Colorado Tracks Update

[BlueVelocity]

When Shawn and I ran into Bob at the Grand Prix, we hit him up for the scoop on the local tracks. Bob was rather encouraging in what he had to say. He said that Mead is going to be repaired and re-opened in the near future, that only the massive expansion project was shut down. This is great news! Mead is a cool track! The reason for this of course is hold over the locals until some of the other projects are completed. He also mentioned that there are 4 tracks within an hour and a half of Denver in the works, one of which will have a 24/7 operation permit allowing for enduro events.

Stay tuned! More road racing action is coming!! :D

Erron S.

[r1elkins]

I didn't know cars could race out at CDR. Isn't that a really narrow track for cars? Either way, I'm excited about having a local track again.

[Paul]

I'll believe it when I see it.

Paul

[Weston]

I'll believe it when I see it.

Paul

Me too, but hopefully something will happen... Mead with fresh pavement wouldn't be half-bad.

[Paul]

Hard to justify over one million dollars for a couple years. Think what the fees would have to be? I am under the impression that the useful life of Mead was only about three more years. I think that is why they closed it anyway.

I don't doubt something will happen in the next couple years. Money is to be made! I don't think it will be within 30 or 40 minutes from Denver though. I also think Erron and I were at the limit of driving to an event on race tires. That would put me back to needing something - tow vehicle and trailer, or trailer for the tires.

It's too bad though. I think both of us (Weston) could have been consistently in the 1:16's with another year of racing. Who knows I might have started to take the spare tire out all the time!

Paul

[Weston]

It's too bad though. I think both of us (Weston) could have been consistently in the 1:16's with another year of racing. Who knows I might have started to take the spare tire out all the time!

Paul

Yeah, it was a lot of fun trying to keep up with you. I got down to 1:17.2 on that last Saturday at SCR when the track was cold and greasy, so I'm kind of disappointed that I never quite got into the 1:16's. I just wish I would have had race tires some time before the very last event... Those V710's sure are fast.

The car has bigger front brakes now, real engine management, and will have a fresh motor with more boost by next season, hopefully along with more suspension and wider tires... I just wish I could run it at SCR and see how much of an improvement it makes. That track was pretty much my benchmark. I'd definately settle for Mead though.

[fivetodrive]

The latest news that I heard regarding the 24x7 track is that it will be about 2 hours from Denver. The owner has a lot of plans for the track. It will have an oval, a dirt track, a road course and a drag strip. He asked me to try and get a letter of support for this type of facility.

Let me know if you want more information!

[Paul]

We already have a good track within 2 hours of Denver. Not be negative but I see it as good for club racing, but I doubt may Time Trials cars would go? You should post something on the SCCA list.

Paul

[Paul]

The car has bigger front brakes now, real engine management, and will have a fresh motor with more boost by next season, hopefully along with more suspension and wider tires... I just wish I could run it at SCR and see how much of an improvement it makes. That track was pretty much my benchmark. I'd definately settle for Mead though.

Ooh, sounds like the car is doing well! I would have needed a stroker motor to keep up with this!

I think Mead could have been the new benchmark for us. Maybe someday there will be a new track. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be as friendly as SC was. We all knew we were spoiled, we just didn't realize how much.

Paul

[Weston]

Apparently there is some activity out there... http://www.nasarockymountain.com/nasa_forums/showthread.php?t=511

[Kibo]

Sure would be nice...Mead is right around the corner from me! Still too early to get my hopes up, though.

[BlueVelocity]

This is apparently happening. I've had a couple gents tell me they have seen some "worker type people" over at mead. Erik, I don't know how close you are, but I think some recon is in order to verify this stuff. Or, anyone that drives by there care to stop by and look for life?

Erron S.

[Paul]

but I think some recon is in order to verify this stuff. Or, anyone that drives by there care to stop by and look for life?

Erron S.

I drive by there at least a couple times a month. Drove by last week and I didn't notice any activity. The concrete barriers (yes, they have a name but I don't recall) have been off the track for a long time. I suspect they were sold? There are just tires blocking the track now.

Paul

[Weston]

I'll try to remember to swing by there this weekend or something, if we're not covered in snow...

[Weston]

I was in the area today, so I took a trip out to the Mead track... The concrete barriers that were blocking the main straight are no longer there. There are some stacks of tires and some cones there, but they aren't blocking the entire width of the track. It looks like there are a bunch of weeds or something coming out of the middle of the track's surface (or lack thereof) in the "dragon slide" area. Everything else looks pretty much the same way it did a year ago.

[Paul]

The concrete barriers


Sometimes call Jersey barriers - I googled it. I bet they were sold.

We should have a Time Trials reunion. At least we could talk about racing.

Recalled my first Time Trials experience today when I got DQ'd at the BRC Steel Challenge without firing a shot. Night before the race I put on the race tires. I didn't notice some cord showing. Of course they saw it - right on top. Naw, I never would have parked the car with it touching asphalt. :)

Experience is a good teacher too.

Paul
vroom

[BlueVelocity]

I'd be open for a memories day. That would re-kindle the love.

Erron S.

[Paul]

OK Erron, I guess it is just you and me. I'll stop by this weekend and give you hand with the project.

Paul

[Kibo]

Having done only one Time Trial event, I wouldn't have much to reminisce about. :p

[BlueVelocity]

It'd be fun none the less.

Erron S.