New NASA site

[Autox]

Here is info regarding the secret NASA site.
http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/32606/site.html

[getfast]

They have authorized us to hold events there only through March.  I think they might want to see what autocrossing is all about before they commit to more.

As I said in the other thread, VMSC officers are welcome to join us on 3/26 and I will personally introduce you to the site managers so you know who to talk to in the future.

PLEASE do not contact them looking to book dates until after they're sure they want to allow further events past March.

If they get scared-off by a lot of interest, we ALL lose another great site (it's gigantic, with lots of usable space.)

With any luck this place will be available to everyone starting in April... not just NASA, but VMSC and Tidewater SCC and ODR-SCCA and soforth...

The most important thing is that NASA puts on a good, safe, clean, fun event on 3/26 first.  The future of the site's availability at least partially depends upon the quality of that event.  Please join us...

Thanks,

Jon

[getfast]

NASA now has another equally enjoyable site 100 miles from Richmond, and a special autocross scheduled for Fri & Sat April 7-8:

http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/shenspeed

Please join us!  Any events are better than no events

Thanks-

Jon

[getfast]

We held a small test & tune event at the new site over the weekend and it's got a lot of possibilities.  Our event there on 3/26 has been expanded to include more than 80 cars.  We've got 3 spots left as of now, maybe more.  Details and links to some new pics are here:

http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/32606

If you'd like to know what some of our testers thought about the place, read this:

http://www.autocross.us/forums/index.php?showtopic=1514

Also, we've still got LOTS of spots left for our April 7-8 event at Shenandoah Speedway (near Harrisonburg)...

http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/shenspeed

Thanks,

Jon

[getfast]

West Point Airport on-car vid from the test day:

http://www.autocross.us/videos/TopVideos/Jim_Robinson-NASA-030506.wmv

Several spots left for 3/26 there:

http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/32606

Good stuff,

Jon

[funrun]

I do not mean this to be that negative, only a VERY QUICK observation...
Yes, it apears to be a decent surface and no obstacles. But, being as narrow as it (and most runways are) is, it looks to be more favorable towards road course designs ie not too many spots for technical (autocross) issues. It looks like this has WAY TOO MUCH speed potential. So speed vs insurance could become an issue for someone down the line.:duh::omg:

[getfast]

Good observation and very valid comments.

It is indeed more like an actual racetrack than a parking lot.  It demands more respect but is potentially much more rewarding and educational as a result.  

The site also has another bigger/faster runway course than the one in that video, which will be repaved in the next few months.  This gives us about 4000 feet of usable space, and nearly endless configuration options.

Some people look at autocross as a stepping stone toward road course events.  Events at West Point Airport have the potential to bridge that gap quite nicely, without being faster or more dangerous than events at VMP or anywhere else.

PS- Speed vs. insurance is not an issue for NASA.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Jon

[getfast]

Big thanks to the VMSC folks who came to the West Point event yesterday, I hope you had a blast!  

See you soon,

Jon

[conernr]

Originally posted by getfast
Big thanks to the VMSC folks who came to the West Point event yesterday, I hope you had a blast!  

See you soon,

Jon

Thanks for have us the course was Great!! Fast but Safe. I look forward to attending more this year!

PS. Loved getting 10 runs!!

[Edited on 3-27-2006 by conernr]

[funrun]

I too would like to say thanks for a fun and safe course yesterday. There were 1 or 2 spots where things 'may' have gotten a little cautious, but none more than any other of our local area autocross sites.

As MANY people will say, it was fast. But even if you over did it, all you really did was to get a little turf... as seen by a red miata team.

A little speed is a good thing from time to time:D

Hey Jon, when and where do we get to see results?:bounce::bouncep:

[getfast]

Results might be up tonight.  Hopefully.

Thanks,

Jon

[senna1]

Jon,

I too want to say thanks for a great event.  This is a NICE site that you found...it reminds me of my Solo 1 experiences and I'm looking forward to many events here in the future!

Lonnie,

Nice job yesterday!  But don't get too comfortable because I'm coming after you this season!!!!:D

[draco50]

Congrats to NASA for following through on the challenge of fast, fun, and safe.  Well done.

Here's hoping they pave over some more of that nasty old runway with more usable tarmac.  

[conernr]

Here some photos!

http://community.webshots.com/user/conernr

[funrun]

Once again...:ouch:

Are there any results??? Where/when posted???:bouncep::bouncep::bouncep:

[WRXRacer111]

http://www.dominionmotorsports.net/autox/20060326/fastraw.htm

http://www.dominionmotorsports.net/autox/20060326/fastnasa.htm

http://www.dominionmotorsports.net/autox/20060326/fastscca.htm

http://www.dominionmotorsports.net/autox/20060326/fastpax.htm

Been up for days, y0!

[funrun]

Thanks Chris,
I thought they might be up, just not sure where. I haven't even heard of the dominion autosports link before.

I sure wish they posted the run by run results. I saw a few mistakes in their results.

Oh well, just counting down to our next event. :bounce::bouncep:

[getfast]

Results links are always posted on the original event info page.  These were up on Tuesday.

Thanks,

Jon

[getfast]

Well it's official, there will be no more autoXes at West Point Airport. :cry:

We may do another VIR-Patriot event on Sat May 6, please contact me privately for details or check http://www.get-fast.net this weekend.

Thanks,

Jon

[funrun]

Jon,
Was there a reason given. As in, was there something said negative on our (racing) part?

[getfast]

There were several reasons given and several differences we won't be able to get around.  So the new site is gone... and we're back to square one.

Luckily, we're doing a "CircuitCross" (two heats worth at least, 30 cars maximum) at VIR-Patriot on Sat 5/6:

http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/5606

That track makes West Point look like RRC

Jon

[draco50]

Originally posted by getfastThat track makes West Point look like RRC

OH SNAP... OH NO YOU DID-ENT.  :wtf:

[getfast]

We return to VIR-Patriot for our "CircuitCross" on Saturday:

http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/5606

There are 8 spots left and we'd reeeealllllly like to add a few more cars so we can break even...

Anyone interested, please contact me privately for late registration details.

Thanks,

Jon

[getfast]

PS- if autocrossers have aspirations of ever driving on a real road course for lap times, this is THE CHEAPEST way you'll ever be able to do it... and we probably won't do another one of these events until 2007  

Thanks,

Jon