Fontana!

474 Views 17 Replies 0 Participants Last post by impalass96dggm, Jan 1, 2002

G

Discussion Starter · Oct 20, 2001

Just got back from running at the California Speedway Road Course and I must say it is a great little course. 17 turns and I never got over 95 mph but the technical aspect of the track is awesome. Very flat with one very subtle elevation change, almost an Auto-X course. Since the track is so new there is no rubber mat so the track was very slick in morning and developed grip in the afternoon.
I was getting times of 1:3x or so and there were some of the better shoes getting in the low 1:20's. I would imagine that in time there are some 1:17-18s to be had.

There is one hairy turn (don't all tracks have one

). I can not remember the turn number, but every one in the pits called it "The Wall Turn" 'nuff said there

You come into the corner at a pretty good clip and then you have to make a sharp right hander. Miss this and you will bend the car

All in all, though, I really liked it.

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G

Discussion Starter · #2 · Oct 22, 2001

Greg,
I wish I could have made it to watch you and Gary. How many cars where there? Did the track seem better suited for higher HP cars because it was a more technical course or do you think smaller displacement vehicles had the advantage? Glad you guys had fun and are back in one piece.

G

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 22, 2001

2

I’m jealous!

I feel the need for speed! (of the legal variety).

You mean you didn't initiate the California Speedway "Wall Turn" club. I guess Willow Springs "Turn 9 dirt club" is enough!

Mike

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G

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 22, 2001

2

Um, Greg.....this little face (

) was suppost to be just the old fashion rasberry type tongue action meaning that I am teasing.

There is no sexually suggestive intent..

Mike

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G

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 22, 2001

You know when you look at the track map you would think it would be better for the smaller cars, but it was the Vipers and Vettes that were turning the fastest times.

You definitely want to run a lot of camber there though. The track is tough on brakes. A lot of braking. Some areas called for two downshifts just to keep the rpms up to get bite off into the straights. There is one long straight about as long as the front straight at Willow, except this one has a sharp chicane at each end. So this means at the begining of the straight you are at about 40mph and the best I got at the end was 95 and then you are HEAVY on the brakes for the sharp flat right hander. Some of the Viper guys said they got a little over 100 down the front.

Now this track runs Clockwise. The front straight is at the bottom of the track relative to the picture. The "Wall Turn" is at the far left. If you look at the upper right part of the track, we used the first left hander not the second. That turn is wide open throttle that is really more of an ESS than a corner. Gets the heart pumping!

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G

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 23, 2001

Greg,

Do you think stock Impy brakes can hold up at Fontana? At Vegas I boiled my brake fluid over, and I was left with no brakes. I would hate to run at Fontana only to realize my POS stock brakes can't handle it. Do you think the long straight is enough to do any cooling of the brakes?

G

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 23, 2001

Boy that's a good question. For the first time ever I felt some chatter in the brakes as I went along, meaning I was heating up the brakes and pads enough to begin a gas build up (in the car not me). The only chatter I got was at the end of the front straight not the back straight. Now remember my car is about 1500 pounds lighter.

So to answer your question....NO. At least I wouldn't trust 'em which is why I took the Vette and not the GN. I think power steering would of concern in the Big Car also, but I know that you, John, and Gary have taken care of that.

G

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 2, 2001

Wow!, what a trip.

I just logged on to ask Greg if stock impala brakes would hold up at Fontana!

That is the story of my life a day late and a dollar short!

Greg,

I'm thinking that if stock brakes can't hold up at Fontana. (and I don't know how they could with 17 turns!) then it might not be the best place to hold the ISSCA Performance Festival.

What do you think would be the best track?

Thanks,

Mike

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G

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 3, 2001

I think your idea of going to Buttonwillow is a good one with Bakersfield close enough to hold a Drag Race. John and Gary have run Buttonwillow in their Impys with great results. Besides, I love that track!

I believe that at Fontana you would have to carry your own insurance unlike the other tracks where you can piggyback on their insurance.

What are you looking to do here? A school or competition? Buttonwillow also has a skid pad which may add to the program.

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G

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 5, 2001

Greg,

The Performance Festival will be a day (or days) dedicated to "all things performance". I'm thinking it would include such things as....

- drivers schools (road course and drag strip)
- weighting cars
- suspension demonstrations/vendors
- engine modification demonstrations/vendors
- road course driving
- drag strip racing
- skid pad (I love this!)

Now all we need is a LONG straight away to get some top speed runs!

So, far I think Buttonwillow is sounding like the best venue.

Hey, maybe Gary could donate a bikini to one of his "best" shoppers in return for being our trophy girl!

Keep the ideas coming!

Mike

P.S. Thanks for reminding me that mothers day falls in May. You may have saved me much heartache!

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G

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 9, 2001

Hey Racer X,

How did you get to drive Fontana? Is there any events coming up that allow street cars to run. Me and my buddy want to run the track.

G

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 9, 2001

Hi CaddySS,

Tell me about your pan hard bar.

- Is it custom made or retro-fit from another application?

- How does it perform?

Thanks,

Mike

G

Discussion Starter · #13 · Nov 10, 2001

Actually It's not in yet. I've been dealing with small engine problems and havn't had time to weld it up yet. But it's a universal deal from Jegs. Basicly one end is welded on and the other side is a cut to fit and weld set up. I'm finally getting the motor were it should be so that's next.

G

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 12, 2001

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CaddySS:
Hey Racer X,

How did you get to drive Fontana? Is there any events coming up that allow street cars to run. Me and my buddy want to run the track.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You can check here: http://www.touringcarclub.com/ This is a local club that rents tracks in the West for us to run on. You can also check here: www.hotrodbuick.com That is a group of guys called The Racer Guys.

G

Discussion Starter · #15 · Nov 26, 2001

hey racerx are you the same racerx from media impact?

Chris

G

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 26, 2001

how much does it cost to run at california speedway?

G

Discussion Starter · #17 · Dec 28, 2001

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by impalass96dggm:
hey racerx are you the same racerx from media impact?

Chris<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You mean there is more than one of us!

No I am not

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> how much does it cost to run at california speedway? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think it was $150.00 or so for one day. Check here for more details.

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G

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jan 1, 2002

yes there is more than one of you ohh well.

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