Anyone race Circle track?

[CircleTrack#96]

I recently acquired a 1991 Protege(B8 ATX) that I will be using as a stock car (asphalt, circle track). The car has already proven itself and has won 3 features and countless heats. I'm basically looking for advice on how to set it up better, possibly build more horsepower within the confines of the rules (http://www.peterboroughspeedway.com/...un%20Rules.pdf) Any advice you guys have for me is greatly appreciated.

[jumpncrash]

well your link doesn't work, but was it the four fun rules?

proper link:http://www.peterboroughspeedway.com/...un%20Rules.pdf

In the rules its pretty clear what you can and can't do, it really depends on how much you want to bend them...

I'd say advancing your timing would be legal, then you can up the octane of your gas, should give you a bit of power. Get rid of the cat, and if I understood correctly you can get a straight through muffler, as long as its not something that would be obviously aftermarket. Otherwise make sure your car is in good running condition (plugs, wires, cap rotor). Maybe no air filter if you're allowed, cut out the bottom of the airbox, guess it depends how long you want it to last.
After that things get a little less legal, but you could swap the VAF for an RX7 B code one, should give you some power in the higher revs, and it'll look stock. After that well I don't know, I mean some BP Pistons would give you pretty high compression, but I don't think anybody has done it, and there were some concerns about interference...but youd have to look into it, then again, thats not within the rules either.

That pretty much sums up what I had to toss in, if I think of something else I'll let you know

Nick

[CircleTrack#96]

Not sure why my link died there... odd...

The rules allow for an open exhaust, so it already has that, the cylinder head has been shaved (unsure of how much, but must be mild). It has a fuel cell already, and I have acquired a racing steering wheel with quick release hub, and an aluminum race seat with current belts. It already has a roll cage, and the suspension is set up for circle track. I'm interested in chipping the computer, if such a product exists, since that's a mod you can keep on the d/l. Other that that, I need to change a head gasket, and the air filter, paint the car, and I'm off to the races.

I'm interested in what you said about the VAF. First off, what is the VAF (not familiar with that short form) and what year Rx-7 does the replacement VAF come from? I may have one lying around since I do dabble in rotary too... lol.

[worldhazard]

the VAF you want is the b-code. i think from 2nd gen rx7 non-turbo.. i don't know the exact years off hand, just search and you'll find it..

doesnt going around in circles get boring...?

[worldhazard]

do the rules pretty much classify as 'stock'? i'm guessing, no time to read them right now.. just checking. there could be more options even if that's all

[therieldeal]

not sure if the rx7 vaf will work correctly on the SOHC...

[CircleTrack#96]

You're not *supposed* to change anything, but everyone does.

As for driving in circles, no it's not boring. I have to defend this often, so please excuse my rant. Oval tracks are good for a number of reasons:

From the owner's perspective, the real estate / maintenance costs are less.

From the fan's perspective, it's better because you get to see the entire track and you get to see the cars all the time. Have you ever been to a live F1 race? You get to see the cars drive by your part of the track once every two minutes and you sit there bored the rest of the time.

Finally, from an environmental point of view it's better, because you aren't leveling and paving as much land.

As a driver, you have a lot more time to plan your moves because you don't have to focus on whether the next turn is left or right. One thing most people don't realize is that every turn of every track is different. They have different degrees of banking, they're on different angles etc. The banks are also progressive, and have a different degree of slope depending on whether you're in the top, middle or bottom groove. You also get to higher speeds, since you only set up the car to turn one way.

With the cars being stock, the sport remains affordable and as "grassroots" as possible. With the field being close to even there's a lot of strategy that comes into it, planning your passes, drafting etc.

In the end it comes down to skill as a driver and as a mechanic, just the same as any other form of racing. Again, sorry for the rant.

[monoxidechild]

i raced two seasons on a dirt oval for kicks in an old vw.

believe me, it doesnt get boring. my racing ended when i got bumped, and landed on the roof. nothing about that was boring.

and think about it, at least in ovals, there's turn's. 1/4 mile's dont even give you that much work.
personally, i dig it all. true road racing is by far the best, but the most expensive!

[jay]

I've done Hornet racing a bit, cheapest motorsport on the face of the earth and an absolute laugh riot. Nothing wrong with that. Anyone that does sanctioned organized racing of dern near any sort is OK in my book!

[CircleTrack#96]

What's Hornet Racing?

[monoxidechild]

4 cyl car's on circle tracks pretty much. at least around here.

[CircleTrack#96]

oh ok, did either ofyou guys ever run a protege?

[monoxidechild]

i ran a 5 cyl VW Quantum. lol.

[CircleTrack#96]

Was it FWD? I'm not familiar with that car...