Got a track related question? I'll try to answer.

[THEmailman]

Two questions:

1. When going into a turn that requires you to downshift two gears, is it better to go through each until you reach the desired gear or to just slow down enough then place it in the desired gear? I would heel/toe regardless....

2. I was at CMP this weekend and changed tires at the track. The installer informed me that i have two bent wheels, but to my eye i can't tell. He was able to balance them out just fine but is it a good idea to replace them immediately, or can i potentially be fine for a while? I honestly can't tell a difference when driving and because I really only drive to and from the track, this could have happened almost a year ago when I installed the wheels. ...

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by troek

no i have a usps address, it ships to san francisco, then the military picks it up from there. im assuming the site is set up to work with UPS, and i can only use USPS.

Ah, in that case, we can help you

PM me.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by acro

I am looking for a helmet

I narrowed it to the Racequip sportmod vs Zamp FSA-2 vs zamp RZ 34


There are no shops that sell helmets anywhere near me so it will have to be an interenet order. Thanks in advance

I'd take a HJC over a ZAMP for an entry level helmet.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by THEmailman

Two questions:

1. When going into a turn that requires you to downshift two gears, is it better to go through each until you reach the desired gear or to just slow down enough then place it in the desired gear? I would heel/toe regardless....

2. I was at CMP this weekend and changed tires at the track. The installer informed me that i have two bent wheels, but to my eye i can't tell. He was able to balance them out just fine but is it a good idea to replace them immediately, or can i potentially be fine for a while? I honestly can't tell a difference when driving and because I really only drive to and from the track, this could have happened almost a year ago when I installed the wheels. ...

1. You don't need to let the clutch out in every gear, you should at least go into the gate for the gear. For example, 4th to 2nd, while braking, clutch in, go into the gate for 3rd, then go into the gate for 2nd, blip, clutch out. This reduces synchro load, and consequently, wear.

2. If they balance fine, and aren't leaking, keep using them. Keep in mind that they won't be as strong since the structure is now compromised.

[troek]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Ah, in that case, we can help you

PM me.

Sorry i was in a bit of a hurry and already placed an order with another site. You definitely have my business for futur purchases of this, and hopefully more products.

[acro]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

I'd take a HJC over a ZAMP for an entry level helmet.

Any particular reason.

At the moment the AR-10 is $100 mopre expensive than the zamp rz 34

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by acro

Any particular reason.

At the moment the AR-10 is $100 mopre expensive than the zamp rz 34

It's a bit more, but you get a lot more helmet for your dollar. I've used both extensively at some driving schools, and the HJC is just flat out better built, and will last you a lot longer.

[ddeflyer]

I used a HJC SI-12 for a long time and it was really great.

One comment with any helmet though: use a head sock / balaclava. It helps reduce the wear on the chin pads. I ended up wearing through my chin pads and had to send my helmet off for warranty service. HJC was great about getting it fixed, but I would have liked it better if I didn't have to deal with any warranty stuff.

[Jonsey]

I have a question on track etiquette.


This weekend I was working on my line into the fastest corner on the local track, slight right hander coming up over a hill. I had always late apexed it, mainly out of fear because there is not a ton of room to run off on the left side of the track, and was always pinching the corner and scrubbing speed. I was working on apexing earlier and carrying more speed through the corner, I was able to add about 5 mph.


The first lap of the next session I ended up apexing a bit too early and went four off just outside the track and the guy behind me followed me and went two off. We have been at several events together and have become acquaintances. He came up after the session and told me I threw some rocks up when I went off that cracked his windshield. I felt pretty bad and apologized. He seemed to be fishing for me to pay for the windshield, but I had always heard that each driver is responsible for the damage to their car on track regardless of whose fault.


What are your guys thoughts on the situation and how would you handle it?


Video added - because who doesn't like seeing others mistakes. Sorry for the poor quality.


[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyP910TAEhE"]Ricochet - YouTube[/ame]

[ddeflyer]

IANAL, but your description sounds like a "racing incident", ie. the kind of damage that just happens on a track. The key point of liability, to me, is when negligence comes into play. Since going four off is something that happens and is accepted (and should be avoided), I personally wouldn't expect that rocks being kicked up in the process to be seen as extraordinary conditions worthy of any liability on your part.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Jonsey

I have a question on track etiquette.


This weekend I was working on my line into the fastest corner on the local track, slight right hander coming up over a hill. I had always late apexed it, mainly out of fear because there is not a ton of room to run off on the left side of the track, and was always pinching the corner and scrubbing speed. I was working on apexing earlier and carrying more speed through the corner, I was able to add about 5 mph.


The first lap of the next session I ended up apexing a bit too early and went four off just outside the track and the guy behind me followed me and went two off. We have been at several events together and have become acquaintances. He came up after the session and told me I threw some rocks up when I went off that cracked his windshield. I felt pretty bad and apologized. He seemed to be fishing for me to pay for the windshield, but I had always heard that each driver is responsible for the damage to their car on track regardless of whose fault.


What are your guys thoughts on the situation and how would you handle it?

Everyone is on their own when it comes to damage. If you want to cover his damage, it is up to you, but do not ever expect it to be reciprocated.

Now if there had been an incident that was 100% your fault, then you may want to consider helping out the other party, but in this case, a cracked windshield is nobody's fault; it just happens.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by Jonsey

What are your guys thoughts on the situation and how would you handle it?

lol, fuck him.


unless you threw those rocks at him yourself, out the side window while flipping the bird, then it's just tough luck.


And if anything, more his fault than yours, seems like he was following you so close that he made the same mistake in corner entry... that's like one of the biggest no-no's in racing/lapping, don't let the driver in front of you zone you into a tunnel.

It sucks that his glass got scratched but it ain't your problem.

[ddeflyer]

Originally Posted by Jonsey

I have a question on track etiquette.


This weekend I was working on my line into the fastest corner on the local track, slight right hander coming up over a hill. I had always late apexed it, mainly out of fear because there is not a ton of room to run off on the left side of the track, and was always pinching the corner and scrubbing speed. I was working on apexing earlier and carrying more speed through the corner, I was able to add about 5 mph.


The first lap of the next session I ended up apexing a bit too early and went four off just outside the track and the guy behind me followed me and went two off. We have been at several events together and have become acquaintances. He came up after the session and told me I threw some rocks up when I went off that cracked his windshield. I felt pretty bad and apologized. He seemed to be fishing for me to pay for the windshield, but I had always heard that each driver is responsible for the damage to their car on track regardless of whose fault.


What are your guys thoughts on the situation and how would you handle it?


Video added - because who doesn't like seeing others mistakes. Sorry for the poor quality.

Wow, it looks like you almost spun it there!

In the future, it would be better if you went to zero lock a tad bit sooner to get the weight off the outside wheels; you don't want to have them dig in and roll the car.

[Jonsey]

You are right, I should have gone zero lock a tad bit sooner, however, it never felt close to a spin or out of control. Perhaps I am missing something, but I don't see it in the video either.

Originally Posted by ddeflyer

Wow, it looks like you almost spun it there!

In the future, it would be better if you went to zero lock a tad bit sooner to get the weight off the outside wheels; you don't want to have them dig in and roll the car.