April 17th Nord Stern Autocross at Valleyfair

[MNbiker]

The April 17th Autocross at Valleyfair Amusement Park is now posted and available for online registration. This event is being hosted by Nord Stern PCA (http://nordstern.org/), with assistance from MAC.

Met Council numbers and classing apply for non-PCA members. Nord Stern numbers and classing apply for PCA members.

Note: Drivers aged 16 and 17 will require a special waiver signed by parent or guardian. If you are in this age group, contact the event master to obtain waiver, have it signed and bring it to the event.

Cost: $35 pre-registered, $40 day of event

Note: Online registration closes at 12:00 AM Eastern time, on April 15th.

7:15 am to 8:30 am - Event registration
7:45 to 9:15 am - Course walking
7:30 am to 8:45 am - Tech inspection
9:30 am - Drivers meeting
10:00 am - First car off

Click Here to Sign Up Now! (http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=2872)

[Gspot]

Just curious, are all non-porsche cars going into one class?

[MNbiker]

Just curious, are all non-porsche cars going into one class?

It's a Met Council Series event. That means standard Met Council classes.

-Steve

[Darryl]

Steve,

Check the entry list, what's class 8M?

[73GT]

Darryl

8M is a PCA class. Nordstern will have there own classes for the Porsche driver who want them. If you look at the class info link when you register, the PCA has alot of classes based on car prep many more than the SCCA but don't let SCCA know it might give them ideas! <big grin>

Thanks Steve for setting up the online registration
73GT

[MNbiker]

As Lee noted, this event will offer both Nord Stern PCA and Met Council classes. Both are listed in the class selection box.

One other unique aspect of this event will be that there will undoubtedly be a few duplicate numbers. Met Council assigns numbers, as does Nord Stern. This is not a problem, as our Timing & Scoring software is completely capable of supporting duplicate numbers, as long as there are no duplicates in the same class (which will not be allowed). Starters & timing volunteers will just need to note the number AND class when announcing & entering cars.

-Steve

Be mellow, Phil - it's Nord Stern's event, and they can handle numbers any way they want. ;)

[RX8noobie]

I thought I might as well make the big jump into the "grown-up" classes. I'll be making the move from SI to BS this season. Should I consider the street tire index for my purely stock automatic RX-8. (Don't even get me started on the automatic thing. I was getting leg cramps from ridding the clutch in the crappy traffic around the cities in my 12 year old miata!)

Andy

[weidnerpaul]

I thought I might as well make the big jump into the "grown-up" classes. I'll be making the move from SI to BS this season. Should I consider the street tire index for my purely stock automatic RX-8. (Don't even get me started on the automatic thing. I was getting leg cramps from ridding the clutch in the crappy traffic around the cities in my 12 year old miata!)

Andy

Hey Andy,
Which is worse:
leg cramps 2X a day 5 days a week
or
an automatic for 6-8 autocrosses a year?
You can answer that question at years end...
Paul
I'd buy the stick myself but I have an easy commute

[MNbiker]

I thought I might as well make the big jump into the "grown-up" classes. I'll be making the move from SI to BS this season. Should I consider the street tire index for my purely stock automatic RX-8.

You can choose to run in either BS or the Street Tire Index. If you run BS, you'll get bumped to AS at most events - which means running against all the STi's, Evo's, and the NSX. In Street Tire Index, the GS/HS cars tend to have a bit of an advantage - but you'll be on a more even footing with the other cars. Personally, I'd go with the Street Tire Index Class.

-Steve

[RX8noobie]

Thanks Steve -
When will you be enlisting volunteers to help with set-up etc. I assume you will need help the night before for course set-up etc.since we are associated with the event.

Andy

[phile]

Hey Andy,
Which is worse:
leg cramps 2X a day 5 days a week
or
an automatic for 6-8 autocrosses a year?
You can answer that question at years end...
Paul
I'd buy the stick myself but I have an easy commute
No choice at my house: Sue hates automatics even more than I do. The commute is a nonissue for me. Met Council buses are automatics. Sue happily commutes in the 5-stick Saturn and grouses if she needs to drive the automatic Suburban.

[SEStone]

Signed up. Anyone have information on the Street Tire Index rules?

Sam

[MNbiker]

Signed up. Anyone have information on the Street Tire Index rules?

Sam

2005 Met Council Autocross Rules (PDF) (http://www.met-council.org/rules/2005rules.pdf)

Look on Page 9.

[SEStone]

Thanks! Found them! Unfortunately, I have plans for the 16th so I won't be able to attend the classroom portion of the Novice School :( . Is it a prerequisite to the driving portion, or are they separate?

Sam

[Strider]

Wooo signed up and paid, can't wait to get out there with the new car!!! Better get some suspension in that thing soon HEH!!!! Anyone heard anything from Bill Owen recently??

[MNbiker]

Thanks! Found them! Unfortunately, I have plans for the 16th so I won't be able to attend the classroom portion of the Novice School :( . Is it a prerequisite to the driving portion, or are they separate?

Sam

You would need to attend both.

[photoeye0]

Signed up, It's my first autoX. I can't wait.

[photoeye0]

Do you need to go to the Novice School, cuz I don't think I can afford it.

[jdlhonda]

NO but it does help quite a bit, especially when you get there and need some guidance on what's going on where togo, etc. The driving instruction is very good as well.

I would make sure you get there early and do a good check on the car prior to going to the event so you don't have any surprises.


Take a look at this as it should help you with what todo, what to bring, etc.


http://www.tirerack.com/features/solo2/handbook.htm

It helped me quite a bit and I believe it was also given to us at the school.

[washburn]

Actually, that may not be entirely correct. In years past, the classroom has been a pre-requisite to the parking lot session. Based on your experience level, exceptions may be made, but not many. PM me your experience, and we can discuss. Thanks!

PM- washburn@dwave.net

[washburn]

Oops...I didn't read all the posts correctly. I was talking about the Novice School parking lot day.

You do not need to go to the school to enter an autocross. With Dave Parsons setting up an instructor program, however, there should be instructors available to you at any of the autocrosses. Sorry about the confusion!

[washburn]

...read the posts INcorrectly.

back away from the keyboard Pat, and step away slowly...

[jdlhonda]

Like Pat said no you don't need the Novice school to enter an autocross but, like I said previously the Novice School is a good idea it will get you ready to participate and you will be a better driver sooner rather than later by having some instruction.

An instructor ride along at the event wouldn't be a bad idea. Ask around/be at the event early as plenty of people will be willing to help you out, with any questions were a pretty friendly bunch around here. Most certainly do the newbie walk thru. Also if you get there early WALK the Course many many times it will help tremendously.


Jason

[photoeye0]

Oops...I didn't read all the posts correctly. I was talking about the Novice School parking lot day.

You do not need to go to the school to enter an autocross. With Dave Parsons setting up an instructor program, however, there should be instructors available to you at any of the autocrosses. Sorry about the confusion!
Than disregard that PM

[Gspot]

Whats a good estimate for what time buck runs usually start?

[weidnerpaul]

Whats a good estimate for what time buck runs usually start?

There may not be Buck runs at VF, the sponsoring club will make the call but MAC didn't last time as with that large a course and no course workers if someone goes off course it could be bad, very bad. Renmember only cars (tech), & drivers that ran during the event are legal to drive for the buck runs , spectators/friends can ride along but not drive (don't know the course, may not have been at the drivers meeting etc).
Paul

[phile]

Whats a good estimate for what time buck runs usually start?
The general rule is that there is no general rule.

Anywhere from 2:00 PM to never. Stuff happens, and the Eventmaster can't always estimate accurately how long competition runs are going to take. My advice to eventmasters is to be conservative on the number of timed runs they promise and to never increase that number later. This way the folks who are there for the competition can plan better, the folks who want to go home earlier can leave after timed runs and their work sessions therefor, the folks who want to swap cars and play around have more chance to do so.

Also, the concept that fun runs always cost a buck is not written anywhere. If the EM or sponsoring decides they are free or two bucks, or not available at all, there is no place to appeal the decision.

[AlexL]

There may not be Buck runs at VF, the sponsoring club will make the call but MAC didn't last time as with that large a course and no course workers if someone goes off course it could be bad, very bad.
We did have fun runs after the last event at valleyfair.

[Drew]

My advice to eventmasters is to be conservative on the number of timed runs they promise and to never increase that number later. This way the folks who are there for the competition can plan better, the folks who want to go home earlier can leave after timed runs and their work sessions therefor, the folks who want to swap cars and play around have more chance to do so.


I guess this is off-topic, and perhaps I'm just in an ornery mood, but I take issue with your apparent philosophy about fun/buck runs. Based on your post and what I've heard you say a number of times in the past, Phil, you apparently believe that fun runs are an adequate substitute for, or the equivalent of, timed runs at an autocross event.

IMO, the main reason for an autocross event is to provide an occasion for competition, not swapping cars and playing around. If your advice to eventmasters is to hold down the number of announced timed runs and never increase that number if the event goes well, then I would hope that an eventmaster would ignore your advice and adjust to provide as many timed runs as the event circumstances will reasonably allow.

Why would you want to restrict the opportunity for more competition among the entire entry list in order that the few that might wish to go home early can do so? I realize that some people come to our events from out of town and may have a long ride home, but if they don't want to stay for all the runs they paid for, they can choose to skip their last run or two. But I'll also say in that regard, that when I drive a considerable distance for an out-of-town event, I feel a lot more like the trip was worth it when I get more timed runs.

Lest you conclude that I dislike fun runs, I generally jump in for as many as I can get. Just like the name says, they're fun. And there's definitely a benefit to trading some rides and critiquing each other after the official runs are over. (You know; you've done that with me.) But I definitely disagree with an apparent suggestion that timed competition runs should be limited and replaced with fun runs.

--Drew

[MNbiker]

In my opinion, the general approach should be to set a goal for the number of runs we can complete by no later than approx. 4:00 PM, given a couple minor (and no major) delays, the course layout and the number of entries. For most MAC events, this should typically be around 6 runs. We do a reality check after the first heat, and determine whether the goal is still attainable. I believe Event Masters should consider lowering OR raising the number of 2nd heat runs, if circumstances have changed significantly. For instance, the problems with blowing leaves at Valleyfair last Fall dictated reducing to 5 runs - otherwise my calculations put the probable finishing time at 5:30 - 6:00 PM. On the other hand, we were able to provide 2 additional competition runs (8 total) at the SCCA Midway event, and still be done by 3:30 PM, due to the small number of entrants and relatively few problems.

There are probably as many opinions on how to run an event as there are drivers. To please most of the drivers, most of the time, I believe we should:

1. Set an event time window and stick to it. That way, drivers know what kind of time commitment to make - event after event.

2. Give drivers as many competition runs within that window as possible. If we can give them more runs than expected, most will be very happy.

3. Provide fun runs, time & conditions permitting. We need to vacate some sites earlier than others, and people are generally ready to go home if it's cold and/or rainy. Otherwise, fun runs are a big plus with many of MAC's members.

-Steve

p.s. For the April 17th event, you can assume the goal will be to complete 6 timed runs. Maybe we'll get some fun runs afterwards, if things go well. However, this is the first event of the year, so bad weather and/or operational glitches are a very real possibility.

[jdlhonda]

I guess from a guy who's just attended events and did his required working but, never really had the chance to do the main gigs EM, etc. I would agree with MNBikers timing/run conditions. It makes all the events seem about the same for timing, you know about when you'll be done and you know if you help get everyone out for course worker change, etc you'll get as many runs as time allows that day. So after an event or two your just like the rest trying to help make the event run smoothly and efficently cause you know you will get the most runs/funs out of the day. :D

This would be one of the main reasons I like MAC events so much their smoothly run and you get the most of the day and you know generally how long it will last. This would be my biggest gripe about some of the other area events I never know what time to tell the other half I should be done thereabouts. Not a problem with a MAC event plus on those days when turnout is light you seem to still only get 4 or 5 runs(and done at 2pm) whereas with a MAC event you get 7 or 8.

Jason

[weidnerpaul]

We did have fun runs after the last event at valleyfair.

OK it must have been the first event that we didn't have them.
Paul

[Darryl]

No fun runs at the Spring VF event.

We did fun runs at the Fall VF event.

[magicsammy]

anybody know if they will allow double-drivers at this event?
(two cars, two drivers, each taking a full set of runs in each car)

There are only 96 entries out of 175 so far... :D

[MNbiker]

anybody know if they will allow double-drivers at this event?
(two cars, two drivers, each taking a full set of runs in each car)

There are only 96 entries out of 175 so far... :D

Yes, drivers will be allowed to register twice, assuming the entries are in different cars and different classes.

-Steve

[rdub]

There are a couple of sm ,an sts,and an emod
listed in street tire index class.
Someone will have to straighten that out at TECH?

[MNbiker]

There are a couple of sm ,an sts,and an emod
listed in street tire index class.
Someone will have to straighten that out at TECH?

Randy,

ANY classes except STS and STX may enter the Street Tire Index class, so the SM and EMod entries are fine. I'll go fix the STS entry right now.

-STeve

[rdub]

cool! Did not know about the emod though.
Seems wrong to me still.An A-mod car with huge corvette wheels and 200 tread wear shaved tires.HUMMMM
I thought street tire rule was for stock vehicles only now.

[73GT]

Randy
Think PAX :o


73GT

[photoeye0]

So what about registration day of, cuz my dad wants to run in my car.

[MNbiker]

So what about registration day of, cuz my dad wants to run in my car.

There will be space available. However, you can save $5 if you pre-register him in advance online. You can still pay at the event.

-Steve

[Gspot]

Are you going to recruit some volunteers for morning work or does Nord Stern have that under control?

[photoeye0]

There will be space available. However, you can save $5 if you pre-register him in advance online. You can still pay at the event.

-Steve
I don't know if he can make it. and i won't know till the 16th.

[phile]

I don't know if he can make it. and i won't know till the 16th.

Register him and don't pay the entry fee. It is less trouble for the club to ignore the unneeded entry on event day if he does not show up than it is to do the data entry if he does show up.

The whole concept behind pre-registration is to move as much of the work away from event day as possible so we all can spend less time wrestling with paperwork and more time having fun with cars.

[chuck b]

hey, anyone else having registration problems?

I tried registering last night and this morning and the page cannot be found. It allows me to sign in and view the entry list, but I cannot register. However, I notice the # of entrants went up from 111 to 113 over this period.

[MNbiker]

hey, anyone else having registration problems?

I tried registering last night and this morning and the page cannot be found. It allows me to sign in and view the entry list, but I cannot register. However, I notice the # of entrants went up from 111 to 113 over this period.

I just checked, and the system is fine. I have noticed significant Internet traffic delays since last night - there must be some hacker activity out there....:x

Note: Online registration is open until midnight tonight.

[photoeye0]

Register him and don't pay the entry fee. It is less trouble for the club to ignore the unneeded entry on event day if he does not show up than it is to do the data entry if he does show up.

The whole concept behind pre-registration is to move as much of the work away from event day as possible so we all can spend less time wrestling with paperwork and more time having fun with cars.
I will do that
Thanks

[photoeye0]

What if it rain out?

[weidnerpaul]

What if it rain out?

You drive in the rain & wear a raincoat/rainsuit.
Unless the rain is real heavy the event usually goes on. You do get closer to the cars limits, although at a slower speed...
With the fact of having to rent sites in advance there usually isn't a rain "make up" day.

Paul

[photoeye0]

You drive in the rain & wear a raincoat/rainsuit.
Unless the rain is real heavy the event usually goes on. You do get closer to the cars limits, although at a slower speed...
With the fact of having to rent sites in advance there usually isn't a rain "make up" day.

Paul
Cool thank

[shane86]

Current Weather reports list sunday as partly clowdy with a 20% chance of rain. i've been keeping a close eye on weather through this link:
http://www.weather.com/activities/events/sports/weather/tenday.html?locid=55379&from=36hr_fcst_sports

I feel like a kid waiting for christmas! :drool:

[photoeye0]

Current Weather reports list sunday as partly clowdy with a 20% chance of rain. i've been keeping a close eye on weather through this link:
http://www.weather.com/activities/events/sports/weather/tenday.html?locid=55379&from=36hr_fcst_sports

I feel like a kid waiting for christmas! :drool:
I know how you feel this will be my first one. I don't how i'm going to get any sleep saturday night.

[magicsammy]

just make sure you come out, even if it is raining.

I skipped my first autox because there was a storm but it blew over by the time they would have started driving - I was just sick about it. :x

[Darryl]

Rain? What rain. Partly Cloudy and 79 is the forcast for Sunday!!!

[MNbiker]

Rain? What rain. Partly Cloudy and 79 is the forcast for Sunday!!!

Guess we'll finally find out how much traction the lot has with decent temperatures to work with. :evil:


Weather.com Weekend Update for Shakopee, MN (http://www.weather.com/activities/other/other/weather/weekend.html?locid=USMN0685&from=search)

[73GT]

:) :evil: :D ;)



73GT

[maloneyracing]

A friend of mine emailed Harvey a few days ago for a waiver (under 18) and he hasn't gotten a reply. Does anyone have one he can print out?

[MNbiker]

A friend of mine emailed Harvey a few days ago for a waiver (under 18) and he hasn't gotten a reply. Does anyone have one he can print out?

Harvey contacted all registrants under 18 years old, as of a few days ago. email me (macregistrar@comcast.net) your friend's contact info and I'll check with Harvey.

-Steve

[SUV-ETR]

Guess we'll finally find out how much traction the lot has with decent temperatures to work with. :evil:[/url]

Heck yeah! I'm votin' for either 45F or rain. :evil: :evil:

(while the Subaru is obviously the weapon of necessity this weekend, the VW would enjoy such meterological advantages as well...)

Neal

[jdlhonda]

Well rain could still make it's way it up to a 30 % chance now. :rolleyes:

I'm not sure what I want as I was unable to address my lack of spring rate problem, I guess i'm actually hopeing for less than optimal grip so that way I don't do any tire rubbing.

I wish my integra springs would of done the trick but, raised the car so high I had all kinds of clearance but, also nasty positive camber.


Looks like the weatherman changed his mind yet once again 77 and mostly sunny as of 10 am Saturday :D Regardless of car issue I rather have nice warm weather.


Jason

[Darryl]

SUN and 75 degrees!!!!!!!!!!!

[SEStone]

Dernit. Missed registration for my first event (didn't bother to may much attention to the refund policy either :( )...I slept in too late then got to drive through pea soup to Valleyfair eventually. I stayed and watched, got my feet wet, and had a decent time. Saw a lot of you guys out there, and saw some really cool stuff. I'll cya in two weeks, for sure!

Sam

[RX8noobie]

Where will the results be posted for the VF event - here in the forum or on the club results page. The club page only has spots for the MOWOG events.

Andy

[MNbiker]

Where will the results be posted for the VF event - here in the forum or on the club results page. The club page only has spots for the MOWOG events.

Andy

http://www.met-council.org/series.html

Hopefully, in the next 1-2 days.