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2 RMW equipped cars break the magical 1:30 barrier at Streets of Willow

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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 12:45 PM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by dmh
As your experience grows you will learn that between all events/days/sessions service comes into play. Before all events our customers cars go through a technical inspection. Things that are usually serviced before each event include brakes, oil/filter, and tires. At high speed tracks sprint brake pads do not last more than about six hours of use. This is why you see so many people in all kinds of cars serving their brakes in the paddock day and night. (Very few of our customers use endurance equipment.) Most have their oil and filter changed after each weekend. R compound street tires and slicks, if speed is your concern, do not go more than eight or so heat cycles. At the end of the season those who are serious about speed and safety have at least their suspension components checked for wear and if needed, replaced.

I know very little about the Streets as I've never been there but what surprised me was the "magical" and "track record" comments. I've asked about that but RMW has yet to respond. I do know, from my friends who do time trials there, that there are many configurations in both directions. Fast times CW with the bowl are in the low 1:20s.

One thing that will become very clear to all track novices is that the driver and suspension, especially at a momentum track like Streets, far outweighs any power advantage. That is why, if you want to go fast, you ought to spend your money on DEs, suspensions, and brakes. Control first; power later.

The challenge is fine but not only will you learn that "registered for road use" and road legal are two different items (that is why cars run in different race classes) but you will also understand the role of the driver and his input with the setup. Thus it will likely nullify any bragging rights.

But one thing I want to make clear: I am happy to see more people taking an interest in tracking their Minis.
I think the point was that nobody's ever run a sub 1:30 in a MINI there. Yes, Michael Andretti in an Indy Car would probably do better than we did...

Don't you have anything better to do than come into our threads and post your BS about impossible times, lack of a sanctioning body, times not counting because we're not licensed by the SCCA, etc?

These are our DAILY DRIVERS. I drive my car 150 miles a day to and from work, then take it to the track and pull 1:35 consistently my second time on the track. Jan is on his 3rd track day at SOW and he's getting 1:29's consistently. Sean has a LOT of experience and is consistently running between 1:27 and 1:28.

These times are even more impressive because we have inexperienced drivers on the track holding us up... not to mention Sean drove every single session with a passenger, so we could learn a thing or two from him.

We're not running full race cars on stripped that show up on a trailer. These are road going street cars with full interiors, air conditioning, ABS, radios (I was listening to XM Radio while racing), No check engine lights, etc. Every one of our cars would pass the restrictive CA Smog Inspection. We all drove our cars to the track, drove them home, and will drive them every day until the next track day.

When a professional driver is coming to the track with a full race team, a 550 HP completely stripped C6 Corvette race car on a trailer, and pulling off 1:24's, I think a 1:27 with a passenger, driving at 9/10'th's is pretty damn respectable in MINI with a head, and a tune.

Sean was driving a completely stock GP with an RMW head, and a partial tune, that's it.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 01:46 PM
  #52  
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I was driving my sock JCW. Just saying. But RMW cars do haul butt. Even if their driver's are beginners...
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 01:55 PM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by JIMINNI
Well i'm glad that you are a "full service shop". Because of your attitude here on NAM you must not be selling many Mini parts. This thread was started by RMW, so why do you have to come in here and spread your hype? Free advertizing? Funny that some vendors can only get there stuff read when they crash in on other vendors threads.

DING DING DING******

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 02:26 PM
  #54  
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Originally Posted by goaljnky
I was driving my sock JCW. Just saying. But RMW cars do haul butt. Even if their driver's are beginners...
This type of comment and the participants own admissions with regards to their track experience is what makes me think that this " magical " 1:30 is not what it is cracked up to be.

Tuls, Rustyboy etc. Who says 1:30 has never been done ? Redline?? They are one of many run groups in the area did you pole NASA, Open Track, Speed Ventures , BMWCCA etc ? You all mention how little experience they have with the exception of Shawn , who is a very good driver , and expect something to be accomplished that has not been in almost 6 years ? And supposedly this was due to the extra power of the cars in question ? Power on the tight Streets course is the least important factor on that track. The big track maybe but not a track where you do 90% in second and third gear. If you want a bench mark go to Big Willow and then you will truly know where you stand.

Lets say this for what it was .

The RMW cars ran well.

Three out of four finished the afternoon.

The local guys on that run day said the minis were fast.

On that particular configuration, whatever it was , and in this particular direction , clockwise, some guys turned in sub 1 min 30 sec times .

Everyone , but one , had a good day and look forward to returning.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 02:35 PM
  #55  
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Originally Posted by trackster

Tuls, Rustyboy etc. Who says 1:30 has never been done ?
It was the guys who run the track... and well when it's your job to do that... I suspect you would know these things... and all the people who had run there before with "faster cars" who were getting passed... but what do they know... since many in this thread weren't there... it never happen right? Or doesn't have any weight... what is this a religious debate LOL

I guess it's the same as when I was part of setting a record for MINI USA... who's to say a MINI had never gone 10s before... What about breaking HP barriers... same thing... there's always someone talking about how it's unpossible...

What kinda times has a mini turned at Lime Rock? What is the fastest time? I do know that no matter what if turning X time is the fast... people understood the track enough to know what a good time was for the kinda car... and that's not a big track... but I bet if I went up there and turned sometimes faster than anyone had ever seen a mini turn they'd wanna know what I have in it... besides the carbon unit... especially if it was significant in time...

Why is it so hard for this community to give respect where it's due... Hubie first came on the scene in 02 with 250 WHP... laughed at said that it was BS... "he didnt have the post count so since he was a noob what could he know"... Then Jan and Hubie break the 280 WHP "barrier" again more BS from people and vendors alike... and so on.. same when I did stuff with Hubie and Jan... or just me... "if we can't do it there's no way you can" get over you selves..

But some wanna be "tuner" like furball tim goes on TV and pretends to work on cars let alone know anything and you all believe it.. cheering him on?! LOL gimme a break... "YOU SAW IT ON TV! IT MUST BE REAL!" LOL
 

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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 02:51 PM
  #56  
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Trackster you left out one item and that is you have a issue with Jan and or his work. It is easy to prove by just looking at your past posts so lets just be honest you have a axe to grind and found something to jump on.

It is fine to do so and your opinion is just as good as anyone elses but lets just add it to your list of "lets say this for what it was/is"

Originally Posted by trackster

Lets say this for what it was .

The RMW cars ran well.

Three out of four finished the afternoon.

The local guys on that run day said the minis were fast.

On that particular configuration, whatever it was , and in this particular direction , clockwise, some guys turned in sub 1 min 30 sec times .

Everyone , but one , had a good day and look forward to returning.
 

Last edited by jeffc; Nov 18, 2007 at 02:55 PM.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 03:35 PM
  #57  
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Originally Posted by jeffc
Trackster you left out one item and that is you have a issue with Jan and or his work. It is easy to prove by just looking at your past posts so lets just be honest you have a axe to grind and found something to jump on.

It is fine to do so and your opinion is just as good as anyone elses but lets just add it to your list of "lets say this for what it was/is"

You might want to check that again. I am on on here that often and my posts are all over the map but recently in this thread. If it seems like I am on Jan's case it is because this thread is dealing with something that is ,shall we say, missleading at best.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 03:49 PM
  #58  
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well I have the perfect solution.... all nay sayers... report to the track!! it's that easy... just like when people doubted the Dynos or performance parts.. then go run the drag strip... in this case though... yes you ahve to go to willow and run the same track set up... LOL... but you knew that
 

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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:15 PM
  #59  
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Originally Posted by trackster
You might want to check that again. I am on on here that often and my posts are all over the map but recently in this thread. If it seems like I am on Jan's case it is because this thread is dealing with something that is ,shall we say, missleading at best.
The only thing misleading is the use of the adjective "magical". When in fact it was the combination of the RMW head and driving experience that put street MINIs into the sub 1:30 bracket on the SOW. I suspect there was maybe a little tongue in cheek with that title, but I am purely specalating.

If this has been done before then who was it and with what?
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:17 PM
  #60  
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Originally Posted by trackster
This type of comment and the participants own admissions with regards to their track experience is what makes me think that this " magical " 1:30 is not what it is cracked up to be.
What type of comment? The fact that I ran in a Stock JCW and was about 5 seconds slower than Jan? Or the fact that they ran sub 1:30? Just give it a few days, go to the RedLine website and check for yourself. They will post the times. You can even see for yourself what some of the other cars ran and that should give you an idea how RMW cars compared. If you are as experienced as you say (and I don't know you, so I have no way of telling, nor am I judging) you should be able to come to a correct conclusion. Also, if you are local to SoCal why not just come out in December and see for yourself?
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:20 PM
  #61  
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Originally Posted by dmh
As your experience grows you will learn that between all events/days/sessions service comes into play. Before all events our customers cars go through a technical inspection. Things that are usually serviced before each event include brakes, oil/filter, and tires. At high speed tracks sprint brake pads do not last more than about six hours of use. This is why you see so many people in all kinds of cars serving their brakes in the paddock day and night. (Very few of our customers use endurance equipment.) Most have their oil and filter changed after each weekend. R compound street tires and slicks, if speed is your concern, do not go more than eight or so heat cycles. At the end of the season those who are serious about speed and safety have at least their suspension components checked for wear and if needed, replaced.

I know very little about the Streets as I've never been there but what surprised me was the "magical" and "track record" comments. I've asked about that but RMW has yet to respond. I do know, from my friends who do time trials there, that there are many configurations in both directions. Fast times CW with the bowl are in the low 1:20s.

One thing that will become very clear to all track novices is that the driver and suspension, especially at a momentum track like Streets, far outweighs any power advantage. That is why, if you want to go fast, you ought to spend your money on DEs, suspensions, and brakes. Control first; power later.

The challenge is fine but not only will you learn that "registered for road use" and road legal are two different items (that is why cars run in different race classes) but you will also understand the role of the driver and his input with the setup. Thus it will likely nullify any bragging rights.

But one thing I want to make clear: I am happy to see more people taking an interest in tracking their Minis.
Thats an informative post. Maybe you could expand on these thoughts more in some individual threads about how one would go through servicing a Mini before their first and between events. I'm sure it would be quite helpful to many on NAM. I perform some of the service before and after each event as the Mini is also street driven. I do have it inspected by a pro a few times a year, or after I've had a major off, which does happen even to the best of us.

The challenge is fine but not only will you learn that "registered for road use" and road legal are two different items (that is why cars run in different race classes) but you will also understand the role of the driver and his input with the setup. Thus it will likely nullify any bragging rights.
I well understand the difference between registered for road use and road legal. Anyone with an Alta, M7, Madness etc CAI, except for the CARB approved K&N that is registered in So Cal is registered for road use but is not road legal. I fully understand the driver. Heck if it was all about the car anyone of us could slot in Race Series with a chance to win. We all know that is far from the truth.

So if you afraid it will nullify the results have a round robin where all the drivers drive all the cars. It will show when a driver is consistently off the mark compared to the other drivers in each car making sandbagging easier to spot.

But ya know, no matter how we do this you will find an excuse to nullify any results. Even if we find a local driver of whatever track is chosen and he/she drives all the cars.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by gnatster
Thats an informative post. Maybe you could expand on these thoughts more in some individual threads about how one would go through servicing a Mini before their first and between events. I'm sure it would be quite helpful to many on NAM. I perform some of the service before and after each event as the Mini is also street driven. I do have it inspected by a pro a few times a year, or after I've had a major off, which does happen even to the best of us.



I well understand the difference between registered for road use and road legal. Anyone with an Alta, M7, Madness etc CAI, except for the CARB approved K&N that is registered in So Cal is registered for road use but is not road legal. I fully understand the driver. Heck if it was all about the car anyone of us could slot in Race Series with a chance to win. We all know that is far from the truth.

So if you afraid it will nullify the results have a round robin where all the drivers drive all the cars. It will show when a driver is consistently off the mark compared to the other drivers in each car making sandbagging easier to spot.

But ya know, no matter how we do this you will find an excuse to nullify any results. Even if we find a local driver of whatever track is chosen and he/she drives all the cars.
That sounds too complicated. Why don't we all just decide it by arguing about it on NAM?
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:43 PM
  #63  
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[quote=goaljnky;1871260]What type of comment?

" Even if their driver's are beginners... "

Was what i was referring to. Nothing to do with your time there , I am sure you had a great event .
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:48 PM
  #64  
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Originally Posted by trackster

" Even if their driver's are beginners... "

Was what i was referring to. Nothing to do with your time there , I am sure you had a great event .
Oh, I see. That was meant more of a tongue in cheek shot at a friend than anything else. I keep forgetting that some things just don't translate in online forums.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 04:51 PM
  #65  
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"Let's go to the track"

I agree, and humbly suggest a shootout at Heartland Park, Topeka where they run the SCCA runoffs each year. 2.5 mile track (approx) and right dead set in the middle of the country.

If you come, I'll be there. I have a stock '03 MCS JCW we can use as a "control" car for times.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 05:02 PM
  #66  
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"MINI's Tuners Challenge", this should be interesting/fun indeed.

Also, I think there might be some auto magazines and/or vendors that be interested to be sponsors of the event.

 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Maxicooper
"MINI's Tuners Challenge", this should be interesting/fun indeed.

Also, I think there might be some auto magazines and/or vendors that be interested to be sponsors of the event.

Better yet...an All Mini Track day. We rent the track for the day and put on a DE. In the afternoon we have the Tuner Challenge. Run the challenge like a Solo 1 or Time Attack type event.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by gnatster
Better yet...an All Mini Track day. We rent the track for the day and put on a DE. In the afternoon we have the Tuner Challenge. Run the challenge like a Solo 1 or Time Attack type event.
Yeah, baby. But keep the vendors out of it. Stick to the truth.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 06:24 PM
  #69  
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Track challenge

If there is interest, I can provide my race car (and driver) as a "neutral" test-bed for anybody interested in a shoot-out.

I`ll provide all the wearables (tire, brakes, fuel, etc...), the test day and the labour for the re+re.

The only question mark would have to be software to use.

This would obviously have to happen in my "back-yard", a track I am familiar with.

Nothing to gain here but personal knowledge and experience. It obvioulsy can`t happen before Spring `08.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 08:53 PM
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Wrong place, edited
 

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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 05:36 AM
  #71  
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Isn't the point of the RMW mods at this point power? The track requires suspension brakes etc..... what will be the "controls" of the non "power" mods.... or is this a run what you brung "pinks" format...... (FWIW I am 5 mi from the Dragon this morning.... might need to make a run)

I do like the idea of a Mini only ... multi day event..... sign me up..... (could we get 100 cars to show)I am happy to add my help in setting up such an event..... this could be a "Dragon" like event "with attitude".... clinics for driving instruction.... car prep.... suspension etc and cap off each day with vendors (and anyone for that matter) fighting it out .... none of this "over the internet from a distance" ********.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 05:55 AM
  #72  
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Now I like were this thread is going
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:36 AM
  #73  
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Originally Posted by SpiderX
Isn't the point of the RMW mods at this point power? The track requires suspension brakes etc..... what will be the "controls" of the non "power" mods.... or is this a run what you brung "pinks" format...... (FWIW I am 5 mi from the Dragon this morning.... might need to make a run)

I do like the idea of a Mini only ... multi day event..... sign me up..... (could we get 100 cars to show)I am happy to add my help in setting up such an event..... this could be a "Dragon" like event "with attitude".... clinics for driving instruction.... car prep.... suspension etc and cap off each day with vendors (and anyone for that matter) fighting it out .... none of this "over the internet from a distance" ********.
Speaking of an all MINI event, where there'll be at least one RMW car - the Phil Wicks event in Talladega, AL - at the TGPR track - still has some spots open.

Monday, 12-3-07.

Lots of track time.

PM me if you want more details.
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:43 AM
  #74  
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Originally Posted by SpiderX
Isn't the point of the RMW mods at this point power? The track requires suspension brakes etc..... what will be the "controls" of the non "power" mods.... or is this a run what you brung "pinks" format.....
That may be the point, as it is with other tuners and their performance products. But when the conversation goes to on track performance, that's then the point. So the challenge was suggested (way back on page 1, by me, before anyone wanted to look beyond the arguing vendors), and now the point is to get around a track quickly. No excuses for not having a suspension or brakes (RMW has a suspension, JIC/Cross, right?), just bring a car and a driver and go as fast as you can. I can't see why there needs to be "controls" of any sort - DMH and RMW claim to be quick on the track - let's see it!

DMH made my basically stock car quick with a nice setup. I've seen an RMW car make its way around a track - impressive. To me this is a fun idea/competition that might take the focus off talk and put it on action.


mb
 
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 06:56 AM
  #75  
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I have been saying throughout this thread....

BRING THEM ON.....

I have yet to hear dmh or little dog pipe up
 
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