I need help with some track/autoX research please…

[J Ritt]

Hi guys,
I'm doing some research on how many Z06 owners do autoX and track events (road courses), and I was hoping you could help me out. I'm trying to get a gauge on the following:

How many days per year do you AutoX?

How many days per year do you drive on a road course (again, this is days...some clubs run multi-day events, so list roughly how many actual days you are on the track per year)?

Who organizes the events that you attend (SCCA, NASA, PCA, etc.)?

What is the biggest problem you typically encounter at the track? (engine overheats, brakes don't hold up, seat moves around, etc.)

Thanks guys. I think some interesting findings could come out of this...I really appreciate the help.

[McRat]

1) ~12 days a year average.

2) 0 per year. At least not yet.

3) SCCA and private events.

4) Sunburn and not being able to wipe the grin off my face for a week.

Seriously, the stock seat is f'kd up from it. The right side now slips. Tires take a beating as well as brakes.

[Penforhire]

I see you're posting request this on multiple car boards (not just vettes).

What's your purpose, or do you think that influences the answers too much?

[Lawdogg]

autox 6 to 8 days a year
road course 20 days this year
NCCC and open track days
tires wear out.

[rudy oliver]

autox 12 days

[rudy oliver]

didn't finish
autox 12 days
track 3 times
SCCA, NCCC, SAAC
Tires take a beating

[DJWorm]

Another variable datapoint you should consider is if there is a codriver. Many Pros in SCCA Pro Solo and National Tour use this technique to allow the faster (2nd) driver to have warm tires.....so the car gets twice the use.

Also I have seen 2 male co drivers in one class and the car used by the wife in the Ladies Class...so the car gets 3 times the use.

Some other web sites to ask these questions on would be

www.sccaforums.com
www.autocross.com
www.grassrootsmotorsports.com

[J Ritt]

Penforhire,
I'll post the same reply I posted on other forums...more about me:

I'm a 350z owner, and track enthusiast. I participate in events with NASA, SCCA, PCA, BMW, etc. I use the same handle on all boards 'J Ritt,' and I post on all sorts of boards...no flaming...level headed stuff only. Check me out on any board...used to be a frequent poster on honda-tech, and now more on my350z.com. I am an enthusiast above all else...no marque snobbery, etc. I'm just a car junkie. I considered buying just about everything at one point, including the S2k, WRX STI, Evo, and Z06. I decided on the 350Z.
I have never made a bad transaction, ripped anyone off, or slandered anybody on the internet. I don't believe that the internet is a playground for your evil alter ego...what you say and do will come back to you, just as if you were to say it in person, on the phone, etc. Therefore, my 'e' self is my real self, and I don't take liberties that I wouldn't in 'real life.'

Now, about the research...I'm switching to a career in the automotive industry in the near future, and I'm trying to figure out what people take to the track, and what their needs are. Basically a needs assesment of the current sportscar market. Have no worries...it's all about the cars. I don't want any personal information, or anything of the sort...just trying to see what's out on the tracks, how often, and what the shortcomings each car has. Hopefully my research will help bring some products to the market that work well under the stress of track duty. Thanks for your help everyone.

DJWorm,
Thanks for the suggestions. I've read quite a few of your posts on this board...you're a good resource to have around.

[McRat]

Originally posted by SDAD7FS
...WALLS, A-arm bushings, Seat back adjuster, silly gigling.

OWWW!!! And you're a threat to ground squirrels at Buttonwillow!

[Penforhire]

1) 12 days average

2) 0, unless you count canyon runs

3) SCCA

4) seat has lousy lateral support, too much body roll/weight transfer with stock suspension, seat position is compromised for control to get enough helmet headroom (again, stock seat)

[rudy oliver]

Penforhire
You need a six pt harness. Night and day difference in driving. Since you are not concerned about staying in seat there is more time to concentrate on driving

[Subdriver]

1) 0
2) 24 days (14 races)
3) SCCA
4) I run out of money.