tacovini Posted August 31, 2009 Posted August 31, 2009 TO: Group B - AI / AIX / STR Championship Entrants I just sent you an email with details, specifics and party plans for our upcoming celebration of V8 Speed! I'll post the info here later in the week, but I want to make sure that all of our registered racers "hear it first". For those of you that have not registered, there's still time! Rates don't go up for a few more days and we have tons of fun planned. I'll be your Race Director for the entire cruise. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns before we embark! Todd Covini NASA Pro-Racing Group B Race Director Quote
Sidney Posted August 31, 2009 Posted August 31, 2009 "Todd Covini wrote: Now, now Matt....look for a note going out to Group B from me tonight." "Matt from Texas wrote" "Is it going to say something about timing/rpm delay boxes in MSD ignitions? Glad I don't have one!" Hey Robin, I think this one is pointed at you. (First I heard about this issue.) Any truth to this concern? Can this be done? Can it be detected? Sidney Franklin Former AI #64 Quote
tacovini Posted August 31, 2009 Author Posted August 31, 2009 Sidney, I wasn't at last year's Championships (thanks to Hurricane Ike) but I don't think Matt's comment was directed specifically at Robin, however, it probably was directed at anyone who might be utilizing a variable timing system. Look....not a year goes by in any region or any championship without some hellaballoo about X part, or Y practice or Z person. I think I've heard every conspiracy theory under the sun after 16+ years of racing. Flip switches, big wings, whiz bang trannys, delay timers, nitrous, blah, blah, blah....you name it. Don't worry....We'll be checking for it all. With this year's split day race schedule, anyone on podium will now have lots of extra time to be in post-race tech, so pack a lunch....it may be a while. This will not be an AI Championship to miss!!! Entry fees go up tomorrow!!! We've got lots of fun stuff planned... -=- Todd Quote
ST#97 Posted August 31, 2009 Posted August 31, 2009 "Todd Covini wrote: Now, now Matt....look for a note going out to Group B from me tonight." "Matt from Texas wrote" "Is it going to say something about timing/rpm delay boxes in MSD ignitions? Glad I don't have one!" Hey Robin, I think this one is pointed at you. (First I heard about this issue.) Any truth to this concern? Can this be done? Can it be detected? Sidney Franklin Former AI #64 It's actually been an ongoing concern locally since 2006...although those cars haven't been around for a while... If there are other cars out there doing it...then yes, they should be concerned about tech inspection as cheating is a pretty sad thing to do. MSD has some really trick stuff that probably needs to be addressed in the AI rules as it is something that is not "driver adjustable" during competition, but is based on time from ignition power, or any other of 5 ea... 0-5V inputs...like a temp switch, fan switch or even brake lights for that matter. I am sure other manufacturers have the same stuff too but MSD seems to have all the systems that just "plug in". I had been planning on discussing this with JWL as a 2010 rules change discussion at Utah. basic premise is if you have an MSD box, with a gutted distributor (no vacuum advance), using the "dial" advance/retard adapter, or the delayed rev limiter, with or without the 5 input delay box...one COULD be achieving a different tune during the race. then immediately after turn it off while strapping it down, then pull on the dyno for 10 minutes or so and still be on the lower tune. I am not pointing fingers at anyone but after chasing the rumors for facts and finding the shop doing the work locally....I was disappointed to find out the rumors were true. It pays to know folks in the race shop business around here but my point was making sure Todd as director is aware of the potential. Don't read anything into it. Quote
Red Tornado Posted September 1, 2009 Posted September 1, 2009 It would be nice as a solution to run some type of traqmate setup that read power throughout the race. You would have to make weather and altitude adjustments just like SAE dyno correction but it should be close to ballpark (within 10rwhp is a guess). JWL and I talked about that briefly at Sebring. We did it in TT when I was a director and you caught some things for sure. It was a nice way also to keep the unfair/complaining down. Quote
brian-groth Posted September 1, 2009 Posted September 1, 2009 I don't know anything about these MSD systems your guys are referring to, but is it that hard for someone that does know it, to inspect the system to find cheaters? Does it have to wait until nationals to be inforced? I am in the process of building a 2010 Camaro and we intend on using the factory computer, traction control system, and ABS. Hopefully there will be a system in place to monitor the factory systems against the "he is cheating" so the people that always find the need to make claims about faster people cheating, can be vindicated. Quote
tacovini Posted September 1, 2009 Author Posted September 1, 2009 Here's what I sent to the registered racers yesterday. There's still a few hours left to register @ normal rates and join us! ++++++++++++++++++++++ For Immediate Release: August 30, 2009 TO: GROUP B COMPETITORS (AI / AIX / STR1 & STR2) Welcome to Race Group B and the 2009 NASA National Championships! For those of you whom I have not met, I look forward to meeting you in Utah the week of September 10-13th and working with you to ensure an excellent weekend of competition, camaraderie, and most importantly…fun! The following information is specific to our group and supplements the information provided in NASA & MMP’s Welcome Letter dated 8/28/09. INTRODUCTION My name is Todd Covini and I’ll be your Group B Race Director for the National Championships at Miller Motorsports Park. I've been racing with NASA since the early ‘90’s, primarily with CMC. I’ve had the pleasure of being the CMC Series Director on the West Coast in the late 90’s, and more recently, the AI/CMC Series Director in Texas for the past 6 years. I’ve officiated 2 of the last 3 NASA National Championships, so this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve watched American Iron grow from concept to reality and I’m very familiar with the series and very excited about the upcoming event. I’m equally excited about the newer tube frame STR classes racing with us at these championships. Should be a thunderous show! I hope to cover the high points in this e-mail, but if you have any questions you can reach me any time via this e-mail address ([email protected]) or via cell phone at 713-252-3465 anytime. (Leave a detailed msg and I’ll get back to you.) I will be onsite in Utah from Tuesday evening on. I will be assisted during the week by Al Fernandez, the Texas AI/CMC Series Director. Again, if you need any help please don’t hesitate to contact us as we want to make sure you feel informed and welcome at every turn. GOALS My primary goals for this year’s Championships are simple… SAFE, FAIR & FUN. In the past, we’ve seen yellow flag incidents which changed the starting order of the race…and we’ve seen yellow flag incidents which shortened the end of the race. With your help, I want to avoid a repeat of any such instances. As such, we plan to get together as Group B at least once a day. DRIVER MEETINGS Wednesday, you’re on your own if you choose to practice. I won’t be having any driver meetings during the day. Immediately following the main NASA driver meeting Wed. night, we will have a Group B breakout session where we can go over the rules of play for the weekend and have a chance to socialize a bit before the show starts. After that initial meeting, I plan to have daily driver meetings after our morning session on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. I will provide more specifics if there are other meetings as we get closer to the event, but count on one group meeting at a minimum per day so that we can review how things are going and solve any issues together that have come up. These meetings are a key vehicle to distribute information so attendance will be mandatory. I’ll be taking roll-call, so make sure you, a crew member, or a delegate can attend to avoid any penalties for missing the meeting. If you have a conflict and won’t be able to make a meeting, let me know ahead of time. TECH & COMPLIANCE In addition to NASA tech, I will have my own Todd A. Covini (TAC) Tech for each car/driver. TAC Tech is not necessary before heading out on track for the first time, however, no later than Friday, I will want to see: 1) a copy of your valid dyno sheet a. current, as raced configuration b. Make a copy so I can keep it 2) Affixed Windshield Dyno Decal (driver side) a. Decals are provided by Tech b. Display your current HP/TQ/Min WT per dyno sheet calcs 3) Your racecar a. To marvel at the handiwork you’ve done b. Understand every car’s condition/preparation c. Discuss/Assure there are no compliance issues BEFORE the big race and provide you time to correct anything if necessary. Once all 3 “TAC Tech” items are completed, I’ll have my own tech decal for your windshield. For Sunday’s Championship race, every car must have a TAC Tech decal. Group B drivers should expect to visit the scales and/or the dyno during the weekend. We will be using both random and targeted inspections to ensure compliance Thursday thru Sunday, so you should also be prepared to spend some time in impound at some point during the weekend. We will be checking a host of things for series compliance, all of which are spelled out in the rules, so make sure you’re kosher now instead of later. All classes should expect to have safety checks done on both car and driver safety gear, so please make sure your personal gear is up to standard. ( i.e.- no “holy” gloves and shoes) Also, take a look at your belts and seats to make sure they are still within the applicable FIA or SFI expiration periods. (Buy an extra pair of Nomex socks…they can get stinky by Sunday after a few days of hard driving!!!) As with all of the other areas of the weekend, if you’re unsure-ASK! We will try to make your time in impound brief and as pleasant as possible. Track sessions Our track sessions will be managed as they would be at a normal NASA weekend. I’ll tell you right now that I’m a huge fan of standing starts. We will have flying starts for all AIX & STR races, however, I propose that we have standing starts for AI races. Give me your thoughts on this, and we’ll finalize at the event. After each on-track session, We will let you know as you exit the track if you’re expected in impound, so please watch for direction from the official stationed at the track exit area to see if you need to report. I am counting on the racers to be responsible citizens here so that we don’t have the whole group in impound and I can get you back to your paddock as quickly as possible. Be heads-up and we’ll be able to manage tech quickly and efficiently. If we have problems with folks blowing off impound, we will have to return to a system of all report and then release so let’s do our best to make the easy system work. If you have contact on track, report to impound straightaway and fill out a contact report, and get it to me ASAP. Body contact will be dealt with seriously. In the event there is contact, I will work with you to determine fault and any penalties, but it’s vital that you report to impound and fill out the form to start the process. (Re-read the CCR Appendix for helpful “rules of the road” guidance!) I also urge you to run video as the videos of incidents often are the ultimate arbiters of fact when there are collisions on course. The camera will prove to be a cheap investment if things go wrong for you on course. I’ll be briefly going over the “evolution of a pass” during one of our early driver meetings so that we all collectively understand how I’ll be ruling in the unlikely event there is contact. This has proven itself time & time again as a good group discussion to assure we’re all on the same page as far as “rules of the road”. THE PARTIES I am planning some informal gatherings for all of us so that we can reaffirm the bonds of the Exalted V8 Order of Speed that we all are members of. THURSDAY - We’re coordinating with our Group A (CMC) brethren for a BYOW (Bring Your Own Whatever) reception on Thursday nite after the track goes cold. If I can smuggle a keg of Texas’ own Shiner Bock across the border, there will be a Happy Hour at Group B Race Central (Fernandez/Covini RV Spot E-20). Be forewarned. I’m going to try and coordinate a few group photo sessions (with cars & without) over the course of the weekend and this social will be one of many group shot opportunities. FRIDAY – NASA is throwing the Welcome dinner & BBQ. Let’s try to get an area where all of Group B can hang out together. Al & I will take the lead on this. SATURDAY - Day Off!!! Given that we don’t have any track activity until after 4PM, here are some voluntary group activity options: 1) (Early AM) - American Iron Tour of the MMP Museum a. Led by a curator of the museum 2) (Mid-Day) - Group B Karting Championship a. Fastest Lap Time of the Group wins the Karting Championship b. Ability to go home and say “I beat Brown, Griswold, Roco, Faessler or Burnett at the NASA National Championships.” 3) (Afternoon) – Group B viewing of the CMC/FFR Championship race a. Select a vantage spot and we’ll all meet to watch the action Give me your thoughts on Saturday’s activities as well, and if the group wants to do it, we’ll make it happen. Timing and scoring The T&S crew will be able to make changes to how your results read out if there is an error. There will be forms available at the driver information booth and we will be able to quickly and easily process any changes for you once you turn them in to them. It is vital, however, that you do check results after each session to make sure your transponder is working and that your information is correct. We will strive to have results finalized as quickly as possible and we will do our best to get any relevant information to you. Results are not finalized until I sign off on them. So it’s in everyone’s best interest to make sure that any transponder issues or Request For Action forms get into me ASAP so that I can finalize results for everyone. Media coverage As always, there will be significant media presence at the event, so please make sure your car looks great, bodywork is up to snuff and that all required patches and decals are in place. I’m big on appearance and really want the entire group to shine! If you need NASA decals or patches, contact your regional NASA office or Dave Ho in NASA HQ and get it now so that you don’t have to worry about it at the event. Tell your friends!!! Sept. 1 the entry fees go up, so if you have any AI or STR friends that are on the fence about coming, now’s the time to commit! Tomorrow’s memories happen today…and I plan on creating many great memories for us all at this year’s National Championships! Please let me know if there's anything I can do so we can ALL have a great AI/STR National Event! Happy Motoring! Todd Covini NASA Pro-Racing Group B Race Director [email protected] 713-252-3465 cell Quote
swhiteh3 Posted September 1, 2009 Posted September 1, 2009 It would be nice as a solution to run some type of traqmate setup that read power throughout the race.You would have to make weather and altitude adjustments just like SAE dyno correction but it should be close to ballpark (within 10rwhp is a guess). JWL and I talked about that briefly at Sebring. We did it in TT when I was a director and you caught some things for sure. It was a nice way also to keep the unfair/complaining down. This probably works well for cars with similar weight, gearing, and Cd. But our cars are simply to different to catch anything other than GLARING differences. Quote
kbrew8991 Posted September 1, 2009 Posted September 1, 2009 It would be nice as a solution to run some type of traqmate setup that read power throughout the race.You would have to make weather and altitude adjustments just like SAE dyno correction but it should be close to ballpark (within 10rwhp is a guess). JWL and I talked about that briefly at Sebring. We did it in TT when I was a director and you caught some things for sure. It was a nice way also to keep the unfair/complaining down. This probably works well for cars with similar weight, gearing, and Cd. But our cars are simply to different to catch anything other than GLARING differences. TTS & TTU to which Chris is referring to are much more diverse than AI & AIX are, and yes - it did work pretty well to narrow down who needed to be checked because they were either consistently close or they suddenly had a big change in straightline talent. It was more of a litmus test than anything definitive, it was great to use for flagging for closer inspection those who needed it. Quote
ST#97 Posted September 1, 2009 Posted September 1, 2009 I don't know anything about these MSD systems your guys are referring to, but is it that hard for someone that does know it, to inspect the system to find cheaters? Does it have to wait until nationals to be inforced? Brian, the parts I have looked into from MSD use a proprietary software to set the delay events... the sad part is if I was running a carb'd car, my build would include the dial timing control. The rev limiter plugs in where the rpm pill plugs into so if it has anything other than a plug, it would raise suspicion, but certainly NOT proof of cheating. Heck, a stock wiring harness that has been "cleaned up" could have all kinds of stuff hidden in the new duct tape...would you recognize anything out of the ordinary in a Ford wiring harness? Could tech? I wouldn't want to be the tech guy! As for your stock build with a car with traction control...this is purely an example, but you could change the computer settings to input traction control if only the rear wheels are spinning and kill your numbers. If I were a tech inspector, it would require me to have your base GM build file for your ECU, the equipment to decifer your TUNE and the car specific knowledge to enforce any rule.....so lots of gray area. I like the idea of the GPS data but it could only be used as a trend to see glaring changes to that car's speed during the session. I have yet to see anything accurate enough to compare HP to a dynojet. But, if a car consistantly hits a top speed of XXXmph, then 3 laps later sees XXX+6, something is different....or he just got a great run?! Slippery ground here for an enforcement standpoint. I just keep things simple on my car cause it's less to think about! Maybe we can all bang our heads against the wall and see what the group as a whole would like to see for possible changes to the future rules....after a few beers so it's not too serious! Quote
tacovini Posted September 1, 2009 Author Posted September 1, 2009 Matt, Go get your own thread. -=- Todd Quote
tacovini Posted September 5, 2009 Author Posted September 5, 2009 Saturday 9/5 Update- + Your Group B Race Directors Covini/Fernandez are packing and loading up + Leaving Houston area Sunday nite + ETA @ MMP Tuesday + Race Central for us will be at W20 RV parking spot...at the flag pole + Come by anytime to say hi + If you want to take care of your "TAC Tech" items on Wednesday, I'm flexible to take care of it then + Our Group B Driver Meetings will be: -Wed nite immediately after NASA meeting -Thur AM after practice -Fri AM after qualifying -Sat AM (9-12?) at Mustang Challenge Canopy for intro to series, walking tour of the Miller museum...and our very own Group B Karting Championship. -Sun AM (TBD) before the big race We've polled the various regional AI Series directors regarding standing starts, and it appears there are a few regions that unfortunately have not done them before. As such, I'm reconsidering a standing start qualifying race like I had hoped, but we'll decide at the track. Safe travels and we'll see you there!!! -=- Todd Covini NASA Pro-Racing Group B Race Director Quote
JWL Posted September 6, 2009 Posted September 6, 2009 ...and I will be up in the booth doing the color commentary for the live broadcast on Speedcast. Viva Howard Cosell and I'll see many of you there! -JWL Quote
Red Tornado Posted September 6, 2009 Posted September 6, 2009 Well that decides it for me. Will sign up for speedcast now and hopefully get reception that day on cruise ship to watch the race. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.