I would like to take a trip up to Mid-ohio this year and take some laps with the car. Historically speaking, are there any good events that would make the 8 hour trip worth it? I know NASA has a few there but that is about all I know of. Not looking for wheel to wheel racing, but a good HPDE/time attack, something of that nature would be nice.

Thanks

 

Go to www.mid-ohio.com, I think, and check out their scdedule. They might have a lot better than NASA. There will be at least one SCCA National, and possibly a GrandAm, ALMS, and some kind of open wheels race like INDYCAR. You should make a point to drive that track as its really a handling track and almost perfect for a 350Z. Cheaper hotels in Mansfield, like the Holiday Inn and a few others. Also go to the Roadhouse for beer and dinner and to a Bar-B-Q place that I forget the name of in the center of town, they also have a kart track in back. Have fun, Mid-Ohio is one of my favorite tracks. Bob

 

I'd suggest qualifying for the NASA Nationals in September. It's three days (Thurs- Sat) and a TON of track time. Last year I drove my Z out from Colorado and had three sessions every day to work on driving and setup at. You would need to finish five local NASA events to qualify, but that will provide ample time to learn how NASA's TT format and rules system works.

No- I didn't come close to winning my class, but I went quicker every session and was well-pleased with the track time and speeds I achieved!

 

I think racerbob4 really meant to direct you to this link: www.midohio.com. It's the official track website. The BBQ place with the go-cart track he mentions is called Buck's and is right on the way to the track from the small town of Lexington, OH.

BTW- Mid Ohio does offer their own in-house driver schools, but they are pricey. The NASA TT is a much better value for the serious track rat looking to maximize time on-course!

 

i checked out the midohio site but their schedule isn't online yet. seems to me that schedule should be up but just not yet i guess.

luckily i grew up in that area. I have a ton of friends/family in the Lexington, Mansfield, galion area that I can stay with. And yeah, Roadhouse is a kick *** place to eat...good food and great scenery.

I have thought a lot about running with NASA. Only problem is my car is no where near equipped to even get into their classes. There are a ton of NASA events around here, so 5 before Nationals wouldn't be the problem, having a qualified car however would be.

Anyone with a prepped car need a driver?

 

Not quite sure what you mean by having a car "equipped" to get into NASA classes. Both NASA and SCCA have TT rules that allow you to run anything from a near stock to a highly modified car in their events. You do need a fully prepped car for door-to-door racing, but not for TT. Just put your ego on hold and don't worry about having a car prepped to the limit of the TT rules.

 

i was told differently by one of the instructors, maybe he missed understood my intentions, however. thank you for setting me straight. I am going to dig through there rules and regulations when i get home today. if that is the case, count me in for 5 events plus nationals!!

 

I was looking for the same thing last year. I've run HPDE events with a few Porsche Clubs. I just looked into which Porsche club was running at Mid-Ohio. Last year I joined the Allegheny Region Club (arpca.com) and ran in Sept. I've checked this year and I believe they are running Mid-Ohio in July and Sept. I've enjoyed the PCA HPDE events so you might want to check those days out....hope this helps.

 

If you're only going to be here once during the year, the Chin Motorsport event is the one not to miss.

May 26-27

http://www.chinmotorsports.com/

I haven't been able to do all the track time I could have done during that event last 2 years. You could do well over 300 miles on the track. Pretty much as long as you have brake pads...

edit: My track season is pretty much canceled now that the Z is totaled. But I'd be glad to offer support. Mid-Ohio is 60 minutes door to gate from my place in Columbus.

 

I wouldn't mind a HPDE or time trial either way. Really considering trying to get into the NASA time trial final up there. But if I could squeeze in a HPDE prior to the event that would be great. I figured there were clubs that ran MidOhio but with there schedule not posted, its hard to plan ahead.

I've heard good things about Chin. They do a few here at VIR as well that people have said a lot of good things about.

Anyone know what NASA minimum requirements are for a stock car to run in their TT. Harness? 4pt roll bar? I read some about their tire limits, but that is all I could find as far as a stock bare minimum needed to get registered. other then the required events prior to of course.

 

You can download the NASA TT rules here: http://nasa-tt.com/Rules. There are NO requirements for a racing harness or roll cage in the TT safety rules. You must have a current SA-rated helmet. The base 350Z is classed in TTC and you gain points for each performance mod on the car (but not for safety improvements). As mentioned, I drove my street car from Colorado, swapped tires, and ran three days at Mid-Ohio before switching back and making the drive back home. It doesn't get much simpler than that!

 

your right, it doesn't get a lot simpler then that. thanks for the link

 

You're welcome! BTW- NASA does a tech inspection of all cars, including TT. I'd suggest having it done in your 'home' region before your first event.