Autox Viders and Picz
09-07-2009, 02:49 PM
#23
Boost Czar
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My first group of shots are on a Nikon D40 with a VR 55-200mm, the second grouping posted, I'm not sure I think a nikon. These last ones are one a Canon Rebel with a 55-250mm.
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09-07-2009, 04:20 PM
#26
This is where our autocrosses usually are:
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&...,0.009516&z=17
Doing this one on Wednesday:
miller motorsports park - Google Maps
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&...,0.009516&z=17
Doing this one on Wednesday:
miller motorsports park - Google Maps
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09-14-2009, 11:12 AM
#28
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You should be able to hit 60 or 70 in a fast car in the smallest autocrosses IMO. Most of these clubs are scared to push the envelope. Needz moar ballzy designerzes. Or larger paved venues.
Fast cars on our autocrosses can top 90 in the fast sections. That's why a non-turbo slow-*** Miata suffers so badly compared with the high horse cars. That is also why I run with the guys that I do. The other local autocross groups are pantywaists. These are car guys first. They have rules, but they want to maximize fun. And if you don't get 15-20 runs in a day, then you aren't lining up. Joe Perez can vouch for all of this.
Fast cars on our autocrosses can top 90 in the fast sections. That's why a non-turbo slow-*** Miata suffers so badly compared with the high horse cars. That is also why I run with the guys that I do. The other local autocross groups are pantywaists. These are car guys first. They have rules, but they want to maximize fun. And if you don't get 15-20 runs in a day, then you aren't lining up. Joe Perez can vouch for all of this.
One of the local lots we use (Prince George's stadium in Bowie, MD) has additional space, but you need to go between islands. We chose not to for safety. Other clubs have and I know of 2 cars that "met" the island with really bad results.
Also, I don't know how the heck you squeeze 15-20 runs in a day. How many cars show up to an event? What are average range of times? What's the maximum number of cars on course at any given point?
We've tried to balance seat time, profitability (or at least break even), keep costs affordable, etc. I'd like to know the logistics that you guys experience where you are. Like Braineack stated, good lots are hard to come by in the D.C./Baltimore area.
Regarding ACU-4: Wow, I love that lot! It's so grippy. The only gripe I had was the sand blowing up. I heard folks complain about saltwater in the past. The folks there were really cool as well.
Braineack: where were these taken? Which group hosted the event?
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09-14-2009, 12:21 PM
#30
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NCC BMW CCA. Up at Prince George's police training lot. I was going to do the bowie event with CDC but everyone said do this lot instead. I don't think it was really worth the extra 45 minutes on the highway to get there.
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09-14-2009, 01:02 PM
#31
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Also, I don't know how the heck you squeeze 15-20 runs in a day. How many cars show up to an event? 20-35 cars
What are average range of times? :50 to 1:20 depending on how many slower elements we add. We remove some slower elements if turnout is high or remove/alter them as the day progresses. Also we start running between 8am and 9am and run until between 4pm and 6pm depending on interest. Strangely, a lot of attendees leave at lunchtime or shortly after and don't return. That lets the rest of us get a lot more runs.
What's the maximum number of cars on course at any given point? 2 cars, but we design the course so that the second one can start pretty early depending on turnout.
We've tried to balance seat time, profitability (or at least break even), keep costs affordable, etc. We are a 501C non-profit charity
I'd like to know the logistics that you guys experience where you are. Per driver $30 members, $40 non-members
Like Braineack stated, good lots are hard to come by in the D.C./Baltimore area. We lately use the state fairgrounds or a local municipal airport facility.
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09-14-2009, 01:03 PM
#32
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Added note regarding speeds and autocrosses: Our club boasts a fairly good safety record. As much as I'd love to use some of my faster course designs, they usually get modified or scrapped for safety reasons. We sometimes get some close calls. At 60-70mph with a novice driver, you need to have a LOT of runoff, spacing b/w cars and hard targets, and most importantly safe spots for course workers, spectators, and other participants.
I can't imagine 90+ mph at an autocross unless you run somewhere like an airfield where visibility and runoff are good.
I can't imagine 90+ mph at an autocross unless you run somewhere like an airfield where visibility and runoff are good.
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09-14-2009, 01:16 PM
#33
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It's Florida, so it's pretty damn flat for good visibility anyway.
The venue dictates the speed for sure. That's why I am always trying to find the next great venue. All of our members are. And because we are a charity (we donate a nice sized check to the Shriners' Children's Hospital every year), we have great insurance, and several of our members are high-ranking firemen with one of the local counties, we can get property owners to give us a chance when others might fail.
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09-14-2009, 04:38 PM
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Our 1 incident that I can think of recently was at Summit Point where a very nice 2-seater ended up in the grassy circle islands on the Washington skidpad circuit. Well, he managed to find the lone big rock there.
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09-14-2009, 04:40 PM
#36
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+1
It's Florida, so it's pretty damn flat for good visibility anyway.
The venue dictates the speed for sure. That's why I am always trying to find the next great venue. All of our members are. And because we are a charity (we donate a nice sized check to the Shriners' Children's Hospital every year), we have great insurance, and several of our members are high-ranking firemen with one of the local counties, we can get property owners to give us a chance when others might fail.
It's Florida, so it's pretty damn flat for good visibility anyway.
The venue dictates the speed for sure. That's why I am always trying to find the next great venue. All of our members are. And because we are a charity (we donate a nice sized check to the Shriners' Children's Hospital every year), we have great insurance, and several of our members are high-ranking firemen with one of the local counties, we can get property owners to give us a chance when others might fail.
Ahhh, we typically try to squeeze in 60-90 participants, unless it's a test-and-tune (40 cars w/ about 10+ runs). $25 members/$35 nonmembers.
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