Any use for a radar gun at an autocross event?

Bill Aycock · **Joined:** Wed Sep 26, 2012 1:55 pm **Posts:** 117

Through a random transition from one apartment to another, and from one roommate to another back in my college years, I ended up with a radar gun among my attic "junk." Based on appearances, its nice. It has its own case and (I believe) power supply, though I can't say for certain that it works.

Assuming it does, I considered bringing it to an event to see what sort of speeds people were hitting in the straights, but I was not certain if that might be considered bad form, so I thought I'd bring it up here and see what people thought. I'm happy to donate it to the club if its something that could make use of. Maybe it could be linked to a display?

Matt McGrain · **Posted:** Thu Feb 28, 2013 1:28 pm

I think that would be pretty cool to try again and I'd enjoy that work assignment.

Check this out from '03 at the 'Speed Thrills' event (my 1st event): http://thscc.com/autocross/events/2003/ ... 7radar.pdf

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

Sure, bring it out, there's nothing that is "bad form" about it. If you are doing it right, you'll be going faster than others on the straight.

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Thu Feb 28, 2013 1:48 pm

30+ years ago at the Rocky Mount airport events, an x-band radar gun was often used on the out and back section on the cross-runway which generally had a humongous straight with no cones. So the precedent was set then to make it ok forever more. :wink:

Scott Johnson · **Posted:** Thu Feb 28, 2013 1:53 pm

BriceJohnson wrote:

Sure, bring it out, there's nothing that is "bad form" about it. If you are doing it right, you'll be going faster than others on the straight.

Or you will find out the speed of everyone's 2nd gear rev limiter.

My radar gun was used at past THSCC events. I've still got it in the garage.

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Thu Feb 28, 2013 2:19 pm

Scott Johnson wrote:

BriceJohnson wrote:

Sure, bring it out, there's nothing that is "bad form" about it. If you are doing it right, you'll be going faster than others on the straight.

Or you will find out the speed of everyone's 2nd gear rev limiter.

My radar gun was used at past THSCC events. I've still got it in the garage.

Yep, that part is true and also there really aren't ever any "straights" per se at Danville...

Jeremy Ellison · **Joined:** Fri May 13, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 186

I support this 100%. Speed across the finish line might be interesting, as well as speed into the first corner.

Gwen Habenicht · **Posted:** Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:02 pm

We brought one to Sanford several years ago and had lots of fun with it. Glad I'll be there!

Matt McGrain · **Posted:** Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:04 pm

Jeremy Ellison wrote:

..as well as speed into the first corner.

Funny, I thought it would be cool to see the sweeper speeds too (if that's the course)...

Patrice Bousquet · **Posted:** Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:52 pm

Matt McGrain wrote:

I think that would be pretty cool to try again and I'd enjoy that work assignment.

Check this out from '03 at the 'Speed Thrills' event (my 1st event): http://thscc.com/autocross/events/2003/ ... 7radar.pdf

Wow, I remember that one and Pro 78 was me.

Jordan Normark · **Posted:** Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:50 pm

I agree, it would be very interesting to see. I think a slalom would be a neat spot to check speed.

Kevin Allen · **Joined:** Thu Aug 28, 2003 6:42 pm **Posts:** 3479

I chaired the Speed Thrills event. Dash plaque was road runner and Wile E Coyote. If the radar gun is on the bus at the first rallyx, we'll use it there. I have a plan...

Arthur McDonald · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:54 am **Posts:** 2052

Have we ever used a radar gun at an active airport? Probably wise to check with the airport mgmt.

BriceJohnson · **Joined:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:33 am **Posts:** 2230

That is a very good point. I'd say lets hold of on bringing the radar gun to this event, but do feel free to bring it to the remainder of our events this year.

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Fri Mar 01, 2013 9:52 pm

One recommendation to the club officers and those in attendance - don't post speeds publicly. Club's insurance has some pretty specific wording, if I recall, as to what acceptable speeds are. Losing insurance coverage, or a 10x increase in rates, would pretty much kill the program...

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Any use for a radar gun at an autocross event?

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