It’s going to be fun regardless, as long as it doesn’t rain, since I have no rain tires.
Steve D - I didn’t see your name on the list. Are you out for this one?
No smack talk for CMP? Come on...
mskeen
#42
Changing the track won’t fix the issue if people don’t drive with their heads. I’m sure Jones can wreck in T11 just as well as anywhere else.
Don’t be stupid at the start. Problem solved.
jlevie
#43
After watching the videos of the T1 carnage a year ago, and then being in it this past year, I was initially in favor of a green flag on the back side of the course, But I’ve come to the realization that changing the location of the green flag probably will just change the location of the carnage.
The problem as I see it is that we tend to think that we are as good as we were at the end of the previous season. With a two (or more) month break that isn’t the case at all and our skills and judgment are a touch rusty from disuse. Everyone needs to remember the adage that we’ve all heard many time that “You can lose the race on the first turn, but you can’t win it there.”. On the first lap of the first race of the season that should be taken to heart. Unless you have an overwhelming advantage and can clearly execute a pass that is safe for both cars, it is better to wait for an opportunity that promises a more favorable outcome.
Steve_D
#44
ukrbmw wrote:
[quote]It’s going to be fun regardless, as long as it doesn’t rain, since I have no rain tires.
Steve D - I didn’t see your name on the list. Are you out for this one?[/quote]
If rain is in the forecast, I can bring my extra set of rains for you. I pulled a Johan and just signed up. :laugh:
dotcom wrote:
All due respect, it is a helluva lot easier to not be “stupid” in the front 2 rows. 
Not excusing any bad behavior on my part in the last race at CMP, but the mid-pack is a little crazy. Which is why I will be qualifying in the first 2 rows. BAM!
My only reason for suggesting the back straight is that we would have a lot more time to get sorted out before the first turn. Granted, it’s not a magic cure and I understand the counter-arguments. But it works at MidO (but the flag stand is waaaaaay up in the air so all the drivers can see).
My key conclusion from last fall’s T1 debacle: Always assume that there is a car on the other side of the car next to you.
You may be squeezing two cars when you only intended to squeeze the one next to you. I was on the wrong end of that deal when Rick moved Jones to the left, not knowing that I was on HIS left. I don’t intend to stir up old crap that I’ve taken my lumps for, but I think it is a point worth making. [/soapbox]
Ranger
#45
Hasn’t a relatively high percentage of the debacles been caused by relative strangers that we didn’t know very well.?
–CMP turn 1 2yrs ago and that guy was never seen again.
–The 944 incident last year. The guy paid for the damage and that’s hugely to his credit, but wasn’t he a relative newby?
–The RA Miata punt incident where the guy was from outside the region and renting.
In a given race I think we know most of the folks. At race start we know pretty much everyone. Yet those few folks that we don’t know cause a high percentage of the crashes. What does that tell us? I don’t mean that question rhetorically, I mean it as a serious question. What does it tell us?
Steve_D
#46
Ranger wrote:
Interesting hypothesis. While there have been a number of that type, there are also a bunch that come to mind that involved Southeast regulars.
Case in point: Jones and I didn’t agree on what led to us getting together at the last race, but we had a completely civil, friendly discussion and I don’t think either of us walked away thinking “That guy is an out-of-control idiot.”
I expect a high level of skill and responsible driving from the guys I know well. I know that 99% of them are not “rubbin’s racin’” guys, so I am a little more forgiving when accidents happen with those I know. Maybe that’s foolish, but it’s how I see it.
IMHO it is relatively rare when one, lone, bone-headed, low-percentage move leads to bent-up cars. Usually there is at least some shared responsibility. Like when I got taken out in the carrousel at CMP by the 944 that went off track and kept his foot in it when he re-entered. I could have - and in hindsight should have - lifted to see where he ended up. But I was the caboose on a Patton train and didn’t want to lose him.
alfageorgia
#47
Just be cool and safe in Turn 1. I won’t be there in mid-pack dodging the mess; no tow truck and other commitments. See y’all at RA in March.
M3Bill
#48
I figure that after you guys all wreck each other’s cars at CMP, I will be in a great position for a podium at RA!
smithk3933
#54
Is there an official entry list for the CMP races? I just realized that the season is starting! Been a long winter. If I can get the car washed and polished, Brandon and I might join the fun. But please NO early season carnage!
How many folks are signed up?
Keith
Steve_D
#55
Keith -
You can see the event info at nasa-southeast.com. I think there are 15 or so signed up, but a couple will be no shows. Should be a good crowd!
ukrbmw
#56
Somebody backing out already? Last I saw we had 17 on the list with late entries from Steve and Johan.
Steve_D
#58
ukrbmw wrote:
18 as of this morning, but Ranger Gress is out I believe.
I think 9 rows of standing start would make a nice photo!!
Ranger
#59
Steve D wrote:
As your complacent defense fritters away their days and nights, Ranger could be creeping toward your position and preparing to shock you with sudden overwhelming violence (not to mention a sound engine).
Brief your defense…Ranger is out there, somewhere. Be on your guard.