|
Post by yellow CR on Apr 8, 2012 12:29:47 GMT -5
So what did everyone think of the event Saturday? Gimme your thoughts on the good and the bad. What you liked and what you think needs improvement.
|
|
|
Post by srduck on Apr 8, 2012 12:53:33 GMT -5
So what did everyone think of the event Saturday? Gimme your thoughts on the good and the bad. What you liked and what you think needs improvement. The bad: My tires sounded like a massacre scene from a horror movie. Other peoples' day went worse than that. But, there's really nothing we can do about the sealer, and it DID start to improve as the day went on. Our group seemed a BIT big. I don't know if it's because of a large number of walk-up entries that Rob's run group system couldn't really account for or just because nearly everyone in Group 1 was a 1 driver car, but... it seemed a bit on the large side. The good: The course was probably the most fun I've had in my admittedly short AutoX career. The sweeper was INCREDIBLE, and the rest of the course was tricky enough to make you think about the fast lines through the corner and how to get setup for them. The registration with the quick check-in really seems to be getting rolling now. I don't think I ever saw much of a line over at the trailer. The only other thing that I can't classify as good or bad, but just informational... now we know where they hide the trash cans, so we can pull a few more out to the grid/trailer area for the Evo shootout! I heard a few people grumble about not being able to find a nearby trash can.
|
|
|
Post by Frodo on Apr 8, 2012 13:03:03 GMT -5
Being at zMax I have never found anything to really classify as a 'bad' that was in our control. Considering the large number of drivers we had everything went through quickly and almost seamlessly. Timing will always pose problems, but that's because it's a computer and they like to break no matter how nice we are to them. Of the three courses I've done at zMax this one was definitely my favorite. A very fluid design with technical bits here and there. Only thing I could ask for is more runs, but understandably it's not feasible sometimes. All in all a great day and I'm looking forward to CMP next month and the next zMax event.
|
|
|
Post by drum3 on Apr 8, 2012 13:15:19 GMT -5
Registration was awesome ! Sweeper was freakin Awesome ! Overall course was one of the best . No lights in the bathrooms sucked . My broken car sucked . I thought by the 3rd run group the sealer was a non issue . Jr will do several dozen practice/demo runs before the shootout so I dont think it will be an issue even for first run group .
|
|
|
Post by z3elda on Apr 8, 2012 13:41:35 GMT -5
I would highly recommend some organization for the Paddock area during the shootout. We have plenty of room, but if we're hoping for 250 cars, maybe half on trailers, Plus I expect some spectators, plus you're gonna have an "impound" area, etc.. We have to organize the paddock a bit. I don't think we can go freestyle out there.
There's going to be a full lot there next weekend for the NHRA event, then I expect Juniors test runs with work the sheen off the sealer. It should be a more consistent surface.
The only downside to the "sign up for work" idea is that if you run and work back-to-back, there is little chance of switching workers on the fly. You will always have a delay of some sort.
I liked the course, really more like a small road course, you could get some momentum going, and Z3elda likes that.
I hope they can get the bathroom lights on, and also I might suggest a couple porta-potties up on the fence by the driving range for the shootout.
|
|
|
Post by cr89x on Apr 8, 2012 13:46:04 GMT -5
I'm hearing good things. Thank you all and keep them coming. Thank you all for coming out as always. Anthony, I already let Junior know and he isn't too concerned. Is what it is.
Great event. I'm glad registration worked so well. We will continue to use this method. I wish we had one more registrar to help aleviate some problems. It is a shame that we may not have Vanessa with us all year because of her work schedule. The new worker system appears to be working very well also. Just a few tweaks and we'll be set.
Thank you all again. Results coming in a couple minutes.
|
|
|
Post by toilets on Apr 8, 2012 13:48:55 GMT -5
Very good day. The course was a blast and everything went smoothly.
The only thing I would note was the end. Group 1 had cars stacked right near the end of the track (paddock area) and I won't lie that was kinda scary sitting there when the cars where trying to slow.
But all in all I think that was the most fun I have had !
|
|
|
Post by yellow CR on Apr 8, 2012 17:34:30 GMT -5
They were having issues with the closest bathroom, but we did have all the bathrooms open along paddock, and the other 2 had lights. Sorry if you had to go in the dark. Hopefully the bathrooms will all be in proper working order at the shootout.
The grip was odd. Jadrice and myself had so much grip, we were picking up the rear wheel off the ground a few times each run. But CaSSino and O'Malley were having a tough time with grip in the Torque Monster, maybe it was all that torque.
And true to the 1st run group being too close, we should have used the 2 driver area instead of the finish line side of the grid. We definitely under estimated the size of grid and should have made it bigger and pushed paddock further toward the entrance.
|
|
|
Post by hippie on Apr 8, 2012 20:16:39 GMT -5
1st. Thanks to the core group of workers and all they do from set-up to clean-up. I know there's A LOT of work involved behind the scenes.
2nd. I wasn't sure about the course when I walked it, but it drove way better than I thought it would. The sweeper...wow, did I walk that? Nice job Mike!
3rd. Working group 1, the sealer had a bit of 'dust' coming off of it the first few runs , but then it subsided. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of grip when I drove it.
4th. My only criticism would be the finish. Yes, we need to slow cars down before the finish, but I would rather them be faster and straighter than slower and out of shape.
Mike
|
|
|
Post by Frodo on Apr 8, 2012 20:19:41 GMT -5
I'm hearing good things. Thank you all and keep them coming. Thank you all for coming out as always. Anthony, I already let Junior know and he isn't too concerned. Is what it is. Great event. I'm glad registration worked so well. We will continue to use this method. I wish we had one more registrar to help aleviate some problems. It is a shame that we may not have Vanessa with us all year because of her work schedule. The new worker system appears to be working very well also. Just a few tweaks and we'll be set. Thank you all again. Results coming in a couple minutes. I'm definitely open to learning registration and timing and anything else I can to help.
|
|
|
Post by yeahdoug on Apr 8, 2012 20:34:30 GMT -5
I had fun. Only complaint about Zmax is the driving range. My car was hit at event #1. I saw a few people looking at some damage at this event. luckily it hit my car on the plastic bumper andjust left a scuff. could have been worse.
|
|
|
Post by yellow CR on Apr 8, 2012 20:44:25 GMT -5
I had fun. Only complaint about Zmax is the driving range. My car was hit at event #1. I saw a few people looking at some damage at this event. luckily it hit my car on the plastic bumper andjust left a scuff. could have been worse. I asked if they can aim away from the lot, but some people can't control their slice
|
|
|
Post by yeahdoug on Apr 8, 2012 20:47:47 GMT -5
lol as a golfer I understand. Just sucks to get hit.
|
|
|
Post by donnalit on Apr 8, 2012 20:49:26 GMT -5
One of the BEST courses I've ever driven - props, Mike - very well done! It's always fun at events with your team! Excellent job
|
|
|
Post by phatralph on Apr 8, 2012 21:03:48 GMT -5
Excellent Course Design!!!! What a Blast to Drive….Not real tight, had a great flow to it, great for a big car! The sealer was equal for everyone and gave another task to accomplish. Special thanks to all that go out of their way to ask how you are doing. I do appreciate the kindness.
Nothing really needs to be worked on. Keep up the good work ALL!
See You at CMP!
|
|
|
Post by jprice130 on Apr 8, 2012 21:22:52 GMT -5
Awesome job with the course Mike! I might be a little biased since I got to help with course setup, but it was definitely a lot of fun to drive. The course in February was cool too, but the opening slalom section on that course was a bit intimidating for a novice like myself. It's nice to have a less technical start, so that you can get the jitters out.
The event as a whole was great too. Registration was smooth, we started very close to 10:00, and got done fairly quick. ZMAX is a great facility and I don't mind paying a little extra for it. The sealer thing kind of sucks, but it's the same for everyone.
|
|
|
Post by 1slowcrx on Apr 8, 2012 23:35:13 GMT -5
I really enjoyed the course, Mike! Registration was also a breeze!
The sign up to work whenever you want is pretty much crap though. Having to pause for worker changes and the lack of workers for group 4 is something you can eliminate. Also, with the ten minute pauses while workers amble out to course we didn't have time for fun runs. Which was a damn shame being that the course rocked!
I don't think it's too much to ask of people for them to stick around and work the late run groups. Run 1, work 3, run 2, work 4. It's a part of the sport and makes the events flow much more efficiently.
|
|
|
Post by cr89x on Apr 9, 2012 4:48:37 GMT -5
I did have a good conversation with security about the golf course. It is an on going problem in many ways for that facility. There are conversations between the golf course and Marcus Smith on the matter.
I was concerned about the finish as well from a grid stand point. I am still working on fixing how our grids operate. We'll get there.
I'm glad to hear all of the positive feedback. It makes it better for those of us that put so much into these events.
|
|
|
Post by 05astock on Apr 9, 2012 6:25:27 GMT -5
The whole grid finish line is an easy fix. Theres almost 100yds near the entrance that we could simply shift the parking and grid. its nice to park close to grid/ course but but its not worth the safety. So when you set up the course pusg grid further up the hill.
|
|
|
Post by clemsonmz3 on Apr 9, 2012 7:34:10 GMT -5
I had a great time at ZMax! Thanks to the course designer for a fun, risk rewarding course...I laughed my way through the offset slalom and the kink 2 corners from the end (loved those). Thanks to the workers for putting on a great event. Can't wait to go back in 2 weeks.
I have to agree with earlier comments on the sealant deal improving throughout the day. The PAX results show only 9 drivers in the top 50 who ran in the first two groups, highest only 25th. Too bad I was on the short end of the stick. As said earlier, it is what it is, and out of our control. We'll just have to run there more often to wear that top layer off!
*forgot SMF ran in group 2
|
|
|
Post by integra55 on Apr 9, 2012 14:13:40 GMT -5
actually there were 11 in the top 50 .... not bad when you consider that the top 18 spots were Pro class
a total of 31 of the top 50 were pro ... sorta messes with the results a bit .... if the pros had run in their base class the first 2 run groups would have had a much better % in the top 50 pax
|
|
|
Post by Ashley on Apr 9, 2012 19:55:27 GMT -5
I loved the course! I for sure had fun.
My only complaint, which many have already said, is that we need to take a look at how grid is set-up so we don't have cars right by the finish line.
|
|
|
Post by frankenstook on Apr 9, 2012 19:58:24 GMT -5
I'll echo the most excellent course design. I'll also echo the complaint about the random worker signups. By the time I registered (arrived onsite at 8am), My only option was to work announcer in 2nd heat or course in 4th heat. Running 3rd, I chose to work 4th, and it took me longer than expected to pack all my crap off of grid and get it out of the way/back to the trailer. I was that last worker straggling out to course, and I apologize to everyone for that. I'd also suggest doing anything EXCEPT a rolling grid. In my case, it worked out because I arrived to grid early enough to grab a front row spot -- something I could not have done if I'd worked 2nd heat. Use a little less of the course space if you have to, but a regular grid just works so much better, IMO.
|
|
|
Post by 05astock on Apr 9, 2012 22:02:56 GMT -5
actually there were 11 in the top 50 .... not bad when you consider that the top 18 spots were Pro class a total of 31 of the top 50 were pro ... sorta messes with the results a bit .... if the pros had run in their base class the first 2 run groups would have had a much better % in the top 50 pax Thats not true there were 3 non pro just in the top 13
|
|
|
Post by SE3P on Apr 10, 2012 7:40:03 GMT -5
^Your looking at Raw times...We're talking about Pax times. First non Pro placed 19th in pax...
|
|
|
Post by integra55 on Apr 10, 2012 18:49:43 GMT -5
actually there were 11 in the top 50 .... not bad when you consider that the top 18 spots were Pro class a total of 31 of the top 50 were pro ... sorta messes with the results a bit .... if the pros had run in their base class the first 2 run groups would have had a much better % in the top 50 pax Thats not true there were 3 non pro just in the top 13 red = pro1 1 PBS 95 Jadrice Toussaint 08 Honda S2000 Cr 54.362 *0.843 45.827 0.000 0.000 2 2 PFSP 195 Justin Barbry Mazda Protoge 94 54.738 *0.838 45.870 0.043 0.043 3 3 PBSP 20 Michael Bright 03 Nissan 350z 54.509 *0.859 46.823 0.953 0.996 4 4 PBS 195 Michael Licursi 0 55.604 *0.843 46.874 0.051 1.047 5 1 STOSTX 194 Simon Kim 05 Mazda Rx-8 57.404 *0.822 47.186 0.312 1.359 6 5 PSMF 24 Taylor Carr 89 Honda Civic 55.476 *0.852 47.265 0.079 1.438 7 6 PSTS 196 John Brown 90 Mazda Miata 57.161 *0.827 47.272 0.007 1.445 8 7 PSTX 194 Simon Kim 05 Mazda Rx-8 57.518 *0.822 47.279 0.007 1.452 9 8 PHS 197 James Feinberg 09 Mini Cooper 59.495 *0.799 47.536 0.257 1.709 10 9 PSTR 94 Michael Cassino 08 Honda Champ 2000 57.028 *0.835 47.618 0.082 1.791 11 10 PSTR 194 David O'Maley 57.126 *0.835 47.700 0.082 1.873 12 11 PSMF 167 Roy Lowder 02 Mini Cooper 56.033 *0.852 47.740 0.040 1.913 13 12 PSMF 67 Chad Matthews 56.217 *0.852 47.896 0.156 2.069 14 13 PSTR 198 Jon Nwanagu 08 Honda s2000 CR 57.381 *0.835 47.913 0.017 2.086 15 14 PSTX 69 Michael Kuhn 04 Mazda Rx-8 58.372 *0.822 47.981 0.068 2.154 16 15 PSS 136 Rob Falkner 05 Lotus Elise 55.961 *0.858 48.014 0.033 2.187 17 16 PSTC 180 David Stanford 89 Honda Civic 58.695 *0.820 48.129 0.115 2.302 18 17 PASP 179 Charlie Fullwood 91 Toyota N/A Mr2 55.851 *0.863 48.199 0.070 2.372 19 1 FSP 195 Brittany Edwards Mazda Protoge 94 57.685 *0.838 48.340 0.141 2.513 20 18 PSTC 80 Stephen Ingram 89 Honda Civic Si 59.068 *0.820 48.435 0.095 2.608 21 19 PSS 36 Chris Ross 05 Lotus Elise 56.680 *0.858 48.631 0.196 2.804 22 1 ASP 25 Adam Benaway 05 Subaru sti 56.391 *0.863 48.665 0.034 2.838 23 20 PSTX 94 Anselmo Kim 05 Mazda Rx-8 59.348 *0.822 48.784 0.119 2.957 24 21 PGS 32 Ross Hennings 10 Volkswagen Gti 59.964 *0.814 48.810 0.026 2.983 25 1 SMF 41 Daniel Wendel 86 Honda CRX 1.6 Si 57.304 *0.852 48.823 0.013 2.996
|
|
|
Post by ball80 on Apr 10, 2012 19:11:15 GMT -5
Ok I have thought about this, and i think the one thing we can have for future autoX is a dedicated representative for the Novice class. We are often getting new people at every event and it would be nice if we have one person that is ear marked for doing the novice walk through and really focuses on informing them on whats going on and how things work. I enjoy our year long novice program, and hope we can bring more new people out and i think adding this liaison will help in that.
Maybe we have one and i just don't know.
(ps i nominate Khun for this position if its not already filled)
|
|
|
Post by z3elda on Apr 10, 2012 19:16:47 GMT -5
Ok I have thought about this, and i think the one thing we can have for future autoX is a dedicated representative for the Novice class. We are often getting new people at every event and it would be nice if we have one person that is ear marked for doing the novice walk through and really focuses on informing them on whats going on and how things work. I enjoy our year long novice program, and hope we can bring more new people out and i think adding this liaison will help in that. Maybe we have one and i just don't know. (ps i nominate Khun for this position if its not already filled) Actually it's Daniel Blakeny - same guy as SCR - He wasn't able to make it to zmax this time, but he's been at most of CCRs events for a while. He could always use help though.
|
|
|
Post by ball80 on Apr 10, 2012 19:24:00 GMT -5
I don't believe he was at Autox #2 either, So maybe if we could get him a little help, I'm sure he's stretched thin with life and having to handle it for 2 clubs.
|
|
|
Post by cr89x on Apr 11, 2012 4:55:07 GMT -5
Daniel has had family things get in the way at the last two events, baby on the way. He will be back again. He does a great job with novices.
|
|