Summit Point race way!

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Summit Point - A challenging 10-turn, two mile asphalt road racing circuit set in the pastoral Shenandoah Valley, located only 70 miles from the Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD metropolitan areas. The course combines slow and fast bends, with a 3,000 ft straightaway and considerable vertical relief. It is one of the most challenging circuits in the nation.







Wana go?
Sign up at http://www.nasaracing.net
There are already 27 novices and 17 Intermediate people signed up. I don't know what the max is, but I think VIR maxed out at 25...so sign up ASAP if you plan to go.

Also, please post if you have already signed up.

*car 18 here*

[HippoSleek]

I'm going. No car number yet though... Elyse usually doesn't hand those out until about 10 days before the event? Likely car 277 though <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

BTW: iirc, VIR was capped at 32, Summit is probably about closed w/ that many. I don't think you can do over 30 on that track.

I'll be showing up Sat. a.m. ... If my gf comes I'll be in Charles Town on Sat. night. If not, probably Martinsburg - where all the classy "dancers" are <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

**edit** for more pics, check out my "homepage" from the June 2002 pics. (the Sept pics are from Jefferson Circuit)

[uuninja]

I'll be there! &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/alien.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':alien:'> Whoa new smiles!

[AKADriver]

I'll be there.

hell yeah! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/music.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':music:'>

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I was thinking of driving up friday night and staying untill either sunday night or monday morning. Anybody want to share a hotel room? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/alien.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':alien:'>

It says car #18 in my timing room thing...maybe it's just showing my first choice rather than my actual number for the weekend.

[Mike P.]

I'll be checkin' out the classy dancers. &nbsp;Oh, yeah...and I should be driving on the track, too. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':blush:'>

[HippoSleek]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Mike P. @ Oct. 15 2002,3:40)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I'll be checkin' out the classy dancers. Oh, yeah...and I should be driving on the track, too. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':blush:'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Not if yo Nay-nay shows. &nbsp;Summit without "dancaaas" seems so incomplete. &nbsp;

Mark - who learned last time that something like 1 in 6 girls from the Charles Town area will spend part of her life as a classy dancaa.

[Archangel]

I'm thinking about going, but I've never road raced before. &nbsp;Any prerequisites, special licenses, etc???
Also, I've yet to even go autocrossing (*hangs head in shame*). &nbsp;Would I be out of place, and in everybody's way?

[AKADriver]

Absolutely not! &nbsp;When I showed up to VIR, my entire body of experience of performance driving was screwing around on the street and ONE autocross in an ill-handling car (my GTI). &nbsp;As a Novice you'll be on the track with other novices only, everyone will be learning this stuff at the same pace.

All you need is a valid normal driver's license, a safe car, and enthusiasm <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> &nbsp;It's not a race, just a school, there's no pressure to be fast right off the bat.

[Archangel]

How much is it?
the site lists 2 prices: HPDE $289, RACES $189
what's the difference?

[Mike P.]

You want the HPDE option. &nbsp;Racers participating in a race over the weekend pay the lesser amount. &nbsp;There are races held between the "school" sessions.

[HippoSleek]

Excellent! &nbsp;

First - I wholly agree w/ what Ryan said. &nbsp;There are a lot of people out there who have never autoxed and never driven a track out there. &nbsp;I know several people how have taken this route. &nbsp;

As for cost - it is $289. &nbsp;The $189 is racer's entry, but you can't race unless you have a) competition license with the sanctioning body; b) fully race/safety prepared car; and c) balls like watermelons <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;HPDE is High Performance Driver Education/Event. &nbsp;It is a school complete with classroom time and in car instructors. &nbsp;Two days, about one hour each day on track. &nbsp;

If you are interested in going, register ASAP - as of Sat. a.m., novice was very close to full!

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Check out these videos

Best one I think is "summitpoint1a.WMV"
An in-car vid with instructor. Sound quality drops off as the video goes on, but you can still hear pretty well, just have to turn the volume up.
That vid starts whith them comming out of the pits on the long straight comming up to turn 1.
The top straightaway in this map


When I went to lowes last month I was totally lost getting onto the track, hadn't seen a map or vid or anything...it still went fine but knowing the track a little before I went would have made the first session a lot more fun.

Anyway, enjoy! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[sykikchimp]

I thoought I might be able to go, but alas, I will be in Atlanta in FileNet imaging training.. &nbsp;ugg.. &nbsp;

BTW - Is there gonna be a bunch of people from HT going? &nbsp;If so you guys should change the team names for the discount (that no one thought to mention last time.. &nbsp;ahhhemmm)

[DSC]

HC's season is over, but hopefully many HT members will still go. Also I did hear something about American Iron challenging HC's guys to a race <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> I assume it was at summit point (nov 3rd) should be pretty awesome if that happens!

Also, anybody ever use NASA's mentor program?
I think I might signup...I can use all the help I can get, and hopefully get a ride along in a race car <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

Maybe we could make a list here as well of all the things to bring?

I know for sure a big thing on my list will be a huge cooler with plenty of drinks and some munchies. Though I had a little food with me last time, when I came back from my 1st session it was covered in ants since I had just set it on the ground with the rest of my stuff <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

Anyway, let the list begin!

To do before leaving your house:
Print out tech sheet/Pretech inspection
Remove ego, leave in refrigerator for safe keeping

Things to bring to the track:
Money
full tank of gas (paying $4.50 a gallon at the track is bad, i did it, ack 1/4 tank was ~$20)
drinks
food
tire pressure gauge
Tape, for numbers/headlights
Willingness to learn

Ok, since I've only been to one (not even one really), I can't make a very complete list...add to it ppl.

[HippoSleek]

I know there will be a lot of H-T members there and a few who are going to run in the AI/AIX vs. ECHC race. &nbsp;Personally, I think the Hondas are going to get killed... but it will be fun to watch.

As for what to bring - I always bring a smallish cooler (six pack of quarts of water + two 32 oz gatorate) and some munchies that I never eat. &nbsp;

A few other items:
tarp to put your stuff on;
a chair;
rain wear;
basic tools;
umbrella;
plastic tubs to stow your chit in, in case of rain, or just to ease packing;
extra set of front brake pads;
brake fluid;
oil;
a sack o'nutz.

[AKADriver]

Only two more weeks! &nbsp;I fixed my idle/bucking/rich condition, my AIV was seized. &nbsp;Gotta love fixes that take 10 minutes and $1.79 for a can of carb cleaner.

[DSC]

And thats the end of another weekend. &nbsp;Only 1 more weekend to get the car preped, gota get pretech inspection done soon.

I won't have everything done that I wanted to get done to the car, but everything that needed to be done is done <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

I'm pretty excited.

BTW, the nasa website has a good thing on preparing for a HPDE...a few things that haven't been mentioned yet.
http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/preparing.html

[uuninja]

Ok, I am booking a motel soon. Any one wanna split? Just as soon as I get word as to which motel is closest to all the "Classy Dancers"

[HippoSleek]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (uuninja @ Oct. 25 2002,4:42)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Ok, I am booking a motel soon. Any one wanna split? Just as soon as I get word as to which motel is closest to all the "Classy Dancers"</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I was outtta town for part of last week and I understand Mike has made our motel plans. &nbsp;Classy dancers are best in Martinsburg &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/devil.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':devil:'>

[uuninja]

Yeah, I may be in need of a floor to crash on. It looks like no one else is staying over :/ in WV

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/devil.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':devil:'> classy dancers!! Rock on! &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/devil.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':devil:'>

[HippoSleek]

I think you've been in IM contact w/ Mike, no? &nbsp;We have some floor - but I'd recommend something to sleep on as it may be a bit skanky. &nbsp;

I take it Ryan and Dave are splitting a room?

Where are you guys staying - and are you of age to see classy dancers? &nbsp;(Not sure what that is in WV). &nbsp;At any rate, I heard Charles Town is full - and I was headed to Martinsburg anyway - drive is about twice as long... but Legz is only 1.5 miles away &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

[AKADriver]

Summit Point is only an hour's drive for me, I'm not staying there overnight. &nbsp;Remember, Maryland is really really small <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

[HippoSleek]

Ah. &nbsp;What about Dave?

Keep in mind that the all hands meeting is at 7:15 and the first car on track is at 8<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>0. &nbsp;Also, that there is usually a 20 minute plus line to get in in the a.m.

Even though I live 1.5 hrs away, I decided to stay over b/c otherwise I'll be getting up at 4<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>0 a.m.

[AKADriver]

Thanks for the heads-up, but I was expecting to have to get up at 5:00 or earlier both days.

Less than four days, I'm gettin' antsy!

[Mike P.]

me too! &nbsp;Classy Dancers!

[HippoSleek]

Another thing to remember guys - bring a jacket, umbrella, and Matt's canopy. And a portable stove, dog sled team for parade laps. Actually, in the past few days, the weather channel has upgraded from snow both days to snow one day to partly cloudy! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> The snow forecast was actually making me UN-antsy... but now...



More important - DRESS IN COTTON LAYERS!! You should not (and technically can't) wear synthetics while at an HPDE b/c should you catch fire for any reason, they will melt to your body. Leather will shrink. So odds are, you won't be able to wear a coat in the car and will need layers of cotton to keep you warm w/ the window down at 100 mph!

[240 2NR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (HippoSleek @ Oct. 30 2002,08:43)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">More important - DRESS IN COTTON LAYERS!! You should not (and technically can't) wear synthetics while at an HPDE b/c should you catch fire for any reason, they will melt to your body. Leather will shrink. So odds are, you won't be able to wear a coat in the car and will need layers of cotton to keep you warm w/ the window down at 100 mph!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
It's not too much cause for concern in auto-x, but there was just an article in our local car club newsletter that even though you might be wearing natural fibers, if you use fabric softeners, you are adding a new fire hazard. &nbsp;He said he was welding and took off his helmet to find this greenish flame on his shirt sleeves.


Oooooh cool, a Z commercial.

Have fun at the track.

I'm jealous. &nbsp;I'm almost tempted to drive out to cali while my gf's in spain in two weeks.

[uuninja]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (240 2NR @ Oct. 29 2002,12:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (HippoSleek @ Oct. 30 2002,08:43)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">More important - DRESS IN COTTON LAYERS!! You should not (and technically can't) wear synthetics while at an HPDE b/c should you catch fire for any reason, they will melt to your body. Leather will shrink. So odds are, you won't be able to wear a coat in the car and will need layers of cotton to keep you warm w/ the window down at 100 mph!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
It's not too much cause for concern in auto-x, but there was just an article in our local car club newsletter that even though you might be wearing natural fibers, if you use fabric softeners, you are adding a new fire hazard. He said he was welding and took off his helmet to find this greenish flame on his shirt sleeves.


Oooooh cool, a Z commercial.

Have fun at the track.

I'm jealous. I'm almost tempted to drive out to cali while my gf's in spain in two weeks.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
A. this isn't an auto cross.

B. They will Black flag you if you are not dressed properly. IE no synthetics/leather/short sleeves.