Roll Call: May 24rd CMP Lapping

[Greg Campbell]

So... I just did the ATTS Time Attack at the DDT, and am completely hooked on lapping.

Given the 24rd is a long weekend, any idea of how many are going lapping?

(edited for brain flatulence)

[mphysk]

Do you mean the 24th?

[ZOO]

Greg,

the 24th is the MCO day (Tuesday). I am looking at a chalet for a few of us, if you are interested,

Rob

[Morphy]

I just signed up for May 24. Will be my first time lapping.

Is there someplace that has a good introduction to lapping? Maybe some good instructional videos or info like what to pack for the day etc?

I'd like to prepare myself as much as possible before showing up.....

[ZOO]

I just signed up for May 24. Will be my first time lapping.

Is there someplace that has a good introduction to lapping? Maybe some good instructional videos or info like what to pack for the day etc?

I'd like to prepare myself as much as possible before showing up.....

Here's a good GRM article:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/oops/

There will be instructors on hand to help you that day.

Bring water to rehydrate. Whatever tools you think you may need. Money for gas (you will use more than you expect). Sunscreen, hat, and appropriate clothing. Oil.

Ask lots of questions. Talk to people. Introduce yourself. Have fun.

[sfong]

I just signed up for May 24. Will be my first time lapping.

Is there someplace that has a good introduction to lapping? Maybe some good instructional videos or info like what to pack for the day etc?

I'd like to prepare myself as much as possible before showing up.....

Prep for stuff
- Make sure you fill out and bring your registration and safety forms.
- For the car bring an air pump, torque wrench (for lug nuts), extra motor oil. I wouldn't worry about anymore tools or replacement parts for the first day.
- Make sure the car is in good working condition, which should be covered by the safety checklist.
- Bring comfortable clothes for being outdoors all day. This includes rain gear, possibly a dry change of clothes.
- Bring water/drinks to keep hydrated, sunscreen, and snacks.
- Bring a some kind of container or tarp to cover up all the stuff you're unpacking from your car weather tight.
- Pack and prep the car the day before so you just have to drive to the track early in the morning. Less stress and less chance of forgetting something.

Prep for yourself
- Get a good night's sleep. It is tiring to drive at that high level of concentration for an entire day.
- If this is one of the first times doing high performance driving, don't worry about overloading with driving theory. Just remember the basics and work with your instructor during the lapping day. Here is a link to a reasonable first day guide. http://www.stevecarter.com/track-day-beginners.htm
- Have a look at the track map. Probably won't be able to connect it while driving, but at least you'll have an idea about turn numbers and names when talking about it during the lapping day. http://calabogiemotorsports.com/display28
- Check the ego at the door. Don't worry about being fast, being passed. It's about learning and having fun. There will be plenty of time to practice, experiment and learn the track. Guaranteed that you'll be a better driver and faster at the end of the day.

[Morphy]

Thanks for the links guys, it helps.

I've been to some autocross events. The drivers there pull into a spot in the parking lot at the start of the day and have a small area to put a tarp down and dump all their stuff out. That spot is then theirs for the day. Does Calabogie have a spot like that I can go back to all day, a place I can leave all my items out while i'm driving?

[gchislett]

Yeah, pretty much. Just unpack your stuff next to where you park your car. There is an etiquette, but let's face it... some people chew with their mouth open too.

[schmoo]

Wish I could join you...

Last year was my first lapping experience and all the advice here is great. The MCO crowd is super friendly, welcoming, and supportive. Don't be shy about asking questions, or sounding like you don't know what you're doing. We were all there once, too.

Also, be prepared to be hooked. It's an absolute blast.

Again, wishing I could be there, too.

[morrow]

Did anyone mention bringing a couple of lawn chairs? They come in handy, especially on a really nice day when you're taking a well-earned break.

Jeannie

[eyemaster]

Maybe I'll take a trip and visit on Monday. I won't be lapping, but I can say hi!

[morrow]

Maybe I'll take a trip and visit on Monday. I won't be lapping, but I can say hi!

But May 24 is on Tuesday . . .

Jeannie

[eyemaster]

Ahhh, darnit, well I won't be there at all then!

[cjpye]

Get there in plenty of time!

Your car will need to be sound checked (go there early, not when you see the big line up later. Sound checks at CMP are annual, this will be the first time this year for many, so there will be a line at some point). You will have tire pressures to adjust, car to empty, helmet to pick-up (if borrowing) and your first time out will be much better if you are not rushed and stressed.

Listen well at the drivers meeting as they will cover passing rules on the track, i.e. where you pass/be passed, how you signal a pass. Your instructor will help if you don't understand. They will also cover flags. This is the key safety stuff.

Don't hesitate to miss the session start if you are not ready, you can join later. Don't hesitate to miss a session if you are too tired (see advice above about sleeping well the night before).

Start slow, get faster. The opposite approach, start fast, get slower often ends prematurely!

Have fun!

Chris

[PMcD]

In case I haven't mentioned it before, at lunchtime on next weeks lapping day there will be a seminar given by MCO's Richard Muise on
racecraft. You don't want to miss it. Get your registrations in. Also we have formed an official MCO sanctioned instructors group. There will be 25 instructors fresh off a
course available for mentoring and teaching.