Any listers with NASA in the NE Texas region?
08-07-2009, 08:47 PM
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Any listers with NASA in the NE Texas region?
If so, your'e most likely in the GTS class. Please post your opinions on this class. I am trying to get in GTS3 or GTS2 right now.....
08-08-2009, 06:25 PM
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I believe our NASA region is all of Texas. It's a great group of guys in GTS. There are more GTS-3 cars than GTS-2 typically so if you have the choice I'd go to 3. The competition is great and the support you get from from peers is incredible.
Feel free to pm me if you need more details.
Feel free to pm me if you need more details.
08-10-2009, 11:25 AM
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I've run NASA GTS-3 for the last 3 seasons and will be the GTS Series Director next year. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.
We run 6 events each season, running as far south as MSR-Houston and as far north as Hallet in OK. GTS-3 is the most populated and competitive class (17 different drivers have entered at least one event, average field is 7-8) but the GTS-2 class is growing. If some of the SPBOXs begin to enter, GTS-2 has the potential to be bigger than GTS-3.
Our next event is Oct 3&4 at Eagles Canyon, come check us out then.
We run 6 events each season, running as far south as MSR-Houston and as far north as Hallet in OK. GTS-3 is the most populated and competitive class (17 different drivers have entered at least one event, average field is 7-8) but the GTS-2 class is growing. If some of the SPBOXs begin to enter, GTS-2 has the potential to be bigger than GTS-3.
Our next event is Oct 3&4 at Eagles Canyon, come check us out then.
.
08-10-2009, 04:36 PM
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We'll have at least 3 in GTS-2 without them, no need to invite Watkins, Plummer, Gladwill, etc. Besides, they are generally a bad thing for your tire budget.
08-10-2009, 10:58 PM
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John Gladwill? If that's him, I've ridden in his car. He instructs for The Drivers Edge. You know Rick Schwalenberg or Kevin Mixon?
08-10-2009, 11:11 PM
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And yes, John Gladwill. Fantastic driver, mechanic, and wonderful to work with on car set-up. He's been racing a Spec Boxster with PCA these days. Hopefully we can get him to do a few NASA events as well next year.
Tell us about the car you are preparing for GTS?
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08-10-2009, 11:50 PM
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Yes, I know them both though Rick more as an acquaintance and Kevin as a friend. Kevin is the head instructor for NASA, runs the race school, and competes in ST-1 in his 'Vette. We (GTS) run in the same run group on race weekends.
And yes, John Gladwill. Fantastic driver, mechanic, and wonderful to work with on car set-up. He's been racing a Spec Boxster with PCA these days. Hopefully we can get him to do a few NASA events as well next year.
Tell us about the car you are preparing for GTS?
And yes, John Gladwill. Fantastic driver, mechanic, and wonderful to work with on car set-up. He's been racing a Spec Boxster with PCA these days. Hopefully we can get him to do a few NASA events as well next year.
Tell us about the car you are preparing for GTS?
Anyway, the car:
1986 Porsche 951
Setup:
Stripped bare (of course)
Custom cage from Hanksville Hot Rods
LR/951MAX chips
Bilstein Escort Cup coilovers
Hypercoils 350 lb springs
LR 4" stainless exhaust
ESS fire supression system
MOMO sport cup seats
MOMO suede steering wheel
G-Force racing 5 point harness (expires: 2013)
LR Manual Boost Control (located under hood)
A/C delete kit
LR 3.0 BAR fuel regulator
Lightweight LR flywheel
Short Shift kit
LR Spec clutch
Nitto NT-01 tires (front: 275 rear: 315)
Zimmerman Cross-drilled brake rotors
Pagid race brake pads
M030 (968) Sway bars front and rear
Tie rod/control arm bushing rebuild kit
Oil pan baffled
Race fuel pump
Longacre emergency shut-off switch
GT Racing Fiberglass race dash
GT Racing fender flares
This is all I can remember, but I think it's all so far. We do have more things planned. It will be about December or January before the car is completely ready to go wheel to wheel. I have a thread with pics of the car if you'd like to take a look.
08-11-2009, 08:48 AM
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You are certainly hanging out with good company. As you probably know, John raced a 944 before the Spec Boxster so you may want to touch base with him again for your final set-up.
There are 2 other 944 turbos running in GTS-3, Rene Molina and Phil Fromme. Another, Buck Floyd, is running in GTS-4. Would love to see the pics, have a link?
Here is a link to the NASA TX GTS Chat Board: http://texasgts.org/newforum/index.php
Link to the National GTS website: http://www.nasagts.com/
There are 2 other 944 turbos running in GTS-3, Rene Molina and Phil Fromme. Another, Buck Floyd, is running in GTS-4. Would love to see the pics, have a link?
Here is a link to the NASA TX GTS Chat Board: http://texasgts.org/newforum/index.php
Link to the National GTS website: http://www.nasagts.com/
08-11-2009, 02:46 PM
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Any chance that NASA, PCA and BMW CCA can offer to coordinate schedules next year so that race weekends are not scheduled on top of each other? I want to do GTS, but the NASA race weekends seem to conflict with PCA. It would be wonderful if schedules could be coordinated for successive weekends at a given venue! Any chance of something like that happening?
Toby
Toby
08-11-2009, 03:03 PM
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Any chance that NASA, PCA and BMW CCA can offer to coordinate schedules next year so that race weekends are not scheduled on top of each other? I want to do GTS, but the NASA race weekends seem to conflict with PCA. It would be wonderful if schedules could be coordinated for successive weekends at a given venue! Any chance of something like that happening?
Toby
Toby
There is not that much overlap though. PCA only runs 3 'local' races a year - ECR, TWS, and Hallet. Of the three, there were 2 conflicts. NASA runs 6 times a year so you could have still attended 4 events. If you extend the PCA schedule to a longer tow distances, I guess there could be more conflicts but maybe with the exception of Barber, not sure too many tracks merit a 10 hour tow when there is a closer option.
This opens a larger question, and I'd love your input as well as hearing from other PCA racers: Why aren't more racers adding NASA events to their schedules? I'm not suggesting you leave PCA for NASA, but run NASA IN ADDITION to PCA. As mentioned there are quite a few opportunities to test the NASA waters without conflicts, what is keeping the PCA drivers on the sidelines?
08-11-2009, 04:49 PM
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No chance. They hardly notice each other's existence. Plus scheduling is hard enough without the extra complication.
There is not that much overlap though. PCA only runs 3 'local' races a year - ECR, TWS, and Hallet. Of the three, there were 2 conflicts. NASA runs 6 times a year so you could have still attended 4 events. If you extend the PCA schedule to a longer tow distances, I guess there could be more conflicts but maybe with the exception of Barber, not sure too many tracks merit a 10 hour tow when there is a closer option.
This opens a larger question, and I'd love your input as well as hearing from other PCA racers: Why aren't more racers adding NASA events to their schedules? I'm not suggesting you leave PCA for NASA, but run NASA IN ADDITION to PCA. As mentioned there are quite a few opportunities to test the NASA waters without conflicts, what is keeping the PCA drivers on the sidelines?
There is not that much overlap though. PCA only runs 3 'local' races a year - ECR, TWS, and Hallet. Of the three, there were 2 conflicts. NASA runs 6 times a year so you could have still attended 4 events. If you extend the PCA schedule to a longer tow distances, I guess there could be more conflicts but maybe with the exception of Barber, not sure too many tracks merit a 10 hour tow when there is a closer option.
This opens a larger question, and I'd love your input as well as hearing from other PCA racers: Why aren't more racers adding NASA events to their schedules? I'm not suggesting you leave PCA for NASA, but run NASA IN ADDITION to PCA. As mentioned there are quite a few opportunities to test the NASA waters without conflicts, what is keeping the PCA drivers on the sidelines?
08-11-2009, 07:28 PM
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There is not that much overlap though. PCA only runs 3 'local' races a year - ECR, TWS, and Hallet. Of the three, there were 2 conflicts. NASA runs 6 times a year so you could have still attended 4 events. If you extend the PCA schedule to a longer tow distances, I guess there could be more conflicts but maybe with the exception of Barber, not sure too many tracks merit a 10 hour tow when there is a closer option.
This opens a larger question, and I'd love your input as well as hearing from other PCA racers: Why aren't more racers adding NASA events to their schedules? I'm not suggesting you leave PCA for NASA, but run NASA IN ADDITION to PCA. As mentioned there are quite a few opportunities to test the NASA waters without conflicts, what is keeping the PCA drivers on the sidelines?
) would not always be relegated to a backmarker, I do think running with other German cars would be fun. I assume that NASA would grant me reciprocity on my PCA license (I have a rookie license with them only because I haven't run a race with NASA yet)? I don't recall any other significant differences except for the right-side net, correct?Clearly, GTS Challenge presents some interesting opportunities to get more racing time without having to tow extraordinary distances. Next time you see me out at the track (MSR), stop by and let's talk about it. I'm in Glen's building right next to where Glen and Melissa hosted us after driving with Patrick.
Toby
08-11-2009, 07:48 PM
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One other thing.... what kind of cars (weight and horsepower) are competitive in GTS3?
TBP
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08-12-2009, 10:16 AM
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The most competitive cars in GTS-3 are the 90's era/early 2000's BMWs (tuned engines with wonderful torque curves) and now the 996 with proper engine tuning. I think our class leader Jay Matus driving a Viking built 996 will win Nationals this year.
Make no mistake, the open rule book promotes car development and dollars equals speed.
Us torsion bar guys driving antiques are going to be at a technology disadvantage, no way around it. That said I am still able to end up on the podium about half the time and through consistent finishes I was second in the season championship last year and am holding there again this year by the slimest margin. I am at the ideal 11:1 ratio, you'll struggle a bit with the extra weight but you will still have folks to race with, have fun, and improve your race craft. Another option is to add ballast and see if you can get down to GTS-2. I just did that with my Spec Boxster, I ran 50lbs of fuel and 50 lbs of lead to make GTS-2 weight and was at the maxium ratio allowed.
The October race is a conflict date, NASA is at ECR and PCA is at Hallet. There was one other conflict if I remember right, because I raced with PCA at ECR so I made one of the three local PCA events. But as an example, we just raced TWS clockwise August 1&2, which should have been free and clear for PCAers to join the fun.
NASA will except the PCA license and issue you a provisional regional license. After 4 races and the race directors approval, you are upgraded to a full license.
My next date at MSR is August 22&23, testing and breaking in my new engine in the 911 (it blew up at Hallet). Any chance you'll be there?
Make no mistake, the open rule book promotes car development and dollars equals speed.
Us torsion bar guys driving antiques are going to be at a technology disadvantage, no way around it. That said I am still able to end up on the podium about half the time and through consistent finishes I was second in the season championship last year and am holding there again this year by the slimest margin. I am at the ideal 11:1 ratio, you'll struggle a bit with the extra weight but you will still have folks to race with, have fun, and improve your race craft. Another option is to add ballast and see if you can get down to GTS-2. I just did that with my Spec Boxster, I ran 50lbs of fuel and 50 lbs of lead to make GTS-2 weight and was at the maxium ratio allowed.
The October race is a conflict date, NASA is at ECR and PCA is at Hallet. There was one other conflict if I remember right, because I raced with PCA at ECR so I made one of the three local PCA events. But as an example, we just raced TWS clockwise August 1&2, which should have been free and clear for PCAers to join the fun.
NASA will except the PCA license and issue you a provisional regional license. After 4 races and the race directors approval, you are upgraded to a full license.
My next date at MSR is August 22&23, testing and breaking in my new engine in the 911 (it blew up at Hallet). Any chance you'll be there?