jsmithkra

I am relatively new to racing although I have completed a Bondurant school and recieved an SCCA regional competition license. With SCCA it seems that I would be limited to autocross (solo) unless I have a dedicated race car with roll bar, fire system etc. However, in NASA it appears I could use my C5 pretty much as is for HPDE or possibly even TT. I live in the Chicago area and prefer the idea of taking my car out on the track. NASA seems more to my liking. Am I missing something or does anyone have additional thoughts?

Bimota Guy

I'm not familiar with NASA's TT (Time Trial ?) , but any wheel-to-wheel racing will require a rollbar/cage. Not that HPDEs are bad (in fact, they are great), but they are not "racing." Well, unless one of your friends shows up! You can do "track days" (HPDE) with lots of orgs, just not really with SCCA. They do have some sort of timed lapping events in their "portfolio" of sanctioned events, but I don't think they are done very often.

mikahb

One of the great things about NASA is that you CAN run TT with no cage. Now, there are those who argue (and rightfully so) that it's pretty dangerous to be out there with a bunch of yahoos trying to bust out a fast lap with no cage. But, that's your choice and NASA leaves it up to you. I think it's a great way to get started and transition into racing. Have fun out there, go getcha a used T1 C5 and come racing with us!

heavychevy

TT is not w2w, they are two completely different things. But I'd take TT over Auto-X all day. TT is simply a timed open passing DE session with winners. That being said, it's fun as heck!!!!

But you wont be making much use or advancement with your SCCA credentials by doing TT or Auto-X.

AU N EGL

NASA Mid West http://www.nasamidwest.com/

NASA Great Lakes http://www.nasagreatlakes.com/

Solo2GS

The SCCA has Time Trial based on Solo2 classes. No cage needed.

L98Terror

Nasa

gkull

I would check with the local SCCA tech and see what you can get into. In the "T" races if you run DOT tires. You don't have to have as much.

BuckeyeZ06

One thing to consider: there are things you "can" do, and things you "should" do.

Yes, you "can" run TT without a cage, even top level DEs. But "should" you?

I race because I am concerned about safety. I know, racing and safety don't mix, right? I think racing is safer than some DEs because of the extra precautions taken due to the fact that it is racing. (yes, I know several/most DEs programs that are run in a very safe fashion). I can see people stepping over the line in TT, and without a cage.

If someone is driving a Corvette around a track within 90% of a good T1time, then safety equipment is really, really needed. At Mid Ohio that means 1:40s at the pro course. Probably 1:45s at the Club course. That is flying without proper safety equipment.

Choose you options carefully.

AZ FASTEST

I run TT with NASA here in AZ. We got rid of HPDE4 in favor of TT which I was't crazy about because it went from driving the track for fun to driving against a clock! Neverthteless, lots of fun!

96CollectorSport

Not to make it tougher but you should also check out Midwest Council they offer a TT format as well.
http://mcscc.org/
Between SCCA and NASA, it is an easier transition with NASA because you can work your way up to TT and W2W. However if you are really going to run hard in TT look into a cage, especially if you are going to run at Road America. Just my $.02.

Bill Hetzel

George has a good point. SCCA TT's will differ region to region, check the supplimental regs on the region's website.

The Reno region runs their TT's like this:

1. PDX - street legal cars, helmit and long sleeve shirts req'd. Possible shorter track/straightaway lengths, roll bar req'd for convertables.

2. Club Trials - Like solo 2, possible shorter course, cars prepped for Solo Stock, Street Prepared, roll bar req'd for convertables.

3. Time Trials - Roll bar req'd on all cars, TT competition license or roadrace license, firesuit, SA 2000 helmit.

Cars in all 3 catagorys must pass tech inspection.

Bill Hetzel

Best post in the whole thread.

Pick One:
I will upgrade my safety equipment, helmit, rollbar when:

1. Never, I'm only going to do 1 or 2 HPDE's

2. After I hit 120 mph.

3. After I start pushing the car in the corners

4. After I go off the track

5. After I hit the wall at 120

6. After the car fire

7. After I get out of the hospital

RogueVette

I'm 7 for 7. Not sure if that makes me a winner or a looser.

coolnick

Definitely a loser.

RogueVette

gimme a break Chops. I'm on my Blackberry.

Oh and to the OP. NASA.

L98Terror

What is 100% of a good T1 time around Mid Ohio on the pro course?

You can never be to safe, I'm not sure why we take chances but we do.

BuckeyeZ06

I think a 1:32 is what T1 times should be on the Pro Course, maybe lower.

heavychevy

Most people run identical times to Road Atlanta, quite a few little faster than, so 1:32, 1:31 would probably be some kind of record with many in 1:33-35 range.

L98Terror

While going through Comp school on Friday Dave Roush said his best was a 1:34.xxx on the pro course and 1:36:xxx on the Club course in a T1 Z06 he qualified that by saying his car was 100% legal implying there are people out there that have different interpretations of the rules. He also claimed that there haven't been any really fast T1 cars running there since they moved the SCCA Runoffs.

I can't seem to find the T1 Track record anywhere