autocrossr

9/10 autocross race

2011-09-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Had a great time at CDC's autocross on 9/10 at Woodbridge, Va. The route design was very different that the courses usually done at this location and myself & many others really liked it. After a week of flooding rain, the sun and a nice gentle breeze was out making for a great day. Lots of good competition showed up for small bore class. The Millennium Falcon piloted by yours truely didn't do as great as hoped but still came away pleased for representing vegan powered racing and rubber duckie racing.

video of best run for the day

Here's Johnny!

charge!

zoom, zoom

I wrote "do or do not, there is no try" on the back window

Sunday results: 3rd place!

2011-06-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Results were released from Sunday's autocross event in Winchester, VA hosted by the Mercedes club and I pulled off a 3rd place in raw time overall and 9th place overall in index! I was bested by a Lotus Exige and supercharged Mustang Cobra.

Hurray for Vegan Powered Racing & Rubber Duckie Racing! Go little 'Rolla go!

double header events in VA

2011-06-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

VPR ran in two events during this weekend in Winchester, VA. Saturday was with CDC and Sunday with GWS-MB. Here's the in car videos.

Vegan Powered Racing does some work on the Millennium Falcon

2011-06-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

So the old AE86 gets some work today. Additional graphics were added, headers wrapped, heat shield added, radio removed, rear fender flares painted & installed.

Vids from 4/30 & 5/1 autocross

2011-05-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

Here's some in car video taken in the Millennium Falcon (AKA '86 'Rolla) piloted by yours truly of Vegan Powered Racing.

Lots of new changes, just not lots of new posts

2011-04-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

So there has been some major updates with team Slowe Azz for the start of the 2011 autocross season. (just not a lot of major post updates, sorry!)The mx5 has now gone into semi-retirement from racing with the addition of a 1986 Corolla GTS (AE86). This car has the 20v 1.6 blacktop motor installed, aftermarket exhaust, koni coilovers, manual steering, no HVAC, upgraded front sway, partially stripped interior with racing seats & harness, seam welded and much more. Also with this addition have plunged into the deep pool of r-compound tires. Pictures and video will be added soon as so far it has only seen one race. Next event is tomorrow in Frederick, MD. The 'Rolla has been dubbed the Millennium Falcon ("she doesn't look like much but she has it where it counts") and occasionally requires a good smack to get the hyperdrive working. =) The MX5 still remains Slowe Azz and together they create Vegan Powered Racing Team.

3/19-3/20 weekend racing events

2011-03-20T18:57:00.001-07:00

Stay tuned for pics, vids and a recap of this weekend's two autocross events in Maryland.

looking ahead to 2011

2011-02-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

So this week we've had some warmer weather in the metro DC area, could spring be close at hand? The 2011 autocross events calendar has been updated with many of the DC area ax club event dates (WDCR, Ax Inc, CDC, PCA, Cumberland) some currently are tentative. Hopefully in the near future we'll have dates to share from NCCBMW (area BMW club) & GWS-MBCA (area Mercedes-Benz club). Scroll down to view the calendar to begin planning to attend events in 2011 for another great season of autocross in metro DC! The plan for the Slowe Azz is similar to last season. Plan to attend a majority of CDC & NCCBMW events mixed in with a few AI, PCA & GWS events to fill out the schedule. Might also plan to squeeze in a couple WDCR as well.

2011 metro DC season scheduling

2011-01-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

Both Autocrossers Inc. and the local SCCA chapter have released their 2011 autocross schedule. I've updated the calendar on the blog with these dates. More club dates to come and a good sign that soon the season will be here!

Holiday sale at Autocrossr gifts! Act quick to save!

2010-11-19T05:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Just letting you know about a Friends & Family Sale in the shop from November 20-23, you can shop for autocross themed gifts and save among my designs!

You'll save $10 on orders of $50+ (use code: Friend10). So buy gifts and save!

You'll find my shop at: Autocrossr Gifts

11/13 autocross with PCA

2010-11-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday saw me and the mighty Slowe Azz meeting up with the Porsche Club of America for an autocross event in Bowie, MD. Several other pals also came out to play: James, Jim, Elio, Alan & Katie. Alan had a couple shots at FTD in the morning where the afternoon became a battle between Jim & Joe with the 'rolla taking the final FTD spot. As per the club, it had a fair amount of loops and circles. After the chills of the fall morning wore off, it was a great warm, sunny day. I managed to dip into the 65's by day's end, we'll see how that compares when the results are published.

11/13 PCA pics

In car video

Halloween AX with CDC

2010-10-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ran with CDC at HGS today for a non-points event. Had lots of fun racing in my Hot Rod costume piloting the Slowe Azz along with Ed and Dan. 10/31 CDC event photos . Also created our own version of "Pass Time" by guessing the run times for CDC event coupons. Should be a fun addition to the 2011 season. Only three more events in the DC area this autocross season. I'll be running in two of those. Then it's a long, cold winter until the 2011 season. Should I try and play in Rallycross?

2010-10-20T05:21:00.001-07:00

As the winter break approaches do i spend the off time preparing for str, get a cheap ax focused car or get something cheap to try rally next season?

holiday weekend racing

2010-10-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Christopher Columbus may have not "discovered" America but he did give a three day weekend to the US. I and the mighty Slowe Azz attended two racing events. Saturday morning started things of right with Capital Driving Club in Bowie, MD. As usual, it was a good course with a great atmosphere. Starting to warm up a bit at this location in direct proportion to improving there. Placed well on the long list of talented drivers and even a bit surprised at some of the skilled names south of me on the results list! One talented fellow miata racer, Dan has jokingly mentioned the Slowe Azz has become false advertisement. Afterward a group of CDC regulars popped over nearby for some grub n brew. Mysteriously the usual racing mischief and humor was non-existent... yeah, right! =) Early the next morning saw me on the long trek to Winchester, the lonely life of the racer on the road. After a stop for fuel for the miata and me, ending up at the location. This spot is quickly becoming me second favorite after Waldorf. A long, fast course layout allowed for some cobweb cleaning from the engine, poor little 2.0 was badly outgunned. Just like the corny fill Rudy, I piloting the MX5 wouldn't give in and we gave all of those expensive Mercedes Benz machines a good "what for" resulting in twelfth place overall with only 4 MBs bettering my time. (Truthfully MBs are one of the few exotics I would consider owning- if I could-like an SLK) I swear, except for the two small sweepers (one of which was tricky being off camber) the entire time the throttle was mashed down. No photos as prior the camera decided to do some daisy pushing. Rest assured though gentle reader, a new one was acquired. Tony Hawk rode along and did capture some in car vids though.
In car vids from Tony H. of my runs
Sadly the penultimate events by most autocross clubs are drawing nigh. Frederick and Summit Point are coming up at the end of the month.

Two days autocrossing in Bowie

2010-09-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Slowe Azz had a great two days of autocrossing in Bowie this weekend. On Saturday, 9/25 the day was spent with CDC. In my opinion, the best metro DC club. They have a large number of events at a good variation of locations. Casual, friendly atmosphere with tunes and food. It was a great turn out with many skilled racers showing up which made my final result really respectable for me and 67 points towards the season championship. The next day saw cool temps and a light drizzle for my first running with PCA, the Porsche club also at the Bowie location. PCA used the entire lot space. Steve "the hammer" also came out for a second day with his new to him budget miata. The weather caused a lighter than expected turn out so we all got 8 runs! Made for a bit of a long stint working. Your friendly author naturally didn't bring a jacket or warmer gear, brrr! It was nice to finally have some close up and personal time with slaloms, though the two round-abouts in the upper most area dear reader was crap, mainly because I don't like those. lol I managed to get into the mid 58s in this huge course. FTD was taken by a Camero which gave a great what for to all those pricey Porsches! A nice 914, 944 and old 911t were present. The red headed step child section included three miatas, camero, a Beemer and one or two S2000s not to mention some other odds and ends. PCA seemed like a good bunch of folks & I think I'll run with them some more. Looking forward to the results to see how things turned out.

Vids from the weekend's races

Photos from the weekend's races

2010-09-25T06:45:00.001-07:00

Shaping up to be a good day in Bowie. sun shining, tires squealing, exhaust fumes in the air.

Dr. StrangeAx or: how I learned to stop worrying and love the Bowie lot

2010-08-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

So, even though I enjoy any autocross event and the local club scene, I've never liked the Bowie location & pavement and have usually tanked hard. Well, like Alice through the glass, that changed on 08/28 when I raced there with CDC. The social aspect of the group was great as always. The course was very nicely laid out and all racers got in seven runs. Yet another round a bout layout- are crop circles appearing in ax? The Morans brought their new cobra out to play. I even actually got some of my best times there! Afterward a small group of competitors went out for some food & brew at a local spot where it was revealed for the first time in public that Sam Adams is the official drink of ax.

These great shots of the Slowe Azz were provided by Steve "the Hammer" who recently joined the miata fold with a nice white na and hopefully pushed that Capri (choke, wheeze) off a high cliff.

So, has the curse of Bowie been lifted? Was it the new sticker and hat from Autocrossr Gifts? Thanks to CDC and all the racers that came out to the event for a great day.

deja vu or can I play with madness on a merry go round from hell

2010-08-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

So, day 2 of the double header autocross weekend has drawn to a close. Both times at the same Winchester location. Time for my Springer style reflection wrap up. I really enjoyed running today with the Mercedes Benz club greater Washington sector. This was was first time with this group. The CDC membership discount is much appreciated and they were a good group of folks. No advanced registration, just run what ya brung. 3 heats and six runs over by 2:30. Some little differences but the main one is your morning runs do not count for point standing, only the afternoon. No number needed and pax is used via SCCA classing. Tech is a bit more involved than some other clubs. For the second half of the post title, please refer to the course map with this photo:

WTF?!

I'll be having round-a-bout nightmares for a very long time. Chant the mantra with me "full circle counter-clockwise, mini circle counter clockwise, circle and a half clockwise then out." (good, I knew you could!) The course was a lot of fun with several long fast sections. Good use of the space allowed for a long run time & two cars on course. I'll definitely run with this group again. Here are a few photos I took MBCOA -GWS ax at Winchester pics and of course the in car vids brought to you by my pal Tony: MBCOA-WGS ax vids

UPDATE: results are in. Yours truly got 2nd in class (STR) and 11th overall with a 69.877 raw time and 58.836 index time.

Great day of AX

2010-08-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

So today was part uno of a two part weekend of autocross racing at Winchester. Today was with CDC for a total of seven runs. A reversed start/stop and a long down and back layout made for quite a quick course that made all of the HP folks happy. I must admit, even being in a nimble, lower horsepower car I still really enjoyed the course. Can't figure out why so many people continually went off course, even I did on my first run. The new tires are starting to settle in nicely. Looking forward to trying out the Mercedes Benz club tomorrow.
vids from in the car of 5 runs
pics from today's event

two days of AX this upcoming weekend at Winchester

2010-08-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

This upcoming weekend will be an autocross marathon/smorgasbord/extravaganza extraordinaire with two days of runs at Winchester (a really good lot) between CDC and MBCA. Looking like a minimum of 12 runs total for $50 and no hotel as would be needed if I was still going to the TSCC championship event in Virginia Beach. This will be my first time running with MBCA so so should be interesting. They kindly offer a discount to CDC members which is great news. I will be sure to take photos at both and of course update on the details of the events! If you'd like to join in, you can register with CDC online for Saturday and MBCA only offers walk-up registration on-site at 8AM on Sunday. For more info, check out both groups' websites in my link section & calendar. Looking forward to seeing some Mercs.

8/14 NCCBMW ax at Bowie, MD

2010-08-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Fun was had at Bowie with NCCBMW at event#6 for the cub season. Got lots of exercise as folks were not running clean and coning like crazy in the first section of the course, especially at the first sharp bend and right after the sweeper. Myself included. Almost went home with a souvenir as a wayward cone was discovered underneath the Slowe Azz a run or two later. No photos taken but do have some videos from in the car.
NCCBMW 8/14 ax videos of 5 runs

The results are up and posted. Leave it to James N to take top honors in his class with only one completed run due to brake problems. Myself in the Slowe Azz did indeed tank fairly heavily and can only be consoled in the few points earned towards the championship & that one class competitor moved to another class from getting a new car. This tends to follow my usual outcome at this location. Was the lot built on ancient burial grounds? Anyone know a shaman?

New sticky tires

2010-08-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Nothing like new, squeaky clean sticky tires!

Just had Dunlop Star Specs installed this morning at PBC Automotive. Although for some reason I didn't take a photo, it was nice to see a repair shop with a long row of Miatas parked there. My prior Yokohamas were so badly hard, worn doorstops they migh make it to their shelf of shame (though they'd need a bigger shelf!) I'll be sure to update my thoughs after a few miles and a few ax events. I borrowed a set from a guy to try at a previous Winchester event with CDC and averaged a guestimate 1 second drop in times. Definately stickier and noiser than the Yokos. Sorry about the lame cell phones photos! I chose these tires because EVERYONE seems to like and run them and they offer a bit more wet traction than the Bridgestone RE-11s acording to Tire Rack.

zoom,zoom

final results posted for CDC 08/07

2010-08-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

Final results have been posted for the 08/07 autocross with CDC at Winchester, VA. Congrats to the FFR cobra one-two punch by Wade & Fred for FTD and runner up. Multiple use of choice cones allowed for a multitude of line choices with only one hidden fast option, otherwise you made subtle slaloms and not a straight shot. The lot is great, good sized, sticky pavement with an off camber option if the course is run accordingly. Extra sweeping to clean off debris further will only make this one better. My tires are lumps of hardened petrified wood by this point and I paid dearly in times as a result. Fresh rubber is to be installed tomorrow so from then on there won't be cause for excuses, other than crap driving! =)

CDC results

Here's some great gear to wear at your next autocross or club meet!

2010-08-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

check out these cool new ax shirts!

Cone graphic list with: autocross dues, new tires, aftermarket suspension parts, feeling like a pro racer for a day... priceless! White Tee is organic cotton or choose your color on the baseball style jersey. Either option will seem to add 6 HP & show you're a serious ax competitor. Now that is priceless!

the machine

2010-08-08T15:59:00.001-07:00

21230071-DSC_3082
Originally uploaded by gohmchin

Here's the current cone killer, 2008 NC miata. Aftermarket sways and springs.

location: Summit Point motorsports park WV