Joe,
The problem, from my viewpoint is that most of the National Tour
events and top regional events are run on concrete at airports or Air
Force Bases. The events on asphalt are mostly older, grippier surfaces.
For years we've been running on very grippy surfaces and our cars are
tuned for it. The prospects of taking a car that performs well on
concrete all year and then going to HTP to compete for the National
Championship without any real opportunity to test/tune on a "like
surface" doesn't appeal to me.
-Jeff Blumenthal
Joe Palmer wrote:
Bill and all,
Do not read this response as sarcastic, it is not . . . especially since I
know virtually nothing about Solo . . .
Isn't the surface/grip just another factor that makes each course unique?
Since it's the same surface/grip for everyone, and thus perfectly fair, why
would it reduce the participation? If anything, it seems like less grip
simply puts an even higher premium on driving and experience.
Shiny Side Up,
Joe Palmer
TX Novakar #56
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jan Schmidt" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 10:11 AM
Subject: Re: [F500] HPT Surface Grip - Response
Almost sorry I even brought the subject up in the first place. However,
now that I am in deep, let me say this.
I bet that Solo Nationals participation will be down this year, and
after people see how disappointing the surface is,
participation will really be down in 2007. I would hope that a drop
would not occur either year,but I am just making a
prediction.
Bill Schmidt 88 Red Devil Kawi
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 06/14/06 8:10 PM >>>
Here is Howard Duncan's response to the previous concerns about the
asphalt
grip at HPT:
Jim,
Several brief comments to Chuck's emails and those of the F Mod driver:
1. Everyone should read Roger Johnson's letter regarding the use
of
the site relative to course size
(_http://www.scca.org/garage/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3668&PN=1_
(http://www.scca.org/garage/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3668&PN=1) ).
2. The site layout used this past weekend is not representative
of
what will be used at Nationals due to a big National race happening at
the same
time. Specifically, this past weekend the entire event (course, grid,
paddock) was located on the pad. Again, see Roger's letter.
3. The same track consultant as AMP was not used at HPT, nor the
same
construction folks. The asphalt is of the same grade as that used on
the
track, but with some minor changes to accommodate the laying of such a
vast
quantity relative to a road way (track). It is NOT the same grade as
that used in
other newly paved areas of HPT, such as access roads. By the way, the
track
has excellent grip and is getting better with every race.
4. I made four demonstration runs (staff passengers) on Sunday
near
mid day using my wife's CS Miata on some very old and undersized
Kumhos. I
found the grip to be similar to other good asphalt lots if you were
anywhere
close to on line. If you went wide it got a bit slippery, just as it
always has
at Forbes, but nothing extraordinary.
5. If someone's primary motivation to come to Nationals is to
simply
run on a super grippy surface, as opposed to the 3 C's (competition,
camaraderie, community), they may very well be disappointed as this is
asphalt, not
concrete.
6. HPT is fully aware of some of the wear issues that cropped up
during the event and they are addressing those issues. Relative to what
we have
endured on the old concrete, these are very minor issues. Therefore,
perspective should be maintained.
If I have missed anything, let me know.
H.
Howard Duncan
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