TGPR Time Trials

George Bugg · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 6:11 am Post subject: TGPR Time Trials

We took the BuggBoyZ Racer down to the Talladega Grand Prix Raceway (tgprace.com) for the SEDiv Time Trials this weekend – 1.40 mile road course built primarily for motorcycle racing (somehow seems appropriate…). The F500 record for the “new” configuration was 1:04.46x so that was my target.

I took the first couple of 15 minute sessions easy to make sure my fabrication and assembly skills were really up to snuff, and was running in the 1:10 range. When I was convinced the car wasn’t going to come apart, I slowly started leaning on it a little harder each lap/session. By Sunday morning the weather was near perfect – 75 degrees, bright sunshine, and no wind – so I put it all on the line. After a couple of laps to get the (2-yr old) tires warm, the car just stuck to the track and went wherever I pointed it. It was fantastic! It was incredibly stable, even over the rumble strips. When I got close to the limits, it was a very graceful drift that was easily corrected. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve been in a car that is this easy to drive. Jay’s rear suspension design worked like a charm and didn’t give me any problems all weekend.

I was running without restrictor plates (06-07 GSXR) and a little overweight (890 lbs). I ended up about 0.2 seconds under the F5 record with a 1:04.2xx lap time. I was very happy with the car and the performance. It was good to be back in a race car after a 2 year break! I’ve got a couple of things left on my to-do list, but am REALLY looking forward to Road ATL in May!!

Thanks to Jay, Chris, Jim, Clint, and Dan for all the encouragement, help, and advice.

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George Bugg
NovaKBS F600 #86

WCM McMahan · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 6:25 am Post subject:

who has the F5 record?

George Bugg · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:01 am Post subject:

David Junghans set it a couple of years ago. We don't have many F500s in TTs these days. Seems like you were right at the 1 minute mark on the old track. Best I ever did on the old track (in the F440) was a 1:02.xx. I got a 1 minute flat in the FC. I've got a 1:02 on the new track in the DSR, and now a 1:04 in the F6.

Guess we'll be seeing you there next year?!?! Laughing

(That IS the track where I taught you to drive... remember?!?! Wink

)
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George Bugg
NovaKBS F600 #86

Chris Ross · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 766

Congrats George! I'm really looking forward to Road Atlanta also.
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NovaKBS-01 F600 Powered by '09 GSXR

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Jeff Colegrove · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:52 am Post subject:

Wow the car looks great. I'm definitely a little jealous of all the craddock bodied cars Very Happy

Jim Murphy · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 1:29 pm Post subject:

George, I am so glad to hear that everything went well and that you are happy with the car. You, along with Bill Bradley and Hank Bilek, have joined our F600 community.
I look forward to spending some time with you at RA in May.

Jim

George Bugg · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 5:12 am Post subject:

Here's a video of a couple of laps....

TGPR Time Trials
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George Bugg
NovaKBS F600 #86

Jay Novak · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 877

Way too cool George. Congrats on all your hard work!
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Thanks ... Jay Novak
F500 since 1984

Jim Murphy · Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 5:22 am Post subject:

Top notch quality video and nice smooth driving made for really enjoyable experience. Can't wait for you to start pushing Clint at the track.

Jim

Chris Ross · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 766

Looks and sounds great!
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NovaKBS-01 F600 Powered by '09 GSXR

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