Gateway Nat. BMW Event (St. Louis)

KGP · 2 June 2003

This past weekend was the St. Louis' BMW chapter's track event. For myself it was my first offical track event, and what a blast it was. Words can't describe what fun it was, and it sure was a great learning experience. For anyone who thinks they need a faster car (NSX engine mods) to get around a track quick, I have one word for you: hogwash!

We all had the pleasure of meeting Eric and Angie (NSXGirl4j) who drove over from Ohio, as well as their freind Jim (RX7). Eric opened quite a few eyes at the track over the weeked to say the least. He was the fastest at the track, by far, and that is with a NA NSX. Really, the only mods were brakes, wheels & tires (track tires) and some suspension work. The dude was flying around that track. Fortunately, a few of the other NSXr's had an opportunity to do a few laps with Eric and experience his mojo magic. This is where we need to let Dave and especially Nick (matteni) chime in. Nick and Dave are experienced weekend "trackers" but I think it's safe to say that Nick has never experienced a ride like he got.

Many times we have read in a thread that the NSX has much more to give than we are capable of handling. I now fully understand what was meant by that! Note for Eric: Next event I get first ride! (Eric lost a tire Sunday, thus the end of his day...and my ride-onlong.

Dave can comment on the tire loss, as he was in the car when they were at 140 braking for turn 1.)

Eric also had quite a trailer setup for his car. There are a couple of pics bellow.

Thing got a bit interesting on Sunday for me, as I had my first negative experience related to my BBSC install. More info to follow later in the Foreced Induction thread. In short, a dangerous situation that can easily be prevented.

One of the instructors was actually loaned a 355 spider just for this track event! Sheez, I (and the rest of us I'd imagine) sure want to find a way on that loaner program!

. sjs, did manage to get a few laps as a passanger in it, and said the sound from inside was sweeter than outside. That is hard to imagine as the car had the sweetest note I have ever personally heard. Can't remember what kind of aftermarket exhaust it was (wasn't Tubi), but it sure sounded great. Steve will remember.

All in all, a great weekend, and I can't wait for the next. For those that don't track their NSX; you sure are missing out on a heck of a lot of fun!

I didn't take many pics from the weekend, but here are a few I did manage to snap-off:

Eric's trailer:

sjs in 355:

Eric in front of Nick's car:

Dave in his sled:

Ponyboy · 2 June 2003

I'd love to drive at this track and hang with you guys. When's the next one?

NSXGirl4j · 3 June 2003

Hello!

Hi everyone! Erik and I had a really good time too. It was so nice to meet you guys. There are hardly ever any other NSX's at the track, so it was nice to have a good group there. Jim is having a hard time accepting the fact that Erik was faster than him, and he went home that night and tried to time his laps off of the in-car camera video. He claims that he ran a 1:10.3. He said that he was going to get on here and set everyone straight that he was the fastest guy at the track. But, we were all there, and we know what really happened.

Anyways, I hope that you all come to Putnam in the fall. Remember to go to www.wheel1.com and print off the entry form. Make the hotel reservations soon, also.

See you in the fall.
Angie

sjs · 3 June 2003

Well, I didn't drive this weekend but I still had a good time. It was great to meet Eric, Angie and Jim but I hope they weren't too disappointed by our fishbowl of a track after such a long drive. I'd say Eric and Jim made the best of it though, having enough fun to incur a couple black flags.

Dave and Nick managed to be in the same run group this time and together showed their taillights to plenty of other fine machinery. Perhaps next time Len and I will join in, and talk a couple of the other guys into giving it a try as well. You out there Tony, Randy, Jeff, Phil…?

The F355 did indeed sound sweet, especially as we came close to the wall on the oval. The exhaust is by Ansa. They've been around for decades and have supplied OEM exhausts for many Ferraris over the years, although I ‘m told this one was not stock. Perhpas next time John will let me drive it.

Ponyboy · 3 June 2003

Ummm, can anyone tell me when the next one is?

KGP · 3 June 2003

Ponyboy said:
Ummm, can anyone tell me when the next one is?

Heheh, we were just waiting for you to beg a bit Shawn.

Next event looks to be the Ferrari event on July 12th (one day event) Next will be the Porsche event August 16&17. There is another BMW event November1&2. There is also some talk of some of us heading over to Putnam in October.

NSXGirl4j · 3 June 2003

I am not sure how far any of you are interested in driving, but we are also doing one at Beaverun near Pittsburgh on July 4th weekend. We keep hearing that it is a really great track. There is also an event at Putnam on June 20-21, that is a Friday - Saturday event. It is before a Porsche club race, and I think that if you participate in the driving event, you are expected to volunteer to help with the race, as far as gridding the cars, etc... It is all day Friday, and I think one session on Saturday morning. If anyone is interested in that, let me know, and I will find out if there are any more openings.

matteni · 3 June 2003

Great time / things I learned!

I have been busy catching up at work and getting all the tire marks off my car. 
 
I agree that everyone had a fantastic time! I have finally uploaded all my
pictures from that weekend onto our family web site at <a href="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com">www.ourfamilyinteractive.com</a>
including some 2 great track clips of me chasing Dave around.
To get to the pictures go to the 2003 album and
then pick the photo album on the top called "Picnic | BMW Gateway"
I will have to agree that I didn't realize how
much time I had to gain at Gateway (or how much lunch I had to
loose!). 
Things I learned:
<ul>
<li>The NSX is so much faster in the
"right" hands (Eric was lapping everyone!)</li>
<li>The rumple strips are part of the track to
be used to gain time</li>
<li>Big fat Hoosiers are much better then small
skinny ____________ (any other tire here)</li>
<li>A well sorted out and tuned coil over
suspension ROCKS</li>
<li>If you heal and toe fast enough - it sounds
incredible and improves your time significantly</li>
<li>If you spin - spin safely and both feet in
(don't dump gas on the problem unless you know what you are doing)</li>
<li>There are still a lot of GREAT NSX people
out there that I haven't yet met!</li>
</ul>
What a blast it was having 6 NSXers on the
track and having such small (and pretty even) run groups. I especially
wanted to thank Eric for being such a great instructor, guy, driver, for letting
Jim's and my kids use the trailer as a day care center! Also - nice to
meet Angie, Jim's family, and get better acquainted with Gene.
Please keep me posted with all our plans for a
Gingerman or Putnam outing this summer and can't wait to see everyone this
weekend at the European Auto Show.
Here are some of the pics from my web site.
My son Nicky with Jim's Nick and Kara?
<A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2003/2003_06_01Picknic_BMWClub/119_1957.JPG" target="_home">
<IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2003/2003_06_01Picknic_BMWClub/tn_119_1957_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="372" height="279" alt="119_1957.JPG"> 
 
</A>Eric's trailer and battle tested NSXs resting
<A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2003/2003_06_01Picknic_BMWClub/119_1947.JPG" target="_home"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2003/2003_06_01Picknic_BMWClub/tn_119_1947_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="372" height="279" alt="119_1947.JPG"></A>
When you drive as fast as Eric - Hoosiers tend
to go in less then 1 weekend!
<A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2003/2003_06_01Picknic_BMWClub/119_1952.JPG" target="_home"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2003/2003_06_01Picknic_BMWClub/tn_119_1952_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="280" height="370" alt="119_1952.JPG"></A>
Gene getting ready to go!
<A HREF="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2003/2003_06_01Picknic_BMWClub/119_1945.JPG" target="_home"><IMG SRC="http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/2003/2003_06_01Picknic_BMWClub/tn_119_1945_JPG.jpg" border="0" width="372" height="279" alt="119_1945.JPG"></A>

len3.8 · 3 June 2003

SJS wrote

ave and Nick managed to be in the same run group this time and together showed their taillights to plenty of other fine machinery. Perhaps next time Len and I will join in, and talk a couple of the other guys into giving it a try as well. You out there Tony, Randy, Jeff, Phil…?

Well, I will most definitely be at the next one. I will let you guys know when the registration opens up. It will most likely be in the next 2-3 weeks. We want to get it open early this year.

Eric and Angie it was nice meeting you both. I hope to see you again somewhere on a track. I know I can't do the fall deal at Putnam. Somewhere some place we'll see each other again. I am glad that I got out to the track to see some of the running.

Eric and Jim are definitely fast. Real smooth as well. Wish some of the true regulars would have been there to get a little embarassment as well. Seemed like the weekend for everyone to take off. I wish I were running, you guys had unheard of grouping.

Well see you St. Louisans, Sunday at Frontenac.

NSXGirl4j · 4 June 2003

I know that October is a long way off, but when you guys find out who is going to Putnam, let me know, and I will reserve a banquet room at a restaurant in Indianapolis for everyone on Saturday night. There is a really good steak house, if you guys would be interested.

Hope everyone is having fun.

Talk to you soon,
Angie

NetViper · 4 June 2003

KGP said:
For anyone who thinks they need a faster car (NSX engine mods) to get around a track quick, I have one word for you: hogwash!

I have to admit the NSX feels incredible around the track. It really is incredible. When I was on the track I never once thought this car needs more horsepower.

Only when I get back on the street do I feel like it could use more power. I guess just more low end torque.. CTSC for example.

KGP · 4 June 2003

Re: Re: Gateway Nat. BMW Event (St. Louis)

NetViper said:
Only when I get back on the street do I feel like it could use more power. I guess just more low end torque.. CTSC for example.

Agreed. That's why I'm not stripping off my SC right now.

len3.8 · 4 June 2003

I agree about the HP of the NSX being adequate for running against most cars on the track. Keep in mind Eric can flat out drive. (Period) You could say the same things about his friend Jim in the RX7. However a little more HP would be needed if you would have had the core of regulars that run at those events. Be cause they can flat out drive as well. The stock NSX in capable hands (Eric) (SJS)(Matteni) would be formidable. But it would not be lapping the Twin Turbos, M3 Lightweights, and maybe a Vette or two that are normally there. It ain't enough power. Stock 911's, 993's,M coupes are absolutely no problem. Hear me when I say this I wish some of the regulars had been there, because he would have embarassed a few of them, he being Eric. Nick knows he has been running with the same people from time time for a few years now. When a 911TT is equipped correctly with a capable driver, which 2 of the 3 that are normally there are. You better bring the wood. That is why my car has a SC, couldn't keep up with the Big HP any other way. Coming to a track over a weekend and running 1:10's is excellent. It put's him up there with the regulars in similarly equipped cars. However ther are 2 TT's that run around that place at 1:05 when they want to. There is a M3 lightweight driven by an old man. :^) That usually doesn't see anyone's tail lights. Unless he happens to be behind them in gridding. The NSX in stock configuration has the power to run, However, you guys are not factoring in that Eric can drive his AS* off, The car's suspension is dialed in. Race tires and very LARGE brakes & b*lls. I need my SC on the track, because the regulars have big HP and saying I'm (NA) to them don't get you any credibility. They just rub it in. But it is all in good fun. I need my SC for the track. Why? Small brakes & balls.:^) and I hate hearing about POS Corvettes.
Len

KGP · 5 June 2003

Sure the 993TT's are faster, but they are in a different class than a NA NSX. Of course you (and I eventually) want to take them to the wood shed if we can.

sjs did a bit of checking as to the times over the weekend. The times Erik was turning (1:10), in some slow traffic mind you, would be competitive locally in GT2 class. As for he having some large ones; much bigger than I!

It looks like Steve is giving some consideration toward turning his "spare" NSX into a GT2 car (u go boy). If he can flog his 510 around that track, on a near flat tire, with times at 1:15, I think he can do pretty well in that class.

len3.8 · 5 June 2003

KGP I agree with all. 1:10 is fast. But everyone that is there runs in traffic. Open lapping I have seen 59's no BS.
In traffic the 1:10 is common on a well attended event. Come in August you will see. I wasn't talking class, I was talking about what cars usually run there and the braggin' that is done there.
I hope Eric is there with those guys or another track and blast around them, just as I do. The more the merrier.
My point is that with the SC's there is no doubt of the outcome.
It is the great equalizer. With a 3.8ltr 2800lb Porsche running the track at 1:10's and under I was getting pounded by vettes and TT's with the NSX (SC) It has proven to be a different story.
A stock NSX will not run with that group period. The April event had a car running 1:02's albeit a true cup car.
Hell I just like to see the quality of driving that he was doing. I saw SJS run the track first hand. I know he can drive.

KGP · 5 June 2003

len3.8 said:
Hell I just like to see the quality of driving that he was doing.

Ahh, you mean the spec Porsche in April I think. At the time, I wasn't able to relate. All I knew was that he was passing people. Now, I just kind of watch in amazment at you fast drivers. Being a newbie, it has really opened my eyes as to how much a driver means. All you guys are mt heros.

NSXGirl4j · 5 June 2003

I am giving Steve a vote to turn the "spare" into a GT2. He would have the sweetest car at the track.

As far as the supercharger debate goes, I don't know. I have never driven an NSX with a supercharger. I am not doubting that you need one to keep up with a lot of those guys, but more HP's isn't always the fastest. For example, my brother is a pretty good driver. He drives a turbo-charged Miata. He ran faster times at Mid-Ohio at 6 lbs of boost, than he did at 12 lbs.

Then again, I have never driven the NSX against full-on race cars, either. I'm sure at that point a supercharger may be needed. I think that it is good for some one that is just starting to have something with less horsepower, and learn to be a smooth driver. With a lot of horsepower when you are learning, sometimes you can you can just power you way out of mistakes instead of learning to drive out of them. Believe me, I have been there.

Lenny, I hope that I do get a chance to see you drive at the next event. It sounds like you have the reputation of being one of the best guys out there. I am with you on the Corvette thing, I don't think that I would like getting passed by one. And the bad thing about that is, up here in the sticks of Ohio, people always think that the NSX is a Corvette. When you stop at the gas station, and it never fails, some one will come up and ask what year the 'Vette is. Sickening, isn't it?

Oh well.

len3.8 · 5 June 2003

Angie, as I told you at the track. Just by watching Eric. He is far smoother than me. My hats off. And after talking to you, I know that you can drive as well. I just wish I could have been on the track with Eric, Jim, and some of the regulars. Just to copy some of the things that they were doing. With the exception of running on the gators.

As far as me being one of the fast guys out there. I wouldn't really lay claim to that. The car is fast, as you have said power can get you out of a lot of things, things that you do wrong.
It does not matter to me as long as I am passing the 2 corvettes that run with me on a regular basis.

I love making them be quiet, simply because they talk more trash than anyone.
Len

JDRAGO1 · 5 June 2003

GATEWAY SCHOOL

Hey guys! This is Jim in the Silver RX7. Been on this site a few times before, I had no idea all of this was going on! Like to let you guys know Erik, Angie and I do a lot of track events and you guys were a lot of fun, much more so than most other regions! You guys made us all feel very welcome! I enjoyed meeting you. The event went pretty smooth. The track conditions were a little tricky on Friday, my car got loose twice in the high bank. Later in the afternoon, I noticed there was water oozing out of the track in a 20 ft long crack in the pavement! Don't know why I couldn't see it in the morning? I sure felt it though! The track was a little slick on Friday, but got better each day! The track ended up being a lot more fun than I anticipated! It was tough to get into a real good groove though, as soon as you would start getting some momentum, you would be attached to someone's bumper!
I guess the highlight of my weekend would have to have been when I was asked to take out someone in the "ride along program" This guy had never been on the track before that day, he wasn't even driving, just taking rides with instructors etc. He thought he was going around as fast as possible with one of the other instructors, because he had a Porsche? Imagine that? He was running about 117 or so. Boy was he in for a suprise! I did 4 or 5 laps starting at about 60% ending up at 90% or so, each time asking if he was ok, etc. Well about the 5th lap or so I looked and saw Erik in my mirrors, I asked if he wanted to go any faster, he said, " Sure!" That was the green light! I doubt that any of you noticed, But Erik and I are just a little competitve?? Ha! So we were both on it for about 7 laps or so, nose to tail. We were both driving as fast as we could, never separated by more than a few feet! We took turns leading to see where we could reel each other in and where we could gain on each other. It was about as much fun as you can have on the track, well at least until we got black flagged? Probably not the best example to be setting as an instructor, but it sure was fun! I don't remember my passengers name, but that last 10% or so really turned him a funny shade of green, kind of similiar to the green on the E46 M3 that was there? ha!

Len, not so sure about the two guys in the Corvette talking more smack than anyone you know? Eric and I have usually talk smack for a good two weeks before we go to an event and at least two weeks after we get home, no matter who is faster! I think we both enjoy that as much or more than the actual driving! It's all in good fun! Atleast if it is between friends anyway! We are still debating who was faster at Gateway! I have a lap from my in car camera in the 110.4 range, but we are still going back and forth about who's faster and if video taped laps are allowed! This I think it is probably more fun not having a real answer to that question! Nor do I think there ever will be one, neither of us will ever concede to the other!
To all of you concerned about my car, I got lucky! No real damage! The baffling in the fuel tank came loose and nicked the fuel pump wire and caused a fuse to blow!(not that I push the car very hard or anything) About a 10 minute fix, But it provided Angie a great Photo opportunity, getting me towed in on the tow strap! I'll get you!
Lastly, As a fellow NSX owner, I am begging you to stop all of the Erik complements! With each complement I get a little more nausious! Erik and I are in the same business and unfortunately are good friends! ha! So I talk to him probably 5 or 6 times a day! I am very concerned about his helmet fitting his head the at the next track event! "Erik's Mojo magic" what are you guys trying to do to me?? ha! I realize this is an NSX site and he was the fastest "NSX' on the track. But you guys are sure making it hard on me! If you guys keep complementing his driving, I believe we will have to take up a collection to buy him a new helmet! We had a great time, great people! I hope to see you guys at Putnam in the fall! Anyone on the fence about going, I can assure you it is worth the trip! The track is one of favorites! Really fun to drive! Jim 93 silver Rx7/96 Black NSXT

matteni · 5 June 2003

Hi ya Jim,

Hey everyone - Jim is as fast as Erik!!! Anyone who can "almost" keep up in an RX7 has got to be fast! J/K!

Jim and I were devising a handicapping system for parents with kids. You should get 1 second for being married and 1 second for every kid you have! So if I can continue to run 114's in traffic I should be down in the 110's with my handicapping systems. Unfortunately that puts Jim into the 107's!

Anyway - Jim and Erik kept us in stitches all weekend during off time as their barbs were as fast as their driving. I also had a nice visit with Jim's wife and kids and definitely want to hook the families up so that I can keep feeding my addiction to this bottomless rat-hole of a hobby. I figure our wives and kids get along good so we can do this more often. The only time I got scared was when Jim's wife started telling Sandra about how she went to Europe to visit Jim's sister for 4 weeks and left him at home with the kids full time. I thought I was sick to my stomach after riding with Erik but this almost made me loose it on the spot!!! Also - Jim - head over to my web site at http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com as I have some cute pics of the kids out there you can download and show your famliy. It was great using Erik's trailer as a day care center but tell him he needs to get a diaper changing center and some more toys for next time! Also - it was so funny to see my son Nick talking "smack" to your Nick about who was the fastest. It really does start young and maybe they will be track hounds some day too. That is really the risk you take!

Anyway - you all are ALWAYS welcome in St. Louis and I hope you make it an annual outing. Hell - I think everyone has even forgotten about Dave by now so he can probably show up again too!

Let's all hook up at Gingerman and Putnam this year and do it again.

BTW - sorry about having to personally knock the baffling in the fuel tank loose but we just couldn't have you go out on the last run and better Erik's times in an RX7 - could we!?!

KGP · 5 June 2003

Great post Jim. I wish I could have seen the dude's face who went for the ride-along when he got out of your car.

Yes, you were just as fast, but being an NSX owner I was kind of trans-fixed on Erik I guess. I know this; From the times I was watching, I didn't see anyone pass him that weekend.

If I remember right, you are in the Memphis area? If so, what about this track?

NSXGirl4j · 5 June 2003

Hey Gene. Jim has most definetly been to Barber in Birmingham. Ask him how he managed to win the John Deere award there.

If you guys keep complimenting Jim, he is going to need a new helmet also. His head is already big from winning the event at Memphis Motorsports Park this spring. By the way, there is another event there in the fall I think that the three of us are going to do, if any of you are interested in that. Jim could elaborate more on which club is hosting, etc....

Hope to see you guys somewhere this year. Steve, are you going to bring one of your NSX's to Putnam?

JDRAGO1 · 5 June 2003

KGP
I have been to the Barber track about 6 weeks ago! That place is top notch! If anyone can get there, go! I think it is probably the nicest facility in the country right now.

JDRAGO1 · 5 June 2003

Yes, I did become an official member of the John Deere club at Birmingham! That is an award our group of local PCA drivers came up with. You get the Johne Deere award when you do some off track traveling! I went off a little and drove back on, but for some reason everyone loves busting my chops and the made me a charter member! Anyone interested in coming to Memphis, The Pca has a school in October. I will be having a BBQ, you guys are all invited!

NSXGirl4j · 5 June 2003

Gene, I saw the video from Jim at Barber, he was more than just a little off the track. If I recall the conversation that I had with him an hour or so after that experience, he said that he could read the writing on the tires that made up the tire wall, and he was pretty impressed that they were all brand new.

If you guys get to Memphis, take Jim up on his BBQ offer. I will have to say that the last one was one of the better meals that I have had in a while.

Also, I am in the process of building a spec Miata, and Jim and his friend Dave from Memphis are also thinking about it. My brother is also. It would be great if some of you guys would too. As competitve as this group is, we all might get a group rate at the body shop if too many of us are involved.

Do you guys from St. Louis frequent any other tracks? If so, which ones? I know that Steve races the 510 at several different places.

Lenny, I know that you were asking about places where you can get your car serviced. Go to www.hondahaven.com. A friend of ours in Memphis owns the shop. He also has an NSX (white 92) that he usually takes to the track, but he had other things going on this past weekend. He is very good. Looks like Memphis is 4-4.5 hours from you guys, I wasn't sure how far you were willing to go. You could give him a call and see what he has to say.

Gateway Nat. BMW Event (St. Louis)

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