The Road to Lincoln, NE - Chiketkd's official 2009 Autocross Blog (B-stock RX-8) [Archive]

Chiketkd

03-05-2009, 07:14 AM

My first event for the 2009 season will be the Dixie National Tour in Cecil, GA on March 13-15. Shawn and I will be heading out on Thursday afternoon, in order to be at the event site early Friday morning to take part in the test & tune.

Press release from the Dixie Region about this event is shown below:

Dixie Region to Host First 2009 SCCA National Tour Event March 13-15, 2009

http://www.dixiescca.com/images/nationalevent.jpg

For the third year in a row the Dixie Region SCCA will host the first event of the 2009 SCCA National Tour, on March 13-15, 2009. The 2009 Dixie National Tour will again be held at the South Georgia Motorsports Park located 12 miles north of Valdosta, Ga. In 2008 this event hosted nearly 300 entrants, to date a National Tour attendance record, according to event chair and SE Division Solo Steward, Robert Lewis. 2008 SCCA Solo national drivers came from as far away as Pennsylvania, Michigan and California to compete in the prestigious event and we expect the same this year. Entrants must be SCCA members. The long weekend will include a Test-and-Tune, Tech Inspection and a Welcome Party at the track on Friday March 13th. Saturday and Sunday entrants will be divided into run groups with a different track course design on each day. This will be a great opportunity to compete against some of the best national Solo drivers in the country. For event details and registration visit the SCCA 2009 Dixie National Tour Webpage (http://scca.com/event.aspx?hub=3&event=13590). You must be a SCCA member and pre-registered online to enter. See you at the National Tour.

wawazat??

03-09-2009, 01:21 PM

tiv0

03-09-2009, 08:47 PM

+1 for Nebraska! ha

Chiketkd

03-20-2009, 12:24 PM

Chike, will you do me a favor? If Robert Carpenter is in attendance at the event (should be driving an ES MR-2) would you tell him I said "Hello" He was one of my instructors at an EVO school in 2007 and a great guy.

Thanks and good luck!!!

Todd
Sorry Todd. I didn't see this message until now. I did talk to Robert last year @ Nats. Great guy. I think he drives a yellow ES MR-2 iirc. Next time I bump into him, I'll be sure to say hello for you.

Chiketkd

03-20-2009, 12:45 PM

My co-driver Shawn and I went down to Cecil, GA to attend our first event of the 2009 season.

Friday
We got to the event site around 10:30am on Friday, changed tires, exhaust, etc got teched, and then headed to the practice course for a couple runs. I also had a co-driver in BSL as Shawn's girlfriend Katie flew down to ATL, and came down for the weekend.

The car handled great during our practice course runs. The winter changes seemed to have made the car perfectly neutral in steady state sweepers, and quicker through fast transitions.

Saturday
BS was in the second run group with cool temps in the low 60's. The class was made up of 4 drivers in RX-8's, 2 in E36 M3 and 2 in a 350Z.

My co-driver warned me to take it easy on my first run as many cars in the 1st heat had spun on cold tires. I did just that and ran a conservative 53.1 with no cones. Shawn turned a 50.8 with no cones to lead the class after 1st runs. My fastest time was turned on my second run with a clean 50.9 - Shawn turned his on his 3rd run with a 49.9. I was just under one second back from him at the end of day 1 -- Shawn was first in class, I was last in the 8th spot. Competition was very tight!

Sunday
Times on Sunday's courses were not as close at Saturday's. By my 3rd run, I had turned a 49.1 (5th fastest time of the day), while my co-driver was at a 48.6 (2nd fastest time of the day). However, one driver, Jason Ruggles had dropped a scorcher on his very first run of the day with a clean 47.6 and won the class.

Shawn finished 2nd in class, while I moved up a spot to 7th place. I'm happy with my driving at the event, and this was by far my best driving at a National event ever. I was just running a class with very tight competition, so unfortunately my class position doesn't reflect this. I was 81st in PAX (out of 253) and if I had picked up another 0.7 seconds, I would have been 4th in class (instead of 7th). Shawn was 28th overall in PAX.

Here's a link to the Final Results: http://www.scca.com/documents/resultfiles/Sunday%20Final%20-%20R2.pdf

Here's a link to the overall PAX results: http://sccaforums.com/forums/storage/16/350954/DixieTour.PAX-RTP.Final.pdf

Summary
7th out of 8th in class
81st out of 253 in PAX

B Stock Drivers: 8 Trophies: 3 Run Heat: 2

T 1 51 Jason Ruggles 2007 Mazda RX-8 Hoosier Florida Regio 52.643(1) 50.009 51.570(1) 97.614
[151] Margate, FL Thanks Jim! SE 47.605 49.767(1) 49.642(1)

T 2 190 Shawn Roberts 2006 Mazda RX8 Kumho Washington D50.858 54.235(2) 49.974 98.591
[90] Woodbridge, VA NE 49.668 49.036 48.617 (0.977)

T 3 151 Jim Fossum 2007 Mazda RX-8 Hoosier Atlanta Regi 51.445 51.907(1) 50.097 98.748
[51] Greer, SC Mazdaspeed / Hoosier SE 54.065(3) DNF 48.651 (0.157)

4 47 Josh Cavanaugh 2007 Nissan 350Z Kumho Tennessee V 57.211(2) 50.653 50.662 99.433
[147] Huntsville, AL Pops SE 49.769 48.780 51.038(1) (0.685)

5 96 Keith Robertson 1995 BMW M3 Kumho Central Flor 61.051(5) 50.203 DNF 99.790
[196] Tampa, FL Jest Fur Fun Racing SE 56.469(3) 52.755(2) 49.587 (0.357)

6 147 Michael Cavanaugh 2008 Nissan 350Z Kumho Tennessee V 51.753 51.122 50.708 99.920
[47] Falkville, AL My Wife SE 49.814 49.212 49.288 (0.130)

7 90 Chike Dellimore 2006 Mazda RX-8 Kumho Blue Ridge R 53.173 50.970 57.046(3) 100.121
[190] Crozet, VA Mazdaspeed / My wife! SE 51.154 50.525 49.151 (0.201)

8 196 Daniel Shields 1995 BMW M3 Kumho Central Flor 52.653 51.522 50.838 101.339
[96] Valrico, FL Jest Fur Fun Racin SE 51.605(1) 50.501 51.500(1) (1.218)

These are a few pics I've come across from the event:

Hanging out with my co-driver & some friends on Friday
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20Dixie%20NT/thecrew.jpg

My co-driver getting ready to head out
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20Dixie%20NT/chike.jpg

Videos from Saturday!!
Shawn picked up a video camera over the holidays. Tried a few different angles and our Saturday runs came out the best. Enjoy!

Katie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hccFSbTvtxw

Chike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEWjU8JX4ew

Shawn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0anPyaxonR0

Chiketkd

03-24-2009, 03:17 PM

RX-8 guy drives a Subaru again...and loves it?!!! :D

This past weekend was the first points event with my local SCCA club. I was the Event Chairman and did the course design:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%201%203-22-09/BRR-SCCAEvent1CourseMapfinal.jpg

Instead of driving my RX-8, I decided to keep things interesting throughout this season and drive different car(s) at BRR events. I co-drove with Martin, who was third in STU (last trophy spot) at the recently concluded Dixie National Tour. He's an exceptionally fast driver and I knew getting within 1 second of his best time would be a serious challenge as I'd be in an unfamiliar car & set-up. But it would give me a fast driver to chase and push me to drive my best!

Switching from my well-balanced low hp & low tq RX-8 to a turbocharged '06 STi making over 300whp & 300wtq was eye opening!!! The car ate straight-aways like they weren't there, and rotated wonderfully in tight corners. There was some mild push in the longer sweepers but it turned-in well and was easy to drive at the limit on the 245/40/17 RE-01R's.

There were 5 drivers in STU. Final results are shown below:

STU - Street Touring U Pax: 0.836
1t MARTIN KRIZ 2006 SUBARU WRX STI 43.433 FTP 36.310 0.000
2t CHIKE DELLIMORE 2006 SUBARU STI 44.394 0.961 37.113 0.803
3 TONY ANDREWS 2006 SUBARU WRX 46.123 2.690 38.559 2.249
4 JAMES KOINER 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 46.246 2.813 38.662 2.352
5 ADAM ZISA 2006 NISSAN 350Z BASE 52.629 9.196 43.998 7.688
Link: http://www.brr-scca.org/03222009.htm

So I was 0.9 seconds back from Martin. What was also interesting was that Martin and I were 1st and 2nd overall in PAX at the event!

Summary:
2nd out of 5 in class
2nd out of 55 in PAX

VIDEO:
Martin's best run (43.433): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6dxtjBGykY

Chike's best run (44.394): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU5v5_mFSto

A few pics from the event follow:

ESP Camaro - this guy was fast (4th in PAX)!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%201%203-22-09/ESPCamaro.jpg

ASP C6 Z06 - this guy took FTD (3rd in PAX)!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%201%203-22-09/Garrett.jpg

Yours truly (2nd in PAX)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%201%203-22-09/Chike01.jpg

Martin (FTP)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%201%203-22-09/Martin01.jpg

SVXRide

03-24-2009, 09:39 PM

please don't get Ben started on PAX times...:lol::lol::lol:
-Bill

SSSVX

03-25-2009, 05:23 AM

How are you doing, Chike?
How is your RX-8 holding up after 2yrs(?) of AutoX abuse? :cool:
Shawn's driving looks smoother to me in that particular GA event. :p
Do you think the RX-8 can be competitive in times with the
STI of the event at VA? :)
I can hear your let-go of your breath at the end of
the run in the STI! :D
Wish you have fun and do good in this season!
Later! :)

Chiketkd

03-25-2009, 09:19 AM

please don't get Ben started on PAX times...:lol::lol::lol:
-Bill
Ha ha. I know PAX doesn't hold water for many people, but they do have some use. The main thing with PAX, is that the course has to "national quality". DC events tend to have these qualities and I strive to do the same in my course designs. They are some courses on "postage stamp" lots that blantanly favor small cars.
How are you doing, Chike?
How is your RX-8 holding up after 2yrs(?) of AutoX abuse? :cool:
Shawn's driving looks smoother to me in that particular GA event. :p
Do you think the RX-8 can be competitive in times with the
STI of the event at VA? :)
I can hear your let-go of your breath at the end of
the run in the STI! :D
Wish you have fun and do good in this season!
Later! :)
Hi Ken. The car is doing well and running like a champ. I'm having the dealership check out the low power issue. Hoping its just a clogged cat or stuck secondary shutter valve - but we'll see. Shawn's driving definitely tends to be smoother than mine, but that's why I co-drive with a more experienced driver who's faster than me - I want to be pushed, I want to go faster!

Ha ha. I think I forgot to breath on in the later half of my run in the STI - it was just that exhilerating. I want one now - my next car will be an '06/'07 STI! :D If I ran my RX-8 that day I'm sure it would have done just fine out there. Martin and I are normally very close in PAX, but the Verona lot has some gravel in a few areas - awd cars definitely have an advantage.

I've now had 3 top 2 PAX's with the BRR. I want my darn FTP!!!! :lol:

Chiketkd

04-03-2009, 08:46 AM

This past Sunday was the members-only T&T event with the WDCR. BS ran in the afternoon which had a sunny and dry course, while the morning run groups had to contend with very soggy conditions. The DC region was there in their new-for-2009 solo trailer which they purchased from the national SCCA office:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20TT%203-29-09/NewWDCRtrailer.jpg

The course was a repeat of the design used at the really bad rain event in 2008 (Event #1):

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20TT%203-29-09/CourseMap.jpg

I found driving this course was an excerise in patience. There were many fast sections, but several "finesse" sections that required slow & steady hands and gentle throttle input. My first run (on cold tires) had a decent amount of sliding and was a 60.0 +1. My second run was almost 2 seconds faster, but again dirty with cones (58.4 +2). My co-driver Shawn was already down to a clean 57.6 by his 2nd run! I cleaned things up on my third run (58.8) and dropped the time slightly to a clean 58.5 on my 4th and final run. Shawn had gotten his time down some more to a clean 57.4 by his last run.

Summary:
2nd of 8 in class
10th out of 172 in PAX

Results:

'B Stock'
Pos. # Driver Car Run1 Run2 Run3 Run4 Total Diff
1T 190 Roberts, Shawn 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 58.996 57.622 58.317 57.492 57.492 0
2T 90 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 60.073+1 58.497+2 58.893 58.543 58.543 1.051
3T 98 Barber, Steve 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Green 61.719 60.232+1 60.011 60.586+1 60.011 1.468
4 99 Weichold, Frank 2005 Mazda Rx8 Grey 61.266+dnf 69.585+3 60.718 59.883+1 60.718 0.707
5 88 Wade, Dave 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Gray 74.068 66.897 64.324 63.938 63.938 3.220
6 13 Orlov, Dmitriy 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Black 69.76 67.494 69.314 68.194+dnf 67.494 3.556
7 17 Kayser, John 2003 Nissan 350Z Ss 82.717 79.223 74.37 74.087 74.087 6.593
8 22 Derenzis, Alfred 1989 Porsche 911 Cabriolet Grand Prix White 78.402+dnf 86.328 71.538+dnf 65.137+dnf 86.328 12.241

MaxQ data plots:
These are the MaxQ data plots of my 4th run against Shawn's 4th run

Chike
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20TT%203-29-09/ChikeRun4.jpg

Shawn
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20TT%203-29-09/ShawnRun4.jpg

I've come across no pics from the afternoon session. This is a pic from the morning run groups of my friend Josh competing in STU. He had FTD in the morning session with a 59.5!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3397665300_4dfc378fbc_b.jpg

P.S. We have no video from this event as the battery died in Shawn camera. :(

wawazat??

04-03-2009, 05:26 PM

Sorry Todd. I didn't see this message until now. I did talk to Robert last year @ Nats. Great guy. I think he drives a yellow ES MR-2 iirc. Next time I bump into him, I'll be sure to say hello for you.

He sure is. Have fun this year. The Detroit season doesn't start until first weekend in May which is also my sons first birthday. To get back in the swing of things, I've registered for the solo class on Saturday and hope to compete on Sunday.

SVXRide

04-03-2009, 07:29 PM

Todd,
Don't you need camber/caster plates on your car first? ;):D
-Bill

SSSVX

04-04-2009, 03:21 AM

wow some people have already used Genesis Coupe for Autox.

I haven't seen one on the road yet `

wawazat??

04-04-2009, 05:06 AM

Todd,
Don't you need camber/caster plates on your car first? ;):D
-Bill

Yes I do:)

Chiketkd

04-05-2009, 06:12 PM

wow some people have already used Genesis Coupe for Autox.

I haven't seen one on the road yet
Ken,

It was the 306hp v6 version that competed in our class that day. It had the sport package which comes with Brembo brakes all around. It looks very sharp in person (similar to a G37 in appearance). The car was bone-stock and even had 30-day tags on it.

Chiketkd

04-16-2009, 09:36 AM

Had a great wet event last weekend. While I typically despise running in the rain, I decided to go into this event with an open mind and eager spirit.

Shawn, Katie and I decided to run our V710's which was a mistake in the heavy rain, but as we were only competing for PAX (not entered in B-stock) we decided to leave them on and compete amongst ourselves. At the two previous wet events I've done at Fedex stadium in the RX-8 last season, Shawn has beaten me by 4.1 & 3.7 seconds. My goal was to stay within 1-2 seconds of Shawn.

The course was an excellent design by Mike Snyder & Sam Strano, and would have been awesome to run in the dry. Shawn and I ran in Heat 2 (pouring rain), while Katie ran in Heat 3 which had the best conditions (rain switched over to a light drizzle). I approached this wet course with a "controlled aggressive" mindset. I focused on getting as close to the cones as possible and make the straights as long as possible (late apexes).

Results were as follows:
190 Shawn Roberts 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 91.621 88.332 88.539 86.486
90 Chike Dellimore 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 92.648 89.887 88.468 88.072+1

So I finished just under 2 seconds back from Shawn but had a run that would have put me just 1.6 seconds back (just niggled a cone - didn't even feel it).

Pics from the event follow:

Shawn
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/AI%20Event%202%204-11-09/Shawn01.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/AI%20Event%202%204-11-09/Shawn02.jpg

Chike
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/AI%20Event%202%204-11-09/Chike02.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/AI%20Event%202%204-11-09/Chike01.jpg

Katie
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/AI%20Event%202%204-11-09/Katie01.jpg

John V.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/AI%20Event%202%204-11-09/JohnV.jpg

Burdette
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/AI%20Event%202%204-11-09/Burdette.jpg

Luster
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/AI%20Event%202%204-11-09/Luster.jpg

I purchased a set of Hoosier wets which will be mounted up before the next WDCR event. So Shawn and I will be ready for any conditions this season! :cool:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/Hoosierwets2.jpg

Chiketkd

05-05-2009, 07:38 AM

Sorry for the late update...

The Sunday before last was the first points event with the WDCR. There were over 230 people in attendance and it was nice seeing some old friends again.

The course was an interesting design with two slower sweepers and several transitional elements in between:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%201%204-26-09/CourseMap.jpg

B-stock had 6 people in the class. Shawn and I were still on our nationals set of V710's and they had over 80+ runs BEFORE we started this event. Luckily temps were over 90F, so the tires would hopefully heat up quickly and provide plenty of grip. Everyone else in our class were on brand new tires.

My first run out, I focused on being aggressive as I didn't want to get stuck in "rain mode" since my previous event was the wet one with AI. I drove the car aggressively through the course and thought I clipped a cone in the back section. Finished with a 50.953+1 according to the person giving out times (later learned the cone was reset w/o penalty). All the other competitors including my co-driver were in the 51's & 52's for their 1st runs. I knew I could go faster and I needed a clean one in the books.

My 2nd run out seemed similar to the first except I was a little less aggressive in the area where I previously thought I hit the cone. I also almost went sideways in the slalom along the top end of the course but was able to save the run and stay on course. Finished with a clean 51.1. However, my co-driver was now down to a 50.8 while another competitor was at a 50.6. On my third run I was agressive throughout but again went sideways in that top slalom (lots of gravel off line in that area). This run ended up being slower still - a 51.2! Aaargh!!!! :mad: Shawn ran a dirty 50.3+1 and Dave didn't improve. All other competitors were still in the 51's & 52's.

On my fourth and final run I decided to go for broke. I stayed ahead of the course and got on the throttle early throughout. The back end still wanted to step out on me during the top slalom but I kept my foot planted and drove through it. In the turn before heading downhill to the finish I was a little too aggressive in how soon I got back on the gas. The front end pushed a bit before tucking back in. I kept the aggression up until I went through the finish lights. I ran a 50.913. CLEAN!!

Shawn ran a 50.9xx on his last run and stood on his earlier 50.8. Dave didn't improve on his earlier 50.6, but another competitor Frank moved into 4th with a 50.956 -- just 4/100ths behind me. In the end, 0.4 seconds separated the top 5 spots in the class!!!! :eek:

Summary:
3rd out of 6 in class
30th out of 232 in PAX

Results:
'B Stock' - Total Entries: 6 Trophies: 2 Car Color Times Total
1T bs 88 Dave Wade 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Gray 52.867+2 50.685 51.564 58.993+1 50.685 -
2T bs 190 Shawn Roberts 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 51.381 50.845 50.365+1 50.910 50.845 0.160
3 bs 90 Chike Dellimore 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 50.953 51.149 51.286 50.913 50.913 0.068
4 bs 99 Frank Weichold 2005 Mazda Rx8 Grey 57.523+5 61.441 51.111+1 50.956 50.956 0.043
5 bs 98 Learic Cramer 2009 Nissan 370Z Yellow 53.569 52.192 51.093 51.424 51.093 0.137
6 bs 77 John Wise 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Yellow 55.493+dnf 53.402 52.633 52.132 52.132 1.039

Link: http://www.wdcr-scca.org/SoloAutocross/EventsAX/SoloChampionship1/426Results/tabid/1595/Default.aspx

Some pics:

Shawn
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%201%204-26-09/Shawn01.jpg

Katie
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%201%204-26-09/Katie01.jpg

Chike
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%201%204-26-09/Chike01.jpg

Learic (370Z)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%201%204-26-09/Learic03.jpg

Strano (F-stock Shelby)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%201%204-26-09/Strano02.jpg

SVXRide

05-05-2009, 12:35 PM

Chike,
Didn't Strano have an "off day" at this event?
-Bill
p.s. nice driving!

Chiketkd

05-05-2009, 02:43 PM

Chike,
Didn't Strano have an "off day" at this event?
-Bill
p.s. nice driving!
Thanks Bill.

According to Strano's comments on the DC board, his driving style (toss 'n catch) didn't work well on this type of course. Jason Burns won F-stock with a 49.5 while Strano's best was a 50.3.

As FS and BS are so close in PAX (0.832 vs 0.835) Shawn and I are using Strano as our "yardstick" this season.

Chiketkd

05-24-2009, 08:34 PM

In my quest for a highflow exhaust for daily driving and local scca events, I came across the Corksport fully stainless catback system. It's 11 lbs lighter than the stock catback, and is the best flowing 2.5" exhaust available for the RX-8.

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12419&stc=1&d=1244034828

I received it Thursday, and it was on my car by Friday evening! It sounds no louder than my former Mazdaspeed catback at idle or while cruising, but the sound between 6-9K is absolute heaven!!!! :cool::cool::cool:

Chiketkd

05-24-2009, 09:02 PM

I instructed at the 2009 Blue Ridge Region novice school held at the Motormile Speedway in Radford, VA. I worked with two students, James and Doug who drove a '05 STi and a Forester XT, both prepped for the STU class.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/3557420363_bc838802d7.jpg

Doug is on the left, while James is to the right of the picture.

Doug made some stellar improvement and really whipped that wagon around the course on a less-than-ideal set-up. I was impressed especially since this was his 4th event ever!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3557443627_3bd41974c1.jpg

James had 1 season under his belt, but really seemed to soak up the advice I was giving him. Very fast learner who also showed tremendous improvement! He also has a car that's just a few tweaks away from being very competitive for the class.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3557486887_ec7db4365b.jpg

The instructors got a test-n-tune session at the end of the day, and James let me drive his STi.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3558315998_8940cf918b.jpg

Chiketkd

06-02-2009, 10:56 PM

This past weekend was WDCR championship event #2. The course was an excellent design by Ian Baker and included a good 'balance' of elements. It wasn't an easy course to read and many drivers finished all four runs w/o feeling like they had gotten everything right.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/CourseMap.jpg

Shawn and I finally made the switch to Hoosier A6's and we went with a similar size to our former V710's - 245/35/18. Unlike the V710's, the Hoosiers are slightly wider, weigh 3lbs less per tire and are also 0.1" shorter in OD. So on paper, these tires definitely looked good!

As I'm in the only co-driven car, I was first out on course in the 5th heat on Sunday. Temps were in the mid 70's and as hoosiers work well even when cold, I had no issues with grip on my maiden run. My biggest issue was actually finding a good line on course while at the same time figuring out these new Hoosiers which have a completely different feel than the V710's. A few spots caught me "off guard" - the 1st slalom right after the start had a funky rhythm to it (especially at the end), and the final slalom between poles 43 & 52 was much tighter than it walked. I came in with a clean 64.3xx knowing that a ton of time was still out there. Other drivers in my class had 1st runs in the 64-65 range and Shawn led the way out of the gate with a clean 63.6xx.

On my 2nd run I wanted to start fixing some of the issues on my first run. Did the first slalom much better but didn't get a good line coming down through the 'S-turns' between poles 33 & 31. I carried a lot of speed up through the walled slalom by pole 42, and the final tight slalom really caught me by suprise!! Snap. Got on the brakes hard but it was too late - center punched a cone and went around the wrong side of the next slalom cone. Finished with a 63.6xx +dnf. Shawn had now dropped the hammer with a clean 62.4xx followed by a 62.8xx by Wade (who won event #1).

On my third run I set out finally feeling like I knew how these hoosiers behaved at the limit. The first slalom went well, fast straight was sweet, set up well for the downhill S-turns, and executed the walled slalom and the tight slalom with aplomb. Came through the finish with a clean 62.6xx and was now 2nd in class, 2/10ths behind Shawn. Shawn didn't improve on his 3rd run and went 1/10th slower.

4th run time! I went out with a vengance attacking the course even harder than before. I realized I could carry more speed in the downhill S-turns (but still left some time on the table there). Uphill walled slalom was fast, tight slalom wasn't too shabby, and I got on the gas early after clearing the last cone before the finish. My time was a 62.3xx!!! I moved into the lead in my class! Booyeah!!! But several other drivers in my class still had to run including Shawn. Wade finished and didn't improve on his prior 62.8, Shawn finished with a 62.6 and had to stand on his earlier run as well. Only person left was Dr. Weichold whose best time was a 63.4xx. Weichold set out and absolutely burned through the course. He really stayed on the gas coming downhill through the S-turns and absolutely rocked that section. His excellent pace continued all the way to the finsih. I ran to check the time. It was a clean 61.594! Wow - talk about smashing my final time to pieces!!! :lol: I clapped as Weichold returned to grid - that was a clutch run executed perfectly!

Summary:
2nd out of 9 in class
15th out of 227 in PAX

Results:
'B Stock' - Total Entries: 9 Trophies: 3 Car Color Times Total
1T bs 99 Frank Weichold 2005 Mazda Rx8 Grey 65.851 63.494 64.060 61.594 61.594 -
2T bs 90 Chike Dellimore 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 64.377 63.658 dnf 62.607 62.376 62.376 0.782
3T bs 190 Shawn Roberts 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 63.610 62.443 62.523 62.688 62.443 0.067
4 bs 88 Dave Wade 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Gray 64.087 62.889 63.544+1 63.046 dnf 62.889 0.446
5 bs 98 Steve Barber 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Green 66.378 64.576 63.932 63.654 63.654 0.765
6 bs 77 John Wise 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Yellow 74.937 65.746 +1 64.644 +1 63.963 63.963 0.309
7 bs 199 Learic Cramer 2009 Nissan 370Z Yellow 68.455 dnf 65.664 66.134 65.082 65.082 1.119
8 bs 16 Danny Chao 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 71.359 dnf 67.762 66.844 67.547 +2 66.844 1.762
9 bs 22 Alfred Derenzis 1989 Porsche 911 Cabriolet Grand Prix White 96.517 +1 79.114 77.846 dnf 74.746 74.746 7.902

Results: http://www.wdcr-scca.org/SoloAutocross/EventsAX/SoloChampionship2/531Results/tabid/1599/Default.aspx

Max Q speed graph of my fastest run:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/MaxQspeedoverlay.jpg

Video of best runs

Chike Run 4 (62.376)
<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fUK0l3tqg1k&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fUK0l3tqg1k&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

Shawn Run 2 (62.443)
<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bxg3Pbdp314&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bxg3Pbdp314&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

Pics:

Shawn
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/Shawn.jpg

Katie
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/Katie.jpg

Chike
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/Chike03.jpg

Frank
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/Weichold.jpg

Chiketkd

06-02-2009, 11:01 PM

Some additional pics...

Burns
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/Burns.jpg

Gabe (Kraus' ESP WRX)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/Gabe.jpg

Olsen
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/Olsen.jpg

Kriemelmeyer
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%202%205-31-09/Kriemelmeyer.jpg

SSSVX

06-03-2009, 02:08 AM

Good work, Chike. :cool:
You beat Shawn in this course.
Was he mad? :D
Why most people use RX-8 in the class?
No cars handle better?
The course looks kind of big.
Video clips not working yet.

Chiketkd

06-03-2009, 07:31 AM

Ken,

Video above is fixed. It was 1am last night when I finished up this post and made an error. No Shawn wasn't mad at all. He beat me by a tenth at the last event, so our finishes are starting to be much closer. Either way, we both are working towards stepping up our driving to get into the trophies @ Nats. We'll have to take our driving up yet another notch from where it is now to do that.

The RX-8 is not a powerful car, but does well in the class due to its suspension design, relatively low curb weight, decent tire size, 50/50 weight balance, lsd, etc.

SSSVX

06-12-2009, 03:28 AM

Thanks for fixing that.
We can probably see the whole course/driving better if the
video cam was in the car. :)

Chiketkd

06-17-2009, 08:04 PM

This past weekend Shawn, Katie and I drove up to Romulus, NY to take part in the 2009 SCCA Finger Lakes NT. Due to reports that the test & tune course was held on a different part of the lot than where the course would be laid out, we decided to skip it and aim to arrive around 5pm to check-in, change tires, tech the car and then walk the course.

The lot was mostly clean, grippy asphalt with a high grip concrete section in the middle to mix things up.

Saturday
My goal Saturday was to go out and stay as close to the leaders as possible. I definitely felt nervous sitting at the line getting ready to set off on my first run and it showed. I was a little cautious in a few spots and was a little herky-jerky with the throttle in a few places. Came in with a 60.9xx which left me 4th out of 5 after first runs. Shawn led the class with a super fast 59.113 right off the bat!

On my 2nd run, I kicked my nerves to the curb and attacked the course with "controlled aggression". It showed on the clock, as my time tumbled to a 59.5xx which kept me in the 4th spot, but moved me to be within 4/10ths of the top spot. Shawn didn't improve but still held onto the top spot.

My third and final run was aggressive throughout, but I pushed it too hard in a few places and the car slid wide in the 2nd-to-last sweeper before the finish costing me a few precious 10ths. My final time still dropped to a 59.447, but how much time had I left on the table?

After Day 1, Shawn was in 1st, Keith (former BS national champ back in '85) was in 2nd just 3/100ths of a second back, Liam (350Z Nismo driver) was in 3rd, I was in 4th and Mike was in 5th. In all, 1st - 5th position were separated by just 6/10ths of a second!

Sunday
I got a good night's sleep and felt ready to get things going. First run out was very aggressive and the car felt great. Committed early with the throttle coming out of corners and it showed. My first run was a 56.0xx which was a 2nd fastest 1st run. I shot up to 2nd in class while Keith moved into the 1st spot with a blistering 55.431! Shawn fell a couple spots to 3rd.

On my 2nd run, things really clicked!!! I stayed ahead of many elements and got on the throttle earlier than before in a few corners. I matched Keith's time with a nearly identical 55.447!!! This kept me solidly in the 2nd spot. Liam moved into 3rd with a 56.1xx run as Shawn ran a 56.4xx.

On my 3rd run, I went for broke, I knew a 54 was possible and I wanted it! Slid the car in one crucial corner but picked up time in others, in the end though, my final time was a few tenths slower and I finished with a 55.7xx. Bummer. To top it off, Liam turned a 55.667 and when the times were tallied, he moved ahead of me to 2nd overall by just 0.005 seconds! :(

Summary:
3rd out of 5 in class
63rd out of 234 in PAX

Results:
B Stock Drivers: 5 Trophies: 2

T 1 189 Keith Scala 2009 Mazda RX-8 Gry Hoosier 60.363 59.395 59.146 114.577
[89] Shelton, CT Mazdaspeed/Hoosier/SCM New Englan 55.431 56.423 56.119

T 2 32 Liam Dwyer 2007 Nissan 350z Red Hoosier 59.222 62.567(2) 59.859 114.889
Southbury, CT Joes Tire Shop New Englan 56.456 56.138 55.667 (0.312)

3 90 Chike Dellimore 2006 Mazda RX-8 Gry Hoosier 60.970 59.546 59.447 114.894
[190] Crozet, VA Mazdaspeed / My Wife! Blue Ridge 56.061 55.447 55.764 (0.005)

4 190 Shawn Roberts 2006 Mazda RX-8 Gry Hoosier 59.113 59.497 59.394 115.537
[90] Woodbridge, VA Washington 56.569 56.424 56.503 (0.643)

5 89 Mike Montalbano 2009 Mazda RX8 Grey Hoosier 61.306 59.812 59.767 116.715
[189] Warwick, RI New Englan 56.948 58.398(1) 57.018 (1.178)

Pics:

Keith
http://www.solopix.flr-scca.com/panda_image_gallery/galleries/minibeetle_0.83571500_1245107871/IMG_2518.jpg

Shawn
http://www.solopix.flr-scca.com/panda_image_gallery/galleries/minibeetle_0.83571500_1245107871/IMG_2519.jpg

Liam
http://www.solopix.flr-scca.com/panda_image_gallery/galleries/minibeetle_0.83571500_1245107871/IMG_2479.jpg

Chike
http://www.solopix.flr-scca.com/panda_image_gallery/galleries/minibeetle_0.83571500_1245107871/IMG_2481.jpg

Mike
http://www.solopix.flr-scca.com/panda_image_gallery/galleries/minibeetle_0.83571500_1245107871/IMG_2480.jpg

Katie, my BSL co-driver has really been stepping up her driving lately. I was really impressed with her last run on Sunday...

http://mageep.smugmug.com/photos/564352086_mRL2o-M.jpg

http://mageep.smugmug.com/photos/564353271_TWaK9-M.jpg

Chiketkd

06-17-2009, 08:10 PM

We can probably see the whole course/driving better if the video cam was in the car. :)
Ken,

We're keeping that camera angle as it helps us see how close we're getting to the cones on the passenger side of the car. We're using it more as a learning tool than anything else at this point.

Next event is the DC Pro solo this coming weekend.

Chiketkd

06-26-2009, 09:09 AM

This past weekend, Shawn and I competed in the Washington DC Pro held at Fedex Stadium.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/FedexStadium.jpg

The course was set-up on the E/F lot and as a result, had the typical uphill starts that required use of the handbrake. However, there was a good mix of sweepers, transitions and fast elements to keep everyone happy! B-stock had a total of 8 drivers and would run in the 1st heat in Group B.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/CourseMap.jpg

Saturday

Saturday morning runs were a wash...literally. It rained hard then lightened up, and then stopped completely right before our heat started. Due to the slopped lot, the water was running off the lot at a rapid pace, and it was a close toss up between using the Hoosier wets and Hoosier A6's. In the end, Shawn and I chose the wet tires which was a mistake as there was little standing water. The wet tires provided decent grip, but ultimately their grip wasn't quite as good as the A6's in these weird conditions.

Saturday afternoon runs were completely dry. I had to re-learn the courses as I would have more grip and everywhere compared to my morning runs. I got down to a solid 33.8xx on the left course, but had to stand on a 31.7xx on the right, as my faster 31.4xx time had one cone attached. My cumulative time was a 65.6xx, while Shawn was only 0.077 ahead of me with a 65.5xx. So at the end of Day 1, Shawn was 4th in class, while I was 5th.

Sunday

One-day-Chike showed up Sunday morning focused and ready to drive. Right before the first heat started it started to rain! Aargh!!!! It came down pretty steadily and the 1st Heat Group A drivers had it pretty bad. The rain abated, and once again the lot started to dry off pretty quickly as there was very little standing water. By the time our class took to the course, about 60% of the lot was dry, while 40% was still rain soaked. :(

I drove like there was no tomorrow, and in the end my scratch times were among the fastest on Sunday morning for my class. I was still a few tenths back from my best dry times run on Saturday afternoon, but it was definitely a morale victory. :)

So B-stock only one dry session all weekend, while many classes had at least 2 or even 3. :rolleyes:

Summary:
5th out of 8 in class
151 out of 226 in Pro Solo Index <LOL>

Results:
B Stock Drivers: 8 Trophies: 3

T 1 97 Jason Ruggles 2007 Mazda RX8 Slv Hoosier 38.094(1) 34.812 35.239(1) 33.184 35.053 36.452(1) 64.166
[197] Margate, FL Florida Re 33.160 32.293 30.982 32.832(1) 33.250 32.484 20

T 2 32 Joseph Barbato 2007 Nissan 250Z Red Hoosier 36.562 36.152 33.849 33.519 35.720 35.268 64.247
[132] Plainville, CT Barbato Twins Experiment New Englan 35.101 33.835 31.664 30.728 35.118 33.321 (0.081) 16

T 3 197 Jim Fossum 2007 Mazda RX-8 Slv Hoosier 37.089(1) 34.661 33.746 35.369(1) 34.077 34.151 64.723
[97] Greer, SC Mazdaspeed / Hoosier Atlanta Re 33.160 34.835(1) 31.389 30.977 36.157(2) 31.992 (0.476) 13

4 190 Shawn Roberts 2006 Mazda RX-8 Gry Hoosier 38.322 37.115 RL 34.430 36.249 35.044 65.564
[90] Woodbridge, VA Washington 35.094 35.405 33.517(1) 31.134 41.220(2) 35.194(1) (0.841) 11

5 90 Chike Dellimore 2006 Mazda RX-8 Gry Hoosier 38.056 37.280 36.408(1) 33.886 35.100 34.500 65.641
[190] Crozet, VA Mazdaspeed / My Wife! Blue Ridge 41.363 35.125 31.755 33.497(1) 32.711 33.983(1) (0.077) 9

6 8 Travis Hill 1994 porsche 968 Red Hoosier 40.776 DNF DNF RL 35.509 36.329(1) 65.802
Irwin, PA HRE Racing Steel Citi 33.435 35.388(1) 30.293 30.900 32.991 32.338 (0.161) 7

7 99 Frank Weichold 2005 Mazda RX-8 Gry Hoosier 52.405(4) 36.319 DNF RL 35.148 34.586 65.863
Bethesda, MD Washington 34.271 37.468(2) 31.277 RL 36.439(1) DNF (0.061) 6

8 132 Liam Dwyer 2007 Nissan 350z Red Hoosier 36.806 36.370 35.896(1) 36.133(1) 35.024 34.884 67.893
[32] Southbury, CT Joes Tire Shop New Englan 34.905 34.037 DSQ 33.224(1) 33.009 RL (2.030) 5

Link: http://scca.com/documents/resultfiles/Sunday2.pdf

Pictures:

Ruggles
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Ruggles.jpg

Barbato
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Joe.jpg

Shawn
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Shawn.jpg

Chike
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Chike.jpg

Chiketkd

06-26-2009, 09:12 AM

Winchester
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Winchester.jpg

Vail
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Vail.jpg

Rest
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Justin.jpg

Iman
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Iman.jpg

Hertweck
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Hertweck.jpg

Alex S.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/AlexDSP.jpg

Carpenter
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/2009%20DC%20Pro/Carpenter.jpg

Chiketkd

06-29-2009, 09:31 PM

Yesterday I competed in the STU class at solo championship event #4 with my local Blue Ridge Region in Verona, VA. I co-drove James' black STi which has a moderate STU build on it, but is not quite complete. You may remember James from the BRR-SCCA school where I instructed him. He welcomed me to co-drive his car at local events and I took him up on that offer.

There were a total of 50 entrants for the event. We had a traveling former national trophy winner in Sam Krauss show up in his STX Eagle Talon. Sam was fresh off a 2nd place finish in STX at the Finger lakes NT and a 1st place finish at the DC Pro. He was still developing the car and will continue to develop it right up to Nats, but he's definitely found some speed in it already. ;)

While Sam and I were running in different ST classes, I figured he'd be a good bench mark to use and I was hoping to match him in Raw Time. I realized matching him in PAX would take a more fully prepped STi like Martin's.

STU had 4 competitors - James, myself, TJ and Tony. TJ drove his '06 STi, while Tony was in his '06 2.5L WRX (which b/c of its displacement is classed in STU and not STX).

TJ laid the smack down on his 1st run with a super fast and clean 46.923! james came in with a 48.3xx, while Tony drove to a cautious 52.xxx. I was the 2nd driver and turned a clean 47.3xx. 2nd runs didn't shake the standings up any -- James ran a fast, but dirty 47.2xx; I spun on my run; while TJ went no faster. Tony came in with a clean 50.xxx finding more time on course. By third runs I was ready to get a serious time in! I got close to the cones in a few places and ended up snagging two along the way, but crossed the line with a 46.331+2. If this run had been clean, it would have given me FTD that day. :( James turned a dirty 47.8xx+2, while TJ didn't improve, but Tony cut down more time and was now at a 49.5xx. Meanwhile in STX, Sam turned a 46.392 on his third run which gave him FTD and FTP.

Only one more run to get it right. I knew James' car had a 45.xxx in it, but to get there would be risky and possibly cone filled. I was also sitting 2nd in class, and knew that if I could just clean up my 3rd run, I'd win the class. I attacked the course with aggression but gave the cones I snagged on my 3rd run a wider berth. Lost a little time in the tight turn-around shortly after the start, but I lost a bundle more in the final slalom before the finish. The car went sideways and I had to catch and get the car back in line to avoid hitting a slalom cone. That sideways action easily cost me a 1/2 second, and I crossed the line with a 46.871. TJ didn't improve, but James ran a sizzling 47.1xx but unfortunately had 3 cones. Tony moved ahead of James into 3rd with a fast & clean 47.6xx.

Summary:
1st out of 4 in class
3rd out of 50 in PAX

Results:
STU - Street Touring U Pax: 0.836
1t CHIKE DELLIMORE 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 46.871 39.184 1.050
2t TJ SITTNER 2006 SUBARU WRX STI 46.923 0.052 39.228 1.094
3 TONY ANDREWS WRX 47.646 0.775 39.832 1.698
4 JAMES KOINER 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 48.385 1.514 40.450 2.316

Link: http://www.brr-scca.org/06282009.htm

Pics:

James
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3668993867_b33ca76518.jpg

Chike
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/3669804648_96a816dc1b.jpg

TJ
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3668991851_57130e24f0.jpg

Tony
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3668995441_4066fc6461.jpg

Sam (STX Talon)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3668992179_a4d6d04484.jpg

Chiketkd

07-14-2009, 08:59 AM

This past weekend was WDCR championship event #3. Temps were in the mid to upper 80's and a very challenging course had been laid out!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Coursemap.jpg

I was the first car out on this course in the 1st heat on Sunday. As I approached the off-camber showcase turn by Pole #30, the back-end just became incredibly loose and the car did a complete 360. As I was facing the right direction again, I just popped her back into 1st and continued with my first run. Finished with a 61.9xx (with the spin). My co-driver lead the field after 1st runs with a 54.3xx.

I kept "pussy-footing" it through that off-camber showcase turn for the remainder of my runs that day. While my times continued to drop, I felt there were 3-4 sections that I didn't execute with enough aggression. Frank Weichold won the class with a 53.356, Dave Wade was a tick behind with a 53.388, Shawn was 3rd with a 53.6xx, while I was 4th with a 53.8xx. All in all, my driving felt 'meh' out there.

In the Ladies class, Shawn and I have been beating Katie by around 4 seconds all season. She really stepped up her game Sunday and ran a scorching 55.589!!

Summary:
4th out of 8 in class
31st out of 233 in PAX

Results:
Class Number First Name Last Name Car Model Car Color Total Diff. From 1st Pax Time
bs 99 Frank Weichold 2005 Mazda Rx8 Grey 53.356 - - 44.552
bs 88 Dave Wade 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Gray 53.388 0.032 0.032 44.579
bs 190 Shawn Roberts 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 53.691 0.303 0.335 44.832
bs 90 Chike Dellimore 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 53.874 0.183 0.518 44.984
bs 97 Learic Cramer 2009 Nissan 370Z Yellow 54.868 0.994 1.512 45.814
bs 98 Steve Barber 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Green 55.178 0.31 1.822 46.073
bs 11 Robert Bruno 2007 Mazda Rx-8 Black 62.553 7.375 9.197 52.231
bs 22 Alfred Derenzis 1989 Porsche 911 White 64.980 2.427 11.624 54.258

Link: http://www.wdcr-scca.org/Portals/0/solo/Results/2009-07-12%20to%20post1.pdf

Pics:

Katie
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Katie1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Katie2.jpg

Shawn
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Roberts1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Roberts2.jpg

Chike
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Dellimore1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Dellimore2.jpg

Frank
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Weichold.jpg

Wade
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Wade.jpg

Cramer
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Cramer.jpg

Chiketkd

07-14-2009, 09:04 AM

More pics from the event:

Baker
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Baker.jpg

Hair
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Hair.jpg

Kriemelmeyer
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Kriemelmeyer.jpg

Luster
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Luster2.jpg

Neary
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Neary.jpg

Strano
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Strano.jpg

Piccione
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Piccione.jpg

John V.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Vitamvas.jpg

Willemin
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%203%207-12-09/Willemin.jpg

Chiketkd

07-14-2009, 09:08 AM

I'll be doing the 2-day Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virgina held at the Danville Regional Airport this coming weekend with my local BRR-SCCA region.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/2006%20Subaru%20WRX%20TR/AutoX%20pics/Commonwealth%20Games%20July%2007/CommonwealthGamesofVA02.jpg

I'll be co-driving Martin Kriz' '06 STi in the STU class. :cool: I'm really looking forward to this one and going head-to-head with Martin over 2 days!

Chiketkd

07-31-2009, 07:55 AM

I figure it's about time I update this blog with my last event...

The Blue Ridge Region held its annual 2-day CommonWealth Games at the Danville Airport. I co-drove with Martin Kriz in his '06 STi in the STU class.

Saturday - The car seemed crazy loose on Martin's first run. He checked the rear camber when we got back to our grid spot and one of the rear camber bolts had slipped to almost 1 degree positive camber. He ran to get his tools, but I had to go out and do my first run with the car in this condition. Needless to say, the run was a waste! :lol: When I got back to the pits, we worked feverishly to pull the wheel, adjust the camber bolt, and then lock everything down again - on a car with hot brakes!!! :lol: Once back in the car, my subsequent runs kept getting faster and faster - but I was having trouble with conage. In the end, Martin won with a 47.4, while I coned away the win with a 47.1+1!!!! I had to stand on a much slower, but clean 48.4.

Saturday Results
STU - Street Touring U Pax: 0.836
1t MARTIN KRIZ 2006 SUBARU WRX STI 47.414 39.638 1.316
2 CHIKE DELLIMORE 2006 SUBARU STI 48.446 1.032 40.501 2.179
3 TONY ANDREWS 2006 SUBARU WRX 50.463 3.049 42.187 3.865

Martin's 47.4
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2C5lH7gQpGA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2C5lH7gQpGA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Chike's 48.4
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0wgDQpD-qPE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0wgDQpD-qPE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Sunday - The car was working well for us on our first runs and Martin's 2nd run, but on my 2nd run the rear camber bolt slipped again causing a big spin on course. We called a mechanical, fixed the issue, but I never truly felt comfortable in the car for the rest of the day. Martin simply out-drove me with a 42.9 to my 44.3.

Sunday Results
STU - Street Touring U Pax: 0.836
1t MARTIN KRIZ 2006 SUBARU WRX STI 42.993 35.942 0.109
2 CHIKE DELLIMORE 2006 SUBARU STI 44.353 1.360 37.079 1.246

Martin's 42.9
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OtoCY90KsLQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OtoCY90KsLQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Chike's 44.3
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TtRAbd5t2GI&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TtRAbd5t2GI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

For our efforts, Martin won a gold medal while I took home a silver. It was a pleasure driving with him, but after 2 days in an STi, I missed my RX-8. :o

Pics

Martin
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/3737304548_2493448fbe.jpg

Chike
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/3733208535_8afd8c359d.jpg

Tony
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/3733206487_68a8179a36.jpg

SSSVX

08-02-2009, 01:44 AM

For our efforts, Martin won a gold medal while I took home a silver. It was a pleasure driving with him, but after 2 days in an STi, I missed my RX-8. :o

Congrats!! :)

What did you miss on the RX-8? :)

Nice runs. I may somehow tell your drivings w/o looking at whose videos first. :eek::D

How heavy is the RX-8 stock wheel w/o tire?? :D

Chiketkd

08-10-2009, 10:11 AM

What did you miss on the RX-8? :)
Ken I missed my RX-8's ability "to turn". In an STi, you really have to use ham fisted inputs in order to get the car to rotate. The RX-8 rotates effortlessly.
How heavy is the RX-8 stock wheel w/o tire?? :D
Stock RX-8 wheels are 21.5lbs (5x114.3, 18x8 +50et)

Chiketkd

08-10-2009, 11:09 AM

My most recent event was the WDCR event #4 held on the A Lot of Fedex Stadium. I waited to do this write-up as I wanted to have a clear mind and be as objective as possible - you'll see why later. :rolleyes:

B-stock was scheduled to run in the 6th and final heat of the day. The morning run groups had wet/damp and the event got stopped during run group 1 for ~90 minutes after some lightning came through the area. As a result of the delay, everyone would only get 3 runs...instead of the usual 4.

By the time B-stock ran, the sun was out, temps were in the upper 80's and the lot was completely dry. 1st run my goal was to test the limits of grip and hopefully put a fast scratch time down. I slid the car in a tight section, taking out 2 cones in a wall, and tripped the lights with a solid 53.2+2 effort. In terms of raw time, it was the 2nd fastest time in BS for 1st runs. Shawn led with a clean 51.9!

Second run time! Okay, my game plan was to push it harder in a few sections that I felt I drove 'safe' and make it clean through that tight section with the wall of cones. I definitely attacked the course more and was clean through the tight section but tipped a cone in the slalom that led up to the finish lights. My time -- a 52.8+1. Shawn improved to a clean 51.6, and there was now another guy (Dave) who ran a clean 52.5.

3rd and final runs! I thought for a brief moment about taking it easy inorder to get a clean run. But then said NAH! Let's go down swinging!!! :cool: I was very happy with my lines and aggression throughout the course. Went into a fast sweeper a little to hot, but steered the car beautifully with my right foot w/o losing much time. I went through the tight section cleanly and then made my way up the hill towards the fast slalom by the finish. I drove through it aggressively and saw my finishing time of 52.2! Yes! But wait...there's a possible cone?! WTF? I didn't even feel anything. Sure enough, I just barely tipped a cone in the final slalom by the finish!!

So I coned all three of my runs, and I would have been second if only my 3rd run was clean. Oh well...

Summary:
5th out of 8 in class
22nd out of 194 in PAX

Results:
'B Stock'
Pos. # Driver Car Run1 Run2 Run3 Run4 Total Diff
1T 190 Roberts, Shawn 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 51.915 51.626 51.614 DNS 51.614 0
2T 88 Wade, Dave 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Gray 52.405+dnf 52.568 52.684 DNS 52.568 0.954
3T 97 Cramer, Learic 2009 Nissan 370Z Yellow 55.665 53.518+1 52.681 DNS 52.681 0.113
4 99 Weichold, Frank 2005 Mazda Rx8 Grey 58.310+dnf 52.064+1 52.982+1 DNS 54.064 1.383
5 90 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 53.262+2 52.816+1 52.254+1 DNS 54.254 0.190
6 77 Wise, John 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Yellow 57.555+dnf 55.081 54.512+1 DNS 55.081 0.827
7 11 Bruno, Robert 2007 Mazda Rx-8 Black 63.647 62.290+2 62.622 DNS 62.622 7.541
8 17 Kehlenbeck, Adam 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Brilliant Black 70.594 67.982 64.413 DNS 64.413 1.791

Pics

Shawn
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3788174384_535862206e.jpg

Dave
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3787340687_66173429c7.jpg

Learic
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3787334929_9812e3efc0.jpg

Frank
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3787337303_3c192dd32f.jpg

Chike
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3787329063_1d7770ffe8.jpg

Chiketkd

08-19-2009, 08:33 PM

This past weekend was WDCR event #5. I came back Saturday night from a week-long vacation on Hilton Head Island and was dragging by the time I arrived at Fedex on Sunday.

B-stock ran in the third heat in the morning, with a total of 9 competitors in the class. The course design was as follows -- the start lead directly into a group of transitions followed by an open sweeper leading to slalom wall element. This lead directly into another sweeper, a brief transitional element followed by an angled sweeper that could best be described as a 'V' shaped flock of geese! :lol: This lead into the fastest section of the course which was a group of really fast transitions. This fast section ended at a tighter sweeper (where there was a huge bump at corner exit) followed by some transitions leading to a short slalom and then the finish.

As I coned all of my runs last event, my first run plan was to be aggressive and stay clean! The run went well until I came to the bump which caught me off guard b/c of how harsh it was. Still I kept the car pointed straight and crossed the finish line with a 45.8...that was clean. Sweet! Shawn ran a 44.6+1, while Frank turned a clean 45.9. Everyone else in the class was in the 47's or higher. So I'm in the lead, but I know there's more time out time, and it's time push the limit a little more.

2nd run felt awesome! I attacked the first transitional element even harder, pushed it in the first sweeper and heard a slight squawk from the hoosiers. Attacked the slalom wall section and got on the gas early coming out of it. Everything felt like a 10-15% step up from the first run. I made it cleanly through the fast transitional element, went into the tight sweeper, got on the gas early and then hit the bump at corner exit. I stayed on the gas and when my rear tires touched the ground again, it sent my car shooting off at a 90 degree angle into a spin off course. I finished with a dnf. Shawn ran a clean 45.0, while Frank had a dirty 46.9+3. Everyone else was still in the 47's or higher.

On my 3rd and 4th runs I dialed my driving back too much and finished with clean 46.2 and 45.8 -- however I was awarded 4 cones on my last run as the car infront of me knocked down a bunch of cones by the finish and in the confusion workers assigned the cones to my car. I really didn't care based on the conservativeness of my run - screw it. Shawn got down to a clean 44.5 while Frank cut his time down to a 45.0. Another botched event! :rolleyes:

Summary:
3rd out of 9 in class
49th out of 210 in PAX

Results:
'B Stock'
Pos. # Driver Car Run1 Run2 Run3 Run4 Total Diff
1T 190 Roberts, Shawn 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 44.634+1 45.022 52.826+1 44.573 44.573 0
2T 99 Weichold, Frank 2005 Mazda Rx8 Grey 45.917 46.989+3 45.082 45.550 45.082 0.509
3T 90 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 45.836 51.308+dnf 46.280 45.810+4 45.836 0.754
4 77 Wise, John 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Yellow 47.187 47.286 46.561 46.142 46.142 0.306
5 98 Barber, Steve 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Green 47.805 47.268 46.435 46.521 46.435 0.293
6 11 Bruno, Robert 2007 Mazda Rx-8 Black 54.107+1 52.633 52.416 50.857 50.857 4.422
7 8 Scaldeferri, Eric 2003 Nissan 350Z Black 55.270 54.947 51.509 50.903 50.903 0.046
8 25 Gillis, Chris 2008 Nissian 350 Silver 54.376 52.427 52.240 51.746 51.746 0.843
9 22 Derenzis, Alfred 1989 Porsche 911 56.436 53.729 52.307+1 52.905 52.905 1.159

Some class pics:

Shawn
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%205%208-16-09/Shawn01.jpg

Frank
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%205%208-16-09/Frank.jpg

Chike
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%205%208-16-09/Chike01.jpg

Chiketkd

08-19-2009, 08:39 PM

Porsche 911 GT2 (ASP class)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%205%208-16-09/ASPGT2.jpg

Junior Johnson
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%205%208-16-09/JuniorASPC6Z06.jpg

Strano
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%205%208-16-09/Strano.jpg

Piccione
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%205%208-16-09/Piccione.jpg

1971 Lotus 7 (classed in C-stock)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%205%208-16-09/CSLotus7.jpg

Katie
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/WDCR%20Event%205%208-16-09/Katie02.jpg

Chiketkd

08-20-2009, 07:37 AM

Solo Nats is now less than 1 month away and occurs the week of the Labor Day weekend (9/8 - 9/11). The car is working well for Shawn, Katie and myself so we'll be making no changes/tweaks before the big show. :cool:

This upcoming weekend will also be my last events in the car before Nats. On Saturday, I'll be driving up to Waldorf, MD to do an AI event at Blue Crabs Stadium. On Sunday, I'll be driving down to Salem, VA to do a Blue Ridge Event at the Salem Civic Center.

There will be great competition at both events, and my goals going into this weekend are: 1) attack the course 2) learn from any mistakes I made on the previous run.

Wish me luck! :cool:

Chiketkd

08-21-2009, 08:00 AM

My co-driver Shawn posted pics of his spin on another forum, and included some commentary:

SeminoleMan from the mazda forums was out taking a few pictures and caught my spin.

Starting to spin (looks like I hit a few cones there also in addition to the one I already have stuck under the car)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/Seminoleman1992/FedEx%20081609/CSC_0376.jpg

Way off line
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/Seminoleman1992/FedEx%20081609/CSC_0377.jpg

In a spin. Both feet in.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/Seminoleman1992/FedEx%20081609/CSC_0378.jpg

I guess I know who left those tire marks way out there (Pay no attention to the number we forgot to change on that side).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/Seminoleman1992/FedEx%20081609/CSC_0379.jpg

Chiketkd

08-26-2009, 09:13 AM

This past Saturday, Shawn, Katie and I ran the Autocrossers Inc Event #5 at Blue Crabs stadium in Waldorf, MD. Shawn and I competed in the Pro Class which was 24 drivers strong, and included national and pro solo champs like Strano, Piccione, Baker, and Jr Johnson.

The course had a good mix of elements, but a very slow section led to the fastest section of the course, which favored the big hp & tq cars like Corvettes and Shelby Mustangs.

On my first run I screwed up the slow section before the long fast straight, snagged a cone in the slalom and braked way too late for the tight sweeper that led to the finish. My final time was a 46.1+1 - but I knew I was leaving more than 1 second on course. Shawn came in from his 1st run with a clean 44.9.

On my second run, I focused on cleaning up the big mistakes from my 1st. I was aggressive throughout and crossed the line with a clean 44.4. Shawn went even faster on his 2nd run with a clean 44.3. Meanwhile Strano was leading the Pro Class with a clean 43.9.

On my 3rd run I wanted to be even more aggressive through a semi-fast offset that followed the fastest section of the course. I improved but ended up going into a sweeper that followed a little too fast and sliding wide. My time dropped to a 44.2, while Shawn didn't improve and ran a 44.7. Strano dropped the hammer with a clean 43.4 while Piccione followed closely with a 43.8!

4th run time was up. I knew a 43 was possible, but I'd have to really nail each and every section of the course. First section went well, nailed the fast section and the offset that followed. I slowed down enough for the sweeper that followed and ran cleanly through the slalom. Got on the gas early for the next set of offsets and braked early for the tight sweeper that led to he finish. The run felt fantastic but what would the clock say? I looked around for the timing display and at first couldn't see it. I looked again and there it was... a clean 43.879!!! :cool: Shawn pushed on his last run but blew the slow section before the long straight and went no faster with a 44.5. Strano and Piccione didn't improve either.

Went the dust settled, I finished 5th in Pro and 6th overall in PAX. While Shawn was 9th in Pro and 10th overall in PAX.

Summary
5th out of 24 in class
6th out of 93 in PAX

Results:
'Pro' - Total Entries: 24 Trophies: 3 Times Total

1T FS 141 Sam Strano 2007 Ford Mustang Black 43.949 43.906 43.441 43.984 36.186
Strano Performance/Capital Quest Mortgage

2T STS 77 Ian Baker 1989 Squirrel-mobile 45.345 44.485 44.682 44.218 36.258
Stranoparts.Com / Ssc Tint / Koni

3T FS 92 Lee Piccione 45.857+1 44.602+1 43.836 43.987 36.515

4 DSP 155 Darren Mass 1993 Honda Civic Green 45.713 44.829 44.532 43.337 36.619
Emad Racing

5 BS 90 Chike Dellimore 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 46.120+1 44.471 44.230 43.879 36.639
My Wife!

6 FSP 59 Pat Griffith 1992 Nissan Sentra Se-R Black 46.873+1 45.185+1 44.223 44.945 36.749
Sololol.Blogspot.Com

7 FSP 159 Pete Johnson 1992 Nissan Sentra Se-R Vivid Black 46.963 44.279 44.354 44.578+1 36.795

8 FS 192 Jason Huepenbecker 2007 Ford Mustang Gt Vista Blue 45.614 45.266 44.739 44.360 36.951

9 BS 190 Shawn Roberts 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 44.959 44.389 44.774 44.573 37.064

10 FS 41 Michael Snyder 2007 Ford Shelby Gt Fastback Black 46.075 44.819+1 44.562 46.204+4 37.120
Stranoparts.Com/Capitalquest Mtg.

11 GS 126 Ron Shurie Jr. 2002 Toyota Celica GT 46.734 46.606 47.065 45.704 37.523

12 BSP 88 Tristan Edmondson 2004 Acura Rsx Type S Red 45.931 44.628 44.430 43.812 37.634

13 ESP 168 Brian Burdette 2002 Chevy Camaro SS 47.552+2 45.647 44.782 43.947+OFF 37.885
Horsepower Collector Car Storage

14 STS 7 Andrew Baker Squirrel-mobile 47.471 47.110+2 48.666+1 46.388 38.038
Autocrossers Inc.

15 ASP 38 Michael Johnson 2006 Chevy Z06 Yellow 46.402 45.936 46.956+1 44.134 38.220
Evolution Performance Driving School

16 STX 49 Vince Bly 2001 Acura Integra Type_R Yellow 48.525 49.184 47.756 46.858 38.517

17 SMF 16 Mike Snyder 1988 Honda Crx Si Silver 45.881 46.152 45.200+1 45.149 39.144
Ssc Tint & Graphics

18 DS 136 Gabe Dunn 2006 Scoobydoo Wrx Silver 49.212 49.257 48.149 48.760 39.434
Iag Performance/Vorshlag Motorsports

19 BSP 8 Chuck Edmondson 2004 Nissan 350Z Silver 48.845 47.665 46.896 46.233 39.714
Paco's Parts House

20 DSP 75 Kevin Henry 1990 Bmw 325I Blue 48.691 47.547 47.698 47.954 40.177

21 FSP 71 Phil Knowles 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Gray on rain tires 50.417+2 49.651+1 48.583 48.463 40.272

22 BSP 108 Brittany Edmondson Paco's 350Z 51.318+1 49.566+1 48.133 47.147 40.499

23 AS 94 Eric Kriemelmeyer 2008 Pontiac Solstice Gxp Black 49.830 50.066 48.806 48.652+1 41.143
Studio 553

24 ESP 96 Kenny Sorensen 1999 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Black 52.003 51.083+1 49.543 48.959 41.419
Autocrossers Inc.

Link: http://www.autocrossersinc.org/uploads/AI_5.pdf

There was no photographer at the event but I took the attached pic of Shawn at the line with my cell phone camera.

Chiketkd

08-26-2009, 09:47 AM

This past Sunday I competed at the BRR-SCCA event #7 in Salem, VA at the Salem Civic Center. This would be my last event before Nats.

B-stock was a class of 1, but with a few top drivers in attendance (Krauss & Valent), my goal was to try and run with them on PAX.

My first two runs were clean 43.8 and 43.5 but I had a passenger (Scott) with me. On my third run, I dropped the hammer and got down to a 42.8+1, but slapped a cone by the finish and sent it sliding 8 ft (remained standing). On my 4th run, I pushed even harder and ended up spinning in the fast offset following the slalom. On my 5th and final run, I tried to push it hard but ran to close to the cones in a tight sweeper and tapped one over. My time was a 43.001+1.

Summary:
1st of 1 in class
5th of 45 in PAX

Results
BS - B Stock Pax: 0.835
1t CHIKE DELLIMORE 2006 MAZDA RX-8 43.591 36.399 0.630

Link: http://www.brr-scca.org/08232009.htm

Pics:

Chike
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%205%208-23-09/Chike01.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%205%208-23-09/Chike02.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%205%208-23-09/Chike03.jpg

Krauss
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%205%208-23-09/Talon.jpg

Valent
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Autocross%20Events/BRR%20Event%205%208-23-09/Alltrac.jpg

Chiketkd

08-26-2009, 10:26 PM

Shawn and I are getting down to our final preparations before leaving for Lincoln, NE in the next 10 days.

This weekend I'll be changing my transmission gear oil to Redline MT-90:

http://www.weekend-racer.com/images/RED50304_1_lg.jpg

This should make the trans shift even more smoothly as well as make everything run a little cooler.

Chiketkd

09-01-2009, 11:36 AM

A few of my fellow DC Region members have started a blog which will be updated frequently with results and pics from the Pro Finale and Solo Nats.

http://wdcrsolonats.blogspot.com/

The 6spd trans fluid has been changed and the shifts are smoother and crisper than ever. After a quick engine oil change I'll do this weekend, she'll be ready to roll! The trip is over 1,200 miles one-way, and according to Google Maps shlould take a total of 20hrs. We'll split the trip up over two days and should roll into Lincoln, NE on Monday afternoon.

Myxalplyx

09-01-2009, 11:15 PM

Good luck Chike! ;)

Chiketkd

09-03-2009, 11:40 AM

Good luck Chike! ;)
Thanks Kevin. The last 2 weeks have been a real whirlwind, but I'm hopeful that things will go well for me next week! :)

Chiketkd

09-04-2009, 01:03 PM

Btw, here's a "drive around" video of the new nationals site in Lincoln, NE: http://www.vimeo.com/6434330

It's freakin' H-U-G-E!!!!! :eek:

P.S. I can't wait to arrive on Monday afternoon! :)

Chiketkd

09-08-2009, 10:08 PM

Well Shawn and I made it safely to Lincoln following an uneventful 20 hour drive (broken up over 2 days).

These are a few raw scans of the courses:

East Course:
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/EastCourse2009.jpg

West Course:
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/jamesnwilson1982/WestCourse2009.jpg

I walked each course once today and they seemed to flow well. I start on the East course Thursday, followed by the West on Friday.

SVXRide

09-09-2009, 01:04 PM

look like Vette courses to me :rolleyes::D
-Bill

Chiketkd

09-10-2009, 07:29 PM

Drove the East Course today and it was 'meh'. I accomplished my main goal for nationals though...don't be timid like I was last year. I definitely drove like it was a local event and was aggressive everywhere.

My first run was a clean 61.9 with a pretty big mistake in a fast sweeper. However, I was solidly mid-pack and felt I would only keep dropping time. On my 2nd and 3rd runs, no drop in time came. The runs felt better but the time wasn't there.

Oh well, tomorrow is a new day and I'll keep attacking! :cool:

Chiketkd

09-25-2009, 08:25 AM

What a blast! I drove my heart out both days with the same aggression as I have at a local event. I just didn't have the driving ability to be in a trophy spot this year. My car worked very well out of the box on the concrete surface and did what I asked it to do...

http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/images/2009_scca_tirerack_solo_nationals/bs/img_4532.jpg

Only thing I'd change would be watering down our tires more on Day 1. I couldn't improve on my 1st run, and I later realized it was due to the tires overheating on course. Even on Day 2 on my very first run (1st driver, Heat 3), I could feel the Hoosiers getting greasy by the end of my run. I guess a 60 second course on concrete can do that!

Shawn and I were 19th and 20th in class respectively and only 7/1000th's apart. In terms of my overall finish on PAX index, I moved up roughly 400 spots this year to finish 421 out of roughly 1,200 drivers (Shawn was 420th).

Link to results: http://www.scca.com/documents/resultfiles/2009%20Solo%20Nationals%20Final%20Resultsf2.pdf

All in all, I had an awesome time! Great courses, great folks, and a great week in Lincoln!

P.S. For next season, I'll be modifying my car to run in the STX class. I'll be acquiring double adjustable coilovers, some 18x9" wheels, competitive 265 street tires, and install a highflow cat in an aftermarket mid-pipe. Down the road I'll be adding a Cobb AP with a custom protune along with an aftermarket OS Giken lsd.

Chiketkd

10-02-2009, 08:56 AM

Katie
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Solo%20Nationals/Katie01.jpg

ASP Ferrari F430
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Solo%20Nationals/ASPFerrari.jpg

Saini in a CSP MX-5
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Solo%20Nationals/Saini.jpg

Sias's SM BMW M3
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Solo%20Nationals/Sias.jpg

Zust's XP Lotus Elise
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Solo%20Nationals/Zust.jpg

McKee
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Solo%20Nationals/McKee.jpg

Strelnieks
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Solo%20Nationals/Strelnieks.jpg

SSM Viper
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/Chiketkd/Mazda%20RX-8/2009%20Solo%20Nationals/SSMViper.jpg

Chiketkd

10-02-2009, 09:12 AM

This past Sunday was the DC region event #6 held on the A lot at Fedex Stadium. The big news was that Mike "Junior" Johnson (multi-time national champion) was co-driving a 370Z in our class so there would be a solid benchmark for me to run against.

The weather played havoc during our run group. Everyone had a a dry 1st run, however, it started drizzling for 1st drivers on their 2nd runs, while 2nd drivers had a downpour by their 2nd runs.

Shawn had a big slide/spin on his 1st run (only dry run), so his day was done. My 1st run was a 61.505+1. On my 2nd run, it was drizzling but I still pushed it hard out there and came back with a 60.785+2. Meanwhile, Junior had run a 58.878+2 on his 1st run, while the car owner Learic ran a 63.198 clean.

These would end up being the top three times in the class as no one could get faster in the rain.

Summary:
3rd out of 9 in class
66th out of 213 in PAX

Results:

'B Stock'
Pos. # Driver Car Run1 Run2 Run3 Run4 Total Diff
1T 97 Johnson, Michael 2009 Nissan 370Z Yellow 58.878+2 61.512+5 64.586 63.327 62.878 0
2T 197 Cramer, Learic 2009 Nissan 370Z Yellow 63.198 61.424+2 69.977+2 68.091 63.198 0.320
3T 90 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 61.505+1 60.785+2 65.451+5 64.656+3 63.505 0.307
4 88 Wade, Dave 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Gray 61.673+1 73.199 68.669+2 67.395 63.673 0.168
5 98 Barber, Steve 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Green 64.274+1 72.370+1 72.469 69.962 66.274 2.601
6 190 Roberts, Shawn 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 63.267+4 68.188+2 69.856+2 67.573 67.573 1.299
7 99 Weichold, Frank 2005 Mazda Rx8 Grey 59.703+dnf 67.644+2 68.001 68.255+dnf 68.001 0.428
8 8 Scaldeferri, Eric 2003 Nissan 350Z Black 71.131 88.663+dnf 78.674 83.023 71.131 3.130
9 17 Kehlenbeck, Adam 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Black 77.808 79.828 80.177+1 78.461+1 77.808 6.677

Pics:

This was the difference in light between my 1st run and Shawn's first:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3969134637_6173373b0f.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/3969183433_8197e27d2b.jpg

Katie on the other hand, had sunny skies. Her fastest time was a 64.191 (had a 63.400+1).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3969662062_608e949501.jpg

Chiketkd

10-09-2009, 01:36 PM

This past weekend was championship event #8 with my local BRR SCCA region held at the Augusta County Gov't Center in Verona, VA. My co-driver couldn't make the event, so I co-drove with James in his '05 STi in the STU class. :cool:

The STU class consisted of 7 drivers, in cars varying from STi's to M3's and even a 350Z. We each had 4 competition runs, and we ran in the 1st heat when the course had a decent amount of gravel on line. After I dnf'd my first two runs (i.e. hit some gravel spots :lol:) I put down a 53.3+1 which left me second in class behind the car owner James who had a clean 55.0. On my final run I held nothing back and was able to come up with a clean 53.2! I won the class by a little over 1.8 seconds and actually had FTD for part of the day.

Summary:
1st of 7 in class
5th of 88 in PAX

Results:
STU - Street Touring U Pax: 0.836
1t CHIKE DELLIMORE 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 53.210 44.484 1.166
2t JAMES KOINER 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 55.023 1.813 45.999 2.681
3t DAVID WAMPLER 2006 SUBARU STI 55.718 2.508 46.580 3.262
4 DON FITZPATRICK 1999 BMW M3 58.405 5.195 48.827 5.509
5 JOEY KLIMCHUK BMW M3 61.404 8.194 51.334 8.016
6 ADAM ZISA 2006 NISSAN 350Z BASE 63.142 9.932 52.787 9.469
7 MIKE D'AMICO 1995 BMW M3 63.777 10.567 53.318 10.000

Link: http://www.brr-scca.org/10042009.htm

Pics:

They were none of yours truly, but here are a few from the event...

James in his STU STi
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3988831582_98246ed4c3.jpg

SS C5 vette
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3981423383_06bcbf167e.jpg

SS Lotus Elise
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3981419417_02e5f34619.jpg

AM car
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3981295023_6039bfa07e.jpg

XP Lotus Exige
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3982061324_d1f276decf.jpg

ESP Camaro
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/3981281879_d87695602f.jpg

SSSVX

10-10-2009, 12:12 AM

Congrats, Chike!

How is the Redline gear oil you replaced?
What is the weight for MT90? 75w80??
How is the RX8 holding up after many races? :D

Chiketkd

10-12-2009, 07:14 AM

Congrats, Chike!

How is the Redline gear oil you replaced?
What is the weight for MT90? 75w80??
How is the RX8 holding up after many races? :D
Ken,

I've had zero issues with the Redline MT90 gear oil. Not sure about the weight, but from searching the RX8 forum, this gear oil was recommended for the car more than any other. When I ran Mobil 1 synthetic 75W90 previously, I noticed a fair amount of heat in the passenger compartment around the center tunnel by the shifter and parking brake. With the Redline oil, that heat is gone.

No issues with the car whatsoever. She has 65K miles and counting.

Chiketkd

10-28-2009, 12:42 PM

The 2009 WDCR sesason came to a close on Sunday, October 11th. The class in B-stock had fierce competition as always.

I was leading after 1st runs with a decent and clean 54.5. By 2nd runs I'd been knocked into 2nd spot by Learic's 54.0. I ended improving to a 54.2 clean, but Frank put down a fast 53.3, and Shawn got me on his final run with a clean 54.0.

Summary:
4th out of 8th in class
32nd out of 200 in PAX

'B Stock'
Pos. # Driver Car Run1 Run2 Run3 Run4 Total Diff
1T 99 Weichold, Frank 2005 Mazda Rx8 Grey 56.109 55.275+2 53.367 53.533+3 53.367 0
2T 97 Cramer, Learic 2009 Nissan 370Z Yellow 55.559 54.034 53.751+5 54.176+1 54.034 0.667
3T 190 Roberts, Shawn 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 55.964 55.239 54.631 54.059 54.059 0.025
4 90 Dellimore, Chike 2006 Mazda Rx-8 Grey 54.527 54.251+2 54.277 54.717+1 54.277 0.218
5 98 Barber, Steve 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Green 56.474 55.796 55.064 55.418 55.064 0.787
6 8 Scaldeferri, Eric 2003 Nissan 350Z Black 63.753 62.304 61.566 60.691 60.691 5.627
7 11 Bruno, Robert 2007 Mazda Rx-8 Black 64.303 63.671 62.183 62.896 62.183 1.492
8 17 Kehlenbeck, Adam 2004 Mazda Rx-8 Black 69.117 67.218 65.461 65.523 65.461 3.278

There were no pics of the action in Heat 2, so here's a series of pics of Katie driving my car in the 4th heat. She finished 2nd in the ladies class with a clean 57.3!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/4006205399_48d752c806.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/4006205773_dd17747abb.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/4006206213_2b26af9693.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4006972332_67d9d8f90c.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/4006973088_62f2976cd9.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/4006973394_43eaa05b35.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/4006973700_a6069735e7.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/4006208309_66ac790c63.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/4006208613_0e69770891.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/4006208899_2f2c056164.jpg

Chiketkd

10-30-2009, 02:35 PM

Last weekend was the 2 day Pumpkin Carve autocross in Cumberland, MD. I could only attend the event on Sunday and had a blast hanging out with several of my SVX pals.

The B-stock class consisted of 5 competitors that included my co-driver (Shawn) and his wife (Katie), along with a DC area guy named Rob and his co-driver Paul. Shawn got the better of me this day and won the class by a 1/2 second with a time of 49.339. I was in 2nd place standing on a 49.861, after coning away a faster 49.726+1. Katie was 3rd in class with a solid 51.665!!! :)

Summary:
2nd out of 5 in class
6th out of 101 in PAX

'B Stock' - Total Entries: 5 Times Total
1 BS Shawn Woodbridge 06 Mazda RX-8 50.853 49.969 49.948+1 49.582 49.339 49.339
410 Roberts VA Grey -
2 BS Chike Crozet 06 Mazda RX-8 50.639+5 50.407 49.861 49.930+4 49.726+1 49.861
440 Dellimore VA Grey 0.522
3 BS Katie Woodbridge 06 Mazda RX-8 55.154+1 54.279+1 52.819 52.205+1 51.665 51.665
210 Orgler VA Grey 1.804
4 BS Paul Odenton 04 Mazda RX-8 54.282 52.403 53.197 52.283 53.072 52.283
413 Przyborski MD Black 0.618
5 BS Rob Halethorpe 04 Mazda RX-8 54.397+1 55.084+2 54.495 53.861+1 52.782 52.782
113 Robeson MD Black 0.499

Link: http://www.nationalroadrally.com/carve_09/oct_09_sun_fin.htm