Calabogie celebration weekend - Oct 14-15 2006

[observer]

The Motorsport Club of Ottawa is hosting a weekend in celebration of the opening of Calabogie Motorsport Park, Oct 14-15, 2006.

Off track activities on Saturday include show-n-shine and kart demonstration event. On track activities include marque parade, ride-alongs for visitors and lots of lapping in 5 run groups. The day will be topped off by a beef BBQ

Sunday is lapping, lapping, lapping in 4 run groups.
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Track Groups:
1. Touring - paced tour of the track, shorter sessions.
2. Performance A - novice lapping, full sessions.
3. Performance B - Advanced lapping, full sessions.
4. Performance C - closed wheel race vehicles, full sessions.
5. Performance D - open wheel race vehicles, full sessions.

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Pricing:
- spectators: free admittance.
- BBQ: $25 per person, plus ride-along tour of the track.
- Touring Group: $50, includes BBQ.
- Performance Groups: $150 per day or $250 for weekend. Includes BBQ.

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Preliminary Schedule
Saturday Oct 14:
Facility opens 7:00AM
Mandatory Drivers Meeting 8:30AM
On-track activities start at 9:00AM
9:00AM Touring
Performance A
Performance B
Performance C - Closed Wheel
Performance D - Open Wheel
Performance A
Performance B
Performance C - Closed Wheel
Performance D - Open Wheel
Lunch, parade laps, off-track presentations
1:00PM Touring
Performance A
Performance B
Performance C - Closed Wheel
Performance D - Open Wheel
Performance A
Performance B
Performance C - Closed Wheel
Performance D - Open Wheel
5:00PM BBQ

Sunday Oct 15:
Facility opens 7:00AM
Mandatory Drivers Meeting 8:30AM
On-track activities start at 9:00AM
9:00AM Performance A
Performance B
Performance C - Closed Wheel
Performance D - Open Wheel
Performance A
Performance B
Performance C - Closed Wheel
Performance D - Open Wheel
Lunch
1:00PM Performance A
Performance B
Performance C - Closed Wheel
Performance D - Open Wheel
Performance A
Performance B
Performance C - Closed Wheel
Performance D - Open Wheel

Again, this is preliminary; for Sunday the goal is to have groups running all day, so there may be more sessions that indicated, depending on how smoothly everything is running. Sessions are likely to be 20-30 minutes.

Lunches: hotdogs, hamburgers, drinks for nominal prices.

Cars will be self-teched. Convertables in Performance groups require rollover protection. Helmets are mandatory in Performance groups.

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Directions from Toronto:
Highway 401 East to Belleville, 3rd Exit Hwy 37 N through Tweed to Hwy 7; right on Hwy 7 to 1st set of traffic lights at Perth; left onto Highway 511 through to Calabogie. Wilson Farm Road is on the right side as you enter Calabogie. The facility is 2 kilometers down the Wilson Farm Road.

Directions from Ottawa/Montreal:
Highway 417 West, continue past Arnprior
approx 7 kilometers; turn left onto Calabogie Road (Hwy 508) to Calabogie. As you enter Calabogie, turn left on Highway 511. Four kilometers out of Calabogie, turn left on Wilson Farm Road. The facility is 2 kilometers down the Wilson Farm Road.

From Montreal:
Highway 40 West to Hwy 417 at border continuing to Ottawa.

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Link to registration, payment, other details will be here:
http://www.mco.org/cms/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=81

I'll be at Mosport this weekend (driver: GT-D #223; crew: FF1600 #37) , if you would like to discuss.

Thanks,
-r.
Richard Muise
assistant organizer
observer@IntelligentSand.com

[RedRabbit Racer]

if two drivers arrive in one car, is there any splitting of an entry?

[observer]

if two drivers arrive in one car, is there any splitting of an entry?

The fee would be per car per group. So if you are sharing the same car in the same group for the weekend, it would be $125 per person (i.e $250 for the car) since you would only have half the track time.

If you are in different groups, then it's the full fee, each. I.e. if one drove in Group A, the other in Group B, then each would pay the $250 for the weekend.

That keeps the track time per $ the same.

I haven't checked with the registrar on how we will handle the paperwork for this, but I suspect it will be easier if just one person registers the car for each group.

-r.

[RedRabbit Racer]

thanks for the clarification

[oldguy]

How much of the road into the track is dirt ?

[gkierst]

How much of the road into the track is dirt ?

None, the ~2 Km driveway and paddocks have been paved. We were updated at last night's MCO meeting. All safety barriers and curbing will also be in place for the event.

Regards,
Greg

[Carguy]

None, the ~2 Km driveway and paddocks have been paved. We were updated at last night's MCO meeting. All safety barriers and curbing will also be in place for the event.

Regards,
Greg

Paved paddocks, good... Curbing, good... :)

Most if not all the safety barriers were in place on Labor Day weekend. :)

Thanks for the update Greg.

[oldguy]

Glad to hear about the paved access... so now just the layout of the track will remind me of Shubenacadie !

Paved paddocks, good... Curbing, good... :)

Most if not all the safety barriers were in place on Labor Day weekend. :)

Thanks for the update Greg.

[sjagman]

Ie there camping on site Friday and Saturday night?
showers, etc open yet?

Thanks
Steve

[John Powell]

I already asked that question, and the answer is about halway down this page on the MCO forum: http://www.mco.org/cms/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5732&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60 There's also lots of other general information about the event on this thread too, so come on out and have some fun. :D

[gkierst]

Here is an Ottawa Citizen article (http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/business/story.html?id=ccc03cbc-71a8-41ed-829f-b5cbd16964b1) on the Calabogie Motorsports Park pre-opening test day. Also, I took a few pictures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/19427066@N00/).

Regards,
Greg

[Cabrio]

Could you please clarify "...Convertables in Performance groups require rollover protection..."? Did you mean a roll cage? I have a e46 cab and the roll bars deploy automatically when the car tilts. Otherwise it is hidden.

I'll keep the top up or put on the hardtop if I have to.

How will I be classfied? I am by no means advanced, but I have been lapping for 2 years now.

[gkierst]

Could you please clarify "...Convertables in Performance groups require rollover protection..."? Did you mean a roll cage? I have a e46 cab and the roll bars deploy automatically when the car tilts. Underwise it is hidden.

I'll keep the top up or put on the hardtop if I have to.

How will I be classfied? I am by no means advanced, but I have been lapping for 2 years now.

No rollover protection is required for the touring group, which will consist of parade lap sessions.

In all performance categories convertibles will need to have a rollbar meeting the requirements in section 2.5 of the SoloSprint regulations found here (http://soloontario.com/forms/2006%20SoloSprint%20Rules.pdf).

Regards,
Greg

[gkierst]

Here is an Ottawa Citizen article (http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/business/story.html?id=ccc03cbc-71a8-41ed-829f-b5cbd16964b1) on the Calabogie Motorsports Park pre-opening test day. Also, I took a few pictures (http://www.flickr.com/photos/19427066@N00/).

Regards,
Greg

This is about a week old, but here is an A-Channel news piece (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lQAjoulYko) on the track.

Greg

[rmicroys]

Just a heads up to the racers planning on attending. This may not have been clearly communicated at all, but calabogie has noise restrictions. As I was there on Monday, this is the TRACK'S PROCEDURES, and not imposed by the organizing club.

There is a static test, basically in the paddock, they make you rev the engine blipping the throttle three times quickly to 2/3 of your redline and measure your sound level from the front and rear. If I recall correctly, anything under 95dB is considered a pass. over 95 and you may be allowed on the track but you will be monitored and if you are perceived to be too loud you will be black flagged. It really doesn't matter what 'number' I quote you to meet, as it is subjective. If the operations manager thinks your car is too loud, then it is too loud. The driver will then either have to moderate the throttle to keep revs/sound down, or be asked to come off the track and attempt some additional form of quieting. ie, cars with open pipes are going to have a challenging time to stay on the track.

Again, this is not mandated by MCO, it's a track thing. So... you've been warned.

FWIW: Their tests had our Integra at 92dB front 82 rear and our Jetta GLI (1.8T) at 91 front, 81 rear. Both cars have cold air intakes and OEM exhausts. We didn't have any issues with sound levels - though other Hondas did. A Z06 was measured at 103dB (supposedly stock) and was too loud for the track.

So, I recommend that any racecar coming up this weekend do their best to fit a muffler on their car - or one may find challenges ahead on the weekend. Don't get your knickers in a twist over this - it is part of the new environment we live in. If you want to play, be reasonable, do it their way. Seriously the track is fun, and the effort is worthwhile. Also, it will give you a chance to make sure you get it right now for next year's race there. I have already put another muffler on my Jetta. I hope it is quiet enough. Now, I'm a bit worried about the intake noise side, as I have open filter twin mikuni carbs and they howl...

[fastnx]

I wish they had said something about this earlier. I may have to cancel this weekend.

[rmicroys]

Unfortunately, they didn't know about this back when it was announced in September - and it has only really become apparent in about the last weekend since people have been able to rent the track and cars have come out since the grand opening. A supertrap would be a really easy way to fix most cars. I did manage to get a dynomax ultraflow ss mated up to my car... hope it is quiet enough...

[gkierst]

I've posted a few pictures from the event here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steponit/sets/).

Regards,
Greg

[Rob McAuley]

What a gorgeous track!

It looks first class all the way - right down to the landscaping at pit-out.

Any other comments on the track?

[DavidW]

Rob the track is awesome. The designer made good use of the terrain. Most of the corners require planning of line for the next corner entry.

I heard a couple people grumping about blind brows and lack of run-off room in some corners. Yes this track can bite you. It isn't built to FIA specs.

We had a good time (would have liked more track time) and I'm looking forward to going back.

[Rob McAuley]

So what's the best way to get there from the west?

Google and MapQuest route me through Denbigh and Calabogie Rd, but taking #7 all the way to Perth & 511 looks faster.

BTW, I'll be towing, so the twistie roads will not be more fun.

What's the concensus?

[DavidW]

So what's the best way to get there from the west?

Google and MapQuest route me through Denbigh and Calabogie Rd, but taking #7 all the way to Perth & 511 looks faster.

BTW, I'll be towing, so the twistie roads will not be more fun.

What's the concensus?

I towed from ORF. I used 401 to Belleville, 37 to 7, 7 to Perth and 511 to Calabogie. Straightforward and not bad towing. (Other than the rain, sleet, snow and gale force winds on Friday)

The couple gas stations on 511 were not big enough to get the motorhome and trailer in, so consider Perth as a refueling point. Wilson Farm Road was very easy to miss coming from the south in the dark.

[ScotcH]

So what's the best way to get there from the west?

Google and MapQuest route me through Denbigh and Calabogie Rd, but taking #7 all the way to Perth & 511 looks faster.

BTW, I'll be towing, so the twistie roads will not be more fun.

What's the concensus?

Yes, #7 to the 511. 511 is VERY twisty, but if I can manage it in my van, you should be ok. Definitly heed the speed limit "suggestions" on corners :) There is not much of a sign for Willson Farm road or the track, so once you start seeing election signs and a boat launch area, you're about 2 minutes from the turnoff.

The track is fantastic, but you don't realize this until your 2nd or 3rd DAY there ... it's just too much to absorb right away, but once you get comfortable with the layout, the potential for FUN really opens up! Of course, you've driven the 'ring, so I'm sure a measly 22 turns will be nothing for you ;)

Yeah ... what David said :)

[DavidW]

ScotcH has a very valid point about the corner speeds on 511. Some would have been a blast in the sports car but were breath-holders in the motorhome.

[silverfox]

May I thank all of the folks who came from afar to attend The Motorsport Club of Ottawa's "Goodwood in the Valley -- Calabogie 2006". The feedback we have received has been, for the most part, positive. It was a success.

We had people from all over! Most everyone said they had a good time, and that was our goal. Certainly there were challenges, as we knew there would be. Certainly, we made mistakes, but we have learned from each one!

On Saturday we had well over 1000 people on site -- close to 200 cars -- everything from vintage Lotus to Corvette Z06s -- and it went well, thanks to a very dedicated group of volunteers. And on Sunday, another 50 or so cars, and the track time and speed built upwards!

It wasn't perfect! In particular, the issue of db sound measurement, certainly caused some consternation for a minority of participants. I was consistent on MCO's web site for the past four weeks: arrive with your car as quiet as you can -- what's not to understand?

But "it is what it is"! And, MCO intends to build our events in harmony with the CMP track (awesome), and the community -- warm and welcoming.

My personal opinion is that the racing community needs to demonstrae leadership on this issue. I think we should have sound limits for ALL cars at all tracks! It's the future, and as a leading edge sport, I believe we should be 'cutting edge' on key issues such as these. We need to be good corporate citizens within the communities in which we play.

Let me say how gratified and pleased I was to see how individuals adapted; fixed their cars so they could enjoy this beautiful 5km race track; simply, just got on with it. Thanks...you make all the hard work worthwhile.

Sure, there were a few who 'whined-and-moaned" -- generally the hard-core' racer-type, and a few cars simply could not make the db number -- which is ~95 at 2/3rds rpm -- but that is what we need to do.

MCO is planning it's Ted Powell Race Weekend -- part of the Ontario Regional Championship -- next July 27-29, 2007. Plan to be there. Plan to make you race car quieter than it is now. We, of course, will lobby for an exemption weekend, however, MCO's philosophy remains focussed; to respect, and do what is required, to organize events that are fun, safe and in harmony with the community of Calabogie.

For those of you who came up from the GTA, I know you loved the track, and enjoyed the event. You have a leg-up on the competition for July of next year.

MCO is planning a full slate of acitivity at Calabogie Motorsport Park -- www.CalabogieMotorsportsPark.com -- in 2007.

Visit www.mco.org for on-going up-dates, concerning our events, and the track itself. In fact, on Monday, CMP were hard at it again, putting in new apex curbing; people protectors in the long pit lane; and other improvements. Even the 2km road into the track is a joy -- paved, smooth and lovely. Hello, Mt. Tremblant?

I would be only to happy to help, answer questions, and assist anyone who is planning to attend our Ted Powell Race Weekend next July. We also have a SoloSprint planned for July 7/8, 2007.

Yours in motorsport.

Ronald Woltman
The Motorsport Club of Ottawa
Organizer
"Goodwood in the Valley -- Calabogie 2006"
Oct. 14/15, 2006.

[ScotcH]

Calabogie Motorsport Park -- www.CalabogieMotorsportsPark.com -- in 2007.



Just so noone thinks the track has closed down, the correct URL is: www.CalabogieMotorsports.com :)

[silverfox]

Arek:

Quite so; I am still not used to that! Thank you for the correction...

Ronald Woltman

[John Powell]

For those interested in giving some constructive criticism and suggestions, there is an unofficial thread on the MCO forum here: http://www.mco.org/cms/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5884 in which you can post your comments.

[silverfox]

As Mr. Powell says, "your comments, suggestions, and constructive criticism" are welcome on the MCO web site www.mco.org We will be looking at them all, and acting accordingly. Personal comments can be sent directly to xracer@rogers.com.

Thanks

Ronald Woltman

[John Powell]

Geez, Ron, why so formal? You usually call me "senior citizen" or just plain "the old fart". ;)

[silverfox]

From the MCO web site Forum....

First, The MCO will ask for an "exemption" for next year's Ted Powell Memorial Race Weekend (July 27-29, 2007). That's a commitment!

The Ted Powell is on the Ontario Region provisional calendar; our event will form part of the Ontario Regional Race calendar in 2007.

MCO will be meeting with TrackCorp -- owners of Calabogie Motorsports Park -- very soon, to review our most recent event, and talk about next year's events!!

I imagine, however, vis-a-vis db numbers, they will not be unlimited! We will communicate that number and requirement as soon as we know.

My personal view respecting the "noise" issue remains as before. We, as a "leading edge" sport should be "leading edge', as it relates to community concerns, noise pollution, and the environment.

Let me say again. MCO will ask for an exemption; we will communicate the requirements as soon as we can; far and wide. There will be no confusion. Folks should, of course, watch the web site of the Club responsible for organizing an event, rather than relying upon hear-say, or second-hand information.

Let me remind everyone who attended "Goodwood in the Valley", esp., those who had to tune/adjust/modify their cars, that a hard db number is sometimes empheral....and ever-changing, depending on a host of other factors. Please, I don't want a dissertation about testing procedures/protocol et al: I understand the issues and concerns. But, it is what it is.

But, once again, I believe, as a racer community we need to be leaders! Lets try to quiet our race cars as best we can....not only for Calabogie, but Mosport, Shannonville, etc. When I was at Mosport for Celebration, I found at least 50-60% of the race cars hurtful to my ear (no db meter needed). I don't wear earplugs!!

The track has been signed off by Gunter Schmidt, Race Director of Ontario Region. Also, Roger Peart, President of ASN Canada FIA, visited the circuit, and made some recommendations, which they have/will implement. I will verify -- rather than speculate -- if ASN Canada has signed off on the circuit.

I do know that changes, upgrades, clearing, grading, pit wall protection, and more, is on-going, and constant. The track is a work-in-progress....and will only get better.

More to come....watch this space.

Ronald Woltman
Past President, MCO
Organizer
"Goodwood in the Valley -- Calabogie 2006"

[Track Mom]

Was up to the track on the weekend and worked the Grids on Saturday afternoon. I was very impressed with the size of the Grid area. I think that a really large grid would be no problem. My only concern, (and I think we were actually gridding backwards) was that some of our regional guys with short turning radius would have a problem if the gridding was done in the direction we used on Saturday. If the cars were going onto pit lane in the opposite direction there shouldn't be any problem at all.

While I'm at it, I (and two of the Grid Crew) were lucky enough to get out on a ride a lunch time around the track. It is beautiful, I know I don't know all the technical stuff you drivers know, but it is a very demanding track I can see that.

Thank you MCO for putting on this weekend, and to Ron I'm sorry about the mix up.

Pat McDiarmid, Steve Villeneuve, Ruth Villeneuve
(BARC Grid Team)

[silverfox]

Thanks for comments, and glad you enjoyed the rides. We will review ingress/egress for pit area to determine the best accessibility.
Ronald Woltman