Megameet: Trackday Monday 25 October Event Information

[Chelles]

If how full my email in-box is an indication of how keen people are for this event, I'd say you better get in quick as I've sent out 22 entry forms already

Excellent support people!

[1I1]

Didn't send me mine

[Chelles]

I sure did.... I sent it late last night.
I'll check when I get home for you and fire it over again.

[Stott69]

Who's doing scrutineering? Wouldn't mind if someone could have a look at my battery set up and confirm it will be ok

[gurutasker]

Who's doing scrutineering? Wouldn't mind if someone could have a look at my battery set up and confirm it will be ok

Are you coming down for the combined Wellington meet next Thursday? If you are I could take a look at it then for you.

Had a quick look at your project thread (presume this is what you are going to drive), and it looks like you've moved it to the boot. Because there is no solid structure between the battery and the cockpit (i.e. only the rear seats), and the chance you may be running without the rear seats anyways, it would count as being in the 'cockpit area'.

Therefore you will want to look at the following:

- Positive terminal covered
- Be mounted on a flat metal base
- If it is a 'wet cell' battery, it must be in a leak proof box and ventilated to outside the vehicle
- Have two insulated metal clamps affixed by a minimum of 8mm bolts and nuts in combination with under floor counter plates

Also, looking through your thread. How have you got your fire extinguisher mounted?

[Stott69]

Yea do plan to, Im in welly this weekend too

[Blkwinter]

This might be a silly question, but how come full slicks are restricted to race cars?

[Prymal]

Semi Slicks Ok ?

Also - for those who have been to said events - how specific are they regarding batteries .. It seems my only issue with the group A , as the battery is in the boot , in a Narva box..

I can get my gel cell back in for thos particular weekend event if needs be also , with minor changes ..

Just covering all bases so i can plan to bring her out effectively..

Stu

[gurutasker]

Considering batteries are coming well under discussion, here is a direct extract of the regulations around batteries. All of it is important but i've highlighted some key points.

Note that 'Batteries mounted in the cockpit' is when the battery is located in any area that has free-air to the drivers cabin. This includes the boot unless there is solid metal between you and the boot (i.e. not fabric seats). So if you've moved your battery read section b.) carefully.

“Cockpit” means the structural inner volume of a vehicle which accommodates the driver and any passengers

(3) Batteries:
(a) All batteries shall be securely mounted and have the live terminal adequately covered,

(b) Batteries located in the cockpit shall;
(i) Be mounted on a flat metal base, and
(ii) Have two insulated metal clamps affixed by a minimum of 8 mm (ISO 8.8 ) bolts and nuts in combination with under floor counter plates, and
(iii) For ‘wet cell’ batteries an independently attached leak-proof box vented to the vehicle exterior is required.
(iv) For a sealed “dry cell” (i.e.: may be fitted in any orientation, without any loss of fluid) may be mounted in the cockpit without a leak proof box.

For those of you who haven't moved your battery, just read section (a). Often it just involves tightening your factory mounts up. The battery shouldn't be able to be moved by hand. Also, ensure the battery positive terminal is covered. A plastic or rubber cover is preferred, but tape will do if nothing else.

[gurutasker]

Semi Slicks Ok ?

• Tyres are to be in good warrantable condition, semi slicks are permitted along with full slicks for race cars

Chelles will need to clarify about the use of slick tyres on non-dedicated race vehicles from an organisers perspective.

[Prymal]

handy - i could always pop on a set of spare semi's on my 17's for fun , and keep the original horrible group A trispoke 16's for the drive up and back, in the unlikely event , i dont want to chew to bits a new set of bridgestones in one weekend .. Its kinda Spensive to do that.

[Chelles]

Regarding the tyres for the day:

Semi slick are totally fine on any car as long as they haven't turned into 'balds'.

Full slick tyres: in my experience (from other track days I've run) normal road cars and slick tyres are a poor combination and have proved to stress a normal road car way more than the owner may release. You tend to have better grip (obviously), you're faster into the corners so your brakes work harder, the car twists more, as the driver you're experiencing being thrown around more if in a standard seat, which may compromise your car control... As this is promoted as an event for anyone and everyone no matter your level of experience (or collection of goodies bolted to your car) I'd like to keep it controlled meaning no slicks on non race cars.

I'm basically covering my a$$ as the person running the event.

What is a race car? A car with a full roll cage, MSNZ homologation and log book.
If you don't fit into this but believe your car is a race car then either PM me or email me and we'll have a chat about it.


Thanks
Chelles.

[Chelles]

I've had some very good questions via email over the last week. I thought I would share some.


Q: If I crash do you think my insurance company will cover it?
A: No. You are competing in a motorsport event so your insurance won't cover you for 'competition'.

Q: I'm a bit worried about other people with more experience 'bullying' me in the corners.
A: If you are the first car to the corner you have the right to the 'good' line and the other drive should allow you to have it.
This is a single car sprint so there should be plenty of space to allow you your own room on the track.
(If someone is seen to be bullying then I'll be having a 'friendly' word)

Q: If I hit someone or they hit me what happens?
A: You sort it out between yourselves who will pay for what. If in doubt about who was in the 'wrong' you can alway consult one of the officials who may have seen the incident but they won't mediate for you.

Q: What if I totally suck and do really badly can I get some pointers?
A: First off, drive to your ability, the track conditions and your cars ability. Second, yes we will have experienced people there to offer advice. Just ask me on the day and I'll point you in the direction of someone who can help.

and my favourite...

Q: How much track time will I get?
A: HEAPS!!! On the day you will be asked to be lined up ready to go before your time on the track is up. I will have basic groups at the start of the day to ensure that everyone gets their fair share.
I'll be running a continuous pit lane which means, when the last car comes off the track the next cars are entering and the next group is moved up ready to go... its easy and you will have plenty of time out there if you want it.

Anything else just let me know.

[neo]

For those people who have moved their battery, and are currently using a 'normal' car battery within the cabin. I'd suggest getting a battery that is classified as a 'dry cell' description in the eyes of Schedule A - NZ Motor Sport, and save themselves a lot of hassle

The vortex range here starting at $170 (small one is more than enough for most pocket rockets) http://www.batterydirect.co.nz/Race%20cars.htm . They also have a maintenance charger for $50 which will keep the battery in top condition for several years + Free delivery!

[mods feel free to move]

[Girvs]

Chelles, if possible can we have an "official" list of those who are paid up, registered, etc.
It will allow people to keep tabs on how many spots are free and so forth, especially as it gets closer to the trackday period. I know Brad has a small list on the main page, but figure the "official" list would be handier, maybe a stickied thread or something?

[Chelles]

Its only a list of three thus far... Not very exciting I must say.

Once I get more entries and payments confirmed I will pop a list up.

So... with that said. Those of you who are intending to come please may I have your entry form ASAP so we can get an idea of the 'real' interst in this event.

Thanks a bunch

[Malcolm]

I'm intending to come if I still have my car, but with the purchase of a new toy I'm seriously considering selling it in the next couple of months, so I thought I'd wait until probably August or early September before cofirming entry. Sorry if that's a pain

[2jayzgte]

Regarding the tyres for the day:

Semi slick are totally fine on any car as long as they haven't turned into 'balds'.

Full slick tyres: in my experience (from other track days I've run) normal road cars and slick tyres are a poor combination and have proved to stress a normal road car way more than the owner may release. You tend to have better grip (obviously), you're faster into the corners so your brakes work harder, the car twists more, as the driver you're experiencing being thrown around more if in a standard seat, which may compromise your car control... As this is promoted as an event for anyone and everyone no matter your level of experience (or collection of goodies bolted to your car) I'd like to keep it controlled meaning no slicks on non race cars.

I'm basically covering my a$$ as the person running the event.

What is a race car? A car with a full roll cage, MSNZ homologation and log book.
If you don't fit into this but believe your car is a race car then either PM me or email me and we'll have a chat about it.


Thanks
Chelles.

Chelles I have to disagree I am an advocate of slicks on road cars I believe it adds an element of safety having more grip.Sure the stresses on the car are higher but how can you go wrong with having more grip.Semi's and Road tyres once they over-heat your car control is under question anyway.

[pc]

Chelles I have to disagree I am an advocate of slicks on road cars I believe it adds an element of safety having more grip.Sure the stresses on the car are higher but how can you go wrong with having more grip.Semi's and Road tyres once they over-heat your car control is under question anyway.

Slicks are very different from road tyres. They don't really work at all until they are warm, once they are warm you can load up standard suspension well beyond normal while cornering (causing strange weight transfer results if starting to slide), and the first indication of braking problems on average pads will be when the brakes stop working.
Most cars will probably be front drives and when the Semi's and Road tyres overheat on the front, they will have issues with understeer, which is pretty safe for the driver and everyone else on the track.

Does anyone want to be on the track with someone learning to drive on slicks in their standard road car?

[cogent]

Chelles I have to disagree I am an advocate of slicks on road cars I believe it adds an element of safety having more grip.Sure the stresses on the car are higher but how can you go wrong with having more grip.Semi's and Road tyres once they over-heat your car control is under question anyway.

Oh please, it's a casual and social track day, not multicar sprints or a race meet.

IF I were someone that was going to make this my first trackday, after reading your post I would probably think

"maybe I shouldn't go on the track, I don't want to have to spend $1200 on slicks"
"I only have road tires, and this guy says once they over-heat I might lose control, I don't want to take that risk"

FWIW: I'm currently competing in a sealed autocross series and doing quite well in class and only using road tires (one round was done on a set of 14/55/185 monzas).