Gingerman experience 4/15/05-4/17/05

[tyfoon]

Joined the Michigan NCCC (Corvette) club event with my basically stock GTO this past weekend at Gingerman. Lapped the course about 60 times during the three day event. As others have pointed out, Gingerman is a very safe track.

Friday was driver education and test/tune and Saturday and Sunday were more test/tune and timed points events. There were eight timed laps on both Saturday and Sunday. You get a running start (from turn 11 exit to pits) and timing equipment near middle of the turn 11 to turn 1 straight. Exit after each lap on turn 1 (that is usually the entrance to the track). Then wait in line for next timed lap.

Over 10 laps at a time was pushing the stock brakes. With exception of Friday, I limited my test/tune laps to 5 or 6. Better brakes, shocks and lowering springs would have helped. Was running on stock sized Kumho Victoracers.

Best time was 106 seconds (one minute, 46 seconds). I was the only non-Corvette competing in the timed events.

[goatlover]

I was wondering if someone on this board was out there! I failed to make it but my friend was out there on Sunday and told me about a "stock" GTO. How'd you do in the class you were in? What class did they run you in? Have you been there before?

Did you run the stock pads or different ones? How'd the suspension feel going around those corners? Have you been to that track before? Do you make it down to Mid-Ohio?

Sorry for all the questions- It's just great to hear about a track I've been to before and can relate.

[tyfoon]

I was wondering if someone on this board was out there! I failed to make it but my friend was out there on Sunday and told me about a "stock" GTO. How'd you do in the class you were in? What class did they run you in? Have you been there before?

Did you run the stock pads or different ones? How'd the suspension feel going around those corners? Have you been to that track before? Do you make it down to Mid-Ohio?

Sorry for all the questions- It's just great to hear about a track I've been to before and can relate.

Ran in the GTO class :) Actually, they classed the GTO as a "metal" car. Get no NCCC points. On Saturday ran last. On Sunday ran with first group of cars since we had to leave early to drive back to Cleveland.

Never been to Gingerman before. Stock brake pads. Have SLP rear anti sway bar (only mod). Suspension was OK for stock but would make improvements to shocks and springs if I continue to track. Too much body lean for my taste. Used to my Corvette which is lowered and has penske shocks.

First time that I ran the GTO at any track. Bought it mid February. Now has 3000 miles, about 800 coming from the trip to/from Gingerman and track time.

Never been to Mid-Ohio. Will have to make the trip down there one of these days.

[Shu]

very nice! Next time any midwest goat owners are going to Gingerman let me know!

[MIGoat]

very nice! Next time any midwest goat owners are going to Gingerman let me know!

Same here!

[Trapper]

The only time I ever saw "cars" running at Gingerman, it was enduro style go karts. The track looked incredibly tight for a "real" car. What gear did you ever get into at the event? I have stayed away based upon it appearring to be a parking lot autocross without the parking lot.

[tyfoon]

The only time I ever saw "cars" running at Gingerman, it was enduro style go karts. The track looked incredibly tight for a "real" car. What gear did you ever get into at the event? I have stayed away based upon it appearring to be a parking lot autocross without the parking lot.


Because of the relatively short straight portions of the track there is no way you can reach the speed that you see at other tracks (as you can tell from my time). It is a very "safe" track. No concrete or tire walls. I was seeing a maximum of about 100mph in the GTO. Third gear is about all you need to run the track. Depending on how you take the corners into the straights, you will have to shift to fourth near the end of the straights.

I can see how you could compare Gingerman to a autocross course. But I still had a good time.