National DSM Time Attack event - would you show up?

[Ludachris]

As some of you know, I'm a member of NASA Pro Racing. When I moved out here to Colorado last year I immediately started working with Dave Balingit (also from Norcal) to get the Rocky Mountain regional chapter established. Road racing in Norcal is big but out here in Colorado there isn't as much momentum. So we're trying to build that momentum. But I digress...

We all know the DSM community is built up of mostly drag racers and younger guys/kids whose vision of owning a DSM is simply going as fast as possible in a straight line with very little money spent (a lot of times because they have no money to spend). But there are also those of us who are a slightly more affluent than the average teenage DSMer and are addicted to road racing. I know, the percentage is fairly small, but part of my goal is to build up the road racing DSM community (in case you haven't noticed).

I'm gauging interest in a nationwide event that would bring together all of the fast road racing DSMers to compete against eachother in a Time Trials/Time Attack format. It would be limited to DSMs, but of course I'd be completely open to discussing the possibility of allowing other 4G63 cars in and other hybrids. Anyone who is familiar with the Time Trials/Time Attack-type competitions knows what this would entail. Those that don't let me explain:

We'd break the cars up into classes based on their mods, drivetrain layout, etc to make it competitve. We'd likely use the NASA Pro Touring structure. We'd stage the event at a road course somewhat central for everyone across the nation (maybe Kansas, Nebraska, or Colorado - it depends a lot on whether the track will work with us). Cars would go out and attempt to get the fastest lap time in their class. There would be prizes for the winners and maybe even prize money. It would be just like the Shootout, just geared towards the road racing crowd.

My question to you is, would you participate in an event like this? Obviously, we don't have the rules, classes, or location worked out at this point. I'd just like to know how much interest there would be. Please be truthful, as I'll be using this survey to help determine whether or not to move forward with setting it up. I would really like to see if we have enough passionate DSMers to organize an event like this. Hopefully it would prove to be worth the effort.

 

[jtmcinder]

My suggestion is set one up local to you and see how it goes. If it succeeds, then set up another one on the east coast, such as VIR, BeaveRun, or Nelson Ledges. I, for one, wouldn't travel to Kansas for this. (If I don't do Nationals in autocrossing, then I won't do this.) But I would go to an event that I could get to in six hours or less.

- Jtoby

 

[Ludachris]

Yeah, I know regional events would likely have more attendance. But it's much more difficult for me to try and organize multiple events across the country. I'm just trying to see if we'd have enough people that would make the trip to consider even trying it.

I'd definitely work with a number of vendors to see about getting some shop cars out there attraction, but really, this will be mainly for the average road racing enthusiast.

Start voting folks!

 

[talonfreak96]

Yes, I would come and i would be the one you guys would be "lapping" . Im on the east coast in Maryland so i would not be attended! Good Luck! Have Fun!

 

[ericbev]

The location would be the primary factor in most peoples decision making proccess. Although, as long as its under 500 miles, I would seriously consider it. Lets cross our fingers and hope we get some heavy positive feedback from the other members.

 

[Drift_SM]

Hold it in the dsm state. Ohio, just like the shootout.

 

[asian312]

Why not take a concensus of all those that are intereted in road racing and base the location on that. There may not be a track right in the middle, but at least it's a starting point.

 

[eclipse2via]

I won't be going that far until I have tow rig. But in a couple of years I might venture as far as the Rockies for an annual DSM event.

 

[mavisky]

I could probably make the Kansas/Nebraska event at maximum. Colorado, unfortunately, is just too far away for me to be able to make the trip. I'd most likely need to know well in advance since it would eat up most of my travel fund to get there and back.

 

[mavisky]

Hold it in the dsm state. Ohio, just like the shootout.

This would be a great addition to the dsm shootout. Especially if held at Mid-Ohio which isn't too far from Norwalk anyways. Would make for one unbelievable weekend.

 

[eclipsegsx1736]

I'd definitely want to go, but if it requires driving half way across the country I'd have to really think about it. With all the front camber I have, even with the toe pretty close to 0, i still get inside wear. I'd probably end up killing a set of tires just to get out there. Plus, if something were to happen, I'm pretty far from home, I don't think AAA covers tows up to 2000+ miles .

We all know the DSM community is built up of mostly drag racers and younger guys/kids whose vision of owning a DSM is simply going as fast as possible in a straight line with very little money spent (a lot of times because they have no money to spend). But there are also those of us who are a slightly more affluent than the average teenage DSMer and are addicted to road racing.

I'm only 18, but yeah, I hear you on that one.

 

[Ludachris]

Well, if you have it on the east coast, the west coast guys likely can't make it. If you have it on the west coast you won't get any east coast guys. And it sounds like if you have it half way in between it isn't good enough either. Come on guys! We have some serious road race guys in California that would be alienated if we held it in Ohio. It's not so much about trying to appease all DSMers, it's about trying to appease all DSM Road Racers.

Guys, this is a national event. The plan would be to make a solid national event for years to come. We want it to be central to everyone. Those who live on the far ends would have to travel. Drag racers travel to the Shootout from the western regions. I'd hope that people that are serious about road courses would do the same, especially if we try and make it as central as possible to help please everyone.

 

[mavisky]

I agree that the best place to hold it would be in central us. Probaby kansas, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't love to see it 2 1/2 hours away in Ohio. I'd still come, either way, so that's how I voted.

 

[DSMunknown]

Well, if you have it on the east coast, the west coast guys likely can't make it. If you have it on the west coast you won't get any east coast guys. And it sounds like if you have it half way in between it isn't good enough either. Come on guys! We have some serious road race guys in California that would be alienated if we held it in Ohio. It's not so much about trying to appease all DSMers, it's about trying to appease all DSM Road Racers.

Guys, this is a national event. The plan would be to make a solid national event for years to come. We want it to be central to everyone. Those who live on the far ends would have to travel.

After reading through the thread, with particular attention to post #1, 2, 3, and 12, there has to be a middle-ground where the organizers (aka Ludachris and others) can agree upon. But I do not see why there has to be one single event at one particular course. You're going to have to make some sort of sacrifice to really make this work. In other words, there is going to have to be at least two sanctioned events for the majority of DSMers who are interested in this category to visit. This overarching idea of having only one single event must be amended. This is what I mean when speaking of sacrifice.

As I see it, one event will have to be more focused on the west coast/mountain/Great Plains region, and the other will focus on the east coast/mid-states/south eastern states. There is obvioulsy no one state that is easily and readily accessible to the entire community. Basically, the 48 states must be broken up into two sections. If you want to think if this geographically, I think the Mississippi River would be the general "line" where one can make this distinction.

I don't see any other way around this issue of displeasing the rest of the DSM community when holding one single event in one particular state of the continental US. In my view, a "national event" constitutes an event which has multiple regional areas where the event travels to and visits. Something similar to the SEMA Auto Salon, the SEMA Show, HIN, the American Le Mans Series, or even Gumball3000, but of couse on a much smaller scale.

 

[mavisky]

I've got to agree. While one event may work, your turnout would be at best half of what you could get out of two separate events.

 

[Ludachris]

After reading through the thread, with particular attention to post #1, 2, 3, and 12, there has to be a middle-ground where the organizers (aka Ludachris and others) can agree upon. But I do not see why there has to be one single event at one particular course. You're going to have to make some sort of sacrifice to really make this work. In other words, there is going to have to be at least two sanctioned events for the majority of DSMers who are interested in this category to visit. This overarching idea of having only one single event must be amended. This is what I mean when speaking of sacrifice.

As I see it, one event will have to be more focused on the west coast/mountain/Great Plains region, and the other will focus on the east coast/mid-states/south eastern states. There is obvioulsy no one state that is easily and readily accessible to the entire community. Basically, the 48 states must be broken up into two sections. If you want to think if this geographically, I think the Mississippi River would be the general "line" where one can make this distinction.

I don't see any other way around this issue of displeasing the rest of the DSM community when holding one single event in one particular state of the continental US. In my view, a "national event" constitutes an event which has multiple regional areas where the event travels to and visits. Something similar to the SEMA Auto Salon, the SEMA Show, HIN, the American Le Mans Series, or even Gumball3000, but of couse on a much smaller scale.

If only the Shootout took that into account for the west coast people....

I agree. And I'm not saying I'm not planning on trying to do multiple events anyway. I envision having 2-4 more localized events like this to please both coasts, but all good competitions always have one national event that everyone travels to.

Let's focus on the regional events in another thread. For now, let's see who would be willing to make the trip to a national event to compete with all the fastest DSMs in the nation for top honors and bragging rights. If there are some extremely fast DSMs out there that don't make the trip, they don't get the bragging rights.

 

[BGRIPTP]

Mid-ohio would be a decent track to hold it. And im sure that both Buschur and AMS would bring there time attack Evo's out if it was well enough planned and they where allowed to run.

 

[BGRIPTP]

Or another idea if there isnt enough interest for the DSM time attack event, how about a little Mitsubishi v. Subaru time attack, we always kill them in the 1/4 mile events, and they always use the excuse there car isn't built to go in a streight line, lets see if they are right...

 

[Auto RS T]

I would show up. The only things that would scare me from competing are my lack of road racing experience, knowledge, and replacement parts for anything broken while far away from home.

Even if I don't race, I would love to see some Diamond Stars tearing up a road course. Having another annual event like the Shootout would be great. The experience of the event would be priceless. I would want to attend every year. I am sure I could learn so much from an event like this and meet people that could really point me in the right direction. It would be a great way to introduce road racing to DSM owners.

However, I think beginning road racers would be less likely to attend becuase they don't know what to expect or what will be required of them and their vehicles at a road course.

(Luda) you said you wanted to bring all of the "Fast" Road Racing DSMrs to the event. Will their also be a beginner class or something to that effect? I am sure even unexperienced teenage/young road racers like myself may want to try their hands at a course, but are a little nervous and hesitant when it comes to actually gettting out there. What can we do for them?

 

[DSMunknown]

I think beginning road racers would be less likely to attend becuase they don't know what to expect or what will be required of them and their vehicles at a road course.

Will their also be a beginner class or something to that effect? I am sure even unexperienced teenage/young road racers like myself may want to try their hands at a course, but are a little nervous and hesitant when it comes to actually gettting out there. What can we do for them?

I imagine that if inexperienced road course drivers were allowed certain times to run the course, they would not be allowed to drive unless an experienced track driver accompanied them (for their own safety and the safety of others). This would especially apply to cars that are not set-up for strictly road racing. Such things as roll cages, fuel cells, helmets, types of tires, types of suspension, etc would have to be taken into consideration (especially the availability of renting helmets).

 

[underradar92]

I must say I love the Idea, But not having a tow rig (yet) kind of kills the idea untill I get one.

 

[Ludachris]

Or another idea if there isnt enough interest for the DSM time attack event, how about a little Mitsubishi v. Subaru time attack, we always kill them in the 1/4 mile events, and they always use the excuse there car isn't built to go in a streight line, lets see if they are right...

I'd imagine I could run 2-3 events together (WRX/EVO/DSM), in fact, I might have to do that in order to make it happen as far as turnout goes. I'd definitely invite the big shops to bring their cars out. And it would be quite cool to see all the fastest of each make battle for the best time...

 

[Ludachris]

I would show up. The only things that would scare me from competing are my lack of road racing experience, knowledge, and replacement parts for anything broken while far away from home.

Even if I don't race, I would love to see some Diamond Stars tearing up a road course. Having another annual event like the Shootout would be great. The experience of the event would be priceless. I would want to attend every year. I am sure I could learn so much from an event like this and meet people that could really point me in the right direction. It would be a great way to introduce road racing to DSM owners.

However, I think beginning road racers would be less likely to attend becuase they don't know what to expect or what will be required of them and their vehicles at a road course.

(Luda) you said you wanted to bring all of the "Fast" Road Racing DSMrs to the event. Will their also be a beginner class or something to that effect? I am sure even unexperienced teenage/young road racers like myself may want to try their hands at a course, but are a little nervous and hesitant when it comes to actually gettting out there. What can we do for them?

Jim, this event would be mainly for those who have some experience on the track. It would be a competitive event where people are going for the absolute best times. I'd recommend all those who are not experienced to go through NASA's HPDE program to get them to the point to where they'd be able to participate in an event like this. I'd imagine we'd want a HPDE 3-4 level of experience for something like this.

 

[Ludachris]

I must say I love the Idea, But not having a tow rig (yet) kind of kills the idea untill I get one.

Well, I'm in the same boat. I would have to borrow a truck and rent a trailer as of right now. Many of us are in the same situation, needing a truck/trailer. I'd say that we could all rent/borrow/buy something by the time the event comes around. Plenty of time between now and then. It's not going to happen next month or anything

This wouldn't happen for at least 9 months to 1 year from now at the earliest. Keep that in mind folks. Lots of time to get cars prepared, make travel arrangements, etc.

 

[mavisky]

What about just having the Tuners shootout. Evotuners, wrxtuners, dsmtuners and then you could have overall and class champions. Would probably guarantee a much much higher turnout ratio.