Welcome Autocrossers and Road Racers.

This board came about because it seemed you guys needed a new home, and I had the opportunity to host a board free of charge to serve this purpose.

The board is hosted on the web account of the Middle Tennessee F-Body Association, our main page is http://www.mtfba.org and our own forums are at http://www.mtfba.org/forum.

A little background on me:

I am the Executive Director of the MTFBA (we don't have an elected president per se). In my day job I work for a government relations/lobbyist consulting firm in Nashville, TN. I have never autocrossed or road raced, but I have been dying too, just haven't had the chance yet.

Some of you will also remember me as the owner/operator of the short lived Nashville Speed & Performance web-based performance parts business. During that time I had the pleasure of being the exclusive retailer for Bob Bishop's (lateapex) C5 brake upgrade.

My thoughts for this message board are that you, the users, will help form it into what it will be. I envision a general discussion section, followed by some specific forums for Autocross and Road Racing respectively, then perhaps some technical discussions on suspension, chassis and braking. Basically I'd like to give you guys a more detailed discussion forum that breaks out the major topics in these two genres rather than lumping all of it into 1 forum.

I'd also like to get some sponsorships in here eventually, so if any vendors are reading, get in touch with me.

I'm going to have a good friend of mine, Lee Willmann, as the co-administrator here. Lee is the editor of MTFBA's quarterly newsletter and in his day job works with php and mySQL, so he is more of the technical expert whereas I am just the facilitator of things.

I also want the members to think of a name for this forum. I can inexpensively reserve a URL which can be directed straight to this board...I dunno...www.fbodyracing.net or something? So lets discuss that as well.

That's all for now, I'll check in from time to time, hopefully learn a lot from you guys and eventually meet some of you at a road racing or autoX event.

Chris Renner

cool site chris, looks good

Thanks Chris for your efforts.

Who knows what will happen.

Hi Chris

Thanks for your efforts to further our "non-competitive" racing community. I hope it takes off.

Your "User Agreement" forbids harassing posts. Well, thats got to go.

As far as a name for the forum, how about fbodySWU which would stand for “steering wheel users”. The drag racers expect us to look down our noses at them, just a little. I wouldn’t want to disappoint them. Yea, I know many of us drag race. And some guys would probably start playing with a birthday present they got when they were 11 years old if they ran across it in the attic. JUST KIDDING!

I’m sure that if we used something like SWU, it wouldn’t take long for some creative “harasser” type to think of something non-flattering the letters could stand for. Maybe the name should just be something “straight forward” (oh no, there’s that drag racing thing again).

I hope everyone has a truly meaningful Christmas.

Bob Bishop

Thanks Mitch, and welcome to Bob.

I happen to enjoy drag racing But who knows, maybe you guys will get me hooked on road racing and I'll never look back? I'll be the first to admit that there is no real "driving" in drag racing, and for me its even less so since I drive an automatic equipped car!

Question, you guys want to lette Vette guys in here too? Any other platforms that would be suitable or do you like the idea of an F-body specific site?

I like the idea of an f-body specific site, but I'm biased like that....

Of course visitors that drive other cars (especially GM products) would be welcomed too.

So John, you're going to get me out to an AutoX event this year, right? Are the the local SCCA events held at the superspeedway or do they vary?

Sure thing!

They're at the superspeedway front parking lot, and usually every other Sunday, so a couple each month to choose from.

It's a blast just to see all the different cars running there. And to drive too of course!

I'm happy to see a dedicated autocross forum. So much is the same, but there are some differences in setups, and having just completed my first year autocrossing, I'm eager to read up on autocross setups without getting occasionally confused or contradicted from the needs and advice from road racers.

Not that I don't enjoy a track day occasionally!

Hello all,

Just wanted to intruce myself. I am Lee Willmann, and as Chris already stated, I work with PHP and MySQL. I am also interested in all aspects of vehicle performance, so I'll probably be here pestering some of you for suspension advice...

At any rate, I'm glad that we can be part of the AutoX/RR community and look forward to whatever the future might hold.

The Y body guys already have plenty of very good forums, but I think everyone should be welcome to enjoy our Fbody family. There are a few who have both F and Y bodies. If you wanted to expand, I would add a forum for Cadillac CTSv owners. Deliveries will probably start within a couple of weeks, and I would be very interested in the track abilities of the car and interacting with owners. I know that if there isn’t a competition forum set up for them already, there will be one and I’ll find it. I’m sure that more than a few owners will track their cars. If you have read any of the reports of the car at Nurburgring, you are aware that it isn’t too much slower than the ZO6 (considering it weighs 650 lbs more and is 10” taller). Heinricy lapped the Nordschleife course in 8:19, which is quicker than either BMW M car can do it.

Cadillacforums.com has a forum for the CTS, but nothing specific for the “V” version or road racing (I don’t imagine that it will be seriously AX’d). Just a wild idea.

Bob

*hello* ... is this thing on?

Things look good around here Chris! I'll try to be involved when I can.

Thanks for the effort!

Dear Mr. Administrator,

Don’t buy the used server that LS1.com is trying to sell. Glad the board is back up.

On a technical point, it appears that “location” is not activated on your user profile screen. I guess people can put it in their sigs, but it is nice to know ahead of time when I am reading a post from one of those Texans so I can have my bulletproof vest cinched up. Of course, they are a lot friendlier at this time of the year. Really, Texas is the friendliest place that I have ever lived; you just don’t want to get on anyone’s bad side. Sum a nem racers frm roun’ Wylie chu tabacci en spit nails, all while dare trail-brakin en nudgin’ ya out der way.

Bob

Very cool site Chris, thank you. It will be nice to be in on something from the begining.

Mike.

I don't know what was up but we were down for 1/2 an hour or so. the Hostrocket.com servers must have been cranky or something.

I'll check on the location thing, I also like to know where people are from if they are willing to say.

I am fron L.A. And I wish I was in Utah.

Nice site chris!

I'm only a v6 guy, but I dig my car and if I'm not ripping something apart I'm rading about it on the internet or so-so. I've never autocrossed either, but have had a strong urge to get into it for about a year now. Unfortuantely operational commitments of the US Navy have kept me out of the loop for most of the racing season (and away from my car unfortunately) but that all comes to an end in six months when my enlistment is up and I move from my present location in Seattle, WA to Cookeville, TN to go to school.

I too am in to drag racing, but I don't think I'd ever go to a full drag setup for the suspension just because it destroys the pleasure of the drive on the street. I'm all about the skill that comes with autocrossing and can't wait to get into it!

Others will know me as Pride at MTFBA.com and staticpike at CamaroV6.com. I look forward to becoming a regular around here and learning a thing or two!

Very nice site you have here.

As for opening it up to other types of cars, I don't necessarily think it is a bad thing. Although the cars may be different in setup/suspension type, we can always learn from each other & share different ideas related to OT/RR/AX.

Now as long as we don't get people in here talking about street racing...

Steve

Typing this from Garland, TX

Thanks for putting up the site, Chris. But isn't that how the trouble gets started in the first place?

I know what you are saying, but here's the deal:

LS1.com won't let you say anything bad about their sponsors because they need the revenue. $150/mo x 30 sponsors = big revenue stream for them to line their pockets with.

This site doesn't need the money, so if we piss off a sponsor and they leave, so be it. To me it is truth above all else, and if a sponsor's product can't withstand the test of truth then I wouldn't want them as a sponor anyway.

So I wouldn't mind some specialty vendors as long as they understand being a sponsor does not make them immune to criticism.

---this is Chris 96 WS6 by the way...

Guys, if it helps to alleviate some financial needs you may have to keep this site up, I'd much rather help you out directly with a contribution than to start having sponsors. Jon's right. That's how the troubles get started on other boards I think. We really need a board that is open where we can post links to our favorite vendors and review their products without fear of being banned because it offends a sponsor.

Jon, Corner Carvers doesn't have board sponsors do they? How does that one work? I like that kind of setup.

Nope. If somebody is trying to sell crap we're perfectly free to call him a felching dickweasel (along with technically explaining why the part is bad, of course).

I drag raced my nitrous express powered 94 B4C camaro alot before i sold it and have drag raced my 99 T/A in the 1/8th and even 1/4's at beech bend but it is more set up for road racing with Z06 chrome 18's all round Eibach pro's and cross drilled rotors ram air h.o. hood and slp exhaust so i am looking forward to trying road racing----it's ALL good.

I grew up in Nashville except for two years of my school aged life. I autocrossed quite a bit there but I'm not sure if any of those guys even exist now!!!

I hope you're board takes off. I've seen a few of the guys from the camaroz28.com board up here already so it looks like you're getting a good start!!!

I'd just like to say I'd love to see some of you come out to the SCCA Pro Solo event that the Atlanta Region is hosting on February 14-15. You'll see some of the best drivers and cars in the country participating. Sam Strano (2002 ESP and Pro Solo F Stock National Champion) and Tommy Pulliam (missed being a National Champion by a couple tenth's of a second) run in my class. They're probably the fastest F-Body drivers in the country and it ought to be quite a show. If anyone would like more info just let me know.

I've autocrossed since 1973 in 4 or 5 different F-Body's in three different classes. Hopefully I can help those that either haven't done it or are new to the autocross thing. I've seen Mike Taylor here and know that Mike has plenty of experience to pass a long too. Now if I can drag Strano over here.....

Chris:
thanks for setting up the site. I think a sight similar to CornerCarvers would be nice, maybe not quite as hostile (Ducks head!) If I can help in any way, please e-mail me.

Gary

Thanks for setting this up Chris. It is very cool to have an F-Body site especially since we know Corner Carvers is not a Mustang site. (Ducking for cover)

I see that we already have 3 moderators. Thanks for your willingness to help out. If I get banned, I may retract that thanks from one of you.

Good to have you on board (pun intended) Gary. What is it like “ice racing” up there? I guess that you have perfect Christmas weather... even when it’s not Christmas.

Bob

I'm liking the potential of this site. So far it's feeling less formal, yet mature. And most people I seek advice from are here!



Aria

Sponsors are fine but we should have the right to question them publicly and say negative (but supported) things about their products. We should also be able to post a link to any vendor we wish. I'm sick and tired of this non sponsor bs that just hurts everyone on the board.

I agree with you Rob. I think sponsors (advertisers) would be fine if they understood up front that they would be treated like every other member, and their products would be critiqued just like the products of non-sponsors. The only consideration they should get for their money, is that they would get to have a little ad/link somewhere. If their knowledge, products, and customer service are good, they would have nothing to fear. Their expertise would be an asset to the board, and the association would be mutually beneficial.

In my opinion,
Bob

That is my thinking on sponsors exactly. They need to realize sponsoring the board does not make them immune to criticism, particulary due to a flawed or bad product or poor cust. service. I would not look at the sponsorships as a paycheck, so I think we'd have the freedom to tell a sponsor "if you don't like it, end your sponsorship." and not suffer any damage due to lost revenue.

Sponsorship should get you 2 things: Posting privileges in the classifieds section for sales and GPs, and to get your banner on the site for visibility. That should be as far as it goes.

I get sick of all the magazines that do articles on new parts for sponsors...its sort of an "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" thing. The vendor agrees to take out a very healthy add in a given issue in exchange for an article with favorable opinions. I would like to see this forum be fair and truthful above all else, and if that means upsetting a sponsor, so be it.

Chris, any news on this? Maybe we could give Lee a holler to take a look into it.

Chris, if you can get sponsors, and they agree to your rules that sounds OK to me. Please keep the popups off this site though. They are a never ending annoyance to me on other sites. Yeh, I could get a popup blocker, but . . .

I sent a note to have Lee look at the location thing. SHould be pretty straight forward for him to modify the PHP code to do it.

As for pop ups....over my dead body will there ever be pop ups here!!!!!!!

Looks like lots of THE people are here.

Yeh Eugenio, a lot of us are here, and I think the site is already very useful, after only barely over a month of operation. Welcome.

I like what you have done here, great site. I am a moderator at www.ls1tech.com and www.norcal-ls1.com and will spread the word about this site.

Brian
98 SS Camaro

Hey all, just found this site. Looks good and I hope to help contribute something.

I have been open tracking and autocrossing (though not much autoX any more) since I got it in '95. I now also instruct for HPDE's.
I am sure I know a few of you on here. Look forward to the discussions.

Welcome Neil,

What part of the country are you from?

Thanks
I live in Hampton Roads, VA. I guess that does not show up on screen with this board?

Just saying howdy for my 1st post here.

Hope to see a lot of you in Indy again this year!

Hi you all.
Just found this cite through ls1tech.com after reading about probs at ls1.com (member at both, among others). I don't post much, but enjoy reading and learning about my fbod's capabilities (2002 T/A bone stock). Have yet to put her on a track, but maybe this year.

Anyway, hello hello hello.
James - GX624

I've been here pretty much from the start but havn't actually said an official hello to everyone so here it is.

I'm up in the great white northern Canada Actually I'm in souther Ontario so probably south of a few of you in the states even. I drive a '91 Camaro with the following mods: Belltech drop spindles, Koni Sports, 850/175 springs and 32/19 bars(I think...winter has been long), poly bushings, GC weight jacks and a Spohn adj. panhard bar. Along with that I've continued to make the interior and legalness of it lower by taking out the A/C(R12 and didn't work anyway) and allowing the cat to fall off and replace it with a 3" hooker catback.

Checkout my site for a few pics

My Webpage

Justin