09-17-2009, 11:20 PM
ninjabones wrote:
I am not nearly as proficient as most of the drivers, particlularly here in the UK. Whether that is getting to know the MX-5 (more HP and less grip than SSM cars), learning the track in qualifying, still not getting the standing starts very well (it is HARD!), not having had years racing karts before getting in a car or whatever, I cannot say, but the lap times speak for themselves--mine suck. It's not so much that I've lost the enchantment of SSM, it's more that in the time I have to race I doubt I will gain the proficiency I would need to run at the front. So I'm thinking about a faster car in a less competetive class, whether that is SPBOX or GTC2. It would also be nice to have a car that can work in a DE as well as a race so that I can concentrate on one car and not two.
Glen, I encourage you (and others here) to rent a SSM car for a SCCA MAARS race next year. I think it is enough different from the NASA racing you have done to merit a try. Being among 45-50 cars barrelling into T1 at Summit Point is a kick. Not lifting for T4 and being flat from T6 to T10 is a skill. Different than driving a G Stock or GTC2 car no doubt, but challenging, particularly when you are surrounded by other cars.
Quote:I've already given you my $0.02 on this issue. It took you a lot longer than me to lose the enchantment with miata racing.Glen, I do appreciate your thoughts. Let me explain a bit more of my thinking about Spec Miata, though, based on a year of SSM and SM with the SCCA MARRS series and six races in MX-5s here in the UK. These cars are low HP so to be fast one must be right at the limit everywhere on the track, particularly entering the turns. The fields are large and many drivers are very close in ability. The racing is therefore very tight.
I am not nearly as proficient as most of the drivers, particlularly here in the UK. Whether that is getting to know the MX-5 (more HP and less grip than SSM cars), learning the track in qualifying, still not getting the standing starts very well (it is HARD!), not having had years racing karts before getting in a car or whatever, I cannot say, but the lap times speak for themselves--mine suck. It's not so much that I've lost the enchantment of SSM, it's more that in the time I have to race I doubt I will gain the proficiency I would need to run at the front. So I'm thinking about a faster car in a less competetive class, whether that is SPBOX or GTC2. It would also be nice to have a car that can work in a DE as well as a race so that I can concentrate on one car and not two.
Glen, I encourage you (and others here) to rent a SSM car for a SCCA MAARS race next year. I think it is enough different from the NASA racing you have done to merit a try. Being among 45-50 cars barrelling into T1 at Summit Point is a kick. Not lifting for T4 and being flat from T6 to T10 is a skill. Different than driving a G Stock or GTC2 car no doubt, but challenging, particularly when you are surrounded by other cars.
Chris
981 GT4
996 GT3 Cup
911 Carrera Sport Coupe
PCA Nationally Trained DE Instructor #200810247
Genesee Valley BMW CCA Instructor
981 GT4
996 GT3 Cup
911 Carrera Sport Coupe
PCA Nationally Trained DE Instructor #200810247
Genesee Valley BMW CCA Instructor