2008 Solo Nationals

[DriveI65]

Is anyone else going? So far only 3 Zs.

Edited:
FWIW, the morning of August 12 there are only 627 drivers signed up, 22 in B Stock.

[jmark]

Mike it will make it all the sweeter if you & Jason can trophy against that armada of RX-8's!

[ke0ki2k]

id like to, but i'm not anywhere near prepared to go into BSP...i'd have DFL staked out with a bonfire and chemlights. Gonna do a few pro-solo and SEDiv events next year. maybe next year but PROBABLY the year after i'll try to make it to Topeka and take my chances in B-street prepared.

[TractionCircle]

I just registered. My lucky number is taken, so this year it's all off for me....LOL

Mike, let's see if we can't punch a 350z-shaped hole in the trophy spots

[betamotorsports]

SportsCar has picked Thompson for the win in BS, completely dissing Jason.

[ULLLOSE]

Originally Posted by betamotorsports

SportsCar has picked Thompson for the win in BS, completely dissing Jason.

If I was worried about what those hacks write I would have changed the story.

[DriveI65]

Originally Posted by TractionCircle

I just registered.

Great! I was hoping you could make it.

Who else? Anyone know Chris from Winnipeg who has signed up?

[PDX_Racer]

Well, I may very well be moving into a new home (from renting the past three years) that week.

At least I'm buying when house prices are low...

[DriveI65]

New house versus Nationals, yeah, the house comes first. We're still going to miss you Glenn since you were in the trophies last year.

[first350]

I was hoping to make it this yr in my BSP Z...but work appears to prevent that this yr. FTL

knock 'em dead guys!

[PDX_Racer]

Originally Posted by DriveI65

New house versus Nationals, yeah, the house comes first.

You know what they say: a happy wife is a happy life!

Originally Posted by DriveI65

We're still going to miss you Glenn since you were in the trophies last year.

Others can trophy too! I'm not the first, and I won't be the last!

The 350Z (regardless of year) is capable of trophying, there are just model years that are a bit more capable.

Drive it like a supercharged Miata (conserve momentum and trust the car's handling) -- and if you have a corner where you actually have to brake and accelerate out, then take a slightly late apex and get on the gas *early* to maximize your exit speed! The Z will take a lot of throttle, even if you've got some oversteer.

Oh, and stay out of the sand!

[TractionCircle]

Glenn, it's too bad you won't be there. I was really looking forward to meeting you. Haven't talked much here online, but I've taken notes on everything you say, and the above driving advice will be added to the list. Now, if I could only get you to divulge your v710 pressures

Mike, I am really getting excited. New tires are on their way, so I'll be on 5 run fronts and 25 run rears. Hopefully my shocks will stay together this year. Even more hopeful that I won't drive like a p***y and go half throttle through those sandy sweepers like I did in ATL. I really need to ride with you at a local...I think you have TONS more confidence in the car in sweepers and I would love to learn that.

I've got 2 locals between now and then, so hoping to shake any remaining rust off before the big show. See you all in Topeka!

JR

[DriveI65]

Since my son won't make Nationals I decided to look for another co-driver. Jason (TractionCircle) is going to let me co-drive his car and I'm bringing a new set of tires for the Nationals. He is already running in the Pro-Solo so his car will be ready. Now we get to see who is better in the same car. Should be a lot of fun to compare notes and ideas.

[first350]

we just had the Packwood NT ProSolo this past weekend - this was only my 2nd ProSolo (our region does 2 other ProSolo events for the season)...it's so much fun, but 10X a regular Solo experience (I feel way too overwhelmed!).

I run BSP and was in a 19 driver Bump 2 class (not enough competitors)...I think the Evo/STi's in BSP ruin the Pro index for all other non-AWD BSP cars - I got the last trophy spot by less than 0.05s! (another confirmation that hitting the porta-potties before you run is a good idea! )

I would assume the Z would have a better shot in BS for the Pro - if you can get traction, you should gain a few tenths on the RX-8's.

[TractionCircle]

How is everyone launching their Z's? My 60' times in DC were horrible.

JR

[first350]

Originally Posted by TractionCircle

How is everyone launching their Z's? My 60' times in DC were horrible.

JR

rpm's @ 3K, just a tad slower than dumping the clutch. I was running 2.2Xs 60'. (at actual drag strips, I launch at a higher rpm and slip the clutch a lot more...but the combination of AutoX R-comps and 'normal' launch surfaces just don't provide the grip to do that - I've run 1.9s 60's on street tires at drag strips, but have never dropped below 2.0s at a ProSolo).

for R/T, I stage as shallow as possible, hold the car w/ the E-brake and get the clutch to just start to engage (enough to feel it tug on the e-brake) - I launch the moment I see any hint of the 3rd yellow light...I ran fairly consistent 0.58Xs reaction times this past weekend doing that.

[PDX_Racer]

V710 Tire pressures: 32F/28R.

ProSolo launches: 2700 RPM, sidestep the clutch and mat the throttle.

[first350]

FYI - it's looking more like a real possibility that I'll make Nationals this yr. IIRC BS and BSP both run Tues/Wed, so I'll see you guys there!

[first350]

**assuming I go, I'd be looking for a co-driver (aka - tire warmer)...the rear 315's take a bit to heat up, so dual driving is optimal. I'd be looking to split some of the costs too...

PM if you're interested.

[PDX_Racer]

I'll vouch for first350 as an *outstanding* co-driver.