My experience with Solo Storm so far.

I seen several videos with the SoloStorm mark on the top. These also had overlays with data like Speed, G-Meter, and Track Overlay. I thought to myself how do I get some of that? Answer: Solo Storm from Petrel Data http://www.petreldata.com/

Why I purchased?

I wanted to compare my runs with those of my co-driver. She is newer to Autox and I figured if she could see in the data what I was doing different it could help her get faster.

I wanted to analyze my own runs to see what was making me faster from run to run. I know making changes in the day can make you faster. I wanted to see it in the data.

Set up?
Is pretty easy so far. I’d recommend doing a test run a few days before the event so you know what you’re getting into. Getting all of the tools connected and getting the logger running isn’t hard it just takes knowledge.

I’m a step by step type of guy. SO here is my setup list.

1. Mount Camera with WiFi
2. Mount GPS
3. Mount Phone (Or tablet)
4. Connect all 3 using wifi and Bluetooth
5. Drive
6. Analysis

Did it help during the event?

No, well it could have if there was more time. We didn’t get a chance to analyze the logs until we got home. It showed us there was one specific turn where she was going in too fast and coming out too slow. If we knew that during the event it could have given her another.5.

Video Production after the event

It is very simple to import your video, overlay it in solostorm and export the file. From there it is just a simple upload to YouTube and you’re good to go. Shameless plug: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuICbU0k7Ks

Problems:

• Getting the video and the data to align correctly. Solution was to calibrate the video and solo storm again.
• My phone died during the first test. At SCCA a few weeks ago I was trying to get it to work. Problem was my phone battery was low. It would cut off wifi or turn blue tooth off to save power. Solution was to leave my phone off until we were ready to run.
• Finding the value in the data. I think this will come with time. Looking at the runs in the middle of the day seems hard at this point. I think as we get more time with the tool we’ll be able to review runs during the event.

Are you using Solo Storm for your events? What benefits have you seen?
Are you considering getting Solo Storm? What benefit do you expect?

What to bring to an Autocross event.

When competing in an autocross event being fast and getting a low time is the goal. To achieve this goal you need to have the right car, right skill set, and also have the right tools with you. The tools you bring can help you be faster, safer, and overall have a good time. Below are the different categories of items and what I would recommend you bring to any event.

For the Car:

Air Pump and Tire Pressure Gage: This will ensure you have the right tire pressure. Typically when you get to the event you will want to pump up your tires to the correct pressure. Then after each run you will want to check the pressure and possibly let some air out.

Torque Wrench with correct size socket. This will allow you to torque down your lug nuts before tech inspection. You should already know the correct torque specs for your car’s lug nuts.

Numbers and Class Markings: You will need to display your car’s numbers and class at most events. This can be done with something basic like painter’s tape or with custom magnetic numbers.  If you're on a budget, get some magnetic duct vent covers at your local hardware store and cut out the numbers yourself.

Rain-X Glass Cleaner and paper towels: On the surface this may not seem important but when you’re facing into the sun and looking for that next cone the last thing you want distracting you is the huge bug you hit on the way to the event.

Tools: If your car is prone to breaking down or needing repairs it never hurts to bring a set of tools. Screw drivers and socket set should take care of most small items.

Oil:  BRING OIL!!! I can’t stress this enough. Check your oil before you run in the morning and after your runs before going home. Your car may not consume oil under normal driving. When you get out there on the course small hidden gnomes in your engine bay will eat it all up. If you hear a ticking noise add oil. If your car is running rough add oil. A well-oiled car is a happy car.

For your safety:

Helmet: you will need a helmet meeting the standards of your club. Most require a SNELL ratted helmet. If you don’t know ask one of the organizers. They may look at your helmet during tech to see if it meets standards.

Gloves: Some people like to race with gloves on for extra grip. Others like gloves for prepping their car in the morning. No one wants tire and break gunk on their hands all day.

Sunglasses, Sunscreen, and a Hat: Working the course in the summer you will be standing in the direct sun most of the time. It is important not to burn yourself or get heat fatigue.

Bottled Water/Gatorade: Some clubs will provide water others will not. You will need to stay hydrated all day to stay on top of your game.

Rain gear: If it rains you’ll be standing on the course in the rain. Consider an umbrella and or water proof jacket. It also doesn't hurt to bring a dry change of clothes (shoes and socks too) for when it stops raining or your drive home.

Extras: 

Folding/Camping chair: If your club/event runs in different heats you will need somewhere to sit when you’re not running. Typically people will setup their chairs in the morning so try and get a good stop to watch from. Watching others run the course can be a great way to find the best line. I also sit in open chairs during the events. If no one is sitting there I assume they are driving and take ‘borrow’ their seat for a bit.

GoPro/Camera: Many people like to record their runs to watch and post them later. Watching your runs can be a great way to see what you did right and what you did wrong.

Food: I try and bring a snack, granola bar, and or fruit to keep you going strong during the day.

Money: For event registration, food, or that new club t-shirt you've gotta have.

Missing?

What items do you suggest bringing to an event that I didn't list? Feel free to add them in the comments below. 

2013 Autocross Season

Second Gear Racing is getting ready to bring our cars out for some exciting autocross this year in the MD area.  More to come!

What keeps me awake at night thinking about the FR-S

As I thought about ordering the FR-S, I looked for differentiating factors between it and the BRZ.  Same car mechanically, same performance, same dimensions.  Traditionally, I would never have even considered the name Scion being on my car, not because I didn't like Toyota, or that I didn't understand what they were doing creating a sub-brand for younger/sportier people, but because of the ricer-tuner crowd that had traditionally flocked to the brand.

I said to myself, "I'll only buy that car a Subaru!" when I first heard about them.  As the cars started to gain some media attention, and as I did a little more digging, I found that wearing the Scion badge not only wasn't bad, but carried with it a sense of focus and fulfillment, in a way that Toyota was returning to the segment, and trying to make their sub-brand break-out of the ricer-tuner mold.  As I looked further, I also found that the way the car is offered in regard to features and price point, fit exactly into what I was looking for.

I have always said, "Why don't car companies let me buy the car that I want?  Why am I forced into the technology package in order to have a sun-roof?"  Those things don't even make sense being together, it is just part of the feature creep that has come into the way cars can be ordered today.  In the 60's, you got a check list, and got exactly what you wanted when you ordered.  For those that didn't care, take the one on the lot and go home happy, but for those that did, you could fine-tune in everything.  Now, I certainly don't expect that to ever return in the same context, we have totally different manufacturing processes in the world these days, and the way business works has changed a lot, but why can;t I buy a sports car that come with the "racing" stuff that I want, and no gidget-gadget crap that I will never use?  Wait, what's that you say?  I can?

Enter the Scion FR-S.  The only option on the car is the upgraded radio.  As a base package, you get a 6-speed manual, limited slip Torsen rear diff, full bracing all over the car, and nice slidey tires, in an affordable 17x7 size.  You get a radio that has bluetooth calling as well, awesome!  All of these things are simple, usable, and performance oriented, no fluff.  You might be saying, Alex, you're 25 and work at a tech company, don't you want all the Gen-Y gadgetry your generation is so famous for?  No, I don't care about it, and I don't want to pay for it.  While things like heated seats, climate control, in-dash navigation, and the sort are cool, they are not needed in a sports car.  If I were buying a 5-series BMW, than I would expect it to drive me home and brew me a cup of coffee when I push a button, but in this car, it is unnecessary and unwelcome.

Scion gave me the chance to have the car I wanted.  Basic items like air-conditioning, of course you gotta have that, this is a daily driver after all, but the unnecessary stuff, leave it off the car.  That is the main reason the Scion grabbed me over the Subaru.  The Subaru can be ordered with HID headlights, leather, climate control, navigation, and other assorted things.  Guess what that does for you?  Adds $3000 to the price tag, makes the car heavier, and gets you a Subaru badge.  No thanks.

Simple, light-weight, usable, fun, all of those things are what the FR-S will be for me.  I am glad to be paying under $25k for an awesome car.  Boxer engine?  Yes, it will be my first time with one, and while it is a different mindset, at the end of the day it's a 180 degree V4, so it all still makes sense.

I cannot wait!

Ordered an FR-S

So after some careful consideration of life events, and other monetary related items(mainly surrounding having money for a house), the time has come for me to consolidate to one car.  Thus I have sold my truck.

That leaves me with one car, the Miata.  Hmmmmm, not exactly the best car to have as your only source of transportation.  Great for top down fall driving and autocross, but not the most capable option when you need to haul something, or drive in the winter.  The fiance and I had a long talk, and I got the okay to order an FR-S, with the stipulation that the Miata goes with the purchase.  The Miata has been a great car, and I love everything about it, but with the need for something slightly bigger and more usable, while maintaining the sports car stuff for autocrossing, the FR-S will fit the bill much better.  Oh and also, they're awesome.

I've been watching the development of the Toybaru twins for the past few years, excitedly monitoring to see what the joint project between a great sports car manufacturer, and an automotive behemoth that has lost its way on the road of performance, could produce.  Everything looked good on paper, and I was excited to check the cars out.  At an autocross a few months ago, I finally had the opportunity to see both cars in person, and ride in them.  Man was I impressed with everything about them.  The handling, the simplicity, all of it was great.  I knew it was the perfect car for me.

The dealer told me 3-6 months when I ordered, but I hear they are coming much sooner.  Can't wait!

Autocross School Follow-Up

So I went into the SCCA autocross school feeling pretty confident.  I underestimated just how much refinement I was really going to walk away with, and the places where I could really learn to be faster.  I though I would highlight a few of the main point here:

Throttle Steering:  I found that throttle steering was something that I was already doing subconsciously, but after taking the class, I know to think and look for it now.  When turning, the ability to change the location of the car without the use of the wheel really helps save time, and in the case of a rear-drive car, reduce the chance of losing control.

Slalom: I thought I was a good slalom driver, smooth and careful.  I learned that I was going way slower than I could have been.  Turning in sooner, and letting the momentum and weight pull the car around the cone allows one to be much faster.

I plan on implementing all of these learned techniques at the next event this Sunday.

Autocross School on July 1st

I got myself signed up for a Level 2 autocross school with SCCA for July 1st.  I am pretty excited to be able to refine my driving a bit, and see how well I am already doing for this being my first season.  I'll post an update with my learnings afterward.