Byron,
First let me say that I fully appreciate your enthusiasm and attention to detail. That makes two of us. Also, I apologize for getting off on the wrong foot here and taking a tone that, as you say, came across as confrontational.
My reaction to your first post was agreeably strong but not without merit. It was based on the fact that I thought we were, had been, communicating but maybe my emails ended up as spam. I do have your correct email address and sorry you got the impression I was not available or receptive to your questions. Not at all the case. So when I read your post, incorrectly quoting the announcement material and broadcasting that “all this information should be somewhere, I just haven’t found it yet” I didn’t appreciate that for our Track Day Team and Attendees. Yes, it pushed my buttons and came across a bit accusatory, but you did catch me on a bad-hair day, so apologies and comments accepted and would like to move on as well. :>
I actually enjoyed reading about your track experience and car history. I understand how you would feel more comfortable driving this particular car in group 2. If the car comes in for you during the morning session, you will probably have the opportunity to step it up a bit in the afternoon, when the track thins out. When I finished my JBL, after 5 yrs, the first place I took it was to the track, and for the same reasons you mentioned. More controlled and much safer environment to test and feel a new car. Smart choice.
Tires: I would not leave your shaved Toyo’s at home. By all means, much better than street tires as you know. Maybe I was being a smartass, but I never said “so the tires must be DOT approved street legal even for the track”. If I bring my spec racer, rest assured, it comes with track tires. There will be some other folks running stickys as well. (as it should be)
Roll Bar: Glad you have a full width piece that protects both driver & passenger. Absolutely, a ride for your brother on his Bday. Just come and find me, after lunch will be best.
The cobra roll bar is typically a false sense of security on most of these cars. They are generally too thin in wall thickness and too low. I have seen some with the rear brace attached to the fiberglass body, and others with 1/4” bolts used at chassis attachment. Ideally, the minimum height of a roll bar should be at least 3” above driver’s helmet. More distance would be better to allow for restraint stretch and movement. We are not requiring this rule because 90% of the cobras would fail as would the original street versions. But this is a novice event and, for goodness sakes, no one should be going over on their head. It’s just good for folks to asses and be familiar with their particular roll bar and its limitations. However, I don’t want to see any “cosmetic” roll bars at tech inspection.
Morgan LeBlanc is my Tech Director. Both he and I would be happy to answer, and absolutely encourage, any questions or concerns regarding tech. If you have any questions regarding Track Day before I send out the next Announcement, let me know and I’ll do my best to get right back to you.
Thanks for your explanation and let me know if I overlooked anything.
Talk soon, John
ps, Thanks Morg.
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