Well . . . after 1100 miles, way too much , and not a lot of sleep . . . got back from the SilverState Classic late last night. One word . . . . WOW. This thing was a SERIOUS blast.
I'll have pics and 'official' results in the next day or so, but have to say . . . regardless of how I placed, I'll be back out there again in May. The guys who organize this event are absolutely fantastic, as are the folk who participate. Saw one of just about everything . . . from a TON of vettes [only 4 other Z's outside of mine] to new / old Camaro, 'stangs, Porsche, Pantera, and a Volvo S70 . . . one of just about everything.
How'd I end up doing? . . . . rather poorly, from what I can guess. Didn't end up watching the mile-markers close enough to identify that my odometer was about 1.5 miles off until the last 5 miles of the race -- ended up finishing about 45 seconds early, for an estimated 127.44 mph instead of 125. OOps.
If you're in the area [or, even NOT in the area . . . guys from all over the US participated] and love ORR . . . I can't recommend this enough. Blasting down a 2 lane road at 135 without having to worry about traffic, people, animals, or the local authorities . . . definately a high. Only problem, is that the thing ends too quick!
__________________
'02 Blk/Blk 442 RWHP / 410 RWTQ
On a 3 year old track motor
Although . . . . I *DID* pass that 'stang that placed 7th and played tag w/ the vette that placed 3rd . . . I learned the hard way that speed ain't everything.
<sigh>
Pics are loading slowly off the CF card as we speak.
Originally posted by Lawboy i dont understand how it works? please explain.
The SilverState and NORC are set up as rallys . . . you end up competing against yourself and a pre-determined time/speed for the course. Think of it kinda like bracket racing, over a 90 mile distance . . . that's not entirely straight [pretty close, tho] . . . and without a breakout.
The 'about' section on the SSCC site can probably describe it better than I can -- http://www.silverstateclassic.com/flatout.htm . . .
Basically, for the 90 mile course, you pick a 'target speed' that you're trying to complete the entire distance in [in my case, 125 MPH] which computes into a total ET [for 125, it worked out to 43 minutes 12 seconds]. The closest car to the ET / speed wins. Based on the type of safety equipment, each car is teched into a specific class . . . which carries an equivilent top-speed [140 MPH, in my case] -- exceed the tech speed, and you typically get DQd from the event, severely reprimanded, drawn and quartered, etc.
Todd's trap speed was evidently 211 MPH . . . which was right about what the car *sounded* like at a dead stop. I'm tell'n ya . . . the thing was L O U D . . . . very impressive.
Originally posted by Z06_2002 I am into self preservation mode.
I was thinking the same thing a few times during the drive [all 3.5 hours to Vegas, then the 3-4 hours to Ely], but in actuality . . . it's reasonably straight except for a 1 mile section. Most guys that enter for the 1st year start out in Touring [which, only requires a helmet, gloves, jeans, and cotton long-sleaved shirt] at 95 - 110. Along with the right to fly down the 318, you get about 2-3 hours of track time at the Vegas Speedway as part of 'qualifying'. One guy even brought his '03 SVT with about 1000 miles on it . . . .
I was thinking the same thing a few times during the drive [all 3.5 hours to Vegas, then the 3-4 hours to Ely], but in actuality . . . it's reasonably straight except for a 1 mile section. Most guys that enter for the 1st year start out in Touring [which, only requires a helmet, gloves, jeans, and cotton long-sleaved shirt] at 95 - 110. Along with the right to fly down the 318, you get about 2-3 hours of track time at the Vegas Speedway as part of 'qualifying'. One guy even brought his '03 SVT with about 1000 miles on it . . . .
I think you can jump into a higher speed bracket if you have a competition license...
I've been eager to do this event for years, and now that I own a contender (as does everybody else here!) I may have to go for it!
I think you can jump into a higher speed bracket if you have a competition license...
I've been eager to do this event for years, and now that I own a contender (as does everybody else here!) I may have to go for it!
It more comes down to safety equipment & number of times that you've competed -- the guys performing the tech were pretty specific on ensuring that everyone was safe for the class that they were in . . . almost exceedingly so in come cases (they questioned the way that my 6 point harnesses mounted in w/ the Brey Krause kit). Even with the fact that I had competed in other events in the past, I wouldn't be able to jump much higher than a 165 tech speed at 150.
I'm already making plans to go back in May '03 after a couple runs at Willow Springs and ButtonWillow. Just too fun
I was going to go as a spectator this time and as a participant next May. Things got hectic around here so I didn't make it.
What is the highest speed allowed without going to 5 or 6 point harness?
Fire extinguisher mounted properly is required at any speed, correct?
Any other equipment other than helmet and clothes you described required?
I read the rules quite a while ago. It seemed I could enter at a maximum speed of 125 without anything but a mounted fire extinguisher. Is this correct?
I live in Reno so it is just a quick jaunt for me.
Don't quote me . . . . cuz they've changed some of the details over the past couple years . . . But:
* Touring
- Speed classes from 95 to 110
- 124 mph Tech Speed
+ 2.5lb BC Fire Ext
+ Factory Belts
+ M90 Helmet
+ FullFace Helmet or Shatterproof Glasses
+ Cotton Long-sleeved shirt & pants
+ Gloves
* Grand Touring
- Speed classes from 115 to 125
- 140 mph Tech Speed
^^^ Above requirements plus
+ 5 or 6 point harness - 3 inch lap/shoulder
+ SA90 Helmet
+ Roll Bar for Verts
* Grand Sport
- Speed classes from 130 to 150
- 165 mph Tech Speed
^^^ Above requirements plus
+ Roll bar for all car types
+ one-piece fire resistant suit, gloves, shoes, etc
+ Head sock for long hair / facial hair
+ Padded helmet support
Above that . . . and the requirements are just plain silly.
Basically, the only real difference between the Touring and Grand touring, is harnesses . . . Grand touring and Grand Sport is roll-bar & fire suit.
It's an absolute blast, and is absolutely something that you have to experience to truly appreciate. We're already making plans to run again in May . . . . hope to see 'ya there.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
, and not a lot of sleep . . . got back from the SilverState Classic late last night. One word . . . . WOW. This thing was a SERIOUS blast.
Linear Mode
