The big pitch for 2013

[Clark]

Caterham’s slogan for the Seven is “Designed for racing, built for livingâ€. Even considering the WILD Exotics, there’s not much on the road today that comes close to the performance, let alone the livability of our cars. That’s a hard secret to keep while driving along some twisty bit of tarmac. “Moving Chicane†describes just about everything else out there!

Besides driving on the track, the thing I like best is sharing that time with my friends and their Sevens. So here is my plan. AROSC at Chuckwalla May 4/5, climbing up Mt. Palomar with Brad Underdahl on Saturday, May 18, AROSC at Buttonwillow June 15/16, and NASA at Buttonwillow October 12/13. Four events throughout the year to get together and have some fun!

I described Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in an earlier post, and believe it needs some promotion. This track is made for Sevens! It’s wide, 2.7 miles in length, has 17 corners, and every corner has its own personality. When you drive it, some of the corners have a familiar feel, and some are completely foreign. Chuckwalla is a full-on racing track, but without the crazy speeds you get at Willow Springs. My top speed on the front straight was in the 85-90 range, and I’m positive that some of the quicker Sevens on R-compounds will top 100, but not much more. Amenities at this track are not tops. Heck, they’re practically non-existent. But I’m planning to stay in Indio, about 45 minutes away from Desert Center and get fuel at Chiriaco Summit (Gas is also available at the track).

So, four events for 2013. How about it? For our first event, just go to http://www.motorsportreg.com/ and sign up. Done.

[NigelT]

Count me in. I'm already signed up for Chuckwala. AROSC has tightened their safety regs and are requiring a full roll cage for race group. Recent experience at the Streets tells me they mean it this time so I shall be running a rented 944. I'm planning on making it to Buttonwillow in June as well and hope to run the enduro, again probably in the Porsche but if anyone with an appropriately prepped Caterham is looking for a co-driver I wouldn't take a whole lot of persuading ;-) I recently completed my first races with Skipp Barber and am hooked and raring to go!
Nigel

[Doug Liedblad]

I was about to sign up for Chuckwalla but it will depend on if my FIA bar is acceptable. It may not pass the broomstick test. I also need a newer helmet as mine is SA2000

If I come I can sleep three in my trailer. I have earplugs in case my snoring keeps you awake.

[slomove]

Sorry, I am not going. Lately I have had a bit of trouble with the discs in my neck (pinches nerves and makes my fingers numb). Doing that track stuff with a helmet on is probably not going to help.

[sdcat]

I am planning on going to the June Buttonwillow AROSC event. Wish I could come to Chuckwalla, but other commitments.
I could possibly join you and Brad for the Palomar drive, if my car is back by then.


Justin

[mca]

I'm going to make an honest effort to get to Chuckwalla. Need to make a small welding repair to my shift linkage first. I completed the AROSC Driving School back in 2003 but have never run a track event with them. How does the amount of track time compare to a Speedventures event?

Aaron

[mca]

I would likely make it for Saturday only.

[Doug Liedblad]

Recent communications with AROSC says my FIA roll bar is a no go. The broom stick test will be between the roll bar and the top of the front suspension.

I'll need to lower the seat, a foamed seat bottom might do it, and add some sort of front hoop to raise the front contact point.

I can do these but not in time for Chuckwalla.

Doug

[Clark]

I've sent inquiries to Paul Ellis (Tech & Safety Director) and Bruce Colby (Ex-Competition Director) at AROSC about the issues using our FIA rollbar equiped Sevens. So far, no replies but I'll keep you posted. The AROSC competition code does not mention the "Broomstick" test (nor does their Tech Inspection Form), but only requires that the driver's helmet is two inches below the top of the rollbar. For most of us, that is probably achievable without modifications. The Broomstick test only shows up on their website. I've asked for a ruling on what document governs our rollbar height requirement.

On another hand, I ran with NASA earlier this year at Chuckwalla and talked with their tech director about this same issue. He requires the Broomstick test for the rollcages in race classes, but not HPDE/TT. As long as the driver's helmet is below the top of the rollbar, he's okay with it. Maybe it's time for a switch to running more NASA events, but I'd like to see what the AROSC guys say first.

[Clark]

I just spoke with Paul Ellis, the Alfa Club’s Tech. Director. He said that the rules in the AROSC Competition Code apply, and our cars are therefore eligible to participate in their present configuration with FIA rollbars. Appendix A, paragraph A2 of the AROSC competition code states: "In open cars, the driver’s helmet must be a minimum of 2” below top of roll bar when seated correctly". The “Broomstick” test is advisory. He said the club accepts the “self-tech” forms available from the AROSC website, and expects car owners to be responsible for their own safety.

[mca]

How does the amount of track time compare to a Speedventures event?

Any feedback on this question? My repair should be done today so I can register for chuckwalla.

[Clark]

The Alfa Romeo Club's event at Buttonwillow last year had the TT run groups doing four 25-minute sessions per day. I'm not sure how that compares with Speedventures, but in February, my NASA - HPDE group had five 20-minute sessions on the schedule each day. I haven't seen the schedule for Chuckwalla yet, but my guess is it will be similar to Buttonwillow's.

I'm planning to drive to Chuckwalla on Saturday morning, and will stay that evening in the Indio Super 8 Motel on Hwy. 111 (Located near the "Cinema 8" - Note: Cinema 8 has a big sign that camouflages the "Super 8" sign - turn in for one and you'll find the other). The manager there is very keen on Sevens, and in February offered free lodging if only I'd hand over my keys! Seriously, he offered me a special/restricted parking spot where the office could keep their eyes on my car overnight. Also, there is an excellent family owned Mexican restaurant within a ten-minute walk from the motel. Self-service gas is available at the track, and also at the Standard station at Chiriaco Summit, about twenty miles away. At the track there are decent restrooms with a shower available, and a couple of guys come out and prepare some barbeque for lunch. Twelve bucks gets you a big, messy sandwich, chips and a drink.

Best wishes,

[mca]

I'll be there on Saturday. I'm driving an orange Locost with full cage. Tow vehicle is a blue Toyota tundra.

[Clark]

When I ran the NASA event at Chuckwalla in February, it was really convenient to pit near the first guest trailer after entering the pits. That's also near the restroom and showers and not a long walk to the offices and meeting tent. I'll try to pit in the same spot again after driving to the track on Saturday morning.

You're going to like this track!

Best wishes,

[mca]

Chuckwalla did not disappoint! It's a great track for Sevens, as Clark promised. The corners are sufficiently technical and the speeds reasonable with good runoff in most corners (fortunately, untested until the last session). It's an easy drive from LA or OC, especially if you are towing. Bathroom and shower facilities were much better than Buttonwillow, but the track still lacks a main clubhouse.

I tried to find Clark this morning but the pits were packed for the joint AROSC/Extremespeed event. We linked up later and found Nigel in his rented 944. I ended up in the pits next to a large group of AROSC racers, all very friendly guys.

The event itself was very entertaining. Plenty of fast and interesting cars, a car burnt to the ground, and a very exciting end to the AROSC race (it went down to the last corner!). I may have to consider racing with AROSC.

I'm certain that Clark and Nigel will chime in with their thoughts when they return. I could only manage one day this time.

Aaron