more noob questions

[tedneck]

Hi,
I just joined the club and attempted to enter NHMS-1 and I have many stupid noob questions.
I tried to read the rules and decided my 2006 Subaru Sti should be classed in STGT because it already has a aftermarket exhaust and intake. I am going to get some "r" compound tires (out of a dumpster) and some Porterfield brake pads and bleed the brakes, etc before the event. I have a helmet.

1-Can I use stock belts (for now)?

2-Is there other safety equip. that I must have?

3-How does a nood confirm that his entry has been accepted?

I have run a few BMW-CCA track days and sort of remember their drill. Let me know what's different at COM and what else I need. Thanks for your patience. Looking forward to it!
Ted

[betelgeuse]

Hi Ted,


Welcome to the club. Stock belts are fine in ST. Helmet, long pants, and long sleeve shirt is all you need. Make sure your helmet is up to date.
I think your car is classified in ST1.
It's pretty much the same as BMW track events except at COM you don't have flag duty, and at BMW events they don't want you to do any lap timing. At COM events you have to know your lap times.
As soon as registration opens for NHMS, sign up, it fills up fast.
Great bunch of people in this club. Your going to have a great time.

See you in April,
Greg

[boltonite]

3-How does a nood confirm that his entry has been accepted?

You should have received an email confirmation for your registration. While this email does not guarantee acceptance (you still have to submit payment), you can pretty much assume you are registered.

Btw, consider registering for the 2nd day so you can drive solo during open track sessions and, if you wish, participate in the Time Trail (aka Time Attack) in the afternoon. Your car is competitive in class and - with the right instructor and a fast lap - you should be able to win a trophy.

FF

[Mick]

Hi Ted,
Welcome to the club.
It sounds like these guys answered your questions, let us know if you have any others. No question is stupid, fire away.

Are you coming to the event by yourself or do you know someone who runs with us? The reason I ask is that there are a few STI's owners that run with us. You may know them from NASIOC, if not we'll introduce you the Subaru gang...

-Mick

[TroyV]

Welcome to the "go fast crack pipe"

Hereafter referred to as the GFCP

[tedneck]

Thanks!
I will look into the ST1 classification.
How does COM or entrants usually handle scoring/keeping track of lap times?
Ted

[WillM]

Welcome to the club!

First of all, where is this mystical dumpster which holds r-compound tires, and can I get some?!?!?!!!

All good questions. Regarding timing, a simple stop watch velcro'ed or taped to the car works for many. You can always ask a friend, garage-mate, or anyone else to get some lap times for you while you are on-track. Really...this happens a lot and most everyone is happy to help.

In-car timers like Hot Lap and Ultra Lap are very common and popular. There is always a Hot Lap beacon on the wall and usually Ultra Lap too. If you go with a Hot Lap, I'd say you'll only need to buy the receiver and display (one beacon works for everyone). The Ultra Lap system works on a different type of beacon, but again, one beacon works for all ultra lap timers. There is often an Ultra Lap beacon on the wall too.

Finally, there are GPS systems. Plenty of 'em.

I'd start with asking someone to time you while you are on track and eventually move up to a Hot Lap or similar for on-track timing and feedback.

Our friends at DriverSupply.com have a few different timing choices.

Oh, and one more thing. The Apex Open House this Saturday in Marlboro would be a great opportunity to come by and meet a bunch of COM people, ask questions, perhaps watch some track videos, etc!

[cfossum]

Will's suggestion for finding a buddy or in-car equipment would apply only to obtaining your unofficial times. Official timing is performed by a small team of people using manual stopwatches, with redundancy. You don't need to have a transponder installed in your car.
The official timing occurs on the afternoon of the second day of each event. Your own, unofficial times are used for grouping purposes, and for monitoring personal achievement and improvement.
-Carl

[rajito]

3-How does a nood confirm that his entry has been accepted?

I think COM has a clothes-on policy. At least on track.

Raj

[TroyV]

LOL.....

It took me a minute...

[rnoonan]

LOL! Yep, on track you must wear long pants and long-sleeve shirt (no nylon!) and shoes (no sandals or open-toe high heels, Raj!). What you do off-track is between you, your neighbors and track management. Many years ago, one female club member stripped down to her leopard-print undies and dove into the pond to attach a tow strap to a car that had ended up there. Definitely not a common occurrence!

-= Rick =-

[6PAK72]

If my wife drives, I'll make sure she leaves the leopard at home....

[chaos4NH]

If my wife drives, I'll make sure she leaves the leopard at home....

By all means! No undies would be better!

[agrabau]

Does this Tedneck's last name start with an M?

Alex

[6PAK72]

Liz says her Nomex suit gets really warm...she has to wear undies.

Seriously, I'll bring lots of layers given it's April, but having raced a bike in the spring, I know it gets a bit chilly at 100mph. Does anyone else out there run an open-top? Any feedback other than my face is freezing?