Texas Trifecta at COTA

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by ThunderMoose

There is open source software I think it's race keeper that can do most of what solo DL can do plus some.

With respect to AIM they supply software called race studio. It's free so I could send you my files and you could look at my data. More helpful is when you can overlay your own data to see where you're faster (or slower).

I also have Smartycam which automatically integrates data so I can just pull the SIM card after a session and see video and data all at once.

Many ways to skin a cat but I like the aim system.

Nice, thanks for the info and offer, I may take you up on it but wait until I have my own data to compare. Also, you wouldn't believe how many steps I go through with Harry's to overlay on go-pro video ... Love to share and re-watch but it is some work, no doubt! Will move to a better system at some point.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by admranger

I'm old (as BigJae -- he had to steady my walker as I got into and out of the car), so data is butt dyno and film is in the cerebral cortex. Would love to have some sort of data/video setup but then, knowing me, I'd stuff the car chasing a tenth. I have self control issues sometimes...

Lol. You are a total maniac.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by surlynkid

They gave up on turf. It is my understanding that it won't be back.

Thank god. That turf was in the worst places all all it did was help you get closer to the Armco. Especially in T20.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Lol. You are a total maniac.

<sniff> That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. </sniff>

Thundermoose, I meant to say "ask BigJae" not "as BigJae". I'm nearing the midpoint of the 50's!

And to be clear, at this point in my life I'm just having fun. When I raced I wish I would have had access to these tools b/c I definitely could have improved a ton. Data sync'd to video is a huge game changer and anyone who is serious needs to have it.

To be fair, I still have other instructors sit with me once in a while to add their 2 cents and that always helps. It's mostly for the camaraderie, but sometimes it results in big insights. It got me to attack turn 9 a lot harder at Laguna. Requires a ton of concentration and commitment because it's hard to get back to a good turn in point at 10, but it will result in large time gains.

Behind safety gear, tires, brake pads/fluid, and suspension upgrades, I'd add data as a must have before any power gaining mods are done. Might even put it before suspension mods. Let's all make that friction circle graph look like a "T".

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by admranger

When I raced I wish I would have had access to these tools b/c I definitely could have improved a ton.

Back then...wasn't the common advice to just add another horse and lighten the chariot? Not sure data was necessary.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Back then...wasn't the common advice to just add another horse and lighten the chariot? Not sure data was necessary.

Chariot! You kids and you're fancy toys.

[mtl88]

Does anyone know when the next HPDE at COTA will be this year?

[Kong Sheng Han]

May 19-21 and Nov 17-19. It's a BMW CCA and PCA combined event now, and it's called Austin Schnell Fest.

Registration for the May 19-21 Schnell Fest will open March 30th at Noon Central Time on clubregistration.net.
Beginner drivers (the Green Run Group) will run on Saturday and Sunday only. The registration fee for beginner drivers will be $700.
All other run groups (Blue/Yellow/White/Red) will run Friday-Sunday. Because the Green Group will only run on Saturday and Sunday, Friday will feature lengthened run sessions for the more experienced run groups. The registration fee for Blue/Yellow/White run group drivers will be $945.
Registration Fee for Instructors will be $300.
More details will be available soon on the Austin Schnell Fest website http://austinschnellfest.clubregistration.net/

$315/day is a great deal, assuming we don't get hosed on track time.

[mtl88]

This is awesome news! Thank you for the info.

[chamba002]

Its cheaper then NASA... its 1199 for two days. This is tempting.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by Kong Sheng Han

$315/day is a great deal, assuming we don't get hosed on track time.

If you do the math you will get less track time AND more cars on track. You will have about 2-3 races per day on top of 4 run groups.

I don't mind more cars on track. I've driven sessions with 35 cars at Texas World Speedway with no trains. Sometimes, the Driver's Edge combines the advanced and instructors...everytime it's helluva lotta fun! Just takes 35 skilled drivers to do that.

For some reason checking mirrors seems less important at COTA. COTA's layout isn't as conducive for HPDE as most other tracks. The high HP cars blow by me between T11 and T12, I catch them in T16-T18. They pull away between T1-2. Then I sit behind them between T3-T10.

It would all work well if everyone played well together despite the layout but have yet to see that happen at COTA. The only track I have seen an obscene levels of selfishness at.

[///Mobbin]

I'll definitely be there in November, not sure about May yet.

[bigjae1976]

Might have to skip this year. My son's b-day is Nov 18th. Probably doesn't want to go to COTA to watch daddy drive.

[Kong Sheng Han]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

If you do the math you will get less track time AND more cars on track. You will have about 2-3 races per day on top of 4 run groups.

I don't mind more cars on track. I've driven sessions with 35 cars at Texas World Speedway with no trains. Sometimes, the Driver's Edge combines the advanced and instructors...everytime it's helluva lotta fun! Just takes 35 skilled drivers to do that.

For some reason checking mirrors seems less important at COTA. COTA's layout isn't as conducive for HPDE as most other tracks. The high HP cars blow by me between T11 and T12, I catch them in T16-T18. They pull away between T1-2. Then I sit behind them between T3-T10.

It would all work well if everyone played well together despite the layout but have yet to see that happen at COTA. The only track I have seen an obscene levels of selfishness at.

When I was there in Nov, I didn't really have any issues getting stuck behind slow drivers, but I never got a clean, traffic-free lap in either. I've done TWS PDS sessions with blue, yellow, and white combined. There were like 50 cars on track, and it was a blast. There were trains, but they would eventually clear up. Chasing people was awesome.

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

I'll definitely be there in November, not sure about May yet.

I might do a day at both events. May because I guess TWS PDS changed their May date, and I can't do 6/7 because of school. Nov will probably be a birthday present.

Originally Posted by ThunderMoose

For our cars, the DL is worth the upgrade. There's about 20+ channels over the CAN and there are enough of us to exchange data with.

I ended up getting a DL. Just need to buy the PnP harness from M World now.

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by Kong Sheng Han

When I was there in Nov, I didn't really have any issues getting stuck behind slow drivers, but I never got a clean, traffic-free lap in either. I've done TWS PDS sessions with blue, yellow, and white combined. There were like 50 cars on track, and it was a blast. There were trains, but they would eventually clear up. Chasing people was awesome.

I might do a day at both events. May because I guess TWS PDS changed their May date, and I can't do 6/7 because of school. Nov will probably be a birthday present.

I ended up getting a DL. Just need to buy the PnP harness from M World now.

If you get the PnP harness make sure also to hardware the power. The harness only addresses the CAN. I have had to help 3 people add in power after getting the harness. The power and ground are part of the harness but there must not be instructions. Just get an add a fuse tap at local auto parts store.

[Kong Sheng Han]

Originally Posted by ThunderMoose

If you get the PnP harness make sure also to hardware the power. The harness only addresses the CAN. I have had to help 3 people add in power after getting the harness. The power and ground are part of the harness but there must not be instructions. Just get an add a fuse tap at local auto parts store.

I'll look into it and do some reading. I know absolutely nothing about wiring, so I might accidentally blow up my car if I don't know what I'm doing.

[Greg S]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

If you do the math you will get less track time AND more cars on track. You will have about 2-3 races per day on top of 4 run groups.

As far as I'm aware there no PCA or BMW races scheduled for this event.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by Greg S

As far as I'm aware there no PCA or BMW races scheduled for this event.

That makes a big difference.

[///Mobbin]

I've heard Hill Country PCA is leading the charge on these events rather than BMWCCA or LSRPCA, though they are all participating, perhaps that's the difference in event strategy. I did enjoy watching the race in addition to driving last time though.

[aus]

Any links for posts from CCA or PCA about the next event here?
.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by aus

Any links for posts from CCA or PCA about the next event here?
.

All I've seen so far is the entry on the LSRPCA calendar, LINK.

It has also been discussed in various driver's meetings but I haven't seen any information come through email or anything yet.

[Kong Sheng Han]

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