New member introduction

[Paulyskidda]

Hey my names Paul and im from MA. I dont have any friends that drive any road courses. I would like to learn as much as I can from this forum because I really dont know where to begin. I also noticed you guys have a new way of classing touring cars and I couldnt find enough info on that ,so please shed some light. I dont have any real racing experiance I have tried auto x for 1 year and have been drifting local drift events at NHMS with DSPOT for 2 years. Ive always wanted to drive a road course especially loudon because of seeing it everytime im at the speedway.
I have two 240sx s13 and s14 also have a civic. Not sure which car is going to be the best for this sport so i will be accepting all the opinions of everyone here. Haha sorry for such a long intro.

[Mick]

Welcome to the club Paul,
Do you have any specific questions?

Sounds like the Civic may be cheaper to run and maintain (although admittedly, I don't know much about the 240) but the rear drive 240 might make for a better track car.

You should come up to the event at NHMS on the weekend of the 29th. Spectators are welcome and admission is free, just stop at the front gate and sign the waiver before entry. There will be plenty of people to talk to there and you could get a passenger ride with an instructor if you want.

-Mick

[Chrispy]

Hi Paul, welcome to the COM forum.

The good news is that under the touring rules any of your cars could be suitable for track driving, which one is best for you will probably depend on car setup as drifting setup can be quite different to track setup. For road course we are generally trying to avoid being sideways too much as that is generally not the fastest way around the track. COM is a time trial competition club with driver education included, so we welcome novice and experienced alike. Most cars are okay with the basic safety equipment to start with (depending on power modifications), just need decent brake fluid and pads since the faster you can slow down the quicker you get to a corner. At each event you will be assigned an instructor to work with you to help build your skills and work on getting you going faster safely.

You can download the rule book from here: http://www.comscc.org/rules/ - the Touring rules start on page 20. There is also a spreadsheet that you can use to assist with classing your car for touring.

We have our next event at NHMS start on June 29th and lasting 3 days. I would suggest coming down and signing up for a hot-lap ride along, this will get you a good taste of the road course experience riding shotgun in an instructor's vehicle. The first 2-days would be best since those are our practice days, day 3 is competition so ride-along isn't always available.

[Chrispy]

Ha, Mick beat me to it.

[Paulyskidda]

Thanks guys. One question I do have is about the driver and passenger seats. Do I have to buy fia approved fixed back seats with 5 point harnesses for each seat? I was reading something about that in the rule book ,but I wasnt to sure. Im just dont really want to buy all of that if I dont have too.

[Mick]

Thanks guys. One question I do have is about the driver and passenger seats. Do I have to buy fia approved fixed back seats with 5 point harnesses for each seat? I was reading something about that in the rule book ,but I wasnt to sure. Im just dont really want to buy all of that if I dont have too.

As long as you have someone in the passenger seat they need to have the same level of safety gear as the driver.
When you join the club you will be a student and will be required to have an instructor in the car at each event until you are licensed to drive solo.

[WillM]

Welcome Paul!

Thanks for asking about COM Sports Car Club. You are right - there is a lot to learn, but this is a great place to do it.

Any of your cars could be great track cars, or complete disasters. As usual, it depends on the details. You should attend your first several events with a car that:

1. Is mechanically sound. Plenty of brakes & tires. No oil or other fluid leaks. Would you jump in that car and drive back and forth to Washington DC without expecting any problems? If so, you should be good-to-go. You want to maximize your time ON TRACK and with your instructor, not turning wrenches or worrying about a car that overheats or loses its brakes after 4 laps.
2. Has a passenger seat and seatbelt or harness that is similar to what is on the driver's side.
3. Will be something your instructor(s) will want to get into. Obscenely loud cars, those with stinky exhausts or exhaust leaks, rattle traps, and cars with wires and parts hanging out from under the dash are huge headaches waiting to happen. Again, you and your instructor will want to focus all of your time on learning the track, practicing vehicle dynamics, and learning how to participate on-track with fellow COM drivers.

You don't need:
1. A race-prepped car. Daily drivers are fine.
2. Race rubber / r-compound tires are a waste. Get some experience under your belt before going that route.
3. To impress your instructor or anyone else with an insanely fast or modified car. You'll likely get the opposite reaction. Our instructors are a volunteer core with a lot of experience instructing and with wheel-to-wheel racing. The way to impress us is to arrive to an event with a car that is safe and squared away, a rested body, an open mind, and a desire to learn something and have a ton of fun.

I would suggest a visit to our website, specifically the 'Getting Started' tab:

http://www.comscc.org/getting-started/

I would also recommend that you sign up for a COM mentor. Our mentors are a crew of COM volunteers that are eager to meet new members and help them get up and running with the club and help them prepare for their first event. Your mentor will be able to answer any questions you have via email or over the phone. This is a great resource and is highly recommended.

Here's a link to request a mentor:

http://www.comscc.org/getting-started/mentoring/

Our next event at NHMS is Saturday/Sunday/Monday, June 29, 30, July 1. Register immediately if you would like to attend.

Likewise, if you want a taste of the track, and cannot participate at that event, you are welcome to come up for a hot-lap ride-along, which puts you in the passenger seat of an instructor's car. Info here:

http://www.comscc.org/getting-started/hot-lap-program/

of course you can ask questions here anytime. Our forums are usually busy and filled with helpful members.

Again, welcome!

Best,

Will Martins
Chief Instructor
COM Sports Car Club

[TroyV]

I volunteer as chauffeur for the hot lap ride if you come in two weeks, Paul.

[Paulyskidda]

Wow lots of feedback on this forum. Thanks everyone for your welcomes.
I dont want to ask you guys tons of questions ,but I just bought a snell sa2010 open face helmet for this season. Are only full faced helmets allowed. I bought an open face because it gets so hot in the car.

Another question was about the track day fee I think it was $225 a trackday so for the upcoming 3 day event do I have to pay that x3 or is the 225 for the whole weekend?

My brother is also interested in driving is the fee per driver? Because we might both drive the civic.

[offcamber09]

Welcome- be careful with people eager to take you on a ride-along. Troy has a reputation for making people throw up and not clean up after themselves.

My .02 drive the 240. Wrong wheel drive Civics can be fun, but nothing beats rwd for the pure fun of it.

[Chrispy]

The track fees at NHMS are $225 for 1 day, $425 for 2 days, and $575 for all 3 days. The fees are per driver since you would each get your own run sessions. There is no instruction on the last day, just practice sessions, time trial, and then open track - time permitting.

[Chrispy]

And to reiterate on what Will said, bring whatever car is the most reliable, especially if co-driving. Run sessions are 20-25 minutes on average and it's always nice to make it through one without overheating (still working on perfecting that one myself).

[TroyV]

Darn!! I forgot to hit up Joe Lu for barf bags at Tremblant. I'm fresh out.

[brucesallen]

OPen faced helmets are fine for cars with windshields.

[wizzman]

OPen faced helmets are fine for cars with windshields.

Except at New Jersey Motorsports Park:

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