[UnrulyNFS]

Are you gonna camp up there?

 

[UnrulyNFS]

I bought a Flaming River battery cutoff switch like this one to go on the wagon. Plan to mount it this summer so that its track legal. Battery is in the trunk, so I have a Moroso battery box and this type battery switch to make it tech legal. Drag strip and VIR

So I know boxing the battery in a wagon or hatch is pretty much required... but what about a coupe with the battery in trunk? I've already given up on meeting the NASA regulations after seeing the sunroof requirement and all the hassle Talon went through. But just to go up and i guess Test n tune, i wouldn't have to box it I hope?

 

[drtalon123]

So I know boxing the battery in a wagon or hatch is pretty much required... but what about a coupe with the battery in trunk? I've already given up on meeting the NASA regulations after seeing the sunroof requirement and all the hassle Talon went through. But just to go up and i guess Test n tune, i wouldn't have to box it I hope?

So, unless VIR is hosting their own test n tune days on their website, events through NASA require either a racing license or HPDE2 level to participate in open track days, which is usually the Friday before most of their events.

HPDE events do NOT require battery modifications, roll cages, bucket seats, harnesses, etc, its exactly like it sounds, High Performance Driver Education, which is the pre-req for obtaining a racing class license.

Through the 4 levels of HPDE, you never need any of those above items, all you need is a certain Snell rated helmet, any car, and a valid driver's license with proof of insurance.

So basically until you get higher up in the racing classes, you don't need a ton of expensive mods or safety gear. HPDE is geared to stay within the realms of factory safety gear, which is why OEM safety equipment like seats and seat belts are OK.

Due to the cost of HPDE, it will take me a couple years I bet before I could move up to level 4 (unless someone sponsors me lol). HPDE is really not all that expensive when you consider all the behind thr scenes stuff that happens, the classes and instructor led training, as well as a personal racing instructor who rides along with you.

I know some guys that have progressed straight to level 2 on their first weekends out based on their driving level. I'm hoping my experience with karting serves me well, in regards to track etiquette lol. Maybe I can impress my instructor.... cross fingers to a quick level up!

 

[drtalon123]

Are you gonna camp up there?

We'll see how the weather fares... hopefully its nice and not brutally hot!

I'll probably be bringing the pickup, and with all the madness that typically ensues during hyperfest events, im sure sleeping on the damn track won't be abnormal lmao.

I'm not "too" far away from the track, probably an hour at most, so if I need to head home for a shower I will haha. I'm not even going to bother trying to retreat near the camp area, since if the COVID restrictions stay lifted for this event, that watering hole is going to be PACKED. Also not going to try looking at lodging, since it gets busy on event weekends. I'd rather spend 20 bucks in gas to commute, leave my stuff locked up in the paddock area, and head home for the evening.

In either case, Hyperfest activities in between track sessions with the HPDE coach will be freaking badass. I haven't participated in a track day event in close to 11 years haha, been a spectator to a few, but the itch to get out on track is impossible to shake.

 

[UnrulyNFS]

That's great news! That is exactly what I had planned on. I just want to have some legal fun in the car, im not out to compete in racing. I'm at a loss on knowledge for VIR now. My road racing friend who pretty much talked me into building a car to go up there with him just passed away two weeks ago from a heart attack. Once he found out I used to race, he pestered me for 3 or 4 years to build another car. He was excited when I finally bought a project car . He said when the car was ready, he would go with me and set me up with an instructor.. So I was gonna build the car and let him know when I was ready. Thanks for explaining that bit.

I plan on this being a scouting mission to learn the layout of the land before I actually take a car up there...... IF I don't have to work.

 

[drtalon123]

What is up with this month and people passing away? I'm sorry to hear that man.

My wife's dad just passed away very recently, it has been hard on her the last couple weeks. Her and I are just sticking it out together taking things day by day, he was a really good guy.

Yeah man, check out NASAs website. Fantastic info for how to get involved with HPDE on there. All rules and regs are listed, and HPDE instructions state all you could ever want to know.

www.nasaproracing.com

I built the car originally to the Honda Challenge rulebook, even though I still can't participate in that yet. By the time I get HPDE done, the car should be ready.

 

[drtalon123]

In case anyone is curious what Hyperfest is all about, here ya go (last years promo videos):

https://www.hyper-fest.com/event-info

Figured I'd do some promoting lmao, this event is too badass lol. Supposedly the largest car event on east coast.

I'll be there all weekend with the wife, if the stars all align correctly! Anyone interested, I'll have discounted crew passes a week before the event, so you get hyperfest access AND race paddock access for 3 days!

 

[UnrulyNFS]

I 'm going if I dont have to work. They pretty much own me and I can't get time off since everyone else (over half my team)is furloughed or layed off for good. Still no July schedule, but hopefully I will know in a week or so.

 

[robgoof]

should be an action packed weekend ,,you gonna drift her ... hopefully the weather is bearable..

 

[drtalon123]

should be an action packed weekend ,,you gonna drift her ... hopefully the weather is bearable..

I wish haha. Unfortunately, the Hyperfest activities got cancelled because of covid. It didn't affect my event, but instead of close to 18,000 people showing up there, it might be 3-400 now by getting rid of the spectator portion of the weekend. Only NASA members (and crew!) can be there. Apparently we can social distance effectively this way. I'll have 3 Go-Pro's with me, and take lots of footage to share here! We shall see how the weekend unfolds!

I'm actually kind of worried about the weather part, the car is far from waterproof lol. Probably need to bring some duct tape to cover the floorboard holes, or some wine bottle corks, or pieces of a pool noodle to jam in there....

If it doesn't rain, I'm sure it will be brutally hot instead. Freaking July/August in the south, on an asphalt playground....