90+ Laps at Barbers Motorsports Park with Chin Motorsports **PICS**

Ncturnal · 08-08-2005, 12:12 AM

Well, I just got back home from an incredible event at Barbers Motorsports Park in Alabama, hosted by Chin Motorsports (www.chinmotorsports.com). For those that are unfamiliar with Barbers, it truly is a country club of motorsports. Everything about Barbers is top notch, and if you ever get a chance to visit or better yet, race there, jump all over the opportunity. http://www.barbermotorsports.com/index.html

About Chin Motorsports
These guys did an excellent job putting on this event that they call "The Ultimate Sunday Drive", and rightfully so. The event was very well organized and I got ALOT of track time. I had 208 miles on the ticker at the event which equates to approximately 90 laps!! What a day!!

This was my first track day in a car, although I have raced motorcycles for several years previously. I signed up for the track day as a novice driver which gets you your own instructor for the ENTIRE DAY.

I couldn't believe that when they were pairing us off. The track day fee was $330 and the instructor fee was $50. I had hours upon hours and lap after lap with a top notch instructor for a mere $50. The instruction I recieved alone was worth the entire price of admission and then some. Jeff Miner was my "personal" instructor for the day...man what a screamin' deal that is for $50. He's a veteran racer who certainly knows his way around Barbers, and he got me up to speed very quickly. Jeff is a great guy and I can't say enough good things about him.

The personalized instruction that Chin offers is a superb deal and I urge anyone to check it out. I had so much fun today that I now have a perma-grin attached to my face.

The Cars
If that's not enough, you wouldn't believe the roster of cars that showed up for this event. Luckily for those of you who didn't make it, I took LOTS of pics.

Here's what I saw today:

Porsche Carrera GT
Porsche GT3
Several 911s
Several 944s
Several NSXs
Several Corvettes
Several Vipers
Several Lotus Esprits
Several Miatas
Ferrari 360 Challenge
Ferrari 430
Noble M400
Lotus Elise
Lamborghini Diablo
Several BMW M3s
Mazda RX-7
Toyota MR2
350Zs
Some Prototypes

The bottom line is there was some killer cars in attendance. ***PICS*** All of the images I took are located at http://www.mr2board.com/files/misc/barbers. The pics I copied to the web server are 800x600. If anyone wants any of the images in hi-res, please let me know.

The MR2
I took the non-turbo, all stock, dialy-driver MR2 to the event today. It was a blast to take around the track. The car was very neutral and far exceeded my performance expectations. I need to change the sway bars and get it setup to oversteer a bit more easily, but overall, for a completely stock 11 year old car, I was VERY impressed. It ran like a champ the entire day and the car itself was completely unphased by the event. I did manage to do an uneventful 360 in turn 2/3 (don't brake while cornering, duh) and a little squirrelly in turn 5 when we were testing the cars limits there. At the end of the day, I had a very good feel for what the car will do and can't wait until the next track event.

Nitto NT555
Prior to today, I have only street driven on the Nitto NT555. I was pleasantly suprised at how predictable and consistent those tires performed at the track. We were abusing those tires all day long and they just took the abuse like there was nothing to it. They gained my confidence very quickly at the track and they have been a good "daily driver" tire. I have been a big fan of the Toyo T1-S (now T1-R), but the Nittos scored major points today.

You know, I'm not sure I can do a track day....
Anyone can get out there and benifit from a track day like this and you don't need a supercar to do it. Hell, there was a Ford Taurus out there today.

Admittedly, that was kind of funny, but I can guarantee the guy was having a great time. I had a blast in my 130 HP MR2. A track day like that will help you learn what your car is capable of in a controlled and safe environment. It will make you a better driver, all while having a great time doing it.

Ncturnal · 08-08-2005, 12:17 AM

Ncturnal · 08-08-2005, 12:18 AM

My instructor ripping it up.

Ncturnal · 08-08-2005, 12:23 AM

Some badass cars!

AndrewMcG · 08-08-2005, 12:48 AM

That Noble M12 is my favorite. Awesome pics Brian.

MustangR2 · 08-08-2005, 02:20 AM

that is bada@# collection of cars

NoSirItsAToyota · 08-08-2005, 04:05 AM

Why did you take the NA? With the black turbo you could have killed those ferraris!

Ncturnal · 08-08-2005, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoSirItsAToyota

Why did you take the NA? With the black turbo you could have killed those ferraris!

Maybe in a straight line, but no way could I have done so on the course.

richw131 · 08-08-2005, 08:37 AM

Damn man, looks like you had alot of fun. I wish I could have gone. Will have to go next time. Great pics!

zman336 · 08-08-2005, 09:29 AM

I know you learned alot from the instructor about the limitis of the NA, but I don't know if that is a good or bad thing.

turbomr2 · 08-08-2005, 10:04 AM

yeah I wanted to go, but I had already made plans. There is always next time.

Ncturnal · 08-08-2005, 10:31 AM

Man, I'm pretty sore today and I have multiple blisters on my feet.

Ncturnal · 08-08-2005, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zman336

I know you learned alot from the instructor about the limitis of the NA, but I don't know if that is a good or bad thing.

The NA did very well in the corners against many of the faster cars. I lost on the straights, but on many occassions I gained ground in the corners. I'm very happy with how the NA performed. It definitely was not a slouch on the track. The instructor repeatedly made comments about how impressed he was with it.

Blaze_System02 · 08-08-2005, 08:28 PM

nicee man

Ncturnal · 01-04-2006, 05:38 AM

I found some of my Hi-Res photos from that event, curteousy of Digital Race Photography.

http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunAM_021.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunAM_035.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunAM_056.jpg

http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_022.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_023.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_024.jpg

http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_077.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_078.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_079.jpg

http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_120.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_122.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_123.jpg

http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_165.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_166.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_215.jpg

http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_029.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_046.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_050.jpg
http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_075.jpg

Mister2.2 · 01-04-2006, 06:03 AM

SWEET! Love those pictures, saved.

EL PAALO · 01-04-2006, 05:38 PM

that last one is especially good.

mymr2turbo · 01-05-2006, 03:01 PM

That looks like it'd be so much fun. I'd be interested in doing this also.

Ncturnal · 01-05-2006, 03:12 PM

The next Chin Motorsports event at Barber's like this one will be July 15-16, 2006. You can bet I will be there.

turbomr2 · 01-05-2006, 03:17 PM

If I am not on the road count me in to. Great pics Brian

08-08-2005, 12:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ncturnal NoAgendaShow.com Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7,446 Thanks: 94 Thanked 158 Times in 125 Posts Blog Entries: 7 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (37/100% )	90+ Laps at Barbers Motorsports Park with Chin Motorsports PICS Well, I just got back home from an incredible event at Barbers Motorsports Park in Alabama, hosted by Chin Motorsports (www.chinmotorsports.com). For those that are unfamiliar with Barbers, it truly is a country club of motorsports. Everything about Barbers is top notch, and if you ever get a chance to visit or better yet, race there, jump all over the opportunity. http://www.barbermotorsports.com/index.html About Chin Motorsports These guys did an excellent job putting on this event that they call "The Ultimate Sunday Drive", and rightfully so. The event was very well organized and I got ALOT of track time. I had 208 miles on the ticker at the event which equates to approximately 90 laps!! What a day!! This was my first track day in a car, although I have raced motorcycles for several years previously. I signed up for the track day as a novice driver which gets you your own instructor for the ENTIRE DAY. I couldn't believe that when they were pairing us off. The track day fee was $330 and the instructor fee was $50. I had hours upon hours and lap after lap with a top notch instructor for a mere $50. The instruction I recieved alone was worth the entire price of admission and then some. Jeff Miner was my "personal" instructor for the day...man what a screamin' deal that is for $50. He's a veteran racer who certainly knows his way around Barbers, and he got me up to speed very quickly. Jeff is a great guy and I can't say enough good things about him. The personalized instruction that Chin offers is a superb deal and I urge anyone to check it out. I had so much fun today that I now have a perma-grin attached to my face. The Cars If that's not enough, you wouldn't believe the roster of cars that showed up for this event. Luckily for those of you who didn't make it, I took LOTS of pics. Here's what I saw today: Porsche Carrera GT Porsche GT3 Several 911s Several 944s Several NSXs Several Corvettes Several Vipers Several Lotus Esprits Several Miatas Ferrari 360 Challenge Ferrari 430 Noble M400 Lotus Elise Lamborghini Diablo Several BMW M3s Mazda RX-7 Toyota MR2 350Zs Some Prototypes The bottom line is there was some killer cars in attendance. *PICS* All of the images I took are located at http://www.mr2board.com/files/misc/barbers. The pics I copied to the web server are 800x600. If anyone wants any of the images in hi-res, please let me know. The MR2 I took the non-turbo, all stock, dialy-driver MR2 to the event today. It was a blast to take around the track. The car was very neutral and far exceeded my performance expectations. I need to change the sway bars and get it setup to oversteer a bit more easily, but overall, for a completely stock 11 year old car, I was VERY impressed. It ran like a champ the entire day and the car itself was completely unphased by the event. I did manage to do an uneventful 360 in turn 2/3 (don't brake while cornering, duh) and a little squirrelly in turn 5 when we were testing the cars limits there. At the end of the day, I had a very good feel for what the car will do and can't wait until the next track event. Nitto NT555 Prior to today, I have only street driven on the Nitto NT555. I was pleasantly suprised at how predictable and consistent those tires performed at the track. We were abusing those tires all day long and they just took the abuse like there was nothing to it. They gained my confidence very quickly at the track and they have been a good "daily driver" tire. I have been a big fan of the Toyo T1-S (now T1-R), but the Nittos scored major points today. You know, I'm not sure I can do a track day.... Anyone can get out there and benifit from a track day like this and you don't need a supercar to do it. Hell, there was a Ford Taurus out there today. Admittedly, that was kind of funny, but I can guarantee the guy was having a great time. I had a blast in my 130 HP MR2. A track day like that will help you learn what your car is capable of in a controlled and safe environment. It will make you a better driver, all while having a great time doing it. __________________ Brian - My MR2Trader Ads - Click here for order or shipping status if you've bought something from me recently. Technical Questions - Please post them on the forums. Others who may have the same problem don't benefit from a PM exchange. If you wish to have my input I have no problem with a PM containing a link to a thread you have already posted.

08-08-2005, 04:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
NoSirItsAToyota Habitual line stepper Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bloomington, MN Posts: 6,274 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Why did you take the NA? With the black turbo you could have killed those ferraris! __________________

01-04-2006, 05:38 PM	#17 (permalink)
EL PAALO Wheels make the car. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 2,671 Thanks: 4 Thanked 86 Times in 82 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	that last one is especially good. __________________ WHEELSPECS.COM - a ridiculous number of wheel pics & links

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08-08-2005, 12:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ncturnal NoAgendaShow.com Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7,446 Thanks: 94 Thanked 158 Times in 125 Posts Blog Entries: 7 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (37/100% )

08-08-2005, 12:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ncturnal NoAgendaShow.com Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7,446 Thanks: 94 Thanked 158 Times in 125 Posts Blog Entries: 7 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (37/100% )	My instructor ripping it up.

08-08-2005, 12:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ncturnal NoAgendaShow.com Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7,446 Thanks: 94 Thanked 158 Times in 125 Posts Blog Entries: 7 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (37/100% )	Some badass cars!

08-08-2005, 12:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
AndrewMcG Its not lag, Its foreplay Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 756 Thanks: 6 Thanked 19 Times in 17 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	That Noble M12 is my favorite. Awesome pics Brian.

08-08-2005, 02:20 AM	#6 (permalink)
MustangR2 my skills is no skills Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NORCAL Posts: 243 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	that is bada@# collection of cars

08-08-2005, 08:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
richw131 Cage Fighter Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia Posts: 259 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	Damn man, looks like you had alot of fun. I wish I could have gone. Will have to go next time. Great pics!

08-08-2005, 09:29 AM	#10 (permalink)
zman336 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 458 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post My Google Map iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	I know you learned alot from the instructor about the limitis of the NA, but I don't know if that is a good or bad thing.

08-08-2005, 10:04 AM	#11 (permalink)
turbomr2 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chattavegas, TN Posts: 402 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	yeah I wanted to go, but I had already made plans. There is always next time.

08-08-2005, 10:31 AM	#12 (permalink)
Ncturnal NoAgendaShow.com Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7,446 Thanks: 94 Thanked 158 Times in 125 Posts Blog Entries: 7 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (37/100% )	Man, I'm pretty sore today and I have multiple blisters on my feet.

08-08-2005, 08:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
Blaze_System02 Toyota GT-Nu Expectations Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lilburn, Ga Posts: 280 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	nicee man

01-04-2006, 05:38 AM	#15 (permalink)
Ncturnal NoAgendaShow.com Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7,446 Thanks: 94 Thanked 158 Times in 125 Posts Blog Entries: 7 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (37/100% )	I found some of my Hi-Res photos from that event, curteousy of Digital Race Photography. http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunAM_021.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunAM_035.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunAM_056.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_022.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_023.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_024.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_077.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_078.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_079.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_120.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_122.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_123.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_165.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_166.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_215.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_029.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_046.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_050.jpg http://www.mr2.com/files/ncturnal/ev..._SunPM_075.jpg

01-04-2006, 06:03 AM	#16 (permalink)
Mister2.2 Cheese it! Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,561 Thanks: 121 Thanked 115 Times in 99 Posts Blog Entries: 1 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	SWEET! Love those pictures, saved.

01-05-2006, 03:01 PM	#18 (permalink)
mymr2turbo Cage Fighter Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tyrone, GA Posts: 640 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	That looks like it'd be so much fun. I'd be interested in doing this also.

01-05-2006, 03:12 PM	#19 (permalink)
Ncturnal NoAgendaShow.com Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7,446 Thanks: 94 Thanked 158 Times in 125 Posts Blog Entries: 7 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (37/100% )	The next Chin Motorsports event at Barber's like this one will be July 15-16, 2006. You can bet I will be there.

01-05-2006, 03:17 PM	#20 (permalink)
turbomr2 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chattavegas, TN Posts: 402 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	If I am not on the road count me in to. Great pics Brian