I think I like NASCAR

[Bubba1]

No, not really. Don't worry, I'm not installing Sunoco "official fuel of NASCAR" bumper stickers, or the decal of little boy peeing on the number 24 or a confederate flag decal, but I did spend a day on the freshly repaved "Tricky Triangle" Pocono Raceway. I was running on the entire tri-oval, not the infield course. It was interesting, doing half a day counter clockwise (same as NASCAR), and the other half in the reverse direction. The track was incredibly smooth and pretty grippy. Other than some NASCAR testing, Audi was the first club to use the new surface.

I can't imagine doing 500 miles on that track, as it would become tedious to me, In 30 minutes sessions, it was entertaining. Though I learned my Z's windshield wipers don't work very well over 120 mph. It was a foggy, wet track in the morning but dried out nicely by late morning.

I had 2 good students, one in an older Audi A4 (aftermarket supercharger), and another student in a Porsche 996 Twin turbo. Think 911 with tweaked motor and AWD. Very fast car, good driver.

Another interesting mix of cars, ranging from a Saturn to an Audi R8. A friend of mine brought his Challenger SRT-8. Chipped with a Cold air intake, shaker hood, and a tweaked rear suspension. He was producing about 460 hp. I rode in it on the street but not the track. Big, fast heavy car.
The only other Nissans were a GT-R, belong to the father of my student with the Porsche, and a G37 coupe. There were a few other Japanese cars, including a nice integra, a stock Acura TSX, and a few miatas.

I didn't have a lotta time to take pics, but I'll try to get them up later today or tomorrow.

Next up....CARLISLE!

[frapjap]

The only other Nissans were a GT-R, belong to the father of my student with the Porsche, Next up....CARLISLE!

Wealthy family! At least he's smart enough to get his kid lessons instead of turning into Nick Hogan.

[frapjap]

The only other Nissans were a GT-R, belong to the father of my student with the Porsche, Next up....CARLISLE!

Wealthy family! At least he's smart enough to get his kid lessons instead of turning into Nick Hogan.

Did you get to feel just how well balanced your tires were on that track?

[Bubba1]

Wealthy family! At least he's smart enough to get his kid lessons instead of turning into Nick Hogan.

Did you get to feel just how well balanced your tires were on that track?

Oh yeah. Fortunately, mine were fine,

[Bubba1]

OK, here are a few paddock pics.

one of two Audi Q5's that ran on track. Both white. Don't see many crossovers at these events....




A stock TSX beside a nice little integra



THREE Dodge Challenger SRT-8's in a row. The blue one on the left belongs to a friend of mine. It's not stock. It's chipped, has a CAI, real shaker hood, and a tweaked suspension. It puts out about 460 hp. The other two were MOPAR buds of his that wanted to check out the activities.



closer view of my friend's SRT-8



A row of Audi's, but the checkerboard tape covering the headlights caught my eye.



A fairly rare (in the US) Audi TTRS. I saw one other at VIR. Pretty stinkin' fast little TT.




My students 996 Turbo. Behind it is the GT-R and behind that an old school 911.
Beautiful car, very fast.




Shot of my car and 'da beast. Beside it is the Laguna Sega Boss 302. This was the same car I saw at VIR, so I had a nice conversation with the owner. The stang's been tweaked a bit. He also had an interesting tilting aluminum trailer. It tilts (with gas shocks) so you don't need ramps. Unfortunately he had to add ramps to it anyway as he mounted a carbon fiber chin splitter, that sticks out too far and will not clear the ramp without help.


something you don't see at many track events....a Saturn




one of several GT-3's. This one was a cup car.



nice VW R32



better shot of the integra



Exige followed by a Z06. the exige did not have much of a muffler. Really loud.



better shot of the GT-R. it looks dirty because the first two sessions were wet ones.



quick shot of the tech line, which included an R8 (V8)

[300ZXttZMAN]

Nice! So do you have any clue what the story is with the saturn?

[Bubba1]

Nice! So do you have any clue what the story is with the saturn?

Sorry, didn't have a chance to chat with that owner.

[Bubba1]

to give a flavor, here's a video someone with a connection to the Saturn took late in the morning. This was one of the less experienced run groups.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3HVojXnjhw[/youtube]

[alms24sebring]

Sounds like fun. I was afraid you were going to turn into the next Richard Hammond. Did you win?

[Bubba1]

Sounds like fun. I was afraid you were going to turn into the next Richard Hammond. Did you win?

LOL. I wouldn't mind becoming the next Richard Hammond, but I'm not going to whiten my teeth.

It wasn't a race. It was an HPDE, so there was no timing, no trading paint, no bump drafting. Though there was drafting going on in the experienced groups, which was fun. Most Audi schools are held on road courses. This was the first one on a superspeedway that did not include an infield course. Interesting to get up to those kinda speeds and staying there, but you also watch you fuel gauge plummet.

[Jesda]

I could get into NASCAR for the beer and shenanigans alone, but watching on TV? Heck no.

[Bubba1]

I could get into NASCAR for the beer and shenanigans alone, but watching on TV? Heck no.

I agree, mind numbing to watch it on TV.

[alms24sebring]

I could get into NASCAR for the beer and shenanigans alone, but watching on TV? Heck no.

I dont think they like your kind around. You're a little too tan lol

[Jesda]

I could get into NASCAR for the beer and shenanigans alone, but watching on TV? Heck no.

I dont think they like your kind around. You're a little too tan lol

I'll just wear a confederate flag mask

[hannibal]

Never heard of the TT-RS until now. Nice!

[dre1507]

Iunno man. With how extra boring TV has been lately, I've found my self watching the speed channel even when it's nascar coverage. However, I've found that the best day to watch the speed channel is Sunday. This is the day where all the non-circular track racing gets covered. Friday and Saturday are good days too but not like Sunday. Occasionally some good stuff during the week.

Anyways, that event looked pretty fun. I'd love to be able to attend something similar once I start working again.