Flaming exhaust pipe at NJMP Thunderbolt

[Gene]

First off, I had a blast this weekend.  This is my second event with RTR PCA and I have to say it was one of the most fun, safe, and well organized events I've been to.

I'm the guy who was driving the Red RX-7, you know, the one that was smoking real bad (that's fixed now) and receiving reports that I was shooting flames not just on throttle off and downshifts (normal for a turbo rotary) but also halfway down the straightaway while on full throttle, as well as while on part throttle around the righthand curve of the octopus. (not so normal)

Does anyone who was driving behind me have video of this happening?  I'm thinking something is drastically wrong with my tuning, or I may have an ignition problem.  Either way I'm going to need to visit my tuner and I want to bring as much information as possible.

[delanckc]

Gene,

I know we teamed up for a couple runs and I did record one session that I still have on disk.  I'll check my camera tonight to see if I captured a 'flaming' moment.

Kevin

[ADCooperS]

Hi Gene,

I unfortunately do not have video however I can confirm that I saw the flames at the Octopus.  I noticed them around the time you were exiting the right hand turn of the octupus and starting to turn left.  I also noticed it about three quarters of the way down the main straight.  Maybe you had lifted at that point though but it seems a little early. 

[delanckc]

Gene,

Review of the tape revealed no RX7 but I definitely remember seeing large flames coming out going into the hard left hander before the octopus and in the decelerator of the octopus.  Actually I remember the smell of the flames as much as the flames themselves.  Reminded me of the batmobile. 

Kevin

[ADCooperS]

Gene,

This link will take you to a video of your car at different points on the track where there were flames...

http://www.vimeo.com/2038759

This was taken by Chris driving the Black GTI.  I hope this helps!

[Gene]

Holy crap that's a lot!  It seems to be when I'm full on the brakes too.

[ADCooperS]

Yes it definitely seems to be when you are full on the brakes.  The first time I saw you I was preparing for your car to explode, but my instructor said that it was "normal".  From what I saw the only time it did not do it at all was when you were full on the gas. 

[Gene]

So you were seeing it when I was on part throttle around the big sweeping turns for example?

[ADCooperS]

I specifically remember seeing you at the Octupus, where I noticed the fire while you were turning, and then nearing the end of the front straight, which you can see in the video.  Maybe Chris or someone else could answer your question about other corners.   

[jahwerx]

Gene wrote:

So you were seeing it when I was on part throttle around the big sweeping turns for example?

Exactly when I noticed the biggest flames - entering the second fast right hander in the Octopus!

I wish the video (which was awesome) had the smell-o-vision too, which definitely added to the drama!

-j