BigPower meet Sept 24th Trackday, 1/4 mile and Vmax

[Stuart]

1)stuartstaples driving

[Ben]

I can't wait - think I'll give the Qtr a miss after my last expensive episode.
I bet I end up doing it though

See you all at the breckland lodge @ 8 then .....

Dan, can I come out for a spin too ? ...

[goodap]

I can't wait - think I'll give the Qtr a miss after my last expensive episode

I know what you mean, after watching a video of a scoob breaking a drive shaft, I dont think I will do this either. Looks like too much stress on the transmission side of things for me to do this.

[duncan]

you dont have to rev to 6k to launch - ask stu about his two comparative launches... very interesting results.

we were measuring launches at pickenham last friday and mine with a 3k launch - smooth but quick was the same if not quicker than the others that just nailed from 6k... plus mine were a little kinder on the transmission/clutch.

[Ben]

Good point - Ok I'm in - got to be worth a try. We'll see what this organic clutch can do .

Basically get the car rolling then go for it :-D

[Stuart]

The last time I went to Santa Pod, I only ran twice. I had travelled up with many of the wise folk of Skylineowners.com. They had repeated Madenglishmans technique for getting a good, sympathetic launch.
1) Coast up to the line let your opponent stage first.
2) Creep forwards and apply the handbrake, bringing the clutch up far enough to load slightly. Increase revs to 4-5k rpm.
3) Lights go green, release handbrake and squeeze throttle.

Bosh. Or rather not. I had been to the Pod once, maybe twice before, and I had tried this approach before. The best results were 13.6 with a 100mph terminal. Pityful and none of it felt natural. The first run of the aforementioned day resulted in Dan's mantra rattling around my head. I fluffed the launch, hit the limiter in first and lit all four wheels up for the first 60ft (probably not, but it seemed like it). Adding two missed gearchanges (third-twice) and I acheived a 13.9 and 101
Time to try it my way before I gave up on 1/4 miles for good.
1) Coast up to lights. Dab the barkes to settle the car.
2) Bring the clutch up to it's biting point and increase revs up to 3krpm
3) Lights go green and go, go, go!!
This 'high street' technique yielded a 12.7 and 109 terminal and it was the easiest run I've ever done. Even shortshifted at an indicated 6krpm rather than the 7.5k limit. I admit I am still crap. My car and spec should definitely be quicker, I am the problem, but doing it this way I enjoyed it and it was far easier on the car.

Sorry for the boring diatribe but hopefully this will help settle a few nerves.

[goodap]

Just spoke to RAf Honnington who were confirming my entry, they have about 10 spaces left for the trackday on Sunday. Get your entries in guys.

[323ian]

The main problem with a few of the cars that break things is that they are not loading the transmission before they dump the clutch.
You are best to do like Stu has said and bring the clutch up to bitting point so the play in the transmission has been took up but its not to good keeping it there for to long due to it getting hot, however if you do this it loads the transmission instead of giving it a shock loading.
Probably teaching people how to suck eggs so will go now!!

[Stuart]

Just had this note from Jim regarding the fire extinguishers and track use;

'It's a clause from our insurers. Secured ensures that nothing rolls under the brake pedal, or flies around in the car. Therefore, glovebox, ziptied to the seat rail all ok.

We have got a supply of nice little extinguishers with a fill gauge (and zipties!) for, I think

[Ben]

Count me in for an extinguisher .... ...