TGP - Little Talledega TT School and Event

[tedebayer]

Several people were asking for more information on Time Trials and schools and licenses. A GREAT way to get started is the TGP school near Oxford, Alabama ... this year it will be held April 18th and 19th, 2009. This is a school for those wanting to get their full TT license in one shot (this will allow you FULL license to run hillclimbs). TJ and I both ran this event last year... very relaxed and comfortable learning environment. It's a long ways but worth the trip.... people that live in B.F.E. go there to get away from it all.

The 1.4 mile track is large enough to stretch your legs but small enough to see 90% standing in one spot. Lots of run off room and a great place to steadily improve your lap times as you get more comfortable with the car. The Alabama/TVR guys are friendly, put on a good school and are a great bunch to get to know. I asked Mark Rothermel and Craig Farr about the event and they said there would be no cap, you can co-drive the school event, they had 50 entrants last year with 12 students and you will need a transponder (they do have some quantity available for rent.) Note : this is a school AND it is an event for $200-$250. Two in one. If you are a novice, you can get your full license and run your first time trial the same weekend. If you need a logbook, you will need to get there a little earlier as it takes some time and there will be others needing one too.



www.tgprace.com/

Here is flyer from last years event just for information...
teamtac.org/e107/e107_files/public/tgprsolo1andschool2007_v4_42307.pdf

Mark S. - anything you would add? He knows this place WAY better than me...

[markt]

You've pretty much covered it all. If you've been on the fence about going, give it a try, the track is challenging with some decreasing radius turns and turn one can pucker you up with the best of them. The TVR/AL gang are some of the best folks around and run a pretty smooth event. It's some of the best competition around, at any level. Watch out for some of the low spots in the paddock if it's been raining and the trees are wonderful shade. Unless you get hung up driving thru Hot 'Lanta, the drive isn't too bad, either. The Magic Mushroom has lots of beers on tap and what a hoot it was last year Saturday night.

[oldgiracer]

Interesting reading. This event is still not on the SEDiv calendar as of today, Jan. 2, 2009. The only TT/HC events listed are our 3 events: Wolf Ridge, Memorial Day TT and Eagle's Nest. You guys need to get your friends in the other regions to get on the calendar!

[georgebowland]

The track website shows that the Alabama Region has the weekend of April 18, 19 reserved.
George

[ffhillclimber]

What's this about "The Magic Mushroom"? Is this a secret that only the locals know about. This there a password? Do you have to "know" people? I've been twice and never heard of this wonderful sounding place.

[fv90]

Magic? You may call it magic after a few brews. It is actually called Mellow Mushroom at exit 188 (also several good areas to stay at)
maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=33+Industrial+Drive+,+Anniston,+AL,+36203&sll=35.597682,-82.552321&sspn=0.007642,0.019956&ie=UTF8&ll=33.614727,-85.800691&spn=0.007827,0.019956&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1
Great fud and brew

[shag]

Will you need your own car to do this in? If so what kind?

[markt]

Jan 5, 2009 11:22:46 GMT -5 fv90 said:

Magic? You may call it magic after a few brews. It is actually called Mellow Mushroom at exit 188 (also several good areas to stay at)
maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=33+Industrial+Drive+,+Anniston,+AL,+36203&sll=35.597682,-82.552321&sspn=0.007642,0.019956&ie=UTF8&ll=33.614727,-85.800691&spn=0.007827,0.019956&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1
Great fud and brew

ooops...I guess I got a little too "mellow" last time there

it's within staggering distance of the Sleep Inn...that much I know...

[czrider]

If you do not have a car equipped with the safety equipment specified in the GCR for SCCA Time Trials, then you will need to borrow/rent a suitable vehicle to participate in the school/Time Trial event. Also driver gear such as an appropriate drivers suit with Snell SA 2005 (preferred) rated helmet and gloves. Drivers shoes have to fully cover the foot and must be either leather or a fire resistant material.

[tedebayer]

Getting started in TT is kind of scary... you don't know all the rules and you have this natural fear that you will show up and Tech or officials will look over your car and gear and say "No soup for you!" and send you home. Expensive, time consuming and embarassing!

I can tell you from first hand experience that the tech officials and Time Trial stewards want you to get involved and will work with you to help you get started in a safe and comfortable manner. Many of the road racers you see today started off autocrossing and took the same path, Time Trials and hillclimbs, to get to road racing (even Elliot Forbes Robinson did it that way!)

Sitting with the rule book and studying is wise but for a quick understanding of what you need, please take a look at the FAQ Joe Olivera wrote on getting started in Time Trial and another on getting started in PDX. Joe did a great job with up to date info that will be helpful ... and he will be glad to help guide you further individually as well. Like Joe, Brian and Steve and others in the club are there to help you and you will be surprised how easily you find yourself behind the wheel on a track at a time trial or PDX. A PDX does not require nomexs and the car can be set up and teched at basically the same level as you would need for autocross.

TIME TRIAL FAQ www.scsportscar.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=2150&forum=13

PDX FAQ www.scsportscar.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=2142&forum=13

"It's only something you haven't done before until you've done it once." I hope to see more of our members giving this a try in 2009. See you at TGP!