2014 North America Discussion (US & Canada)

[scca_ziptie]

You are consistently excellent, my friend! I will be doing so! I didn't even realize anything like that existed around here. The car scene is secretly amazing in the metro area.

http://rss.vpweb.com

I do believe that our 2013 GTA champion, Nick McMillen aka @GumballCGT has utilized their equipment to familiarize himself with Paul Ricard circuit ahead of his first visit there with the GT3 car lasted this year.. You could speak with him about it as well.

 

[SileightyCyrus]

http://rss.vpweb.com

I do believe that our 2013 GTA champion, Nick McMillen aka @GumballCGT has utilized their equipment to familiarize himself with Paul Ricard circuit ahead of his first visit there with the GT3 car lasted this year.. You could speak with him about it as well.

Beautiful, thanks Donald. They happen to be located less than ten minutes from my house, I'm excited to give them a call tomorrow. Tomorrow is looking to be amazing.

Mr @GumballCGT, I'm in Beaverton, so we just need @scca_ziptie to make it a hat trick for the Portland metro area

 

[LoCoArMeN]

Guys, dont plan on memorizing the track. There are so many configurations they can use. And dont forget that they can set up cones on the track just like last year.



Watch starting @ 11:26 and you will see what i mean.

My best advice is be ready to adapt to anything they throw at you. Do not go in there expecting something specific. The whole purpose of GT Academy is to put everyone in a situation that they will have to think on their feet.

For the people that have no real life driving experience, go out there and learn how to drive manual immediately. By this i mean advanced techniques like heel and toeing, and driving manual cars on a race track. Driving a manual gearbox on the street vs on a track is a completely different animal.

And for the people that have real life driving experience, try putting yourselves in very uncomfortable/stressful situations to simulate how it is during the Academy. This will help you stay calm during stressful situations. Calm = Fast!

The instructors give you specific ratings based on your driving skills. From what i remember, I saw aggression, smoothness, Apex, braking, and a few other characteristics they rate you on. The judges will base their decision off of these ratings.

Also, there is the Interview. Last year we did an interview right after we got off of the track. The purpose of that was for them evaluate our personality, and to see how we react to tough questions under high levels of stress and adrenalin . It is basically a job interview and you are supposed to impress them. The interview is VERY important. If you are bad behind the camera, then they will not want to send you on a reality TV show! PERIOD! So it is very important to be confident behind the camera. And by that i mean no "ummmmmmmmmm"s or "ahhhhh"s. Think fast and respond accordingly.

What I learned from my experience:

Nobody was expecting real cars last year. When we got there, everyone was shocked. To make things worse, they gave us only 1 LAP to memorize a 1:40 second track. They took us on a detour in a van filled with 10 people to give us an idea of how the track will look and to show us where the cones will be placed. After that, we sat in the lobby waiting until it was our turn to drive. Everybody had a bad case of butterflies in their stomach. I tried to stay as calm as i could at the moment, making a few jokes here and there to loosen things up. While i was waiting to drive, I probably did 60-100 laps around the track in my head before i got in the car. So when it came my turn to drive after 6 hours, i had already memorized the track. This being my 1st time on a racetrack, I did not breath the entire lap without noticing. I only remember tunnel vision the whole lap. After my lap was over, i was breathing like i had just ran a mile. The instructor looked at me and asked if i had been breathing, i laughed and said " I dont remember". After the adrenalin rush had settled, I realized how slow i actually drove. Even though i was 4th fastest out of the 30 drivers, I was 4 seconds behind 1st place. So its very important to stay composed during stressful situation, specially if you make it to Silverstone.

Ever since then, I have taken every weakness i have and improved them. Because if you dont, It will stick out like a sore thumb in front of the judges. And TRUST me, they will notice.

Cheers guys! Hope my crappy write up will help you guys prepare for the finals. PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[Drew71]

Yaaay woke up and i wasnt bumped out of a spot, Congrats to the CANADIANS, 3 of us were in the top ten and two were even the two fastest in north america.

 

[OutlawQuadrnt]

Final spreadsheet update:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14H3TkMwl1YGgJjX5TsUVmSu8c8FKgcLfs2zM6nNEZsw/pubhtml

2:15.376 was 28th in the USA but based on ineligibles/people not going, the actual final cutoff for 2014 was a 2:15.435 by Armen. Now, there's many things that can happen between today and when the e-mails go out, so those sitting just outside the cutline should not give up hope just yet.

The fact that giving up my spot means that Armen definitely gets to go makes this an easy decision for me. He should've gone last year but didn't thanks to a bad break with his passport. Make the best of it!

We will have races again but I don't know who wants to organize this. I might be able to but my time zone isn't ideal.

 

[GTP_SniperWolph]

I had to get rid of every one off my time trail account so I didn't have to see all these lines everywhere had nothing against you


It will hold not a lot of movement today!

No worries, those lines are distracting. It was fun chasing your ghost, I was up by 2 tenths on your 15.890iish time and I blew it on the easy long left before chicain that was my only shot! Nerves really kill you when getting in front of a ghost

 

[gatordaryl]

Final spreadsheet update:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14H3TkMwl1YGgJjX5TsUVmSu8c8FKgcLfs2zM6nNEZsw/pubhtml

2:15.376 was 28th in the USA but based on ineligibles/people not going, the actual final cutoff for 2014 was a 2:15.435 by Armen. Now, there's many things that can happen between today and when the e-mails go out, so those sitting just outside the cutline should not give up hope just yet.

The fact that giving up my spot means that Armen definitely gets to go makes this an easy decision for me. He should've gone last year but didn't thanks to a bad break with his passport. Make the best of it!

We will have races again but I don't know who wants to organize this. I might be able to but my time zone isn't ideal.

I have the same feeling as you. Had I decided to attend national finals this year, that would mean that @LoCoArMeN would be out ... And that would suck. I'm more than happy to step aside so that someone who truly wants/needs this opportunity to pursue their dream of becoming a professional race car driver.

With that said, I will be looking forward to the practice races that precede the national finals. IMO, those races are some of the most intense ones I have been apart of in years past.

Congrats to all those that have qualified. To those that are 29th, 30th, etc ... Hang in there, there is likely to be at least 1 person that can't make it to the finals for some reason. Keep your schedule flexible just in case you do get the email with the invitation to the finals ... it will likely be very last minute.

 

[physans]

Broken dreams. Been at this since roughly 5pm, shortly after the NASCAR race ended. Doing 1 hour stints with 15 minute breaks in between, so about 9 hours of intense hot lapping, hoping for that one magical lap. With each passing hour, I could see my hopes of becoming a finalist slowly diminishing, yet I pushed on. Was up on my ghost by as much as .300 but just couldn't string it all together. I'm not going to lie, the last half hour was spent driving with tears in my eyes as I knew the end was near, but yet I pushed on, continually wiping my eyes just so I could see, hoping for a miracle. It just wasn't meant to be. I done all I could, pushed myself further than I have ever pushed before, which only makes the heartbreak that much more worse. I really had high hopes for this year to at least make it close, but as it looks, I was still about .600 off the pace from making it in. I guess there is always next year, but with father time and my health working against me, my time is limited. If there is any positives to take from this, I did learn a few things from this experience which should serve me well in the future. Thanks to all who have lent their time and knowledge in helping me along this year...I greatly appreciate it and couldn't have gotten as far as I did without your help.

Congrats to those that made it in, a job well done and I really admire you all for what you have been able to accomplish. Good luck to you all the rest of the way, keep pushing as the competition has only just begun. You all have alot to be proud of and whoever it is that makes it through to the life long dream spot will surely deserve it.

So until next time my good friends, keep your foot down and keep reaching for the stars. Stay fast.

My final stats.
Time: 2'16.441
Regional: 132nd
World: 1,246th
Kilometers Driven: 6,256

Same boat my friend. I appreciate your post (and your pain)!

 

[Danimal780]

One thing I wouldn't mind seeing next year is sector time tracking, to get an idea of potential top times vs. Actual

 

[SileightyCyrus]

Anyone else in the top 28 have absolutely no real life experience?

 

[LoCoArMeN]

Final spreadsheet update:


The fact that giving up my spot means that Armen definitely gets to go makes this an easy decision for me. He should've gone last year but didn't thanks to a bad break with his passport. Make the best of it!

Ahh, thanks brotha! I remember when you, Tim, and myself went to get a few drinks after the whole thing was over. Ahhhhh, Good times. Richard, i really hope one of these days you give it a serious try though.

I have the same feeling as you. Had I decided to attend national finals this year, that would mean that @LoCoArMeN would be out ... And that would suck. I'm more than happy to step aside so that someone who truly wants/needs this opportunity to pursue their dream of becoming a professional race car driver.

Thanks a lot Daryl, It's a bitter sweet feeling that you guys step aside for me. That is very humble of you guys. It will not go unappreciated.

 

[TRL_Importlife]

Yeah shout out to @gatordaryl for giving me his spot last year this
Year I qualified with out having to have people back out what a good felling

 

[OutlawQuadrnt]

Ahh, thanks brotha! I remember when you, Tim, and myself went to get a few drinks after the whole thing was over. Ahhhhh, Good times. Richard, i really hope one of these days you give it a serious try though.



Thanks a lot Daryl, It's a bitter sweet feeling that you guys step aside for me. That is very humble of you guys. It will not go unappreciated.

If I can ever find affordable seat time. Getting in shape is well within my control but with other things in my life to pay for, financing Academy continues to be the biggest challenge. If everything falls into place, though, I would go again just to prove that a little preparation goes a long way.

I hope that you'll get a few practice races under your belt, though. I'd rather see you chilling at the end of Finals rather than fighting for the final spots for Silverstone. Now that everyone knows that real cars are part of the equation, more people will be ready this time.

 

[TRC Scooty]

If I can ever find affordable seat time.

I've told you before and I'll tell you again. Autocross. My first run of my first event was the most candy ass abysmal show of driving you've ever seen. By the end of the day I was driving like a mad man. By my fifth event I was winning overall. Get a couple of events under your belt and you'll be more than equipped to perform behind the wheel. Of course actual track time would be preferred, but take what you can get.


Good luck to the 2014 qualifiers!

 

[Drew71]

d. A current or previous National A or superior MSA license or equivalent in another Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) recognized ASN; or

e. Competed in a national level Karting Championship for more than two full seasons.


WELLLLLL I about pooped myself with seeing these words last night. But then I found out I do not have a National A licence , and Canada doesn't have a National Level Karting championship SEASON. only regional with one national race per year. Makes feel way better knowing im good to go.

 

[OutlawQuadrnt]

I've told you before and I'll tell you again. Autocross. My first run of my first event was the most candy ass abysmal show of driving you've ever seen. By the end of the day I was driving like a mad man. By my fifth event I was winning overall. Get a couple of events under your belt and you'll be more than equipped to perform behind the wheel. Of course actual track time would be preferred, but take what you can get.

Just need the right car for that. My current car apparently isn't up to that since I had to repair the front boots at just 50k. I'm already saving up for something that can survive semi-regular use. I'm not exactly mechanically inclined... yet.

 

[scca_ziptie]

Just need the right car for that. My current car apparently isn't up to that since I had to repair the front boots at just 50k. I'm already saving up for something that can survive semi-regular use. I'm not exactly mechanically inclined... yet.

As much as I dislike the car, a Mazda Miata is quite cheap and easy on maintenance. Also makes for a decent auto cross car. My R32, not so much.

 

[TRL_Importlife]

d. A current or previous National A or superior MSA license or equivalent in another Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) recognized ASN; or

e. Competed in a national level Karting Championship for more than two full seasons.


WELLLLLL I about pooped myself with seeing these words last night. But then I found out I do not have a National A licence , and Canada doesn't have a National Level Karting championship SEASON. only regional with one national race per year. Makes feel way better knowing im good to go.

It states in the rules as you posted current or previous national a or superior MsA or equivalent to those!!!! Just because
They didn't post ever single license ECT doesn't mean there aloud if I were you just to be safe shot them an email
And ask you got nothing to lose but so much to gain ....and there is a national karting series in Canada it's called eckc

If I'm mistaken you mentioned this on a forum ..."I am a pro-driver, iv won many national championships" I have been racing karts all over Canada for 9 years........

NOKC Senior Rotax Championship winner "Andrew Waring" aka drew71 attended the Bridgestone Cup in 2011, with the other champions electing to use their sponsorship to run at the 2012 Florida Winter Tour. After an incredible experience by Waring in Italy, the NOKC has decided to continue to award a trip to Italy for the 2012 season. The Bridgestone Cup is set for October 26-28, 2012 in Lonato, Italy while the Rok Cup International Final is scheduled for the weekend prior, October 19-20, 2012 at the same South Garda facility. This unprecedented award package will see NOKC champions compete in Italy against some of the best drivers in the world.

Here is just to name a few

Clubman, national b, national a, kart clubman,kart national b, kart national a, kart Int'l

 

[OutlawQuadrnt]

As much as I dislike the car, a Mazda Miata is quite cheap and easy on maintenance. Also makes for a decent auto cross car. My R32, not so much.

I crossed off the Miata for one reason; I don't fit. Sat in a few older ones and the newest one and each one forced my legs to go around the wheel. It's something I could manage if it wasn't for my wide feet. Trying to work the pedals in such a small box would mean ditching the shoes and use my toes. Barely made it work during Finals but I'd rather not try it in real life.

Used RWD with a stick would work. If something ever happened to my Legacy, I have been eyeing the new regular WRX as my replacement.

 

[scca_ziptie]

I crossed off the Miata for one reason; I don't fit. Sat in a few older ones and the newest one and each one forced my legs to go around the wheel. It's something I could manage if it wasn't for my wide feet. Trying to work the pedals in such a small box would mean ditching the shoes and use my toes. Barely made it work during Finals but I'd rather not try it in real life.

Used RWD with a stick would work. If something ever happened to my Legacy, I have been eyeing the new regular WRX as my replacement.

Copy. Only problem with the wrx is awd - under steering pig (just like my R32).

 

[OutlawQuadrnt]

Copy. Only problem with the wrx is awd - under steering pig (just like my R32).

Yes, have the same problem with my Legacy. Pushy nose, underpowered, squishy brakes and body rolls like a boat. There was one day, however, when I made her oversteer into a downhill hairpin entrance ramp by trail braking into it. Scary but fun.

I would probably go RWD because the only extended experience driving one was with a 87 Ford Aerostar. Immensly unreliable and frightening to push past 70 but I remember wagging its big butt, mostly by accident.

 

[Gojet]

When should I expect to receive an email? I'm kind of worried that something may not have gone through correctly, and I just want to be sure I'm in right now...

 

[Drew71]

It states in the rules as you posted current or previous national a or superior MsA or equivalent to those!!!! Just because
They didn't post ever single license ECT doesn't mean there aloud if I were you just to be safe shot them an email
And ask you got nothing to lose but so much to gain ....and there is a national karting series in Canada it's called eckc

If I'm mistaken you mentioned this on a forum ..."I am a pro-driver, iv won many national championships" I have been racing karts all over Canada for 9 years

Here is just to name a few

Clubman, national b, national a, kart clubman,kart national b, kart national a, kart Int'l

Well i understand what your saying and what not, ECKC is not a national Karting series it is only held in Ontario (when i competed in it 2010) making it Regional. Also the National Championships, are a single event not a "SEASON". Plus the licence i posses in cars is a licence anyone can get by doing a school and paying a 400 Dollar fee. Also the rules for this are very specific and clear on most things so why would they skip out on the licence, as far as im concerned i don't have a National A licence thus im ok.

I was talking to Season One silverstone finalist Choate51 (steve driscol) and he said that the national karting thing is more based towards the Euro guys. Plus S1 GTA finalist Phil Arscott has actually been further then me in terms of karting.

Im hoping we get these emails soon so i can discuss these terms with the organizers.

 

[TRL_Importlife]

When should I expect to receive an email? I'm kind of worried that something may not have gone through correctly, and I just want to be sure I'm in right now...

It's take up to 7-10days!

 

[TRL_Importlife]

Well i understand what your saying and what not, ECKC is not a national Karting series it is only held in Ontario (when i competed in it 2010) making it Regional. Also the National Championships, are a single event not a "SEASON". Plus the licence i posses in cars is a licence anyone can get by doing a school and paying a 400 Dollar fee. Also the rules for this are very specific and clear on most things so why would they skip out on the licence, as far as im concerned i don't have a National A licence thus im ok.

I was talking to Season One silverstone finalist Choate51 (steve driscol) and he said that the national karting thing is more based towards the Euro guys. Plus S1 GTA finalist Phil Arscott has actually been further then me in terms of karting.

Im hoping we get these emails soon so i can discuss these terms with the organizers.

That was back in 2011-2012 GTA they let a lot of things slid back then now 2013-2014 is a lot different from the past years rules trust me I have nothing to gain if you think I'm making all this up just send GTA rep an email and ask you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by asking them, there also going do back ground checks & blood and piss test ....

 

[Drew71]

That was back in 2011-2012 GTA they let a lot of things slid back then now 2013-2014 is a lot different from the past years rules trust me I have nothing to gain if you think I'm making all this up just send GTA rep an email and ask you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by asking them, there also going do back ground checks & blood and piss test ....

No i understand, and those two things arnt a problem, but to contact them i need this email haha

 

[scca_ziptie]

No i understand, and those two things arnt a problem, but to contact them i need this email haha

Send them a private message on the official GT Academy Facebook page. They get back to you typically within hours.. 👍

also going do back ground checks & blood and piss test ....

Not to sound bitter or awful - but I am hoping some people really F'd this part up so I can have a slim hope of going. This year seemed to be one of "the" years to make it in..

 

[tguns16]

Blood tests...piss tests...man, my chances seemed to have improved. lol. Since I'm sitting 29th on the adjusted list, this could be my year to make it in!

hope and pray...all I can do at this point.

 

[Drew71]

I actually love the fact they are going to do that.

I did also write them, thanks for the help

 

[iGoFast]

Drew71 I truly hope this doesn't come off as rude, but this competition is designed to take someone from virtual to reality. As a self proclaimed (from what I've seen) pro driver who has won several national events, would you really want to take the chance away from someone who may never have a shot at going pro without this? Almost seems as if you are trying to squeeze in on a loophole to something you are over qualified for. Karting even locally is ridiculously expensive, I would imagine that travelling the country for 9 years to kart means that you (or a parent) is quite well off and likely able to make it in the race world without the aid of an event aimed at amatures. If it were me, I would feel guilty robbing someone of the dream that I was already living. Major cudos to you for accomplishing what you have, but give someone else a chance too!