Landracing Forum

Loring Timing Association (Maine) => Loring (AFB) land speed venue => Topic started by: blackslax on February 12, 2012, 09:18:01 PM

Title: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: blackslax on February 12, 2012, 09:18:01 PM
Hello Racers,
The 2012 racing season will be on us before we can find log books.  So, time to get started.

Schedule –
The Maine Event will be held July 12-15.  Tech will start Thursday, Racing will start Friday at noon and end Sunday at 4.  Great news as usual is that since we rent the facility for a full week, these times can be extended, shifted, or an extra day can be added to accommodate weather.  So, we should be able to get in 800-900 runs.
The Harvest Event will be held Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Tech will start Friday and Racing will start Saturday at 9 and end Sunday at 4.  (Everything else is the same as above.)

Registration –
We know that everyone wants to be the first in line, but we are not quite ready yet. 
Since we are limiting registration to 150 vehicles, our registration system will be like September; fill out the online form and then complete the transaction with a credit card or paypal through the online checkout.  Since we have such an increase in racers wanting to come and the event will cap out, we apologize, but we can no longer allow people to register to get their spot, not pay, not show up and effectively ruin someone else’s weekend and create a lot of prep work in the process.  If you choose to take your chances that the event will not sell out, you are welcome to come and pay at the event, but there is no guaranty you will have a spot.  If you are unable to attend, we will bump your registration to the next event only at no charge, but we must be advised at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Pricing –
Pricing for the 2012 Maine Event has been set at $250.  This will include registration for 1 vehicle, entry for 1 driver, two tickets to Saturday’s BBQ, a rulebook, and event poster. Since we do not charge a membership fee which is basically a fee to drive, we will again be charging a onetime $50 for a driver change.  I do not want to get long winded about the 20 reasons why pricing has gone up so I will simply say that we are working hard to give our racers the best experience possible and in order to do so, our costs are rising significantly.  Registration at the event (if available) will be $400. Anyone with a bump form a previous event will need you pay the difference.
(Joe Daly likes to quote some guy named Tim Kelly as saying “No bucks, No Buck Rogers”).

135 Class Cars – Registration will be $125.  With this you get registration for 1 vehicle, an event poster, and 3 runs.  135 class will not have records in the Rulebook or certifications.  We will however have an award for the racer that comes the closest to the 135 mark.

135 Class Cars can run for records and run all weekend if they register for a vehicle class and pay $250.

 
Medical Forms –
This year, our resident primary healthcare provider and former trauma nurse Linda Kelly will have medical forms available at registration.  If you choose to fill one out it is up to you.   Her mantra is “only put on it what a doctor needs to know to save your life”. (Hint – a broken toe in junior high won’t save your life; an allergy to morphine might.)

Rule Changes-
We have reworked the rulebook for 2012.  Everyone seems to be happy that it is easier to understand.  There are no changes to the spirit or intent of the rules, just clarification.  As usual, and changes to the letter of the rules are highlighted.  We have some changes that maintain parity with SCTA and ECTA.

New Classes –
1) Electric vehicles in all classes will be allowed due to our cooperation the NEDRA.  Frank John, the   
starter at the fall event will be heading up EV tech.
2) Classic Motorcycles for 4-strokes from  1956-1986 inclusively.
3) Twins Motorcycles to include all single and twin cylinder 4-stroke bikes.

Track Changes –
The transition at the end of the 1000’ of concrete will be shaved off to allow wide open access to the full 300’ of track width.  We will also be changing the return raod to the center to allow the 1 1/2 mile runway to be used for limited shakedown runs under strict monitoring.

Procedural Changes –
Registration has moved to the pits at the end of the camping area.  That is where it will stay.  It worked much better and eliminated crossing traffic. 

Rookie and Driver Meeting  – Late arrivals that do not attend the mandatory meeting will not be allowed to do a tour of the return road to see the track any longer.  When the track is held for some reason, they will be taken down the track by an official for a thorough review.  It will be done at a time that is convenient for our racers and our staff,  so we suggest you arrive on time.

Tire Date Codes – Tire date codes must be marked with highlighter, red dot or anything to show where they are.  This is the single point that slows down inspections the most.

Camping – Camping will be allowed on site again this year.  There will be $20 charge assessed and your vehicle  or tent must have a camping sticker.

I'm sure that there will be more, but I hope this is a big start...so get building!
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on February 12, 2012, 09:40:40 PM
"Tire Date Codes – Tire date codes must be marked with highlighter, red dot or anything to show where they are.  This is the single point that slows down inspections the most."

I've long used a silver-colored Sharpie to mark the date codes.  Racers -- it won't be hard to find these at your local Wal-Mart or office goods store, and I know, from personal experience, that the inspectors will be very happy with you if you'll mark the date codes with the silver marker.  Try it- you'll see.
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: 55chevr on February 12, 2012, 09:47:38 PM
Slim --- you are correct about the date code marking ...
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: Maybury on February 13, 2012, 05:19:07 AM
"Tire Date Codes – Tire date codes must be marked with highlighter, red dot or anything to show where they are.  This is the single point that slows down inspections the most."

I've long used a silver-colored Sharpie to mark the date codes.  Racers -- it won't be hard to find these at your local Wal-Mart or office goods store, and I know, from personal experience, that the inspectors will be very happy with you if you'll mark the date codes with the silver marker.  Try it- you'll see.


Slim,
What date code is acceptable? Or how old is too old?
I looked in the rule book under tires and nothing is specified.
Sorry for the tread drift.
Thank's
Mark
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: RidgeRunner on February 13, 2012, 08:34:25 AM
Tim,

     Are the '12 rulebooks ready and available yet?  How much and where to order?  I know the rules are posted online but the book itself is much handier for me to keep in the toolbox or AWOL bag for ready reference.

                   Ed
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: blackslax on February 13, 2012, 08:34:54 AM
Mark,
Tire date codes must be les than 10 years old.  A lot of racing tires do not have date codes on them.
One of the biggest things we are starting to see is people buying older/low mile Busas that still have the original tires and when they show up, they are outdated.
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on February 13, 2012, 10:38:14 AM
Tim, you've touched on a way-too-common thing that happens with tires.

Many times I've been presented with tires that are old - but the bike owner insists that he just got them brand-new from the vendor.  I show him the date code - whatever, maybe 3 or 6 years old - and that's when he learns that "brand new" to him doesn't necessarily mean "brand new" to the dealer's shelf or even the distributor's warehouse.  There's not much to be done about it -- except to specify, right on your order (paper or email) that the tire's date must not be earlier than XX XX* or the tire will be returned freight collect and the credit card payment will be disputed.  If you're buying in person - read the code before you accept the tire he's trying to hand you over the counter.

*Set whatever date you want in there, but I'd suggest giving the vendor a year or so.  Just don't let them give you tires that have been on the shelf forever.

In case you haven't learned it -- the date code will be on the side of the tire, in an oval, and will be four digits.  The first is the week of manufacture (i.e. 01 means first week of the year, 37 means 37th week of the year, etc).  The second two digits are the year of manufacture -- with 01 meaning 2001 and 09 2009, etc.  Therefore:  4710 means the tire was made about the beginning of December in 2010.
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: Cajun Kid on February 13, 2012, 11:10:51 AM
Tim,  thanks for the very well written overview.

Charles
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: Frank06 on February 13, 2012, 09:30:21 PM
While it's never a good idea to use tires that are *too* old, strictly speaking only tires rated V,Z, or ZR must be less than ten years old, at least the ways the rules are written now.  Unless I misunderstood the requirement of course...

7.B.9 Tire Requirements:
A: All motorcycle entries, must use tires with an appropriate speed rating.
B: The required speed rating is governed by the record speed in the class.
C: All competitors going over 187 MPH must sign the tire waiver form.
D: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ENTRANT TO CHECK INFLATION PRESSURES AND TIRE AND WHEEL FOR DETERIORATION OR DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AND AFTER EVERY RUN.
E: Tires rated H CANNOT be used beyond the speed rating.
F: All production tires rated V, Z or ZR must have been produced within the last ten years as of the date of the current event.
G: Sidewall date coding will be checked.
H: Tubeless, bias ply type tires may be run with tubes.
I: Tires designed for use on the drive wheel in drag bikes are not be allowed.
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: Maybury on February 17, 2012, 02:51:18 AM
Slim,
That is a great explination.

Tim,
What is the cost for the Harvest event going to be? And will it be for 2 days of racing like last year?

It is nice that there is going to be testing runs on Friday and that will help some but some of us are counting every penny and can not afford to take an extra day away from working.

Regards,
Mark
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: blackslax on February 17, 2012, 10:47:54 AM
Mark,
Friday will be racing for records, not testing.
We willbe using the 1.5 mile runway for testing.
September will be 2 days unless we are overwelmed with entries.
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: fredvance on February 17, 2012, 11:06:18 AM
What is the class change fee?
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: Cajun Kid on February 17, 2012, 11:12:00 AM
What is the class change fee?


Class change is $50  (after a class change if you go back to prior class there is no charge)

CV
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: fredvance on February 17, 2012, 11:13:36 AM
Thanks Charles :cheers:
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: Maybury on February 17, 2012, 12:41:06 PM
Mark,
Friday will be racing for records, not testing.
We willbe using the 1.5 mile runway for testing.
September will be 2 days unless we are overwelmed with entries.

Tim,
Thanks for the reply,
but is the harvest event going to cost less to register for as it is only 2 days?

Yes, I am CHEAP. Gota save every penny or can't afford race fuel.

Regards,
Mark

Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: blackslax on February 17, 2012, 02:32:28 PM
Mark,
The Harvest event is priced art $200.
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: saltwheels262 on February 17, 2012, 06:50:03 PM
harvest event is 200 dollars.

go to...        lta-lsr.com

bf
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: saltwheels262 on February 17, 2012, 06:51:51 PM
my mistake on the double answer.

I didn't realize there was a second page.
reading this out on-" view the most recent posts on this forum "
had to go offline at work and unread posts were scratched.
Title: Re: LTA - 2012 Season Overview
Post by: Maybury on February 20, 2012, 06:00:01 AM
Tim,
Thank's for the reply on the cost as $50 is about 4 gallons of race fuel. :-D
That and the weather is a little cooler during September.

Mark