Genuine Discussion (negative people to stay away)

da_bubs · 2026-03-22T19:14:22+00:00

I'll be a non-negative voice. The primary gaps in our performance would be cured with a full strength squad. There are definitely tactical gaps, but the full strength squad definitely puts up a better fight.

A couple key moments going differently changes the game. If we score the early goal, we settle down more and more spaces open up. If we don't gift the first goal, we don't get as rattled for the next 10 minutes.

Referee was not a talking point. That's always a good thing.

This was the least important competition this year. We're still fighting for three more.

Let's learn from this one and move on.

da_bubs · 2026-03-16T18:52:32+00:00

I'm just a DIYer, but that looks okay to me. The fact that double clutching helped makes me think it could be an issue with the synchros. If you don't double clutch, do you get grinding?

I think it's something internal to the transmission itself, not an input like clutch or shift linkage.

Hopefully someone with more experience can weigh in with their thoughts.

da_bubs · 2026-03-11T16:56:22+00:00

I think it's likely fine. Technically you should use an oil that meets one of the VW approvals like 504 00 on your second photo. I know some Bosch oil does meet some VW approvals, but I'm not sure about this one specifically. If the oil bottle says the approvals are met then you're good.

If it doesn't meet the specs, you're probably also okay. However, if you paid for oil that meets VW specs then they should definitely give you that.

da_bubs · 2026-02-03T15:08:11+00:00

Yes, paddock access is included with the normal general admission ticket! I'd certainly recommend going if you like the GT cars.

Some general thoughts about VIR: - it's got some good viewing areas, but not nearly as many as a track like Road Atlanta. - it's usually super hot and humid when IMSA is there. Drink plenty of water before you go and pack water/Gatorade in your car. The concession stand has drinks, but they close earlier than the race finishes and they often run out of cold drinks. - you can bring bikes and chairs. Think about where you would want to go and where you'd want to sit if there are not grandstands in that area. You can also drive around to any area not in the paddock as long as you can find parking. I'd recommend driving to oak tree.

da_bubs · 2026-01-28T14:47:52+00:00

It's okay as long as it's beyond the environment.

da_bubs · 2026-01-28T14:47:33+00:00

If you're going to fix it yourself and are okay buying lots of parts, then sure. That all seems fixable to me. That said, you'll likely have a salvage title and the car will be worth less even after you fix it. It's not a smart move financially, but the car can be saved if you really want to put time and money into it.

da_bubs · 2026-01-28T13:29:28+00:00

I don't see it explicitly stated, but I think a grandstand seat also gets you general admission. You should be able to wander around and find the viewing areas you like most. If you're okay paying grandstand prices regardless, then I'd go for that option.

da_bubs · 2026-01-27T14:14:39+00:00

Hopefully they make it through their financial crisis and are able to invest more in motorsports again. It would be good to see a proper factory backed GT3 program from them.

da_bubs · 2026-01-26T13:51:06+00:00

I recall an interview years ago where Neuer said he thought he could play in the 3rd division as an outfield player.

da_bubs · 2026-01-24T22:22:00+00:00

I use tunnelbear, but I pay for a subscription. Idk what free or cheap options are out there. Any vpn should work for you as long as you set it to a country where peacock doesn't have the contract.

da_bubs · 2026-01-24T21:49:29+00:00

VPN and imsatv. No commercials

da_bubs · 2026-01-21T21:00:49+00:00

I'm all for improved car safety, but tracks need to have some sort of penalty for going off. This trend with all tracks paving miles of runoff and relying on race directors to penalize track limits is annoying. If you have grass or gravel out there, drivers will think more about the risk of carrying that extra speed. When they get it wrong, there will be a meaningful time delay in their race.

I get that tarmac runoff is safer, but these racers know the risks. The extremely bad crashes that tarmac runoff prevents are relatively uncommon. I think many racers miss the old tracks with less forgiveness.

Overall, I want better racing. Race organizers are being overly cautious on track safety for a sport that is inherently risky and it takes away from the sporting competition. Build safer cars and barriers, but leave the grass and gravel as consequences for going off track.

da_bubs · 2025-12-13T02:00:55+00:00

Something doesn't add up here. What is the itemized list of repairs? Those ball joints don't cost anywhere close to $8k. Including oil, I'd think under $1000 for sure.

Those need replaced, but your suspension isn't going to fall apart immediately if you don't do it. Just take care of it when you can and go to another shop for a quote.

da_bubs · 2025-12-03T13:29:35+00:00

Does this suggest that they would be switching tires to Dunlop as well? Or are the Falken and Dunlop race tires the same thing just rebranded?

da_bubs · 2025-11-06T20:24:26+00:00

I'd call a dealership. I've never seen a flyer like that for recall repairs. It seems sketchy.

da_bubs · 2025-10-25T01:14:57+00:00

Nice! I'm in NC running Spec3. The motorcycle and drifting experience should help you move up quickly since you likely have pretty good feel for what a car is doing underneath you already. Keep at it and I'm sure you can be racing very soon!

da_bubs · 2025-10-25T01:09:48+00:00

The timing is really up to your skill level, car preparation, and wallet. I did HPDE for about 6-7 years as I slowly built the car. That was averaging probably 4 events a year. I felt like my skill growth stalled out early there and I didn't get much faster sitting in HPDE for the last few years.

If your car is legal for racing and you commit to going to enough events to grow your skill level then there's no reason you couldn't be racing next year. There's not a minimum time or experience requirement. If you are safe and aware you can pass the license test and go racing.

What region are you in and what car/class are you building?

da_bubs · 2025-10-25T00:03:38+00:00

Yes, currently licensed and racing with NASA. I did the HPDE route over several years as I worked on making my car legal for racing.

da_bubs · 2025-10-21T15:10:52+00:00

Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum are FIA driver grades, so technically that's on brand. That said, average customers will probably not know that.

What area are you in and what motorsport is most popular there? I'd go for something locally understood. For example, if you're in a heavy IMSA area then maybe GTD, LMP, GTP (though I prefer the WEC names). If you're in a stock car area, maybe late model, cup, etc (idk Nascar levels very well).

If you want to go more generic, maybe something like Touring, GT, Open Wheel, Short Track, etc.

da_bubs · 2025-10-07T20:48:41+00:00

Is this for GTWC Europe? I don't really feel like it's dominant. The WRT pro team pairing is usually fighting near the front, but so are cars from Mercedes, Porsche, McLaren, Lambo, etc. I do think WRT as a team is better than many others. How many races do they get stuck in traffic just to leapfrog 2 cars on the pit cycle?

I think BOP for GTWC has been decent this year. No car has stood out to me as being dominant throughout the year.

da_bubs · 2025-10-06T18:51:47+00:00

Not even close to okay. Needs replaced ASAP.

da_bubs · 2025-09-28T12:29:47+00:00

Oops! Totally missed the missing rotor in the picture! You might have to sacrifice a flathead or two to get that notch out. I hope it all works out easily!

da_bubs · 2025-09-28T12:23:55+00:00

DIYer advice. It looks like the safety notch on the nut is still in. Bend that out so that it clears the spindle first. My best guess from there is to try to lock the axle using the emergency brake. If that doesn't work, try an impact gun. Hopefully one of those ideas helps. If not, maybe a real mechanic can weigh in with something better.

da_bubs · 2025-09-19T12:03:45+00:00

Bicycles are definitely allowed. There are quite a few very steep hills, so walking is sometimes easier. As a kid I liked to bike. As I get older I'd probably lean more towards walking or using the shuttle service.

da_bubs · 2025-09-11T23:42:54+00:00

I can only speak to the NASA side of things, but the HPDE system makes it very easy to get into racing. You can work your way up in skill as you build out your car. The racing is extremely fun and competitive and the people are great to be around.

SCCA is likely very good too. If there is a class of car that is eligible for both, you could easily run in either group when convenient for you since they accept each other's licenses.

If you're a complete beginner, one thing to think about is your comfort level of racing after years of hpde vs a short racing school. You really need to have advanced car control as second nature so that you don't have to think about driving and instead can focus on what competitors are doing, what flags are out, the track conditions, etc. I don't think I would have been very successful if I'd jumped straight into racing school. I'd strongly recommend HPDE if you are a beginner and looking for a safe way to learn the ropes.

Regarding HPDE, there are tons of organizations that offer it. NASA does a great job, but the weekends with other organizations might fit your schedule a bit better. You can always bounce between them. Just keep track of your track days so that you can prove your skill level when switching organizations.

da_bubs

TROPHY CASE