Team Justacooper
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pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
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From: California
Yesterday in San Diego we had our BMWCCA autocross.
20 MINI drivers in the MINI class.
It was also the largest of the classes by a considerable margin. 
I still don't think our local BMWCCA knows what to make of all the MINIs showing up. 
There were three MC: me, octaneguy, and bruiser
I think I was 5th on the day with my best clean run (have to wait for the official results to be posted to confirm that). My last timed run would have been good enough for 2nd, if I hadn't coned twice.
Cones aside, it was a great day and we had a lot other MINI owners come by to spectate.
20 MINI drivers in the MINI class.
It was also the largest of the classes by a considerable margin. I still don't think our local BMWCCA knows what to make of all the MINIs showing up. There were three MC: me, octaneguy, and bruiser
I think I was 5th on the day with my best clean run (have to wait for the official results to be posted to confirm that). My last timed run would have been good enough for 2nd, if I hadn't coned twice.
Cones aside, it was a great day and we had a lot other MINI owners come by to spectate.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: bryan tx
Originally Posted by Dave
Cones aside, it was a great day and we had a lot other MINI owners come by to spectate.
we need to recruit(sp)thats pretty cool that yall have a bmwcca. I wonder if the san antonio area has anything like this.
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pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
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From: California
Originally Posted by justintime
thats pretty cool that yall have a bmwcca. I wonder if the san antonio area has anything like this.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,081
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From: Texas
Another 3rd in class this time out... The course was definitely favorable to the modded e36 M3's in my class, with looooooong straights leading from element to element. We were using a new location, which was a GIANT T made from an airport taxiway and an old runway. The | portion of the T was 0.2 miles in length, outbound slalom, inbound was higher speed offsets; the - portion of the T was 0.2 miles in one direction and 0.4 miles in the other direction. There was a 1/4 mile straight between one side in the other with a small chicane in the middle - I estimate that I was going some 20 mph slower at the end of that versus the M3's. We're talking major drag racing between elements and yet, I still managed some good times...
Also, seems the fast way around the course was to wack some strategic cones - the fastest runs weren't clean.
I ended up like 13th fastest out of 56 cars (raw times) and 3rd in class. Shrug. Still beat up on some MUCH more powerful cars!
Also, seems the fast way around the course was to wack some strategic cones - the fastest runs weren't clean.
I ended up like 13th fastest out of 56 cars (raw times) and 3rd in class. Shrug. Still beat up on some MUCH more powerful cars!
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,184
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From: bryan tx
not so bad
sound like you didnt do to shabby
its always fun beating more powerful cars (evos, sti, gti, porch, MCS )
its always fun beating more powerful cars (evos, sti, gti, porch, MCS
)
Originally Posted by scobib
Another 3rd in class this time out... The course was definitely favorable to the modded e36 M3's in my class, with looooooong straights leading from element to element. We were using a new location, which was a GIANT T made from an airport taxiway and an old runway. The | portion of the T was 0.2 miles in length, outbound slalom, inbound was higher speed offsets; the - portion of the T was 0.2 miles in one direction and 0.4 miles in the other direction. There was a 1/4 mile straight between one side in the other with a small chicane in the middle - I estimate that I was going some 20 mph slower at the end of that versus the M3's. We're talking major drag racing between elements and yet, I still managed some good times...
Also, seems the fast way around the course was to wack some strategic cones - the fastest runs weren't clean.
I ended up like 13th fastest out of 56 cars (raw times) and 3rd in class. Shrug. Still beat up on some MUCH more powerful cars!
Also, seems the fast way around the course was to wack some strategic cones - the fastest runs weren't clean.
I ended up like 13th fastest out of 56 cars (raw times) and 3rd in class. Shrug. Still beat up on some MUCH more powerful cars!
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,184
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From: bryan tx
results in for todays autox.. I didnt do as good as I had hoped but im still very pleased
http://www.sasca.org/forum/uploaded/...-09-17_raw.htm
I killed in H-stock though :p
1T 43Justin DavisMini65.573--2
79Robert MackenzieBlue 1979 Triumph Spitfire 150081.03715.46415.4643
50Chris SharpeSilver 2000 Mazda Protege
http://www.sasca.org/forum/uploaded/...-09-17_raw.htm
I killed in H-stock though :p
1T 43Justin DavisMini65.573--2
79Robert MackenzieBlue 1979 Triumph Spitfire 150081.03715.46415.4643
50Chris SharpeSilver 2000 Mazda Protege
Last edited by justintime; Sep 17, 2006 at 03:59 PM. Reason: spacing
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: bryan tx
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pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
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From: California
I can't believe you guys get same day posting of results for your events. That's awesome.
We're still waiting for official results to be posted from out BMWCCA event last week.
We're still waiting for official results to be posted from out BMWCCA event last week.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 441
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From: NW NC, USA, Earth
[SIZE=2]I'm posting this in the Justacooper thread instead of the DE thread 'cause I gotta keep up my credentials with you guys.
Made it up to VIR for the weekend with Tarheel BMWCCA. Weather was perfect, 80-82, big clouds cruising by. I ran in the C group, so I didn't have to listen to all the rookie stuff anymore. The C group is much better, everyone is knowledgeable, but it's harder to keep up with them. Duh. Once again, the Cooper was the lowest HP car at the event, and since these C guys know more about what they're doing, it was much more of a challenge staying out of everyone's way. I was surrounded by M3's. I have point-by's down solid, but can usually stay with them braking and in the corners.
I usually run 15x7 Rewinds with some BFG 205/55's, but this time I took the Holies with Falken 615's 205/50. Oldschool helped me figure out tire pressure, I started at 36 and first run I came in at 44. Took them down to 40 hot, and kept them there the rest of the weekend. They did pretty well, temps were 145-150 by the time I got back and parked, and the temperatures were even across the tread. (Can you tell I got a pyrometer to play with?) They did not roll excessively, just as Oldschool said, even though I don't have camber plates. I have quit trying so hard to hammer throught the corners and am concentrating more on smooth and taking care of the tires. The BFG's usually came back in at 175 or 180 degrees on the outside, about 150 in the middle, but it was hotter when I was there back in July. The extra width and offset with the Rewinds really made the car feel better, it's a lot tippier with the Holies, even though the Falken's are shorter and grippier. I guess what I should have is the Falkens on the Rewinds.
This was my first DE with the MTH standard file. Throttle is much crisper, and it really does pull better coming up off the corners.
I did not have any brake trouble at all, with the highest temperature I could ever read (after the cool down lap of course), was about 420 degrees on the rotor. Calipers were cooler, maybe 330. I'm running Hawk HP+ and I like them, no problems. I've worked on braking a lot lately, and since a Cooper is all about momentum, that means not using them any more than you have to. Following 325's and 318's down the front straight, I can consistently brake later and gain back what I lost down the straight. I just can't pass them.
One interesting thing this club does is the exercises. During one session, they take the first half of the session and have everyone run exactly off-line, in other words, if you usually start on the right on a certain left-hander, you have to start left. Bass-ackwards. Some guys think it's stupid, but I thought it was a great learning experience, and you really can learn a lot. Essentially, you purposely take every corner wrong, and figure out what you have to do to get through it in shape. Your're not always going to have your line, so you might as well figure out how to handle it. Try it. Next time you're out there and you find an open track around you, try some lines that are just totally wrong, and make them work.
The second half of the excercise session, you have to try to drive without brakes. Think about it. Make it around the track as fast as you can without using the brakes. What I discovered was that without brakes, the little Cooper is just about the fastest thing out there. It takes away that HP advantage. We're used to momentum driving, so it's kind of second nature. I really enjoyed these exercises, and think they're a great way to learn.
A great weekend all and all, except for that one little 4-off at the Oak Tree. Had an M3 on my butt, got wide, 2 wheels over the gators so I just decided to get all the way off instead of trying to get back on and get tangled up with that M3. I had a really great instructor, taught me a great way to come into 14 off the back straight, and he helped me realize that you really can do turn 10 at 95. Woof !!
Wish I had a video camera.
[/SIZE]
Made it up to VIR for the weekend with Tarheel BMWCCA. Weather was perfect, 80-82, big clouds cruising by. I ran in the C group, so I didn't have to listen to all the rookie stuff anymore. The C group is much better, everyone is knowledgeable, but it's harder to keep up with them. Duh. Once again, the Cooper was the lowest HP car at the event, and since these C guys know more about what they're doing, it was much more of a challenge staying out of everyone's way. I was surrounded by M3's. I have point-by's down solid, but can usually stay with them braking and in the corners.
I usually run 15x7 Rewinds with some BFG 205/55's, but this time I took the Holies with Falken 615's 205/50. Oldschool helped me figure out tire pressure, I started at 36 and first run I came in at 44. Took them down to 40 hot, and kept them there the rest of the weekend. They did pretty well, temps were 145-150 by the time I got back and parked, and the temperatures were even across the tread. (Can you tell I got a pyrometer to play with?) They did not roll excessively, just as Oldschool said, even though I don't have camber plates. I have quit trying so hard to hammer throught the corners and am concentrating more on smooth and taking care of the tires. The BFG's usually came back in at 175 or 180 degrees on the outside, about 150 in the middle, but it was hotter when I was there back in July. The extra width and offset with the Rewinds really made the car feel better, it's a lot tippier with the Holies, even though the Falken's are shorter and grippier. I guess what I should have is the Falkens on the Rewinds.
This was my first DE with the MTH standard file. Throttle is much crisper, and it really does pull better coming up off the corners.
I did not have any brake trouble at all, with the highest temperature I could ever read (after the cool down lap of course), was about 420 degrees on the rotor. Calipers were cooler, maybe 330. I'm running Hawk HP+ and I like them, no problems. I've worked on braking a lot lately, and since a Cooper is all about momentum, that means not using them any more than you have to. Following 325's and 318's down the front straight, I can consistently brake later and gain back what I lost down the straight. I just can't pass them.
One interesting thing this club does is the exercises. During one session, they take the first half of the session and have everyone run exactly off-line, in other words, if you usually start on the right on a certain left-hander, you have to start left. Bass-ackwards. Some guys think it's stupid, but I thought it was a great learning experience, and you really can learn a lot. Essentially, you purposely take every corner wrong, and figure out what you have to do to get through it in shape. Your're not always going to have your line, so you might as well figure out how to handle it. Try it. Next time you're out there and you find an open track around you, try some lines that are just totally wrong, and make them work.
The second half of the excercise session, you have to try to drive without brakes. Think about it. Make it around the track as fast as you can without using the brakes. What I discovered was that without brakes, the little Cooper is just about the fastest thing out there. It takes away that HP advantage. We're used to momentum driving, so it's kind of second nature. I really enjoyed these exercises, and think they're a great way to learn.
A great weekend all and all, except for that one little 4-off at the Oak Tree. Had an M3 on my butt, got wide, 2 wheels over the gators so I just decided to get all the way off instead of trying to get back on and get tangled up with that M3. I had a really great instructor, taught me a great way to come into 14 off the back straight, and he helped me realize that you really can do turn 10 at 95. Woof !!
Wish I had a video camera.
[/SIZE]
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,184
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From: bryan tx
well brianna who is an AMAZING driver wins pax at our sasca events everytime. so I just let her drive mine to set a nice time for me to compete against. I was only .876 away from that time this time
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 4
From: Burlington, VT
Last weekend, our local MINI dealership (MINI of Peabody) held a little customer appreciation event that had the BMWCCA bring in some instructors for a mini skills school and autocross. Very, very tiny autocross.
I had the chance to drive my Cooper (obviously) and a friends MCS that is all set up with the usual pulley, intake, exhaust, ecu - and the suspension goodies like camber plates, swaybar, springs, Koni yellows, etc and a good alignment. The suspension on the MCS still needs some adjusting, but man, did my Cooper turn better than that MCS. The MCS would turn in nicely, but understeer badly once you got to mid-turn. My Cooper would also turn in great, but then it would rotate like mad through the middle of the turn.
Anyway, I ran the same time (within a tenth, anyway) in my car and the MCS. I had 4 runs in both cars.
I was a bit afriad that once I had the chance to drive an MCS on a closed course, I would see that I was missing something. Not the case. In this very contrived example, I much preferred driving my Cooper.
Towards the end of the event, the MCS I drove wound up in a shootout with a tuner-shop prepared car for FTD as they got driven by most of the instructors... so that MCS was not slow. I didn't give the keys to my Cooper to the hotshoes to see what they could do with it, though.
I wish I could say that I knew what I was doing when I picked the parts for the suspension in my car, but it was all luck (and a little bit of research, but mostly luck). The JCW suspension kit is awesome. Don't be tricky and get the JCW springs and some other dampers... get the kit.
The consensus on the MCS from the experts there was that the springs in it (H-sport) were too stiff for low speed work. We dropped the front air pressure pretty low, and softened up the front dampers, but it still wouldn't rotate through a slow, tight turn like my Cooper did.
I had the chance to drive my Cooper (obviously) and a friends MCS that is all set up with the usual pulley, intake, exhaust, ecu - and the suspension goodies like camber plates, swaybar, springs, Koni yellows, etc and a good alignment. The suspension on the MCS still needs some adjusting, but man, did my Cooper turn better than that MCS. The MCS would turn in nicely, but understeer badly once you got to mid-turn. My Cooper would also turn in great, but then it would rotate like mad through the middle of the turn.
Anyway, I ran the same time (within a tenth, anyway) in my car and the MCS. I had 4 runs in both cars.
I was a bit afriad that once I had the chance to drive an MCS on a closed course, I would see that I was missing something. Not the case. In this very contrived example, I much preferred driving my Cooper.
Towards the end of the event, the MCS I drove wound up in a shootout with a tuner-shop prepared car for FTD as they got driven by most of the instructors... so that MCS was not slow. I didn't give the keys to my Cooper to the hotshoes to see what they could do with it, though.
I wish I could say that I knew what I was doing when I picked the parts for the suspension in my car, but it was all luck (and a little bit of research, but mostly luck). The JCW suspension kit is awesome. Don't be tricky and get the JCW springs and some other dampers... get the kit.
The consensus on the MCS from the experts there was that the springs in it (H-sport) were too stiff for low speed work. We dropped the front air pressure pretty low, and softened up the front dampers, but it still wouldn't rotate through a slow, tight turn like my Cooper did.
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere that no longer exists
well, i havnt posted in some time, but do still frequent. Just htought i would let you all i know i represented us on sunday at the auto x. My first time doing it. It was actually put on by a mazda club, mostly miatas. I won my class, but dont know how many were in in it (i would say 5 or 6). I did have the only mini tho. My mini driving friend brought his ferrari out for the event he never raced it before. That, is a ride. My times were about 6 seconds slower than his, and considering my tires were grosly under inflated, i think that was decent (tires were good a few weeks ago when it was 85, but when it was 60 during the race, the had lost 6-10 pounds each). It was such a last minute decision, i never even thought to check. Oh well, racing was never intended to be a last minute event. I will be racing again on the 29th, since i have to go there to pick up the brake pads i won, i might as well race it! I seem to be hooked. Going to try to get a few mini friends to come out and race me! Anyone in southern ontario canada, pm me, and i will fill you in on where!
Beecher
Beecher
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 970
Likes: 1
From: Metro Washington D. C.
Autocross seasion finished up here
I had a great time. If you'll take a look at the link, http://solo.wdcr-scca.org/results/2006Standings.php , it will just go to show ya that if you hit enough events you can come away with something. This year the go fast kids did not come out until late (with the execption of Marshall) and I finished up with a overall second. Phill Sibly drove a old MX3 (it has the smallest 6 I have ever seen) and trueth be told is a better driver than I am.
Still I am very happy about the results so please forgive me for crowing about a second place finish. There is no chance I will get a 1st as long as Marshall is driving HS. Marshall in at hart what this group is all about in that he has mastered the MC. He is now the National ProSolo champ in HS and thanks to his efforts all of us running HS in WDCR have improved our game.
Happy motoring all.
John (7HS) DaCrema
Still I am very happy about the results so please forgive me for crowing about a second place finish. There is no chance I will get a 1st as long as Marshall is driving HS. Marshall in at hart what this group is all about in that he has mastered the MC. He is now the National ProSolo champ in HS and thanks to his efforts all of us running HS in WDCR have improved our game.
Happy motoring all.
John (7HS) DaCrema
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 4
From: Burlington, VT
Good work, John... our club's awards banquet hasn't happened yet, so my results aren't official yet. 
Here's a little spoiler, though:
It's not as impressive as it looks, as there aren't that many cars that would show up in my class. Next season, I'm bumping myself up a class voluntarily for a little more competition.
Here's a little spoiler, though:
It's not as impressive as it looks, as there aren't that many cars that would show up in my class. Next season, I'm bumping myself up a class voluntarily for a little more competition.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I bumped my car two classes for this season... we have two more points events left, but I'll probably end up in 2nd place - that's against highly modded e36 M3's, though.
IMHO, the Cooper is SUCH a killer package! I've never driven an MCS that had the same balance to date, such quick turn in, and cornering speeds. Straight speeds, sure the MCS is all up ons, but the Cooper flat out rocks!
IMHO, the Cooper is SUCH a killer package! I've never driven an MCS that had the same balance to date, such quick turn in, and cornering speeds. Straight speeds, sure the MCS is all up ons, but the Cooper flat out rocks!
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 970
Likes: 1
From: Metro Washington D. C.
Good work, John... our club's awards banquet hasn't happened yet, so my results aren't official yet.
Here's a little spoiler, though:
It's not as impressive as it looks, as there aren't that many cars that would show up in my class. Next season, I'm bumping myself up a class voluntarily for a little more competition.
Here's a little spoiler, though:
It's not as impressive as it looks, as there aren't that many cars that would show up in my class. Next season, I'm bumping myself up a class voluntarily for a little more competition.
