VIR high performance driving event

[talon]

And I have no idea where I'm going to put all of that in the car, so don't ask 

     

Sounds like you will need a support truck!

[xeeeej]

     

Sounds like you will need a support truck!

So you're volunteering?  Hey, thanks! 

[talon]

I probably have a bit more room in the Esprit, but I still don't think it will be enough

[Burple_X]

Helmet
Driving gloves
Shoes - narrow sneakers
Pants/shirt - Jeans and long sleeve cotton T-shirt
Camera
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Foldup camping chair
Towels
Paper towels
Water - lots of it
Gatorade or similar
Snacks
Torque wrench
Air gauge - I don't have a compressor, will there be one there? - yes, track should have air.
Quart of motor oil
Glass cleaner

I edited your list.  If you have new brake pads, you will NOT need a second set.  The car isn't that heavy and you won't put that much stress on pads at your driving level.  No use hauling stuff you won't need and Lotus of Durham said they will have parts should (in the highly unlikely event) you need extras.  If you flushed your brakes, you more than likely will not need brake fluid either but I left it on your list.  I also took off the jack.  Someone will have one you can borrow if you need it.  Again, you can't haul that much stuff and it's just something else to keep up with.  

The most important items, aside from helmet, long sleeve cotton shirt, gloves, pants and shoes will be your torque wrench, window cleaner, paper towels and gatorade.  Since this is your first event, you may play with tire pressure a little to see where your grip is.  Get yourself a small notebook and keep up with settings.  If this is something you will only do a few times a year, the notebook will help a lot.  Check the lug torque first thing every morning and at least once during the day.  Once you find your optimum tire pressure, leave it alone.  Just remember that your tires will "grow" by a few pounds during your run session.  Don't inflate a cold tire to it's optimum pressure and then hit the track.  Stay hydrated and avoid sodas.  It will be cool this time out, but it's good to get in this habit for when it does get warmer.  

Most importantly, take lots of pictures for those of us that are desk bound this time around.  

[xeeeej]

Thanks Gary, that helps a lot!  I will be sure to take a picture of me in my new helmet to show how goofy I look.

[talon]

Did you make it down to Mooresville to get a helmet?

[xeeeej]

I actually went up to the CDOC store at VIR yesterday morning and got a helmet.  I lucked out in that I got there right as the Miata group was finishing up their track day.  I was able to pay $5 to go out for some open track time, limited to 45MPH of course.  Still fun though!

[xeeeej]

How long does tech inspection at the track usually take?

I called LOD to find out if they could do it in advance, but the only appointment time they had open was for today.  They said it would take 90 minutes, and I don't really have that much time to spare from work today.  I'm hoping I can get it knocked out at VIR first thing tomorrow.

Is anyone else getting inspected tomorrow morning, or am I the black sheep?

[Burple_X]

If you want a generic answer, I can give you one of those.  I ran the drivers' ed program for Carolinas Region PCA for several years.  Our policy (which was patterned after everybody elses) was, you get your car teched prior to coming to the track by a dealer or independant garage.  You brought your completed tech inspection sheet to registration and we had people there to give the car a once over to make sure you had everything out of the car and trunk area, check lug nuts , etc....  That took about 5 minutes.  What the dealer does shouldn't take over an hour on your new car...and they could do it standing on their head in an hour.  They check brake pads, tires, supposedly torque bolts, look for loose or frayed wires, leaks (oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc...) and flush the brake fluid.  Actually, 30 minutes is more than enough time but they are dealers and well, you know how dealers are! 

Some groups allow you to have your car teched by other, experienced club members.  Very few allow you to do it yourself.  Almost all require it be done prior to arriving at the track.  Since I have never run with LOD at one of their events, I have no idea what they actually require though.

[xeeeej]

Duly noted for the future.

Unfortunately I won't have time today to get it done.  I just talked to LOD and they are doing tech inspections at VIR first thing tomorrow at 7AM.  So it looks like I'm OK this time.

[Burple_X]

As you probably picked up, I have given that speech about a thousand times before    We always had big events, 120 to 140 participants.  You could look out across the crowd at the drivers meeting and always pick out the first timers.  Looked like deer caught in the headlights  .  Usually by their second event, they were old pros though... giving crap to the next bunch of first timers 

[talon]

ahhh - the circle of life   

I cant wait to get mine on the track - it's been many years since I have had track time, so I'll be the rookie all over again.

[Byronn5]

I got my tech insp. today, so I assume I can get there closer to 8am tomorrow since I just need a quick once over when I get there.  Adam, did you hear anything when you talked to LOD that would lead you to believe otherwise?

[xeeeej]

Ross,

Based on the schedule that LOD posted on ET, I'd say your assumption is right.

The schedule is listed below:
Day 1
7 – 8:00 am Tech inspections
8 – 8:30 am Registration
8:30 am Driver’s meeting and course overview
9am -12:30 pm Three rungroups , Novice/Intermediate/Advanced with instructors on course
12:45 – 1:45 Catered lunch
2:00 – 6:30pm Three run groups return to the course, 3 classes Nov/Int/advanced with instructors
7pm Cocktail hour
7:30- until Catered Dinner will be served



http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50830

[talon]

Hey guys, when you get your pictures off your cameras, if you send them to me at russ @ shand.us, I'll post them in the gallery for all to see.