Heidts Performance Car Challenge - Midwest

[Jimi-FM3]

February 21, 2011 (Wauconda, Il) - Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts is proud to present the Heidts Performance Car Challenge - Midwest, July 15 - 17 at the Autobahn Country Club located in Joliet, IL. The three-day event will provide enthusiast drivers the opportunity to hone their driving skills in the following elements:

Road Course
Autocross
Acceleration/Braking
Road Rally

The event will be open to domestic performance vehicles of all years. The experience will start Friday at Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts headquarters, offering participants time to meet and socialize, followed by a 50 mile cruise to the host hotel in Joliet, IL.

On Saturday the road course element will be run on the Autobahn Country Club North Track. The 1.46-mile track is technical but forgiving and will challenge all levels of drivers from novice to experienced.
http://www.drivefastbesafe.com/PDFs/northmap.pdf.

On Sunday, drivers will tackle one of the most unique autocross courses ever dreamed – created right on the 1.46-mile track. Rumble strips, slaloms, rotundas and other features will test set-up and driving skills. Simultaneously, the acceleration/braking challenge will be run on the front straight, demonstrating not only the vehicle’s braking prowess, but the driver’s abilities and skills as well.

This is a premium driving experience that you don’t want to miss. More details and sign-up information to follow – mark your calendars now!

The Heidts Performance Car Challenge will be an OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational qualifier.
www.optimainvitational.com

[coolwelder62]

Jimi,Sound's great.I think Kevin and I can make this event.:thumbsup: Scott

[Sandbagger]

Starts right out of my backyard .
Autobahn North is a blast ! Turn one and Six :unibrow: :unibrow:

[66SuperSport]

Can't wait for this. Sounds awesome!

[Mover]

I’m in! I hope we take highway 59 for road rally. I’m not seeing too many E85Gas Stations in that area and I could be in trouble. Time to invest in fuel jugs:D

[66LS7]

I'll be there with the Camaro & maybe some other surprises!:unibrow:

[kochevy67]

Are people and cars that ren't running in the event welcome on friday to come and hang out? I have a convertible without a rollbar so i'm out, but I would like to drive up and hang out for awhile. Also will saturday be open to the public or is it a competitors only event?

[WallyFM3]

Are people and cars that ren't running in the event welcome on friday to come and hang out? I have a convertible without a rollbar so i'm out, but I would like to drive up and hang out for awhile. Also will saturday be open to the public or is it a competitors only event?
You are welcome to come out to Heidts on Friday and hang out, we are still ironing out the details regarding spectators for Saturday. I will know more this Friday afternoon

[kochevy67]

You are welcome to come out to Heidts on Friday and hang out, we are still ironing out the details regarding spectators for Saturday. I will know more this Friday afternoon

That sounds great, can you let me know I would love to hang out on saturday as well.

[protour73]

OMG......this is 20 minutes from my house!!!! I've already taken a vacation day on Friday!! I will be in attendance for the whole program!! This is so GREAT. :unibrow:

[ALLSPEED01]

We're in! Autobahn is an awesome facility. When are we able to sign up. Is there going to be a vendor area? If so we may want to bring a few cars down.

[WallyFM3]

That sounds great, can you let me know I would love to hang out on saturday as well.

All spectators are welcome at the track on Saturday and Sunday...:woot:

[WallyFM3]

We're in! Autobahn is an awesome facility. When are we able to sign up. Is there going to be a vendor area? If so we may want to bring a few cars down.
Sign up will begin in a couple of weeks, I will post as soon as we open it up, we are going to have a vendor midway.

[syborg tt]

looks like i may take out the bumble bee and see what it can do.

[WallyFM3]

The Heidts Performance Car Challenge team is excited to announce that the 2011 Heidts Performance Car Challenge, taking place at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL, will include a full-scale car show as an additional element to the event!

In today’s enthusiast market, the “show” is as important as the “go” and we want to make sure that everyone is represented. If you have a stunning showpiece or if you’d like to bring your ride and just spectate, you are welcome and invited to the Heidts Performance Car Challenge! We’ll judge the following classes:

Street Rod (pre 49)
Any domestic cars built prior to 1949.
Classic Custom (49-63)
Any domestic cars built between 1949 and 1963.
Muscle Car (64-74)
Any domestic cars built between 1964 and 1974.
Street Machine (75-95)
Any domestic cars built between 1975 and 1995.
Late Model (96-11)
Any domestic cars built between 1996 and present.
Classic Truck (pre 74)
Any domestic trucks built prior to 1974.
Muscle Truck (75-95)
Any domestic trucks built between 1975 and 1995.
Late Model truck (96-11)
Any domestic trucks built between 1996 and present.
Under Construction
Any unfinished project vehicle.
Best of Show
Winner takes home the “Big Trophy”and sponsor prize package

The HPCC Car Show is Saturday and Sunday, with judging both days. The Heidts Performance Car Challenge promises to be one of the biggest events of the summer – don’t miss it! Mark your calendar today for July 16-17, and visit www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com for more details.

[protour73]

Here are the rules: http://www.heidts.com/heidts_performance_car_challenge_rules.html

Some Highlights -

Cost to enter the experience is $400. Entry includes one (1) vehicle, two (2) individuals, two (2) Friday BBQ tickets, two (2) Saturday dinner tickets and one (1) gift bag. The event will be limited to the first 80 registrations, after which a waiting list will be established.

Show-n-shine only entry fee is $25 and includes two (2) individuals and one (1) gift bag


:D

[wmhjr]

I was the first official entry last week. It will almost certainly be the only thing that I will be able to say I was faster at than anyone else :) . Gotta take pride where you can.

3700 pounds (plus me :) ) of mass in motion!

[66SuperSport]

I looked at the rules and points system for this event. Can anyone tell me if the cruise is mandatory and if there are points awarded for this??? The event site does not address this in depth.

Thanks

[WallyFM3]

The cruise is not manditory, but points will be awarded for participating.I looked at the rules and points system for this event. Can anyone tell me if the cruise is mandatory and if there are points awarded for this??? The event site does not address this in depth.

Thanks

[WallyFM3]

Registration is officially open for the Heidts Performance Car Challenge. This promises to be a great three day event July 15th - 17th. The schedule includes: Participant lunch, Road Rally, Road Course time trials, Autocross, Braking Challenge, Karting Enduro, Participant Awards Dinner, Car Show and Manufacturers Midway. This event is open to spectators! Any volunteers interested in helping with the event, please PM me.
Go to www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com to sign up!!!

[Van B]

Can someone add a .com to the link?

[66LS7]

Hi Everyone, I was just looking at the details of the Heidts event & I must say that in comparison to other events out there this is a great opportunity & deal! I have been to other events that have cost more than this & only had the track part, no lunch or dinner, no karting, etc. I haven't run at Autobahn but hear it's an awesome facility. I am also looking forward to some great compitition at the event from some great drivers & killer cars! I hope to see old friends & to meet new ones, so tell your buddies to get the cars uncovered, check those tire pressures, put on your driving shoes, & LET'S GO RACING!!!!!:drive: :thumbsup:

SEE YA THERE!:cheers:

[ShadowGrayGuy]

Maybe these are stupid questions, but I feel like I'd be stupid later for having not asked.

I see on their "Rules" section for the event , it says:

"Participants must use DOT approved, non-competition, treaded (non-grooved) street tires (no competition radials, no R compound, drag radials or shaved tread) with a manufacturers tread wear rating of 200 or greater. "

I'm having a set of wheels & tires made by Driverz, Inc. for me right now and the tires I am going with (based on their recommendation) are Nitto NT555 front and NT-555R in the rear. Are these tires not in compliance with the rules for the event? Is this a typical regulation that is going to prevent me from competing at future events?

Also, it states glass shall be "Safety-glass or Lexan windshield ". I'm considering whether or not I want to / have budget to replace the original glass in my '70 Chevelle. Is the original considered "safety glass"? Is all replacement glass you would get from the big suppliers (OPG, Year One, The Parts Place, etc.) safety glass?

Thanks for the help!

[WallyFM3]

You are correct,tires must be non-competition 200 or greater tread wear. This is a common rule in many of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car qualifying events. The original windshield is considered safety glass. We would really love to have you at the event, I hope you can make it.

[ShadowGrayGuy]

So what is everyone running for tires at these events? From your post I take it Nitto NT-555 / NT-555R's aren't allowed because they don't meet the rules?

[WallyFM3]

Great question
Nitto NT-555 is rated at 300 treadwear is LEGAL
Nitto NT-555R is rated at 100 treadwear is NOT LEGAL
Some guys run:
BFG KDW - 300 treadwear
Nitto NT05 - 200 treadwear
Hankook V12EVO - 280 treadwear
Pirelli P Zero Pilot Sport - 220 treadwear

If anyone has other suggestions, please chime in.
Thank you

[Flash68]

The Nitto 555R is a drag radial made for straight lines. I would not try to turn corners very hard in those. I have run them before.

The NT05 is a good and popular tires for these events, as are the KDW and the newer Falken Azenis 615.

[66SuperSport]

I've run the Falken RT-615s, Nitto NT-05s, and Michelin PS-2s. All depends on what you need for sizing. They are all good. The Michelins are by far the best all around tire, but they are a lot more money than the other two.

[ShadowGrayGuy]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Looks like I need to call Justin @ Driverz, Inc. Monday and see if I can switch my order (rims will be finished next week, I'm told). Originally I was going to go with a 275/35/18 and 305/40/18 set-up on the car. Now it looks like Falken Azenis 615's in 275/35 and 295/40 may be the best I can do (don't see a lot of choices for 200 treadwear in 305/40).

Rob

[ShadowGrayGuy]

Got things squared away with Driverz, Inc :thumbsup: - changed my order to Falken RT-615's, 275/35/18 up front and 295/40/18 rear. Giving up about 0.4" in width to do so (hard to find a 305/40 non-drag radial, apparently), but I suppose these will give me better grip around corners than the NT-555r. Now I just need to finish the car so I can go put-put around the track!

[66LS7]

Got things squared away with Driverz, Inc :thumbsup: - changed my order to Falken RT-615's, 275/35/18 up front and 295/40/18 rear. Giving up about 0.4" in width to do so (hard to find a 305/40 non-drag radial, apparently), but I suppose these will give me better grip around corners than the NT-555r. Now I just need to finish the car so I can go put-put around the track!

Glad to hear you have the tires squared away, you're going to have a great time at this event. See ya there!:lateral:

[Heidts_Sales]

We have many Great Sponsors for this event
Wilwood - Braking Challenge
Nitto - Autocross Sponsor
QA1 Motorsports - Road Rally Sponsor
Route 66 Motorsports - Car Show Sponsor
Carbon Kustoms - Karting Event Sponsor

This will be a great day for all people involved :thumbsup:

[ShadowGrayGuy]

Glad to hear you have the tires squared away, you're going to have a great time at this event. See ya there!:lateral:

I'll be there, for sure, but the car is another question. Still have to do final assembly of basically the whole car (although GM A-bodies aren't overly complicated and any missing parts can be easily had from The Parts Place, Inc., which is just down the street from me. Big thing is the delays on receiving all the high performance parts - still waiting on my AFX spindles (3 months now), Lee steering box, Hydratech Hydroboost, and Ricks Stainless tank. My EFI 565 should be finished next week, and the Strange S60 is being assembled this week. So, if all goes well, I'll have it all together by the 4th of July, however, I think the schedule has too many potential snares that would keep me from being ready for the Heidt's event in time, so at this point I won't be registering as a participant.

[66SuperSport]

I'll be there, for sure, but the car is another question. Still have to do final assembly of basically the whole car (although GM A-bodies aren't overly complicated and any missing parts can be easily had from The Parts Place, Inc., which is just down the street from me. Big thing is the delays on receiving all the high performance parts - still waiting on my AFX spindles (3 months now), Lee steering box, Hydratech Hydroboost, and Ricks Stainless tank. My EFI 565 should be finished next week, and the Strange S60 is being assembled this week. So, if all goes well, I'll have it all together by the 4th of July, however, I think the schedule has too many potential snares that would keep me from being ready for the Heidt's event in time, so at this point I won't be registering as a participant.

Where are you located? If The Parts Place is down the street from you we have to practically be neighbors. Can't wait to see your car. Not enough A-bodies out there.

[ShadowGrayGuy]

I'm just north of Wasco - technically I'm a resident of Campton Hills. I think I've seen your car at the Country Car Show a year or two ago - can't wait to see it after you finish the latest mods from the RS. Your '66 hardtop was one of the inspirations that got me going towards a PT build over a stock restoration on my '70.

[WallyFM3]

Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts is proud to announce that Mary Pozzi and James Shipka will both be competing at the Heidts Performance Car Challenge July 15-17 in Joliet, IL at Autobahn Country Club!

James and Mary recently shared seat time in the OPTIMA Batteries One Lap Camaro at the 2011 One Lap of America. After 3900 gruelling miles, this team of accomplished drivers walked away as 2011 Vintage American Class Champions.

James and Mary will compete head to head and alongside the rest of the competitors at the Heidts Performance Car Challenge for a coveted OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational berth. James will be driving the first generation Camaro known as the OPTIMA One Lap Camaro. Mary will be competing in her beloved, but recently revamped, second generation Camaro. Don’t miss your chance to run with two of the pro-touring worlds most popular drivers and cars.

This event features a full schedule of high horsepower fun including:
Heidts Hot Rod & Muscle car Parts shop tour and luncheon
QA1 Road Rally
Rt 66 Car Show
Heidts Road Course Challenge
Carbon Kustoms Karting Enduro
Nitto Autocross Challenge
Wilwood Braking Challenge
Strange Engineering Awards Banquet

The event is all about the experience, so whether you are an experienced or novice driver, we would love to see you at the Heidts Performance Car Challenge. Heidts is offering a $40.00 discount to all participants who sign up before June 20th. For Information visit www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com

[Jimi-FM3]

Hey crew - we've heard from a few folks out there that some of you might be a little nervous about coming out to play because you feel you're inexperienced or that your car may not be competitive. Let me be the first to reassure you that you are welcome and we will do everything we can to make you comfortable. These events are designed to allow everyone to have fun and our emphasis is on getting folks out to participate, not the overall competition.

Sure, the clock is running on every lap, but nobody has any expectations. You're going to earn a ton of respect from us and all the participants if this is your first event. This is the perfect type of event to learn what an apex is and to try that heel/toe braking technique. There are no professional drivers here, and we'll even put you in a run group that fits your speed and style.

I can't emphasize enough how much fun it is to be able to run your car as fast as you feel comfortable. The feeling you get when you exit the turn at the the exact spot you envisioned and then roll onto the throttle down the straight is unbelievable. Shaving a half second off your last lap time on the autocross makes your chest swell with pride. Having spectators come over and shake your hand when you pull into the paddock area after a session makes it all worthwhile.

And, how many people are going to show up at work on Monday and say "I just did a 1:20.3 lap at Autobahn yesterday and Mary Pozzi helped me shave a full second off my autocross time!" You'll be hanging out with some of the industries highest profile names and companies, not to mention having more fun with your car than a barrel of monkeys! For around $350, you can have an entire weekend of a lifetime! Sign up at http://www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com

[Jimi-FM3]

Hey crew - we've heard from a few folks out there that some of you might be a little nervous about coming out to play because you feel you're inexperienced or that your car may not be competitive. Let me be the first to reassure you that you are welcome and we will do everything we can to make you comfortable. These events are designed to allow everyone to have fun and our emphasis is on getting folks out to participate, not the overall competition.

Sure, the clock is running on every lap, but nobody has any expectations. You're going to earn a ton of respect from us and all the participants if this is your first event. This is the perfect type of event to learn what an apex is and to try that heel/toe braking technique. There are no professional drivers here, and we'll even put you in a run group that fits your speed and style.

I can't emphasize enough how much fun it is to be able to run your car as fast as you feel comfortable. The feeling you get when you exit the turn at the the exact spot you envisioned and then roll onto the throttle down the straight is unbelievable. Shaving a half second off your last lap time on the autocross makes your chest swell with pride. Having spectators come over and shake your hand when you pull into the paddock area after a session makes it all worthwhile.

And, how many people are going to show up at work on Monday and say "I just did a 1:20.3 lap at Autobahn yesterday and Mary Pozzi helped me shave a full second off my autocross time!" You'll be hanging out with some of the industries highest profile names and companies, not to mention having more fun with your car than a barrel of monkeys! For around $350, you can have an entire weekend of a lifetime! Sign up at http://www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com

[James OLC]

This is going to be a great event! I had the opportunity to make a whole five laps at Autobahn during this years One Lap of America and can say from personal experience that it is a great facility and the track that we will be running on is perfect no matter what your level of experience. It's definately a track that gives you the opportunity to improve as you run it - there are no really complicated combinations, the visibility is great and there is plenty of room to run. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to run there again.

Now... on to other business...

Since this is going to be the first time that Mary and I have an opportunity to play head to head I think that a little wager is in order... "Loser" (lower placing overall for the weekend) has to run the wet skid pad during OLoA next year... and has to wash the other one's car. Unless you win the whole thing - which would prove that you should run the wet skid pad because you are so good.

[dunnjun]

After a couple years of reading about how much fun these driving events are! I went to my first event last year. The mid west muscle car challenge. The event was put on by Jimi and FM3 marketing. Not knowing what to expect, I was amazed at how professionally it was run. They broke us down into groups based on experience (I was in the no clue group), and walked us through everything that we needed to know. When you hear or read about people saying how much fun they had at one of these events, multiply that by 10 for 1st timers. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for week. Yeah, I was nervous at the thought of "competing", but I quickly found out that everyone wasn't watching me blow the corner they were all just having a good time. I met four or five other newbs, and a bunch of really nice people. If your tired of sitting in a lawn chair and talking about cars, you really ought to come out and drive. I was blown away by how well my car really performed, because I hadn't ever gotten the chance to push it safely on the street. Anyway, i just wanted to say that even though taking that first step was kinda scary, it was one of the most fun and gratifying things I've ever done:thumbsup:

[dunnjun]

I call shotgun!!!!!:cheers:

[WallyFM3]

Are you planning on coming out to the Heidts Performance Car Challenge? Make sure go to www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com and register before June 20th to receive the $40.00 early bird discount. What are you going to do with your $40.00???

[WallyFM3]

There's only eight days left to claim your $40 discounted entry fee. Go to www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com to register. Don't miss this great opportunity to run at one of the premier racing facilities in the Midwest.

[69MyWay]

Don't know if I can make it - but I'm letting plenty of my local (Central Illinois) folks know about it.

[WallyFM3]

Thanks for spreading the word, hopefully you are able to make it. This is going to be a great event.

[protour73]

There's only FOUR days left to claim your $40 discounted entry fee. Go to www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com to register. Don't miss this great opportunity to run at one of the premier racing facilities in the Midwest.I'm going to wait until the very last day!! LOL

I was going to opt out of the event and just volunteer to help out......but I can't.....I just CAN'T!!

I have been super anxious to get my car on a track and have some fun with it, without tearing it up (after all, it is why I built it). Autobahn is an awesome facility, so I am in. Oh yea, and it's only 20 minutes from my house!!

[mpozziCPL]

I'm going to wait until the very last day!! LOL

I was going to opt out of the event and just volunteer to help out......but I can't.....I just CAN'T!!

Don't you EVEN THINK of wussing out, Scotty. If I have to, I will come to your house and drag you out kicking and screaming like a little girl!!!! Then throw your butt in the Camaro. You get entered NOW <LOL>!!!

Besides, I need you to show me the way to Heidt's for Friday's registration and BBQ.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

[protour73]

Don't you EVEN THINK of wussing out, Scotty. If I have to, I will come to your house and drag you out kicking and screaming like a little girl!!!! Then throw your butt in the Camaro. You get entered NOW <LOL>!!!

Besides, I need you to show me the way to Heidt's for Friday's registration and BBQ.

Cheers,
Mary PozziNo need to get hostile, woman!!

I just paid the entry fee ....... I'm IN!!! :unibrow:

[syborg tt]

No need to get hostile, woman!!

I dare you to say that to your wife :rofl:

[JP customs]

Will be there don't know if I'm going to run car have to get some bugs out.

[WallyFM3]

We look forward to seeing you there, hopefully with your car.

[Heidts#14]

Looks like Schwartz entered !!! :thumbsup:

[protour73]

All of you out-of-towners....AND...all of you IN-towners. I'd like to organize a group cruise from the Holiday Inn in Joliet (host hotel) up to Heidt's facility in Wauconda for the factory tour. This is a 68 mile cruise on interstate highways. Could be a lot of fun with a large group.......think of it as Power Tour Chicago style!!

Let me know if you are interested so we can set a time :unibrow:

[WallyFM3]

The Heidts Performance Car Challenge is a five-element event open to all domestic vehicles. The event will be run on July 15th - 17th at Heidts Hot Rods and Muscle Car Parts and one of the Midwest’s premier road courses, Autobahn Country Club, in Joliet, IL. The five elements include road course, street driving, autocross, braking challenge and Karting Enduro. In addition to the driving events there will also be a car show July 16th and 17th.

July 15th 2011
Heidts Hot Rods and Muscle Car Parts
111 Kerry Lane
Wauconda, IL - 60084

3:00pm - Arrive at Heidts
4:00pm - 5:00pm Registration, facility tour, and participant lunch.
5:00pm - 5:30 pm Line up in front of Heidts for QA1 Cruise
6:00pm - 8:00pm QA1 Cruise from Heidts to Host Hotel - Joliet Holiday Inn and Conference Center
8:00pm - Holiday Inn parking lot - QA1 Trailer receive decal for completing Cruise

Joliet Holiday Inn Conference Center
411 South Larkin Ave.
Joliet, IL 60436

July 16th, 2011
Autobahn Country Club
3795 South Patterson Rd,
Joliet, IL 60436

7:00am - Arrive at track - gates open

7:00am - 9:00am - Registration and sign in

7:00am - 9:00am - Mandatory tech inspection (must register before tech)

8:00am - 8:20am - Drivers meeting

8:30am - 8:45am - Lead follow laps

9:00am - 12:00pm - Rt. 66 Car Show Registration

12:00pm - 4:00pm - Rt. 66 Car Show Judging


Session One
9:30am - 9:45am Heidts Road Course Challenge Group A
9:50am - 10:05am Heidts Road Course Challenge Group B
10:10am -10:25am Heidts Road Course Challenge Group C

Session Two
10:30am - 10:45am Heidts Road Course Challenge Group A
11:00am - 11:15am Heidts Road Course Challenge Group B
11:20am - 11:35am Heidts Road Course Challenge Group C

11:40am - 12:40pm Lunch break / Car Show Participant parade laps

Session Three
12:45pm - 1:00pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group A
1:05pm - 1:20pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group B
1:25pm - 1:40pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group C

Session Four
1:45pm - 2:00pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group A
2:05pm - 2:20pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group B
2:25pm - 2:40pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group C

2:45pm - 3:00pm Corner worker break

Session Five
3:05pm - 3:20pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group A
3:25pm - 3:40pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group B
3:45pm - 4:00pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group C



Session Six
4:05pm - 4:20pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group A
4:25pm - 4:40pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group B
4:45pm - 5:00pm Heidts Road Course Challenge Group C


5:15pm - 5:45pm Carbon Kustoms Karting Enduro drivers meeting and team selection
5:45pm - 6:45pm Carbon Kustoms Karting Enduro

7:15pm - Secure Track

July 17th, 2010
Autobahn Country Club
3795 South Patterson Rd,
Joliet, IL 60436

All participants arrive at track gates open 7:00am

7:00am - 9:00am - Registration and sign in and re-grouping
(Divide group C and add to groups A and B)

7:00am - 9:00am Mandatory tech inspection (must register before tech)

8:00am - 8:30am - Drivers meeting

8:30am - 8:45am - Autocross walk

9:00am - 12:00pm - Car Show Registration

12:00pm - 2:30pm - Car Show Judging


9:00am - 10:20am Wilwood Braking Challenge Group A
9:00am - 10:20am Nitto Autocross Challenge Group B
10:30am - 11:50am Nitto Autocross Challenge Group A
10:30am - 11:50am Wilwood Braking Challenge Group B

12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch break / Car Show Participant parade laps


1:00pm - 3:30pm Open track time on Nitto Autocross Challenge and Wilwood Braking Challenge

3:00pm Rt. 66 Car Show Awards Ceremony

3:40pm - 4:45 pm Strange Engineering Awards Banquet

5:00pm Secure track

[protour73]

(Posted this over on pro-touring.com as well)
All of you out-of-towners....AND...all of you IN-towners. I'd like to organize a group cruise from the Holiday Inn in Joliet (host hotel) up to Heidt's facility in Wauconda for the factory tour. Could be a lot of fun with a large group.......think of it as Power Tour Chicago style!!

Depart Holiday Inn (host hotel) at about 1:15pm

Best route:

I-55 North to I-355 North
I-355 North to Lake Cook Rd.
Lake Cook Rd (also marked as E. County Line Rd) west to Rand Rd. (Rte. 12)
Rand Rd. (Rte. 12) north to County Hwy 61 (W. Bonner Rd)
County Hwy 61 east to Old Rand Rd.
Old Rand Rd south to Kerry Ln, take a left
Heidt's is at 111 Kerry Ln. in Wauconda
------------------------------------------------------
If anyone has any options to this, please chime in......like " Don't go that way dumazz there is construction on that road " LOL

Google maps show this route as 68 miles. With a 1hr/25min. drive time. Realistically, I'd say an 1hr/45min. drive as this is on a Friday afternoon.

This leaves many places for people to join in at any point.

[c10addict]

RPM Hot Rods will be there with "The Runt" ready to put it through its paces...

It would be cool to see some of the other SMOTY contenders show up too!!

[protour73]

RPM Hot Rods will be there with "The Runt" ready to put it through its paces...

It would be cool to see some of the other SMOTY contenders show up too!!
WOW!!! I can't wait to see that car, very cool to have you guys attend!!

[syborg tt]

No Offence but the best part of the Columbus show was you beating the snot out of the car.

Finally another builder that actually truly build a car that is meant to be driven and driven hard. You guys are the best.

RPM Hot Rods will be there with "The Runt" ready to put it through its paces...

It would be cool to see some of the other SMOTY contenders show up too!!

[c10addict]

No Offence but the best part of the Columbus show was you beating the snot out of the car.

Finally another builder that actually truly build a car that is meant to be driven and driven hard. You guys are the best.

Wish you could have witnessed the Thursday night Parking lot session... When the State Police helicopter circled twice we figured it was time to leave..

[wmhjr]

RPM Hot Rods will be there with "The Runt" ready to put it through its paces...

It would be cool to see some of the other SMOTY contenders show up too!!

Is Gerry coming with you guys? Maybe behind the wheel a bit?

[c10addict]

Is Gerry coming with you guys? Maybe behind the wheel a bit?

She is and I hope so...

[protour73]

I'm at work typing this, so to save time I'm just posting links.....but it's some good information :D

Thursday night before the kickoff of the Heidt's event, some of us are getting together for dinner & refreshments http://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?81201-Dinner-on-Thursday-evening-before-the-event-...

......and for directions to the Autobahn Country Club from the host hotel http://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?81319-Directions-to-Autobahn-Country-Club-from-Holiday-Inn-host-hotel

[c10addict]

She is and I hope so...

Actually we went to the skid pad at our local track and Gerry was wheeling the car around really well! She is somewhat new to all this but is catching on quickly!

[wmhjr]

Actually we went to the skid pad at our local track and Gerry was wheeling the car around really well! She is somewhat new to all this but is catching on quickly!

Beaverrun I assume?

[c10addict]

Beaverrun I assume?

You are correct... I am going to post some pics on the build thread for the car shortly..

[wmhjr]

Just as an FYI....

I had to arrange something and needed to confirm with the track today. They mentioned a number of road closures related to weather, so everyone should be prepared to adapt tomorrow and Friday as far as routing. Just wanted to let folks know.

[protour73]

Just as an FYI....

I had to arrange something and needed to confirm with the track today. They mentioned a number of road closures related to weather, so everyone should be prepared to adapt tomorrow and Friday as far as routing. Just wanted to let folks know.

Called the guys at Heidt's ...... all is good on the roads up there, no trees down, traffic lights are working.

[nvr2fst]

Just as an FYI....

I had to arrange something and needed to confirm with the track today. They mentioned a number of road closures related to weather, so everyone should be prepared to adapt tomorrow and Friday as far as routing. Just wanted to let folks know.

For those WI. guys heading down. Hwy 83 has road closures due to construction. North of Mundelien Ill closed and also south of North Praire WI. closed. The alternative routes add quite a bit of travel time.

[WallyFM3]

Thank you to all of you who spent your weekend with us at the Heidts Performance Challenge!!!

[Van B]

Thanks to all of you who made it happen even with all the heat and humidity. The whole weekend ran flawlessly. First class all the way.

[Jim Nilsen]

Thankyou to everyone who made this event possible. I actually ran the brake pads of the right rear with all that track time, over eighty miles of hard full throttle and full brake running. The autocross was also a big blast of time that was more than we could all ask for.

If you missed this event you missed out on the most track time you could ever get for your money!!!!!!

[protour73]

Thanks to Wally & Jimi for putting together a stellar event. FUN - SAFETY - PARTICPATION were the key words for the entire weekend. This was my first event of it's kind for me. I can say that it was very professionaly run by Jimi and Wally. Everything went off without a hitch. This was an innaugural event.....next year proves to be BIGGER & BETTER, you NEED to attend if you weren't there this year.

As Jim said above, if you didnt get enough track time it probably means you broke !!!

This event was way more than just track time. The Road Cruise from Heidt's facility in Wauconda back to the hotel in Joliet on Friday.

ALL DAY at the road course on Saturday......THEN, the 1 hour Karting enduro with random teams picked, which was a freaking riot!!!

The Start-Stop Challenge on Sunday, as well as an AWESOME autocross course, which had a crapload of tracktime available too!!!

Above all of the fun car stuff was the car PEOPLE, I met new friends like Scott & Scott from Minnesota ......... together we were Scott CUBED!! LOL
As well as many others ....... people I have talked to for years online and finally got to meet in person like Mary Pozzi. People you never met before in your life were ready to help you with your car, help you with your driving technique, or just generally shoot the sh*t.

A shout out to the "Buddah of the Bullhorn" - Chad!!!! This guy kept the whole show going with his track information announcements and humorous banter on the bullhorn.......quite the funny man!!!

Again, all in all an awesome freaking event, and for my first event of it's kind a weekend full of unforgettable moments.

Oh yea......my car proved it's worth to me, everything worked, NOTHING broke and I drove the snot out of it. A best Road Course time of 1:28 - compared to a best time of 1:09, and a best Autocross time of 37.5 - compared to a best time of 32.xx. I thought I did pretty good for a first track excursion for myself and the car.

Again thanks to Heidt's and all of the other many sponsors and Jimi and Wally ( and your whole team ) at FM3 Performance Marketing!!!! :hail: :thumbsup: :hail: :thumbsup: :hail:

[James OLC]

Thanks to Wally, Jimi, Heidts, Autobahn Country Club, and the sponsors and volunteers who made this past weekend possible! The Heidts Performance Car Challenge was - by far - the best Pro-Touring event that I have had the pleasure of attending. The facility was second to none, the organization was excellent, and the execution was (as far as I could see) flawless. Everyone had a great time and it was really neat to see some of the people from the mid west who I hadn't met before.

Between the cruse(s), getting to the event, and the road course I think I put easily 350 miles on the car over the weekend - with almost 150 of those being on the track! (most of the rest were in generally crappy Chicago traffic and almost all of them were in 90+ degree heat but they were fun none the less). I think at the end of the day Sunday just about everybody had had their fill of the track and I am sure that nobody will look back on the weekend an think that they didn't have at the opportunity to run their car as much as they wanted.

The OLC worked great over the weekend - thanks in no small part to the new RideTech Triple Adjustable shocks (which I think we are getting very to having fully dialed in) and to our Baer 6R brakes (which saved my butt a couple of times). Stielow put on a clinic over the weekend on his way to the overall victory and it was great to see Mary win the invitation to the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational with her second place finish (you're welcome Mary ;)). There were some great runs by everybody and (as always) it was really cool to see everybody beating on their cars despite the heat (and a touch of humidity).

Great job everybody - without a doubt see you next year!

[66LS7]

I would also like to thank everyone at FM3 & the Heidts crew for making this a must go to event. The whole thing ran flawlessly, from the track, auto-x, & speed stop. I also would like to say that the Autobahn facility is one of the nicest tracks I've ever been to & the private garage owners on the grounds were more than happy to help out with car repairs.
:thumbsup: :woot:

[Bow Tie 67]

Smooth as silk, Wally and Jimmy Mucho Gracias. Thanks to all the event sponsors as well. I had a great time, meet some new friends, killed a few brain cells and a set of brake pads. I WILL be attending next year without a doubt.

[Heidts_Sales]

Racers and Participants:
Many thanks for participating in the inaugural Heidts Performance Car Challenge and for helping to make it the success it was. I trust a good time was had by all. On behalf of all of us at Heidts and our sponsors, we sincerely appreciate the positive feedback on the forums regarding the event. It was certainly fun watching all of you participate in all of the events that were planned for you.

Whether it was the great questions poised to our production team during plant tour, the shock and awe from the pedestrians as you passed through downtown Wauconda, watching many of you race 80+ miles over the two days and of course, Chad Reynolds keeping us informed, entertained and moving all weekend long, it was a pleasure to have you be part of our event. Other highlights included watching Randy Johnson working night and day, everyone surviving the go-carts, the Autobahn staff trying to clean the track after the WilStop event, letting an Autobahn member’s Porsche on the AutoCross course (which was an awakening for him) and the remarkable times and performances turned in by all of you, especially Mark and Mary.

Our plans are to make next year’s Heidts Performance Car Challenge at Autobahn even bigger and better. We are currently registering racers on the waiting list for next year’s event on the heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com website, as we confirm the date for the 2012 event (likely unchanged or September). Also, be SURE to invite your friends and fellow drivers to sign up for next year's event – judging from the number of first-time competitors at this year's event, there is plenty of interest in these types of events...but we need your help in spreading the word.

Again, we appreciate your support and are committed to grow this event to be one of the best driving experiences for our racers and participants. If you have any additional feedback about this event, or things you'd like have as part of the event in the future, please don't hesitate to let us know. See you next year!


Wal Leyshon
President/CEO
[email protected]
Heidts Automotive
www.heidts.com

[WallyFM3]

The results are posted at www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com
Thank you to all who attended!
Wally

[dunnjun]

Awesome track and awesome people = awesome event! Wally and Jimi, y'all always put on fantastic events, and this one was a blast. The Budda of the bullhorn always keeps things entertaining. Heidts, QA1, Nitto, Wilwood, Carbon Kustoms, and the rest of the sponsors, thank you for a fantastic weekend. I got to drive fast, pitch it sideways, and I met some new drinking buddies. You can't ask more than that. I'm definitely ready for next year!

[Jimi-FM3]

Awesome track and awesome people = awesome event! Wally and Jimi, y'all always put on fantastic events, and this one was a blast. The Budda of the bullhorn always keeps things entertaining. Heidts, QA1, Nitto, Wilwood, Carbon Kustoms, and the rest of the sponsors, thank you for a fantastic weekend. I got to drive fast, pitch it sideways, and I met some new drinking buddies. You can't ask more than that. I'm definitely ready for next year!

Thanks Karl, it's our pleasure! Glad you had fun and we'll look forward to seeing you again soon.

[Stielow]

I would like to congratulate Mary Pozzi on her winning the invite to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational. :bow:

It was a fun weekend at the Heidts Performance Car Shootout. I had a good time hanging out with old friends and meeting some new ones. I was impressed at this track event by the lack of drama. I’ve done a number of these track events and usually someone over does it and has a big off. I think our community has gotten much better at track events both as competitors and planners. This deal went seamless. It ran on time with no issues.

There were a number of cars that were running fast and getting quicker with each session. It appears the quality of the cars, preparation of the cars and driving skill are on the rise.

To Jimi and FM3 staff, it was a well run event thanks! To all the competitors I hope to see you at another event.

Now I need to go practice my AutoX skills if I’m going to get closer to Mary. :_paranoid

Stielow :lateral:

[Heidts_Sales]

Thanks again to everyone that ran last weekend.

Results are posted on the site www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com (http://www.heidtsperformancecarchallenge.com/2011_PerformanceCarChallenge/info.asp)
under the "Results" Tab. I have set up a download of the complete data also. If anyone needs anything else please feel free to contact me [email protected]

Thanks to all for a great event
Rob

[coolwelder62]

Well,all I can say is Wow!! what an awesome time.first off the folks at Heidt's were 1st.Class.The Bar-B-Q was so good it was hard not to make myself sick.Then I got the chance to meet Mr.Mark Stielow,Very nice guy:thumbsup:,Mary Pozzi very nice gal:thumbsup:,James Shipka very nice guy:thumbsup: .The race track was really 1st.rate.And thank's To Albert Melchior for allowing to Kevin jump in his Trans am hen he broke his motor.And everyone else that was there also.:thumbsup: Scott M.

[JohnC]

Any pics?


John:lateral:

[tmadden]

What exhaust is on the the second gen Heidts Camaro? Sounds awesome

[Heidts_Sales]

The HEIDTS second gen has a DYNATECH EXHAUST

[Stielow]

Any pics?


John:lateral:

Here is a link to a Chevelle sight with a bunch of Pics

http://chevellestuff.com/forums/showthread.php?1187-Heidts-Performace-Car-Challenge-2011

Mark

[Bow Tie 67]

Here is a link to a Chevelle sight with a bunch of Pics

http://chevellestuff.com/forums/showthread.php?1187-Heidts-Performace-Car-Challenge-2011

Mark

Mark any onboard video ? :unibrow:

[JohnC]

Here is a link to a Chevelle sight with a bunch of Pics

http://chevellestuff.com/forums/showthread.php?1187-Heidts-Performace-Car-Challenge-2011

Mark

Thanks for the link!


John

[Bow Tie 67]

Mark,

What fan are you using for your radiator?

Thanks,
Matt

[Stielow]

Mark,

What fan are you using for your radiator?

Thanks,
Matt

It is a 2010 Cadillac SRX twin turbo fan. It is pulse width modualted fan so it has to be controlled by a engine control module. So, I can only run it as hard as I needs to given the load on the cooling system or A/C. It is the most powerful single fan in the production at GM. 850W or it needs a 70 amps to run at full power! A ZR1 Corvette cooling fan is a 450W for reference.

Mark

[Bow Tie 67]

It is a 2010 Cadillac SRX twin turbo fan. It is pulse width modualted fan so it has to be controlled by a engine control module. So, I can only run it as hard as I needs to given the load on the cooling system or A/C. It is the most powerful single fan in the production at GM. 850W or it needs a 70 amps to run at full power! A ZR1 Corvette cooling fan is a 450W for reference.

Mark

Ok, thanks for the info, which brings up some other questions. Do you have a custom / stock GM reflash in your GMPP ECU to control the fan? if so which one? What is the output of your alternator?

I just bought an AFCO dual pass radiator due to my high temps at AutoBohn. I was planing on reusing my 4th gen dual fan assy but it does not fit well. So I'm scrambling to come up with an OEM solution for a fan.

Thanks again,
Matt