Supersprinting

[MY Racing 221]

It seems as though a few people are interested to get a little more serious on the track than just your normal track day. One of THE best ways to do this is via a supersprint.

For those who haven't seen a supersprint before, or are who unsure of what it involves, you will be on the track at the same time as other cars, but not competing directly against them. The idea of the supersprint is to set the fastest possible lap time that you can. You compete outright, and in classes.

You are released onto the track in pairs, with about (depending on the track) 6 or 7 pairs out at once. You do about 3 or 4 laps in one 'run' then return to the pits and await your next run. You will generally expect to get about 6-8 runs per event. The cars that you are paired with will all do similar lap times to you, so you rarely get any significantly faster / slower cars. Participants are generally really enthusiastic, and keen to help people who are just starting out.

What do you need to get involved?

A roadworthy car
A fire extinguisher of at least 900g
A secondary bonnet restraint (such as a tie down strap or belt)
A blue triangle to indicate the battery location and race numbers on the doors.
Neck to wrist to ankle non flammable clothing. King Gee cotton overalls as a minimum.
A helmet
A CAMS L2S licence and membership to a CAMS affiliated car club.

Costs?

A CAMS licence is about $90
Membership of an affiliated club will start about $40ish.
Each round will cost about $140-$180.

If you choose to join a championship, there may be a registration fee (NSW Championship is $50)

Anything else?

Not really, the rest is pretty much the same as a lapping day. You choose to go as fast (or slow) as you like, and you have the added incentive of trying to beat other people in your class who will have similar cars of similar capacity and modification.

If anyone has any questions, please post them and I'll be happy to do my best to answer.

I'd highly recommend it, as it is heaps of fun and a good way to push yourself and your machine that next little step.

Cheers
Dave

[PSI38L]

Thanks for the Info dave.

is there a limit on the mods you can have done to your car? is there a control tyre or are they free?

[BOMI]

Thanks for posting that up Dave, some very helpfull info in there mate :yep::thumbs:

I would love to get right into circuit but I cant due to work at the moment, one day :yep:



Troy :D

[35R]

excellent post and very interesting

[MY Racing 221]

Thanks for the Info dave.

is there a limit on the mods you can have done to your car? is there a control tyre or are they free?

The simple answer to that is no, there is no limit to the modifications.

HOWEVER, there are different levels of modifications that will put you into different classes. For example (and greatly simplified..)

Type 1 - For near standard road registered cars.
Type 2 - For road registered cars, with a limited range of modifications
Type 3 - Cars that generally meet 3J or club car regulations (Improved production). There are a mix of road registered cars and non.
Type 4 - Is for sports sedans
Type 5 - Open wheelers
Type SV for anything that doesn't really fit within the other regulations - often including imports etc.

Type 4 can use full slick tyres. All the others must be treaded DOT approved tyres. e.g. semi slicks are fine.

Each type is further broken up into classes by engine capacity.

To give you an idea of the types of cars that compete in the NSW championship, have a look here: http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?15/10/2006.ARDC.S1

That's the final round of last year's championship at Eastern Creek.

Cheers
Dave

[RedVYIISS]

I notice Justice had a run on the day.... 1:48.1... PDQ! (Darren Park, Type 3 3001+)

[MY Racing 221]

Yep, there are often some very quick car/driver combinations.

However, as you can see, there are a lot of people who have less experience and are constantly improving their lap times.

[OPPYLOCK]

Dave,

Do you still need a tailshaft loop? Last time I went to watch supersprints at Oran Park I was told this was a requirement for the class.

[MY Racing 221]

For a road registered car, I don't think so. I'll have a look in the CAMS maunal / supersprint regs and let you know what I find.

[Aeron]

This sounds great!! Do you need a number on your car?

[NickS]

What do you need to get involved?

A roadworthy car
A fire extinguisher of at least 900g
A secondary bonnet restraint (such as a tie down strap or belt)
A blue triangle to indicate the battery location and race numbers on the doors.
Neck to wrist to ankle non flammable clothing. King Gee cotton overalls as a minimum.
A helmet
A CAMS L2S licence and membership to a CAMS affiliated car club.

There you go Aeron ... :D

[Aeron]

There you go Aeron ... :D

Thanks Nick... :o **Boy, do I feel silly**

[seldo]

Thanks Nick... :o **Boy, do I feel silly**
I sort-of figured these responses would be numbered....:rolleyes:

[MY Racing 221]

Numbers technically need to be CAMS spec - but many get away with contrasting gaffa tape to the surrounding bodywork. There are also a couple of places that will do you magnetic numbers which are a good investment. Just don't forget to place a run of tape down the leading edge... otherwise you won't be popular when they have to stop the event to retrieve your number! You can also get magnetic battery triangles.

[seldo]

I sort-of figured these responses would be numbered....:rolleyes:
That was supposed to be funny....Laugh will ya..? Pun...you know... numbers...responses numbered....(ok...it was pretty weak...) :o

[MY Racing 221]

Haha, yeah, I got it Seldo... just kept my enthusiastic laughter to myself :bravo:

They can only get better from here ;) :whip:

[35R]

So what's the practical reality of getting involved, do drivers just do the odd local supersprint or travel and do lots/all events? What % of participants would take the championship seriously? if you know what i mean.

[MY Racing 221]

The practial reality (and beauty of supersprinting IMHO) is that you can take it as seriously as you like. There are people that do every round of the state championship, and have a goal of winning their class in the championship. That was me last year.

There are others who do one or two rounds of the state series, and a few other club level ones as they see fit.

It might seem like a bit of a cop out, but it is really completely up to you how seriously you want to take it - but either way, you won't be on your own.

I mention the state series regularly, as that's what I've done, but there are numerous other 'club level' supersprints happening almost every other weekend.

Have a look here: http://www.natsoft.biz/cgi-bin/results.cgi?2007 and scroll down and you will see how many supersprints have their results reported.

I'm happy to lend a hand to anyone who is keen to get involved and give it a go.

[PSI38L]

Are there any more events at Wakefield Park this year? I would been keen to have a crack later in the year.

[35R]

I might try to (if there is something at Wakefield) and i know a bus racer that would give it a whirl

[MY Racing 221]

There are 2 state rounds to go at Wakefield, and I'm sure there are numerous others.

One is this Sunday, the other (and the one that I would recommend) is on Sunday 16th September. This is run by the Mazda MX5 club, who run an event that is as good as any.

As it gets closer, I'll be able to get entry forms for anyone that's interested.

[35R]

There are 2 state rounds to go at Wakefield, and I'm sure there are numerous others.

One is this Sunday, the other (and the one that I would recommend) is on Sunday 16th September. This is run by the Mazda MX5 club, who run an event that is as good as any.

As it gets closer, I'll be able to get entry forms for anyone that's interested.

I reckon we should give this a go (Sept 16)!

[MY Racing 221]

Yep, I reckon we should get a trackchat group happening.

Will just need to make sure that anyone who wants to compete is a member of a CAMS club (there are plenty), and has a licence.

I might even drag the Corona back to a supersprint again for the heck of it!

[stav]

Dave,

Thanks for this. I have been looking around for a while and have just found a 2 ltr Ford Escort 3D Sports Sedan. I will be seeing on on the weekend and hopefully picking it up. If this does go through, I will definately like to touch base and pick your brain a little more about the best way to get involved.

My plan is to do a lot of private days this year and get familiar with the car, fine tune it etc, and then hopefully next year get into some events. I'll let you know on Monday if I pick it up and I'll post up a photo or 2.

Cheers,
Stav.

[RedVYIISS]

Good luck Stav, hope she turns out to be a good'un!

[MY Racing 221]

Awesome stuff. Sounds like a good plan, happy to help or advise in any way I can.

[stav]

Thanks all.

Well this is what I am going to look at on the weekend...

128

Fingers crossed it works out. If not, back to the waiting game. I have seen quite a few cars over the last couple of months but most times cost has got in my way :headbang: .

This car is very reasonable for the price and is ready to race. It requires some fine tuning work to get better times but I like the way its set up... We'll see what happens.

[35R]

Looks pretty schmick Chris, hopefully you can get it, let us know how you go.

[stav]

Thanks Dunc.... It is now official... I bought it today. I take delivery next week and will post a write up. Since I will be new to circuit racing, it will be a good opportunity to detail the steps I go through from transferring the cars log books to getting my cams to practice sessions to actual racing... Watch this space.

I'll need to speek to you about some track chat stickers again... Might need some different colours if thats doable... I'll catch up with you about it.

[35R]

Thanks Dunc.... It is now official... I bought it today. I take delivery next week and will post a write up. Since I will be new to circuit racing, it will be a good opportunity to detail the steps I go through from transferring the cars log books to getting my cams to practice sessions to actual racing... Watch this space.

I'll need to speek to you about some track chat stickers again... Might need some different colours if thats doable... I'll catch up with you about it.

Awesome, well done Chris! Can't wait to see it mate.

[MY Racing 221]

Nice work Stav! Can't wait to see the beast at a supersprint or even race event sometime soon! It is so much fun, you will be hooked for sure!

[stav]

Cheers guys. Can't wait to get it on track. First run will be in July at this stage.

[MY Racing 221]

Are you doing an event or test day?