onekyoung
Probationary Member
- 26
- 0
- Jan 24, 2005
-
Omaha,
Nebraska
As is usually the case, I was the only DSM out of 72 drivers that was racing this day. The paddock landscape was dotted with WRXs, STIs, EVOs and a great deal of S2000s. One of the prettiest cars in competition that day was a Lotus Elise (man would I like to get my hands on that little piece of automotive tail).
The mood of most of the racers was an optimistic one. The forecast was for a great deal of rain; however, that wasnt until late afternoon. As with most Nebraska forecasts, this one was a bit off. By the time I had my second run it was annoyingly apparent that this was going to be a day for rain gear. For those of you that do not race SCCA, while you are not running, you are working the corners, scoring, helping out with safety items etc. The downpour that presented itself mid event made this task a bit less than joyous (especially for those not smart enough to bring a poncho or umbrella namely yours truly).
First run, as is with most first runs, was an adrenaline filled what the hell, another Chicago Box!, for those that came to late to walk the course (again, guilty). I quickly realized many shortcomings regarding my current setup. At the paramount of disappointment stood my tires, of course that term may be loosely applied to what I was currently running. I am not certain what the tread life is on my current off brands; however, I can guess, by there crappy ability to hold any semblance of a decent line, that it is somewhere between 250,000 miles and infinity.
As always, I would much rather be racing than doing absolutely anything else (yes, even that). A bad day of racing is better than a good day of sitting at home or in my godforsaken cubicle. There was only one instance of irreparable damage amongst the competitors. One racer had lowered their tire pressure a little too aggressively and ended up breaking a bead and bending the holy good out of his rim. Four people (that I saw) slid so tremendously off course that they had no idea how to get back underway and not get a DNF (extremely entertaining). One of which was the Elise, believe it or not.
I ended up getting first in Street Tire Pax
All in all a fun time, like any time you push your DSM hard you find more and more shortcomings. My current list is, in no particular order is, tires, stock springs, less than perfect wheel bearings (now even worse 
) and the perennial favorite
Power Steering Cutout, UGHHH!
If any Nebraska Region DSMrs are out there reading this, please come to the SCCA events. Its lonely being the coolest car at these events
Aarion Nielsen
Omaha, NE
The mood of most of the racers was an optimistic one. The forecast was for a great deal of rain; however, that wasnt until late afternoon. As with most Nebraska forecasts, this one was a bit off. By the time I had my second run it was annoyingly apparent that this was going to be a day for rain gear. For those of you that do not race SCCA, while you are not running, you are working the corners, scoring, helping out with safety items etc. The downpour that presented itself mid event made this task a bit less than joyous (especially for those not smart enough to bring a poncho or umbrella namely yours truly).
First run, as is with most first runs, was an adrenaline filled what the hell, another Chicago Box!, for those that came to late to walk the course (again, guilty). I quickly realized many shortcomings regarding my current setup. At the paramount of disappointment stood my tires, of course that term may be loosely applied to what I was currently running. I am not certain what the tread life is on my current off brands; however, I can guess, by there crappy ability to hold any semblance of a decent line, that it is somewhere between 250,000 miles and infinity.
As always, I would much rather be racing than doing absolutely anything else (yes, even that). A bad day of racing is better than a good day of sitting at home or in my godforsaken cubicle. There was only one instance of irreparable damage amongst the competitors. One racer had lowered their tire pressure a little too aggressively and ended up breaking a bead and bending the holy good out of his rim. Four people (that I saw) slid so tremendously off course that they had no idea how to get back underway and not get a DNF (extremely entertaining). One of which was the Elise, believe it or not.
I ended up getting first in Street Tire Pax
All in all a fun time, like any time you push your DSM hard you find more and more shortcomings. My current list is, in no particular order is, tires, stock springs, less than perfect wheel bearings (now even worse ) and the perennial favorite
Power Steering Cutout, UGHHH!If any Nebraska Region DSMrs are out there reading this, please come to the SCCA events. Its lonely being the coolest car at these events
Aarion Nielsen
Omaha, NE
Kuhmo MXs and 17X7's are being shipped as I type
I kid, I kid! There are a great deal of great cars and drivers in my region... this years competition should be strong! I am switching from ST PAX to ESP for the rest of the season. That should keep things nice and interesting.
