Thunderhill is Expanding

[sik68]

They are adding a West course.

It looks rough now, but they said they are still on schedule to finish before Dave's car is done.

AZFuIHLJ0YY

[Track Junky]

Great news. From the sounds of it we're talking 2015? :D

[Flash68]

Hardy har har... :smiley_smack:

[Sieg]

Hardy har har... :smiley_smack:

Maybe you can pick this up to get you by in the interim.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1016360_541487069246660_692697675_n.jpg

[Vince@Meanstreets]

that guy looks like he needs a better restraint system. sliding over that far is only fun when doing donuts in a car with a bench seat.

[Sieg]

that guy looks like he needs a better restraint system. sliding over that far is only fun when doing donuts in a car with a bench seat.

Pssst - It's a girl :theresa:

[sik68]

Okay, another cryptic visualization of the expansion (still waiting for a good aerial view):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5nD-in8vlY&feature=share&list=UUZvJV_stD1QJH-VsVqKnngQ

M5nD-in8vlY

[Sieg]

Okay, another cryptic visualization of the expansion (still waiting for a good aerial view)
Taa Daah!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/944450_10151475480517344_2025671543_n.jpg

[Flash68]

:thumbsup:



It looks rough now, but they said they are still on schedule to finish before Dave's car is done.


I am still hurt by this.

[Track Junky]

Interesting......I wonder if they will be running both tracks on the same day.

[Sieg]

Interesting......I wonder if they will be running both tracks on the same day.

I would imagine. Look at the opportunity it creates by not having all your eggs in one basket. Driver training classes, private testing, another track day promoter or club event isn't blocked out. Motorcycle and Car events on the same day, etc. Should be a good deal for T-Hill, it's customers, local employment, and businesses IMO. :thumbsup:

[sik68]

I am still hurt by this.


My bad, just jealous cause you're havin all the fun!

[Flash68]

My bad, just jealous cause you're havin all the fun!

Fun what? Buying crap that never fits? :sieg:

Seriously this should make for some fun battles up at T-Hill around say, what, 2016?

[fleetus macmullitz]

Fun what? Buying crap that never fits? :sieg:



^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
:lol:

Dave,

With that statement, you might have created quite a market with the pro-jackstand class for some apparel...



http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Funnies/1d874f8f-586e-462a-96eb-0e3c591a0175_zps3e8446dd.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/wnyjazz/media/Funnies/1d874f8f-586e-462a-96eb-0e3c591a0175_zps3e8446dd.jpg.html)

[Track Junky]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
:lol:

Dave,

With that statement, you might have created quite a market with the pro-jackstand class for some apparel...



http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/Funnies/1d874f8f-586e-462a-96eb-0e3c591a0175_zps3e8446dd.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/wnyjazz/media/Funnies/1d874f8f-586e-462a-96eb-0e3c591a0175_zps3e8446dd.jpg.html)

That T-shirt says it all :lol:

[gnx7]

I love SF Bay Area!

Buttonwillow 3hr drive
Laguna Seca 2.25 hr drive
Thunderhill 2hr drive
Infineon 45 min drive

:thumbsup:

[Sieg]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/11492_10151564402482344_818338103_n.jpg

Thunderhill West has been APPROVED! The Glenn County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted in favor of the new track extension! Construction is slated to start IMMEDIATELY. Thanks for all of your support!

[intocarss]

I see plenty of room for a drag strip..It's nice to see a track expanding and not closing :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Mmmmm

MV6maUik8Fo


I see plenty of room for a drag strip

:bitchslap:

[Sieg]

Hmmm, looks relatively fast with a couple demanding braking zones, one sweeper with a decreasing radius that could be a real test of patience and the crest on the connecting sector could be very entertaining! I like it!

[Track Junky]

Yeah, I noticed that also Sieg. Thats going to be one hell of a track to learn judging by the lengths of the straights with the addition of the many slight meandering turns. With the right car and enough down force that will make for some really cool looking vid's :yes:

[Sieg]

That one straight might leave enough time for a guy in a stock Miata to make a grilled cheese sandwich and eat it before getting on the brakes. :D

[GregWeld]

I see plenty of opportunity to spin like a top....


The new track looks like it would be far more favorable to my Lotus -- which is down on torque -- but has very high braking performance...

The Mustang is going to run out of gear on that straight.... that's okay - it's like a fuse -- keeps me from overdriving the poor little brakes. Charley will be even more aware of that with his rear drums.

I might have to go with some larger binders and wheels on the Mustang.

First NorCal Shelby event is going to be full track... and I'm certain I can overheat the brakes in a couple laps.

[Damn True]

Please, PLEASE, PLEASE do not use the full course for the 25hr.

Two tracks = double the amount of available track rental days. Hopefully that results in a drop in fees.

[GregWeld]

Please, PLEASE, PLEASE do not use the full course for the 25hr.

Two tracks = double the amount of available track rental days. Hopefully that results in a drop in fees.



The NORMAL plan as was explained to us during a track owners presentation is to run TWO separate events at the same time... We were told it would be very special to run the full track -- and that NorCal Shelby would be one of the groups allowed to do that because they were initial investors in the track before it (the original) ever built.

[glassman]

My mouth is watering. I've never been "on" a track before, and i told my self, "no track daze in the Camaro till i've got at least six points and a suit and a helmet".....but i'm looking forward to the day....

And this will most likely be the first track to run for me....

[GregWeld]

My mouth is watering. I've never been "on" a track before, and i told my self, "no track daze in the Camaro till i've got at least six points and a suit and a helmet".....but i'm looking forward to the day....

And this will most likely be the first track to run for me....



Mike -- this is a great track for beginning. There's not much to hit -- the dirt is pretty rock free as dirt goes. Unlike say - an off track at Spring Mountain.

Guys can mess up 14/15 and loop it right there into the K wall... but I've spun in turns 3 - 9 - went off track at 5A.... without any damage to the car. Only the pride gets busted.

Personally - I think it's a "fast" track without being very technical. You can carry some pretty good speeds and there's only a couple areas where you really have to watch your entry... the off camber in 3 can bite ya if you lift... 5 and 5A are throw aways (you just can't make any time in them).... 1 can come up pretty fast and you're carrying some good speed thru it. The Lotus tries to oversteer there on the street tires it had. That's a little uncomfortable but catchable.


Oh -- and then there's the fine dinning!! Casa Ramos... serves up big tables full of BS when the boys are gathered round... HAHAHAHAHAHA

[Damn True]

The NORMAL plan as was explained to us during a track owners presentation is to run TWO separate events at the same time... We were told it would be very special to run the full track -- and that NorCal Shelby would be one of the groups allowed to do that because they were initial investors in the track before it (the original) ever built.

Good. I want no part of that full track for the 25hr. I'm sure the drivers would love it.....until they are sitting closer to Ukiah than their pit waiting for a tow.

Plus it'd require at least 2x the number of safety crew and flaggers.

+11ty on Casa Ramos.

The new hotel is nice. I'm guessing there'll be at least one more that'll be nicely renovated once business picks up at the track.

[Track Junky]

Two tracks = double the amount of available track rental days. Hopefully that results in a drop in fees.

I'd almost bet that fees will be going up

[Track Junky]

First NorCal Shelby event is going to be full track... and I'm certain I can overheat the brakes in a couple laps.

I'm more worried about running out of gas than I am brakes. Honestly dont think we are going to need to worry unless they extend the run time which I doubt they will do.

[GregWeld]

I'd almost bet that fees will be going up



Yep ---- building this new stuff doesn't come free...


However --- I would like to also see an increase in infrastructure. I personally would invest in garage space there if they did that like many other private tracks do -- long term leases or whatever.

I just made an offer on a commercial building to house the rig and my car shop stuff... But I'd love to be able to leave cars over at the track and just do an arrive and drive.

[clill]

Casa Ramos has the best Margaritas and Al Pastor Tacos.....

[Damn True]

I'd almost bet that fees will be going up

Well as of now, the demand and supply are pretty close. With a lot of open days still remaining in the 2nd 1/2 of the year. They are doubling the supply.

It won't make any money if it's sitting idle.

[Sieg]

Well as of now, the demand and supply are pretty close. With a lot of open days still remaining in the 2nd 1/2 of the year. They are doubling the supply.

Don't forget the motorcycle crowd. I can see Keigwins and 2-Fast running on the same weekends and alternating courses Sat/Sun. Perfect IMO.

The Keigwin events I've been to have been packed.

I'm thinking this creates a big scheduling advantage over other tracks in the season. Then there's the additional private testing opportunities that they never had when the track was scheduled on a weekday and weekends.

:thumbsup:

[glassman]

Mike -- this is a great track for beginning. There's not much to hit -- the dirt is pretty rock free as dirt goes. Unlike say - an off track at Spring Mountain.

Guys can mess up 14/15 and loop it right there into the K wall... but I've spun in turns 3 - 9 - went off track at 5A.... without any damage to the car. Only the pride gets busted.

Personally - I think it's a "fast" track without being very technical. You can carry some pretty good speeds and there's only a couple areas where you really have to watch your entry... the off camber in 3 can bite ya if you lift... 5 and 5A are throw aways (you just can't make any time in them).... 1 can come up pretty fast and you're carrying some good speed thru it. The Lotus tries to oversteer there on the street tires it had. That's a little uncomfortable but catchable.


Oh -- and then there's the fine dinning!! Casa Ramos... serves up big tables full of BS when the boys are gathered round... HAHAHAHAHAHA

That's what I've heard and it's only 2:15 from my house, hoping to be ready by mid summer. Its ready for autox next week....but I'd rather go to the track

[Track Junky]

Well regardless of cost I am really looking forward to giving the new track a try. Not really interested in running both at the same time. Way too much work.....LOL

[GregWeld]

Well regardless of cost I am really looking forward to giving the new track a try. Not really interested in running both at the same time. Way too much work.....LOL



I was thinking I'm too damn old to remember that many turns!



I might have to send out a search party to find Charley.... He'll get lost and won't be able to find his way back to the pits.

[Panteracer]

I think the long track will be a blast but I do
agree with Greg it is a lot to remember...
Running out of gas???... I went thru three tanks
of gas at Thunderhill one day.. ran seven sessions
in one day... played with a turbo NSX all day long and
had a blast.. tires were gone, brakes were gone, rotors
were shot but one of the best track days I have ever run
and a couple of guys stated we picked up over 6 seconds
in track times.. those days are few and far between:headspin:

Checkered flag racing has a date in Oct running the 5 mile
option there.. great group but selective on who they let in

Panteracer Norcal Bob

[Flash68]

http://lifeblasters.com/awesome/2014/21214/thunderhill-west-preview/

[Track Junky]

NCRC will be running the whole track in June or July. Sure does look like it is going to be fun :thumbsup:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

NCRC will be running the whole track in June or July. Sure does look like it is going to be fun :thumbsup:

With your new cell-tuation you'll be good for 3 laps.

[GregWeld]

Here's a fly over of the new addition to Thunderhill.... We walked up and took a look at it in May -- and it's a WOW!





1T97F_v6aCQ&feature=youtu.be

[PTAddict]

Several of us from the Portland area are going to be there this weekend for a two day Hooked on Driving event. HOD sent out an email earlier this week telling us we'd be the first to use the 5 mile course :thumbsup:

I've never been to T'hill before, but from looking at videos it doesn't seem like an easy course to learn even without all those extra new turns! Good thing we have two days ... Looking forward to it.

[GregWeld]

Here's a driving version of the WEST side addition....





PxPhHvGDTu0

[GregWeld]

Several of us from the Portland area are going to be there this weekend for a two day Hooked on Driving event. HOD sent out an email earlier this week telling us we'd be the first to use the 5 mile course :thumbsup:

I've never been to T'hill before, but from looking at videos it doesn't seem like an easy course to learn even without all those extra new turns! Good thing we have two days ... Looking forward to it.



Lucky you!! I have to go to San Francisco --- and then drive a new hot rod with 35 other hot rodders to LA for the Roadster Show... If I wasn't doing that - I'd prefer to be with you guys!!

[PTAddict]

Lucky you!! I have to go to San Francisco --- and then drive a new hot rod with 35 other hot rodders to LA for the Roadster Show... If I wasn't doing that - I'd prefer to be with you guys!!

Man, those are some tough life choices you're having to make these days :D

[PTAddict]

Here's a driving version of the WEST side addition....


Thanks for that link. The track looks spectacular.

The elevation change looks dramatic even on video, which always tends to flatten things out. I'm gettin fired up now!

[GregWeld]

Thanks for that link. The track looks spectacular.

The elevation change looks dramatic even on video, which always tends to flatten things out. I'm gettin fired up now!



When we walked up the hill from turn 9 and looked at that DROP into the new track I puckered up and I was walking!


The VIEW from the corner workers station up there made me want to see if I could build a house up there... its' just spectacular -- but then the grass was green too....

[Flash68]

cZz5Yi_u16I

[Track Junky]

What a great addition to the track. Cant wait.

[PTAddict]

Just got back to Portland after the HOD weekend. First time I'd been to Thunderhill, and I have to say, it's a great track and easily the best facility I've ever been to (although I've only been to the three near Portland). Spacious air conditioned clubhouse, big shade canopies to park under, pro shop, repair shop, on-site fuel including race gas, food vendor, etc. Even the PA system was really good :) And it's 6 miles from a real town with some restaurants, hotels, Walmart, RV park, and other trappings of civilization.

The downside: it's in the desert, essentially, and it was freakin' hot. It was 105 when I left the track on Saturday, 107 on Sunday. The estimated asphalt temps were in the area of 160! Not only was it uncomfortable for people like me from colder climes, but the cars get hot too. My '69 has a new C&R radiator/oil cooler combo from DSE, and I was shocked to do a gauge scan in my third session and see oil temp of of 320! Needless to say, I cut that session and a couple of others short. Will be working with DSE to get those temps down ...

About the track. It's pretty great even in the "old" configuration, which is both fast and quite technical, with lots of elevation change, off camber, blind exits, etc. The new section is mostly a lot tighter, and even more technical, with even more elevation change and blind corners. Combined, the 5 mile track has 27 numbered corners, and a few more that aren't numbered (see the picture below). Plenty of places where the difference between screwing up and getting the flow perfect is small.

Unfortunately, the really high track temps were not good for the new asphalt, and the new track section started to break up after two sessions, especially the downhill section into turn 23. We reverted to the old track for the afternoon, then got one more session on the 5 mile next morning. Even with three sessions, I still got lost trying to remember what was coming next - partly because of the numerous blind sections. It was a total gas, and I could spend dozens of sessions happily learning the subtleties.

Anyway, here's the aerial photo of the new track with turn numbers. It ain't the 'Ring, but there probably aren't many tracks in North America that present this kind of challenge:

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php4?attachmentid=48671&stc=1&d=1402532117

[Sieg]

I'm somewhat surprised they'd run cars on the new asphalt at those temps. Bikes maybe, but 3000 lbs cars? :sieg:

[PTAddict]

I'm somewhat surprised they'd run cars on the new asphalt at those temps. Bikes maybe, but 3000 lbs cars? :sieg:

Well, you have to understand all of the dynamics in play. HOD sold the event at a slightly higher price for the opportunity to be one of the first at the new track. T'hill track management couldn't know that the temps would be even hotter than normal for early June. And the breakup started in the morning, long before the peak temps, and only in very specific parts of the track.

IMO, it's just the kind of thing that happens with new stuff in motorsports, be it a new car or a new track. T'hill has an SCCA event on the 5 mile track there in a couple of weeks, so in a sense we were guinea pigs finding whatever problems were going to occur in sanctioned racing. I'm actually perfectly OK with that. We got a first-time chance to drive what is certainly one of the premier tracks in this continent, and got some significant track time. That's glass more than half full, in my book.

[Sieg]

I'm not trashing them, just a bit surprised assuming the curing time of a high-performance surface is somewhat critical. Hopefully it doesn't turn into a long term problem down the road. :thumbsup:

[Track Junky]

On newly placed asphalt once the final lift is placed and compacted we usually wait until the temp of the surface has dropped to 140 before opening up traffic control to through traffic..

With the asphalt temps at 160 the asphalt binders soften up and there could be a potential for rutting but then again I'm sure the folks up in Willows know how hot it gets up their so I'm sure they chose the correct mix design for that region.

[GregWeld]

Was that video parade laps or what...

[Vince@Meanstreets]

haaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa


I offered to put in a sun roof so he can wave like the queen.

[PTAddict]

Was that video parade laps or what...

Some of those drivers clearly didn't belong in advanced group. But when this guy was on open track, his lines were quite good. Better than 90% of the rest of us out there, anyway. If you want a reference for the "school line" on the new section, you could do a lot worse than that video.

[rustomatic]

It will get cheaper, and hopefully, they'll fix the pavement... I hope to get there for the extra mileage on a weekday some time.

On a side note, the road I live on had been resurfaced shortly before I bought my house about 2.5 years ago. I moved in at the beginning of the year, and the surface was fine until the summer, when the river raft buses started coming through in droves. They destroyed the surface in several lower-speed (like 15-20 mph) turns. The main problem was the heat (in combination with the weight of the vehicles), rather than the age or compaction of the pavement.

I carved divots in a new parking lot in Palm Desert once with an 18-wheeler in my mid-20s. It was damn hot, but the lot was open to the public. Sometimes, it's just the heat...