HPDE necessities

[aklackner]

Let me know when you plan on going to the track for the first time. I’ve been trying to go for years and it would be nice to go with another “newb” for the first time.

I love it, may still take me a little bit to get 01-0386 ready but I’m getting it sorted as quickly as I can get it to fall together.

[coolhandluke]

....I also ordered the 2020 Stilo ST5 today (same as the 2015 but with changes to testing it seems). I added the mic kit but this brought up the question of how to make sure I’m able to interface with the coach/instructor. Is it safe to assume everyone is more or less standard on IMSA connectors so I’d be good as long as I have that adapter or how do others navigate these intercom connections? Surprised that there seems to be no real standard given a bit of a need to interface with others.

Good question, I would like to know the answer as well.

Let me know when you plan on going to the track for the first time. I’ve been trying to go for years and it would be nice to go with another “newb” for the first time.

Awesome! I feel this area is where this community shines. Type R Expo, old WTDR events of ~2006-2010, recent community gatherings the last few years at VIR, Watkins Glen, and this year at Watkins Glen & Barber. I highly encourage coming out, either to drive or just hang, expand your peer group, and get seat time via ride-alongs.
*Thinking beyond COVID in my statements

[aklackner]

....I also ordered the 2020 Stilo ST5 today (same as the 2015 but with changes to testing it seems). I added the mic kit but this brought up the question of how to make sure I’m able to interface with the coach/instructor. Is it safe to assume everyone is more or less standard on IMSA connectors so I’d be good as long as I have that adapter or how do others navigate these intercom connections? Surprised that there seems to be no real standard given a bit of a need to interface with others.

Good question, I would like to know the answer as well.

So.. For Students: after doing some research and contacting a few people, I reached the point that as much as I’d like to make an integrated headset solution work there are too many factors from a student side and I need more flexibility so removed the $$$ Stilo headset.

It sounds like especially right now Sena Bluetooth (powersports/motorcycle) units are the most popular but post pandemic chatterbox and other wired/in car solutions will return. While some of the Sena units allow for connection of earbuds, mics are more or less limited to their selection.

On the upside after removing the Stilo headset and installing the standard ear pads I found this alleviated some of the pressure I was feeling on my ears and made the helmet more comfortable, so I’ll consider a net win. This experiment also offered an opportunity to get more familiar with the helmet/padding design and I’m now much less concerned about any issues trying to fit whatever is provided by an instructor/coach.

For coaching: If you’re going to be doing much of the lead follow thing check out the Sena Bluetooth sets since this is proximity based tech (1mi range) and eliminates other solution’s reliance on cell coverage (and minutes for any one on limited plan still). Downside with Sena is cost since you’ll need a pair of devices and the ones I saw that looked like they would work were ~$230 ea. The units have a clamp that goes on the edge of a helmet which has a boom mic connected. Most now have an option to connect earbuds so have students provide?

If only planning to do the in car thing then there are other options for a good setup. A Racecom set (w/ Stilo adapter and student boom) looks like it would be ~$250 from hms motorsports. Student can deal with fitting the boom or if you’re generous there are imsa and Stilo adapters available for $40 each for advanced students running integrated headsets.

[aklackner]

To try to continue thinking ahead with personal and vehicle prep for HPDE:
What are others doing regarding front tow points?

Front OEM tow points are low but sit higher than either ITR lips. In many scenarios these points would be inaccessible or at best would mean pretty significant contact with the lip.

Is everyone else just bolting a strap to the steel bumper? Clearly it’s a common solution but seems like a risk given its mounting and c shape cross section.

[coolhandluke]

Erik95LS had a great write up in the past on installing a strap based front toe hook that tucked away behind the front grille. The strap attached to the front bumper support and was retracted via a surgical strap.

Here is an example tow strap option:
https://vprmotorsports.com/products/sparco-tow-strap

[aw614]

I put mine on the bumper beam up front.

There were some pictures on an old h-t thread
https://honda-tech.com/forums/road-raci ... t-2836757/

[aklackner]

I put mine on the bumper beam up front.

There were some pictures on an old h-t thread
https://honda-tech.com/forums/road-raci ... t-2836757/

Awesome! Any issues with the rear of the beam collapsing or the front twisting where the bolt is attached?

Do you think there would be clearance issues with the 97 front? It looks like the J’s (ek & dc5) tow hook which clamped to the beam had to come down aways before it could come out flat.

[aw614]

Sorry I haven't tried it, I was using that thread as a guide for my Integra and had saved it.\

In my case, I had the bolt mounted through the vertical holes on the bumper beam and it cleared the 98-01 front end. I was able to install it without removing the bumper too. I'll try to a picture later today