In other news... anybody planning on hitting the Devens NT? Only 1 car in BSP and SM registered now.


Justin, I like this shot of your car:

 

Dan and I will be in BSP. Probably Mike Condict too. Hopefully a couple STi's and maybe Steve Hazard if he ever fixes his M3. If the class doesn't fill we'll run SM.

Are you finally gonna make it Matt? If you plan on running the NT, I'd try and run one event there in April/May to get a feel for the site, it is pretty different than everything else we run.

John

 

I really hope to make it. Last two years were a wash (I was on my honeymoon last year ) I don't plan on hitting the DC Pro this year, as I don't think my transmission could handle both Kristin and I launching it. If I can arrange an ES Miata ride, we may go.

Kristin and I will run in whatever class you guys end up in (BSP or SM). We did a lot of work to the car (hopefully 1- 1.5s faster on a 40 sec course), so I hope we can at least give you a run for your money.

In your experience, what makes the Devens course so different from our usual courses? Surface type? You and Mark did so well last year, it seems to play great to both your driving and car type.

 

Remember to bring your wets. Devens is Cherokee for "rains during races". I'll be there co-driving in A-stock this year.

 

The surface is more grippy and very smooth. But the biggest difference is length of course and sustained higher speeds (higher avg speed overall). Until you run there you won't see what I mean. Getting up there for a few early season events will prepare you to get more out of the car at the faster pace. You could argue you run "fast" at Giants Stadium, but their courses are not very technical and the grip is much lower so the overall feel isn't the same.

If you are a BMWCCA member they have great events for seat time up there with fast technical courses and some benchmarks too.

John

 

Devens is a great place.. lots of fun.

I will be going to the NT stop at Devens, rocking my totally new setup for this year; this will be a year for experimentation and lessons learned it seems.

I just ordered Bilstein PSS9's with a 12k/16k spring rate, complete with 285/30/18 R-Compounds. I haven't ordered wheels yet... EVERYONE is out of stock on Enkei NT03+m's that I want.

 

Yep, I've already registered. I might be running with Charles Moss as a co-driver. Or Steve Hazard, if Charles can't make it and Steve is still looking for a ride. I need someone to help me earn Hoosier certificates!

John, why would you move to SM, if BSP doesn't fill? Not that I wouldn't enjoy a day in BSP without having to compete against you!

Mike Condict

 

I'd move mostly for contingency.

It's starting to sound like alot of people will be running BSP though, which is a good thing. We def have a class if myself, Dan, Matt, Jeff, Mike and his codriver show. Too bad it's all AWD. I'm really hoping for Steve to fix his car. Otherwise we'll just hear the whole OMG you AWD guys are soooo fast deal. Hell I can't even beat Schipkov up there in PAX.


Mike,
Did you change dampers this year? If so what did you decide on? Didn't see you at the Moton deal at Small Fortune.


John

 

Still working on the damper decision. I couldn't make the Small Fortune seminar, although I signed up for it. My wife reminded me that we had a ski vacation in Stowe planned over two months ago. Oops...

Anyway, I did talk to Bill G about Moton dampers, and I'm still considering the double-adjustables, although the triples are out of my budget for this season. Also looking into Zyzzx. I don't want the ones based on the older twin-tube Koni 86xx series, but they say they can build me a set based on the 28xx series, which is the newer monotube design.

Anyway, yes, this season I will have a new suspension, the new TRE-built rear diff, and probably be tuned for race gas.

Now all I need is a driver upgrade!

Mike

 

Quick question. Do I need a cat for BSP?

Didnt it go to FSP this year? In the 08 rule book it says BSP is not a national class and has the Evo under the F Street Prepared section.

 

You do NOT need a cat for BSP.

I think you're reading about about the regular Lancer in the rulebook. But, I'm happy you're taking the time to read it, unlike some other newbies

The Evo is without question in BSP. For how long it stays there, that's up to the SEB.

 

And if it goes somewhere, it won't be FSP...

 

Nevermind...

I was reading the wrong section. BSP is right. Sorry.


Thanks for the clarification on the Cat.

 

Oh... You're talking Prepared classes, not Street Prepared classes. Yes, the Evo is in XP. AP and BP went away a couple of years ago because they weren't making numbers at nationals. They got sort of combined into XP, but not really. The Evo is still kind of new to start showing up in XP. Those cars are essentially real race cars. No interior, no dash, only one seat, etc. Not exactly what I want to do with my $35000 car. Once the prices for 03's start dropping below $8k or so you'll start seeing them.

 

Recent pics.... can't wait for some warmer weather

285/30/18 V710


Stock-sized Snow tire, 285/30/18 V710, 245/45/17 Summer tire (stock wheel)


Kristin putting on the required decals...


Testing summer tires at new ride height. 245/45/17 is a tight squeeze.