S.A.S.C.
Solo => SASC Events => Topic started by: Reijo on February 19, 2017, 11:40:47 PM
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You may hold your spot for the 2017 SoloPro Schools now!
http://msreg.com/2017SoloPro
The schools have changed and we promise to give you some more new material this year and with that in mind Tim has been revising the material and is excited about the changes that will help to develop all of our driving abilities! Actually I am excited as well and think that we have some surprises in store for you! Onward and upward! :)
If there is a lack of interest for any of the schools, the deposits will be refunded or may be used as future credits toward other events.
More information on the schools and such are available here: www.soloprodrivingschool.com
Reijo
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Right now the only option is for the extreme school. Are deposits required for L1/L2? Also, I can't seem to find the full price for the schools on msreg or the soloproschool site, if someone can point me in the right direction.
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Whoops ... probably means I messed something up. My apologies.
There should be options for all three.
R
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Sorry, was out of town. Finally got this fixed.
Level 1 and Level 2 options are now available.
Reijo
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Thanks, Reijo. Since the sign up is labelled as deposit, do you know what the full cost of each level is? Are the deposits refundable?
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Thanks, Reijo. Since the sign up is labelled as deposit, do you know what the full cost of each level is? Are the deposits refundable?
You're welcome! Last year we charged $375 per day due to increased costs and the value of the Cdn. dollar. The Cdn dollar is doing better now etc. so we should be able to do it for the same price or pretty close. I'll be making up a budget probably next week. This week is a bit of a write-off because of work and the last winter driver training on Sunday ... The deposits etc. are refundable up until the last week or so before the schools when we are fully committed and cannot backtrack if someone quits out of the blue. However, if you find a replacement that is an alternative in that case.
Reijo
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So last year I signed up for the extreme school and put my deposit down, when it didn't get enough people and it was scrapped, all of the other spots were already all full and I ended up out in the cold on the wait list.
Now luckily last time it all worked out... however I'd like to avoid being in that situation again. So should I just reserve a spot in all of the programs, or is there a way I can just put a deposit for 2 days and have it applied to whichever program is actually available?
This picture is a visual image of my current plan to pay deposits to double book programs:
(http://www.livemaguk.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/jay-z-money.jpg)
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From what I can see there are only 9 people signed up for the school, with only 7 days left before entry is closed. Is this accurate?
Assuming 9 people is not enough to hold the school; is there a Plan B? I'd be willing to split the cost of renting the venue with the people signed up, and perhaps a few more, for the chance at LOTS of practice runs.
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From what I can see there are only 9 people signed up for the school, with only 7 days left before entry is closed. Is this accurate?
Assuming 9 people is not enough to hold the school; is there a Plan B? I'd be willing to split the cost of renting the venue with the people signed up, and perhaps a few more, for the chance at LOTS of practice runs.
I could extend the date. And I just posted about the schools on Edmonton and CSCC forums (I'm behind on "stuff") today ... so I'm expecting some more entries as they get known.
Otherwise, we could certainly set something up ... and in fact I have been planning and plotting some other options for years actually.....that I think I will bring to be this year ... something to get us all to a higher level in our driving .... stay tuned.
Reijo
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I signed up for novice, but was wanting to sign up for the L2 school as well. Wasn't able to select both on motorsportreg, but if you can mark my interest for it, please do.
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I signed up for novice, but was wanting to sign up for the L2 school as well. Wasn't able to select both on motorsportreg, but if you can mark my interest for it, please do.
Hmmmm.....I had that problem before and thought I fixed it ..... strange. Some setting must be off etc ... ugh....will check it out over the next day or two.
Update: I added L2 to the pkg.
Thanks!
Reijo
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Ok, I could only signed up for L1... every time I added L2, it removed L1.. and vice versa
Basically... I need to be in the same courses as Dan O (I think he is signed up for L1/L2) because we are sharing his car. Also booking a flight in and a hotel in FM.
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Haven't been able to figure that problem out .... weird.
Sent you email.
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Latest news is that potential instructors may include David Spratte and Neal Tovsen. David has not been here before but Neal has many times.
Here's an interesting article Neal just wrote:
http://www.conecoach.com/2017/03/17/when-to-put-on-the-cape/
Reijo
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I signed up when extreme was the only option, I'm good with that or L1, L2 format, Im just showing up for the two days to be a sponge.
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I'm with you on that Matt, after Reijo's dissertation not sure how one couldn't attend except maybe when a forty year anniversary somehow got in the way and no I'm not talking birthday. Somebody changed the date this year.
I've gone the last two years and found it to be the best learning/ driving experience ever. Hope you all have a great school but try not to soak up too much, hard enough trying to keep up last year.
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What Matt said.
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So last year I signed up for the extreme school and put my deposit down, when it didn't get enough people and it was scrapped, all of the other spots were already all full and I ended up out in the cold on the wait list.
Now luckily last time it all worked out... however I'd like to avoid being in that situation again. So should I just reserve a spot in all of the programs, or is there a way I can just put a deposit for 2 days and have it applied to whichever program is actually available?
This picture is a visual image of my current plan to pay deposits to double book programs:
(http://www.livemaguk.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/jay-z-money.jpg)
Just reviewing all this and noticed that I had not responded to this adequately.
I think a more fair way of doing this is to give priority to when people signed up rather than by what school they signed up for.
I have a couple more people interested who have not signed up yet but it seems we may have stalled at the current number of entries. I think the long weekend date may not have been ideal for some etc.
Anyway, I am contemplating what exactly we are going to offer:
1. A hybrid L1/L2? and a 1-day Extreme (I think it is time to offer an Extreme School ... overdue even).
2. L1/Extreme?
3. L1/L2 (advanced option - like last year).
4. Other? Your ideas here?
In fact, what are you looking for through these schools?
Note also, I'd like to start some new stuff this year via mid-week practices etc. ... more detailed practices ... perhaps single elements, analysis thereof (e.g. almost a course analysis course ... maybe even a seminar(s)) .... so really beyond what a single or two-day school could possibly cover. What is the ideal line under certain specific course conditions? This may even involve some math, horror of horrors! Heck, some of this I want to analyze myself! :)
At this point in time, I already extended the original deadline for deposits to the end of March but I think it would be appropriate to cut it off there and then make the decisions as necessary. I also started the budget calculations to figure out a final cost.
Last year the cost was $375 per day so I am anticipating it will be in that range again.
What about an option of going with smaller numbers of entries but the cost would be more? I guess the big bonus is that your seat time and time with instructors would be MUCH increased with less students ... almost getting to the point of private instruction. There would definitely be significantly more opportunity for learning. Hmmm.....might be something to be said for that.
Reijo
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Thanks for the reply Reijo! It isn't a big deal for me anymore as I am sharing a car with Dan and he is in L1/L2
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Thanks for the reply Reijo! It isn't a big deal for me anymore as I am sharing a car with Dan and he is in L1/L2
Dan was signed up in the Extreme as far as I know?
R
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Ok.... well, in that case please sign me up for whatever he is, otherwise it could be very interesting trying to share the car ;D
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Ok.... well, in that case please sign me up for whatever he is, otherwise it could be very interesting trying to share the car ;D
We'll sort it out in due time.
:)
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The SoloPro Performance School deposits on MSReg are closed down now.
I have done a rough budget already but will refine it shortly and give you a final cost and we'll be looking for final payments soon.
Instructors lined up thus far are: Neal Tovsen, Minneapolis, Bill Spratt (NE USA - Connecticut? - Bill has not been here before), Jeff Janzen of Winnipeg and myself. Jeff and I are the only Canadian instructors for a professional level autox school. And furthermore, for the L2 and Extreme Schools, I am speaking with Jonn Renay (we have meeting for over two years now) about setting up a short seminar/information building more on the "mental game" of autox ... something we have been refining and working on for a while as I noted. In this respect we are on the cutting edge and I firmly believe these techniques can help immensely when "everything" is on the line! How can you deal with pressure and get it under control so that you can perform at your utmost? We want to get you there!
EXT: We will have a two-day Extreme School (max. of 10 people) - full...correction - 9, so 1 spot left right now - We will have a waiting list on
L1 - 8 people (we have room for up to 12 max. - room for 4 more!)
L2 - 9 people (room for 3 more!)
There will be waiting lists for all the schools.
The dates will remain the same - May long weekend - Sat. May 20, Sun May 21.
More to come shortly! I'm excited about this year and think we can all progress much further! :)
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Something is up with my MSReg account... it seems to have totally vanished on me. I tried to recover it, but all of my e-mail address just returned a "Does not exist" message.
Anyway, I setup a new one... just an FYI as the school was booked through the old one
Hmmmm....odd ... maybe due to the change in ISP? Anyway, I know who you are etc. so no worries. We'll make it work.
Tim actually asked to limit all the schools to 10 entries ... interesting. A change. More seat time.
Reijo
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Hmmmm.... I might be able to edit the MSReg account .... hang on I'll try.
R
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Your account etc seems to be there and intact ...
email is sugarphreak at inbox ....
Do you want me to change it? email me for further discussion.
Reijo
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yeah that isn't a real e-mail, haha. Ok thanks, I will try to login and change it
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There are a
few 3 extra spots for the Level 1 (L1) school (we have a couple extra entries FULL in the L2) so if you are new or haven't taken one of these Solo Pro Schools, you owe it to yourself to take one and make sure you are on the right track.
There are 3 spots open for a 2-day Extreme as well as of right now.
(Note that the registration list on MSReg is missing one person and I believe there is a correction to one entry as of this evening).
It is rare to get an entire day of seat time and instruction with International level autocrossers. We know what you need and how to get there.
So, read through this thread and get your name on the list.
I'll be finishing the budget and setting the final price shortly (ugh, was going to do it earlier on but work keeps getting in the way ... but have done a preliminary budget which is no longer entirely valid since more people have jumped in ... which is a good thing by the way .. keeps the cost down).
We will have a waitlist in case you do not get in. Sometimes drops occur ... not many but there is the possibility.
BTW, I discovered what was wrong with the MSReg that people could only choose one of L1 or L2 but not both ... fixed it and moved people over as appropriate (no cost involved of course). I had to add a "package" that included L1 and L2 together ... peculiarity of the software.
April 10 update: As noted above PLUS there is one other person who hasn't signed up yet (L1 ... and waitlist for L2 for him).
R
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Hey Reijo,
Is the Novice school shown in the schedule for May 13 @ YYC associated with the 'L1' school here?
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Hey Reijo,
Is the Novice school shown in the schedule for May 13 @ YYC associated with the 'L1' school here?
The SoloPro schools are totally independent of any of our local schools and have been held only once a year ... with most of the instructors flying in from the US (2 instructors) and Jeff Janzen from Winnipeg. Jeff and I are the only SoloPro (or Evo for that matter) Canadian instructors. They are organized differently and are probably a more intense learning environment due to the system used and a little more geared toward people with some autox experience. This is not to say anyone can't take them because really anyone can take the L1 from a raw beginner to an advanced autocrosser since we teach at whatever level you are at. But, really, a little of experience would be better I think. For me one of the key factors is bringing in US National level instructors/drivers who can perhaps teach us something new ... cutting edge stuff ... the latest thinking behind going fast ... and all heading toward the national level of driving and competition.
The local schools are taught by our locals and this is not to downplay our people at all since we have some great drivers here locally. And, of course, I teach here too. However I cannot spend the amount of time with you that I can via the SoloPro Schools. But, really we are all developing more and more as time goes on (this includes me by the way!). This means our local schools are always getting better too ... partially through what we have learned at the winter schools and other schools we teach during the year.
Digressing, it is interesting how more and more these schools have become a bigger part of the picture here locally.....and perhaps one of the reasons for, not only our own successes as drivers, but also as a club. We have enjoyed good steady growth all along but more so over the last, say, 3 years when it has become almost explosive. It is all good and quite exciting actually. :)
But, you know what the best thing you can do as a developing driver? Take all the schools you can, because they will get you further than anything else you spend your money on including the car. The proper attitude is to believe that you can learn something from anyone. Be a sponge! Write stuff down (bring a notebook, make some notes, review those notes later in the season or even the season after etc.). Make a point of intending to suck everything you can out of the experience. Like I said there are plenty of great drivers here and then from elsewhere at the SoloPro Schools from whom I am certain you can learn a great deal ... kind of like attending driving seminars. They are all good.
R
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OK ... finally I am back to updating on these SoloPro Schools! Life is a bit much some times. :)
Anyway, instructors will be:
Tim Aro - owner and driver extraordinaire!
Jeff Janzen - 2nd Canadian instructor for SoloPro, great driver and getting great reviews as an instructor (I think this is the most important aspect of an instructor!).
David Spratt - new to SoloPro - who has never been here before and I'm looking forward to meeting him!
Reijo Silvennoinen - moi ... been instructing with SoloPro since 2009 and decades of experience (how did that happen?). Well, seen a lot in that time ... lots to draw on. Who has actually beat Tim in his own car at Nationals! (ok, ok ... the car broke! ;) ).
More info here: www.soloprodrivingschool.com
Anyhow, I'm finishing up the budget and final touch-up details as we speak. I will be sending out the final cost tally to everyone. We are looking to break even as a club at the least, so we are keeping the costs down as much as possible for you!
There is 1 0 spots left in L1 and there are 1 spot left in the 2-day Extreme (serious, serious seat time over 2 days). L2 has 2 spots open as well (May 17).
Also you can put your name on the waitlist just in case a spot opens up. Just PM or email me.
It's looking to be a fun weekend and looking forward to it!
Reijo
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Final cost of the SoloPro Schools will be $380/day.
There is one spot open in L1 (level 1) and 3 spots open for the Extreme (2-day).
L1 = $380.
Extreme = 2*$380 - $760 (for 2 days of seat time and instruction ... the entire weekend!).
If you are interested, email or PM me ... first come, first served!
Further information on the schools is here:
www.soloprodrivingschool.com
Cheers!
Reijo
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We are taking a waiting list now for the L1 and L2.
We still have 3 spots open for the Extreme.
Reijo
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We have had one drop in Extreme and now have 4 potential spots open - 2 days of analysis, concentrating on the small things .... all those little things that are the difference between the top and the middle of the pack. Also we will have some presentations on the mental game by Jonn Renay (a coach by training). He has some interesting and fresh ways of working your mind over and dealing with the stress of showing up at National Championships and yet competing at the very highest level ... perhaps even using the pressure as a motivator and actually driving even beyond your ability .... stepping up to the challenge ... coming up with the very best performance of your life when it counts. I have observed that done in many sports over the years, not just motorsports (somebody should talk to the Flames! :) ). People show up at the Olympics and all of a sudden they come up with a gold medal performance seemingly out of nowhere! How does that happen? We want to explore that a bit.
Anyway, spots are open for you! Send me a PM or email or call me.
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We still have some spots open for the Extreme School.
Let me know if you are interested.
Also, I have attached some testimonials from past schools from all over where we have had schools (see attached pdf).
Reijo
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We have added another 4 people to the schools and they are looking fullish.
Let me know if you want to jump in last minute and we'll see what we can do!
Spots are open in L1, L2 and the Extreme (you can do a 1-day option - Sat. or Sun. - 1 open each day or take both - 1 spot open!)
The instructors are flying in on Friday afternoon ... join us for dinner at the usual pub on Friday night for introductions and some bench racing and harrowing border crossing stories among other things! ;)
Reijo
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Just got an email from Tim and it looks like Jeff and David will handle the L1/L2 schools and Tim and I will be looking after the Extreme.
Tim and Jeff are sticking around an extra day for some hiking (or chasing bears? hehe some history there ... Or maybe running with the bears? haha) in Banff or somewhere in the mtns.
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OK we are getting toward the end here! ;) Thank God, it's been a bunch of work! ahahaha
Anyway, we have a full L1 school, room for 2 more in L2 and 2 1 more in the Extreme.
If you are sitting on the fence or all of a sudden you have some spare time and cash, give me a shout and we'll shoe-horn you in there!
L1/L2 will be taught by Jeff Janzen and Dave Spratt (who's never been here before. We were hoping to introduce Dave to a quick session of "Running with the Bears" but he has to go back unfortunately).
The Extreme will be handled by Tim Aro and myself.
During your rest periods during the Extreme we will have Jonn giving some pointers on the "Mental Game" as well as a short seminar on Saturday evening (at a TBD location) ... about 45 min. (all in the schools are welcome to attend). We have been looking at this aspect of the sport more intensively over the last couple of years and I hope that you will find it useful (I think so) and particularly for those bigger competitions where there is a lot of pressure to deal with.
The guys are all flying into YYC within about 15 minutes of each other just before 4:30 pm on Friday and then heading to Fort Macleod.
We'll likely be at the usual watering-hole (Macleod Lounge) on Friday evening if anyone wants to join us for a bite and beer/beverage.
Reijo
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Will there be a "classroom" session before driver's meeting/first runs? I know the site opens at 7:30am, but what time do you want everyone on-site and ready to run?
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Will there be a "classroom" session before driver's meeting/first runs? I know the site opens at 7:30am, but what time do you want everyone on-site and ready to run?
The site is always "open" ... and we'll be setting up cones/courses before 7:30 am (need some time).
However, what I meant was that you need to have your car emptied and ready to go (whatever you need to do) by 8 am.
We'll have a quick meeting/discussion etc. at 8 am (e.g. the school is officially started at that time). There will be introductions, course walks and splitting into groups ... handing out of the run/work order sheets and explanation thereof. After the meeting we will be running ... right to about noon. The lunch will be delivered to-site (we don't go anywhere) and the lunch will be a "working" lunch.
Something I forgot to mention thus far is if anyone has data loggers, please bring them along ... or if you have access to one - for the Extreme only. No loggers req'd for L1/L2.
We will be sending out a further email message to everyone within the next day or so as well so look for that.
BTW, I think we have 1 (for sure) or 2 coming from Edmonton ...don't recall for sure right now.
So, in summary, have your car ready to run at or by 8 am because you won't have time to do that after 8 am. The classes are on at that time ... hot and heavy!! Especially the Extreme. :)
These are not casual local schools so we will be moving along at a rapid rate ... and pushing you more ... Tim is aiming at that more this year! ;)
Reijo
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The weather is looking good too (chance of a shower < 1 mm ... will hardly wet the ground if it rains at all imho) on Saturday (17 C) and Sunny and warm on Sunday (20 C). Bring your shorts and sun screen!
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/weather/alberta/fort-macleod?wx_auto_reload=
R
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L1 and L2 are full.
2 spots (revised - May 18 afternoon) left for a 2-day Extreme (prerequisites are L1 and L2).
Reijo
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OK we just had a last minute drop due to work-related business out of town.
There is one spot open for L1 only.
$380 for one day! ... last minute opening. Get a hold of me to hold the spot for you ... first come, first served. We have these schools only once a year so here's your chance.
Reijo
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I made a mistake ... I thot there was two openings for the school e.g. L1/L2 but it was only L1 (Saturday) ... I have corrected the above post.
R
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Still an L1 open on Saturday.
Also 1 Extreme - both days.
Reijo
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L1 and L2 are full.
One spot - 2 days left for Extreme ... email me ... show up with money and it's yours!
Reijo
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A huge thank you to the instructors this weekend. This was the most intense sessions of this school I have ever attended, and I am still recovering. I learned a huge amount, and, as usual, be spending the remainder of the year applying what I learnt.
Oh, and a huge thanks to Janus for letting me drive his car. An STR prepped 4th gen Miata is an eye opening (and gratifying) experience!
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I want to Echo Murray's post, it was a really great weekend and I want to extend my sincere thanks to everybody that helped put it on. I was pretty tired by the end of the program, and I can only imagine how tiring it has to be for the instructors to get into car after car with full focus and keeping up that positive energy. So thanks again for putting it on, not only did I really enjoyed it, I learned something in the process!
A huge thanks also to Murray for the timing equipment, as well as lending me and Dan the Mazda after our tires gave out. Also thanks to Dan letting me use his car for the weekend. It really goes to show how supportive this club really is of it's members! You guys rock!
I really have a lot of new insights and take away's that I am itching to work on this year. I didn't get much video, but of the stuff I took I was really happy with how my driving has been coming together. I finally feel like I am getting to the point where I can marry my aggression with the technical aspects, and prior to this I have basically been choosing one or the other. This clip is of the super slalom course from the first day:
https://youtu.be/M7rWaS9wU1I
Also took a few photos:
http://s1383.photobucket.com/user/SportPhreak/slideshow/Autocross/2017%20SoloPro
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Thanks guys! I'm glad you had some significant take-aways from the school! After all, that is the main point. Hopefully it all translates into better times and placements for you. :)
From the instructors' perspective, we were happy with the progress and were even surprised at some of the progress made. It was nice to have a solid two days of working with all of you so we could "round the edges" in some cases a little more than a single day allows. That was great to see! Sometimes, repetition and seat time are needed to really hammer home some of the "feel" and concepts.
Like any sport, seat time figures in and you have to do the time, but you also have to be practicing the right techniques, to be able to perfect your runs.
We have been speaking of some practice and test and tune (or maybe even another SoloPro School in early August?) events and maybe that is where you can that extra seat time? Maybe we need a Team SASC? Team training?
Reijo
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So yeah... I had a pretty good event last weekend where I really focused on executing a ton of the stuff I learned. One thing I have (finally) gotten good at is going out and laying down a great first run. Thanks SoloPro! ;D
http://www.vcmc.ca/raceresults/results/2017/170611/2017_06_11d1__OPAX.txt
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So yeah... I had a pretty good event last weekend where I really focused on executing a ton of the stuff I learned. One thing I have (finally) gotten good at is going out and laying down a great first run. Thanks SoloPro! ;D
http://www.vcmc.ca/raceresults/results/2017/170611/2017_06_11d1__OPAX.txt
Less than 0.4 out of top PAX? Not bad! :)
Reijo
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I remember you guys were talking about Bob Bundy at the school, and he was there!
Granted they did more runs in the afternoon on the same course and he kicked my butt in the afternoon, haha
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Oh yes, he has an SSM Miata ... but I see he was driving a CSP Miata ... think he might have one of those too. The SSM car is the fast one.
And, also, you gotta get it done in 3 runs ... not 6-7-8 runs! :)
Well done! :)
Reijo