Future of CMC: A wish list

[Supercharged111]

#7 Last season we had an event, last run of Saturday, where we racers took HPDE or whatever drivers for a ride in our race prepped cars at full race pace. There was side by side action, tires in the dirt, the whole 9. It was great, every single person got out of the passenger face with a huge smile, and the newer drivers' minds were especially blown not only by what a car feels like driven at full speed, but also how it felt to be in such proximity at that speed to other cars. That's how you set the hook. We were nose to tail, door to door with passengers. I even gave a Spec Z a push start, and because it wasn't a race and egos weren't on the line neither was the risk. We need to do it again this year, my last passenger was a fully licensed Spec Miata driver and the first was an HPDE1 student. The whole point was to set the hook. Last November, post season, we had a CMC test and tune day. We did lead follow, drove the rookies' cars, gave feedback, checked alignments, springs, swaybars, track width, etc. It can be tough to drag people out on a non-NASA weekend, I tried another in the Spring time and nobody's car was ready so as long as people end the season with a healthy car, I'd say do it either mid-season or post-season.

[centerville]

#7 Last season we had an event, last run of Saturday, where we racers took HPDE or whatever drivers for a ride in our race prepped cars at full race pace. There was side by side action, tires in the dirt, the whole 9. It was great, every single person got out of the passenger face with a huge smile, and the newer drivers' minds were especially blown not only by what a car feels like driven at full speed, but also how it felt to be in such proximity at that speed to other cars. That's how you set the hook. We were nose to tail, door to door with passengers. I even gave a Spec Z a push start, and because it wasn't a race and egos weren't on the line neither was the risk. We need to do it again this year, my last passenger was a fully licensed Spec Miata driver and the first was an HPDE1 student. The whole point was to set the hook. Last November, post season, we had a CMC test and tune day. We did lead follow, drove the rookies' cars, gave feedback, checked alignments, springs, swaybars, track width, etc. It can be tough to drag people out on a non-NASA weekend, I tried another in the Spring time and nobody's car was ready so as long as people end the season with a healthy car, I'd say do it either mid-season or post-season.

This is a great idea. Logistically not easy but a great idea.

[t500hps]

#7 Last season we had an event, last run of Saturday, where we racers took HPDE or whatever drivers for a ride in our race prepped cars at full race pace. There was side by side action, tires in the dirt, the whole 9. It was great, every single person got out of the passenger face with a huge smile, and the newer drivers' minds were especially blown not only by what a car feels like driven at full speed, but also how it felt to be in such proximity at that speed to other cars. That's how you set the hook. We were nose to tail, door to door with passengers. I even gave a Spec Z a push start, and because it wasn't a race and egos weren't on the line neither was the risk. We need to do it again this year, my last passenger was a fully licensed Spec Miata driver and the first was an HPDE1 student. The whole point was to set the hook. Last November, post season, we had a CMC test and tune day. We did lead follow, drove the rookies' cars, gave feedback, checked alignments, springs, swaybars, track width, etc. It can be tough to drag people out on a non-NASA weekend, I tried another in the Spring time and nobody's car was ready so as long as people end the season with a healthy car, I'd say do it either mid-season or post-season.

Just a small piece of info from the east coast that might be worth discussing with your directors.

The powers in our region will occasionally let some of the more veteran racers take a prospective driver/racer out for an HPDE session to "show them the ropes". It depends on how "full" the session is and it kinda sucks getting back into the car after your race is over but as you guys know, it really hooks the newbies. The good part is it doesn't cost us anything and we're already there! (it's not a separate event). Event before last I was one of 3 CMC racers that took passengers out during HPDE4. We discussed dedicated passing zones among us and really ran nose-tail giving the guys a hell of a ride. In 2.5 years we've attracted 6 new racers and have another guy who hopes to get his license this fall.

[drecords]

Here's a wild idea...what if we picked an event and asked will to include it in the event advertisement where we charged some $$ value for a ride in a CMC car that would get donated to a not for profit charity? Probably would be fun for wives/interested spectators/crewmembers to see a track at speed and do some good as well as get folks interested in the series.

[mach1]

Just noticed for Hallett they are now charging for the food, I usually have my family at the track and we like going out to eat depending on what track we are at so we don't usually participate in the NASA food event.

I also notice the AI/CMC group has been the most friendly in general and more of a family feeling from my perspective. It would be good to tour different NASA regions to see how they are doing things and how everyone gets along.

I think the ride along idea is great if it's something that could be managed.

[Sook]

I got hooked during a ride along in Richard's AI car. The only real issue is the logistics of doing ride alongs on a race weekend, probably doable with enough forward planning though. I don't want to put a bunch of extra time on my race tires, but I usually have a set of junkers with me. I also will hop into safe passenger seats to give pointers.

On an instructional weekend I'll drive a different passenger every session with some wheel-wheel action, I've helped my friend Craig help sell a bunch of Miatas off his List that way.

- Josh

[Sook]

Here's a wild idea...what if we picked an event and asked will to include it in the event advertisement where we charged some $$ value for a ride in a CMC car that would get donated to a not for profit charity? Probably would be fun for wives/kids/crewmembers to see a track at speed and do some good as well as get folks interested in the series.

Kids can be tricky, I think because of liabilities n w/e. Parade laps are another cool thing, then you can let wives/kids/crewmembers take the car for a very slow lap or two.

[drecords]

Kids can be tricky, I think because of liabilities n w/e. Parade laps are another cool thing, then you can let wives/kids/crewmembers take the car for a very slow lap or two.

Edited...that post may or may not have been made after being overserved at the hotel bar last night.

[ShadowBolt]

Jay took my wife for a ride in his Mach 1 back 10 years ago during a Driver's Edge event at MSRC. You could not get her back in a race car for six figures. She has zero need for speed. She was sick for hours.

JJ

[AI#97]

Some of ya'll getting involved in Comp School and being the racers/mentors for the newbs is a good way to latch onto the TT guys and HPDE4 crew looking for ideas on what to buy and where to go next.

I won't be able to make it to hallett but hopefully my points can start some discussion and help the group grow. Ya'll be safe and have fun.