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Posted by: tomeric914 Mar 6 2016, 10:03 AM

http://www.onelapofamerica.com

Sponsor us at this link: http://gofundme.com/wyszp4hw Whatever extra we have left over at the end will be donated to the United Way.

Follow us on this thread and/or here on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OneLap914/

Cupomeat and I have talked about running One Lap since probably high school which was, well, a long time ago. So we're finally entering this year. Should be interesting considering it's a little two seat car, no heat or air conditioning, 2800+ miles and 7+ days of driving. No radio at this point, but we're working on that.

I'm not sure of the details, but from what I read, spectators are encouraged to attend. So if you live near one of the tracks and are available to come out and say hello, please do! The schedule and the tracks we'll be at can be found on the One Lap website link listed above.

At this point, we have no sponsors except for those that one lap has already set up. If you would like to sponsor us and get your logo on the 914, please drop me a PM. We have space for logos on the hood and trunk, maybe more. From the One Lap website, "One Lap reserves the top of the windshield and the front fenders back including both doors, or equal space, for the event decals. This will typically include a Tire Rack window tint, door decal, number plaque, NASA tech decal and several sponsor decals"

Are we gonna win? Who knows, but it'll be a helluva lot of fun!

Posted by: Bruce Hinds Mar 6 2016, 10:30 AM

Good luck guys, this sounds like a whole lot of fun.

Posted by: GregAmy Mar 6 2016, 10:30 AM

Good luck! I did it in the late 90s in a nice Audi S6 luxobarge, and that was enough for me...I'd not want to do it in a 914!

http://gatm.org/cars/onelap/onelap2.html
http://gatm.org/cars/onelap/index.html

Posted by: BeemerSteve Mar 6 2016, 11:23 AM

Keep us in the loop! You should start a blog for your trip if you might have the time while driving especially if two are going. It'll help pass the time too.

Posted by: whitetwinturbo Mar 6 2016, 11:28 AM

Go "Brock Yates" hard.............

Posted by: bandjoey Mar 6 2016, 11:32 AM

Good luck. Set up a Go Fund Me Account

Posted by: kupcar Mar 6 2016, 11:39 AM

Looks like a blast! Best of luck. What size motor are you guys running?

Posted by: wndsrfr Mar 6 2016, 11:44 AM

Sweet...looking forward to seeing y'all at the Summit Point stop...for the radio,
Get a pair of XM Roady's and fitted earplugs....each to his own that way!

Posted by: stevegm Mar 6 2016, 11:51 AM

Maybe Fourteener Motoring could help sponsor you. PM me.

Posted by: tomeric914 Mar 6 2016, 12:19 PM

That is an excellent write-up! We hope to post regular updates here but God knows when we'll be able to do it. Thanks!



Agreed. A couple of GoPros in the car would be ideal. Not sure we'll have time to edit on the fly though.



Thinking about it. Neither of us are independently wealthy.



3.0 liter. Check out my build page in the signature below.



I have a love/hate relationship with Summit. Fun track. Not fun that ever time I have been there, at least one vehicle has creamed a deer in the front straight.



Will do Steve!

Posted by: stevegm Mar 6 2016, 12:28 PM

I always wanted to do the One Lap. But it's always the first couple weeks of May, and I always have final exams to give then. Finally, my son and I decided we would do our own "one lap" around the U.S. next summer.

Posted by: Dion Mar 6 2016, 01:10 PM

That's awesome! Good luck with all.

Posted by: mepstein Mar 6 2016, 01:22 PM

My suby conversion is supposed to be my long distance car. Heat and air. A paint job that I'm not afraid to get wet or stone chipped.

Posted by: 914forme Mar 6 2016, 01:28 PM

That was a goal for my car also, do a one-lap, I have a hitch, as no support vehicles allowed.

I also found a 7 day auto-x version, that I might try first.

Can't wait to see this one unfold. You updating this thread or starting anew? Need to know which one to subscribe to.

Posted by: jimkelly Mar 6 2016, 01:34 PM

what is the typical strategy to winning this?
drive as fast as your car will go?
fast gas stops?

Posted by: tomeric914 Mar 6 2016, 04:09 PM

I'll keep everything in this thread. I thought about towing a small trailer, but I think it would be just another thing to fail along the way. Trunk rack maybe?


Heh, spend a lot of money. We're in it for the fun. Though 2800 miles in a fairly low, fairly stiff 914 may not be everyone's idea of fun.

Posted by: saigon71 Mar 6 2016, 04:33 PM

Sounds like an awesome trip...best of luck to you both!

Please post plenty of pics!

Posted by: Chris H. Mar 6 2016, 08:04 PM

^^^ This! We can all throw a few bucks at it.

Good luck guys. Keep us posted so you can get help if needed along the way.

Posted by: Cupomeat Mar 6 2016, 10:20 PM

Ah, "Heat and Air"... this 914 has heat from the Firewall (and oil tubes) and as much air as the window allows when rolled down. No creature comforts this time!
It is going to be lots of fun, or at least a fantastic story to tell.

I am setting up the video editing solution for the trip. I'd like to post daily clips but that all depends on priorities!

Looking forward to seeing some of you at the tracks we run at!

Posted by: tomeric914 Mar 6 2016, 10:42 PM

Good idea. I have added the link to the original post as well as right here http://gofundme.com/wyszp4hw

Whatever extra we have left over at the end will be donated to the United Way.

Posted by: tomeric914 Mar 19 2016, 06:41 AM

I rarely, if ever, drive the 914 at night. Except for the track time, most of One Lap will likely be spent driving at night on public roads. It was time to upgrade to LEDs from Trucklite (which are the same as the GE LEDs except significantly less expensive).



While I was in there, I noticed the front turn signal bucket socket was loose. Nothing some JB Weld won't fix.

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 19 2016, 10:15 AM

Less than 2 weeks away and we are pretty much ready to go. We've got new One Lap branded shoes on the vehicle, hotel reservations and all required equipment per the rules

We have a couple of sponsors but could always use more!

Thanks to Steve at Fourteener Touring Magazine for coverage and sponsorship!

We will also use this thread as a location to update our progress and provide links to video, etc.

Sponsor us at this link: http://gofundme.com/wyszp4hw Whatever extra we have left over at the end will be donated to the United Way.

Posted by: Chris H. Apr 19 2016, 11:08 AM

Hey Tom you might want to check your GoFundMe page. Got an error message. I realized I hadn't donated yet!

Posted by: Garland Apr 19 2016, 11:17 AM

Unable to give, message seen:

Campaign Not Ready
There's an issue with this Campaign Organizer's account. Our team has contacted them with the solution! Please ask them to sign in to GoFundMe and check their account.

Posted by: Chris Pincetich Apr 19 2016, 01:26 PM

Awesome
Good call on the LED headlights. I love mine.
Have fun and drink lots of fluids! I'd recommend getting some powdered electrolyte mix you can add to water to keep properly hydrated. And lots of snacks!

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 19 2016, 02:54 PM

Hmm, interesting. I clicked the link and it worked for me.

Here it is again https://www.gofundme.com/wyszp4hw

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 19 2016, 03:02 PM

Got it fixed. Could explain why there were limited donations! Thanks for the heads up!

Posted by: Menmojo Apr 19 2016, 03:05 PM

Are these the headlights you used? If not please post the link.
Are the plug & play?

http://www.class8truckparts.com/Grote-909415-LED-Inch-Headlight/dp/B015QBOC8S?field_availability=-1&field_browse=7132595011&id=Grote+909415+LED+Inch+Headlight&ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Cprice&searchBinNameList=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Cprice&searchNodeID=7132595011&searchPage=4&searchRank=salesrank&searchSize=12

Posted by: Mueller Apr 19 2016, 03:33 PM

Good luck, keep us posted!

Posted by: Chris H. Apr 19 2016, 03:58 PM

This was the message I got before. Maybe because I'm not on Facebook. It worked this time. Good Luck!

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 19 2016, 04:38 PM

Thank you Chris!

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 19 2016, 04:42 PM

Interesting, I had not seen those before. GE/Trucklite are the ones to get. I found them at the lowest price here http://www.ebay.com/itm/281437873317

They are indeed plug and play.

Posted by: Cupomeat Apr 19 2016, 09:44 PM

My plan is to post some video/pics of each day's events. Depending on the day and how much editing time i'll have, don't expect too much editing, but at least you all can follow along.

Wow, I can't believe this is about 1 week away to start!

Thanks to you all for your support!

Eric

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 22 2016, 04:52 PM

I have set up a Facebook page where we will post daily videos updates, etc. at: https://www.facebook.com/OneLap914/

Stop on over and like us!

Posted by: JoeD Apr 22 2016, 06:46 PM

Good luck guys. I admire you for this undertaking! Just threw in a bit of support. Hope it helps.

Posted by: Porschef Apr 22 2016, 07:05 PM

Tom, best of luck with your endeavor, I would love to do this some day. I plan on going up to Mass to watch on the 2nd. A long time friend is also running the course with a somewhat newer Porsche...

Posted by: r_towle Apr 22 2016, 08:44 PM

What are the dates and times at Palmer Raceway in MA?
Maybe we can get a gang of 914 guys to show up and cheer you on.

Rich

Posted by: Porschef Apr 23 2016, 05:02 AM

Rich, Monday the 2nd is the day at Palmer. Time trial starts at 8:30.

Posted by: GregAmy Apr 23 2016, 06:41 AM

I'm running the TNIA event later that afternoon at Palmer. I'll try to get there earlier and say "hello" but if I miss you guys, best of luck! And if you have any issues while in the CT/MA area, do give me a ring!

- Greg, 203-209-1217 cell

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 23 2016, 07:00 AM

THANK YOU Joe D!

Posted by: Racer Chris Apr 23 2016, 07:04 AM

Good luck guys!
I built the rear wing uprights on Mark Davia's 911 Turbo that won 6 years straight (I think).

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 23 2016, 07:19 AM

Greg, Rich, Porschef you guys are awesome! Eric will be driving so I'll be on the lookout for all y'all.

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 23 2016, 07:20 AM

You built the cage (and other parts) that I welded into the 914 we'll be running!

Posted by: Cupomeat Apr 23 2016, 12:25 PM

Big Thanks Joe!!

Posted by: Cupomeat Apr 23 2016, 12:27 PM

Speaking of me driving, I've been watching track videos but have never driven Palmer before.
I appreciate any tips, or specific videos to watch to help me.

Posted by: GregAmy Apr 23 2016, 06:02 PM

Late apex EVERYTHING. It's a very visually intimidating track, but many corners look similar. And there's very little exit room for mistakes. If you get the corners mixed up (e.g., the late-apex lefty with the early-apex one), you could get yourself in a bind. It takes several sessions to really get comfy there, so go into this event with a mindset of "let's get our two laps in safely and move along to the next track".

That said...it's one HELL of a place, a real driver's track. Enjoy it, and plan on coming back soon to master it.

My buddy Jeff Wasilko probably has as many laps as anyone there. Find his latest Palmer video and watch that:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTvjBF6nL8Q

GA

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 23 2016, 06:24 PM

This is the mantra we will finish by.

Posted by: Cupomeat Apr 24 2016, 07:22 PM

Thanks, This video is great.
Lots of set ups on the wrong side for the next corner.

Posted by: GregAmy Apr 24 2016, 08:45 PM

Yeah, that's the prob. You track out from the prior corner and you're in a bad spot for the next one. I think Jeff has it wired pretty good in this video.

I just looked at your sched and it appears you're doing two events there? One starting at 0830 and one at 1230. I need to be there for 1300 so I'll leave a tad early and stop by to say hello and see you off. If the day is nice I'll drive the red 914...

Have! Fun!

GA

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 24 2016, 09:34 PM

We're not sure of the structure of it all quite yet. We'll learn more at registration and the driver's meetings to follow and provide an update here.

Posted by: GregAmy Apr 25 2016, 12:38 PM

Another recommendation: avoid CT on a weekday.

If you're to be at Palmer at 8:30, you might be OK coming inbound through CT. But if you're finding yourself approaching I-84 any time after 7AM, avoid it. Seriously, just drive around it.

CT along I-84 and/or I-95 is gonna be the suck on a weekday. Seriously the suck. NYC even worse. If Brock Jr were clever, he'd have setup a checkpoint somewhere south of Albany to make you take the the NY Throughway (I-87) all the way to Mass Pike (I-90). And same route the way back.

Seriously, it's that bad. Avoid CT and NYC like the traffic plague they are.

If not I-87 to Albany, I suggest crossing the Newburgh Bridge on I-84, then bailing off I-84 toward W MA, NE CT (Rt 9 to Rt 44, passing right by Lime Rock) to the MassPike. But avoid Hartford, Waterbury, and Danbury on a weekday, lest you hate yourself.

Edit: Prob a better alternate route: I-84 Taconic Parkway, then 44E to 7N to 102E Mass Pike. Only caveat is that technically you're not supposed to bring a trailer on the Taconic. You definitely cannot bring a commercial truck on it.

I suggest same route going toward Summit Point, as the traffic mid-day won't have relented. Note that when I drive/tow to Summit Point from central CT, I always take I-84 all the way out to Wilkes Barre/Scranton and grab I-81 south from there. It's not that much farther, and the traffic is WAAAAY better.

Have fun!

GA

Posted by: jd74914 Apr 25 2016, 12:54 PM

You do not want to go on I-84 through Waterbury, CT anytime after about 6:40 or you could be stuck there for a long time.

Can;t wait to see your videos from Palmer!!

Posted by: naro914 Apr 25 2016, 01:53 PM

this is awesome guys - something I want to add to Huey's resume at some point (Nadine is not too keen on it!). We have friends that have been doing it every year for the past 5 or 6. they run a white 944 with LS? engine, called White Trash...

Good luck!!

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 25 2016, 04:24 PM

Thanks for the heads up Greg! I just installed the Waze app which may help a little but agree on avoiding those areas like the plague.

We won't have a trailer. I'm trying to source a waterproof soft sided rooftop carrier to mount on the 914 trunk to put all our extra lightweight stuff in. The rear spoiler should keep it from falling off.

Posted by: Mr. Olympic Blue 2 You Apr 25 2016, 04:59 PM

If you do go that route, I just bought one of these for my wife's Forester
The Sport Jr was one of the few I found that fit in the factory cargo basket and was actually waterPROOF (Not resistant). Great quality, Great reviews and relatively inexpensive.

http://www.rightlinegear.com/sport-car-top-carriers.html


Good luck out there!
Andrew

Posted by: Dr Evil Apr 26 2016, 07:45 AM

Late to the party due to life issues, but all DVD sales through July will go to fund this! I would love to send a sponsor sticker

I have a few dozen copies of the transmission DVD ready to go! Cupomeat was the one that shot my DVD and its the least I can do.

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 26 2016, 07:59 AM

Thanks! If you've got stickers, they'll probably need to be sent overnight so we get them by Thursday.

Posted by: r_towle Apr 27 2016, 01:20 PM

They are not kidding about the traffic....
87 to the mass pike is really the easiest.
There are other routes, mainly smaller routes, that do work, but it can get hairy and very slow at the wrong time of day.

Best times at 10am-2pm to be on any of the major traffic routes.
Or, late at night.

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 27 2016, 02:32 PM

Late at night is likely when we'll be there. I agree that 87 to the Mass Pike is likely the best/safest route but we don't know yet if there are checkpoints that we need to hit which will send us into traffic purgatory. Thanks!

Posted by: r_towle Apr 27 2016, 04:42 PM

Not sure where you are coming from, but I have been driving Boston to DC for about ten years now....so I know a bunch of routes all depending upon the time of day.

Best time was 5.5 hours from DC up to MA....
That was late at night.

Worst time could be 10-14 hrs.....

NY to Boston can take 4 hrs, or 7....
It's pretty aweful to be stuck on a main road when rush hour happens.

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 27 2016, 04:54 PM

We'll be coming from Pittsburgh, all the way across PA. 550+ miles

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 27 2016, 06:50 PM

Good call on Rightline's product. Definitely great quality and fits the rear deck just right. I'm sure there will be pictures of it on the car.

One more day and we're headed out!

Posted by: r_towle Apr 27 2016, 07:04 PM

Head towards Scranton, then the mass pike

Do not go anywhere near NJ, you will regret it.
I think the main highway goes right at Newark airport which leaves you south of NYC....a very bad place to be.

If that is the official route, let us know, we can show you all the other ways to get up here. Basically, stay as west as you can for as long as possible...

Posted by: Cupomeat Apr 27 2016, 07:24 PM

I lived in NYC area for 11 years (9 in NJ), so we'll be good for directions. From the big map, it shows us going across 84 into CT. I'll avoid NYC area entirely.

Thanks EVERYONE!!!

Posted by: r_towle Apr 27 2016, 07:27 PM

84 is a problem....read the advice from the CT crowd.
Head up to the pike...it's smooth sailing and fast.

Posted by: Cupomeat Apr 27 2016, 10:09 PM

OK, thank you!!

Posted by: r_towle Apr 27 2016, 10:29 PM

Obviously you got this under control.

A question, does it matter?
Are you timed during the street portions from track to track?
I understand the track time is from x-y and you must be there for that specific time period, and run a good lap time, but are you timed while getting there?

Like a TSD rally?
That would make the whole thing pretty complicated for sure.

Posted by: GregAmy Apr 28 2016, 06:30 AM

If the event is run like it was in the 90s and 00s, the transit sections are not timed. You can arrive at the next track - and pass any interim checkpoints* - within the allotted window.

However, the transit sections and track windows are also not coordinated with basic amenities in mind, such as fuel stops. Food. Sleep. So it's in your best interest to get out of the prior track, on the road ASAP, and to your destination so that you have enough time for all that stuff.

GA

* You're given a route book with turn-by-turn instructions on how to get to the next location. But given you're not being timed, you don't necessarily have to follow those instructions. Yates Sr used to insert checkpoints at specific locations on the route in order to influence how you get there, usually for traffic enforcement purposes.

For example, in '97 the Texas DPS threatened to arrest on sight any One Lap cars that came through, so for our Vegas-to-Hallett run Sr put in a checkpopint at Teec Nos Pos. From there, the most-efficient route was through the Okie panhandle, bypassing Texas entirely. Other checkpoints were for marketing purposes, such as one in Wyoming NY at the Cannonball Run Pub, with an untimed run through Letchworth State Park.

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 28 2016, 07:16 AM

LOL, well, lot's of anxiety for the unknown at this point, but yes, we got this!

However, we do appreciate your advice as well as anyone familiar with the territory we'll be passing through whether we've been there before or not!


Yes, that's how I read the rules previously, that it would be a TSD rally event between tracks. Since then, in talking with folks who have run the event previously, it doesn't seem to be the case.


Greg, we owe you big time for all of your insight and past experience with this event! So far, there are only two sightseeing (ahem, control) checkpoints called out.

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 29 2016, 07:48 PM

We're here!

Posted by: Cupomeat Apr 29 2016, 08:41 PM

Day Zero Video is up on the FB site, will figure out how to share it here!

Posted by: Mueller Apr 29 2016, 08:44 PM

All that prep and you didn't clean the rims on the trailer? what the??

Just kidding!

Posted by: tomeric914 Apr 29 2016, 08:48 PM

My apologies. The trailer sat next to a cow barn all winter.

Posted by: r_towle Apr 29 2016, 09:01 PM

This is a drive, race type event?
Meaning no trailer, right?

Posted by: Cupomeat Apr 30 2016, 10:36 PM

Yes, that is right, we trailered the car to the start of the event in Indiana, but will drive it exclusively from this point on!

Posted by: Cupomeat Apr 30 2016, 10:40 PM

Day 1. Got up early to un-trailer and pack the car up. Went to Tire Rack for the start and unpacked the car. We finished up the last bits of registration and stickering just in time for the RAIN! Good thing today's event was a Wet Skidpad. Lunch and driver's meetings took up the rest of the time before we attacked the Wet Skidpad!!! Then a quick pack up in the rain and off to the middle stop - Avon Harley Davidson! That was a very welcome stop as it was warm, and when we left Indiana, we could see our breath in the car - remember we have no heat. The people at the H-D stop were wonderful and lots of great stories, including a couple 914 enthusiasts! By then it was little warmer and off for the last 115mi leg to the hotel.
The Day 1 video will have to wait until tomorrow as the GoPro video file from the Skidpad is not in my possession yet.
Time for sleep and try to dry out... a couple of little leaks add to the fun!
WHAT WENT WELL - The car is running great! The people are great! We made it through the first day!

Posted by: championgt1 Apr 30 2016, 10:46 PM

Posted by: 914_teener Apr 30 2016, 10:46 PM

I think it is really cool what you guys are doing. Keep us posted.

I'm sure you guys get some attention in the car. Have fun.

Posted by: Porschef May 1 2016, 02:15 PM

Good luck with the trip, hopefully the rain will hold off some. Just looking at some Palmer vids to try to find a good vantage point.

Posted by: GregAmy May 1 2016, 02:18 PM

You're pretty much limited to the front straight through T2; there's no way to walk anywhere else on the track.

When you drive into the track, take a left turn immediately after going under the overpass between T1 and T2. Drive to the upper paddock and head toward the pit exit/T1 area. Walk over to the edge of the dirt and you can see all the way up the straight to T1 apex.

Posted by: Cupomeat May 1 2016, 11:34 PM

DAY 2 - Great Day at Pittsburgh International Raceway! Tom killed it on the second session on the track!!! The first was rainy and spotty and difficult for all. The winner from last year had an off and hurt his GTR to the point of probably being out of the event. Another M-B blew its engine. We are 49th place right now.
Then the long 500+ mile trip to Springfield... which is just over. Lots of traffic and construction!
Tomorrow is Palmer, so we'll see hot that goes.Good night!

Posted by: Porschef May 2 2016, 09:34 AM

Just watched Eric complete the morning run in the pouring rain, it's a cold and miserable day.

This is where the event must really take its toll, everyone's gettin wet, everyone's stuff is gettin wet...

And then off to the next place

Posted by: GregAmy May 2 2016, 12:01 PM

Found our car, can't find our guys...

http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/GregAmy99/media/914/FAE78BCC-8351-4B4B-835B-882DFEC78AA9_zpsgxzjyhmq.jpg.html

Posted by: Cupomeat May 2 2016, 10:43 PM

Thanks Greg for coming out! We did find you!!! A tough day at a new track for me with all that rain, but that is racing!

Posted by: Cupomeat May 2 2016, 10:45 PM

THanks so much for coming out! It was great to see fellow 914ers!!! That was a tough day and it rained for both my sessions... The good news it that it is warm here in WV now, although apparently going to rain tomorrow...

Posted by: Cupomeat May 2 2016, 10:45 PM

OK, DAY 3! So, the Theme of the event seems to be "RAIN"!! Third day of RAIN!!! (Perhaps I should mention "COLD" as well)
Palmer Raceway today was the Venue and Eric Drove. Pouring rain on the first session and even though it had cleared up a bit in between we had rain for the second session also... That course is very interesting with Huge elevation changes and tricky corners. I was getting the hang of it by the end but did not post very good times. It was my first time driving the 914 on a racetrack so much to learn. I did spin it once, but recovered very quickly and moved on eventually pulling away from the car behind me There was so much standing water and things were tricky.
We have now completed the drive to Winchester WV successfully arriving around midnight. We are now in 50th place but with Tom driving tomorrow and on a familiar track, we are hopeful...

Posted by: GregAmy May 3 2016, 05:53 AM

So here's an ironman note. This has truly been the Wet Lap of America, and yesterday at Palmer was no exception. 50s, cold, wet all day, rain on and off, hard pour to sprinkly. In fact, weather was so crappy that our Track Night in America event at Palmer last night, which kicked off right after the last OLOA car finished, had to be called early on account of...fog. I did a recon lap and we were down to 150-foot viz at the top of the mountain at around 6:30.

But here's the ironman thing: our guys aren't running heater boxes. No heat, no defrost. In a leaky drafty 40-yr-old car. In the rain. And cold.

Thumbs up to you guys!!

Got to say though, their life can't be more miserable than the intrepid pair running...an Arial Atom. Heard they walked into the Harley dealership and bought a couple sets of moto foul weather gear.

No one said the One Lap was a cake walk!

Keep'a' goin', guys, we're cheerin' you on.

Greg

Posted by: bulitt May 3 2016, 10:48 AM

Wow, nice write-up. I agree money=speed and lots of money=lots of speed.
I remember a build thread on the vette forum where a guy was building a 500,000$
track day car and hired Andy Pilgrim to set it up for him. Arrive on your jet and drive...

Posted by: r_towle May 3 2016, 10:55 AM

I was going to suggest that most BMW motorcycle dealerships sell both 12vdc heated gloves and vests that could plug into the cigarette lighter....and they work really well.

Rich

Posted by: GregAmy May 4 2016, 07:47 AM

Thank you!

Here's some examples of other interesting cars in the mix:

http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/GregAmy99/media/914/6BB5DE15-30EB-4B41-B803-EFBF7164B081_zpssotaojsn.jpg.html
http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/GregAmy99/media/914/0FAA1A46-6181-4F42-8F40-0D17DB1FED70_zps83kyidul.jpg.html
http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/GregAmy99/media/914/7D841FE8-024F-43A3-AAFD-2F5A9F7E3683_zpsjjqqchuo.jpg.html
http://s1201.photobucket.com/user/GregAmy99/media/914/316F6CC9-D54A-406E-94FA-BA1DF8FF651A_zpserw8yurt.jpg.html

Posted by: Cupomeat May 5 2016, 11:36 PM

DAY 6 - Well, this Thursday was quite the day. 2 sessions at Road America which I drove the first and Tom drove the second. 1 Autocross, 1 standard drag race and 1 bracket elimination drag (3rd overall!!!!) race. Wow, a 914 can do it all!!!!!


Add in a stop at the Famous Wisconsin "Brat Stop" and wow, big day.
Another good part is that today only had about 200 miles of transit (in comparison with the last two days of over 550 miles each day.).
We made it in to Joliet and time for sleep. Tomorrow is the Autobahn Country Club tracks and the drive back to Indiana!

Posted by: tomeric914 May 5 2016, 11:44 PM

My initial run down the drag strip was a 13.98 at something like 99 mph. I could not believe how well the car launched though I was being VERY careful not to just dump the clutch and break the transmission. Check the Facebook link for more videos!

Posted by: Cupomeat May 6 2016, 09:56 PM

Day 7: we ran both the north and the south course at Autobahn Country Club and then drove back to the starting point in IA. Tomorrow is the last event at Tire Rack and then the finish!
Big goings on at the hotel here with people very relieved to have made it this far. Time for bed, and tomorrow is the Skidpad (dry) test and then we are DONE!
A couple of things to note, I want to thank the great Guys (and Girl) at Toyota who were awesome to hang, joke around with etc. and all that stuff and Three Pedal Mafia, who became great friends over this event!!! AND those from 914 world who came out to see us!

Posted by: Mike Walsh May 7 2016, 05:44 PM

Passed a couple of the cars above on my way home from work this morning. Didn't see your 914 though.

Mike

Posted by: 914forme May 7 2016, 09:05 PM

I saw their car the Wednesday before the event. I was hoping it was a Nascar Toyota, built for the street, but when they passed it was way to quite Glad to see they are having fun.

Posted by: GregAmy May 8 2016, 07:05 AM

Nice Mitch Wright write-up. Makes me even think about doing it again...then I remember the pain...

http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/10-reasons-why-you-should-attend-one-lap-of-america.html/?a=viewall

Posted by: tomeric914 May 8 2016, 10:11 AM

The car made it home last night but Eric still has some driving to do to get back home. What a week! No worries, Eric will post some amazing videos to the Facebook page but here's the summary:

1. A Porsche 914 can successfully compete and survive One Lap of America

2. Cold and rain SUCK, especially at the same time in a vehicle that has no heater.

3. We came in second in our class (Vintage Foreign) among competitors running American V8s!

4. Bridgestone RE-71R tires suck in the rain but are about as good as an R-comp in the dry. We pulled .969g on the skidpad which was better than more than half of the cars there.

5. I may now be addicted to autocross

6. Drag racing a 914 is a delicate sport but consistency is key. I was blown away to have run 5 heats as consistently as I did only to break out by 1/100th of a second. We finished 3rd in that event.

7. If you have ever thought of running One Lap of America, sign up for the next one. Everyone was incredibly helpful and friendly!

Posted by: 914forme May 8 2016, 06:44 PM

Nice, and that is what I am setting up my 914 up for. Thus things like the trailer hitch, heat. A/C, and seat heaters. But then I am liquid cooled so heat is the easy part.

Hmmm the right combination might be an LS powered 914 with Boxster 6.

Auto-x is very addictive if you don't have to spend an entire day to get 6 runs in. It is a large investment of time for less than 6 seconds of adrenal gland inducement. Our NASA group we get more like 12 runs. And the course is usually a 50 second course.

Glad you all made it, and enjoyed it enough to recommend others t feel your pain. Misery loves company

Posted by: tomeric914 May 8 2016, 06:58 PM

Exactly the conversation we had.

That and some ridonkulous width tires.

Posted by: r_towle May 8 2016, 08:25 PM

You guys should be congratulated for the effort taking an old NARP on a tour of duty like that, and surviving with no heat....

Well done!

Posted by: Cupomeat May 9 2016, 07:47 PM

No doubt it takes over 400hp to be competitive, or a really low weight like the Atom.

I think we'd need to rethink the rear suspension as well...

Posted by: Cupomeat May 9 2016, 07:51 PM

A huge amount of credit goes to to Tom for meticulously prepping that NARP and all his "developmental" track time.

Posted by: Cupomeat May 9 2016, 09:22 PM

Ok, working on the videos:
Packing up:
https://vimeo.com/165975240

Day 1 video:
https://vimeo.com/165975318

Posted by: Chris Pincetich May 10 2016, 08:54 AM

Way to go team 914


AX racing is addictive! I'm bummed to have faded from the scene myself, but life circumstances change and so do priorities. Get out there and shred some tires!

Posted by: tomeric914 May 10 2016, 09:19 AM

I need to find a cost effective LSD because I couldn't put the power down on the AX course. The problem is that there are many and each has it's subtle nuances.

Posted by: ge9146 May 10 2016, 03:31 PM

Congratulations on a fantastic effort!
You guys did a great job! It looks like you beat the 918 at most events too!

Posted by: Cupomeat May 11 2016, 05:11 PM

LOL, Yes, although he was truly not trying very hard... He did whoop EVERYONE's ass at the drag strip running a 10.08sec qtr mi AND he didn't put it in launch mode.
Tom got to drive it...

Posted by: Cupomeat May 15 2016, 08:40 PM

Some more pics!

and We allowed a picture with that 'other' mid engined silver Porsche car that starts with "91"

Posted by: Cupomeat May 15 2016, 08:45 PM

Three more for tonight!

Pittsburgh Raceway.



and Road America



and at National Corvette Museum Raceway (You can tell I am driving because it is raining... LOL)

Posted by: horizontally-opposed May 15 2016, 10:12 PM

This pic...so, so cool!!!

pete

Posted by: r_towle May 15 2016, 10:22 PM

Almost cool enough to stick it in a magazine....

Posted by: Cracker May 16 2016, 06:37 AM

Wow. Mad props to you both...to pull that off in a 914 is something special. Did anything major breakdown or was it steady eddy all week? A buddy of mine was with you - their Mercedes blew up on day #1; they bought a $1G police cruiser and finished the event. The comradely between the drivers must be strong...

918/914 = Perfect 10!

Tony

Posted by: tomeric914 May 16 2016, 07:16 AM

We had no breakdowns at all, didn't even take a wheel off. The only annoyances were a vibration in the front end that would come and go at, ahem, highway speeds which got worse as the week went on and a brake shudder which I believe may be a result of the crapola Centric rotors that I bought in a hurry to replace the cracked rotors that were on the car.

Everyone was very helpful to each other during the event. Good times.

Posted by: Cracker May 16 2016, 07:20 AM

Tom - The vibration that came and went could very well be an out of balance wheel(s)...to make it through even a weekend (at the track) in a 914 is a near miracle - your achievement would be a miracle-squared. Good for you!

All the best.

Tony

Posted by: NS914 May 16 2016, 11:57 AM

This is just great! If ya don't mind, I am going to print that on 11x17 to go on the garage wall! Grant

Posted by: siverson May 16 2016, 12:18 PM

That is a great photo. Especially since the car colors and wheel designs are are similar...

-Steve

Posted by: Cupomeat May 18 2016, 08:33 PM

Ok, day 2 video is now done. The track was Pittsburgh and Tom was the driver. Rain first session and mostly dry the second. Enjoy

https://vimeo.com/167213228

Posted by: 914_teener May 18 2016, 09:49 PM

Way to go guys.......


Someday it would be cool to make it out West.


I nominate that pic for the front page....COTM is boring.

Posted by: Cupomeat Jul 10 2016, 09:02 PM

Well, I finally got back to editing videos and finished off Day 3.

https://vimeo.com/174156984

Enjoy!

NOTE: as bad as my driving was at this track, at least I got my crap together in the pouring rain and shaved off 24 sec on the second run (even with my bad shuffle steering mistakes and the one spin). Live and learn and do better at the next track. First track time in this car, and first time at this track, I learned a lot.

Posted by: tomeric914 Jul 29 2016, 06:36 AM

A few shots of the 914 in Autoweek's article here:

http://autoweek.com/article/car-life/we-took-one-lap-america-and-you-should-too

Posted by: 914forme Jul 29 2016, 08:45 AM

Nice set of pictures

Posted by: Cupomeat Sep 16 2016, 07:38 PM

Yes, I know it has been a while, but I finally finished the Day 4 video.

I hope you like this sort of thing. I added a bunch more elements to this one, and was happy with the dual shot of Tom driving!

Enjoy!
https://vimeo.com/182496686

Now to work on day 5!!!

Posted by: Porschef Sep 17 2016, 05:03 AM

Hey Eric, the link don't seem to work...

Posted by: tomeric914 Sep 17 2016, 05:41 AM

I just tried it. Worked for me.

Posted by: Cracker Sep 17 2016, 06:46 AM

Nice going! Should you do this again or take this car back to the track, think about adding a seat mount to the upper (center) of the seat back to the cage. Your's is flexing quite a bit, which is normal with only bottom mounts. Way to go!

Tony

Mine is circled and makes a world of difference.

Posted by: Cupomeat Sep 17 2016, 09:14 PM

I just tried it and it works for me.

Try, cut and paste the URL.

Good luck

Eric

Posted by: tomeric914 Sep 18 2016, 06:16 AM

Thanks. There is a support behind both seats welded to the cage. They aren't bolted because the seat position is adjustable. I've thought of pinning the seat to the support, but it isn't a priority for me. The car sees about 30 track days per year.