Paging Neal Harrington and OF'ers

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Mon Dec 14, 2015 6:11 pm

I'm going to hit the magic 60 this June, so that unfortunately qualifies me for our "OF" class. I know Neal has been a class of 1 over the last few years. Anyone else interested in joining the class so we can give Neal a run for his money? I was on the fence about autox for 2016, but now that I won the season pass, it's pretty much a no brainer that I'll be out next year.

So I'm just phishing to see who would qualify for and want to run in OF.... If we don't have any takers, I'll just stick to CAM one more year. This also has a bearing on what tires I pick up for 2016 as well, so let Neal know please!

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:56 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

I'm going to hit the magic 60 this June, so that unfortunately qualifies me for our "OF" class. I know Neal has been a class of 1 over the last few years. Anyone else interested in joining the class so we can give Neal a run for his money? I was on the fence about autox for 2016, but now that I won the season pass, it's pretty much a no brainer that I'll be out next year.

So I'm just phishing to see who would qualify for and want to run in OF.... If we don't have any takers, I'll just stick to CAM one more year. This also has a bearing on what tires I pick up for 2016 as well, so let Neal know please!

Even though I've been eligible for OF for a long time I'm sticking with FS.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Tue Dec 15, 2015 4:11 pm

DickRasmussen wrote:

Even though I've been eligible for OF for a long time I'm sticking with FS.

You had mentioned you were going to stay w/ FS. Nothing wrong with that. I'm just putting out feelers to test the waters...

michaelsmiller · **Posted:** Wed Dec 16, 2015 10:49 am

It's amazing that I'm a couple of weeks older than Rodney. I don't feel as old as he is. Even though I was taken to the woodshed this year in CS, I had a lot of fun. One can't feel too bad when the other class drivers are phenomenal. I'll be staying with CS next year. Maybe I'll start the new year with the forum topic, " Excuses for 2015 and why I'll kick butt in 2016 ".

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Wed Dec 16, 2015 4:59 pm

michaelsmiller wrote:

It's amazing that I'm a couple of weeks older than Rodney. I don't feel as old as he is. Even though I was taken to the woodshed this year in CS, I had a lot of fun. One can't feel too bad when the other class drivers are phenomenal. I'll be staying with CS next year. Maybe I'll start the new year with the forum topic, " Excuses for 2015 and why I'll kick butt in 2016 ".

Wadoyoumean you don't feel as old as I do? :mrgreen:

So based on feedback so far, looks like CAM next year, but I'll be running the wrong set of tires as I'll looking for something more track focused.

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Wed Dec 16, 2015 5:20 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

So based on feedback so far, looks like CAM next year, but I'll be running the wrong set of tires as I'll looking for something more track focused.

I have a set of Rivals from 2014, 275/35-18, that I've used on my M3 last year only for autocross and to/from a few events. They have 21 runs at the BMW Performance Center track, 6 runs at the NCCAR event and 11 runs at Danville. Hence they have about 1000 miles street driving plus the events. Fronts have some mild edge wear and are a bit under 7/32 (molded tread depth is 7.1/32) tread depth. Rears have just over 6/32 tread.

Was planning on taking pics and putting them on various forums, but if want them for $400 for the set, they're sold.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2015 10:12 am

Chuck Branscomb wrote:

I have a set of Rivals from 2014, 275/35-18, that I've used on my M3 last year only for autocross and to/from a few events. They have 21 runs at the BMW Performance Center track, 6 runs at the NCCAR event and 11 runs at Danville. Hence they have about 1000 miles street driving plus the events. Fronts have some mild edge wear and are a bit under 7/32 (molded tread depth is 7.1/32) tread depth. Rears have just over 6/32 tread.

Was planning on taking pics and putting them on various forums, but if want them for $400 for the set, they're sold.

Not quite the size I was looking for, but we may have a deal here and that's certainly cheaper than buying new. You free anytime over the holidays so I can drop buy and give these a once over?

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2015 10:23 am

RodneyWright wrote:

Chuck Branscomb wrote:

I have a set of Rivals from 2014, 275/35-18, that I've used on my M3 last year only for autocross and to/from a few events. They have 21 runs at the BMW Performance Center track, 6 runs at the NCCAR event and 11 runs at Danville. Hence they have about 1000 miles street driving plus the events. Fronts have some mild edge wear and are a bit under 7/32 (molded tread depth is 7.1/32) tread depth. Rears have just over 6/32 tread.

Was planning on taking pics and putting them on various forums, but if want them for $400 for the set, they're sold.

Not quite the size I was looking for, but we may have a deal here and that's certainly cheaper than buying new. You free anytime over the holidays so I can drop buy and give these a once over?

Yep, I'll be around throughout. They're still mounted right now though, but I plan to get them off the wheels soon. Let me know when you want to stop by, and I'll have them unmounted by then.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2015 10:43 am

Chuck Branscomb wrote:

Yep, I'll be around throughout. They're still mounted right now though, but I plan to get them off the wheels soon. Let me know when you want to stop by, and I'll have them unmounted by then.

Why don't we turn that around. Dismount them according to your schedule and then let me know. I'm not in a mad rush to pick these up, so whatever works around your time frame. If this pushes in Jan is fine by me.

So, I gotta ask, why are you dismounting them? Giving up on autox'g for now? I guess another concern is how will these Rivals perform on that heavy mustang from either an autox or track standpoint?

Neal Harrington · **Joined:** Thu Sep 04, 2003 4:29 pm **Posts:** 106

Just a few words concerning the OF class, since Rodney brought it up. We had good participation until Bernie bailed for HPDE and Don Ingerslew died. Now, I am the only regular participant, and even though I get my butt kicked, I love it when there are multiple entrants. I have plenty of trophies and could get just as many by running BSP or EM with my cars. But it is still a rush to have competition, and if those of you who are losing your skills due to old age (even Dick and Rodney) would give it a chance, I think it beats the normal class structure for meaningful competition. Too many old time autocrossers just give it up when they are no longer competitive, rather than make the effort. :soap:

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2015 12:49 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

Chuck Branscomb wrote:

Yep, I'll be around throughout. They're still mounted right now though, but I plan to get them off the wheels soon. Let me know when you want to stop by, and I'll have them unmounted by then.

Why don't we turn that around. Dismount them according to your schedule and then let me know. I'm not in a mad rush to pick these up, so whatever works around your time frame. If this pushes in Jan is fine by me.

So, I gotta ask, why are you dismounting them? Giving up on autox'g for now? I guess another concern is how will these Rivals perform on that heavy mustang from either an autox or track standpoint?

Sounds like a plan. I will let you know.

I only made one local event last year, so having these just sitting here is a waste. If I get back into autox seriously, I would probably get some RE-71Rs or the Rival S (both of which would wear much faster than the regular Rival though), but for now I've just been running CCA club events 2-3 times/year at the Performance Center where I'm using NT-01s (it's not classed, so it's competition for FTD -- just basically a fun event on a fantastic track).

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2015 1:54 pm

Chuck Branscomb wrote:

Sounds like a plan. I will let you know.

I only made one local event last year, so having these just sitting here is a waste. If I get back into autox seriously, I would probably get some RE-71Rs or the Rival S (both of which would wear much faster than the regular Rival though), but for now I've just been running CCA club events 2-3 times/year at the Performance Center where I'm using NT-01s (it's not classed, so it's competition for FTD -- just basically a fun event on a fantastic track).

How did the Rival's do on the BMW? How much does that car weigh? I know the mustang is right at 3600lbs give or take. Did those tires get greasey after they have heat in them? I hear good and bad about those tires depending on who you talk to. You happen to know what the tread wear is on the Rivals? I'm assuming 200...

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2015 2:28 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

Chuck Branscomb wrote:

Sounds like a plan. I will let you know.

I only made one local event last year, so having these just sitting here is a waste. If I get back into autox seriously, I would probably get some RE-71Rs or the Rival S (both of which would wear much faster than the regular Rival though), but for now I've just been running CCA club events 2-3 times/year at the Performance Center where I'm using NT-01s (it's not classed, so it's competition for FTD -- just basically a fun event on a fantastic track).

How did the Rival's do on the BMW? How much does that car weigh? I know the mustang is right at 3600lbs give or take. Did those tires get greasey after they have heat in them? I hear good and bad about those tires depending on who you talk to. You happen to know what the tread wear is on the Rivals? I'm assuming 200...

Yes, TW200. The M3 weighs ~3550lbs or so. I never had issues with them getting greasy with heat, but when co-driving in hot weather, we usually sprayed them between runs. I think Art has run them on his Mustang but maybe in 245 size, but he'd be a good one to ask. I've always enjoyed the Rivals, and they seem to wear very well. Turn-in response is outstanding in the M3, and you can really feel the communication through the wheel of what the contact patch is doing. They have a wide range of peak grip compared to most other high end tires, so if you overcook an entry, there is some forgiveness with still plenty of grip past the peak.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2015 4:47 pm

Thanks Chuck for the info. I'd consider these sold then if you didn't have heat issues in the M3. Should be fine for me next year. Plan on a few track events and autox's in '16. I'm to the point now where I enjoy the car control more than the race. It's good to keep your "mad driving skilz" up to tackle I40 traffic =)

michaelsmiller · **Posted:** Sat Dec 19, 2015 2:00 pm

RodneyWright wrote:

michaelsmiller wrote:

It's amazing that I'm a couple of weeks older than Rodney. I don't feel as old as he is. Even though I was taken to the woodshed this year in CS, I had a lot of fun. One can't feel too bad when the other class drivers are phenomenal. I'll be staying with CS next year. Maybe I'll start the new year with the forum topic, " Excuses for 2015 and why I'll kick butt in 2016 ".

Wadoyoumean you don't feel as old as I do? :mrgreen:

So based on feedback so far, looks like CAM next year, but I'll be running the wrong set of tires as I'll looking for something more track focused.

Rodney, Being cynical might be an indication that maybe I am getting old. I just don't feel like I'm on the edge of 60. Unfortunately you admitted to it and I couldn't control myself. I am a charter member of Cynic's Anonymous. You caught me at a bad time and I slipped into my dark side. I guess that I will have to go to a few extra meetings to make up for it. BTW, do you want to join? We meet at local bars.

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