NJMP Sat Apr 16

[paradocs98]

Did my second HPDE event (first one in the M3) yesterday at NJMP Lightning through NASA/PDA. Had a great time, despite the wind and eventual rain. Ran with the stock PZeros, which was probably best for the damp conditions and 45 degree weather. A few thoughts:

The M3 is definitely more nimble and responsive under cornering and braking compared to my former E60 M5.

I'm sure the learning curve is steep and hopefully I'll progress well this season, but for now the car's abilities far far exceed my own.

NJMP is a very nice facility--two main circuits, a dedicated go-kart track, garages, concessions. I heard a rumor that the track was in bankruptcy proceedings. I hope it stays open and running--it would be a shame to lose it.

Bummer of the day--coming up on the aftermath of a collision between a Mustang and a 911 GT3 RS. They were in my green/HPDE 1 run group. I saw white tire smoke in the distance, then waving yellow flags--apparently the Mustang gave the GT3 RS a point-by on a long, gradual right-hand sweeper. The 911 had a 20-30 mph closing speed differential on the Mustang. As the 911 came around to the Mustang's left, the Mustang drifted left into the Porsche. Both spun and then collided again. Luckily nobody was hurt, but the Porsche's right front was smashed (fender, wheel/tire, suspension, hood), it had a big tire mark on the passenger door, its airbags deployed, and the windshield was cracked. What--$20k + worth of damage? Not sure if the driver had track insurance.

Highlight of the day--seeing the club races during the day. The 911s, M3s, and Corvettes were probably doing 140 mph+ by the end of the front straight. They would brake so late and deep into turn 1 it was incredible. A Z06 would consistently spit flames on downshifting into turn 1--awesome.

Anyone else from the forums there over the weekend?

[BimmerM]

That's unfortunate to hear about the accident. I hope they were not racing eachother. It also sounds like improper passing for a HPDE event.

Glad to hear you had fun though.

[midlifecrisis]

I wasn't at the NASA event, but a few of my friends were. I was there Monday and Tuesday with NJBMWCCA.

The bankruptcy isn't a rumor. They filed Chapter 11 last month to restructure their debt. Essentially, the lender exchanged about $10 million in debt for 20% equity in the place. It hasn't affected day to day operations. Turns out summer of '08 was a bad time to open a project like this with a lot of debt.

It's a great place. We need everyone to use it early and often to make sure it prospers.

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by paradocs98

Did my second HPDE event (first one in the
Bummer of the day--coming up on the aftermath of a collision between a Mustang and a 911 GT3 RS. They were in my green/HPDE 1 run group. I saw white tire smoke in the distance, then waving yellow flags--apparently the Mustang gave the GT3 RS a point-by on a long, gradual right-hand sweeper. The 911 had a 20-30 mph closing speed differential on the Mustang. As the 911 came around to the Mustang's left, the Mustang drifted left into the Porsche. Both spun and then collided again. Luckily nobody was hurt, but the Porsche's right front was smashed (fender, wheel/tire, suspension, hood), it had a big tire mark on the passenger door, its airbags deployed, and the windshield was cracked. What--$20k + worth of damage? Not sure if the driver had track insurance.


Anyone else from the forums there over the weekend?

Passing in the corners at a track day?WTF!I guess designated passing zones are not a bad thing then!

[LiM3y]

I am guessing this is the Lightning Track coming out of the Lightbulb? It is a bend rather than a corner, but it does set up a pass on a straight. The line moves left to right across the rise to set up a run on the left edge down the straight. The point-by is right and you wait for the view down the straight. If the Porsche was pointed by left, then that's a mistake by the Mustang to point and a mistake by the Porsche "to go for it" knowing what's ahead.

Okay, that's speculation, but I am trying to think where else it could happen at NJMP.

[midlifecrisis]

Originally Posted by LiM3y

I am guessing this is the Lightning Track coming out of the Lightbulb? It is a bend rather than a corner, but it does set up a pass on a straight. The line moves left to right across the rise to set up a run on the left edge down the straight. The point-by is right and you wait for the view down the straight. If the Porsche was pointed by left, then that's a mistake by the Mustang to point and a mistake by the Porsche "to go for it" knowing what's ahead.

Okay, that's speculation, but I am trying to think where else it could happen at NJMP.

It could also be turn 6, which is the sweeping right hander between 5 (the off camber top of the hill) and 7 (the sharp left hander after the bridge). This is another place where most drivers will drift from left to right to set up for 7.

[paradocs98]

LiM3y is correct--occurred after the lightbulb, on the approach to the main straight.

[midlifecrisis]

Originally Posted by paradocs98

LiM3y is correct--occurred after the lightbulb, on the approach to the main straight.

Yeah, we were discussing that very spot in the green group during the CCA event on Monday. Not much room between pit-in on the right and the marbles on the left. Used to be they didn't want passing before pit-in.

Both drivers need to make sure there's enough room. All in all, I think it's probably safer for the car being overtaken to stay to the left and let the pass happen to the right. Even then, the car being passed is likely to pick up some marbles and needs to be careful early on the straight. Also, if you stay too far left you can run out of track on the left, because it's bending a little to the right until it straightens out.

What a shame to bend such nice metal.