Hey Guys,
If you've always wanted to drive Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca but were afraid your Viper would not pass the normally strict sound limits, this is the event to make. This Speed Ventures weekend features a
105 DB sound limit for this Friday, Saturday, Sunday event only.
Even Vipers with headers should "pass sound" as long as you have mufflers. Having cats would make your Viper even quieter. If you have straight pipes without cats or mufflers, you probably won't pass.
I drove Laguna Seca last year in my stock exhaust 2009 ACR and had no issues with their normal 92 DB sound limit. If you are OE, you will be fine.
We'll be running with Speed Ventures and I've asked Aaron (the owner) to give us a special heads up before registration opens as it will sell out very fast. You can go to their website at: www.speedventures.com for more info on driving with them, but this special event has not been posted as I write this and may not be posted for some time.
PUT this weekend in your schedule.
For more info, go to: www.speedventures.com
Please respond here and I'll keep a list of drivers posted so I can help let you know when sign ups are open.
Hotel info:Intercontinental Clement Monterey
750 Cannery Row, Monterey CA 93940
So Cal Viper Club group rates:
Inland view $245/night
Ocean View $325/night
1 bedroom ocean view suite $450/night
To make reservations:
Call 888-666-5734
Email [email protected]
Ask for the So Cal Viper Club rates
Cut off date for room reservations at these rates is May 28th, 2013
FYI, I normally drive Friday and Saturday, then enjoy a full day in the beautiful Monterey area eating, visiting the local wineries and just being a tourist. Cathy loved Monterey last year!
See you at the track,
Dan <2
Driver's list:
Gary Belvedere
Bruce Conklin
Jay M
Joe B
John Weigel
Justin Fujita
Mike Fujita
Lance Kouchi
Kurt Sollberger
Peter Hausherr
Dan Everts
Ross Murray
Rich Erickson
Jim Schlemm
Matthew and Amy Gross
Jim & Judy Kenehan
I'm in.
Great. I am in as well.
I can't imagine anyone missing this opportunity ! I was hooked by the event there this past June; but didn't bring the Viper due to the sound issues. This time I will make the extra effort to test the sound levels of my Viper and put my OEM exhaust back on if need be.
I'm in!
Quote from: Rocketman on December 17, 2012, 06:00:43 PM
I can't imagine anyone missing this opportunity ! I was hooked by the event there this past June; but didn't bring the Viper due to the sound issues. This time I will make the extra effort to test the sound levels of my Viper and put my OEM exhaust back on if need be.
Jim,
You should be fine with your rear exit exhaust as long as you have cats and mufflers behind your headers. If you are in doubt, have someone check your "drive by" sound emission next time you are at the track. Most of the newer cell phones have "DB Meter" applications which are pretty good.
See you at the track,
Dan
Dan,
Do I need a roll bar on my vert.
Demoe
Hi Demoe,
You should not need a roll bar to run with Speed Ventures as long as you run in the Novice group.
You will need a Snell SA 2005 or newer helmet and you should have a fire bottle, which you can get from Scott Hirko.
You will want driving shoes and six point belts will be helpful but not necessary.
Check the Speed Ventures website for more info.
See you at the track,
Dan <2
Quote from: ViperX on December 18, 2012, 10:05:09 AM
Jim,
You should be fine with your rear exit exhaust as long as you have cats and mufflers behind your headers. If you are in doubt, have someone check your "drive by" sound emission next time you are at the track. Most of the newer cell phones have "DB Meter" applications which are pretty good.
See you at the track,
Dan
Good tip to know, thanks Dan. Maybe we can test my car at Willow in January. I've got a regular muffler and the cats were replaced by a small muffler. Don't want to swap out if I don't have too.
thanks!
Mike
Hey Mike,
I plan to check my car's sound output at Willow in January. We can check your car too, so we should know in plenty of time if we'll pass sound at LS. In order to exceed 105 DB on a "drive by", the car would have to be pretty loud.
Cathy has a new phone with a DB app; and I think Lance and Anthuan actually have a DB meters. We can ask them to bring their meters to this event and test our cars.
I'd like to run without making any changes to my car too, which has headers and 3-inch Corsa track exhausts on it now. I think mine is a bit quieter than yours but it could just be a pitch or resonance thing. Will be fun to find out.
See you at the track,
Dan <2
Worst case, you can always lift just before the sound testing building and ease up that section of track till you get past sound, then hammer down.
Dan <2
I have the same one Anhtuan has and Hirk just got one too.
I'll bring mine along.
Quote from: PCH VIPER on December 19, 2012, 08:17:51 PM
I have the same one Anhtuan has and Hirk just got one too.
I'll bring mine along.
VERY Cool and thanks.
Looking forward to it.
Dan
Was anyone checking the sound db's at Willow last Sat? I wonder if my race GTS will be under the 105 db limit.
Thanks
YES ! Anhtuan checked the Db level as the red group went down the front straight. >v
BUt I don't know what the results were =16
I'm sure Anhtuan will chime in shortly >v
Quote from: PCH VIPER on January 09, 2013, 09:04:03 AM
YES ! Anhtuan checked the Db level as the red group went down the front straight. >v
BUt I don't know what the results were =16
I'm sure Anhtuan will chime in shortly >v
I was told that both Mike B and I "blew" 104.7 DB but I'm not sure how close Anthuan was to us compared to the location of the sound booth at LS. I think he was actually closer ..... If so, we'll be OK as is.
I too am hoping Anthuan will chime in on this.
Dan <2
Beating sound at Laguna Seca canbe a "black magic" type of thing, especially for Vipers with side exhaust. If you have cats, then you should be OK, but cat-less can be a problem. Ambient temperature & air density play a large role in dbs levels at that track. One day I would pass without issue and the next day, when the weather was colder and the air dense with low clouds I was over by 3 dbs. I would highly suggest bringing some turn downs "just in case".
What Redsled says is very true. Environmental conditions can affect the sound readings depending on how far away the readings were taken and well as the type of equipment that was used. But for us we can only work with what we have so just take this as a general guideline.
At the Willow Springs event I took readings from the yellow wall at the pits and I also took readings from the Toyota Tower right by the straightaways.
From the yellow wall, most of the red group were barely cracking 98-99 dB, a few of the ACR-Xs and Comp Coupes were low 100s like 101-102.
From the Toyota Tower which was crazy close and really had you guys fly by at high speed...most of red group were in the low 100s like 102dB. A couple readings that stuck out in my mind...
Viper X hit a 104.7dB
Mike Greenberg's Comp Coupe hit 105dB
Mike Von Q hit 106dB
For everyone else there were a lot of 102s and 103s and even a few 100s and 99s...and again this was from the very close Toyota Tower. Now granted the Tower is a little above the straight away, but it was still so close to you guys blasting by that I don't think the height was enough to make a difference.
Ben - I don't recall the exact dB number for your car, but it was below 105 dB from the Toyota Tower. I specifically was trying to catch cars that hit 105 or over and most all of Red Group was okay from my readings.
Also keep in mind that Willow is fairly open desert so there is a lot more space for the sound to dissipate and not reverberate (i.e. like against valley walls). Still good data points to note though.
Thanks for the info A.
Like Jonathan says, in short, take it easier past the sound booth, i.e. either short shift or go to mid throttle in the early AM if it's cloudy, cool and dense air and you have aftermarket headers and exhaust.
If you have not cats or mufflers, you might be in trouble in the above conditions.
Stock would be easily OK as I passed the sound limit of 92 with my stock exhaust 09 ACR.
See you at the track,
Dan <2
If there is a beginner group, I'd love to go.
~Jay
Quote from: Jay M on January 12, 2013, 12:00:49 PM
If there is a beginner group, I'd love to go.
~Jay
Check with Speed Ventures. Sometimes that have beginner groups, sometimes then don't.
Dan <2
This sounds like an awesome trip. I have never been to Laguna Sega. Matthew Gross
Hey Matthew,
This is a great weekend getaway.
We will set up hotel accomodations right in Monterey. Lots of great things to see and do.
Laguna Seca is AMAZING to drive.
I will bring my family on this trip. Please let me know when and where to reserve my room. Now I just have to figure out how to safely tie down my car to my trailer.
I emailed Arron, and he said that I'd be fine in the low intermediate group. There is no beginner group that weekend.
So count me in!
~Jay
Quote from: Jay M on January 23, 2013, 02:26:17 PM
I emailed Arron, and he said that I'd be fine in the low intermediate group. There is no beginner group that weekend.
So count me in!
~Jay
Great to hear Jay.
Count me in too.
Demoe
Hotel reservations are now open and info is posted on the first post.
FYI The Intercontinental is a beautiful hotel right on the Monterey Bay and is essentially right next door to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We stayed there last year and it is >v We will be staying there again for sure.
Dan,
I just saw from a NARRA email that there is a Radical cup race scheduled at LS this same weekend.
Mike
Quote from: redtanrt10 on February 06, 2013, 07:22:36 AM
Dan,
I just saw from a NARRA email that there is a Radical cup race scheduled at LS this same weekend.
Mike
Knowing NARRA, they screwed up, but I just emailed Aaron to find out.
Dan
Darn, I can't make it this time. Schedule conflict =17
Quote from: Banzai Ben on February 08, 2013, 09:01:17 AM
Darn, I can't make it this time. Schedule conflict =17
Aaron said that a radical group bought one run session Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Should not affect our driving.
Dan <2
Jim and Judy will be there.
Hey Dan - Any word on when we can register for the event?
Quote from: EXHLR8N on February 14, 2013, 02:22:51 PM
Hey Dan - Any word on when we can register for the event?
Looks like registration will open in March per Aaron.
We just booked our rooms in Monterey.
As soon as I know, I'll post it, but you guys should keep looking as this event will sell out fast.
Dan <2
Jim and Judy are going. Have booked our rooms.
Jim and Judy will be there. Already got hotel reservations.
Matthew and Amy will be there. ^2
Guys,
This just came in a few minutes ago today from Aaron at Speed Ventures.
Sign up now or you'll miss out.
See you at MRLS,
Dan <2
_______________________________________________________________________
Hi Dan and Chris,
MRLS is now open for registration. We will leave it open for a week or two before announcing.
Thanks,
Aaron Bitterman
Speed Ventures, Inc.
323-461-4795
www.speedventures.com
I just signed up for Black (high intermediate ... point by's) for Friday and Saturday.
Thanks Dan for posting
Signed up also. Thanks for the heads up Dan !
From last year's event and my weekend with SV at Chuckwalla last weekend, it sure seemed that it would be more convenient to have a transponder if they are pregridding by lap times again. At both events they did take a verbal input on what your time was; but it wasn't too well organized for the non-transponder guys like me at Chuckwalla in a big run group. Just an FYI.
I'm in and registered too !!! <2
I'm signed up with the Blue group on Friday. Can't wait!
~Jay
I'm signed up for Friday only, black group. Staying at the Ramada in Marina for $90 where I've stayed before when can't get into the Embassy in Seaside (closest to the track) but Embassy wants $250+/night (incl. tax). Marina is about 10 minutes further than the Embassy.
Looking forward to seeing everyone again.
David Green
Will this be a problem for convertible vipers?
If you do not meet all of the following requirements you may not be allowed on track. We may not provide any refund or credit for the event if you do not meet all of the following requirements:
If you drive a convertible, your car must have either aftermarket rollover protection or OEM/Factory rollover protection. Cars that are allowed include all cars with Pop-Up rollbars (some BMW, Porsche cars) and cars with subtantial roll hoops (Honda S2000, Boxster for example). YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON TRACK if your car does not meet our requirements and YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE A REFUND. Please contact us if you wish to make sure your car is allowed. (NOTE: rollbars are not required for autocross events.)
I was okay for Willow Springs with my '04 convertible. You and I know that the hoops on a Viper are cosmetic only, but I think Speed Ventures is okay with them. You can call Speed Ventures and ask specifically about your car.
~Jay
Justin and I signed up for Friday + Saturday. Blue/Purple. See you there!
-Mike Fujita
I signed up for Saturday racing. I will be there Thursday through Sunday.
Matthew
I'm signed up for Friday so far, we'll see if I can get in on Saturday.
How many are driving their Vipers to this event vs. trailering?
My guess is that the majority of us are trailering. I only know of a couple guys that don't have trailers......yet.
Quote from: PCH VIPER on April 25, 2013, 08:53:16 PM
My guess is that the majority of us are trailering. I only know of a couple guys that don't have trailers......yet.
If anyone needs transport and/or support for the event, LMK. We can take as many as four cars and as few as one.
Doc
I'm in Santa Barbara, 5 minutes off the 101 and about 4:15 hours (at or near the speed limits!) south of the track and would like to invite anyone driving up Thursday to lunch of sandwiches/drinks at my house around noon. After lunch I'd lead anyone interested on one of California's most beautiful back roads, Hwy. 154, over San Marcos Pass, past Cachuma Lake, rejoining the 101 north of Buelton, and saving about 15 minutes.
Everyone is welcome and I can find parking for a few trailers on the street just outside my lane.
I'll need a rough head count for food so please email if coming and I'll send you back directions.
Looking forward to a great Laguna adventure.
Regards,
David Green
[email protected]
Sounds like fun David.
Cathy and I will plan to come by your place for lunch. We will be "trailering" so will need a fairly large spot to park.
Look forward to it.
Regards,
Dan
Thanks for the offer David !
I will check my schedule and let you know.
Lance
Hi David, thanks for your hospitality. Jennifer and I can join your for lunch and the scenic drive.
thanks,
~Jay
Jay & Lance & Anyone Else Coming,
Please send me an email so I can reply over the weekend with directions.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
David
[email protected]PS: Anyone able to make it last minute, don't hesitate to contact me. Always room for more!
Hey David,
What time frame are you thinking??
I'll be emailing directions out shortly.
Come by any time but thinking of having food out between 11:30 and 1:00 when we should depart for the 4 1/4 hour drive to Monterey.
I know Dan and Cathy are bringing a trailer. Any others so I can plan where to park them?
David
No live updates? Track records?
Oh.... found a shot on the interweb of the proceedings
(http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx171/rapid25_2012/IMG_20130628_101029_944_zps25f06620.jpg)
(http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx171/rapid25_2012/June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesGREEN225pmNIC_6697-06-28_zpsecd4ad4d.jpg)
What a great weekend! No track record for me... but I did have fun. I'll post a few pictures here, and later I'll try to put together a video.
Some of the pictures are not mine, they are from CaliPhotogrphy, a company onsite taking pictures. I was able to get any picture that had my car in it for fixed price. Fortunately, there were many time my friends were in the picture, so I'll post those here.
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLEFrontStraightIMG_9245-06-28.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLEFrontStraightIMG_9245-06-28.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLEFrontStraightIMG_9209-06-28.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLEFrontStraightIMG_9209-06-28.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLEFrontStraightIMG_9208-06-28.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLEFrontStraightIMG_9208-06-28.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLE340pmNIC_8407-06-28.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLE340pmNIC_8407-06-28.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLE1040amNIC_2300-06-28.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-June-28-2013-SpeedVenturesPURPLE1040amNIC_2300-06-28.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01887.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01887.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01876.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01876.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01847.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01847.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01843.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01843.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg187/jaymorrissette/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01772.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/jaymorrissette/media/Laguna%20Seca%20-%20June%202013/20130629-DSC01772.jpg.html)
Thanks Jay! Pictures look great, sure wish I was there.
Nice to see a "rare" picture of Lance on the track!
What a GREAT weekend getaway ! With record heat in So Cal, it was sure nice to be up on the Monterey Bay where the clear skies and ocean breeze kept temperatures at a very tolerable level.
Lots of pictures were taken and are posted on my website www.kouchicentral.com (http://www.kouchicentral.com)
A huge Thanks to David and Ruth for kicking off the trip with a great lunch at their beautiful home in Santa Barbara.
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/13-13%20laguna%20seca/DSC_0903.JPG)
Laguna Seca is such an awesome place to be and being able to drive this track in a Viper is an absolute thrill. We had a great turnout and many were there for their very first time.
What really made this fun was hanging out and driving the track together.
TOO MUCH FUN !!
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/13-13%20laguna%20seca/DSC_0942.JPG)
The front straight
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/13-13%20laguna%20seca/DSC_0952.JPG)
Viper Pit
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/13-13%20laguna%20seca/DSC_1277.JPG)
The Corkscrew
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/13-13%20laguna%20seca/DSC_1314.JPG)
The shortcut ;D
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/13-13%20laguna%20seca/DSC_1638.JPG)
The view from our hotel
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/13-13%20laguna%20seca/DSC_1655.JPG)
The Party
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/13-13%20laguna%20seca/DSC_1659.JPG)
Fun out on the town
Great Pictures Lance and Kaci! Thanks for posting them. As much as I enjoyed the track, it was the time the the Viper family that was most fun.
~Jay
Here is a video of a couple of laps following Lance. I had 2 GoPro cameras on my car. Latter this week I'll try to put together another video of the track side footage I captured on Saturday.
http://youtu.be/RBT0nFoFPYs
~Jay
Jay, Kaci and Lance thanks for sharing the pics! It's good to see David doing well, is that him in the red Lotus taking the shortcut?