10-29-2006, 06:00 PM
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In the Spiders' nest...
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Nutley/NJ & Middletown/OH, USA
Posts: 4,861
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John & Bud,
I just got back from dinner, and I had to look right away... Congrats to both of you, and the KY autoX group, for being good friends and tremendous racers...  
I will await for the official Jornal report, to get the juicy details... I've noticed that the Sunday edition taks a little while to get to the U.S.A., so I would expect for Monday's to do tha same - it's probably because of the international demand.... 
Murray,
I have $10 bucks for drinks at the convention!!!
George,
I'm sure Bud, John and the Jornal will provide expanded coverage, but I think your  unbiased commentary is still in order...
Best regards to all,
__________________
Enrique
Spider 74, 84 & 87
164 93L & 95Q
Milano 88 Verde
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10-30-2006, 05:43 AM
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George Schweikle
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lexington, KY
Posts: 1,698
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Hi Enrique,
As requested, an independant view of the action:
We three Alfa drivers had a great time yesterday. After Bud's fiasco at the last autocross (where he messed up the carburators) he got the car re-tuned and we set the advance timing on his Marelliplex correctly. And, John's repeated public goading had Bud really primed to concentrate and drive well. While I suspect John has the most power of all three Spiders, he didn't realize that tire pressures can increase considerably from cold conditions, and didn't bleed pressure after each run until I suggested this. In the end, both of their times were pretty close (of course, you have to realize that a small time gap on a 30 second course will be doubled on a 60 second course).
I was asked repeatedly if I was "laying down", since I my times were not much faster than either Bud or John (thanks for the compliment, Bud). The reality is that I was on very worn tires that were new back in July, and had a lot of autocross runs. The problem with the current crop of "R" tires is that the compound will "go away" before the rubber is used up. My goal was to get through the year on one set of tires, but 2007 will be different. Let's see, I must start next year with new tires and really need a fresh set for the AROC Convention in late July, and absolutely must have new tires for the SCCA Solo National Championship in October...(please don't tell my wife...).
A lot of people will spend considerable money on engine modifications, run with less than optimum tires, and wonder why they don't go faster. if you really want to go fast, money for the best tires is well spent. Well, as well spent as on any irrational, unnecessary, emotional item.... (see tire purchase justification above...)
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Originally Posted by Zunige
...George,
I'm sure Bud, John and the Jornal will provide expanded coverage, but I think your unbiased commentary is still in order...
Best regards to all, |
__________________
George Schweikle
1976 Spider (Dedicated Autocrosser, "SPICA, No Carbs")
1991 Spider Veloce (Retirement cruiser)
Scuderia Non Originale
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10-30-2006, 06:52 AM
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Alfa Poor in KY
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Mount Sterling, KY
Posts: 3,812
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Well guys....I had it coming.
It started off a cold fall morning with no rubber on the car. Jacking her up for an appropriate set of shoes. Went to load the car on the trailer and wacked the back of the Pilot with the trailer.....THIS was my sign of things to come!
The Alfas were scheduled third heat. Bud, George, and I were gridded 1, 2, &3 respectively. So no worry about a green track. The competition was on. Bud fiddled with some spark plugs back in the paddock while I reattached my trailer's wiring harness that had ripped out from the earlier fiasco. Bud's car wouldn't start. Out came some ringer Lodges to the rescue. Car now idling perfectly. We are off to work our track assignments for the second heat.
Bud and I both took note of the lines cars were taking. What worked, what didn't. Heat 2 done after about 1.5 hours. Now its our turn.
Course map didn't make it on to the internet for preview....but somehow, from somewhere or someone.....Bud had a preview copy....hmmm! And its all drawn on with the perfect line.....hmmmmm! Now Budsy had been thinking about this course for who knows how long!
Out for first run.....All three strong, Budsy in last place....but it wouldn't last.  Next couple of runs I kept knocking the car out of gear with my knee and I wasn't bleeding tire pressure build up. Car getting a little looser....but not unmanageable. The gear shift interacting my knee was killing me. Budsy now in the 35s and I can't get back to my first run time. Budsy really enjoying this too!!!!!
Fourth run....Bled the pressures, took off shoes to give my knee a different spot to hit the console.....but had a course map come flying up in the cockpit and through off my entry into the first turn. DAMMIT!!!!!
So it came down to the 5th run. I was going to have to come back and give ole Budsy the smack down and an express ticket on the Pain Train on one run. The Liberache white spider roars off the line, catch second, feeling good. Slamming on the brakes into the left hander entry into turn one. Turn apexed tight, then loose, then tight into a full circle and a crossover. Still in second off the corner. Revs climbing then slamming the brakes on again into a left to right switch back. This is one of two bad places on the course to loose time. Tight entry.....mid loose off. Not too loose or over into the outer cones and screwed setup into the next left hander. Still in second. Oh ...good run going. Into another left hand full circle cross over. Tight then loose then tight to apex the corner. Not too bad but still pushed a little too much and ended up more like tight loose and loose.....lost a little time there. Hammer down....Can make it up in the last two 90 deg left handers. Oh hell..nice drift around the first turn.....oh hell even better around the last turn....go Go GO!!!!.....oh no.....just short!
As I pulled around the backside of the stadium....I knew then I will be paying for this (and rightly so) until spring! It was a shame that I couldn't get all the problems out and put down some good consistent runs to build on before the 5th run. I might have had something for ole Budsy at the end. But racing is what it is....take the lumps and adjust....and its all in good fun. At dinner, Bud and I both asked George if he was laying down on us. Needless to say we were both surprised how much the gap had closed between the three of us. Bud a little under .2 behind George and me at .5 behind George. Bud and I are used to the decimel being on the other side of the number!
But don't think that this is over.....not by a long shot! I may be on the Pain Train now......but Budsy will get a first class ticket before he knows it! I am coming for you Budsy!!!! Woo WOOOOOOOO!
Best Regards,
John M
__________________
1978 AR Spider Veloce 2000.....the first and still here
1984 AR Spider Veloce............the second & gone to the parts bin
1992 AR Spider Veloce............the third and still here
1991 AR 164L........................traded on the SS
1965 AR Sprint Speciale..........in boxes.
Last edited by John M; 10-30-2006 at 07:28 AM.
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10-30-2006, 07:23 AM
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George Schweikle
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lexington, KY
Posts: 1,698
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Well,
Since I designed the course, it's up to me to confess. I usually design the autocross courses for Central KY Region SCCA, and post these on our region's website in advance of the event. I got behind, and didn't complete the course until Saturday morning which was too late to get on the website.
However, since Bud had such a poor showing at the last autocross (due mostly to his messing around with the carburators then not test driving the car), and with John ragging Bud unmercifully on the BB, I thought to give Bud a little help and emailed him the course. Sorry John, it won't happen again...
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Originally Posted by John M
...Course map didn't make it on to the internet for preview....but somehow, from somewhere or someone.....Bud had a preview copy....hmmm! And its all drawn on with the perfect line.....hmmmmm! Now Budsy had been thinking about this course for who knows how long! ... |
__________________
George Schweikle
1976 Spider (Dedicated Autocrosser, "SPICA, No Carbs")
1991 Spider Veloce (Retirement cruiser)
Scuderia Non Originale
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10-30-2006, 07:43 AM
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Alfa Poor in KY
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Mount Sterling, KY
Posts: 3,812
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by conedriver
Well,
Since I designed the course, it's up to me to confess. I usually design the autocross courses for Central KY Region SCCA, and post these on our region's website in advance of the event. I got behind, and didn't complete the course until Saturday morning which was too late to get on the website.
However, since Bud had such a poor showing at the last autocross (due mostly to his messing around with the carburators then not test driving the car), and with John ragging Bud unmercifully on the BB, I thought to give Bud a little help and emailed him the course. Sorry John, it won't happen again...
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Best Regards,
John M
__________________
1978 AR Spider Veloce 2000.....the first and still here
1984 AR Spider Veloce............the second & gone to the parts bin
1992 AR Spider Veloce............the third and still here
1991 AR 164L........................traded on the SS
1965 AR Sprint Speciale..........in boxes.
Last edited by John M; 10-30-2006 at 07:56 AM.
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10-30-2006, 11:03 AM
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In the Spiders' nest...
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Nutley/NJ & Middletown/OH, USA
Posts: 4,861
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More fun to come - at least 'til Spring!
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Posted by condriver
...it's up to me to confess...
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 This is not over by a long shot, and now it is most certain to be continued in the Spring...  (I'm going to make sure I get to KY to see the duel first hand! )
I know how inquisitive (and a little prone to exaggeration) foreign journalists can be... They will probably interview the course designer, even some of the time keepers, and of course, Bud and John... Can't wait to see the coverage!
Best regards,
__________________
Enrique
Spider 74, 84 & 87
164 93L & 95Q
Milano 88 Verde
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10-30-2006, 01:53 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 269
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Pain Train For John M +
I admit. I received a course map before the Auto-X but I have to say,
George's Course came out just the way I had imagined it would." George must have been reading my mind or "Great minds DO think alike". In any case, I DID beat John "Like A Red Headed Step Child" - A beating he surely deserved. |
10-30-2006, 08:42 PM
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Alfa Poor in KY
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Mount Sterling, KY
Posts: 3,812
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Ole Budsy came prepared for the showdown! I had him worked up! He had even been dreaming about autocrossing! Now I am starting to wonder who test drove the course that morning? Hmmmmm? Could the conspiracy theory go any deeper?
Well.....don't worry Murray. We'll rise again and ole Budsy will be riding the Pain Train. At dinner last night I asked George...in front of Bud of course....if I could be his apprentice next year....as Bud was so good now. Of course Bud immediately chimmed in with no way!
Time to finish up the addition to the house and get to work on the next project. We'll call it the "White Beast". Got to add up those points and see what class the White Beast will fall if I go ahead with initial plans for FI. I am thinking the 92 will be superior to the 78 with all else equal. These plans being laid for next August!
I tell each of you this. Autocrossing is big fun especially with some good friends to run with. In the end, Budsy rose from the ashes. Beat me fair and square. But that doesn't mean that he won't end up charbroiled next time!
Best Regards,
John M
__________________
1978 AR Spider Veloce 2000.....the first and still here
1984 AR Spider Veloce............the second & gone to the parts bin
1992 AR Spider Veloce............the third and still here
1991 AR 164L........................traded on the SS
1965 AR Sprint Speciale..........in boxes.
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10-31-2006, 04:52 AM
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George Schweikle
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lexington, KY
Posts: 1,698
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Hi John, this your 2007 autocross advisor talking:
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... Now I am starting to wonder who test drove the course that morning? Hmmmmm? Could the conspiracy theory go any deeper...
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Quote:
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... At dinner last night I asked George...in front of Bud of course....if I could be his apprentice next year....as Bud was so good now. Of course Bud immediately chimmed in with no way!
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You bet... I'm happy to get more alfa owners seriously interested in autocross. Maybe even start another BB thread for "General Autocross".
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... Time to finish up the addition to the house and get to work on the next project. We'll call it the "White Beast". Got to add up those points and see what class the White Beast will fall if I go ahead with initial plans for FI. I am thinking the 92 will be superior to the 78 with all else equal. These plans being laid for next August!:
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Don't forget, you will be running locally under SCCA Solo rules. Get on line at http://www.scca.org/ and review the allowances for the Street Prepared classes. The AROC system of adding preparation points is great but some things done for AROC events might require you to run in a different SCCA class. It depends upon how strict a local Region might be regarding car prep rules.
__________________
George Schweikle
1976 Spider (Dedicated Autocrosser, "SPICA, No Carbs")
1991 Spider Veloce (Retirement cruiser)
Scuderia Non Originale
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10-31-2006, 07:05 AM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 269
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Pain Train For John
I've already told John how he can already make his car and himself more competitive. John needs a better seat. Because hes a big boy, John slides his passenger seat full forward do brace himself in a hard right hander. John need a seat that will hold him securely in lateral motion. I suggest an Aluminum race seat. Ther're only a couple of hundred dollars. John needs a rollbar to attach a five point harness. I told him I would help him make one. He'll want it next year for thr National timetrials anyway. Roll bar with a five point harness attached will lock him in good. Lastly, remove the rear swaybar. I did this early in the season and had great results. Why spend piles of money on adding exotic equipment to his nice Series Four, His Series Two is the better track and solo car. Make the Series Two his competition car and save the Series Four car as the unmodified, soft sprung lux-o-box. It's already got the dash board T.V. anyway! It really does!
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11-26-2006, 10:47 AM
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Alfa Poor in KY
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Mount Sterling, KY
Posts: 3,812
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Little Italian
I've already told John how he can already make his car and himself more competitive. John needs a better seat. Because hes a big boy, John slides his passenger seat full forward do brace himself in a hard right hander. John need a seat that will hold him securely in lateral motion. I suggest an Aluminum race seat. Ther're only a couple of hundred dollars. John needs a rollbar to attach a five point harness. I told him I would help him make one. He'll want it next year for thr National timetrials anyway. Roll bar with a five point harness attached will lock him in good. Lastly, remove the rear swaybar. I did this early in the season and had great results. Why spend piles of money on adding exotic equipment to his nice Series Four, His Series Two is the better track and solo car. Make the Series Two his competition car and save the Series Four car as the unmodified, soft sprung lux-o-box. It's already got the dash board T.V. anyway! It really does!
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Yes it does....and a rear view camera so I can look down on the screen and see you falling...falling way back!
I have determined through extensive wind tunnel testing that the hood on my 78 was the culprit in the recent fall from grace. So, I have opted to replace the aerodynamically challenged hood with one off of the ole 84 that I parted long ago. Budsy will be going down soon enough! After wind tunnel testing, it was determined that the hood had been tweaked and was lifting in the center. As any good aeroengineer would see this was creating lift and reducing the down force on the front of the car. This would in essence result in a push through the corners. It still hasn't been determined who is responsible for the hood tweaking, but I have it on good authority that a grey headed fellow was seen with a pry bar near my car just prior to the event in question. Also the paint just wasn't smooth enough and creating too much aero drag. Both of these ill effects will be reconciled and corrected post haste! Beat Budsy Racing WILL rise again!
Best Regards,
John M
__________________
1978 AR Spider Veloce 2000.....the first and still here
1984 AR Spider Veloce............the second & gone to the parts bin
1992 AR Spider Veloce............the third and still here
1991 AR 164L........................traded on the SS
1965 AR Sprint Speciale..........in boxes.
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