Newbie saying "Hello"

Discussion of anything that doesn't fall into the Solo II and RallyX Categories
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LeadSSled
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Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2004 11:29 am
Location: Knoxville, TN

Newbie saying "Hello"

Post by LeadSSled »

Just dropping in to say hello - was invited over here from a thread on the StreetRacing forum by Mr. Disney. I live in West Knoxville.

I'm not even a novice yet as I've never run an event. But, I mailed my membership application with a check to the SCCA this morning to join region 68, and I'm going to give this a try.

I'll be in an unconventional autocrosser - a 4200 lb. 96 Impala SS, so this should be interesting. :) It has some bolt-ons, but the engine is pretty much bone stock. Most of my racing experience is drag racing, but I've had the car on a 1.8 mile road course (Hallet in OK) and a 3/8" mile asphalt oval over the last year as well. It does pretty well in a straight line for a big car and now it's time to see how it can turns and stop.

I'm planning to attend the Solo2 school scheduled for April 3 & 4 to get started. If you can point me to the best place to watch for registration for these classes, and/or provide guidance/advice, it would be most welcome. I have read through the Solo2 Novice Handbook and that was very helpful.

Looking forward to meeting you folks.

Terry
Terry Kehne
SCCA #337340
1996 Impala SS - not stock SM96
2005 Dodge Magnum RT - bone stock
1997 VW Passat TDI - Sprint 520 nozzles, Stage 2 RocketChip tune
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 Cummins

I drive a hybrid - it burns both gas and rubber.
thrdeye
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Joined: Fri Dec 05, 2003 12:31 pm
Location: Lenoir City

Post by thrdeye »

Hiya

Just stay tuned to the forums, for updated info.

Don't worry about your car, I saw an SS do very well in Nashville.
Chris Harp
2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2018 Toyota Tundra | 2011 BMW M3
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LeadSSled
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Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2004 11:29 am
Location: Knoxville, TN

Post by LeadSSled »

"Don't worry about your car, I saw an SS do very well in Nashville."

That's probably a friend of mine - Allen Mirse. He's been encouraging me to give this thing a try.

Thanks. I'll keep watching for new info.
Terry Kehne
SCCA #337340
1996 Impala SS - not stock SM96
2005 Dodge Magnum RT - bone stock
1997 VW Passat TDI - Sprint 520 nozzles, Stage 2 RocketChip tune
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 Cummins

I drive a hybrid - it burns both gas and rubber.
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MARKP
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Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2003 3:51 pm
Location: Farragut, TN

Post by MARKP »

You should go ahead and give it a try at the first event of the year instead of waiting for the school. We have people appointed to help new people at every event. Just get there early (at least 2 hours before start time) and walk the course a lot.

You will do fine. Find out who some of the experienced autocrossers are and they will be glad to help yu get started at the event.

Glad to have you as a member!

P.S. You won't have the biggest car to have run on an autocross course. We ran my '94 Suburban at the driver's school last year for instruction purposes. It was quite entertaining.
Mark Pilson
03 Z06 - Sword
09 Mustang - Club
01 Excursion - The safe you dropped from the 10th story
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LeadSSled
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Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2004 11:29 am
Location: Knoxville, TN

Post by LeadSSled »

Mark - I'll try to make the early event, but I may not have my car ready by early March. I have quite a few maintenance items and upgrades planned before I run, particularly to the braking system:
New rotors
Rebuild calipers
install braided steel lines
new Hawk HPS pads
flush system & refill with ATE Blue.

I also have an N2O kit install to do this month, but that's just for going straight. No bottle on the autocross of course. :)

If I'm not ready to run, I may show up as a spectator to see what's going on. Thanks for the welcome.

Terry
Terry Kehne
SCCA #337340
1996 Impala SS - not stock SM96
2005 Dodge Magnum RT - bone stock
1997 VW Passat TDI - Sprint 520 nozzles, Stage 2 RocketChip tune
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 Cummins

I drive a hybrid - it burns both gas and rubber.
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scottgib
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Joined: Fri Dec 05, 2003 9:58 am

Post by scottgib »

And visit the solo section of our web site http://www.etrscca.org
There is a lot of info there. Link at top of page.

And there is a guy in Tx with a purple impala who does very well at autoX'ing.

http://yearone.com/bristolbash/bristol2 ... cross.html 7th picture down. Not a good photo, but...
Old men can still dream!

Scott Gibson
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LeadSSled
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Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2004 11:29 am
Location: Knoxville, TN

Post by LeadSSled »

I know Harvey Clark and his "Purpala" very well. Harvey is the President of the Impala SS Club of America. He's actually from Arkansas, right next door to Texas.

You should see that Purple and yellow behemouth on a Road Course. I raced with Harvey at the Hallet Motor Circuit (1.8 mile 11-turn road course near Tulsa, OK) last July. He's a great guy.

Thanks for the encouragement, folks. I'll check out the links you have suggested.

Terry
Terry Kehne
SCCA #337340
1996 Impala SS - not stock SM96
2005 Dodge Magnum RT - bone stock
1997 VW Passat TDI - Sprint 520 nozzles, Stage 2 RocketChip tune
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 Cummins

I drive a hybrid - it burns both gas and rubber.
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