Who said the season is over - Sandpiper?

[C5XR]

Preliminary weather says sunny and high in the mid 50's. I've been down to Iowa for a few events in the past but haven't been to the Sandpiper location. Would anyone like to enlighten me?

Dave

[SmokingTires]

Preliminary weather says sunny and high in the mid 50's. I've been down to Iowa for a few events in the past but haven't been to the Sandpiper location. Would anyone like to enlighten me?

Dave

About the same traction as central, kind of a rolling hill effect. Not a big site, and you have to travel over these off blocks laid in the ground as part of the course.

Here's video I shot:
http://www.diggity-dank.com/dmvrsm.wmv

And here are some pictures:
http://www.dmvrscca.org/solofoto.htm

http://www.dmvrscca.org/spix0306tt/Images/DSCF0104.jpg

WOO HOO! GOOD PICTURE! :D

-Mike

[porkbone]

Hey, I remember that. Yeah, the surface is slick, and the events aren't the most efficiently run... But overall I had a good time back in March. I considered driving down there to end the season the same way I started it, but in the end I decided against it. M8 was a good way to finish it off...

[MNbiker]

About the same traction as central....
Not even close - when cold, Sandpiper has the lowest traction of any surface I've ever autocrossed on.

Dave, I wouldn't expect too much. Events aren't run very efficiently, and the site isn't real large. But, if you're desperate - it's autocross.

-Steve

[chuck b]

I agree with Steve about the super low traction surface. That's from a few years back in the awesome three way co-drive competition between Adam A., Salah, and myself back in the FWD days (CRX Si, Type R, and SE-R).

Anyway, just wondering other than for setup, what's the problem with a slick surface? It's easy on the tires. Is it because of the additional thrill the higher the g's go? Or is it that the big, high horsepower cars can't use the horsepower and that's frustrating?

out

[MNbiker]

...Or is it that the big, high horsepower cars can't use the horsepower and that's frustrating?

ding, ding, ding

Loved going to Sandpiper with my AWD Subie on Azenis. :D

Hated Sandpiper in my mutant Miata on sticky tires. :(

[Ivan]

I like the dmvr events. Laid-back attitude, and the events are finished early enough to get back here at a decent hour. If my car is out of the body shop by then, I may take the trip down.

[phile]

M8 was a good way to finish it off...


I had been thinking M8 was a good way to finish off the season. I like Midway. But whether my biorhythms were in Omaha or I just couldn't find the groove of Steve's course, my driving sucked much more than usual. It took me eight runs to get it hafway right. Too bad we only counted seven.

I'm still not going to drive to Iowa to try to stretch the season, though.

[washburn]

Heh, I was done when the last car came off the course at Eau Claire GP at the Bridge. My Golf is now "domesticated". Since I am forced to drive it this Winter, I raised the coilovers up well over an inch, put the dorky winter wheels on, took off the air dam, and am putting a quiet muffler on it. Sad really. Kind of like a trip to the vet...you know the kind.

[914 Dave]

Lucky for you, (actually the golf) the procedure can be reversed-

[rdub]

I may run it
racin is good anywhere you can get it
as long as it ain't snowin

[Darryl]

Heh, I was done when the last car came off the course at Eau Claire GP at the Bridge. My Golf is now "domesticated". Since I am forced to drive it this Winter, I raised the coilovers up well over an inch, put the dorky winter wheels on, took off the air dam, and am putting a quiet muffler on it. Sad really. Kind of like a trip to the vet...you know the kind.

SOMEONE SAVE THIS CAR FROM THE WINTER BLUES...

[aansorge]

Sandpiper is a blast in a CS Miata as the car throttle steers great due to low grip. I've had many a good day there. I was thinking about going but my wife is on bed rest (baby #3 due around Thanksgiving), so I don't think autocrossing is a good idea.

Maybe having not autocrossed since late September I'll be able to hit an Ice event in Salah's car!

Yes, chuck, that was a good day. We need to do it again!

[miata#37]

Head's up guys. You may want to call to confirm the event before driving down.

-Chris

[C5XR]

Head's up guys. You may want to call to confirm the event before driving down.

-Chris

Is this because of potential late season weather complications or something else?

My weather check from last night was for a sunny day, highs in the upper 50's!

I'm not a lock yet but a strong possibility at least.
Dave

[Ivan]

Head's up guys. You may want to call to confirm the event before driving down.

-Chris

Thanks Chris,

Just emailed Ric Johnson:

...
The forecast is for upper 50s to low 60s and sunny so we should be good to go. You can pre-register for the event on MyAutoEvents.com up until midnight Friday night.

Ric Johnson

[magicsammy]

gee... if only there was a Z06 I could drive, then I might go

[miata#37]

If Ric Johnson says it's all good, then go have fun.

[SmokingTires]

gee... if only there was a Z06 I could drive, then I might go

Too bad Dave M's isn't a ZO6 :p

If there was only an ASP car I could drive... :D

[C5XR]

If Ric Johnson says it's all good, then go have fun.

Weather
Now the high temp is low/mid 60's with no rain expected for a couple days either side of Sunday. 8)

Q1
On the issue of a slippery surface. . . would this make stickies a waste of time or a really good idea? i.e. 710's don't work well so don't bother or it's so slick you should bring everything you've got.

Q2
Someone else mentioned something about it being bumpy, what's that all about?

And you are correct, no Z06 here. I kind of figured if you're going to replace lots of stuff it doesn't make sense to spend more initially. . .

Dave

[StevenMosley]

Dave, Maybe you can talk Boos into going with you since he has a Z06. As you can see he even has plates on it. :) I didn't see any other WC cars with plates on. Was it a rookie mistake?

[SmokingTires]

And you are correct, no Z06 here. I kind of figured if you're going to replace lots of stuff it doesn't make sense to spend more initially. . .

Dave

If you look at the wide picture of the lot, there is a slightly different colored line running through the center of it. That's a cement piece that you have to drive across as part of the course. However the way they set it up last time, you didn't even notice it when driving.

As for tires, I'd bring the stickies. My Falkens weren't that great, but the R's on Adam's Miata were a blast. Still won't be great traction, but it will be fun.


I would come down, but my money is going into fresh paint for the bumper and hood (no more rock chips!)

-Mike

[aansorge]

In general, as grip decreases, so does the advantage of 'R's. Still, they are better there. Bienert and I once ran both of our Miatas and I was about 1 second quicker in his car on R's than I was in my car on S03 PP street rubber on a 40 second course (two lapper).

[magicsammy]

And you are correct, no Z06 here. I kind of figured if you're going to replace lots of stuff it doesn't make sense to spend more initially. . .

Dave

Really? Huh. I thought that was the only way to get the coupe body style

[aansorge]

Nope. At least at first, you could get the C5 in coupe form without getting a Z06.

The hardtop coupe was started in 1999, one year after the intro of the C5. It was introdued as the "enthusiast model" as it didn't have a ton of options and was slightly lighter. I think the z51 package was available on all models including the convertible.

[C5XR]

Nope. At least at first, you could get the C5 in coupe form without getting a Z06.

The hardtop coupe was started in 1999, one year after the intro of the C5. It was introdued as the "enthusiast model" as it didn't have a ton of options and was slightly lighter. I think the z51 package was available on all models including the convertible.

Pretty good for a Miata guy! What's up with that! You been shopping or what?

Usually referred to as the FRC (Fixed Roof Coupe). A little lighter than the normal car (not as light as the Z06), standard powertrain, manual trans only, minimal options (mine has virtually zero, body side moldings only), Z51 suspension only. Mine may just be as light as a typical Z06 since it's got no optional powered stuff inside.

Dave

[rdub]

Well it looks like its gonna be 60's in DesMoines on Sunday
and we get an hour of sleep back (daylight savings,fall back.........)
so I'm GOING
anyone else

[StevenMosley]

Nope. At least at first, you could get the C5 in coupe form without getting a Z06.

The hardtop coupe was started in 1999, one year after the intro of the C5. It was introdued as the "enthusiast model" as it didn't have a ton of options and was slightly lighter. I think the z51 package was available on all models including the convertible.

It was two years after. 1997 was the first year for the FRC. I think it was the only year before the z06 came to rule the earth.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=211162914
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=209433335

[weidnerpaul]

Well it looks like its gonna be 60's in DesMoines on Sunday
and we get an hour of sleep back (daylight savings,fall back.........)
so I'm GOING
anyone else

If the test drive works on the Sprite tomorrow I'll be there.

[SmokingTires]

Well it looks like its gonna be 60's in DesMoines on Sunday
and we get an hour of sleep back (daylight savings,fall back.........)
so I'm GOING
anyone else

Up for sharing a car? :D

Mines in the body shop.

[weidnerpaul]

Up for sharing a car? :D

Mines in the body shop.
And remember:

http://forum.mnautox.com/forums/showthread.php?p=60397#post60397

[porkbone]

I am now considering it. I'd say 70% chance I'm going.

[SmokingTires]

And remember:

http://forum.mnautox.com/forums/showthread.php?p=60397#post60397

Yup! I'm still 20. And I semi-know how to drive quick :)


I would drive my fine tuned Miata, but it is getting dropped off at the body shop tomorrow with my new bumper and soome fresh paint :)

-Mike

[ricksellner]

Directions i may be intrested now that rdub pointed out extra hour of sleep how far of drive is it?

[SmokingTires]

^
About 3.5-4 hours. It's really easy to get to. Paul Weidner gave me directions last time. They were easy to follow.

[miata#37]

In general, as grip decreases, so does the advantage of 'R's. Still, they are better there. Bienert and I once ran both of our Miatas and I was about 1 second quicker in his car on R's than I was in my car on S03 PP street rubber on a 40 second course (two lapper).

The other interesting thing to note about that comparison: my car was still a "Touring" package car at the time. i.e. It still had an open differential.

I wish Koni would have finished with my shocks so I could have a go at it tomorrow too.

-chris

[ricksellner]

Ok so its easy to find still i have no way of finding out where it is hehehe.

[larry200]

Rick,

It's just north of Des Moines. So 35W south most of the way.

There's a detailed map at the Des Moines Valley SCCA site, here:

http://www.dmvrscca.org/sandpipr.htm

-- Larry B.

[ricksellner]

thanks very much ill make on street tires

[ricksellner]

other wise when are people leaveing ill wait off 35 and join up wiht someone.

[weidnerpaul]

other wise when are people leaveing ill wait off 35 and join up wiht someone.
Rick,
I'm leaving the cities at 5:30, not sure what time that puts me by your on ramp :p

Call me anytime after 5:30 when I'm on the road if you want to meet up, I can tell you where I am so you can plan to be at that ramp at the right time...
763
486
3197

Paul

[ricksellner]

Done thanks paul be exit for 19 ramp below lakeville but ill call if that changes.

[weidnerpaul]

Done thanks paul be exit for 19 ramp below lakeville but ill call if that changes.
It takes me about 1/2 hour from the house to get to the McDonalds/Holiday McStop on 35 if that helps you plan.

[BergeGuy]

3 1/2 hour drive.... I think my season is over. :(

[porkbone]

3 1/2 hour drive.... I think my season is over. :(

Not I, car is loaded. Paul, I'll call you from the road.

[Ivan]

I'm gonna be lazy and sleep in tomorrow. Have fun.

[SmokingTires]

Anyone up for splitting gas and a ride for the way down? :)

My car is in the body shop getting a shiney new coat of paint 8)

[weidnerpaul]

Dan - Slacker!
Ivan - Slacker #2! (daylight savings change, you get an extra hour of sleep and you still won't go!)
Chris - will wait for your call
Rick - See you at exit 19
Mike - Sorry, bringing my mechanic this time (Curt Carlson) AND he's going to drive the car too :burnout:
This is rare as "speeds not my thing" he sez but he has a standing offer anytime so he's my co-driver this time.

[ricksellner]

Paul if im not there im already on my way i did the map qwest thingy.209 miles on 35w hope cops are not watching (hehe) sounds like butt load of fun just getting there.

[larry200]

I saw plenty of Iowa heat going to and from Topeka. Watch yourself.

-- Larry B.

[SmokingTires]

Rick,

On my trips to Iowa, I see on average 2-5 cars pulled over by cops. They have pleanty of speed traps out there.

[porkbone]

Well, I just got back. Here's how MAC fared:

Randy: no showed :(
Rick: drove like a bat out of hell to get there, took one run, then decided the drive down was more exciting. Turned around and drove home (presumably, like a bat out of hell). :evil:
Paul: Unfortunately, Sprite problems. Ultimately took 2 runs on (maybe) 3 cylinders. Loaded up the car and took off. :(
Me: Well, I was the only MAC person left so I had to try and represent. Took DS by maybe 8 seconds over my only other competitor. According to the guy I talked to, two people make a full class. 8)

Actually I ended up driving pretty well - I think 4th fastest raw time of the day if I calculated correctly. The grip was pretty sorry, the surface uneven and bumpy with plenty of blind spots. And the course was... well, INTERESTING. I drew a lame map below... not all cones are shown just some of the important ones.

Most importantly, only 1 car could be on course at any given time. The course was 68-80+ seconds long, depending on your driving skills.

[SmokingTires]

Paul called me in the morning and told me to be glad that I didn't come because of the somewhat "odd" course design. Poor planning I'd say, having a minute long course with a cross over.

-Mike

[MNbiker]

Typical course for Sandpiper. I've seen the same kind of layout there several times before.

-Steve

p.s. Ask Beinert about the "NASCAR" course they did one time at Sandpiper. ;)

[AlexL]

p.s. Ask Beinert about the "NASCAR" course they did one time at Sandpiper. ;)
Don't you mean two times? :bigeyes:

[porkbone]

p.s. Ask Beinert about the "NASCAR" course they did one time at Sandpiper. ;)

I've heard the story.

I would have preferred one 30-second course and 6 runs. But this was actually not too bad.

[porkbone]

Poor planning I'd say, having a minute long course with a cross over.

-Mike

Not only a cross over, but 2 laps, and a shared start/finish zone.

[MNbiker]

Don't you mean two times? :bigeyes:
No, the second time had ONE right turn. :p

[ricksellner]

It was intresting day 6 hours on interstate is something i havent done in long time.I great fun id say things have changes since the 65 mph interstates.About the course and club in iowa well(i owe the world an apploige) sounds about right.Pork laid out the course to show.What he didnt tell is about the gutter running through the center of it.A very nasty thing that drops about 2inches from pavement surface about 14 inches wide and has sharp edges of concete block sticking up.Now its bad enough to drive over the top of this tank barricade(dragoons teeth for those in the know) Totally unforgiveable to have to try to make car turn while going over them.I didnt feel the need to ripp good hoosiers up for nothing (hehe)With that said course although intresting was fun to drive but interstate drivein was much more fun for me.This is about the longest post ive ever typed.My hands have cramps my wrists hurt and i will never type this long again thanks.

[porkbone]

Totally unforgiveable to have to try to make car turn while going over them.I didnt feel the need to ripp good hoosiers up for nothing (hehe)

Yes, in order to drive the course correctly you had to be turning (at speed) while going over this big grate thingy. I was told that *usually* they try to make sure you're going straight over this thing. But for this course, it was in the middle of a decreasing-radius sweeper. Nasty.

[larry200]

Chris,

Congrats on your finish!

-- Larry B.

[Ivan]

Yeah, nice job Chris. Way to represent the North!

[ricksellner]

Any idea when they post results or email them?

[porkbone]

Any idea when they post results or email them?

probably a couple weeks. Hopefully sooner...

Yeah, nice job Chris. Way to represent the North!

Thanks!

Personally I'm interested to see the results so I can compare them with the event back in March. My first event of the year and last event of the year... same site, same club, same car, same worn-out tires (well not really, but pretty close)... should be a good comparison.

[ricksellner]

I want to see if one run held up to the 15 to 20 sec lead i had on cp.Or what i thought was cp.No one had classes on there cars so it was hard to tell hehehe.