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I've decided to go ahead and get my Comp license, so I've registered for the NASA VIR event on 3/30-4/1.



First I have to attend, and pass, their Super Comp licensing school on Friday. Then I'll be allowed to race as a Rookie on Saturday and Sunday.



I wonder where they will class me...seeing as I've done a thing or two to my car...Maybe GT-3?



I think it will be interesting, I've been an instructor with the Metro NY region for a few years now; but I'm pretty sure this will be completely different.



Anyway, I was wondering if anybody has any videos of VIR that I could review; I've never driven the track and would like to familiarize myself before I go there.



Thanks,



Jason

Here's few videos on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_quer...p;search=Search



Good luck on the license and LOL at a few things done to the car. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Thanks Mark...



Jason

You should probably run the car in GTS. Its a class for all german cars with subclasses 1 through 5 based on lbs/whp ratio. Check out this link for rules and information:



http://www.gtschallenge.com/rules.htm



To run in GTS the key item you'll need to take care of before the race is the dyno certification form. You need to have the car dynoed on a Dynojet 248 and have this form filled out by the dyno operator:



http://www.gtschallenge.com/GTS%20Challeng...rtification.pdf





You can find a dyno shop in your area here. Make sure they have a Dynojet 248:



http://www.dynojet.com/dyno_centers/auto...index.aspx



Its also possible that there will be a dyno at the track. If you're 100% sure there will be one at the track you can take care of it there, but its a good idea to get it out of the way ahead of time if possible. The car's weight including driver and the rwhp results from the dyno will determine where the car will be classed.





You also need to make sure the car complies with all of the NASA safety rules which can be found here:



http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf



Your car will be teched to make sure it complies, and you'll be issued a log book.





For further information here are links to the NASA GTS forum and the NASA Mid Atlantic Region forum:



http://www.nasaforums.com/viewforum.php?f=...d2d6ba3e8aa3b67



http://www.nasaforums.com/viewforum.php?f=23





Good luck!! You're going to have a blast!! Feel free to post or PM me with any other questions you have.

good luck Jason! and remember to 'keep the shiny side up' . <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/cool.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Here are a couple of laps of VIR from a DE I ran back in 2005:



http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=...5443849055

That looks like a very high speed track, fun too <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Jim, thanks for sharing the video. I was thinking of doing a DE at VIR in November - and you may have sealed the deal. VIR looks much more "open" than the only track I've driven - Watkins Glen - so I could have a slightly more relaxed and fun time. I was looking for, but didn't spot, spectator stands. Aren't there any, or was I too focused on the track?

Yes, VIR is a great track. Definitely one of the best in the country. It has lots of elevation change, and an excellent mix of corners. It has some very high speed sections as you saw. You get to 5th gear in three different places. The climbing esses and South Bend, the left hander after the esses, are extremely fast corners. They definitely separate the men from the boys and are key to turning a good lap time. It also has a couple of very slow corners and you need to be careful not to over drive them when you're learning the track.



In 2005 when I shot that video they were in the process of building stands on the front stretch overlooking the pits. I'm sure they're complete by now. I think there are a few small stands scattered elsewhere around the track as well. You won't see nearly as many stands as Watkins Glen though. WG has the NASCAR weekend which attracts more fans than you'll ever see at VIR.

Good luck Jason, I'm sure will see you up there with the likes of M.S. soon <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> .

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone...



Thanks much to you, Jim, for the links, too. I've got my car pretty much setup...front tow hook and window net are the last pieces.



I'll be watching the VIR link a few times, I'm sure. But hopefully the Friday school will give me the on-track time I also need to familiarize myself with it.



I'm sure to go slow until I learn the track...after that I'm still sure to go slow anyway; just not quite as slow!



Jason

[quote name='Jim Child' post='32622' date='Mar 17 2007, 01:30 PM']In 2005 when I shot that video they were in the process of building stands on the front stretch overlooking the pits. I'm sure they're complete by now.[/quote]

They were actually building hospitality suites that sit over garages. I saw them in November '06 and they are pretty nice! I have a suite and a garage reserved for NNJR-PCA's event there this November.

Good luck Jason.



Just remember racing is a disease - only cured by poverty. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/tongue.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

Best of luck to you Jason. Glad to hear that you are taking the plunge. I love to hear stories about 968 racers and hope to have some myself someday.



mike

OMIGOD,



The paperwork is driving my nuts! I'm more nervous about the correct paperwork than the racing...



I just found out, in the supplemental rules, that all competition cars are NOT ALLOWED to run with antifreeze. You must run water... and some water-wetter if you want...back on the lift!



I just know I'll fail to pass tech because of some rule I didn't read!



Jason

How did it go Jason?

First of all, let me tell you all that I agree with all the lovely things that have been said about VIR...it is one of the most interesting tracks I've ever been to.



It is much faster and more challenging than Watkins Glen which I had, until now, thought was the ultimate road racing course.



Any way, long story made short...I got DQ'd at the school because of 'contact'...



Longer version:



The incident took place between turns 4~5... I was leading through 4 and going into the short straight between 4 & 5...transitioning from right to left, setting up for the right hand turn 5, when another student came up on my outside (left) and his right front bumper hit my left rear wheel. I broke a valve stem, and he tore off his bumper.



Even though the scrutineers said since I was leading, and not at fault, we were both DQ'd because you must have no contact whatsoever during the school; no matter who's at fault. We both could have avoided the incident...I could have not tracked out as wide, and given him more room...he could have not attempted the pass, or let off some.



Anyway, they let me continue and do DE's for the remaining 2 days and I got to learn the track even more.



Maybe I'll try again in August when NASA has a course at Pocono.



Shucks,



Jason

At least, for a "contact" incident, it was pretty uneventful. Better luck next time. And, interesting comment about VIR vs. Watkins Glen. I'm hoping to do a VIR event in the fall - change of pace, further inspired by your comments. See you in mid-May?

Anchor,



I'll be there...I have to, I owe you $100!!



Yes, please go to VIR...it makes Watkins Glen look like a bunch of sweepers...VIR is definately a 'Thinking Man's' track.



Jason

Well at least you got drive it in the DEs, sorry to hear about the track incident though.