I just figured I'd start a thread where all things autocross and PDX(performance driving experience) related can be discussed.

To start things off on the autocross discussion, I'll give you all a couple of links to some pretty big changes that the STL region has made to the way this year's regular races will be run:

A list of the changes can be found here:
http://sccaforums.com/forums/storage/819/235008/What%27s%20New.2.pdf

Some key changes are the facts that we will be getting no less than six runs per day spread across two different driving heats and passengers will be allowed throughout the entire competition runs as long as they sign the waiver as they come into the gate. Heats will also be assigned based on class, like divisional and national tour events. The street tire classes have been altered a bit, too.

The real important change for newcomers and those who just aren't sure if they are ready to get serious about autocrossing: If you're running stock but don't want to pony up the dough for race tires you can instead run in an indexed street tire class based on what class your car would originally be in. For example: If you're running OEM tires on a mostly stock RX-8 you would've in the past be lumped into the same class (B stock or just BS) as those of us running (soon to be) stock 8's on race tires. Instead, now you will be in another new class called TBS and will compete against other cars that are also running on street tires in other classes with the winner being decided as the one with the lowest index time which is calculated by multiplying your time by your parent class's index factor. It sounds confusing, but it's actually simple once you experience it.

Now for the other handy link and explanation:
http://www.stlsolo.org/RegisterOnline/2007SeasonSubscriptionRegistration/tabid/69/Default.aspx

This is the page where you can pre-register for the entire season and get a nice little discount in process. This year they've upped the cost for all competitors (even SCCA members). If you preregister for the entire season prior to April 12th and get your SCCA membership you'll essentially get two events free over the course of the season. With the combination of the preregistration AND SCCA membership you end up saving a bit of money in the long run if you're into autocrossing or even want to have some Sundays this year taken up by some weekend warrior stunt driving fun!

Here's the event entry fees:
$25 for pre-registered SCCA members
$30 for SCCA members entering at the event
$35 for pre-registered non-SCCA members
$40 for non-SCCA members entering at the event
$200 for ALL events for SCCA members
$280 for ALL events for non-SCCA members

So far there are 10 scheduled regular events. I'm not sure if the STL region will be hosting the MidDiv Championship event again this year or not. It's not currently on the schedule, but that doesn't mean anything.

Link to the STL Region schedule:
http://www.stlsolo.org/Default.aspx?tabid=56

Anyway, I hope to see all of the "old guys" out there a bit more this year. All of those who haven't autocrossed or (legitimately) raced your 8 but have always wanted to know how it could do against those lesser handling cars ;), this is your venue. It's SCCA insured, safe, loads of fun, and definitely gets the adrenaline junkies their fix in short bursts. Plus you can bring your wife/girlfriend along for the ride now!

If you have any questions you can certainly PM me and I'd be more than happy to help out if I can.

-B

I can't wait to try out the new tires. I've taken some turns FAST and still no sliding. Watch out Bill... I'm coming after your a$$.

Yeah...what he said. But knowing me, I'll always be three seconds behind. At least I have your back that way.

I actually read all of that now. 6 RUNS!? Thats awesome. I'm definitely joining SCCA this year, it wasn't worth it last year since I started late. DerbyDame (Molly) is going to be excited to hear that she can ride along.
I still need to get a helmet, any suggestions? I want one that I can use for autocross and for a street-legal dirtbike that I will no doubt be getting sometime in the near future.

I'm coming after your a$$
Totally hetrosexually by the way.

scorpion makes some really good (quality) motorcycle helmets for a decent price and they have some cool designs .
do most people use more of a dirt bike helmet or a street helemet?

http://www.scorpionusa.com/equipment/helmets.html

I still need to get a helmet, any suggestions? I want one that I can use for autocross and for a street-legal dirtbike that I will no doubt be getting sometime in the near future.
Well, the SCCA rules are still on SNELL 95 or greater compliant, which pretty much describes all helmets out there short of those Harley rider favorites... brain buckets.

I'd say get something that you can have good peripheral vision with. Personally, I run with an open-faced helmet in autocrossing and track days just because it gets pretty hot in the summer. On the bike I strongly recommend a full-face helmet with a visor. I can't count how many times my face would've been ripped off by a stone or concrete thrown up by another car if it weren't for the visor on the helmet. Of course a combined velocity of me and the stone at impact is usually well over 100mph. :)

My personal opinion is that street helemts are much more comfortable than dirt bike style, they are just too narrow. Just take the visor off a street one

As far as the 6 runs idea... that's a MINIMUM we'll run with the new way it's organized. There will be a lot less waiting around as a result, too. The only unfortunate thing with this idea is that they're starting a slight bit earlier in the morning. But that's a small price to pay for having to sit around only one of four heats (you still have to work one heat).

Waterlogged - Congratulations on having the gayest quote on the rx8 club in your signature:

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Waterlogged - Congratulations on having the gayest quote on the rx8 club in your signature:

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
I don't know... I'd have to say "I'm coming after your a$$" as stated above takes the cake.

Oh yeah... they're back! :fruit: :fruit:

OHH BURN :flamed: :flamed: :FIREdevil :suitdance :rl:

NOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooo.....

Smiley abuse! :iwstupid: :tank: :jerkit:

Also, Chase see the past conversation for my aversion to the dancing fruity casper. I probably won't get anything done at work now. Little f**ker dancing in circles

:bootyshak Ya im at school right now so i have nothing better to do

I'm at work... feel your pain. Where do you go to school?

CBC, ya its not to much fun
but we got laptops so its ok

Ok, stupidly enough I ordered my race tires for this coming season THEN I started talking myself into getting a set of lightweight wheels to go with them. I could've saved a bunch of bucks having Tire Rack mount the tires on the new wheels for me. Anyone know of a place that'll mount tires for the cheap?

Here's the two sets I'm considering. Thoughts?
O.Z. Ultraleggera: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&showRear=no&filterSize=&filterFinish=&filterSpecial=&initialPartNumber=W0171220453B&autoMake=Mazda&autoModel=RX-8+6-speed&autoYear=2005&autoModClar=

SSR Comp-H: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&showRear=no&filterSize=&filterFinish=&filterSpecial=&initialPartNumber=TCH8848JAML&autoMake=Mazda&autoModel=RX-8+6-speed&autoYear=2005&autoModClar=

Both of them come in different finishes but I like the darker colors for race wheels.

The SSR's look much, much better to me. I've never been a fan of the spoke rims (with lots of spokes). The SSR's are much lighter (and I noted they're much more expensive too...)

1 vote SSR! :icon_tup:

Yeah, and the fact that the OZ wheel, especially if I went with the gold, would look like those silly STi boys. I'm leaning a little more towards the SSRs as well.

Right now I'm not quite sure what my budget will be, as I haven't finished my taxes yet. That should be done this weekend. Without doing my deductions I'm looking to be in good shape, but then I have to also decide if I really want to spend the money on wheels. If the taxes are a pleasant surprise (yeah right) then it'll be a no-brainer.

The only other thing holding me back is the fact that this year will be the first time I've had R-compound tires on this car. I kinda wanted to do things in stages to reach the limits of myself before getting the car fully setup.

Of course all of this doubt will change if I find someone who wants to co-drive the car this season and cover 1/2 the cost of the tires. :)

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/_inc/getGraphic.cfm?graphic=SFPLImage29800.jpg&siteid=214264&catalogID=3987

My vote goes for these. 17.6 pounds, and definitely more expensive...

Mazdaspeed wheels by the way, $512 each

Come in gold or gun metal!

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/_inc/getGraphic.cfm?graphic=SFPLImage29800.jpg&siteid=214264&catalogID=3987

My vote goes for these. 17.6 pounds, and definitely more expensive...
What's the offset, width, and diameter of that wheel? To stay in stock class, I need a wheel that's 18x8, and 44-50mm offset. There's tons of wheels that I'd LOVE to have for daily driving that fit into the 18x8.5 size.

Mazdaspeed... no thanks.

I've also found another less-expensive wheel that fits, but still not as nice as the SSR:
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&showRear=no&filterSize=18&filterFinish=&filterSpecial=&initialPartNumber=W01754204BS&autoMake=Mazda&autoModel=RX-8+6-speed&autoYear=2005&autoModClar=

Edit: Just realized your two posts were about the same thing. Perhaps that's what the whole "mazdaspeed" watermark on the photo meant, eh?

I am anti-gold tires in general. But I like the SSR's. I might be looking at getting some wheels this summer too. A little present to me.

Is anyone else here making it to the Test & Tune at Gateway Sunday morning?

I don't think I'll be there.

I haven't registered, so I guess I wont. IT'll be cold. I may do a wax on my car if it warms enough, I just bought the zaino complete show car polish kit, can't wait!

Just need to say that the test and tune went phenomenal! I think I got the car (and myself) dialed in pretty well. I continued to get faster with almost every run even though the tires never really got up to optimal temperature. I thought originally I would hate running a stock car, but the addition of R compound tires and a well thought-out alignment takes all that away!

I was turning in faster times than most people over the course of the day and still a little more to give. Yes, I was even running faster than the STis in STU class. Of course they were on "street" tires and have a slightly better index multiplier when it comes to race day, so I need to remain ahead of them.

The other RX-8s that were there are most likely going to be running in the new street tire class this year, TBS. They were putting in some decent times and should do well this year against the other street tire classes.

This is going to be an RX-8 season... I can feel it!!

I'm jealous. I have to miss next week too since I'm out of town.

Glad to hear its the year of the rx8! You know we're counting on you Bill to make us look respectable!

Here's another bit of fun facts that might help you all make up your minds on whether or not to come to the races. I did some data acquisition at the test session yesterday and was able to get 1.29 lateral g's, 0.94 braking g's, and 0.56 accelerating g's (at the top end of 1st gear. All other readings were roughly 0.4g in 2nd). All of this on semi-cold tires! I'm looking forward to what warm tires will get me. I'm thinking I can potentially get upwards of 1.5g.

For comparison: Motor Trend in '04 says the 8 gets: 0.92g lateral, 0.92g braking, and 0.31g accelerating.

Did you get lightweight wheels??

Nah, I talked myself out of it for a while. I figured I should probably see how things go on the extra OEM rims I have and revisit the idea later in the season when I decide which (if any) National tour events I want to hit.

So who is all going this Sunday the 15th? I assume it is at Gateway, is that correct Waterlogged?

Yep, it's at Gateway. If you're going to come, make sure you get there by about 7:30 or so. This year things are going to be run a little differently and it couldn't hurt to get there a bit early to make sure all is well. Plus an extra set of hands to work on my car are always appreciated. :)

Make sure you take some pictures to post! I still have those from last year Bill they are waiting to be posted. There's one of you where you can actually see your face up pretty close... before I got yelled at.

Haha... I forgot about that. I'll PM you with a place to upload the pictures tomorrow and I'll post links here for everyone. I'm off tomorrow so I can enjoy my one day of relaxation before all hell breaks loose this weekend. I still have a couple things on Saturday to do to convert the car back to "stock". Something makes me feel that I'm doing my modding in the wrong direction. Crazy.

Hey terrets, what ever happened to that video your girl took at Gateway when we were all racing? Is that uploaded anywhere?

Also, if I get there around 7:30 Sunday, does anyone want to meet at the Burger King across the street for breakfast? I can get there earlier if necessary.

I'm probably going to be dragging ass as it is. It's a bit further drive for me. I'll be lucky to be there on time. I'll definitely have to load the car up on Saturday night.

We had a great turnout of RX-8s at the autocross this past Sunday. A certain red RX-8 :) won the class ahead of a 350z. Another red RX-8 was close behind him to take 3rd. Just proves my point that red is faster! A yellow and black one had a bit of a subwoofer/ballast issue but managed to crank out a respectable time by the end of the day. A black one ended up being in STU. I didn't get a chance to talk to him to ask why he decided to do that when he's stock. Hmmm...

This was a great start to the 07 season. The next race is on Mother's Day. How many of you are going to be like me and say "mom, can I swing by on Saturday instead of Sunday?"

See you all there!

Who was the 2nd red one?

Congrats on the victory :beerchug:

Like I said we rely on you to make us look good!

I'll be in Lake Tahoe on mother's day, so I'll miss the next one too... Why are there 4 weeks until the next event?

Way to go Bill. I am really excited to do it this year. I ready to crack some skulls in the street tire class. How many runs did you guys get?

We were supposed to have six runs, until a Miata spun out across the finish line and came to a stop against and atop a chain link fence. So we were cut short to five runs. See the excitement all you guys are missing.

Someone actually wrecked in autoX?? It seemed so fool proof to me...

Yeah, I called it that morning during the course walkthrough. There was a nasty finish that combined an off-camber turn right near the end that had a bit of water on it. To top things off it was on that blacktop surface. Needless to say it was EXTREMELY slick right near the end of the course where people are being the most aggressive to make up time. The miata got a smacked up fender but continued to run throughout the day and a Mini ended up almost in the same position.

The main problem was people not being smart and just giving it up when the car started to get out of control at the end of the run. Both major incidents happened AFTER the finish lights.

Hopefully everyone has learned a lesson and won't setup another course that was so obviously risky... especially when it's the ONLY spot on the course that is wet. It's easy to prepare for a slide when the whole thing is wet. But when it's one spot it can potentially catch you off-guard.

It caugh me off guard, even after the miata and mini incidents. However, I was prepared for it if it were to happen. My second to last run, I came to a spinning stop just across the finish line. Once I felt it go, I just locked it up and stopped it before it got way out of control. Made for a dramatic cross of the finish line though.

Maybe some of the "slick finishes" the other day could have taken some advice from the guys on this video. Nice RX8 video from some of the guys on here over in Europe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUcQiyf6pvw

Bill-

Did you have to remove your emanage for bs? Have you been keeping an eye on this Cobb Accessport? I think I may be picking one up when it is released.

Heard a rumor from Auffenberg yesterday that next year Mazda will be putting out a turbo-charged Mazda Speed 8. However, they were also trying to get me to come in and trade in my car. Not sure how much truth or sales pitch is behind it all. I will personally just wait and see.

I'm sure if that were true, this site would be lit up like christmas. Soooooo... I'm going to have to call BS on that.

Bill-

Did you have to remove your emanage for bs? Have you been keeping an eye on this Cobb Accessport? I think I may be picking one up when it is released.
I had to remove it. I've pretty much given up on engine management minus possibly getting the Racing Beat map. But even then the cost to hp isn't really much of anything. Plus I believe I'd be bumped into a street prepared class.

Of course when I finally decide to go forced induction I'll have to go with some additional tuning. Then I can also put the suspension goodies back on that I had to take off this year. Street mod here I come!

The St. Louis PDX (Performance Driving Experience) at Gateway is accepting registrations. I'm most likely going to be doing both of these. For more info check here: http://stlscca.org/Default.aspx?tabid=145.

If you've ever wanted to pretend you were a racecar driver for a day yet were too unsure about the risk, this is your chance to do it. There are instructors for the novices (don't be afraid to admit it) and they can ride with you as often as you like helping you around the course. Last year I had Steve Burkett as an instructor and couldn't have had a better time... legally. Passing is not permitted except when waved by in particular zones. Novices only have one passing zone: the main straight. As you move up the skill level you are allowed additional parts on the track to pass.

The RX-8 is a great track car that holds its own against higher horsepower cars. What better way to make those V-8s jealous? If you want more info send me a PM.

I might do that this year. It all depends on how nice vegas is to me.

The 2nd SCCA Solo race is this Sunday, May 13th. I hope to see some more rotaries being represented this time. If you've never been out there, now's your chance. For more info check http://www.stlsolo.org or just shoot me a PM.

Edit: I've corrected the date.

I'll be there and I'm preregistered.

It looks like they've switched BS to the 2nd and 4th heats for the race tomorrow. So those that are coming to watch, you can sleep in a bit longer since we probably won't be driving until about 11:00 or so. Those that are driving you'll still need to get there early so you can work in either the 1st or 3rd heats.

Thanks for the info. I wonder why they changed it?

They swapped it to be fair to those that get stuck in the rain or on cold tires. Before if it rained in the morning and dried up in the afternoon and you happened to be one of the unlucky ones to run in the rain you still have a chance to compete over the course of the season and within the later heats. That's the main reason why we're running all cars of the same class in the same heats and we each get to drive in two of them. Nobody gets an advantage due to weather. Of course if you drive an Evo or STi you don't have to worry about it.

Another great autocross this past weekend. The weather was beautiful, the course rewarded smooth drivers, and there were 4 RX-8s representing B-stock. I was the only RX-8 on R-compounds that could take full advantage of the warmer weather but the street tire clad 8s definitely held their own. I'd love to see what these guys can do with some sticky tires.

But most importantly, I sent an overly ego'ed STi-driving rival home crying about how poor he did. Honestly I'm not sure if I'm the reason he's so upset, but let's just say that he's got well over 100hp/tq over me, stage 2 turbo map, fully setup suspension, stickers aplenty (they make you go faster), and he still couldn't beat me in raw time (he barely got me in the overly generous STU index).

Yes boys and girls, you heard it right. A stock RX-8 beat a highly prepped Subaru STi. I'll admit, most of this can be attributed to the fact that the course didn't have many spots where raw acceleration had a large advantage like it usually does. While walking the course in the morning I told baseballgenius that it was going to be a close one with the higher-horsepowered cars. The margin ended up being only 0.2 seconds ahead of said arrogant wonder, and I only finished 0.02 seconds ahead of his co-driver who is an autocross legend. But a win is a win.

So far I'm happy with the way the car is hooking up this year. There's a bit more work to do with the idiot behind the wheel, but I'm improving. I've looked at the in-car videos and can definitely tell I need some work on hitting good lines consecutively as I'm getting faster. I'll try to post a couple videos later this evening showing what I mean by that as well as the G-tech data logs (for Richard) showing the two runs for comparison.

The next race is on Memorial Day. Get all your BBQs out of the way on Saturday and Sunday so you guys can join me in laying the smack down on Monday!

I am happy to say I dropped a good 3 seconds off my time over the day. Shaving ever closer.

Yep, all it takes is time and patience. It's super easy to over drive when autocrossing. Finding the line between all out and grace is the key to going fast.

It sounds silly, but the best way to learn that without being in the car is to drive a fully tuned muscle car in a driving game (Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo)and turning off traction control. I prefer Forza because it promotes good lines and penalizes you for hitting things. You can even do it in your car since you've got the three screens and a PS2. :)

Here's the in-car videos from this past weekend. As you can tell I still have some work to do on the camera mount to absorb some of the vibrations. The noise you hear clunking around is my medication bottle rolling around in the compartment right underneath the camera. Amazing how you don't hear such things when you're driving like a bat out of hell! :)

Run 1 @ 45.797: (43.1MB) http://www.landsharktech.com/rx8/05132007/heat4run1.mov
Run 2 @ 45.176 (with baseballgenius riding shotgun): (50.2MB) http://www.landsharktech.com/rx8/05132007/heat4run2.mov
Run 3 @ 45.176: (52.4MB)http://www.landsharktech.com/rx8/05132007/heat4run3.mov

Yeah, I didn't hear that either when I was riding with someone driving like a bat out of hell...you, by the way - lol.

Reminder... Autocross at Gateway on Memorial Day (Monday). Make sure you sign up early and save $5 plus it saves you waiting in line at the event.

what time should I get there? I am pre-registered and am in TBS.

I'll be getting there at 7:30AM. This will give me enough time to change tires, check-in for work assignment, and walk the course a few times. I don't have to tech since I was able to get an annual tech.

Since this is your first race of the year you don't have a permanent work assignment and you want to beat the huge line in grid that usually shows up at 8:15ish. So I'd show up right about the same time as me or a just a little bit later so you'll have plenty of time to walk the course a few times. Plus if you get done with everything early then you can help me with my car setup. :)

I usually get there about 7:30 myself. Gives me enough time to help Bill out.

If that keeps up we'll need some t-shirts that say "Bill's Bitches" .:bottom: J/K I signed up online for a work position, does that count?

The online work position should count....that's how I have done mine so far.

Good turn out yesterday at Gateway. I believe we had a total of five 8's racing along with two or three in addition as spectators that I saw.

Yeah we had all colors of the spectrum except blue, well and the purple Shinka (Lenell we need you!)

Anyone who didn't race I highly recommend that you do. Everyone will agree that it is a blast.

I think everyone improved a lot from last summer. Fisher, those shocks seem like they are doing great, we need to get you some tires so you can start tearing up STU. Water whoomped (its a legal term) his class by 2 seconds, going down to b-stock seemed like the way to go. BBall is getting control of his heavy back end and closing in on me quickly. I might have to take you out soon, you're becoming a threat (I didn't forget about my "excess baggage", I brought it to make a point). Overall I think everyone is doing great and I can't wait till the next one. This time I'm not going to hit that damn cone!

terrets... I think the key to your success would be to put both hands on the wheel. There's no points for style in autocross! Next thing you know the mirror wll be tilted sideways, you'll be looking thru the steering wheel, and you'll have a helmet made to look like a sideways ballcap!

:dubs:

Anyone who didn't race I highly recommend that you do. Everyone will agree that it is a blast.
I know maskedferret rode along with us several times yesterday, and as a result he's already hooked. Enter one more RX-8 in BS!! Sizzlin8 got to ride with Dave once and loved it. Enter one more RX-8 in BS!!

Hey guys... I just noticed one of the guys in the club posted a bunch of pics from yesterdays' race. There's a lot of good RX-8 photos in there.

Edit: Might help if I add the link: http://flickr.com/photos/xjdano2/sets/72157600279870380/

terrets... I think the key to your success would be to put both hands on the wheel. There's no points for style in autocross! Next thing you know the mirror wll be tilted sideways, you'll be looking thru the steering wheel, and you'll have a helmet made to look like a sideways ballcap!

:dubs:


You know he has to keep that other hand free so he can tune the radio and play DJ. Don't let your big clock necklace get in the way when shifting.....YEAH BOOOOYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

By the way H2O, where are these pics posted? I can't seem to locate them...probably my one eye again.

The only advantage of being in STU is that I was able to have Bill ride along and give me pointers! No one else gets that. He helped me yesterday shave a lot more time off in my last few runs! Thanks BS champ! (BS means B stock btw, although....:lol2: )

Thanks BS champ!
I'd hardly call myself BS champ. There's not many people in the class on race rubber. I know Tom S. is chomping at the bit to go with R comps but he can't find OEM rims locally for sale. I'll admit, that initial investment is somewhat expensive, but well worth the dough in the amount of fun you have.

When I finally decide to go with some lightweight wheels I'll let you all fight over buying my extra set of OEMs.

Nothing in this world tops a good battle royale!

I'll Ro Sham Bo you for them....I get to go first!!!!

Yeah, and the fact that the OZ wheel, especially if I went with the gold, would look like those silly STi boys. I'm leaning a little more towards the SSRs as well.

Right now I'm not quite sure what my budget will be, as I haven't finished my taxes yet. That should be done this weekend. Without doing my deductions I'm looking to be in good shape, but then I have to also decide if I really want to spend the money on wheels. If the taxes are a pleasant surprise (yeah right) then it'll be a no-brainer.

The only other thing holding me back is the fact that this year will be the first time I've had R-compound tires on this car. I kinda wanted to do things in stages to reach the limits of myself before getting the car fully setup.

Of course all of this doubt will change if I find someone who wants to co-drive the car this season and cover 1/2 the cost of the tires. :)

I want those SSR's!!! I think I'm going to get those anthracite ones when I feel my wallet can take the sacrifice; my wallet will hate me for this.

My new favorite. Just need to decide if I want to throw the money at it or not.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=CRS88549JA&wheelMake=SSR&wheelModel=Type+C&wheelFinish=Anthracite+Painted&showRear=no&autoMake=Mazda&autoModel=RX-8+6-speed&autoYear=2005&autoModClar=&filterSize=18&filterFinish=All&filterSpecial=false&filterBrand=SSR&filterNew=All&sort=Brand

Edit: Just noticed that they won't be available until July 20th anyway. Gives me some time to ponder.

That Type C is 18x8.5; you can't use that in BS... or is it your intent to go into STU?

Nah, I think there's a Type C and a Type C-RS. The RS is a pound lighter. http://www.wheelweights.net/

...and it comes in 18x8

Big Ballin' there Waterlogged...wish I could drop $2000 on wheels. Think I'll save my money and put it in the supercharger fund.

In case you all missed it on the Stl 8's thread, the results from last week's autocross are posted:

http://www.stlsolo.org/

Found the "unofficial" index points totals up to event 3 also: http://solo2.org/forums/storage/12/128957/StL%20Points.thru3.pdf

Looks like I have some work to do to get into the top 10.

My next autocross ride: http://www.break.com/pictures/may30gal47.html

Haha! You laugh but I saw this same type of car (Oldsmobile I believe) the other day when I was getting my summer tires mounted, but it ONLY had 26" rims. The thing had more ground clearance than an SUV.

I wonder what the roll over rate is on that baby. At least you don't have to worry about the engine flooding if you come across water on the road.

what's the "laugh at rice" site?

what's the "laugh at rice" site?

http://www.riceboypage.com

Just a quick reminder that there's an autocross this Sunday at Gateway. Hopefully we'll get a good turnout of 8s again!

Reminder: July 8, Sunday is the next AutoX event at Gateway International Raceway. Last day to preregister is Thursday. Be there or be square kids!!!

I'll be there, of course. Rain or shine.

I will be there... with a non-working moonroof. But I don't think it'll really affect me performance wise.

Well ferret, at least you won't have to worry about rain getting in there that way.

Sorry I couldn't make it Sunday. As Bill diagnosed, I had a severe case of funk-itis. Feeling a little better today. How did it go, though? Ferret, you getting better, giving Bill competition? Hope you kids had fun and it didn't get too hot out there for you.

You might've had Funk-itis, but I had cone-itis. I coned three of my six runs, including my fastest run of the day. I still managed to win the class but Rich Kline was hot on my tail in his 350z until the second heat. I managed to shave a 1/2 second off my time to increase my lead in the first run of that heat, but coned the following two.

Ferret managed to shave almost two seconds off of each run in the morning, then continued to whittle down the time until he got his best clean run in the afternoon. Overall, he's definitely getting the hang of car control and was able to control several loose conditions caused by the all-season tires. A little more seat time, some better tires, and a bit more Gran Turismo and he'll be up there!

So I guess you're square now BBall?

Feeling the after effects, but otherwise good and dedicating my time to the office.

Bump to remind people to pre-register so they can save some bucks.

Is anyone else here making it to the Test & Tune at Gateway Sunday morning?

I am going to try. I have to be at work at 1pm. So leave around noon. Will it be worth it?

This Sunday is the race, but yes, it'll be worth it. You can show up before 10am and we'll have a chance to show you around and go through the introductions of the other RX-8'ers there. At 10 you can hang in the grid and possibly even get a ride or two around the course.

If you have any interest in racing at all you'll be hooked by the end of your first time around. Just ask the other guys here. I started this a long time ago then took a break because my car was getting up there in age, but had that desire to come back. Now that I'm back I'm loving it all over again.

What time doors open?

Not too sure, but registration opens around 7am and I'm usually there around 7:30 to get the car setup and tires changed.

from dlbracing.com:

Schedule:
Gates Open -- 6:30am
Registration -- 7:30am-8:45am
Tech -- 7:30am-8:50am
Drivers' Meeting -- (1st event) 9:20am; (others) 9:30am
1st Heat Worker Check-in -- 9:45am
First Car Off -- 10:00am
Trophy Presentation -- After Audit of Final Results
Once opened (approx. 8:00am), the course will be open for walking until the Drivers' Meeting.
It is expected that 1st Heat competitors will grid their cars before the Drivers' Meeting.
If we are ready to go before 10:00am, we will.
Online Registration
Opened: Mon, Apr 16 - 6:00 PM CST
Closes: Thu, Jul 26 - 11:59 PM CST
===

B-Stock is running which heats this time?

We're running in 2nd and 4th since we were 1st and 3rd last time.

Also while you were at www.dlbracing.com did you happen to register for the track day in August? I did! I was out of town for the last one but I rescheduled my vacation around this one!

Pre-Registered. I'm coming for you Bill!

I am planning on making an appearance.

Pre-Registered. I'm coming for you Bill!
It's on like Donkey Kong! Bring it! :boxing_sm

I am planning on making an appearance.
Sounds good. Depending on what time you arrive we'll either be parked along the bleachers that line the drag strip or we'll be in grid. My car number is 35.

Looking more and more like I will be at the hospital visiting my mom and won't be able to make the race. Still in the critical stages so we'll have to see.

Looking more and more like I will be at the hospital visiting my mom and won't be able to make the race. Still in the critical stages so we'll have to see.

Take care of you mamma...the track will still be there when you get back.

Take care of you mamma...the track will still be there when you get back.

And even if it isn't, who cares. Good luck Phil.

Two questions on Autocross

1. Do I have to pay anything to just watch?

2. Is it worth the drive? I mean, its one thing to see some cars squal around some cones. Does anyone catch fire and burn? (Hopefully no one in the RX8 club) Or at least rollover or anything like that?

I may show up.

1) It costs nothing to watch.

2) In my years of autocross I've seen more action this year than ever. A supercharged miata wiped out pretty hardcore this year and took out a fence post (completely his fault) and there was almost a head-on collision with an RX-7 and a Solstice. Both of these incidents were due to people not taking the appropriate cautions on wet pavement. I do recall several years ago seeing an RX-3 on two wheels just shy of rolling over. What is it with Mazdas?

I have been known to throw people in the passenger seat for a few runs in my car. Most of the times it's other drivers because it gives them a shot to see the course at speed as an observer. There's no better way to learn to go fast than to go fast! Of course I expect the same generosity in return!

H20, not sure I want to go for the thrill ride myself, if that's what you're offering...but thanks. It would be cool to see some cars wipe out (as long as its not yours especially not yours with me in it).
If I don't make it, have fun and make sure the RX8s rule.

I haven't wiped out too bad yet this year. The best one was going across the finish backwards and still getting my best time of the day. Fortunately there's plenty of room even when you wipe out. The bad things happen when guys get too wrapped up in the moment and don't let up even when they're out of control. Nothing good can come from that.

You guys will see that it's not really bad. I know I wouldn't do it if there was risk of hurting my baby. The worst thing that usually happens is getting a bit of cone rash on the car. That comes off easily enough with a little elbow grease.

... there was almost a head-on collision with an RX-7 and a Solstice. Both of these incidents were due to people not taking the appropriate cautions on wet pavement.

I think it was pouring at the time as well. I was watching the Solstice at corner #2 while the RX-7 came up from behind me... that sure shook me up!

I have to thank you B-stockers for not showing up; I got a trophy (by default)! :lol2:

Heheh, nice. Congrats! I have to be honest... I completely forgot about the race today! UGH! Sorry.

Let's hope that I can remember to make it to the track day in a couple weeks.

I'm in the same boat as Waterlogged on this one. Still breaking in the new clutch too. Not sure how I would have done even if I had been there. Clutch is way tighter now.

Alright folks. Reminder, there's an autocross on Sunday, August 26th. Pre-register now if you haven't already and save some bucks.

Addendum to the reminder; don't forget to show up! :lol2:

Haha, at least I'm aware of this one ahead of time and I'm not going to be on vacation the week before. That threw me off completely.

Here's some professional pics taken of Rich and I from this weekend's PDX:

http://www.photomotiononline.com/displayshoot.php?imagesPerPage=30&eventID=14&keywords=Car-Red_RX8&page=0

http://www.photomotiononline.com/displayshoot.php?keywords=Car-Black_RX8&eventID=14&keyType=car

Here's the on-car video that I promised a few members that I'd post of the Midwest Divisional event this weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll5Xirc8jsM

You'll have to excuse the camera mounting not being ideal, as this is the first time I've used this camera and was still in learning mode.

I'm glad to see you guys are out racing. It's been a LONG time since I've been on here. I REALLY need to put my helmet/tires/springs to good use one weekend in an autox event.