Lotus challenge series

[Jack]

Originally Posted by jplotus

My bad but this is a follow up to that post. I am still interested in getting this done for next year even it starts out as one run group with speedventure. Lets talk about it and do it. I am in!

Jim,

We can do our own run group with Speedventures right now -- it could start immediately. I've already spoken to Aaron about getting "an exclusive run group" for certain high cost popular tracks, like Cal Speedway and Laguna -- as long as I pre-pay for an entire events "run session" (i.e., 4 -23 minute or 5-20 minute sessions) during a given event, we can run as many or as few cars in our own exclusive run group.

As Rich already mentioned, it's getting the support from Lotus that is essential.

[jplotus]

Originally Posted by Jack

Jim,

We can do our own run group with Speedventures right now -- it could start immediately. I've already spoken to Aaron about getting "an exclusive run group" for certain high cost popular tracks, like Cal Speedway and Laguna -- as long as I pre-pay for an entire events "run session" (i.e., 4 -23 minute or 5-20 minute sessions) during a given event, we can run as many or as few cars in our own exclusive run group.

As Rich already mentioned, it's getting the support from Lotus that is essential.

Jack,
I agree that Aaron can do it right now but what i wanted to see if there was the possibilty of getting enough interest to get sponsorship. I realize that sponsors want to see a viable entity and as it appears from the local interest this could mushroom very quickly.Marketing the concept to the lotus community that shows a high level of safety and the driver requirements to include licensing as well as medical sign off in the long run will help our cause. The pca and poc run a very sucessfull race series granted there 100times more porsches than lotus cars but we have to start someplace. I am going to contact the aforementioned group that is racing next month to get some insight as to participation. On another note smmp is having a member weekend in October with the Ferrari and Lamborghini dealership , Alot of track time. call me for the info. Jim

[jplotus]

Originally Posted by Rich H

Run it in NASA and I'll probably do some west coast, add in no-hassle direct parts and tires availability from LCUSA and I'm in for sure. I ran in the earlier LCUSA Lotus Challenge.

Once we determine the interest these issues are critical to run a succesfull series. I will contact lotus usa , Dave Simpkin to start to address these issues.

[Rich H]

Originally Posted by jplotus

Jack,
I agree that Aaron can do it right now but what i wanted to see if there was the possibilty of getting enough interest to get sponsorship. I realize that sponsors want to see a viable entity and as it appears from the local interest this could mushroom very quickly.Marketing the concept to the lotus community that shows a high level of safety and the driver requirements to include licensing as well as medical sign off in the long run will help our cause. The pca and poc run a very sucessfull race series granted there 100times more porsches than lotus cars but we have to start someplace. I am going to contact the aforementioned group that is racing next month to get some insight as to participation. On another note smmp is having a member weekend in October with the Ferrari and Lamborghini dealership , Alot of track time. call me for the info. Jim

NASA is the best option for an operating entity. It has the very best club-based program of driver training from beginner through racing license, and all of the infrastructure and track contracts in place for top quality racing support all the way to national championships. Plus, Jerry Kunzman is always open to talking about starting new series and giving an assist in the beginning to get things moving.

I think that NASA actually stages some of the PCA events.

[perryeyges]

Racing is great to watch but unless your car is disposable you might want to think again. Track days are fine with me..

[Patricko]

Originally Posted by perryeyges

Racing is great to watch but unless your car is disposable you might want to think again. Track days are fine with me..

I think it depends who you are racing with.

I have seen some track days that were more scary than the Lotus Challenge races I just did in China

At least in a race everyone has some level of training and a race license.

[apexdc]

Track days are huge fun and a great learning tool.

Some guys love to race and some don't. There are some very fast guys who just do track days or time trial events.

I'm a racer and to me, no criticism of others, a track day is like foreplay. Lots of fun, but not quite the real deal.

In many lower levels of racing, few people have really disposable cars and tend to be a bit more careful of contact, not dissimilar to vintage racing. Each group will have its own written and unwritten rules of the road.

High level amateur (National SCCA, etc.) and pro racing is a different matter. The car is a tool (almost weapon) and sometimes gets hammered.

Remember you can also total your car at a track day (or on the road!). I've seen it LOTS of times over the years.

[MitchT]

the cupcars are set up to race, but the regular exiges and elises need to meet Nasa, pboc, PCA'S CCR,

Rollcages, window net, firesystem, battery tire down, race seat/ harness -5 pts, Hans devices s/b mandatory, Electrical shut off, tow hooks, tow/F/E stickers, I think the Rollcage is the biggest hurdle, custom is expensive, a bolt in DYI is needed.

Plus Nasa is moving to full Halo seats for side impact in the near future I am told.

Someone needs to make this package of parts DIY and afforable, Hypersport does this work for Lotus, Kirt might be interested I started this dialog with him over a year ago, but not too many people where interested in making there street car into a racer.

[perryeyges]

Originally Posted by Patricko

I think it depends who you are racing with.

I have seen some track days that were more scary than the Lotus Challenge races I just did in China

At least in a race everyone has some level of training and a race license.

That is very true... I was impressed with the level of discipline that I saw in your video as far as other drivers being fair in their moves(of course it was raining though so everyone was being extra careful). Your 211 looked VERY effective.
I'm sure with the right support(multiple sets of tires, a trailer load of back up parts, multiple body shells, suspension components, etc., etc.)you would be very competetive. Keeping the car on the track is much more important than having the fastest car on the track as you eventually told us.

[perryeyges]

Originally Posted by apexdc

Track days are huge fun and a great learning tool.

Some guys love to race and some don't. There are some very fast guys who just do track days or time trial events.

I'm a racer and to me, no criticism of others, a track day is like foreplay. Lots of fun, but not quite the real deal.

In many lower levels of racing, few people have really disposable cars and tend to be a bit more careful of contact, not dissimilar to vintage racing. Each group will have its own written and unwritten rules of the road.

High level amateur (National SCCA, etc.) and pro racing is a different matter. The car is a tool (almost weapon) and sometimes gets hammered.

Remember you can also total your car at a track day (or on the road!). I've seen it LOTS of times over the years.

I can see your point. I used to race motorcycles on 1/2 mile ovals and the adrenaline rush you get is unequalled in most everything I have ever done since.
I think I got scared off by going to two NASA track events that were not very controlled IMHO. Guys were basically having a race and threatening body damage unless you gave up the line. I guess I'll stick to my club events with their over cautious approach.
As my daughter would say, "OLD MAAAAAN".

[Dan C]

I would be interested. Please keep me informed at danwcrow@earthlinl.net

[Jack]

Originally Posted by Dan C

I would be interested. Please keep me informed at danwcrow@earthlinl.net

Dan,

Long time, no see. How are you?

[Dan C]

Hi Jack,
Doing well but working too much and not going to the track enough. Are you still doing track events? Hope your car is working well.
Dan

[jplotus]

Originally Posted by MitchT

the cupcars are set up to race, but the regular exiges and elises need to meet Nasa, pboc, PCA'S CCR,

Rollcages, window net, firesystem, battery tire down, race seat/ harness -5 pts, Hans devices s/b mandatory, Electrical shut off, tow hooks, tow/F/E stickers, I think the Rollcage is the biggest hurdle, custom is expensive, a bolt in DYI is needed.

Plus Nasa is moving to full Halo seats for side impact in the near future I am told.

Someone needs to make this package of parts DIY and afforable, Hypersport does this work for Lotus, Kirt might be interested I started this dialog with him over a year ago, but not too many people where interested in making there street car into a racer.

I contacted Kirt last year also to provide names of dealers who could install the cages. It is an expensive retrofit of about $3,500.00 all said and done. In my opinion, I see way to many people at track days who drive as fast as they can dressed in tshirts and shorts. The type of events I am proposing would require nomex suits coupled with all the other required safety gear. This is not going to be a inexpensive program but yet what is the value of your life.

[jplotus]

Originally Posted by perryeyges

Racing is great to watch but unless your car is disposable you might want to think again. Track days are fine with me..

Great , someone honest on how they feel.
I personally have seen NASA events and have said that they are more aggresive then what I might want. I will contact them to see what opportunities exist with there group. I have run with Aaron many years and I am comfortable with his approach.

[Jack]

Originally Posted by Dan C

Hi Jack,
Doing well but working too much and not going to the track enough. Are you still doing track events? Hope your car is working well.
Dan

Dan,

Get your priorities straight -- work getting in the way of FUN?

Yes, still doing private track events -- more frequently than in the past. Trying to enjoy those "golden years" -- it's either the walker or the Lotus. I keep forgetting to include you on the mailing list -- it won't happen again.

Car is doing well...I think you'll like the Cup255 -- hope you pick up the used one listed on ET. I'm also aware of a few new ones still sitting at dealers. If interested, feel free to call me.

[jplotus]

Originally Posted by Dan C

I would be interested. Please keep me informed at danwcrow@earthlinl.net

Dan,
I will keep you posted . I noticed that you might be interested ina 255 cup. I just bought mine about a month ago and i am truly enjoying the car. I had my first true test with the car set up this past weekend and I am very impressed. Good luck finding one.Jim

[MitchT]

All said and done a spec miata type of kit for the elise exige should only be around 5k, rollcage DIY bolt in $2500, firesytems are like $500 to 600 bucks,
Electical cut off and battery box $200. FIA Seat $1500 Harness $500. window net 150, tow hooks 250, the cage is the issue, If saftey devices would sell to consumers the lotus product and or if dealers had a lotus sponsored program to make it go smooth. Plus clams Fr and rear would need to be cheap, the other big issue is that the suspension is a bit fragile from an off/shunt. Which I see as the weak link so to speak.

[jplotus]

Originally Posted by MitchT

All said and done a spec miata type of kit for the elise exige should only be around 5k, rollcage DIY bolt in $2500, firesytems are like $500 to 600 bucks,
Electical cut off and battery box $200. FIA Seat $1500 Harness $500. window net 150, tow hooks 250, the cage is the issue, If saftey devices would sell to consumers the lotus product and or if dealers had a lotus sponsored program to make it go smooth. Plus clams Fr and rear would need to be cheap, the other big issue is that the suspension is a bit fragile from an off/shunt. Which I see as the weak link so to speak.

I agree with your eestimates. I would say that someone who (non cup car) wants to compete in the "race" version would need to spend about 5k for the add ons plus another 4k in spare parts. This is not going to be cheap. Now if you are just interested in the time trial that would probably not require a full roll cage.

[fishguy]

Originally Posted by jplotus

I contacted Kirt last year also to provide names of dealers who could install the cages. It is an expensive retrofit of about $3,500.00 all said and done. In my opinion, I see way to many people at track days who drive as fast as they can dressed in tshirts and shorts. The type of events I am proposing would require nomex suits coupled with all the other required safety gear. This is not going to be a inexpensive program but yet what is the value of your life.

for the cost of making the Elise when i had it race prepped with all the safety gear(~$10K) i could just buy an already built SCCA Spec miata and have a strong class to go racing in, with a car that is cheap to fix and basically disposable.
Hence I chose to sell the Lotus and buy the Spec Miata. I also had enough $ left over to race the race, and buy a formula ford also.
seems like an easy choice to me.