In the slalom section I've set the cones 32 feet apart. Is this enough? Is there a standard width? I measured it out in my driveway and it looked fine but the other guys that I'm working with this month thought it might be too tight.

Here is my course map btw.
[***Edit***] August BCC Course Map.jpg
[/***edit***]
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2002 SS Vert:
SOM - Hurst - black leather - 12 disk changer - SLP dual center exhaust & grill insert

88 Camaro - FOR SALE
License plate - STRKIN (STROKIN was taken of course)
383 stroker
T350 trans (just rebuilt - 4/1/02) - shifts very hard.
373 rear.
Eibach(type) springs
Stiff sway bars Front & Rear
Air shocks in rear
Edelbrock Torker II Manifold
Edelbrock Performer 600CFM carb (w/tune kit)
Mallory 4309 Fuel pressure regulator.
shorty headers into true duals into two big flowmasters under the bumper into your face

When I start my car in the morning, my neighbors DO think the world is coming to an end!

[This message has been edited by 2002Z28SSConv (edited August 06, 2002).]

 

The slaloms that I've paced off this year have all been a little longer, more like 40 - 45 ft. Wide enough that I haven't felt badly cramped even in my 108" WB Malibu

But you don't have to change the spacing to affect the way it drives, so you wouldn't have to redesign the whole course to open it up a little through the slalom. Just offset the cones a little to open the path through that section a little bit. Only a foot of clear track as you sight down the slalom will make a noticeable difference. Set it up in an empty lot and drive it yourself to see, first with zero offset gates, then open them up by 1'. You shouldn't have to do this it in full competition mode to get some idea of how it will drive on the day of the event. If it feels at all clumsy, needs a little too much steering lock, or wants 1st gear, then it's probably too tight. Remember that in competition you'll need more steering lock and will have less time to get it done. (If you then want to torture yourself a little, try it again with 1' of overlap.)

Norm



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'79 Malibu, way not stock (355, 5 speed, . . .)
'95 Mazda 626 V6 5 speed, not entirely stock either
'01 20th AE Maxima, 5 speed, stock (so far)

 

I cant see your map the link is not working for me. I would not worry. It would be worth pacing off though. If it feels just a little bit tight then tighten it up. Then add another slalom that is spread out more.
They are all diferent for a reason. Variety is the name of the game. Did you check out Roger Johnsons wright up on course design? It could be helpful.
Also dont sweat it everyone will have a good time.

 

I say start em at 50 ft for the first 2, then end with 35 ft 4 back and fourth motions...You can go into it hot and maybe you'll see more "tail-waggage" aye? Fun for the crowd and it'll keep everyone on thier toes after the first run!! Goodluck man!

You should have seen the SCCA course at the Palace Of Auburn Hills here in Detroit...it took on average 1:40 to finish it!!! On average they are usually only 35 to 40 seconds fyi...later man!

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Denny Villemure
1989 Camaro IROC-Z Convertible, 305 TPI, 2.73 Gear, Flowmaster 2 chamber. 15.60 on motor, 14.20 on a 75 shot from NX. Woo hoo!
www.denny.cz28.com

 

Good point about the offset. I'll keep that in mind. I also think I'll set up a 32' wide slalom on a back road by my house and try it out tomorrow.


*** edit - It seems to be working . Try again. ***

I'll look for Roger Johnson's write up. Is that here in this forum somewhere?

I have been begged bt many people to open it up and have good flow. Most of the time the designers are Miata, Mini, VW, or Honda drivers. They seem to make it just wide enough for their cars to squeeze through. The larger cars (Vette, FBody, BMW) never get out of 1st gear. Also there is not much thought put into the course. It's choppy and has no rythm. I'm trying to make this month different.

35 - 40 seconds ? That sucks man! We hardly ever go under a minute. Seat time is why we do it.

Thanks for the ideas guys.

[This message has been edited by 2002Z28SSConv (edited August 05, 2002).]

 

SCCA minimum is 45 feet between slalom cones, or a manuver that could be considered a slalom. You'd never make 35 foot slalom cones unless you were crawling, and nobody would be at all happy about it.

I'd recommend a minimum slalom spacing of 50 feet. I used 53 feet in one of my slaloms this year at the Oscoda, MI ProSolo, and it was not liked by all. But I like to make people think, it was after a 300 foot start straight too!

I can't access the map, so I can't help you on the design aspect.

However, most use too many cones. You don't need gates every 10 feet. Don't be afraid to use pointer cones. Wide gate widths are good too, it lets you pick a line. 15 foot gates are way too tight (and SCCA minimum, maybe 18 now). Mine are usually at least 20, and usually more like 25....

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Sam Strano
('91 1LE/2001 Z28)
Strano Performance Parts
800-729-1831
www.stranoparts.com

 

There's a good link for Solo II Course Design at

http://www.ghg.net/cmjfsl/

I can't remember if it's by Roger Johnson or not. North American Pylon ran a few blurbs from it a few months ago.

Most of the slaloms I prefer end up being 15-20 paces from cone to cone. I would assume that is 45-60 ft. That would be a good 2nd gear slalom for most of us I think. I hate being stuck in 1st gear for long.

Denny,

I remember you. We talked quite a bit in the pits. I had the green '94 Formula.


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Mike Taylor
'94 Formula
Holley cold air, Borla downpipe, Walker UltraFlo catback, BMR STB, BMR PHR, Ground Control coilovers, Bilsteins, 16x9.5 Rikens, Hoosier 275/45/16 A3S03, G2 Torque Arm, Torsen T2R

 

I printed out a copy from some site (forgot how I stumbled across it) and it ran over 100 pages landscape (so the sketches wouldn't get cut off). He's Houston Region SCCA, and listed the following e-mail addresses on the last page:

roger.johnson@sw.boeing.com
rjohnson@ghg.net

 

I read through it tonight at work. Very good stuff. Thanks.

 

Must be nice to surf the internet at work. Did I make a wrong career move?

 

Mike Taylor,
How are you, man? email me maybe. I'll be ready sooner or later for the next Auto-X. I got the entire suspension in my garage ready for install...Entire new steering linkage, Spohn Sway Bars(36/24), Koni Yellow Adjustables, Jamex 1" drop springs, Poly bushings everywhere, Spohn LCA's, LCA Brackets, Adjustable Panhard....should be pretty fun, right? Then maybe I can hang with you in those turns and not be 5 seconds behind half of the field!! later man

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Denny Villemure
1989 Camaro IROC-Z Convertible, 305 TPI, 2.73 Gear, Flowmaster 2 chamber. 15.60 on motor, 14.20 on a 75 shot from NX. Woo hoo!
www.denny.cz28.com