May autocross

1966 TGR

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CAT Member
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132
We’re a month from our next CAT autocross on May 2. Yes, it’s only a week after Queen’s English, but that’s the only date that would work. We are fortunate to be able to use the 1/3 mile oval and its infield at Irwindale Speedway, also known as the Irwindale Event Center. As you may have heard, the city of Irwindale has approved an outlet mall to be built on the speedway site, starting as early as 2016. So, sadly, this may be our last chance to take advantage of this venue.

We’re keeping the cost at a reasonable $40 per driver for 4 runs. All the details are below.

Please note that because they have races later that day we must be completely off the track by noon. This means our usual schedule has been moved up one hour. This also means that we will need to be extra efficient to be sure everyone gets their runs.

As always, we welcome guests, but C.A.T. members are the priority. In order to help us prepare and be able to accommodate others, please let me know by return email to mike.michels@outlook.com if you are planning to be there and if you have an interested buddy. There are no restrictions on make, size or horsepower, but be advised that the infield portion will be a fairly tight course.

The facility is located at 500 Speedway Drive at the I-605 Freeway just south of I-210. Folks arriving from the South need to take the Live Oak West off-ramp West one block back over the freeway to the main entrance. Arrivals from the north will exit to the west on Arrow Highway and then turn left at the second light (Live Oak) for a short half-block trip to the main gates. You might want to stay for some of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series mini-stock and super stock racing later in the day. Here’s a link to their site: http://www.irwindalespeedway.com/index.php

6:30 AM: Mandatory tech inspection and registration.
7:45 AM: Tech inspection must be completed.
8:00 AM: Mandatory driver meeting and course walk. Drivers break into two groups. All drivers must attend, no exceptions
8:30 AM: Group 1 cars on course. Group 2 works course
10:00 AM: Break, Group 2 cars on course, Group 1 works course
11:30 AM: Hard stop, all drivers assist picking up course
12:00 AM: Track cleared.

Drivers: All drivers must have a California driver’s license, and be at least 18 years of age. All skill levels are welcome and beginners are enthusiastically encouraged in any kind of car. This is a work/run event. All drivers must work the course one run group session for each session driven. Passengers OK but must sign waiver and wear helmet.

Setup: Gate opens at 6:30 am. Volunteers to help set up will be considered superheroes.

Cost: $40.00 per driver gets you four timed runs. Multiple drivers can share a car but each driver must pay.

Check-in and Tech: Allow plenty of time to check-in, sign waiver, prep your car. Tech will check the following items: secured battery, good brake-pedal pressure, secure seatbelts in good condition, minimum steering wheel play, proper suspension play and removal of all loose items in the car and trunk. There must be two throttle-return springs for cars with carburetors. We will also be looking at your wheels. If you are running stock Sunbeam steel wheels, or 45-year-old eight-spoke American mags, it’s advisable to change to late-model aluminum wheels. All drivers and passengers MUST wear a helmet, in good condition. There will be a few loaner-helmets available. You may run without a roll bar. If this is your first experience with autocrossing, we recommend you increase tire inflation by about 5 psi from manufacturer’s cold specification.

Drivers Meeting: All participants must attend the driver’s meeting at 8:00 am . If you miss the driver’s meeting, you won’t be able to run. Participants will be assigned their work/run groups, review safety rules, followed by a course inspection walk.

Car Eligibility: Sunbeam Tigers and Alpines preferred. If your car is a work in progress or you’re bringing a friend along who can’t drive a stick shift, or owns a different make, that’s fine. The Autocross Event Committee has the say-so on what can or cannot run. Examples: no go-carts, no trucks, no motorcycles, no open-wheel race cars, no autonomous vehicles.

Facility: Umbrellas, small canopies and folding chairs with canopies are OK and recommended to provide some shade. However, when not running the course, participants will usually be working out on the course. Hats, sunscreen are musts. There will be no food or beverages available, so bring a small cooler with provisions.

Please RSVP: please RSVP with your name and type of car via email to: mike.michels@outlook.com
 

1966 TGR

Gold forum user
CAT Member
Messages
132
Autocross filling up fast

Because of the time constraint we can accommodate a maximum of 24 drivers in two run groups of 12. While one group is running, the other will be working the course. Also please stay until noon to help be sure we pick up the cones in time.

So far we have 20 who have RSVPd. If you are planning to be there and haven’t responded, please let me know so that we can avoid disappointents and make sure everyone gets their runs.

Please arrive promptly so we can get tech and registration concluded and get cars on the track. Special thanks to Brian Wecklich who volunteered to drive to San Bernardino and back and forth to tow our equipment trailer.
 
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