going to run let me know and in what class and I'll make sure I am there too. One of the best things is you don't have to spend the whole day at the track. You can do your course work and run about a four hour period.

 

I have a few links below. SCCA:

http://www.scca.com/home.aspx

 

LA Region:

http://www.solo2.com/

 

A you tube video from yesterday, not me:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8ehuYgvBLpM

 

Me and Precious on a fun run:

AX2.jpg

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a couple of questions;

i see that you have several mods, so was it all of them or the paxton that keep you from the stock muscle car caterory?

generally what cars did you see in that category?

 

second question: what catageory did they have you race in and what type cars were in that category?

 

I am interested in auto rally also and keep giving my son grief that i think my STG can beat his porsche , i probably have worked myself into a difficult competition, after ribbing each other -you know yuppie car vs. red neck etc etc. he suggested auto rally to solve. We were watching a old trans am race sunday afternoon when an old gt350 passed a white porsche. That set the stage so now I have to preform . So I am either going to procrastinate until i can put on a paxton; or go it without.

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I am not an expert on the classes. Once I realized where the supercharger put me I kind of stopped paying attention. Basically the FS, stock muscle car class, is for cars with no modifications. You can however change the wheels as long as they are the same diameter and the tires. I am not sure if they have to be the same size or even street legal. There is also a prepared type class that allows you to make several suspension changes but very little engine modifications.

 

From my understanding you wouldn't be in the same class as your sons Porsche but the stop watch doesn't know the difference. On the other hand you could find a class that you could both compete in and mod your cars to be as competitive as you wish. SCCA also has a indexing method which basically handicaps the cars. For instance my best time was a 63 something but the index would have scored it like a 45 something.

 

I raced in what is called California Street Modified. It is a local class that is more leniant then the national Street Modified class. Basically the only rule is the car has to be on DOT tires with a minimum treadwear value of 140. In that class there was a 94 BMW 325, 94 BMW 328, '06 Mitsubishi EVO, '60 Austin Heally Sprite and a 92' Civic. In the national Street Modified class there was '68 Corvair, 94 Integra, '98 Camaro, 95 Nissan 240sx, 95 Camaro Z28, a 96 Camaro Z28 and a 08 BMW 335.

 

One of my goals at the next event is to get into the most appropriate class in preperation for the 2008 season when I'll be collecting points. I think i may actually be in the national Street Modified class but we will see.

 

Here is a link to the SCCA's autocross page. There is a link on the left "Solo Cars and Rules" that takes you the classifications.

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I tried something new yesterday. I took Precious out to California Speedway in Fontana to an autocross event. It was hosted by the LA region of SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) and sanctioned as such.

 

I had an awesome time. I had a handful of people who seemed happy to help a novice. I watched a lot of other fast cars and drivers. Also some not so fast cars and drivers but everybody was having fun. My run group was the last of the day.

 

When my time came I first had an instructor drive while I sat in the passenger seat. He was very clean and conservative but showed me the line. It's amazing how much you can say in 60 seconds. I then drove my three timed runs with the instructor sitting beside me offering advice. WHAT A BLAST!

 

Most of the day 60 seconds flat seemed to be the median mark. My first run was 70 flat. I improved 6 seconds to 63.843 on my second run. On my third run I got really sideways in a corner, sliding to a stop and fell to 65 something. My second run would have actually been good enough for 5th in class but I had classed myself as a novice.

 

After the competition runs were over the course was opened up to fun runs for $1 a run. After 8 more runs I hit 60.7. Almost there but out of time.

 

I highly recommend giving autocross a try. I had been waiting all summer to do this and I wasn't disappointed. You can find local events by starting on the SCCA web page and looking for your region. I had several people come to me and tell me how well the Shelby GT does in the FS class (basically stock muscle cars). However, my Shelby GT/SC didn't qualify. I actually had one person tell me too bad because the Shelby GTs are very competitive in the FS class. The event yesterday cost $25 with a SCCA membership or a points card from the local region. Plus $1 per fun run. Otherwise I think it was $40.

 

The next event at California Speedway is Dec 8th and 9th. Practice on Saturday and championship on Sunday. I will be there Sunday. If anybody is interested look for me in the pit area. There is no spectator fee. If you are going to run let me know and in what class and I'll make sure I am there too. One of the best things is you don't have to spend the whole day at the track. You can do your course work and run about a four hour period.

 

I have a few links below. SCCA:

http://www.scca.com/home.aspx

 

LA Region:

http://www.solo2.com/

 

A you tube video from yesterday, not me:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8ehuYgvBLpM

 

Me and Precious on a fun run:

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...helbystang.html

Great to hear. I think I'm going to try it next time it comes around.

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AWESOME sport. A good way to go out and have a blast taking your car through the turns and not have to worry about major damage from going off the course into a gravel pit (or a wall for that matter). Just keep a large roll of that blue painters tape on hand :)

There are a number of drivers on the SOLO2 web site that are more than willing to help out.

 

Also, they race at Qualcom in San Diego and once in a great while at the old El Toro air base in Irvine.

 

Its been a while since I have gone - but I NEED to again real soon.

 

Page

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I didn't take them so I can't post from photobucket like I usually do but here are few more links to pictures:

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...791img2782.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...792img2783.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...762img2752.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...726img2713.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...727img2714.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...797img2789.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...798img2790.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...816img2808.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...832img2825.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...848img2841.html

 

http://public.fotki.com/makofoto/2007-solo...867img2860.html

the pictures didnt show. instead i got this message.....

Path Not Found

Maybe, there is error in link or link is outdated.

If you believe this is error don't hesitate to contact us.

 

anyway i wish there was an autocross around here...Arkansas aint got squat, just some dirt tracks. i guess i can put some all terain tires on my SGT and throw some rooster tails around the track. :bandance:

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Good time!

 

I've wanted to try this for awhile. I met a guy at a car show this past summer that does this and he was really pumped! I can see why! I'll have to check it out in the spring. Be nice to do this rather than drive around the circle in my cul-de-sac. So far my best time there is 3 seconds! :headspin:

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generally what cars did you see in that category?

 

 

I was looking through the SCCA rulebook. Here is a list of the cars in th F Stock class that the stock Shelby GT is classed with:

F Stock (FS)

AMC

AMX

Javelin V8

Audi

S4 V8 (‘04+)

BMW

335i (‘07+)

5 series 6-cyl NOC

6 series coupe

8 series coupe (all)

M5 (‘88-’93)

M5 (‘00-’03)

Buick

Regal/Grand National, Turbo

V6

Cadillac

CTS-V

Chevrolet

Camaro V8, NOC

Corvette (53-62)

Chrysler

300/300C (‘04+)

Datsun

280ZX Turbo

Dodge

Magnum, SRT-8

Ram 1500 SRT10

Stealth turbo

Ford

Mustang Mach 1 (‘03+)

Mustang Cobra (‘03-’04)

Mustang SVT Cobra

Mustang V8, NOC

Thunderbird V8 and

supercharged V6

GMC

Syclone

Typhoon

Infiniti

G35 Coupe

Q45

Jaguar

XJ-S

XJ6 (98+)

S-Type (6-cyl)

S-Type R

Sedans (12 cyl.)

Lexus

400

GS400

SC300

Lincoln

LS V8 Sedans

Mark VIII

Mercedes

CLK

C36

E55 AMG

Mercury

Capri V8

Cougar V8 and supercharged

V6

Mitsubishi

3000 GT turbo

Nissan

300 ZX non-turbo (90+)

300 ZX turbo (pre 90)

Pontiac

Firebird V8, NOC

GTO (‘04+)

Trans Am turbo V-6

Shelby

GT350

GT500 (‘67-’70)

Toyota

Supra Non turbo (93+)

Supra Turbo (86 ½ -92)

Triumph

Stag

V8 sedans, pick-ups, and sedan

derived convertibles NOC

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I was looking through the SCCA rulebook. Here is a list of the cars in th F Stock class that the stock Shelby GT is classed with:

F Stock (FS)....

<snip/snip>

 

Yes, SGT's were classed in F-Stock (SCCA Solo) earlier this year via Fastrack Tech Bulletin... I cancelled a Mustang GT Order and bought an SGT from a local dealer shortly after this bulletin was issued. The "Shelby GT" should appear in the F-Stock "eligible list" when the 2008 SCCA Solo Rule Book is printed in a few months.

 

However, as "ShelbyPilot" recently discovered, the F-Stock Listing applies only to the "Base Model" SGT's. SGT's with "performance enhancing" SAI Optional Equipment (such as S/C, F/G hoods, bigger wheels/brakes, etc) aren't eligible for F-Stock, but they will be placed in another class where the driver can still have some fun, but the "performance enhanced" SGT might not be as competitive in what ever class it ends up in.

 

But the "Base Model" SGT's are VERY competitive in SCCA Autocross... Sam Strano drove an SGT to a First Place Finish (National Champion) in F-Stock at the SCCA Solo Nationals this year in Topeka, KS.... and SGT's took home 5 of the 8 Trophies awarded in the class too. I was entered in Nationals this year, but a last minute illness prevented me from making the long trip to Topeka... rats, maybe next year.

 

And as a Autocross "old timer" (almost 30-years now... yikes!) I can confidently confirm that Autocross is a BLAST, and I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to "exercise" their automobile in a relatively safe environment for both the car and the driver. Autocross is an excellent venue to follow Mr. Shelby's words as quoted in the Shelby GT Owner's Manual: "These cars were meant to be DRIVEN".

07_NT_84222087.jpg

07_NT_84222087.jpg

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And I would be willing to help introduce Shelby and/or Mustang drivers in the Puget Sound (WA) area to the sport of Autocross. It would be great to see some other Shelby's come out to "play".

 

However, the Autocross Season here doesn't start until the Spring (Mar/Apr) due in part to our typical wet winters. Several local AutoX Clubs also offer Driving Schools at the beginning of the season, which is a great way for beginners to try Autocrossing.

 

Anyway, post a Reply or send me a PM if you are interested in some more info about Autocrossing in the Puget Sound (WA) area.

 

07_NT_84222085.jpg

07_NT_84222085.jpg

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And I would be willing to help introduce Shelby and/or Mustang drivers in the Puget Sound (WA) area to the sport of Autocross. It would be great to see some other Shelby's come out to "play".

 

However, the Autocross Season here doesn't start until the Spring (Mar/Apr) due in part to our typical wet winters. Several local AutoX Clubs also offer Driving Schools at the beginning of the season, which is a great way for beginners to try Autocrossing.

 

Anyway, post a Reply or send me a PM if you are interested in some more info about Autocrossing in the Puget Sound (WA) area.

 

post-10904-1196455446_thumb.jpg

 

I'm planning on doing some racing come spring, I'm at the Everett Boeing plant and we have races here pretty regular.

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I'm planning on doing some racing come spring, I'm at the Everett Boeing plant and we have races here pretty regular.

 

Dittos SGT2666... I also work at Boeing Everett and I'm a Member of BEAC (Boeing Employee's Autosports Club), so I am very familiar with the West Lots where you have seen the events you mentioned.

 

Feel free to contact me when you are ready to visit an event to check out Autocrossing. I can also invite you to one of the BEAC Autocross Practices for a less stressful introduction to Autocross too... let me know.

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Dittos SGT2666... I also work at Boeing Everett and I'm a Member of BEAC (Boeing Employee's Autosports Club), so I am very familiar with the West Lots where you have seen the events you mentioned.

 

Feel free to contact me when you are ready to visit an event to check out Autocrossing. I can also invite you to one of the BEAC Autocross Practices for a less stressful introduction to Autocross too... let me know.

 

Very cool I'll look you up :happy feet:

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I posted this on the old forum, so I thought I would share here too.

 

I just completed an unbelieveable track day in the Shelby. I HIGHLY recommend pushing this car to the limits! Over 150 miles on Barber Motorsports road course, at speed.

 

:happy feet:

 

This event was a Performance Driving Experience that allowed novice drivers to be paired with experienced drivers on the track. I was able to drive in 6 sessions, and ride in one with a competitive SCCA race car driver. MAN OH MAN! What a day. My arms are sore from gripping the wheel.

 

I learned a ton about what the car is capable of, and have definately decided that brakes are the next mod.

 

There were about 47 drivers of different skill levels and car types at the event. We were divided up into 3 run groups, based on experience level of the driver. At least half of the field were in SCCA race cars, Corvettes, Porsches, and Miatas seemed to be the majority. There were 3 other Mustangs, a race ready SN 95, an 07 GT/CS, and an 04 GT.

My instructor was a Vette guy, and he seemed excited about trying out the Shelby. He drove a round and some of his quotes were: "better than I expected", "the handling is sweet", and "get some brakes if you plan on doing this very much".

Barbers is a fantastic road course, below is text from their website (http://www.barbermotorsports.com) on track facts:

-2.38 miles long

-45’ wide

-16 turns, most of which are flowing

-80’ of elevation change

-4 levels of paved paddock

Our track sessions were 20-30 minutes long, and I drove in 6 sessions and was a passenger in one incredible ride with my instructor.

The Shelby drew a crowd, and one old SCCA competitor said "I hated those in the late 60's, cause my split window couldn't keep up".

 

2080011539_ec49f192da_o.jpg

 

2080797532_40f84850f7.jpg

 

2080011667_9a3053ef40.jpg

 

2080797164_e26320447d.jpg

 

2080011727_01f9170674.jpg

 

2080013481_d9d3794ea8.jpg

 

Barbers is home to the "Porsche Driving Experience", check out this hardware:

 

2080800694_acd125008e.jpg

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Rain, Rain please go away and come again another day. Another run at Fontana this Sunday but rain may be a factor. :banghead:

 

Good luck with the weather "ShelbyPilot"... "exercising" a SGT on a wet track is usually a handful, so use "due care" if you have wet conditions.

 

Up here in the Pacific NW we've had really wet weather recently... even for here. Earlier this week we had snow followed by torrential rain which resulted in a lot of flooding, mud slides and even a section of Interstate 5 was closed for couple of days because it was under water.

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a couple of questions;

i see that you have several mods, so was it all of them or the paxton that keep you from the stock muscle car caterory?

generally what cars did you see in that category?

 

second question: what catageory did they have you race in and what type cars were in that category?

 

I am interested in auto rally also and keep giving my son grief that i think my STG can beat his porsche , i probably have worked myself into a difficult competition, after ribbing each other -you know yuppie car vs. red neck etc etc. he suggested auto rally to solve. We were watching a old trans am race sunday afternoon when an old gt350 passed a white porsche. That set the stage so now I have to preform . So I am either going to procrastinate until i can put on a paxton; or go it without.

Sorry for the hijack here.

 

bubbabow - I'm in Washington NC. Are you planning on going to Tulsa in June?

 

Ruf

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Rain, Rain please go away and come again another day. Another run at Fontana this Sunday but rain may be a factor. :banghead:

 

Looks like its turning nice weather for today and tomarro.

Have you seen new GT500s at these events and if so

how do they perform?

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