Auto-Xers NEEDED ASAP!!!!

Discussion in 'Pro-Touring' started by SteveRacer, Sep 17, 2014.

  1. SteveRacer

    SteveRacer Well-Known Member

    I just got off the phone with Bennett and it's not looking real good for the auto cross. He said there were only three people registered so far. I'm sending mine in tonight and hopefully I can talk my brother into bringing down his 68'LS powered Camaro. You can RACE ANYTHING at this point. Not having a Buick is not an excuse, rent a car, bring your daily driver, talk your buddy into letting you register and drive his car. I did that one year at run to the hills when my brothers car wasn't finished. What a blast, double the fun. I rode with him and he rode with me. I think we burned up a whole tank of gas. Bennett said we will need real close to 20 cars for it to happen. Bill Howell will be running the timing so we will get a ton of runs in, especially with so few cars. It's rare to get into an event with so few cars, so take advantage, you will be glad you did. If it doesn't happen you can still drag race. Here is a link to the registration form. Let's get them filled out and sent in quick.

    http://www.gsnationals.com/EarlyRegForm14.pdf

    If you want to autocross both days it will cost $155.00. 15 each day to get in + 35 each day to auto cross + 55 registration
     
  2. Timonator

    Timonator Silver Level contributor

    Wow, a whopping 3 of us. I guess I should have built an LS powered F body and registered for LS Fest.
     
  3. Gazelle FineArt

    Gazelle FineArt Well-Known Member

    Come on lotto win! I wish I could afford the trip right now! :)

    Our local club lost our venue, so I haven't put in a single run all year :( Sigh ... Actually thinking of selling the AutoX car :(
     
  4. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I could do $35 a day for autocrossing but the whole registration AND having to work cones/corners on top of what it costs to get in the park seems a bit excessive. $155 for 2 days just turns me off.

    For an inaugural event, they should be trying to draw people in, people like me that have only seen an autocross and never competed in one. I'm just not willing to blow that much when I have no idea if my 2 ton brick will even take a corner.

    Sorry, I'm still out.
     
  5. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    I may get flamed for this , but I myself dont want to see just "any" car at the GS Nationals, im all for new things to liven up the event , but not opening up the venue to other makes , and the loss of the circle track would bug myself a little due to the loss of pit area and convenience to load and unload cars there, if it were assituation where there were 10+ Buicks signed up that would be different jmo
     
  6. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    That too. It is a Buick event. I don't want to see a bunch of Miatas, Mustangs, Camaros and Corvettes. LS Fest was a few weeks ago, Mustangs were here last week and the place is eat up with Corvettes about every other weekend. Now, if someone had a Lola or a McLaren, that would be OK.
     
  7. Gazelle FineArt

    Gazelle FineArt Well-Known Member

    Lmao ... Fine ... I will stay home.

    My avatar must have been what set you off ;)
     
  8. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    No, I've actually owned a few Miatas, including a Mazdaspeed 2004. I like them, but I don't go to Super Chevy events expecting to see Buicks either.
     
  9. Stg1Regal

    Stg1Regal Yep Traction Issues!:)

    That is the whole underlying point of the whole new venue , to figure out what your 2 ton brick and every other Hot Rod Buick can do and to take a corner.

    The back thought I had when originally discussing this with others , was to get every one to know their Buicks a little better and to drive them more , and to drive defensively .

    It was really never discussed that we wanted it to be a "OPEN" class , but kinda understood because most of the vendors that sell aftermarket Pro-Touring suspension parts all don't have Buicks in their "test vehicles" or Display Vehicles.
    They also drive those vehicles to show off their products and products capabilities.
    So it was understood that they could bring them and run them.

    Also it was understood that since it was the first event , as in any other new venue or event, attendance would be on the low side , so the open concept was there so others could bring in their cars to introduce Auto-X to those who really didn't understand the concept , and what some small changes to bigger changes can do to a vehicle.

    The idea also was to educate those of suspension geometry and upgrades to it , can the driver , their passengers and yes the car can benefit from it.

    So yes if a LS Powered Chevelle or Camaro shows up , it 's there to show what that chassis , and or a particular vendors product can do. A Chevelle , Olds Cutlass , Pontiac Tempest or GTO , and yes the Buick Skylark all share the same chassis the A Body Chassis.

    So that car is showing off a A body Chassis upgrades , If a Nova shows up it's a X -Body just like a the Buick Apollo , and if a 89 Camaro shows up its a F body just like our Buick Powered GTA Trans AMs.....

    Also some of these vendors and non Buick participants may also give you a ride on the course so you folks can get a "TRUE" seat of the pants feel of what a decently set up ride can do.

    Back in the day these old Buicks were driven as daily drivers , and no one complained about the handling because we didn't know any other.

    Now days we go out a buy the $30-$80K vehicles and hop in them and drive them , why because they are safer , seem safer , handle better and also better MPG.
    With that said when our restored Buicks hit that same price range we don't drive them as often and very cautiously, so your baby sits more than it gets driven.
    Why ? because it's old technology in the chassis suspension and brakes area.

    So here's the chance to get know your car better , exercise your limits and it's , then converse and discuss with those who have ways the means and know how in the industry on what can be done to your ride to make it better.

    Please don't get the idea it needs to be a uber set up suspension to do a Auto-X, or you need big dollars $$$$, they are some simple upgrades and modifications one can do , just make your ride drive and "feel" and handle better.
    Once these mods are made you will drive your car more confidently and more often.

    And those mods won't alter the appearance of it being stock, if you need to build a concourse numbers matching rare car , do so , but if you build that GSX tribute ride, and want to drive it and enjoy it and hop in it for the weekend getaway, please by all means come down ask those who are participating and those who know, what they recommend to do.

    Also these Auto-X's help train and build a better owner driver of the car or any car for that manner, so if the unfortunate situation arises , they will know themselves and what that car they are driving can do and avoid a bad outcome.

    Don't feel bad if your car is slow on the course , your on a learning curve and you will get faster, so don't get anxious .... it's like drag racing , ya got beat by the faster car and the better driver. In fact I've seen those better drivers come out with their best runs, then turn their cars over to a professional driver and that drive will shave 2-3 seconds off that owners time, so it's not all the car it's the driver and the conditioning of the mind.

    Yes , we are hoping even betting this venue will take off and bring some new life back into the Nats maybe bring in some new younger blood with the drive we once had, to the point where one day it will be a all Buick and Buick powered only event and we can spread beyond the circle track of Beechbend to getting a chance to pilot and stretch your Buick's legs on a true road course , so a short drive might be in the future , up the road to the new Corvette Race track across the Hiway from the Corvette Museum.
     
  10. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

    i just dont have car to bring. i can slide my big diesel chevy around if i get to come.
     
  11. DrBuick

    DrBuick Platinum Level Contributor

    I agree fully with you Chris. I did my first autocross in 1974 while at college. My '70 Skylark was terrible but I had so much fun I was hooked. The challenge of making an unpopular car handle well was most gratifying. That car eventually placed fourth at the SCCA Solo II nationals in C Prepared class. People should just run whatever they have and see how much fun it is. I'm going to bring 3GS, I just haven't signed up yet.
     
  12. SuncoupeTouring

    SuncoupeTouring Well-Known Member

    I will be there in my daily driver, just to make sure there is a chance we will have it next year, when my Skylark will be running well enough to take it around the track.

    I have not pre-registered, was going to sign up Wednesday morning.

    Do they have to have 20 pre-registers, or 20 the day of?


    Mike
     
  13. Timonator

    Timonator Silver Level contributor

    You can register at the event. Bennett says it's a go !
     
  14. electra68

    electra68 Well-Known Member

    I used to autocross and track in my lexus is300 and then a 240sx sr20det, that being said I can't imagine taking my current buick electra out on the twisties. Thing rolls more than a boat. Although I understand your desire to have less imports and more older domestics, I think autocross should be available to all makes and models because it instills a love of cars and teaches people valuable driving technique.
     

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