Landracing Forum
Loring Timing Association (Maine) => Loring (AFB) land speed venue => Topic started by: Jerry O on April 22, 2009, 12:00:19 AM
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If all goes well, I plan on running my streamliner at the Loring event later this year. What I need to know is how does the surface of the track, pit area and return roads compare to the Maxton track. My car is a flat bottom design ( much like the Costella cars) and has very little ride height so large bumps, pot hole etc. will be a problem for me. Allthough I have not ran my car at Maxton yet, I think I have it set up to run there with little problems. The car does have adjustable suspension so I can make some changes if needed. Its a long drive from NC , so I want to make sure I come ready as possible. Any info on this will be a great help. Thanks..........JerryO
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I think Bob Wanner posted that the surface was smoother than Maxton, and will have friction coefficient numbers at some point.
But mostly I want to see pics of your progress - is there a build thread?
Dean
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Thanks Dean on the track info. I have been taking photos of the build but have not started a build thread yet. Hope to do that soon. Now if I can get my car to run as good as your bike, I will be a happy camper. Great job!!
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Hi Jerry ,
Briefly I'll touch on stuff already discussed on other threads on these forums. As I drove my car up there a few times , I have an idea of the surface, and can relate about it.
We have not chosen our exact route, lengthwise, but it is generally very smooth, and probably appropriate for even a non suspended vehicle. Our Maine pal Mark, has a Porsche running only 88mm off the ground at max suspension compression. The track total surface is 1000ft concrete, followed by 10,000ft asphalt, 1000ft concrete, and final 1000ft asphalt. The Maine State Troopers Accident Investigation unit are running a C of F training exercise within the next few months to ascertain traction characteristics for tuning and tire choices to be publicized asap they relay them to us.
Make your reservations now at the Caribou Inn, ask for the LTA racers discount..
http://www.caribouinn.com/flash/
Glad you are coming, you sound like a candidate for FT of the Meet...four wheeled, anyway
Bob Wanner...starting to have fun, fer sure
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"it is generally very smooth, and probably appropriate for even a non suspended vehicle",
Let me reemphasize "probably".
I've had some discussions with our LTA core group, leads me to elaborate on that statement.
There are minor surface disruptions and very slight grade changes, imperceptible to the majority of racers that would possibly be experienced only by very high speed unsuspended vehicles . After LTA/09, everybody can discuss those experiences with those that made runs about their take on the entire weekend.
This is all about Safety on a previously untried surface, and although we believe it is probably (there's that word again) the best mile and a half LSR track existent, we don't want anybody to be disappointed , for whatever personal reason they find.
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Thank you Bob for the track info. I can't wait to make a pass on a 1.5 mile track. Sounds like it will be a great event. Thanks again..... JerryO
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Coefficient of Friction test update...
The Maine State Police notified us today they plan to be on the runway either the last week of May or the first week of June. As soon as we get a date, we'll have a LTA delegation up to assist (annoy) and relay the info ASAP.
We're still working on additional lodging choices , especially for RVs and Campers.
Stay tuned.
Bob W
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:-D
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Elevation on site about 700ft. As it's a runway, it is really really level.
Check below, navigate mouse for in/out and Aerial
http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?T=2&S=13&Z=19&X=365&Y=3250&W=3
BOB W
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Correction on that elevation quote of 700ft. It seems I might have been incorrectly quoting info I've not personally researched. From the Topo I just sent, it appears to be more like around 230 ft Altitude above sea level.
Could be beach property in a few years if the more dire environmental predictions are true. Another reason reason to see it now !
BOB the errorer W
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:-D
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I found the following site,http://www.digital-topo-maps.com/ which labels the start line area at 742 ft above Sea Level.
These Topo maps used to be Free, now hard to find at those prices.
Check it out !
BOB The Weary W
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:-D
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Can you see the surface yet?
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Download Google Earth, give you the elevation of everywhere :D
222m = 728', appears to be very flat
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About 742 feet above sea level the whole length, and we plan on running directly down the middle of the 300 ft width.
If the weather holds, a few of us will be up there this mid week to assist the Maine State Troopers in performing Coefficient of Friction tests to aid all participants in choosing tires , suspension settings , brakes, etc. We'll also make very accurate linear measurements to ascertain the Mile and a half, traps, and whatever else seems pertinent. ( Two miles?) .
We owe a debt of gratitude to the Troopers for graciously complying with our request for this, another great example of the ongoing cooperation we've continuously experienced in Maine.
I'll report back on our findings and our trip in general when we return Thursday-ish.
Bob Wanner
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We ran our Coefficient of Friction tests last Wednesday on different areas of the entire Runway. We first ran the tests on the right (east) side of the track, where we'll start the runs. We changed from the middle as there is a very minor lip/bump up in the transition from concrete to asphalt in the that center area. Also the middle concrete is grooved lateral to the direction of travel, a washboard in effect, probably designed to aid rain-off or ? The side that we'll run is very smooth and the transition to asphalt is not that perceptible.
We tested the asphalt and the concrete , and to our pleasant surprise found little difference between their traction characteristics. Anyone wanting a more detailed set of numbers contact me off line.
We also measured and marked the 1 1/2 miles, accurate within 6 inches.
We've also secured a hanger close by the pit area for rain shelter ( huge).
Fresh info on Hotels on that topic on these forums.
Bob W
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Bob said: "We've also secured a hanger ..."
Bob, a hanger is something from which one hangs. A HANGAR, spelled with all "a"s and no "e"s, is a building for housing airplanes and such. Being that Loring is a place where airplanes used to congregate -- shall I assume that you meant to say that you've secured a HANGAR?
Gee, it's great being so pernickety.
Best regards and all of my love -
Jon, a/k/a/ SSS
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:-D SSS Don't you mean,,where the airplanes "assemble" not, congergate? Just pokin at ya ,,, Crow
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Considering the David Carradine hanger story, I should've known.
It must be boooooring up there when the snow melts.
Too bad you can't make our Inaugural; event, the area is very U.P. like, even have a bird nicknamed an Uppie, our infamous Upland Sandpiper .
BJ and Mark saw a few last week. I videoed a brace of Moose about 100 yds off the runway.
Bob W
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I sure hope those mooses (Moosi?? Meese??) stay away when we are there. I hate to think what a 200 mph busa and a 2000 lb moose would look like if they vied for the same space at the same time.
DickJ
In east Texas
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:-D A "brace" of Moose would be two or more, A gaggle of geese is two or more, and a flock of chickens is a darn good start for a BIG BBQ.. Crow
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Bob said: "We've also secured a hanger ..."
Bob, a hanger is something from which one hangs. A HANGAR, spelled with all "a"s and no "e"s, is a building for housing airplanes and such. Being that Loring is a place where airplanes used to congregate -- shall I assume that you meant to say that you've secured a HANGAR?
Gee, it's great being so pernickety.
Best regards and all of my love -
Jon, a/k/a/ SSS
I think you mean .........Persnickety
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Protecting the reputation of our revered leader (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee171/4-BarrelMike/Miscellaneous%20stuff/rotfl.gif) I submit:
The original Scottish dialect form was “pernickety,” but Americans changed it to “persnickety” a century ago. “Pernickety” is generally unknown in the U.S. though it’s still in wide use across the Atlantic.
http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/pernickety.html (http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/pernickety.html)
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pernickety (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pernickety)
http://www.wordreference.com/definition/pernickety (http://www.wordreference.com/definition/pernickety)
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pernickety
etc...
Mike
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:-oodge! You guy's are good! Crow
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I sure hope those mooses (Moosi?? Meese??) stay away when we are there. I hate to think what a 200 mph busa and a 2000 lb moose would look like if they vied for the same space at the same time.
DickJ
In east Texas
dickj,
have we captured you on the list (let's make a list...) thread???
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I sure hope those mooses (Moosi?? Meese??) stay away when we are there. I hate to think what a 200 mph busa and a 2000 lb moose would look like if they vied for the same space at the same time.
DickJ
In east Texas
when is rutting season for moose? it's in the fall for deer around here ,and they get pretty active.
franey
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August 1-3.....Skip the cologne and don't look like a rut.
BW
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August 1-3.....Skip the cologne and don't look like a rut.
BW
didn't mean to to give you an outlet for your humor.
i felt it might be an area of concern.
franey
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I'm prone to occasional outbursts of sarcasm, and I should've followed that up with some reality, Sorry .
Moose ,Deer, and wildlife in general usually avoid crossing large expanses without cover, and our racing area definitely falls into that area, as in thousands of treeless acres of pavement or grass. August is a bit early for the mating season for our antlered neighbors , later in September is normal up there.
We plan on having observers stationed along the full length of the runway, mainly to monitor the racers, but also to watch for interlopers of any variety and immediately shut down the event until they are cleared.
Bob Wanner
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sounds good to me.
would like to make loring in '10.
franey
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Bob,,, do I need to bring my sniper rifle to dispatch any uninvited 4 legged guests before they attempt to cross the track ?
:evil:
Yes just kidding.....
Charles
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sounds good to me.
would like to make loring in '10.
franey
if only one event is possible; it will be my first love-- da salt
franey
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"if only one event is possible; it will be my first love-- da salt"
Sounds like you may be vacillating and looking for support in your decision ?
I commented on this in a separate topic, it's your personal decision based on your specific needs and desires.
Nothing compares to "Da Salt", and our deal is just an alternative event in it's first year.
If your final decision was based on economics, the LTA is the easy choice, but typically if we in LSR made decisions based on logic,we'd be sitting on our front porches, knitting.
Next year should be very interesting.
Bob W
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Bob, speaking of next year, do you have a tentative date in mind? Hopefully not so close to speedweek.
Fred
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Fred,
LTA 2010 at this point would still come no earlier than the first full weekend in August, as in the 6th through the 8th. Remember, we are technically on probation with all the official entities that allow our event this year. Therefore everybody should be on their best behavior this year, Safety First, and when in doubt, Don't.
If we are as low impact as we've said we are, hopefully we can get an earlier start more conducive to all LSR enthusiasts then having to choose attending which event.
If this goes as well as we'd like, I think attendance decisions will be a lot easier in the aftermath.
Bob W
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Thanks Bob, I am pretty sure my priorities will be the opposite next year. If it comes to Speedweek or Loring it will be Loring, I just gotta run a mile&1/2 on pavement with loys of shutdown, at 500 ft elevetion and cooler temps. Darn as I write this I start thinking about credit cards and this year.lol
Fred
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Do it, Fred. A mile and a half on pavement! Don't worry about the credit card. It's the American way. Just go and have fun. Your trailer has enough room to sleep in it once you take the bike out. Spam, beer and jalepeno spread - -who needs a food budget?
DickJ
In East Texas
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Front page story in today's Marquette Mining Journal (our daily paper):
http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/529145.html?nav=5006
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Moose hurt bad?
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I just hope they didn't do a catch and release with plans to drop him off in Loring! :-o
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It's 110 degrees in my shop and 102 degrees in the back yard. Too hot to work on the car. Remembering some roasters waiting in staging at Bonneville, Maxton, and Texas Mile, I got to wondering what it might be like waiting in staging at Loring. Browsing the internet, I found that it is 77 degrees right now. Although it is possible to reach a hundred degrees in Maine, it is a truly historical event when it does, and the possibility of succumbing to heat stroke in racing leathers or driving suit in August is highly unlikely.
DickJ
In East Texas
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I read the Mosse story,,, what the Fiat is an Immature Moose ?
Charles
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It's 110 degrees in my shop and 102 degrees in the back yard. Too hot to work on the car. Remembering some roasters waiting in staging at Bonneville, Maxton, and Texas Mile, I got to wondering what it might be like waiting in staging at Loring. Browsing the internet, I found that it is 77 degrees right now. Although it is possible to reach a hundred degrees in Maine, it is a truly historical event when it does, and the possibility of succumbing to heat stroke in racing leathers or driving suit in August is highly unlikely.
DickJ
In East Texas
It could be in the 90's with 100% humidity! I live 200 miles south yesterday I was sweating with 76 degrees and 100% humidity. :-D
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I read the Mosse story,,, what the Fiat is an Immature Moose ?
Charles
A calf. I hit an young Moose on my way to work at midnight with a 1 ton chevy van a few year ago. I walked away with only a sore knee. My Van was totaled, engine shoved back an inch. Loaded the 850 lb Moose on a friends truck and got 400 lbs of steak and hamburger out of it. Ted
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There's a lot of deer and moose being driven out of the woods right now by the !@#$%^&* mosquitos (we've had a pretty wet time of it lately.) A few years ago our town road commissioner hit a moose in his dump truck and totaled it (the truck that is - the moose walked away.)
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Gee, Frank, would you like to apply as our LTA Public Relations guy ?
I was up there June 3, had my regular local cop stop for doing 70 in a 50 zone. As I opened the window, 147 Skeeters blew in, intent on dining on non-local blood. The cop let me go with another warning, and the skeeters were subdued by the AC.
The actual consensus is the biting insects are not an issue out on the runway, due to lack of cover and a usual slight breeze. The legendary Black flies are gone in July.
The camping/RV parking area is also distant from the aforementioned cover and wet areas , and taking the usual insect repellant precautions should seem to be all that's necessary.
Your mileage and blood donation experiences may vary, but seasoned campers know the drill.
My only concern is the migrating Snowsmoses, the Northern variety of the Jackalope.
Bob W
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Gee, Frank, would you like to apply as our LTA Public Relations guy ?
I was up there June 3, had my regular local cop stop for doing 70 in a 50 zone. As I opened the window, 147 Skeeters blew in, intent on dining on non-local blood. The cop let me go with another warning, and the skeeters were subdued by the AC.
The actual consensus is the biting insects are not an issue out on the runway, due to lack of cover and a usual slight breeze. The legendary Black flies are gone in July.
The camping/RV parking area is also distant from the aforementioned cover and wet areas , and taking the usual insect repellant precautions should seem to be all that's necessary.
Your mileage and blood donation experiences may vary, but seasoned campers know the drill.
My only concern is the migrating Snowsmoses, the Northern variety of the Jackalope.
Bob W
The black flys will be gone next month, but then we have minges and horse fly's in the hotter weather. :wink:
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Gee, Frank, would you like to apply as our LTA Public Relations guy ?
Oh yeah - that's me, Mr. Public Relations.
Actually, I think I could do a pretty good job, as long as I didn't have to actually talk to anybody... :roll:
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This may not be the place, but since it was already mentioned somewhat..... Bob, could you tell us what the temperatures are normally that time of year?
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Weather Underground site :
http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/DisplayNORMS.asp?AirportCode=KCAR&SafeCityName=Caribou&StateCode=ME&Units=none&IATA=CAR
Shows averages, rain, etc. Probably the best days of the year for our purposes.
Bob W
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From a show of hands at the drivers meeting Saturday it appears That about 25% of those there plan on attending the meet at Loring.