VSCDA - Ozarks International Raceway

[TWebb]

This past weekend we raced the Elan at Ozarks International Raceway in Gravois Mills, Missouri. What a hoot! The track is a must visit/race. I've been fortunate to race on approximately 30 tracks across the US and this is now the favorite.

The track is super fast and technical. There are a number of corners that require total commitment. All I wish was I had more power.

Still fighting a few gremlins including the gearbox, but I was able to set the fastest time of the weekend for all closed wheel cars. We had a pretty large grid with 35 or so cars including another exceedingly well prepared Elan.

Starting to get a handle on the handling. We made a few changes to get the car more pointy and that seems to fit my driving style. With a rather low hp motor, I was pleased to out pace the competition (152 crank horsepower).

We are done for the year so I will begin the prep for next season. Hopefully I will be able to build the real race motor.

More to come.

[Fred Talmadge]

You had the fastest time and you still want more power? Question is how did the Corvettes do?

[TWebb]

I recall a black open top Stingray. He had an off at T7 but was able to collect it before catching the wall. I believe he won his run group in front of a Shelby Mustang. If we were at COTA or Road America, I would not have a time that could compete with the high HP V8's.

One can always use more power. One hundred fifty two crank hp is pretty low in the racing world.

[bulfin]

How does this track compare to Barber Motorsports Park outside of Birmingham AL?

[TWebb]

Bob,

Ozarks is 4 miles in length. If I'm not mistaken, Barber is roughly 2.3 miles in length.

Although Barber has some elevation change, the degree of elevation change compared to Ozarks is negligible. I'm not aware of any other track in the US with as much elevation change.

Ozarks has a number of super high speed corners. Barber has one corner that I would consider high speed. Granted I was running a 4.11 rear end, but I was in 4th at max rpm in 5 spots on the track including 2 very quick right handers. One is T8, after what is referred to as the "Roller Coaster". This is an on camber uphill left. Another is T9. It is a downhill, off camber, blind apex, 4th flat corner.

The track has spots where it requires super commitment to keep the throttle pinned similar to the Kink at Road America. Like Road America one needs to be pinned to record a quick time.

Barber is a lovely track. The grounds are amazing. The museum is a must see, especially for Lotus lovers.

Ozarks is in a very rural setting. The garages are a series of converted chicken houses with 100 spots, each with its own garage door.

Back to the tack. The corner stations are all manned and also have video boards with the requisite flag color on the screen.

I'm trying to get some video posted, but my youtube skills and editing are not stellar.

By the way, some folks became nauseous on track from the undulations.

Tim

[TWebb]

Photo from recent race.