OFFICIAL MNSOC WINTER CAR CONTROL AND ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE - REGISTRATION To Register, send me a pm with your email address and full name. I will email you the registration form. You will also need to pay a $50 deposit when you submit your registration form. Payment: The remaining balance (no more than $100 for a total of 150 for MNSOC members and $125 for a total of 175 for non-members) will be due 1 week prior to the event. To become a MNSOC member, see this thread: http://www.mnsubaru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24934 2 ways to pay: 1) Paypal $51.50 to [email protected] Include your full name and screen name in the notes section. 2) Mail me, or hand me $50 cash, check, or money order. I will make myself available at Firestone on Friday nights. Pm me for mailing address and to work out any details. There is an upper limit of 20 students, so register soon! Registered: * = registration form received. ^ = Paid in full 1) *^Soupboy (Sean) –Mark "Vector" (A) 3) *^Mekhem (Jay) -Brent (B) 4) *^nm+ (Nick) - Chong (B) 5) *^sky58 (Joe) – Matt (B) 6) *^Deathrin (Tim) - Chong (B) 7) *^WRX1 (Russ) –Brent (A) 8) *^Qstarin (Quentin) -Mark "Vector" (A) 9) *^Prezawagon (Joel) -Brent (B) 10) *^Boss Sti (Alexis) -Matt (B) [FONT="]15) *^Wakaba (Rich) -[/FONT][FONT="]Mark "Mayhem" (B)[/FONT] [FONT="]16) *^Mrs. Wakaba (Jen) -[/FONT][FONT="] Mark "Mayhem" (B)[/FONT] 17) *^Silver03 (Rick) - Brent (A) 18) *^(guest of Joel - Marit) -Matt (A) 19) *^greenwar (Ash) -Matt (A) [FONT="]20) *^Kim Fox -[/FONT][FONT="] Chong(A)[/FONT] 21) ^Jason Event details in post #2 Tech Sheet in post #3 Instructor Bio's in post #4
MNSOC Winter car control event What: Half day of classroom driving instruction focusing on winter car preparation, equipment, safety, and driving instruction.Full day of winter car control/accident avoidance driving instruction at DCTC. The half day (day 1) will focus on general concepts and tips regarding winter car control and accident avoidance. You will receive instruction on proper car set-up, safety, and equipment as it relates to weather conditions and vehicle dynamics. The second day will be broken down into 2 main sessions: morning and afternoon. The morning session will be broken into 2 groups. Each group will alternate between instructed driving and classroom assistance. These classroom sessions will provide you with a follow up to the preceding day’s instruction and will serve as an opportunity to present and discuss more detailed and specific questions as they relate to your vehicle and driving style. Focus will be on car control, accident avoidance, and safety, but advanced instruction will be given to advanced students based on instructor discretion. This event will be directed by our talented and accomplished group of instructors. We will have 1 instructor per every 2 students available. Individual instruction will be another focus of this event. Required Equipment: ·Radios – you are required to have a working FRS radio with new batteries. ·Helmet – A DOT approved helmet is required. If you plan to do any motorsports events, it is highly recommended to acquire a Snell2005 rated helmet. There will be loaner helmets available. You will be responsible for any damages done to your loaner helmet. ·Working vehicle that passes tech inspection. Tech sheet to come (it will be simple and will cover things like a secured battery and no broken suspension or gushing fluids). Date: February 7th (evening classroom instruction. venue tbd) and 8th (driving instruction at DCTC) Event schedule: Introduction - Introduce event organizers and instructors. Drivers introduce themselves. Talk about the day’s schedule. Talk about safety. Talk about flags and signals. Hand out schedules and course maps. Adjourn to classroom session. Day 1 (classroom instruction) Curriculum to follow. Where: Davanni's pizza private room in Arden Hills 3673 Lexington Ave N Arden Hills, MN 55126 http://www.davannis.com/index.asp?pageID=9&LocationID=12 When: Saturday, February 7th starts at 6:00pm (will last till 8:30ish) Details: Come with questions Paper, pens, and handouts will be provided Food will not be provided. Bring your wallet if you want to eat. Car Preparation, tires 101, emergency equipment/gear, do’s and don’ts. Prep – Block heater, oil weight, tire pressure, battery, brakes, visibility, exhaust leaks, towing coverage. Equipment – sand, shovel, blanket, flashlight, flares, non-perishables, waterproof matches, coffee can, spare tire, jumper cables, tow straps. Instruction on contact patch, traction circle, foresight, braking (modulation), how to recover from a skid. More advanced – line, controlling a slide, linking slides, vehicle dynamics and weight transfer. Day 2 (driving instruction) Where: Dakota County Technical College Driving Course 1300 145th St. E. County Rd 42 Rosemount, MN 55068 http://www.dctc.edu/contact-us/visit-locations.cfm When: Sunday, February 8th driving starts at 9:00 am (detailed schedule to come). Please be there by 8:30 so we can take care of registration quickly and be on course by 9:00. Details: Morning session: classroom (group A starts in classroom)(80 minutes): Classroom instruction going into greater detail about topics covered the night before. Open discussion based on individual needs. Curriculum to follow. Morning Session: driving (group B starts on course)(80 minutes): Instructors drive with students – Students drive under instructors directions. Students may be asked to observe instructors. The course will be broken into 3 (possibly 4) distinct sections. Each of these sections will serve as practice stations where you will repeat certain maneuvers and encounter certain situations repeatedly. The 3 sections will include: Lunch (45 minutes) – mingle and chat. Re-energize and re-focus for the “application” part of the day. Lunch and drinks will be provided. Please contact "idget" if you have any dietary restrictions. Afternoon circuit session (remainder of afternoon): Open lapping with optional instruction - No more modularized clinics. Continuous open lapping. Training for corner workers/flag workers will be provided during classroom session. Instructors can hide out and stay warm in the pit area while they wait for ride-alongs. Students encouraged, but not required to have instructors ride along. Students are expected to adhere to all safety standards and rules as presented both days. Course layout: There will be 5 stations. There will be 5 groups ("A" and "B") per run session. There will be at least 2 run sessions. Each group (1 instructor and 2-3 students per group) will start at a different station and rotate periodically. During each run session, there will only be 1 car per station on course. This is to minimize traffic and maximize instruction while keeping seat time in mind. During your run session, we plan to budget enough time so you will be able to experience each station. The stations break down as follows: 1) Skidpad - Traction circle exercises 2) City Blocks - Impromptu (reaction) maneuvering. Instructor will tell you to turn left or right. 3) Concrete Skidpad - Lane change one way. Slalom the other direction. Speeds will be strictly monitored on this section, especially at the ends of each straight. 4) Northwest corner - Straight-line braking (including uphill and downhill elements). Can run in both directions. 5) Carousel - mid corner braking. Yellow asterisks denote intersections that will be closely monitored.
Tech Sheet This will be handed to you the first day of the event (evening classroom session). Please make sure you check the items outlined below before coming to the event. You will also be asked to sign a standard waiver at the event. MNSOC Winter Car Control Event Tech Inspection list All loose items removed from driver and co-pilot area including floor mats. Any heavy or movable objects in the trunk and storage areas removed. Snap-on hub caps and other detachable accessories (e.g. fender skirts, trim rings) removed. Convertible, targa or t-top vehicles must have their factory hard top panels securely in place. Lug nuts tight, correctly installed, none missing. Tires in good condition (no cords or belts showing, no cracks, etc.) and inflated within manufacturer spec. Specs can typically be found on a metal placard in the driver's side door jamb). Seat belt(s) present and properly attached. Positive throttle return (Does not apply to drive by wire) No excessive leaks (engine running) Brakes in proper working order Wheel bearings, steering and suspension in good working order. Battery tightly secured, positive terminal insulated. Helmet requirement minimum is DOT. Strongly encouraged to poses Snell SA95/M95/K98 (or newer), BS 6658-85 type AF/R or SFI 31.1. No cracks, dents, or scuffed visors. Must be in good shape and pass inspection by control worker and/or event instructor. FRS Radio with fresh batteries. You must bring your helmet and FRS to the classroom session the day before to have inspected. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact "idget" (Sheen) or your instructor.
Instructor Bio's Mark Utecht (screen name mayhem83) started in motorsports in 1986 running local autocross events. He won multiple championships in the next 10 years running cars ranging from a Honda Civic to a V-8 powered Dodge Challenger. In 1991, Mark began his road racing experience in a Dodge Omni. He won many class championships and set lap records at his home track of Brainerd International Raceway. He still holds a lap record at BIR 13 years after it was set. In 1993, while he was still autocrossing and road racing, he and a couple friends tried ice racing in the off season. He continues to ice race today. In 1995, he was encouraged by a good friend to give stage rally a try. This is where Mark found his true passion. Starting in a Dodge Omni GLH turbo, he won regional and divisional championships. In 1997 he won his first national stage rally championship in the Group 5 class. He repeated the championship in 2000. He went on to win the 2001 ClubRally and ProRally Production GT national championships in a Mistubishi Eclipse. From 2002 to 2005, he ran a Subaru WRX in the hotly contested Group N class in stage rally. While earning multiple event wins, championships eluded him, coming 2 in both 2003 and 2004. In 2006, he returned to 2wd in a Ford Mustang and won the national Group 5 championship. Mark has been an instructor for the BIR Performance Driving School for two years and a 3 time previous Chief Driving Instructor for SCCA driver's schools. Here are some of Mark's latest accomplishments: 2008 Rally America Stage Rally Group 5 Champion 2008 Sports Car Club of America RallyCross Modified 4 Wheel Drive Champion. 2007 Snow States Autosports Club Stage Rally Driver of the Year. 2008 International Ice Racing Association Overall Sprint and Endurance Champion. _________________________________________ Cheech aka Chong S (Silvia) Yang Musashi Automotive or autosports background: AutoCross & Road Racing Autosports accomplishments: Podium in a few local AutoCross events Background pertaining to instruction or previous instructor experience: Participated in Russ Bentley's Speed Screet School, forth year instructing for Northstar bmw part of BMWCCA. Vocational, student, professional, or hobbyist experience that qualifies you for this position: Bi-langual in two languages, layman's term speed secrets and heightening sensory training. ___________________________________________ Brent Carlson Screen Name: Stick Background: - 2003; Placed in the top 10 at the MN Mazda Rev-it-up event. - 2003; I attended my first Ojibwe Forests Rally. - 2006; I first participated in RallyCross through the SCCA - 2007; I began co-driving in Rally America’s open class - 2008; I attended my first International Ice Racing Association ice race. I competed in the remainder of the season in the car that I purchased at the first event Credentials: - SCCA Central Division RallyCross Steward - SCCA RallyCross Safety Steward Accomplishments: - 2006 Stock AWD Champion; Land o’ Lakes Region RallyCross - 2006 RallyCross Driver of the year - 2007 Stock AWD Champion; Land o’ Lakes Region RallyCross - 2007 Snow States Auto Club Stage Rally Co-Driver of the year - 2007 Rally America Central Region Open Class Co-Driver Champion - 2008 SCCA National RallyCross Champion in Prepared AWD - 2008 M2 Champion (tied with Mark Holden); Land o’ Lakes Region RallyCross Previous Instructing Experience: - Cross Country Ski Instructor - Assistant Instructor, Herzing College - Down Hill Ski Instructor Other experience: - Participated in the Audi Quattro Club Ice Race (RallyCross on Ice) - Organizer for the divisional/National Challenge RallyCross in 2007 and 2008 __________________________________ Mark Holden Screen Name: Vector Background: 2003-2008 Competitor in SCCA LoL RallyCross, Stock AWD and Modified 2WD classes 2002 OPFR Crew Chief - Tim O'Neil, Group-N 2003 OFPR Crew Chief - "Mad" Mike Halley, Production Class At various times part of the organizing teams and course opening car (A1, 000, 00) for the Headwaters, Ojibwe Forests, Shooting Star/Northern Lights rallys. SCCA LoL RallyCross Organizer, Registrar Accomplishments: - 2007 SCCA LoL Rallycross - 3rd Place Modified 2WD - 2008 SCCA LoL RallyCross - Modified 2WD Champion (tied with Brent Carlson) Other experience: - Participated in IIRA (International Ice Racing Association) events in 2008 - Organizer for the SCCA LoL RallyCross School 2008 (in process as of this writing) - Completed the 4-day Rally School at Team O'Neil in October 2008 ________________________________________
so what time does the classroom instruction start? and what time does the driving etc start on sunday.
Going to grab dinner, I'll update the first post in a bit. But, classroom will be in the evening, driving will begin in the morning. sign-in at 8:30.
Maybe you should consider praying with me. I'm praying everynight, for what you say, how about TON's of White SNOW!!!!! Otherwise picture mr. Idget busy on the side of the track with a snow blower, blowing snow onto the track. LOL
WOW I am intrigued by the commitment so far from the drivers who have offically taken the nessary steps in getting registered. And the people who have stepped up and volunteered their time to make the event go smoothly. I have taken time off work just incase I end up working that weekend. I am looking forward to the in class session, it will be just like my old 20 question Blog with mr. Utech, but much better. I intend to come up with some good questions of my own for that day and hopefully will get some really good responses. I think you would agree this forum has a wealth of knowledge and this is a good step in taking advantage of it. I try and remember to help bring some hand pocket warmers for volunteers. I am going to make a few phone calls to see if I can get a few more friends to sign up, we are half way there. I think the girls can drive better in the slippery and fluffy stuff better than the guys, well at least its true in my case. LOL
For us total complete noobs could we maybe get some specific recommendations for radios? And will there be plenty of loaner helmets available?
Any old frs radio will do. If you want specific recommendations and places to buy them, search for "frs." There have been a ton of mention between cruise threads and rallyx threads. That said, anything from a $10 radioshack/walmart radio, to a $200 frs & gmrs unit will work just fine for this event and most events that MNSOC will host and sponsor. There will be a good amount of loaner helmets. It should be said that these ARE NOT MNSOC helmets. These are extra helmets that belong to instructors and MNSOC officers. It goes without saying that we expect you to be very respectful of other's property if you plan to borrow a helmet.
No problem. You know, I bet you could borrow one if you don't want to go buy one. Looking at the list of participants, I know a few of those guys have several frs radios kicking around. They are nice to have tho.
As long as a cheap one is fine I'll grab one, but I'm not sure if I'll have $$ for a helmet. Sounds like I'm likely covered though. :banana:
Good deal! Make sure the helmet fits snugly. Nothing worse than driving with a helmet that's too tight or too loose! It's also a safety issue if you're bothered by your helmet and constantly adjusting it.
I hear that - almost wiped er hard once on a Yamaha Banshee futzing with a helmet. BTW - paypal'd my deposit last night
Thanks for letting me know. I've let Russ know and he is checking the account. If anyone else has paypaled and their info is not updated in the first post, please post here. I'm sure it will make life much easier for Russ as he sorts through all the crap to check.
Wondering if my scared-to-death-of-driving-in-snow co-worker would be an appropriate student for this class. Plenty of people obviously don't feel totally comfortable driving in the snow, but she will actually use her vacation days to stay at home when the roads are bad. Performance driving will be of no interest to her (I know, it's such a shame...), so would a seriously snow-phobic driver be appropriate for this course? Just metioning this course to her will induce a fear response in her. Or do you have suggestions for other courses locally? Thanks!
That is why we have multiple instructors. Each instructor has different skill sets, and will be taking on students based on their ability. This might be a great way for your co-worker to get over the fear or at least minimize it.
Sounds like a perfect candidate for this event! The focus of this clinic is safety and control. I think being put into controlled, low-grip situations over and over again may help eliminate her fear... maybe she'll even begin to enjoy it! Like Dan said, we will have a number of instructors, each with a different focus and skill set. Currently, there are 2 other novice drivers with similar goals who are already signed up, so she certainly shouldn't feel out of place.
Perfect, thanks! Now for the challenge of convincing her to step out of her comfort zone and do this...
When ever I have a scaredy cat to work with I will especially do everything that I can to make it fun. For most the whole idea that such a program is going to help make their lifes better or that it will help them live longer just doesn't go over very well. So what I will usually try to say it "ITS A TON OF FUN, I WISH I COULD DO THIS EVERYDAY!" And hopefully this will intrigue them enough to want to find out for themselves. Its' not winter driving boot camp, and for some its a winter playground. LOL
updated first post. Please lmk if I have your information down wrong... especially in regards to the deposit.
I haz room to lodge a couple folks if needed. Fellow participants will be required to rub my feet and prove slower than me!
2 spots left! Once full, I'll start a waiting list and give the folks who haven't paid the deposit until Jan. 7th to pay the $50 before they lose their spot to someone on the waiting list who has deposit money.
I have a friend who is interested considering he just had a fender bender recently due to the MN winter snow. He has asked about it so we'll see if he signs up. I have suggested he gets a set of snow tires to help make it even more fun for this event and winter driving in all.
I sure did, but it looks like he will not get his car back in time, its all banged up and he wants to get some snow tires for the event so he's out. I have another gig going on which might generate some more interest, but it might be too close to call.
