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F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums _ Track Videos _ Scratcher (Costas' Camaro)

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jul 15 2012, 02:11 PM

Track day sponsored by a local ford dealer. I'm in one of the few GM cars (two camaros, one corvette) that showed up.

https://vimeo.com/45772822

17 sec clip.... Full vid soon.


Costas
cars and such...



EDITED: Instead of making new threads, I'll just keep adding on to this one :-)

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jul 15 2012, 07:25 PM

Full vid.

https://vimeo.com/45770575

Loved the new setup/balance...sadly the car was designed and built when the old bias ply tires were the norm. I've always ran radials and then switched to the 'jumbos' which are worth even more time (due to more grip). The lateral grip/braking forces ended up cracking an upper control arm mount. EEEK.

Engineer has designed a 'bomb-proof' fix that only adds about 2lbs....should be back up and running soon.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: StanIROCZ Jul 17 2012, 01:13 PM

2thumbs.gif I love watching scratcher vids!

What's new about the set-up?

It didn't seem like you had much trouble getting a 1:51, how much time is still on the table?


I wish my Jerico squealed like yours does, it must be my poly engine mounts that damp out some of it.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jul 18 2012, 12:28 AM

Stan,

Thanks, glad you liked it! Driving that car is just stupidfun...

The setup changes revolved around the premiss I floated in the tire temp chapter (http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch192.htm) on wdms. That is, I can get the correct camber in a corner by utilizing a lot of castor and little static camber or I can take some castor out and run a bit more static. Running high castor really gives an incredible amount of weight jacking in corners and can contribute to poor low speed (sub 50) handling characteristics (push) and that just chaps me.

So this setup was a lower ride height than my typical and with a good deal less castor and then, of course, rebalancing the cross weights to 0. I'm rear heavy also, but not as much as I'd like. I will say this setup is by far the fastest on the car so far. Wahoo!

As for time on the table...I'm not really sure. My guess is another two seconds maybe? A 1:49. I should be back there later in the year (cooler) with hopefully more rubber laid down (it had been raining) and we'll see. If I regeared for the track (from a 4.11 to a 4.56), I'd feel comfy with a 1:49 fairly easy....meh, we'll see.

I also love the gear whine :-)


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 6 2012, 01:47 AM

Hi,
I changed the thread title so I can just keep adding stuff here instead of making new threads. Figure this way would be easier :-)

Old writeup on TX2K12 finally published: http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch193.htm


ZOMG I SPUN SCRATCHER!!! https://vimeo.com/44211628


Taking my wife for some laps: https://vimeo.com/48857808

(She pulls out her iphone and takes some pics and vids...lol)

At the recent ECR event I cracked an upper control arm mount and that has since been removed (both sides) and replaced with bigger/stronger parts with some mods....Story/pics coming soon as well as a chapter on the ECR event.

Next event: NARRA (www.narraonline.com) at TWS in a few weeks.

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Eugenio_SS Sep 6 2012, 02:44 AM

your dog engagement tranny... is that w/ straight teeth or helical ?

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 6 2012, 03:10 AM

It's a jerico 4 speed and it has straight cut teeth.

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 6 2012, 03:14 AM

Swapping out gears (while watching Star Wars....heh)







Full writeup and moar pics here: http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch163.htm


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: The Batman Sep 6 2012, 09:35 AM

That car is awesome to look at in detail. Just wondering, what is the reasoning with the tank-like front hubs on that car? Did all the camaro GT cars get built with those?

Posted by: StanIROCZ Sep 6 2012, 04:27 PM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Sep 5 2012, 11:14 PM) *
Swapping out gears (while watching Star Wars....heh)


"May the force be with you" <whack with the hammer>

Posted by: StanIROCZ Sep 6 2012, 04:31 PM

QUOTE (The Batman @ Sep 6 2012, 05:35 AM) *
That car is awesome to look at in detail. Just wondering, what is the reasoning with the tank-like front hubs on that car? Did all the camaro GT cars get built with those?

Wide 5 hubs. I don't know much about the history with them etc, but the bearings and snouts are massive, and they move the lugs out to a very large bolt circle diameter. I'm sure Costas can tell you more.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 6 2012, 08:00 PM

Stan is right, they are wide-5 hubs.

http://www.colemanracing.com/Hub-Wide-5-Front-Starlite-55-P3626.aspx

No, most GT1 and Trans-Am cars run a standard 'grand national' style hub with 5x5 bolt circle and the top guys run center-lock hubs with only 1 big central lugnut.

My car was designed and built to go as fast as possible as inexpensively as possible while still being durable. It is nearly all from the coleman racing catalog which is plain jane circle-track parts. When you knock a corner off a top flight tube-car you've just spend thousands of dollars on control arms and uprights. With my car, you may spend a few hundred. I pay for cost savings in a bit of weight, but it's fine with me.

The Wide-5 hub is indeed big but it is hollow aluminum and very light for what it is. The benefits include very light wheels (no center mass), HUGE bearings that last and last (they are similar to a 3/4 ton truck in size), and they are extremely durable. Big brakes can work, zero-scrub offsets can work, and even I can't crossthread a lugnut on a 1" stud (at least I've not done it yet!!).

The chassis designation from the guy who made the run of frames (some he sold bare, others he made rollers and hung bodies, about 44 chassis in all however the buyer wanted them) was 'SBE' and it was for Simple But Effective. I've got a H#LL of a lot less money in my car than anyone that turns lap times even remotely close to me.

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: The Batman Sep 7 2012, 09:16 AM

Interesting, thanks for the info and the new website to explore!

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 7 2012, 03:21 PM

And, once you are done with Coleman...

http://daymotorsports.com/
http://stockcarproducts.com/
http://aa-mfg.com/pdshop/shop/
http://smileysracing.com/
https://www.circletracksupply.com/
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Oval-Track-Racing-Parts.html

Not exactly circle-track, more formula car, but they still have good stuff:

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/?iorb=4764&utm_source=sponsored&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=BROI


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 11 2012, 05:11 AM

Breaking Scratcher: http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch201.htm

Note crack where rear of upper control arm mounting tab meets the rear front suspension upright. OOPS.





Fixing Scratcher: http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch203.htm



This picture has nothing to do with the repair, I just really like it.



Put it all back together tonight and setup the front end, event next weekend. Still have some things to do, but it's getting there.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: mitchntx Sep 11 2012, 11:27 AM

Excellent the way you document your experience and thoughts ... excellent.
It's a great tool for you (and others) to use and learn from.

Oh and Louis is such a hack ... laugh.gif

Posted by: CrashTestDummy Sep 13 2012, 04:01 PM

Another advantage to wide-5 wheels was that you could own a trailerfull of wheels with different offsests, widths and even diameters and not have to post an armed guard by the trailer 7X24X365, as opposed to regular wheels. I guess it's because you're paying for mostly just barrels. That differentiation has pretty much disappeared. It's certainly not the cheap solution it used to be.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 19 2012, 04:24 PM

Thanks Mitch, and you are right. After so many events things get forgotten or out of order...and writing it down helps so much. We do this with most of the projects, the crapcan racing, etc.

Gene, I *kindof* agree with you. Wide 5's are still super cheap in 15s, but the 16s gain a bit, but are STILL priced a lot lower and are a helluva lot lighter than comparable wheels. My 16x13s were under 230 per wheel. Everything has gotten more expensive...it's not that wide 5s have gained in price and normal wheel price stayed stagnant. smile.gif

NARRA event at TWS this weekend and I got a mention and a picture in the press release today. cool2.gif

LINK: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=u98iiwcab&v=001u9MKVAvAK1zmq4sHYvvxvqpPfk9fxU4Oj0cdtxodEnlL33ZUpz5NJbeeh_2q-m_a8FRFkuYPqWJznyp_N2h3mUTzEzUaPQYiGr0vZyj60q9EOv2DQZ_UujMiPE7TBzgYwmJBE4DMsUUZXryu-w%3D%3D

"This weekend will see the long anticipated showdown between the two TT-Unlimited class points leaders, Texan Kevin Ferguson (Craftlogic Software Viper ACR) and Arizona native Jeff Bawden (Good Neighbors Support Services Viper SRT-10).

Don't count out Michael Greenberg or local Paul Costas either. Costas (BikiniRacer.com Chevrolet Camaro) dominated the Texas event last year, while Greenberg (Greenberg Cheese Viper Comp Coupe) just took second in the TT-U class at Monticello."


They included a pic of our family with Scratcher and the trophy too. I did put 'Witchdoctor Motorsports' as the primary sponsor....but I guess bikiniracer gets more wow factor (duh!). 2thumbs.gif

From last year:



Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: StanIROCZ Sep 19 2012, 04:59 PM

Is that a real license plate? Where’s the registration sticker? LMAO!

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 19 2012, 06:08 PM

Stan,
It is a fake plate. My graphics lady does them and they look awesome. She 'dirties' them up and shades them to look like a real plate, but it is just vinyl on white aluminum panel.


(photo by CornerConcepts)


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 24 2012, 10:18 PM

https://vimeo.com/50067383

Short clip of me using all the road at TWS at the double NARRA event at TWS this past weekend.
Full vids and data to follow.

#LoneCamaro
#SeaOfVipers

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 26 2012, 02:02 PM

http://thinkfastengineering.com/2012/09/big-win-for-scratcher/


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 26 2012, 02:31 PM

30 second clip my wife took at TWS Sunday afternoon.

Check the rate of closure on the Vipers at the end of the straight... :-D

http://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/2107930145_MkGfmnv?albumId=25556261&albumKey=3hMhxk&width=640&height=360

**backstory: I did not have fresh tires for this event...so I did minimal running on Saturday, basically enough to take the win, then the same on Sunday morning then on Sunday afternoon I took passengers and killed the tires. I was struggling for grip with the rears out of slow/medium corners, but it sure was fun to take folks out and show them the track from my perspective**


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 27 2012, 09:46 PM

https://vimeo.com/50276092

First session on Sunday. Well...most of it.

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 28 2012, 05:24 PM

1 lap (some traffic) of GoProHD goodness:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC9BrwkiSH8&list=UUHlUdt3sIpDBrDdJ50DMrKw&index=1&feature=plcp


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 29 2012, 02:39 PM

And now for something completely different.. ;-)

Rear facing HD cam, taking Nick (former 3rd gen CMC racer) for a quick lap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRvWE6e5EVE&feature=youtu.be


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Oct 20 2012, 07:06 AM

http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch204.htm

Pics, story, links to more vids...

I'm still working on overlaying some data onto the latest vids from NARRA.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: StanIROCZ Oct 21 2012, 03:10 AM

Its too bad FRRAX doesn't have a 'like' button like facebook 2thumbs.gif

I really want to build a tube frame car...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jan 3 2013, 05:36 PM

The official NARRA recap video (28 minutes) from TWS is up. Lots of great action shown from a lot of angles. Scratcher and I get a few nice shots and then they include a short part of my podium interview. Awesome production quality (all 1080p HD!!), make it full screen for sure!!! For my interview they got a good shot of the "ThinkFast Engineering" polo I was wearing. w00t!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLEF220F17465041AD&v=Ovo4azl-ubI&feature=player_embedded

Two quick screencaps from the video:




dammit, I need to repaint my rear cage downtubes!!


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: 198esp Jan 4 2013, 04:15 AM

sweet deal

Posted by: StanIROCZ Jan 4 2013, 06:22 PM

Whats the specs on that TT-1 vette that was faster than you? blink.gif

Posted by: GlennCMC70 Jan 4 2013, 08:47 PM

Nice!

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jan 4 2013, 09:43 PM

Stan:
Specs on TT1 corvette = Go to doug rippie motorsports, drop off a blank check. smile.gif

http://dougrippie.com/products/c6-corvette/drm-rtr-ready-to-race-machine/

From the link:
Cost is 125K- ??? The price varies depending on parts used. The one above is 150,000 USD

It is a SERIOUS six figure car and <excuse mode = ON> I was on dead dead tires and my best lap still had traffic <excuse mode = OFF>.

We are back at TWS next month with narra and I should be on fairly fresh tires and we'll see if I can get in front of him in my 25k hooptie wink.gif . NARRA is an 'honor system' as far as tech. They *do* weigh cars, but they have to believe whatever dyno they are given. I'm pretty sure he was on fresh michelin slicks both days. Driver is no slouch for sure, and I'm hopeful he shows up again and I'll wrangle some time to go check out the car a lot closer.

I'm still on my original camshaft that my engine builder laughs at. It was the smallest cam that he figured would work with my heads/intake. I am pondering stepping up a bit on the camshaft (65-85hp easily, over 100hp if we went big) but not sure I'll have the time/money to do it. Scratcher really does not make that much power, it is just fairly light with big tires and good mech and decent aero. Aero will get an upgrade later in 2013 or might get pushed back to 2014 depending on other projects.

Ya'll look at www.narraonline.com for the 2013 schedule. These folks have been great to run with and they have w2w, tt and hpde!


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Feb 1 2013, 07:50 PM

Aight, semi-fresh new (to me) used tires on order. Registered for Narra.

Got this in my email today:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Redneck challenger to race in Texas.

R U Faster Than a Redneck TV show challenger Jeremy Rohrs and
South Side Performance to debut in Whelen US TimeTrial Championship at NARRA's Texas World Speedway event, Feb 15-17.

Jeremy Rohrs and his South Side Performance (SSP) team will take on the might of American muscle in rounds 1 & 2 of the 2013 Whelen US TimeTrial Championship at Texas World Speedway, Feb 15-17, in what he calls the "perfect preview" to his appearance in Speed Network's new show, R U Faster Than a Redneck.

"This will be a taste of what to expect from the show. Imports and exotic European machinery up against the best the US has to offer, but in the case of the Whelen USTTC we're talking some seriously fast Vettes and Vipers," said Rohrs.

"I will be driving the exact same car at TWS, South Side Performance's 540whp 2010 Nissan GT-R with the exact same setup and power level as it was on R U Faster Than a Redneck."

Hosted by comedian Jon Reep the new TV series debuts Feb 22, the Friday following the Whelen USTTC event at Texas World Speedway.

Shot at Carolina Motorsports Park, which will be visited by the North American Road Racing Association's Whelen US TimeTrial Championship May 3-5, the show pits domestic hot rods against custom imports. Similarly themed, the Whelen USTTC is open to all high performance road and racing cars and features marques such as BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, and Subaru against Corvette, Camaro, Ford and Viper.

Full Story: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=u98iiwcab&v=001vd12ggE3Xa4Wyw_kfa-kha2AMg7clqsqWZbJe1n6zzOxu0qtmWuT5u8ygjw0ErvkUHtsSuTpbp-CdVe8XuPtDWs5iaSwglBmaC6Fvco3QLwFkd1-Jis3BTJ4ur2TmBLqkL-xohsl9mbAj0QzTBiDQQ%3D%3D

+++++++++++++++++++++++

So yeah....should be interesting.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Feb 18 2013, 07:49 PM

Newsflash = THIS JUST IN:


I R Fastar Than a Redneck!


More details to follow...




Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: 198esp Feb 18 2013, 11:54 PM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Feb 18 2013, 02:49 PM) *
Newsflash = THIS JUST IN:


I R Fastar Than a Redneck!


More details to follow...




Costas
cars and such...


being in Texas doesnt that automaticly qualify you. heck im in south jersey and most people think I qualify. Cant wait to see Scratcher giving the pimp hand to some wana be

see what happens when you don't rear the whole thread , I quess no camaro now im bummed and im going to go kick my dog

Posted by: StanIROCZ Feb 19 2013, 10:44 PM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Feb 18 2013, 02:49 PM) *
I R Fastar Than a Redneck!

Here I thought you'd fit right in with the redneck aspect of all this... Or did you mean to say that you are faster than some other redneck? That must be what you meant... wink.gif

QUOTE
Don't miss a Special Preview of R U Faster Than a Redneck. Friday, February 22nd after the NCWTS Daytona race!

I'll have to look for this on my DVR!

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Feb 20 2013, 12:47 AM

QUOTE (StanIROCZ @ Feb 19 2013, 04:44 PM) *
QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Feb 18 2013, 02:49 PM) *
I R Fastar Than a Redneck!

Here I thought you'd fit right in with the redneck aspect of all this... Or did you mean to say that you are faster than some other redneck? That must be what you meant... wink.gif

QUOTE
Don't miss a Special Preview of R U Faster Than a Redneck. Friday, February 22nd after the NCWTS Daytona race!

I'll have to look for this on my DVR!


On the podium interview after winning overall both days, the guy asked me about the redneck thing (me being the #LoneCamaro in the sea of Vipers/Vettes/GTRs) and I said that I didn't really consider myself a redneck, but since I show up with a home-built cobbled together car I was pretty sure the rest of the field saw me as one! biggrin.gif

They had HD GoPros going, so I have no idea if any footage is for the show or not. I passed the camo GTR a few times... biggrin.gif

One of my favorites from the weekend...a little opposite lock as I turn from the paddock onto the hotpits.



Full story and vids coming soon.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Feb 20 2013, 04:43 PM

Still working on my update, have some cool vid to post up too... (I pulled a General Lee at one point...heh)

But the NARRA writeup is done and was just released:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/-Rednecks--win-Texas-rounds-of-Whelen-USTTC-.html?soid=1102405988180&aid=tiu5nrMP9PQ

Snippet:
"Costas claims outright Whelen USTTC honors for the 'rednecks' as TV show contestant Rohrs podiums in series debut.

The scales were definitely tipped in favor of the 'rednecks'. Amongst a sea of Vettes, Vipers, Camaros, Mustangs and Chevrolet powered Miatas, only a Porsche and a pair of Nissan GT-Rs dared take on the might of American muscle in rounds 1 and 2 of the 2013 Whelen US TimeTrial Championship at Texas World Speedway (Feb 15-17). All eyes were on the South Side Performance Nissan GT-R of Jeremy Rohrs, one of the contestants in the new R U Faster Than a Redneck TV series that premieres this Friday on SPEED, but it was Paul Costas and his Camaro who stole the show."


If you have a NARRA event you can attend, I strongly recommend it. Great group to run with!

www.narraonline.com

Costas
cars and such...

edit - to fix link

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Mar 7 2013, 04:48 PM

And now....the rest of the story...

http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch208.htm

A very not-pretty lap: https://vimeo.com/60254150


Was a fun event, NARRA folks are great to run with, and the contingencies (I won free pirellis) are getting stronger.

www.narraonline.com


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: StanIROCZ Mar 9 2013, 02:08 PM

In the paddock he seems like such a nice guy.... has a little girl coloring and he wears a Powerpuff girl T-shirt... but he is a bad man on the race track

nicely done, congrats! I can't imagine what 1.7G feels like. I can get the occasional, nonsustained, 1.3 in my car when I get my panties un-wadded.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Mar 18 2013, 09:36 PM

Thanks!

1.7 feels pretty stout. I got to give rides to three more folks at the tx2k track day!

We've got a plan for more DF, so maybe 1.8 will be in our future...

Love this shot




Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: 198esp Mar 18 2013, 11:10 PM

that is a pretty great shot, car is looking pretty slick

Posted by: rocky Apr 3 2013, 10:01 PM

I would love to hang that picture in the garage for inspiration

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Apr 3 2013, 10:19 PM

Thanks guys...

I'm trying to get that last pic in high-res and if it is good then I'll be happy to share it.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Aug 12 2013, 06:27 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W4gOBSuLzI&feature=youtu.be

Youtube vid of the NARRA event earlier this year at TWS. This is the third installment and Scratcher gets a quick view in the intro slot moving through traffic, then I get a quick interview around the 2 minute mark and then around 2:50 or so some more vid including some slow-mo into the carousel.

Thinking on making the haul to Sebring in November for the season finale of NARRA.

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 25 2013, 05:42 PM

If you're bored and want to check out some pics. I may load some vid if I get time.

Found some improvement and went faster at a recent test. Saw some cool cars as well!

http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch210.htm

Check out the McLaren trying to get close to an awesome third gen!!! PSHAW!!!





Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: StanIROCZ Sep 26 2013, 02:39 AM

I enjoy reading everything you post 2thumbs.gif

QUOTE
It's tough to go faster without testing and as the ThinkFastEngineering.com manual says, you should change SOMEthing every session and see if you go faster or not.

Even when just the driver mod makes me faster every session? Seriously, over the past year I get faster almost every session without touching the car,,,, just growing ball sack (with a couple exceptions). I could play with my spoiler angle or adjust my front koni's,,, but then I wouldn't know if I got faster because of the tune or driving. I assume your statement is based on the assumption that the driver is using 100% of the cars potential.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 26 2013, 05:17 AM

QUOTE (StanIROCZ @ Sep 25 2013, 09:39 PM) *
Even when just the driver mod makes me faster every session? Seriously, over the past year I get faster almost every session without touching the car,,,, just growing ball sack (with a couple exceptions). I could play with my spoiler angle or adjust my front koni's,,, but then I wouldn't know if I got faster because of the tune or driving. I assume your statement is based on the assumption that the driver is using 100% of the cars potential.


In my mind (and everyone tunes differently) you pull enough data to effectively and subjectively view a change as a positive, negative or neutral. More importantly, you're bright enough to do a debrief after a session to help evaluate the performance.

SO...If you were my student and went to a trackday solo, I'd tell you to do the first session or two with everything the same (equalize air pressure) and get a baseline time. After the second session you'll sit down for 5 minutes away from everyone either looking at a track map or watching a replay of a lap. Dissect each corner into entry, mid, and exit and as you do the lap and prioritize what ONE BENEFIT would help you the most. Let's say it is on entry and the car is simply not getting INTO the corner as quick as you think is possible. Mid and exit are okay. So, we now know the result we need (better turn in) and we know to always begin adjustments on the end of the car that is NOT working until you run out of adjustments and then AND ONLY THEN can we "do damage" to the opposite end of the car to achieve balance. So, in the front we need more turn in. Let's ponder that. First, look at the tires. Are they rolling over too much and bumping pressure might help. OR are they not rolling enough and we're overinflated? Does the turn in suffer on both directions? Can we back off on the sway bar end links to let the car roll and bite a bit more? Can we make a damper change?

(Note: Neil has a great chart in his book, also this is damn handy too: http://www.amazon.com/Carroll-Smiths-Engineer-Your-Pocket/dp/0965160017/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380172449&sr=8-1&keywords=engineer+in+my+pocket )

So let's say the tires looked great and you backed off on the sway bar end links. Initially you had them totally snug with bulging little bushings, and now you've loosened them 5 rounds a side where they practically rattle (noise does not slow you down, FYI).

Then on the third session one of three things happen. You get faster, slower or stay the same. If you get slower....time to ponder: Assuming you drove well and had clear track, did the setup change NOT help the turn in? Look at your data on turn entry....is the degrees per second turn-in not as good as before? Or time stayed the same? Did the turn in help but it caused you issues on mid or exit now? Or, most likely, you got faster...and you can debrief yourself and say "self, the setup change helped, the car rotate into the corner better and i went faster because of that and because I had more confidence in the car and I'm simply driving better". Now you get to debrief AGAIN pondering 'what ONE change could I make to help my lap times?". And it starts over again. If you're unsure, re-tighten the sway bar end links and drive another session. More than likely you'll say 'fork that!!' and you've successfully learned a quick little trick that can help your setups in the future.

Folks who are vested enough to not only want to go faster but are willing to methodically look at the car, do debriefs, make track notes and also keep records of setups and changes are typically folks who can self-learn assuming they've at least got a baseline procedure to follow. Most any procedure will work and the one I outlined above is the one I use, taught to me by Neil. My last outing I did three sessions flip flopping changes to double verify that they worked.

Now, sometimes you've got to take a sharp car (setup wise) and 'dumb it down' so the driver has a stable car to 'get up to speed' in. Then, when the driver has caught up to the car, we can begin to re-sharpen that car and the driver goes really fast. Now, the setup from step 1 and step 10 ended up being the same, but we had to get the driver up to the ability to drive the damn thing and that took 9 steps. I've had a student who showed up with a prepped c5Z06 on hoosiers and after one session he bolted back on the streets because there was no way he was getting to the level of the car on purple crack. He could almost reach the car's level on streets, but hoohoos were out of the question at that point. A few track days later and we're again ready to bolt on the hoosiers and begin to work our way towards reaching the limits of that combination.

Long and winded and hopefully you followed that....
but that's my .02

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: StanIROCZ Sep 27 2013, 02:10 AM

I should probably restate what I said. I've changed to softer rear springs at Grattan because the car was very loose on that particular track. I did that because I could tell something was obviously wrong. What I said before was centered around the thought that if I can't feel anything wrong why should I change it? I'm still getting faster with driving. After every session I look at Harry's lap timer and overlay the video with the data for my fastest lap. I usually focus on the G meter to see if I'm at the edges of the traction circle or not. If not I know I'm not using the cars full potential at that point in time on the track (assuming no elevation change impact etc) and I go back out the next time and work on braking later or whatever it may be. I come back in with a faster time. Repeat. Harry's also has the ability to overlay speed and acceleration data from one lap to another and that is useful in determining why I ran faster one lap than another (in most cases it is because I braked later). I could probably be a bit more aggressive with testing mechanical things even when everything seams ok, but going to the track by myself most of the time means that I'm pretty busy all day and sometimes its nice to sit down with a Gatorade in the shade and think about driving rather then a mechanical thrash in the hot sun smile.gif

I finally sucked it up and taught myself left foot braking over labor day weekend at Grattan. I went slower during the morning sessions and spun out with a duffed 4-2 downshift but now that I got it I won't ever go back 2thumbs.gif

Posted by: Blainefab Sep 27 2013, 04:36 AM

QUOTE (StanIROCZ @ Sep 26 2013, 07:10 PM) *
I finally sucked it up and taught myself left foot braking over labor day weekend at Grattan. I went slower during the morning sessions and spun out with a duffed 4-2 downshift but now that I got it I won't ever go back 2thumbs.gif


I think you'll still be learning LFB a couple of years from now. I made the mistake of trying it during a race and decided that it helped in T1 at Sears Point. The problem was that I hadn't done it enough for it to be an automatic response to a braking situation, and in the heat of battle a few laps later I got confused and couldn't find the brake pedal into T2 - terribly frustrating experience. Drove off the outside and into a tire wall, right foot still on the gas and left foot lost.

That was 10yrs ago, I've been LFB in the truck ever since. Felt awkward and jerky at first, but I persevered. Once I could modulate braking with the left the same as the right, I practiced handing off the braking from one foot to another during braking zones, without changing the decel rate at all. It took years before it got ingrained into my brain and I'll use the left foot automatically in panic situations.

Haven't had the balls to try it again on track, tho.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jan 20 2014, 08:16 PM

https://vimeo.com/84606424

1 minute teaser vid from the NASA season opener here in Texas.
I missed qualy due to a persistant cooling system issue and had to start last.

Full writeup and more vids coming soon.

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jan 24 2014, 12:52 AM

https://vimeo.com/84813119

First race on Saturday. Go from last to second, but then rising temps mean I pull off before damaging something expensive.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Mar 11 2014, 04:01 AM

https://vimeo.com/88661203
Inside-my-helmet-cam for a few laps of MSR-C outside of Fort Worth. It's damn cold, the tires are fairly old and I'm trying to keep the pointy end forward.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping May 30 2014, 12:29 AM

TWS story http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch220.htm

First time on Hoosiers and I won a new set!

Sunday's race I started last since I didn't think I was going to do it, and ran it up to P1: https://vimeo.com/94120203


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: StanIROCZ May 30 2014, 02:29 AM

Patience my ass lol

Contgrats!

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jul 19 2014, 11:55 PM

Gotta think fast when you crest the hill and JUST CATCH A YELLOW BEING THROWN so you know SOMETHING is wrong down there...

https://vimeo.com/101186362

One of the races that weekend: https://vimeo.com/100343994


More vids and full writeup to come soon.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: roy Jul 20 2014, 07:39 AM

What an Oh Shit moment that was in the first vid.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jul 21 2014, 02:32 AM

Yeah, more than one person called it a CODE BROWN.

FULL HALLETT WRITEUP, PICS, VIDEOS HERE: http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch223.htm

* * * * * * HUGE THANKS TO JEREMY on this board for all the help that weekend!!!! * * * * * *









Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: 79T/A Jul 21 2014, 04:12 PM

I would love to know more about the pink Camaro. Got any links to a page about it?

Posted by: RPOZ27 Jul 22 2014, 12:35 AM

QUOTE (79T/A @ Jul 21 2014, 11:12 AM) *
I would love to know more about the pink Camaro. Got any links to a page about it?


The car is owned by my wife, Misty White from Texas. I'm logged in with her id to answer. I also race it when my ST1 mustang is under the knife.

Car is a 1999 SS that she purchased new and was formally an American Iron car that has morphed into an ST1 or ST2 car depending on which driver is in the car.

It is basically a cam only, 241 headed LS6 making 427/403 to the wheels, converted to speed density with Fast LSX 92mm intake, about 3200# running on 315/35/17 BFG R1's all around. DR. Gas oval tubing X pipe with no mufflers (sounds like a demon). Wheels are 17x11 from Jongbloed. UMI K-member and homebuilt watts link. Color is accurate FM3 panther pink from a 1970 Chrysler. Thanks PPG! It's purple when in dark light, and bright pink in sunlight. Graphics are a faux carbon fiber. Front hubs are C5/6 Corvette Race hubs with custom adapters that retain ABS (no more hub issues at all). Car is getting on in years but has had a lot of development work done on it in the last 36 months which has netted over 4 seconds of lap time at TWS (home track). Car is an absolute animal and requires a lot of concentration and strength to drive...but is a freakin' blast to drive. Took 3rd at Hallett in ST1 against some serious machinery and I was ON THE NUMBERS as ST2 legal. Not bad against the vettes and tube frame cars!

Plans for the near future are a Jerico and upgraded 10 bolt to get rid of the lateral axle slop and pad knockback. Then maybe some cubes as the little 346 has 7 years of hell on it but just keeps on doing what it does because we take very good care of it.

Is that enough info?! LOL!

Posted by: 79T/A Jul 22 2014, 03:58 AM

Thanks! I noticed that cars pace compared to tube frame cars and had to know more about it.

Posted by: mitchntx Jul 22 2014, 02:57 PM

QUOTE (RPOZ27 @ Jul 21 2014, 07:35 PM) *
I'm logged in with her id to answer.


hmmm ... been a while since I've banned someone ...

wink.gif


QUOTE (RPOZ27 @ Jul 21 2014, 07:35 PM) *
Is that enough info?! LOL!


Let me interject a little more background about the author ...

Matt is a humble, yet precocious individual, well known in the local DFW Mustang circles simply as MFW.

My most vivd memory of Matt is him stuffing a trash barrel with the remnants of a nose cone that once hung on the front of his car all the while uttering variants of the universal word, many of which make me blush to this day. Hence the "F" in MFW.

2thumbs.gif

Car looks good, Matt ... sounds good too.
Misty has done a great job ...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Oct 16 2014, 02:20 PM

https://vimeo.com/108743926
1.42.4 at tws in TT on my first timed lap of the session.
20th heat cycle for the tires.
I had brand new tires an thought about busting them out and going for a low 1:40. I made a few small mistakes and cost myself a 1:41.

https://vimeo.com/108747319
1.42.9 at tws in SU qualy chasing a DRM Vette on stickers.
19th heat cycle for my tires.

Both vids are from Sunday morning. It rained on us Saturday afternoon and a front came through and it was cool and crisp and the track dried and it was in great shape. Of course, shortly after this it rained again and the chance for fast lap times was gone.

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Nov 5 2014, 05:46 PM

Some fun with a DRM Corvette!

I now have TWO GoPros running, so there is a front and rear cam.

Both of these are short races
R3 = https://vimeo.com/110841105

R4 = https://vimeo.com/110958309
We catch lap traffic on the final lap

Quick TT lap = https://vimeo.com/110888300

Wrapped up the SU and the TTU championship.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jan 26 2015, 04:26 PM

It's Monday....you need some stuff to read and watch anyway. :-P

enjoy!

Reflections on the double championship:
http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch230.htm


FIRST RACE OF THE SEASON ALREADY DONE!!!
Fortunately won all four SU races and both TTU days. (FREE HOOSIERS!!!!)

R3 from Sunday: https://vimeo.com/117245855

R4 from Sunday: https://vimeo.com/117344383


Fastest lap of the weekend for all cars and all classes: https://vimeo.com/117226161


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: trackbird Jan 27 2015, 02:01 AM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Jan 26 2015, 11:26 AM) *
Fastest lap of the weekend for all cars and all classes: https://vimeo.com/117226161


Costas
cars and such...



Good god...

Posted by: Steve91T Jan 27 2015, 02:17 AM

Man that thing moved! I'm sure it's on here somewhere, but whats the power and weight?

Posted by: trackbird Jan 27 2015, 02:38 AM

QUOTE (Steve91T @ Jan 26 2015, 09:17 PM) *
Man that thing moved! I'm sure it's on here somewhere, but whats the power and weight?


Off the top of my head (and not giving away the full details that Costas might want kept somewhat secret), lets just say 700+ hp and 2500 lbs.

I'll leave it up to Costas if he wants to be more specific than that. blink.gif

Posted by: Steve91T Jan 27 2015, 05:00 PM

Wow. Just amazing.

Posted by: StanIROCZ Jan 27 2015, 08:03 PM

Congrats Paul!

Scary fast!

Posted by: Hotrodf1 Jan 27 2015, 11:39 PM

Thanks for sharing and congrats!

Now I"m ready to go get wrenching on my junk . . . . 2thumbs.gif

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jan 29 2015, 03:14 PM

Thank you for the kind words everyone....the car is indeed stupid fun to drive and pretty quick on the track. I call it my smile-machine.

No matter how much I wrench on it or have to work on it, I still smile the instant I get on track with it.

QUOTE (trackbird @ Jan 26 2015, 08:38 PM) *
Off the top of my head (and not giving away the full details that Costas might want kept somewhat secret), lets just say 700+ hp and 2500 lbs.
I'll leave it up to Costas if he wants to be more specific than that. blink.gif


You're a little high on power and a little low on weight, but you're not that far off.

cool2.gif




Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: trackbird Jan 29 2015, 07:30 PM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Jan 29 2015, 10:14 AM) *
QUOTE (trackbird @ Jan 26 2015, 08:38 PM) *
Off the top of my head (and not giving away the full details that Costas might want kept somewhat secret), lets just say 700+ hp and 2500 lbs.
I'll leave it up to Costas if he wants to be more specific than that. blink.gif


You're a little high on power and a little low on weight, but you're not that far off.

cool2.gif


Costas
cars and such...


Oh, I actually thought I was low on HP and "heavy".

Which engine phase is this? We discussed multiple versions and I thought this was the final one?

Posted by: mkm Jan 30 2015, 06:33 PM

Good job have you got to play with any rear camber yet?

Mark

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jan 30 2015, 09:34 PM

FULL STORY FROM THE WEEKEND:

AKA: OVERCOMING BROKEN CAR PART 1 AND PART 2 !!!


http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch236.htm




"We launch and I work hard to put a ton of heat into the brakes and tires on the pace lap. I bring us slow around the carousel and slowly raise speed to where I'm dead in the middle of the power in 2nd as the moment steals all of my consciousness. My left hand holds the 9 o'clock position on the wheel, my right hand is open with fingers wide as the palm is almost touching the ball of the shifter. My left foot still dragging the brakes as my right foot is balancing the throttle position to the corresponding power needed to slightly overcome the brakes as my eyes are intently focused on the starter. I don't hear Scratcher, and I don't hear the car next to me with the loud exhaust dumping right at me. I don't feel the shoulder straps pulled so tight that my HANS is shoved into my shoulders meaning that Scratcher and I are one and any impact or nuance no matter how severe or minute is transmitted to my body directly with no filter or masking. I don't smell, I don't feel the heat and there are only two things that occupy my brain at this instant. First, the focal point on the starter's right elbow and second the gentle command to slow down my heart rate. It isn't fast by any means...in fact it probably was only a few beats above my resting heart rate, but in this fleeting moment I need to be relaxed and while my physiology is in a loop issuing and reissuing a relax command...his elbow twitches. Before his wrist has even moved vertically, the brakes are released, the loud pedal is matted and my backside goes to full sensitivity for the potential wheelspin that does not occur meaning my severe tire warming antics were successful. Result: Pack is left behind."



Mark,
I've not had time to do rear camber yet and at this point I think I'm going to do a front roll center change (as well as taking out the sliver of anti-dive) and get that done first. But then, yes, next is to get the rear cambered a bit moar.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: StanIROCZ Jan 31 2015, 01:20 PM

QUOTE
As I went into diamonds edge to brake heavily and then turn and start my way back towards the front straight, the car felt darty under the brakes and I was thinking that perhaps I'd gotten the rebound settings wonky and this was the result. No matter, I just needed one lap so I scooted up the back straight, went through the carousel and flew under the green flag flying at the starters stand to begin my qualifying. At the end of the front straight I got into the brakes a little bit early and I'm glad I did. The front end washed out and the tires locked way too easy, I unlocked them after a nice cloud of smoke and then got into the corner. Scratcher felt okay in the corner, but had difficulty going straight. I assumed I had uneven dampers, a faulty damper or a tire going down so I hustled the car that lap, laid down a decent 1:37 and pulled it into the paddock to check it out. Tires were okay, front dampers felt find when pushing down on the frame...and so I went to check the bearings and steering linkage next. Uh-oh.

Dude runs one of his fastest laps of the day with his steering rack about to fall out of the car blink.gif loco.gif

Posted by: nape Feb 1 2015, 02:23 PM

QUOTE (StanIROCZ @ Jan 31 2015, 07:20 AM) *
Dude runs one of his fastest laps of the day with his steering rack about to fall out of the car blink.gif loco.gif


It's amazing what you can tell yourself in the car. "Well, the rear end is starting to make some noise. I probably did something wrong setting up the gear, the race is almost over."

Kept enough pressure on P1 that he made a PUY and gave me the win at Road America! We were only doing ~140MPH into T1 and T5. rotf.gif


Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Apr 28 2015, 12:08 AM

QUOTE (nape @ Feb 1 2015, 09:23 AM) *
It's amazing what you can tell yourself in the car.


Indeed!!!


Aight, some brainiac decided that the spec7 class did NOT need to be with the miatas, but with the ST/SU cars.

Here is qualy. HUGE HUGE field. Enjoy the sound, and let me know what you t hink about the rates of closure.

https://vimeo.com/126189818

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: trackbird Apr 28 2015, 11:04 AM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Apr 27 2015, 08:08 PM) *
Aight, some brainiac decided that the spec7 class did NOT need to be with the miatas, but with the ST/SU cars.



I haven't even seen the video yet and that sounds absolutely idiotic and extremely dangerous.

Posted by: 198esp Apr 28 2015, 12:03 PM

QUOTE (nape @ Feb 1 2015, 08:23 AM) *
QUOTE (StanIROCZ @ Jan 31 2015, 07:20 AM) *
Dude runs one of his fastest laps of the day with his steering rack about to fall out of the car blink.gif loco.gif


It's amazing what you can tell yourself in the car. "Well, the rear end is starting to make some noise. I probably did something wrong setting up the gear, the race is almost over."

Kept enough pressure on P1 that he made a PUY and gave me the win at Road America! We were only doing ~140MPH into T1 and T5. rotf.gif




Tell me more about this pic how did that tube fail, what was the thickness of that tube. did the upper weld go first and then the bottom cracked from fatigue. Im very curious, switched my car to an adjust 3 link

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Apr 28 2015, 01:08 PM

QUOTE (trackbird @ Apr 28 2015, 06:04 AM) *
I haven't even seen the video yet and that sounds absolutely idiotic and extremely dangerous.


It was pretty dangerous, yes.

I'll have some race videos up soon as well....the time difference between the fast guys and the slow classes were incredible.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: trackbird Apr 28 2015, 02:08 PM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Apr 28 2015, 09:08 AM) *
QUOTE (trackbird @ Apr 28 2015, 06:04 AM) *
I haven't even seen the video yet and that sounds absolutely idiotic and extremely dangerous.


It was pretty dangerous, yes.

I'll have some race videos up soon as well....the time difference between the fast guys and the slow classes were incredible.


Costas
cars and such...


I'm expecting 70+ mph closing speeds (and maybe greater than that).

I'll check out the videos when I get home. Glad nobody was hurt.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Apr 29 2015, 04:48 PM

10 Lap race from Sunday


https://vimeo.com/126335877

Front and rear cams going as well as a good microphone in the cockpit to hear the small block/jerico sounds.


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: LS1Torq Apr 29 2015, 05:25 PM

THAT IS THE BEST AND MOST INTENSE VIDEO FROM SCRATCHER YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy SH*T, the speed, the track surface, the speed differential....

Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: Steve91T Apr 29 2015, 05:52 PM

Yeah that was unreal. Did anybody get you on video from the stands or pit wall as you went by on the front stretch? I'd love to hear that.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Apr 30 2015, 02:18 AM

Thanks guys, I was dumbstruck when I heard the spec7 and PTF cars were going to be in our group when they are usually with the miatas. This being a big fast track I actually thought they were joking.

But....oh well. We did a SPLIT start for Race1 and I caught traffic sooner....and I'll post that up in a few days. Crazy there too!

SUPPOSEDLY there is some front straight vid and I'll try and track it down.

More soon!


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping May 5 2015, 05:26 PM

When you have a special set of matched tires, you can take 'em on the high side!!!

https://vimeo.com/126943404
(short vid, tight pass, wall)


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: nape May 6 2015, 01:19 PM

QUOTE (198esp @ Apr 28 2015, 07:03 AM) *
Tell me more about this pic how did that tube fail, what was the thickness of that tube. did the upper weld go first and then the bottom cracked from fatigue. Im very curious, switched my car to an adjust 3 link


Cage is 1.5 x .120 DOM. Brace tube was 1.5 x .095 ERW. It was a complete failure by the time I found it. There was no rust in the break, so hard to tell how long it was failing. That setup was in the car for 5 seasons (~25 events). It broke using the gator teeth at Road America, which are extremely rough at the end. Blackhawk Farms put in gator teeth and that was the race weekend before RA. I'm guessing that the load spikes (load/unload over the teeth) did it in.

Replacement is 1.5" square x .250 wall. Ready to find the next weakest link.

Posted by: LS1Torq May 6 2015, 01:38 PM

QUOTE (198esp @ Apr 28 2015, 12:03 PM) *
QUOTE (nape @ Feb 1 2015, 08:23 AM) *
QUOTE (StanIROCZ @ Jan 31 2015, 07:20 AM) *
Dude runs one of his fastest laps of the day with his steering rack about to fall out of the car blink.gif loco.gif


It's amazing what you can tell yourself in the car. "Well, the rear end is starting to make some noise. I probably did something wrong setting up the gear, the race is almost over."

Kept enough pressure on P1 that he made a PUY and gave me the win at Road America! We were only doing ~140MPH into T1 and T5. rotf.gif




Tell me more about this pic how did that tube fail, what was the thickness of that tube. did the upper weld go first and then the bottom cracked from fatigue. Im very curious, switched my car to an adjust 3 link



Wow, this is a very interesting failure. Lots to discuss here! If someone wants to continue discussion, please break this into a new thread. I believe I could provide some great insight with a few phone calls and research. I'm an engineer at an aerospace company who does welding, I have access to our corporate weld engineer who is also the onsite race day Track welder for Indy and Kansas Motor Speedway.

-Brent C

Posted by: Jimbow May 7 2015, 01:49 AM

Subscribed!

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Nov 13 2015, 02:59 PM

http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch243.htm

It was bound to happen, a guy in a sports-racer attempted to move Scratcher out of the way.

Yeah....NO.

Lots of vid links in the update, enjoy!!!

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Nov 13 2015, 03:01 PM

QUOTE (Steve91T @ Apr 29 2015, 11:52 AM) *
Yeah that was unreal. Did anybody get you on video from the stands or pit wall as you went by on the front stretch? I'd love to hear that.


I've been asking for the SAME thing!!!

I do have quite a list of folks who generously offered to drive my car while I stood on the pit wall and listened!!! <giggle>

HERE YA GO:
(this link is in the update as well, but here it is directly)

https://vimeo.com/145289146


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Dec 31 2016, 06:12 PM

2015 was a good year for Scratcher.

2016...we started a shop in January and then had Athena in February so Scratcher took a year off. 2017 plans still in the works.

But I had started a recap vid at the end of 15 and just now found it and finished it..

The racing Gods will surely smite me for these shenanigans...

but oh well.

Enjoy....snarky comments welcome!


https://vimeo.com/197618731


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: StanIROCZ Jan 4 2017, 02:04 PM

2thumbs.gif enjoyed the vid

Posted by: CrashTestDummy Jan 4 2017, 04:37 PM

Me, too. The quick images flashing up on the screen at the start were a little short. About the time you're enjoying the image, it was gone. Otherwise, nice work!

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Feb 1 2017, 02:52 PM

Pro vs Joe
(David and Goliath??)

He was chasing me damn hard until he broke his really expensive car...

(click HD in the lower RH corner and select 720, and then click full screen and turn the sound UP)

https://vimeo.com/201979947

enjoy!!

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: trackbird Feb 1 2017, 03:27 PM

Nice! That thing is a rocketship. The pilot seems to do an ok job too. lol. wink.gif

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Feb 4 2017, 03:06 AM

More vid from the weekend.

R2 - chased by another tube car
https://vimeo.com/202124041

R3 = chased by another (this time faster than the other one) tube car
https://vimeo.com/202162461

r4 = chased by a Wolf Sports racer.... Fairly close the whole race
3 camera views!!!!
https://vimeo.com/202310699


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Feb 14 2017, 05:43 PM

QUOTE (trackbird @ Feb 1 2017, 09:27 AM) *
Nice! That thing is a rocketship. The pilot seems to do an ok job too. lol. wink.gif


LOL and thanks!

Talked to the BMW guy a bit....they put over 350k into that car.

Over TEN TIMES what I have in Scratcher.

I was all... "DAMN".
blink.gif blink.gif blink.gif

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: trackbird Feb 14 2017, 05:47 PM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Feb 14 2017, 12:43 PM) *
QUOTE (trackbird @ Feb 1 2017, 09:27 AM) *
Nice! That thing is a rocketship. The pilot seems to do an ok job too. lol. wink.gif


LOL and thanks!

Talked to the BMW guy a bit....they put over 350k into that car.

Over TEN TIMES what I have in Scratcher.

I was all... "DAMN".
blink.gif blink.gif blink.gif

Costas
cars and such...


Oh wow. So, where did they find his body? drink.gif

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Feb 18 2017, 04:52 AM

HAHHAAHAhahhahaahahah

I know, right?


Here is the story and some pics from the last race weekend.

http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch253.htm

Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Racerdad916 Feb 22 2017, 02:36 PM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Feb 14 2017, 12:43 PM) *
QUOTE (trackbird @ Feb 1 2017, 09:27 AM) *
Nice! That thing is a rocketship. The pilot seems to do an ok job too. lol. wink.gif


LOL and thanks!

Talked to the BMW guy a bit....they put over 350k into that car.

Over TEN TIMES what I have in Scratcher.

I was all... "DAMN".
blink.gif blink.gif blink.gif

Costas
cars and such...

I'm sharing these videos with my BMW fanatic son. I'd say this should put the period on the "fast, reliable BMWs are too expensive to build" conversation. Scrather is definitely a rocketship. It looks like you got into a nice rhythm each race...
Billy

Posted by: ar52kortlang Feb 23 2017, 03:49 AM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ Feb 17 2017, 10:52 PM) *
HAHHAAHAhahhahaahahah

I know, right?


Here is the story and some pics from the last race weekend.

http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch253.htm

Costas
cars and such...


Thanks for sharing

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Mar 1 2017, 04:35 AM

QUOTE (Racerdad916 @ Feb 22 2017, 08:36 AM) *
I'm sharing these videos with my BMW fanatic son. I'd say this should put the period on the "fast, reliable BMWs are too expensive to build" conversation. Scrather is definitely a rocketship. It looks like you got into a nice rhythm each race...
Billy


Thanks for the kind words!

Yeah, I don't see how you could ever lap faster-per-dollar than a decently developed tube-frame car.

Honestly, Scratcher is pretty easy to drive and it's easy to catch a rhythm and just click off the laps. It was a damn good weekend!


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Apr 29 2017, 05:39 PM

Track record at TWS

1:40.9 going CCW.

Had four races as well, still processing those vids, but here is the lap.

https://vimeo.com/215260447


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: ar52kortlang May 1 2017, 02:37 AM

Fast!

Posted by: nape May 2 2017, 03:12 PM

What do you use to add captions in your videos? I have video envy now that I've started doing my own.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping May 3 2017, 03:50 AM

Race 1 of the 4 races that weekend. We have 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday, plus TT events each day with 4 sessions where your fastest one lap counts for that day.

This is R1. Lots of folks think I have serious power and really I don't. There were 3-4 cars at the event this weekend that could walk me....here is one of them. The start and first lap are pretty good, then it is a bit boring.
https://vimeo.com/215562986

I use Pinnacle Studio HD for vid processing. Damn easy to use, TONS of video tutorials on youtube to help you figure out stuff fast and it's pretty robust. NOT FREE, but with software and capability it always seems like you get what you pay for. I've used it for years, paid 70$ for it IIRC and love it.

Can do picture in picture (obviously, LOL) and has LOTS of canned transitions, captions, etc etc.

R2 of the weekend coming up soon.
TEASER VID FROM R2 OTHER CARS = OMG WATCH THIS!!! ----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrGLOEOeW2U


Costas
cars and such...

Posted by: nape May 3 2017, 10:06 PM

Thanks for the info. I ordered a second camera over the weekend since rear view would be more exciting sometimes when you're running up front. wink.gif

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping May 4 2017, 03:06 AM

Cool! Let me know if you need more info on Pinnacle, but I've found it pretty stout over the years. Looking forward to seeing some of your vids. I also sometimes put the camera on the passenger door so it sees me and also sees ahead and that's a fun view as well.

R2 (Race #2 of the weekend for my run group) (with snarky comments at the beginning!)
https://vimeo.com/215777762


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Posted by: Shortcutsleeping May 6 2017, 06:36 PM

R3 (I get walked at the start) = https://vimeo.com/216120473

R4 (I get walked at the start) = https://vimeo.com/216275524

Fun weekend and I pulled out a win in all four races but LOTS of folks have serious motors now and I think I am now 4th or 5th in the region on the power scale. Ug.

BUT, still fun and Scratcher is still doing great.


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Posted by: nape May 6 2017, 09:51 PM

QUOTE (Shortcutsleeping @ May 3 2017, 10:06 PM) *
Cool! Let me know if you need more info on Pinnacle, but I've found it pretty stout over the years. Looking forward to seeing some of your vids.


Thanks, I'm sure I'll have a few after I dig in.

One thing I was wondering is if you have more pictures of your radiator hot side venting. I remember seeing some on the WDMS site but my searching skills seem to be lacking these days. I need to get around to that sooner than later. Did you have any problems cooking plug wires or anything else after you ducted yours?

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping May 26 2017, 03:00 AM

Bored at work? Something to read here.

Last race: http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch255.htm

Vid links in the story.


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Posted by: nape Jun 6 2017, 10:49 PM

I really wish I had kept a log like that. The setup book is great for data, but my one/two paragraph write ups at the end rarely have all the info.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Sep 5 2017, 12:02 AM

Me and some magazine writers in a borrowed corvette with donated tires and brakes.

What could go wrong?

Oh yeah, this is the first time the car has been raced. And it is a 24 hour race. And I don't have my crew. Or my trailer.

LOL

http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch258.htm


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Posted by: nape Sep 5 2017, 03:20 AM

Epic story!

You probably got lucky that the journos quit. It sounds like there was a lot of sim driving going on (railing on the car forever and nothing breaks).

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Apr 9 2018, 07:29 PM

Win 40 consecutive NASA races in a row and they write a story on you!

Starts on page 46

https://drivenasa.cld.bz/NASA-Speed-News-Volume-7-Issue-3-April/46/

It was a 1.5 hour interview and then they spoke to two of my buddies. I was bummed at how much got left out, but it is still a neat thing to see your car in a magazine!


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Posted by: The Batman Apr 10 2018, 06:32 AM

That's so cool. Congrats!

Posted by: NOT A TA Apr 23 2018, 04:17 PM

40 consecutive wins in almost any sport is very impressive! Congrats and nice article.

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping May 16 2018, 01:41 AM

Sadly the streak died (I'm behind on chapter updates....but its coming soon) but when ya win 40 ya get some press!

I posted up the NASA magazine article but forgot these two.

Article on the engine
http://www.enginelabs.com/news/a-look-inside-one-of-the-winningest-tt-unlimited-engines-ever/

Article on the engine builder
https://horsepower-research.com/blogs/news/the-scratcher-possibly-the-winningest-camaro-in-history


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Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jun 27 2018, 04:28 AM

(NOT SCRATCHER RELATED)

We took our third gen ALL THE DAMN WAY TO DAYTONA to go play on the big boy track.









BALL JOINTS! BRAKE UPGRADE! LEDs ON THE ROOF! TIRE WALL! DIFF BOOM!!!

FULL STORY HERE ---->>>>> http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch264.htm


Good times!

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Posted by: slowTA Jun 27 2018, 09:23 AM

I was trying to find the post for those 3 bolt caliper adapters. In the link it sounded like you bought a few sets... have any left?

Posted by: trackbird Jun 27 2018, 11:26 AM

In your write up you said:

" On a three-channel ABS rear we can swap studs (yes, I had plenty of spare studs and lug nuts too) with the axle in the car but this is a 4 channel rear so it requires disassembly time that we just did not have. I threw in the towel."

Is that backwards? You can pull the sensors and change the rear studs on a 4 channel rear, but I though 3 channel could be an issue.

Looks like a lot of fun!

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jun 27 2018, 02:05 PM

Chris,
Yes, I have some sets left. I should have the BCBK chapter up on my site pretty quick with a lot of pictures and weights and such.

Kevin,
Yes, on a three channel the reluctor is in the center case and the backside of the axle flange is open (just like non-abs rears). On a 4channel there is a reluctor ring right behind the axle flange. I've seen some pics online of different setups (maybe diff axle ratios??) on the axle flange end that looked different sizes, but on this one it wasn't happening. I'll try and throw up some pics when I get a chance as I've read the same thing.


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Posted by: trackbird Jun 27 2018, 02:20 PM

I've changed two sets of studs in 4 channel rears. Typically you just have to grind the edge of the "head" of the stud.

http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?s=&showtopic=17685&view=findpost&p=191328

From here:

http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?showtopic=17685&st=360

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jun 27 2018, 04:39 PM

Kevin,

Those are LS rear ends, the ones we use on Bic are all LT rear ends.

The LS rear end has the integral drum brake as the emergency brake so the rotor is deeper to house the integral drum brake.

The LT rear ends have the little lever on the caliper and use the normal caliper as an emergency brake so the arrangement is very different than the pics you posted in your threads. I'll try and get a snap.


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Posted by: trackbird Jun 27 2018, 06:17 PM

Oh crap. I forgot about the rear brake change in the LS/LT years. I remember those rear brakes. Scratch that. lol.

Posted by: ar52kortlang Jun 28 2018, 12:55 AM

Thanks for sharing.. sounded like an awesome time

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Jun 28 2018, 03:01 AM

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! It was a ton of fun and I've got hours of vid that I'll hopefully put into some fun clips!


For folks who wanted more info on Stan's brake upgrade kit.

FULL STORY: http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch265.htm


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Posted by: NOT A TA Jul 2 2018, 04:20 PM

Great write up on the Daytona!

Posted by: Shortcutsleeping Feb 19 2019, 11:45 PM

Okay, since our endurance third gen "Bic" has now died, this thread will stay with Scratcher and I'll start a new thread for the replacement car.

Bic has just taken too many hits, too abused when we got it and the cage was not optimized at all. So, with cracks in places you should not have cracks and gaps in places you certainly should not have gaps, Bic has been taken apart and the chassis is gone. Over 4000 laps completed and over 10,000 race miles....

FULL STORY ON BIC'S DEMISE: http://www.witchdoctormotorsports.com/ch271.htm

Showed up like this ten years ago:


First race 10 years ago:


FINAL RACE back in Dec:


and then....



SCRATCHER UPDATE = Currently on a diet and some upgrades are coming, but I'm busy driving a corvette for a shop at the moment wink.gif




Stay tuned!

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edit: correction

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