All Four of them … Full of Hot Air

nascar-tire-6

NASCAR Image Gallery High-speed cars need special tires for better handling and safety. See more NASCAR pictures. John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR

Heat has many effects on a high speed car tire. Many race car teams use nitrogen instead of air in their tires because nitrogen has a much more consistent rate of expansion and contraction compared to the usual air. Often, a half pound of pressure will radically affect traction and handling. With track and tire temperatures varying over the duration of a race, the consistency of nitrogen is needed.

Nitrogen pressure is more consistent than normal air pressure, because air typically contains varying amounts of moisture due to changes in the relative humidity on race day. Water causes air to be inconsistent in its rate of expansion and contraction. So, a humid race in the southeast United States or a dry race in the desert western United States could make for unpredictable tire pressures if “dry” nitrogen were not used.

Nitrogen is also used in the high-pressure tires on large and small aircraft.

Solo: Skyview High School, July 12, 2015

Event Chair – Chris Brewer, Safety Steward – J. Reuss

Final Results

Total Registered: 29, with Times: 28

Class # Driver Car Model Car Color Times         Total
AS 17 Nathan Witt 2008 Honda S2000 Blue 73.910+1 72.564 72.469 71.081 70.602 70.602
70.922 [-]1.279
AS 16X Luke Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Black 73.574+1 70.561+1 72.054 71.881 81.509+DNF 71.881
+1.279
AS 13 Riley Kelly 2013 Shelby GT500 Gray 77.237 75.432 73.947 83.911 74.859 73.947
74.446 +2.066
AS 16 Rachel Sitzman 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Black 84.665 72.480+DNF 84.828 81.433 81.104 81.104
+7.157
BS 33 Steve Gruver 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Red 75.001+1 72.913 72.303+DNF 73.053 79.648+DNF 72.548
72.548 73.218+1 [-]12.723
BS 2 Chuck Spoonheim 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Silver 90.421 91.044 86.512 92.912 85.453 85.271
85.271 +12.723
CS 51 James Reuss 2006 Nissan 350Z Silver 76.698 76.243 74.897 75.279 75.546 74.644
74.644 [-]2.863
CS 76 Jarek Peila 2014 Subaru BRZ Gray 78.133 77.507 76.517+DNF 78.875 77.878 77.507
78.032 78.066 +2.863
FS 27 Dalton Garton 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Blue 100.798 91.044+DNF 86.725 86.725
GS 89 Eddie Salcedo 2007 VW Rabbit Red 84.433 82.369 81.843 81.843
HS 99 Kevin Gerrells 1995 Honda Del Sol Black 83.338 80.131 79.562 79.562
[-]15.775
HS 13 Leland Schliep 1979 MGB Green 115.944+DNF 111.200 101.515 101.702+DNF 100.101 95.337
95.337 +15.775
STS 34 Tucker Stewart 1996 Mazda Miata Red 72.881 71.948 72.120 73.171 71.784 70.705
70.705 [-]1.421
STS 73 Chris Brewer 1997 Mazda Miata Blue 74.694+1 73.896 74.523 50.174+DNF 72.126 72.126
72.461 +1.421
STS 38 Joel Gruver 2003 Mazda Miata Burgundy 76.752+1 77.695+1 76.778 77.366 76.350 76.350
76.365 +4.224
STR 74 Dean Johnson 2009 Mazda MX-5 Copper 72.614 72.929 71.582 72.114 72.023 71.582
STU 2 Jerod Staebler 2000 Chevrolet Camaro Black 76.433+1 74.283+1 73.822 73.217 74.410 73.217
75.890+1
ASP 23 David Knox 2011 Subaru WRX Silver 86.110+1 83.524 83.210 83.210
CSP 68 Woody Jensen 1990 Honda CRX Red 101.100 79.804 79.121 78.355 76.867 76.867
[-]2.614
CSP 03 Scott Hecker 2003 Saleen Mustang Red 83.333 81.839 81.640 81.124+1 79.847 79.481
79.481 +2.614
FSP 68 Brandon Smith 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Orange 82.483+1 79.764 78.453 77.439 76.943+1 77.255
77.255
SMF 43 Randy Roberts 1987 Honda Civic CRX White 88.466 74.850 74.963 73.137 79.741+DNF 72.053
72.053 71.964+2 73.307 [-]0.261
SMF 088 Jim Arnett 1987 Honda Civic CRX White 74.204 62.108+DNF 72.988 72.314 72.314
+0.261
SSM 68 John Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 White 61.861+DNF 75.603+DNF 72.538 70.982 70.605 70.605
EM 69 John Hailstone 1932 Austin Bantam Yellow 81.706 79.461 80.516 80.780 76.462 76.462
76.563 [-]4.053
EM 715 Wes Nelson 1990 Ford Ranger Blue 78.122+DNF 107.947+DNF DNF
+76.462
HSL 72 Jackie Bell 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse White 82.378 97.784 81.089 79.648 79.733 78.286
78.286
ASPL 15 Kaitlin Reuss 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Yellow 78.544 78.130 71.490+DNF 75.899 74.877 73.048
73.048
F125 666 James Papallo 2002 Tony Kart Mitox 74.073 102.057+DNF 73.976 71.702 68.719 68.719
90.242+DNF
Top Times Of Day Time Class # Driver
Raw time 68.719 F125 666 James Papallo
Pax 58.529 AS 17 Nathan Witt
Street 70.602 AS 17 Nathan Witt
Touring 70.705 STS 34 Tucker Stewart
Street Prepared 76.867 CSP 68 Woody Jensen
Street Modified 70.605 SSM 68 John Bonner
Modified 76.462 EM 69 John Hailstone
Street Ladies 78.286 HSL 72 Jackie Bell
Street Prepared Ladies 73.048 ASPL 15 Kaitlin Reuss

Final Raw Time Results

Timed Entries: 28

Raw Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Raw Time Diff. From 1st
1m F125 666 James Papallo 2002 Tony Kart Mitox 68.719 0.000 0.000
2m AS 17 Nathan Witt 2008 Honda S2000 70.602 1.883 1.883
3 SSM 68 John Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 70.605 0.003 1.886
4m STS 34 Tucker Stewart 1996 Mazda Miata 70.705 0.100 1.986
5m STR 74 Dean Johnson 2009 Mazda MX-5 71.582 0.877 2.863
6 AS 16X Luke Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 71.881 0.299 3.162
7m SMF 43 Randy Roberts 1987 Honda Civic CRX 72.053 0.172 3.334
8m STS 73 Chris Brewer 1997 Mazda Miata 72.126 0.073 3.407
9 SMF 088 Jim Arnett 1987 Honda Civic CRX 72.314 0.188 3.595
10m BS 33 Steve Gruver 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 72.548 0.234 3.829
11m ASPL 15 Kaitlin Reuss 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 73.048 0.500 4.329
12m STU 2 Jerod Staebler 2000 Chevrolet Camaro 73.217 0.169 4.498
13 AS 13 Riley Kelly 2013 Shelby GT500 73.947 0.730 5.228
14m CS 51 James Reuss 2006 Nissan 350Z 74.644 0.697 5.925
15m STS 38 Joel Gruver 2003 Mazda Miata 76.350 1.706 7.631
16 EM 69 John Hailstone 1932 Austin Bantam 76.462 0.112 7.743
17 CSP 68 Woody Jensen 1990 Honda CRX 76.867 0.405 8.148
18 FSP 68 Brandon Smith 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 77.255 0.388 8.536
19m CS 76 Jarek Peila 2014 Subaru BRZ 77.507 0.252 8.788
20 HSL 72 Jackie Bell 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 78.286 0.779 9.567
21 CSP 03 Scott Hecker 2003 Saleen Mustang 79.481 1.195 10.762
22 HS 99 Kevin Gerrells 1995 Honda Del Sol 79.562 0.081 10.843
23 AS 16 Rachel Sitzman 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 81.104 1.542 12.385
24 GS 89 Eddie Salcedo 2007 VW Rabbit 81.843 0.739 13.124
25 ASP 23 David Knox 2011 Subaru WRX 83.210 1.367 14.491
26m BS 2 Chuck Spoonheim 1990 Chevrolet Corvette 85.271 2.061 16.552
27 FS 27 Dalton Garton 1991 Chevrolet Camaro 86.725 1.454 18.006
28 HS 13 Leland Schliep 1979 MGB 95.337 8.612 26.618
29 EM 715 Wes Nelson 1990 Ford Ranger DNF

Pax Time Results

Timed Entries: 28

Pax Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Total Factor Pax Time Diff. From 1st
1 AS 17 Nathan Witt 2008 Honda S2000 70.602 *0.829 58.529 0.000 0.000
2 STS 34 Tucker Stewart 1996 Mazda Miata 70.705 *0.828 58.543 0.014 0.014
3 AS 16X Luke Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 71.881 *0.829 59.589 1.046 1.060
4 STS 73 Chris Brewer 1997 Mazda Miata 72.126 *0.828 59.720 0.131 1.191
5 BS 33 Steve Gruver 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 72.548 *0.826 59.924 0.204 1.395
6 STR 74 Dean Johnson 2009 Mazda MX-5 71.582 *0.838 59.985 0.061 1.456
7 CS 51 James Reuss 2006 Nissan 350Z 74.644 *0.814 60.760 0.775 2.231
8 AS 13 Riley Kelly 2013 Shelby GT500 73.947 *0.829 61.302 0.542 2.773
9 SMF 43 Randy Roberts 1987 Honda Civic CRX 72.053 *0.853 61.461 0.159 2.932
10 SMF 088 Jim Arnett 1987 Honda Civic CRX 72.314 *0.853 61.683 0.222 3.154
11 STU 2 Jerod Staebler 2000 Chevrolet Camaro 73.217 *0.844 61.795 0.112 3.266
12 SSM 68 John Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 70.605 *0.882 62.273 0.478 3.744
13 HSL 72 Jackie Bell 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 78.286 *0.796 62.315 0.042 3.786
14 CS 76 Jarek Peila 2014 Subaru BRZ 77.507 *0.814 63.090 0.775 4.561
15 ASPL 15 Kaitlin Reuss 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 73.048 *0.865 63.186 0.096 4.657
16 STS 38 Joel Gruver 2003 Mazda Miata 76.350 *0.828 63.217 0.031 4.688
17 HS 99 Kevin Gerrells 1995 Honda Del Sol 79.562 *0.796 63.331 0.114 4.802
18 FSP 68 Brandon Smith 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 77.255 *0.840 64.894 1.563 6.365
19 GS 89 Eddie Salcedo 2007 VW Rabbit 81.843 *0.806 65.965 1.071 7.436
20 CSP 68 Woody Jensen 1990 Honda CRX 76.867 *0.861 66.182 0.217 7.653
21 AS 16 Rachel Sitzman 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 81.104 *0.829 67.235 1.053 8.706
22 CSP 03 Scott Hecker 2003 Saleen Mustang 79.481 *0.861 68.433 1.198 9.904
23 F125 666 James Papallo 2002 Tony Kart Mitox 68.719 *1.000 68.719 0.286 10.190
24 FS 27 Dalton Garton 1991 Chevrolet Camaro 86.725 *0.810 70.247 1.528 11.718
25 BS 2 Chuck Spoonheim 1990 Chevrolet Corvette 85.271 *0.826 70.433 0.186 11.904
26 EM 69 John Hailstone 1932 Austin Bantam 76.462 *0.922 70.498 0.065 11.969
27 ASP 23 David Knox 2011 Subaru WRX 83.210 *0.865 71.976 1.478 13.447
28 HS 13 Leland Schliep 1979 MGB 95.337 *0.796 75.888 3.912 17.359
29 EM 715 Wes Nelson 1990 Ford Ranger DNF *0.922

Cornering ABCs for speed and safety

The corner is where is counts.

The corner is where is counts.

Correct cornering requires a conscious and repeatable sequence of driver actions to properly enter and exit turns. This sequence must be smooth and flowing and requires regular practice to make it a habit. The sequence is as follows assuming turn entry from a straight section of the course. Take the next Driver’s Education in Lewistown with the Big Sky Region PCA.

LIFT — While driving in a straight line and looking ahead, smoothly lift off the throttle.

BRAKE — Smoothly and progressively apply the brakes in a straight line. Not all turns require use of the brakes.

DOWNSHIFT — Using heel-toe technique downshift to the appropriate gear to maintain torque to provide for acceleration out of the turn. Not all turns require downshifting.

OFF THE BRAKE — While looking ahead to the apex and beyond, smoothly release the brakes when you’re ready to turn in. You generally should not be braking while in the turn, and you want to have given your suspension a brief moment to settle before turning.

TURN IN — Practice ocular driving. Never look where you are. Always look ahead to the next point by physically turning your head. Slowly and smoothly turn the wheel to initiate the turn. Let your hands follow the eyes and use progressive steering.

ACCELERATE — After the turn is initiated smoothly, apply maintenance throttle and progressively increase as you pass the apex and begin to track out to the exit point.

TRACK OUT — As you pass the apex smoothly and progressively unwind the steering wheel. Let the car unwind to the exit point. This is not always needed. Your instructor will explain when and how.

TALK YOURSELF AROUND THE COURSE IN THE FOLLOWING WAY

  1.  Lift off the throttle
  2. On the brake
  3. Downshift
  4. Off the brake
  5. Turn in
  6. On the throttle
  7. Track out

Take the Course and get faster and safer

When you take the course, at the end of the run group, as you slowly return to the paddock, you’ll review the session with your instructor. You will dentify areas and skills you feel comfortable with as well as turns and skills you need to work on.

Be absolutely sure you have the course memorized turn by turn in order.

You’ll use the course map to review the session and talk yourself through each turn over and over. Lift, brake, downshift, off the brake, turn in, on the throttle, track-out. You’ll practice visualizing every turn in order and include any improvements needed … memorize one perfect lap after another. You’ll recognize mistakes and visualize a perfect lap.

Solo: Services of America II (FSA II) June 28, 2015

Event Chair – Chris Brewer, Safety Steward – J. Reuss

Final Results

Total Registered: 19, with Times: 19

Class # Driver Car Model Car Color Times         Total
AS 13 Riley Kelly 2013 Shelby GT500 Gray 59.521+1 57.634 55.088 55.685 55.474 54.375
55.210 55.417+DNF 55.558 55.335 54.375
BS 3 Steve Gruver 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Red 55.739+DNF 54.595 54.298 54.267 54.940 54.203
54.615 54.203 55.608 55.129 54.725
CS 51 James Reuss 2006 Nissan 350Z Silver 56.744 55.824+1 55.207 55.356 56.101 54.490
54.490 55.514 55.142 55.058 55.254
FS 607 Luke Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Orange 57.295 55.833+1 56.763 51.080+DNF 56.570 55.368
56.152 56.326+3 55.368 55.738+1 56.309+2
57.857+DNF
GS 5 Tyler Cook 2015 Ford Taurus SHO Bronze 83.837+1 70.461 63.949 59.567+DNF 59.349 57.465
60.026 61.874+1 58.342+1 57.465 58.444+1
STS 73 Chris Brewer 1997 Mazda Miata Papa Smurf Blue 53.772 53.033 53.249 52.039+1 52.426 52.400
52.400 52.901 52.156+DNF 52.656 [-]0.327
STS 134 Tucker Stewart 1996 Mazda Miata Red 54.568 53.089 52.977 53.192 53.106 52.727
52.727 53.960 53.273 52.745 53.571 +0.327
STS 38 Joel Gruver 2003 Mazda Miata Burgundy 57.527 56.110 55.245+2 55.613 55.540 55.169
55.169 +2.442
STR 74 Dean Johnson 2009 Mazda MX-5 Copper 54.224 53.521 53.371 53.406 52.325 52.325
52.458 53.350 53.425 53.224 52.911
STU 333 Jim Coons 2004 Subaru WRX STI Green 57.720+1 57.861 56.544 55.317 55.515 55.317
55.763+1 55.851+1 57.141 56.128 56.406
SSP 68 John Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 White 62.107+DNF 52.801+1 60.887+DNF 62.152+1 58.227+1 51.094
51.441 51.094 53.128+1 52.247+1 52.165
51.585+2
ESP 24 Dean Herrboldt 1990 Ford Mustang LX White 57.295 56.414 55.324 55.358 55.454 55.324
55.477 56.591 58.309 57.508+1 56.686
FSP 68 Brandon Smith 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Orange 63.423 60.048+1 57.139+1 57.419 56.801+2 57.419
58.611+DNF 56.418+1 57.226+DNF
SMF 808 Ryan Zahn Acura Integra Black 56.688 57.370 56.585 58.877 58.947 56.585
58.745 59.874 59.587 60.396 58.918
SM 70X David Greenfield 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution White 54.293 56.985 53.146 52.865 52.967 51.880
51.880 51.935 52.156+1 52.508 52.400 [-]2.558
SM 2 Jerod Staebler 2000 Chevrolet Camaro Black 61.928 61.374 59.804 62.427 61.273 54.438
55.505+DNF 55.538 55.616 55.882+2 54.438 +2.558
FSL 16 Rachel Sitzman 2012 Mercedes C300 Black 63.409+DNF 60.965 61.595 61.231 62.478+DNF 59.931
59.602+DNF 59.931
GSL 03 Pat Reuss 2013 Fiat Abarth 500 Black 68.776+1 65.855 64.605+1 64.228 64.287+DNF 64.228
64.796
STSL 34 Kendra Branch 1996 Mazda Miata Red 62.096+DNF 57.122 57.188 57.433 57.360 56.659
57.519 58.262 56.700 56.659

 

Top Times Of Day Time Class Driver
Raw time 51.094 SSP John Bonner
Pax 43.387 STS Chris Brewer
Street 54.203 BS Steve Gruver
Touring 52.325 STR Dean Johnson
Street Prepared 51.094 SSP John Bonner
Street Modified 51.880 SM David Greenfield
Street Ladies 59.931 FSL Rachel Sitzman
Touring Ladies 56.659 STSL Kendra Branch

 

Final Raw Time Results

Timed Entries: 19

 

Raw Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Raw Time Diff. From 1st
1 SSP 68 John Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 51.094 0.000 0.000
2 SM 70X David Greenfield 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 51.880 0.786 0.786
3m STR 74 Dean Johnson 2009 Mazda MX-5 52.325 0.445 1.231
4m STS 73 Chris Brewer 1997 Mazda Miata 52.400 0.075 1.306
5m STS 134 Tucker Stewart 1996 Mazda Miata 52.727 0.327 1.633
6m BS 3 Steve Gruver 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 54.203 1.476 3.109
7 AS 13 Riley Kelly 2013 Shelby GT500 54.375 0.172 3.281
8m SM 2 Jerod Staebler 2000 Chevrolet Camaro 54.438 0.063 3.344
9m CS 51 James Reuss 2006 Nissan 350Z 54.490 0.052 3.396
10m STS 38 Joel Gruver 2003 Mazda Miata 55.169 0.679 4.075
11m STU 333 Jim Coons 2004 Subaru WRX STI 55.317 0.148 4.223
12 ESP 24 Dean Herrboldt 1990 Ford Mustang LX 55.324 0.007 4.230
13 FS 607 Luke Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Camaro 55.368 0.044 4.274
14 SMF 808 Ryan Zahn Acura Integra 56.585 1.217 5.491
15 STSL 34 Kendra Branch 1996 Mazda Miata 56.659 0.074 5.565
16 FSP 68 Brandon Smith 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 57.419 0.760 6.325
17 GS 5 Tyler Cook 2015 Ford Taurus SHO 57.465 0.046 6.371
18 FSL 16 Rachel Sitzman 2012 Mercedes C300 59.931 2.466 8.837
19m GSL 03 Pat Reuss 2013 Fiat Abarth 500 64.228 4.297 13.134

Pax Time Results

Timed Entries: 19

Pax Pos. Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Total Factor Pax Time Diff. From 1st
1 STS 73 Chris Brewer 1997 Mazda Miata 52.400 *0.828 43.387 0.000 0.000
2 STS 134 Tucker Stewart 1996 Mazda Miata 52.727 *0.828 43.658 0.271 0.271
3 STR 74 Dean Johnson 2009 Mazda MX-5 52.325 *0.838 43.848 0.190 0.461
4 CS 51 James Reuss 2006 Nissan 350Z 54.490 *0.814 44.354 0.506 0.967
5 SSP 68 John Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 51.094 *0.871 44.502 0.148 1.115
6 BS 3 Steve Gruver 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 54.203 *0.826 44.771 0.269 1.384
7 FS 607 Luke Bonner 2015 Chevrolet Camaro 55.368 *0.810 44.848 0.077 1.461
8 AS 13 Riley Kelly 2013 Shelby GT500 54.375 *0.829 45.076 0.228 1.689
9 SM 70X David Greenfield 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 51.880 *0.870 45.135 0.059 1.748
10 STS 38 Joel Gruver 2003 Mazda Miata 55.169 *0.828 45.679 0.544 2.292
11 GS 5 Tyler Cook 2015 Ford Taurus SHO 57.465 *0.806 46.316 0.637 2.929
12 STU 333 Jim Coons 2004 Subaru WRX STI 55.317 *0.844 46.687 0.371 3.300
13 STSL 34 Kendra Branch 1996 Mazda Miata 56.659 *0.828 46.913 0.226 3.526
14 ESP 24 Dean Herrboldt 1990 Ford Mustang LX 55.324 *0.849 46.970 0.057 3.583
15 SM 2 Jerod Staebler 2000 Chevrolet Camaro 54.438 *0.870 47.361 0.391 3.974
16 FSP 68 Brandon Smith 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 57.419 *0.840 48.232 0.871 4.845
17 SMF 808 Ryan Zahn Acura Integra 56.585 *0.853 48.267 0.035 4.880
18 FSL 16 Rachel Sitzman 2012 Mercedes C300 59.931 *0.810 48.544 0.277 5.157
19 GSL 03 Pat Reuss 2013 Fiat Abarth 500 64.228 *0.806 51.767 3.223 8.380

 

Solo: Skyview High School, June 7, Billings, MT

Event Chair – J. Reuss, Safety Steward – Chris Brewer

Final Results

Total Registered: 22, with Times: 22

Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Car Color Times         Total
1T AS 10 Sayler, Nate 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Orange 78.684 76.506 75.433 77.389 83.755 74.336
74.336 74.711 76.153
2 AS 13 Kelly, Riley 2013 Shelby GT500 Gray 84.598+DNF 80.228 80.544+DNF 79.790 78.619 78.028
78.028 86.345 +3.692
1Tm BS 3 Gruver, Steve 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Red 68.042+DNF 76.108+2 75.524 75.737 74.238 74.238
74.374 75.563 74.695 [-]4.052
2 BS 19 Jensen, Dexter 2008 BMW M6 Blue 61.161+DNF 78.834+DNF 80.244+DNF 78.290 78.290
+4.052
3 m BS 111 Groeling, Chris 2013 Nissan 370Z Silver 92.134 83.773+DNF 82.554 82.829 82.083 78.947
81.382 79.829 78.947 +0.657
1Tm CS 76 Peila, Jarek 2014 Subaru BRZ Gray 82.511 80.601 79.966 77.307 80.821 76.352
77.447 76.352 77.104 [-]0.180
2 m CS 51 Reuss, James 2006 Nissan 350Z Silver 79.693 78.387 78.078 78.235 76.539 76.532
74.485+DNF 76.532 76.684 +0.180
1Tm DS 9 Boettger, Orry 2015 VW Golf R Silver 62.382+DNF 76.191 74.373 61.833+DNF 74.122 73.145
74.317 51.130+DNF 73.145
1T GS 24 Dietrich, Joel 1986 Ford Mustang Black 140.015 91.755 95.131 91.755
[-]7.954
1Tm HS 42 Caudill, Ben 2002 Dodge Intrepid Silver 28.755+DNF 82.915+1 83.801 84.334 83.801
+7.954
2 HS 64 Thompson, Arthur 1968 Triumph Spitfire Red 94.746 93.891 94.214 90.324 90.372 89.393
89.393 +5.592
1Tm STS 34 Stewart, Tucker 1996 Mazda Miata Red 59.260+DNF 75.066 74.843 73.760 74.730 72.837
74.651 73.562 73.355 72.837 [-]0.224
2Tm STS 73 Brewer, Chris 1997 Mazda Miata Blue 75.480 73.974 73.829 73.858 73.615+1 73.061
74.907 73.061 74.284 +0.224
3 m STS 38 Gruver, Joel 2003 Mazda Miata Burgundy 77.325 80.387 82.424 80.345 78.253 76.388
78.554 77.340 76.388 +3.327
4 STS 113 Wietech, Thomas 1990 Mazda Miata red 174.912 79.740 79.643+1 78.368+2 77.240 77.240
77.790+1 76.954+1 89.183+DNF +0.852
1Tm STR 74 Johnson, Dean 2009 Mazda MX-5 Copper 75.980+1 75.994 74.255 74.882 73.997 72.618
73.802 72.618 73.276
1Tm STU 2 Staebler, Jerod 2000 Chevy Camaro Black 82.266+2 82.687 79.508 78.873 77.798+1 77.185
78.076+1 78.556 75.185+1 +2.849
1T CSP 03 Hecker, Scott 2003 Saleen Mustang Red 92.483 90.854 86.322 87.533 85.884 82.433
84.192 85.772+2 82.433
1T SSR 68X Bonner, Luke 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 White 75.441 72.389+1 71.234 71.213 70.671 70.671
2 SSR 68 Bonner, John 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 White 80.938+2 76.191+1 74.021+1 51.149+DNF 76.226 73.011
73.011 68.456+DNF 73.806
1T SSM 999 Miller, Jerett 1984 Ford Mustang Yellow 83.687 82.392 81.517 80.132 82.334 79.247
79.368 79.807 79.247 [-]12.508
1T HSL 72 Bell, Jackie 1999 MItsubishi Eclipse White 83.096 82.898+1 82.353 81.523 81.108 80.413
81.489 80.467 80.413

 

Top Times Of Day Time Class # Driver
Raw time 70.671 SSR 68X Bonner, Luke
Pax 59.393 DS 9 Boettger, Orry
Street 73.145 DS 9 Boettger, Orry
Touring 72.618 STR 74 Johnson, Dean
Street Prepared 82.433 CSP 03 Hecker, Scott
Street R 70.671 SSR 68X Bonner, Luke
Street Modified 79.247 SSM 999 Miller, Jerett
Street Ladies 80.413 HSL 72 Bell, Jackie

Final Raw Time Results

Timed Entries: 22

Raw Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Raw Time Diff. From 1st
1 SSR 68X Bonner, Luke 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 70.671 0.000 0.000
2m STR 74 Johnson, Dean 2009 Mazda MX-5 72.618 1.947 1.947
3m STS 34 Stewart, Tucker 1996 Mazda Miata 72.837 0.219 2.166
4 SSR 68 Bonner, John 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 73.011 0.174 2.340
5m STS 73 Brewer, Chris 1997 Mazda Miata 73.061 0.050 2.390
6m DS 9 Boettger, Orry 2015 VW Golf R 73.145 0.084 2.474
7m BS 3 Gruver, Steve 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 74.238 1.093 3.567
8 AS 10 Sayler, Nate 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 74.336 0.098 3.665
9m CS 76 Peila, Jarek 2014 Subaru BRZ 76.352 2.016 5.681
10m STS 38 Gruver, Joel 2003 Mazda Miata 76.388 0.036 5.717
11m CS 51 Reuss, James 2006 Nissan 350Z 76.532 0.144 5.861
12m STU 2 Staebler, Jerod 2000 Chevy Camaro 77.185 0.653 6.514
13 STS 113 Wietech, Thomas 1990 Mazda Miata 77.240 0.055 6.569
14 AS 13 Kelly, Riley 2013 Shelby GT500 78.028 0.788 7.357
15 BS 19 Jensen, Dexter 2008 BMW M6 78.290 0.262 7.619
16m BS 111 Groeling, Chris 2013 Nissan 370Z 78.947 0.657 8.276
17 SSM 999 Miller, Jerett 1984 Ford Mustang 79.247 0.300 8.576
18 HSL 72 Bell, Jackie 1999 MItsubishi Eclipse 80.413 1.166 9.742
19 CSP 03 Hecker, Scott 2003 Saleen Mustang 82.433 2.020 11.762
20m HS 42 Caudill, Ben 2002 Dodge Intrepid 83.801 1.368 13.130
21 HS 64 Thompson, Arthur 1968 Triumph Spitfire 89.393 5.592 18.722
22 GS 24 Dietrich, Joel 1986 Ford Mustang 91.755 2.362 21.084

Pax Time Results

Timed Entries: 22

Pax Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Total Factor Pax Time Diff. From 1st
1 DS 9 Boettger, Orry 2015 VW Golf R 73.145 *0.812 59.393 0.000 0.000
2 STS 34 Stewart, Tucker 1996 Mazda Miata 72.837 *0.828 60.309 0.916 0.916
3 STS 73 Brewer, Chris 1997 Mazda Miata 73.061 *0.828 60.494 0.185 1.101
4 SSR 68X Bonner, Luke 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 70.671 *0.859 60.706 0.212 1.313
5 STR 74 Johnson, Dean 2009 Mazda MX-5 72.618 *0.838 60.853 0.147 1.460
6 BS 3 Gruver, Steve 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 74.238 *0.826 61.320 0.467 1.927
7 AS 10 Sayler, Nate 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 74.336 *0.829 61.624 0.304 2.231
8 CS 76 Peila, Jarek 2014 Subaru BRZ 76.352 *0.814 62.150 0.526 2.757
9 CS 51 Reuss, James 2006 Nissan 350Z 76.532 *0.814 62.297 0.147 2.904
10 SSR 68 Bonner, John 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 73.011 *0.859 62.716 0.419 3.323
11 STS 38 Gruver, Joel 2003 Mazda Miata 76.388 *0.828 63.249 0.533 3.856
12 STS 113 Wietech, Thomas 1990 Mazda Miata 77.240 *0.828 63.954 0.705 4.561
13 HSL 72 Bell, Jackie 1999 MItsubishi Eclipse 80.413 *0.796 64.008 0.054 4.615
14 BS 19 Jensen, Dexter 2008 BMW M6 78.290 *0.826 64.667 0.659 5.274
15 AS 13 Kelly, Riley 2013 Shelby GT500 78.028 *0.829 64.685 0.018 5.292
16 STU 2 Staebler, Jerod 2000 Chevy Camaro 77.185 *0.844 65.144 0.459 5.751
17 BS 111 Groeling, Chris 2013 Nissan 370Z 78.947 *0.826 65.210 0.066 5.817
18 HS 42 Caudill, Ben 2002 Dodge Intrepid 83.801 *0.796 66.705 1.495 7.312
19 SSM 999 Miller, Jerett 1984 Ford Mustang 79.247 *0.882 69.895 3.190 10.502
20 CSP 03 Hecker, Scott 2003 Saleen Mustang 82.433 *0.861 70.974 1.079 11.581
21 HS 64 Thompson, Arthur 1968 Triumph Spitfire 89.393 *0.796 71.156 0.182 11.763
22 GS 24 Dietrich, Joel 1986 Ford Mustang 91.755 *0.806 73.954 2.798 14.561

 

Solo & Big Sky Corvette Meet: Rimrock Auto Truck Center, May 24, Billings, MT

Event Chair – Steve Gruver, Safety Steward – J. Reuss

Summary Results

Timed Entries: 19

Pos. # Driver Total Diff. From 1st
1 – ‘C1-C4’ Total Entries: 5
1T 64 Markesun, Anthony 55.803 [-]5.041
2T 63 Markuson, Duane 60.844 +5.041 +5.041
3 2 Spoonheim, Chuck 63.901 +3.057 +8.098
4 11 Wilsun, Bruce DNF +63.901 +63.901
5 50 Peters, Pete DNF +63.901 +63.901
1L – ‘C1-C4 (Ladies)’ Total Entries: 2
1T 83 Wing Spooner, Elizabeth 53.939 [-]5.714
2 84 Meeks, Cassidy 59.653 +5.714 +5.714
2 – ‘C5’ Total Entries: 3
1T 72 Hogan, Al DNF
2 40 Wanner, Brian DNF +0.000 +0.000
3 73 Lehrsch, Gary DNF +0.000 +0.000
3 – ‘C6-C7’ Total Entries: 6
1T 39 Boldt, Gary 51.691 [-]6.042
2T 5X Spranget, Gene 57.733 +6.042 +6.042
3 76 Zella, Jerry 58.021 +0.288 +6.330
4 20 Kehrwald, Larry 68.735 +10.714 +17.044
5 30X Cavanagh, Tony DNF +68.735 +68.735
6 2X Sekora, Dave DNS
3L – ‘C6-C7 (Ladies)’ Total Entries: 4
1T 6 Spranget, Wytni 56.033 [-]1.946
2T 86 Gollehon, Michelle 57.979 +1.946 +1.946
3 5 Markuson, Patti 60.085 +2.106 +4.052
4 15 Markuson, Sara 61.571 +1.486 +5.538
4 – ‘Z06’ Total Entries: 6
1T 1 Cox, Tim 47.936 [-]0.075
2T 30 Hagestad, Mike 48.011 +0.075 +0.075
3 21 Hagestad, Steve 49.987 +1.976 +2.051
4 68 Bonner, John 53.598 +3.611 +5.662
5 48 Close, Kelly 54.248 +0.650 +6.312
6 10 Fichtner, Ken DNS
5 – ‘Modified’ Total Entries: 2
1T 85 Gollehon, Gordon 50.944
2 69 Sayler, Nate DNF +50.944 +50.944

Final Results

Total Registered: 28, with Times: 19

Class # Driver Times     Total
1 64 Markesun, Anthony 62.595 57.704 55.803 55.803
[-]5.041
1 63 Markuson, Duane 60.844 61.843 67.724 60.844
+5.041
1 2 Spoonheim, Chuck 70.038+DNF 65.205+DNF 63.901 63.901
+3.057
1 11 Wilsun, Bruce 61.625+DNF 65.548+DNF 56.230+DNF DNF
+63.901
1 50 Peters, Pete 57.914+DNF 55.869+DNF 54.616+DNF DNF
+63.901
1L 83 Wing Spooner, Elizabeth 59.014 57.617 53.939 53.939
[-]5.714
1L 84 Meeks, Cassidy 55.653+2 53.809+DNF 55.732+DNF 59.653
+5.714
3 39 Boldt, Gary 60.515+DNF 52.261 51.691 51.691
[-]6.042
3 5X Spranget, Gene 62.017 57.733 59.726 57.733
+6.042
3 76 Zella, Jerry 69.129+DNF 57.461+DNF 58.021 58.021
+0.288
3 20 Kehrwald, Larry 113.047+DNF 68.735 64.200+DNF 68.735
+10.714
3 30X Cavanagh, Tony 35.246+DNF 66.534+DNF 55.814+DNF DNF
+68.735
3 2X Sekora, Dave DNS
3L 6 Spranget, Wytni 61.639 56.309 54.033+1 56.033
[-]1.946
3L 86 Gollehon, Michelle 70.832 60.433 57.979 57.979
+1.946
3L 5 Markuson, Patti 74.684+DNF 67.656 60.085 60.085
+2.106
3L 15 Markuson, Sara 83.425 67.958 61.571 61.571
+1.486
4 1 Cox, Tim 50.677 49.518 47.936 47.936
[-]0.075
4 30 Hagestad, Mike 50.857+1 49.230 48.011 48.011
+0.075
4 21 Hagestad, Steve 56.586+1 52.089 49.987 49.987
+1.976
4 68 Bonner, John 35.600+DNF 53.598 52.492+1 53.598
+3.611
4 48 Close, Kelly 54.660 51.395+DNF 52.248+1 54.248
+0.650
4 10 Fichtner, Ken DNS
5 85 Gollehon, Gordon 50.944 53.898+DNF 49.945+DNF 50.944
5 69 Sayler, Nate 56.451+DNF DNF
+50.944

 

Top Times Of Day Time Class Driver
Raw time (men) 47.936 4 Cox, Tim
Raw time (women) 53.939 1L Wing Spooner, Elizabeth

Final Raw Time Results

Timed Entries: 19

Raw Pos. Class # Driver Raw Time Diff. From 1st
1 4 1 Cox, Tim 47.936 0.000 0.000
2 4 30 Hagestad, Mike 48.011 0.075 0.075
3 4 21 Hagestad, Steve 49.987 1.976 2.051
4 5 85 Gollehon, Gordon 50.944 0.957 3.008
5 3 39 Boldt, Gary 51.691 0.747 3.755
6 4 68 Bonner, John 53.598 1.907 5.662
7 1L 83 Wing Spooner, Elizabeth 53.939 0.341 6.003
8 4 48 Close, Kelly 54.248 0.309 6.312
9 1 64 Markesun, Anthony 55.803 1.555 7.867
10 3L 6 Spranget, Wytni 56.033 0.230 8.097
11 3 5X Spranget, Gene 57.733 1.700 9.797
12 3L 86 Gollehon, Michelle 57.979 0.246 10.043
13 3 76 Zella, Jerry 58.021 0.042 10.085
14 1L 84 Meeks, Cassidy 59.653 1.632 11.717
15 3L 5 Markuson, Patti 60.085 0.432 12.149
16 1 63 Markuson, Duane 60.844 0.759 12.908
17 3L 15 Markuson, Sara 61.571 0.727 13.635
18 1 2 Spoonheim, Chuck 63.901 2.330 15.965
19 3 20 Kehrwald, Larry 68.735 4.834 20.799
20 1 11 Wilsun, Bruce DNF
21 1 50 Peters, Pete DNF
25 3 30X Cavanagh, Tony DNF
26 5 69 Sayler, Nate DNF
27 3 2X Sekora, Dave DNS
28 4 10 Fichtner, Ken DNS

 

Solo: Food Service of America, April 26, Billings, MT

Event Chair – Chris Brewer, Safety Steward – J. Reuss

Final Results

Total Registered: 16, with Times: 15

Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Car Color Times         Total
1Tm BS 33 Steve Gruver 1986 Chevrolet Corvette Red 49.970 49.815 49.815
1Tm CS 51 James Reuss 2006 Nissan 350Z Silver 49.782+DNF 50.759 50.300 50.300
[-]0.365
2 m CS 76 Varek Peila 2014 Subaru BRZ Gray 85.806+DNF 51.226 50.665 50.665
+0.365
1T DS 00 Orry Boettger 2015 VW Golf R Silver 46.336 45.925 45.925
1Tm FS 02 Mark Francis 2003 Mustang Cobra Red 97.230+DNF 54.201 53.026 53.026
[-]1.786
2 m FS 13 Michael Ros 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Orange 59.359 55.707 54.812 54.812
+1.786
3 m FS 03 Arthur Thompson 1968 Triumph Spitfire Red 52.015+DNF 60.659 58.967 58.967
+4.155
1Tm STS 73 Chris Brewer 1997 Mazda Miata Green 52.789+DNF 50.808+1 50.405+1 48.945 49.607 47.946
48.634 47.946 [-]0.105
2Tm STS 34 Tucker Stewart 1996 Mazda Miata Red 49.825 49.419 49.140 49.004 48.809 48.051
48.051 +0.105
3 STS 13 Thomas Wieteck 1990 Mazda Miata Red 50.817+DNF 51.501 51.878 50.301+1 50.719 50.719
52.549 +2.668
4 STS 43 Jason Hudson 1984 Honda Civic CRX Blue 55.497+DNF 52.103+DNF 51.641 51.641
+0.922
5 m STS 38 Joel Gruver 2003 Mazda Miata Burgundy 55.615+DNF 53.091 53.471 55.133 54.003 52.020
52.020 +0.379
6 STS 1 Kobi Hudson 1984 Honda Civic CRX Blue 52.854 52.522 57.808+DNF 53.344 54.131 52.522
52.639 +0.502
1Tm STR 74 Dean Johnson 2009 Mazda MX-5 Copper 49.780 47.770 48.832 48.492 48.230 47.597
47.597
1Tm CSP 68 Woody Jensen 1990 Honda CRX Red 3.176+DNF 51.457+1 67.512+DNF 14.387+DNF 53.457

 

Top Times Of Day Time Class # Driver
Raw time 45.925 DS 00 Orry Boettger
Pax 37.291 DS 00 Orry Boettger
Street 45.925 DS 00 Orry Boettger
Touring 47.597 STR 74 Dean Johnson
Street Prepared 53.457 CSP 68 Woody Jensen

Final Raw Time Results

Timed Entries: 15

Raw Pos. Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Raw Time Diff. From 1st
1 1 DS 00 Orry Boettger 2015 VW Golf R 45.925 0.000 0.000
2m 1 STR 74 Dean Johnson 2009 Mazda MX-5 47.597 1.672 1.672
3m 1 STS 73 Chris Brewer 1997 Mazda Miata 47.946 0.349 2.021
4m 2 STS 34 Tucker Stewart 1996 Mazda Miata 48.051 0.105 2.126
5m 1 BS 33 Steve Gruver 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 49.815 1.764 3.890
6m 1 CS 51 James Reuss 2006 Nissan 350Z 50.300 0.485 4.375
7m 2 CS 76 Varek Peila 2014 Subaru BRZ 50.665 0.365 4.740
8 3 STS 13 Thomas Wieteck 1990 Mazda Miata 50.719 0.054 4.794
9 4 STS 43 Jason Hudson 1984 Honda Civic CRX 51.641 0.922 5.716
10m 5 STS 38 Joel Gruver 2003 Mazda Miata 52.020 0.379 6.095
11 6 STS 1 Kobi Hudson 1984 Honda Civic CRX 52.522 0.502 6.597
12m 1 FS 02 Mark Francis 2003 Mustang Cobra 53.026 0.504 7.101
13m 1 CSP 68 Woody Jensen 1990 Honda CRX 53.457 0.431 7.532
14m 2 FS 13 Michael Ros 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 54.812 1.355 8.887
15m 3 FS 03 Arthur Thompson 1968 Triumph Spitfire 58.967 4.155 13.042

 

Pax Time Results

Timed Entries: 15

 

Pax Pos. Pos. Class # Driver Car Model Total Factor Pax Time Diff. From 1st
1 1 DS 00 Orry Boettger 2015 VW Golf R 45.925 *0.812 37.291 0.000 0.000
2 1 STS 73 Chris Brewer 1997 Mazda Miata 47.946 *0.828 39.699 2.408 2.408
3 2 STS 34 Tucker Stewart 1996 Mazda Miata 48.051 *0.828 39.786 0.087 2.495
4 1 STR 74 Dean Johnson 2009 Mazda MX-5 47.597 *0.838 39.886 0.100 2.595
5 1 CS 51 James Reuss 2006 Nissan 350Z 50.300 *0.814 40.944 1.058 3.653
6 1 BS 33 Steve Gruver 1986 Chevrolet Corvette 49.815 *0.826 41.147 0.203 3.856
7 2 CS 76 Varek Peila 2014 Subaru BRZ 50.665 *0.814 41.241 0.094 3.950
8 3 STS 13 Thomas Wieteck 1990 Mazda Miata 50.719 *0.828 41.995 0.754 4.704
9 4 STS 43 Jason Hudson 1984 Honda Civic CRX 51.641 *0.828 42.758 0.763 5.467
10 1 FS 02 Mark Francis 2003 Mustang Cobra 53.026 *0.810 42.951 0.193 5.660
11 5 STS 38 Joel Gruver 2003 Mazda Miata 52.020 *0.828 43.072 0.121 5.781
12 6 STS 1 Kobi Hudson 1984 Honda Civic CRX 52.522 *0.828 43.488 0.416 6.197
13 2 FS 13 Michael Ros 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 54.812 *0.810 44.397 0.909 7.106
14 1 CSP 68 Woody Jensen 1990 Honda CRX 53.457 *0.861 46.026 1.629 8.735
15 3 FS 03 Arthur Thompson 1968 Triumph Spitfire 58.967 *0.810 47.763 1.737 10.472

 

 

 

Pat and Jay at Exotics Racing Las Vegas (Happy 60th Birthday, Jay!)

The “Team” surprised me at my 60th birthday party with a gift certificate from Exotics Racing in Las Vegas.  Exotics Racing bills itself as “an exotic car racing school in Las Vegas where you can drive a fleet of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Porsches, McLarens, Audis, Corvettes, and Nissans on a race track.” Located adjacent to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (the NHRA drag strip in Las Vegas), Exotics Racing has a dedicated road course and 14 truly exotic cars to choose from.  It’s a gear head’s dream!

  • The facility, open 7 days a week, is approximately 15 miles NE of the Las Vegas Strip.

The facility, open 7 days a week, is approximately 15 miles NE of the Las Vegas Strip.  If you are staying on the Strip, it is best to use a limousine or Exotics Racing’s shuttle service rather than taking a cab.  If you will be racing more than one car, plan on being there for around 2 hours.  In the photo below looking east, the west grandstands of Las Vegas Motor Speedway are visible.

It was good my “team” was large because when they pooled their money, they were able to afford an “Extreme Driving Experience Package.” An Extreme Package allows you to choose from 14 different experiences which vary based on the number and type(s) of cars you select and how many laps you can drive.  The most seat time is 17 laps in a single-car package with a Mercedes SLS AMG, Aston Martin Vantage, Nissan GTR, or an Audi R8 V10.  At the opposite end of the spectrum, a three-car combo package includes 5 laps per car.  After much deliberation, I ultimately chose “Combo 3” which included a Ferrari 430F1, a Lamborghini Gallardo, and a Nissan GTR.  Each package includes classroom instruction, a “discovery lap” with a professional racing instructor in a Porsche Cayenne GTS, and your own racing experience with an in-car professional instructor.  For an additional charge, you can receive an on-board video of your driving experience including telemetry.

The first car to arrive was their top-of-the-line, lime-green Lamborghini Aventador LP700 (MSRP $400,000+, 700 HP, AWD, 6.5L V12, 7-speed semi-automatic–not dual clutch, but shifts are accomplished in 50 milliseconds.)  At that point, I knew we were not in Montana anymore.

One by one, other cars began to appear.  Most drivers took a few warm-up laps around the track, and the sound was incredible.  Soon the tented paddock was filled with exotic cars of every color and configuration. Patrons were allowed full access to the cars for picture taking, sitting in, and just plain drooling over.

Promptly at 9:45 a.m., the classroom instruction began with a brief, yet thorough, introduction for drivers and guests as to what to expect and how to get the most out of the cars.  A diagram of the proper racing line was explained and information provided regarding the marking of braking points, turn-in points, apex points, and turn-out points.  The drivers were of all
ages and from as far away as Australia.  At the end of the classroom session, various enhancements were offered at discount rates to add laps or
vehicles; the two-for-one discount for additional laps is something I would highly recommend.  As the instructor predicted, it takes most of the 5-lap basic package to learn the course and the car.  The additional 2 or 4 laps allow you to really have fun and lower your lap times.

We then got in small groups to take our “discovery lap” in a Porsche Cayenne where the instructor reinforced what we had just learned in the classroom about the proper driving line and the various cones marking braking points, apexes, etc.

After returning from our discovery lap, we were herded back into the building for helmets and assignment to the instructor for the cars we had chosen.  It was recommended that we choose the “half helmets” if we were taller or driving small-cockpit cars such as the Lamborghinis.

I had decided to first drive the Ferrari F430F1, the least powerful of the three Ferrraris offered by Exotics Racing with a 4.3L V8 and 490hp at 8,500 rpm.  MSRP is approximately $220,000. The next step up is the F430 Scuderia which is rated at 510hp, and topping the list is the F458 Italia with a 4.5L V8 featuring 560hp. The Scuderia and the F458 both have MSRPs of approximately $300,000.  It didn’t take too long to settle into the Ferrari and learn the location of the important controls. All cars at Exotics Racing are automatics that can be operated either by paddle shifters or as fully automatic.  Take it from me, the paddle shifters are great.  No clutches to engage or revs to match–just shift up or down.
After a little light banter with the instructor, I engaged first gear and headed out of the pits.

In the classroom session, we were told not to look at the speedometer, tach, or anything else on the dash–we were to focus on where we were supposed to go.  We were to shift by “sound” or at the direction of the instructor.  Drivers proceed to the entry point of the track and await the instructor’s signal to go.  I had never used a paddle shifter before, but I got used to them pretty quickly.  The only time I messed up was when I attempted to downshift the Nissan GTR by pulling in on the turn signal lever at the end of the main straight.  (Note the video
cameras mounted adjacent to the rear-view mirror in the photo below.)

The F430F1 has a curb weight of 3,197 pounds, just a bit more than my Z06.  The mid-engine car was well balanced and went wherever I pointed it without protest.  The brakes were incredible, but the instructors got a little edgy if you blew past the braking cones without starting your deceleration.  Even though they were not V-12s, the Ferraris had the sweetest sounding exhaust systems!  Taking the Ferrari first proved to be a good decision.  The instructor indicated that I could have gotten more speed out of the car, but I was shifting too early.  I told him my Z06 redline was quite a bit less than the Ferrari’s 8,500 rpm.

When I finished driving the Ferrari, I returned to the building to find the “Team Owner” who was putting my new digital camera through its paces.  Five race laps in a quarter-million dollar Ferrari had definitely “got my motor running” and immediately I was asked, “what car do you want to drive next?”  I had thought I would have to wait in line until
other cars were freed up, but that was not the case.  I decided to relax a bit and have a drink of water while throttling back the adrenaline.

It didn’t take too long to get the itch for my next car, a Lamborghini Gallardo LP550.  Exotics Racing features three Lamborghini models, the Aventador mentioned above, the LP550 and the Superleggera LP570. The Gallardo LP550 is a 5.2L V10 with 550hp at 8,000 rpm, while the Superleggera is a racier version of the Gallardo with 570hp.  MSRPs for these two beauties are $245,000 and $265,000, respectively.

Driving the Lamborghini was fantastic.  It is the same weight as the Ferrari, but has 60 more hp and the sound of the V10 was not as loud as the Ferrari, but sweeter.  I set my fastest lap times of the three cars in the Lamborghini which gave me the impression it would do anything I asked it to do–again, without complaint of any kind.  It was completely comfortable to add steering or acceleration at any point through a corner as the car was very predictable and stable.  (No wonder Justin Bieber drives a Gallardo!) It was with great reluctance that I parked the Lambo and turned off the ignition.

The last car I drove was the Nissan GT-R “Godzilla.” The AWD 3.8L Twin-Turbo V6 530hp beast was a car I have wanted to drive for a long time.  The least expensive of the cars I had chosen (MSRP $115,000), I was certain it would deliver nonetheless.  The other instructors had cautioned me that the Nissan was heavier and would have to be driven accordingly.  At 3,820 lbs, there was a noticeable difference, but the GT-R is no Crown Victoria.  At the end of the day, the Nissan beat my best lap time in the Ferrari, but to be fair, I should have taken the Ferrari out one more time to be sure.  The GT-R is a strong-pulling beast, but it has some body roll and it takes a little more effort to haul down; see photo of the front brakes after my runs.  No doubt about it, I still love the GT-R.

After climbing out of the GT-R, I located the “Team Owner” who informed me that after giving it a great deal of thought, she had narrowed her choice of cars down to the Mercedes SLS AMD (6.2L V8, 563hp, MSRP $201,500) or the Audi R8 V10 (525hp Lamborghini V10 AWD, MSRP $190,000).

Not having much coin left in my pockets, instead I purchased a $99 ride-along “drifting experience” for her in a 505hp Z06. The Filipino driver, Rudy Ibanez, is currently a factory drift pilot in the US and Japan for Weld Racing.  She told him, “Go faster!” through the 90 mph drifts, and she told me, “I want to do that 100 more times!” when she emerged from 2 laps in the Vette.

How do you finish a day like that?  At In-and-Out Burger, of course!

Can’t wait until next time……..

 

Region Loses One of its Best: Dwight Gilliland

Dwight Gilliland

Dwight Gilliland

Dwight Gilliland passed away on February 21, 2014, at age 61, after a long battle with chronic health issues.  Godspeed, Dwight!

Below is Dwight’s YSCCA Profile while he was with us

My introduction to sports cars came when I was 4 or 5 years old, living in California. A college student who was renting a room from us would occasionally take me for a ride in his MG TD. Ten years later in Billings, MT, I was racing off-road in a dune buggy I had built. Two members of the local sports car club came to one of our off-road meetings to invite us to an autocross. Two weeks after that, I got my driver’s license, lowered my car, and took my first turn around a pylon. Life has not been “normal” since.
Another ten years and I was still autocrossing all over Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and South Dakota in everything from a Bugeye Sprite to a Lamborghini. I was also road racing in cars ranging from a Caldwell Formula Ford to a McLaren-Matich Can-Am.

At that point, my sponsors and banks decided that I should try a different job and I couldn’t come up with a good counterargument. Still obsessed with speed, I went to work for other race teams. It has been my good fortune to work for teams running under various sanctioning bodies all over the world. I’ve done stints as a mechanic, crew chief, fabricator, and occasionally, driver.

After many years of listing “Holiday Inn” as my permanent address, Billings, MT, called me back home.

My second attempt at building a dedicated autocross car resulted in the “Avenger.” The “Avenger” has taken me to two 4ths, a 5th, and a 10th at SCCA Solo Nationals, and resulted in a National Championship for my wife, Kristi. I also set new overall records at various events sanctioned by the Northwest Hillclimb Association.

Kristi and I are now driving a Lotus Elan, Subaru WRX, and a dog sled.

>My thanks to our sport for a unique lifestyle and all the friends that have come with it.

Year End Party and Award Ceremony

The winners of the Dick Hager Memorial “Spirit of the Sport” award and the Grant Cameron Memorial “Driver of the Year” award were announced at the Region’s Year-End Party at The Windmill Restaurant on February 1, 2014.  In the photo above, Regional Executive Chris Brewer awards the “Spirit of the Sport” award to Dean Johnson and the “Driver of the Year” award to Ben Caudill.  The party was well-attended despite the chilly weather.  Everyone in attendance appeared to have a great time!