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Topic: Chassis Seminars
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September 01, 2010 at
11:36:07 PM
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This message was edited on
September 01, 2010 at
11:39:13 PM by FASSTER23
I'm new to the world of Sprint Cars. I've spent my life on the asphalt and would like to attend some seminars to get educated. I know they hold most of these in the winter but I was trying to get a head start. I live in Kansas City but am willing to travel a reasonable distance. Anyone that can recommend any upcoming events would be appreciated. Thanks
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September 02, 2010 at
12:24:17 AM
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Like you say, the Winter is when most of them take place, but one that I hear about that is good is the one that Gary Wright puts on during the Chili Bowl. I also believe that Smiley Sitton and Cory Kruseman have chassis classes too that can be booked anytime.
Member of this message board since 1997
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September 02, 2010 at
12:30:53 AM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Hawker on September 02 2010 at 12:24:17 AM
Like you say, the Winter is when most of them take place, but one that I hear about that is good is the one that Gary Wright puts on during the Chili Bowl. I also believe that Smiley Sitton and Cory Kruseman have chassis classes too that can be booked anytime.
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Thanks for the input. I'll check it out.
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September 02, 2010 at
01:02:31 PM
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This message was edited on
September 02, 2010 at
01:03:57 PM by Hannity
Reply to:
Posted By: FASSTER23 on September 01 2010 at 11:36:07 PM
I'm new to the world of Sprint Cars. I've spent my life on the asphalt and would like to attend some seminars to get educated. I know they hold most of these in the winter but I was trying to get a head start. I live in Kansas City but am willing to travel a reasonable distance. Anyone that can recommend any upcoming events would be appreciated. Thanks
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Fasster23,
I have personally attended Gary Wright's seminar and I have also attended Smiley's driving school.
Gary's seminar is worth the money; especially for someone who is just starting out. Gray didn't share any secret setups or "silver spoons", but he does cover the basics; chassis alignment, bar and shock selection, blocking, etc. For someone who is just starting out, Gary's seminar is a great place to start!
Smiley's school is expensive and unproductive. My disapproval isn't personal, I just think there are better, more cost efficient options.
Other schools include Jimmy Sills and Cory Kruseman (as noted). If you are set on attending a school, I would pick Jimmy's school if you are planning to run with a wing and Cory's school if you are planning to run non wing.
If I could do the school/seminar part of my career over again, I would piece together my own car and then hire a local talent that could go through your car at either your shop or their shop. Ask them to focus on the basics; make sure your rear end is squared, etc. Then I would rent your local track and ask them to come to the track, where you can get some supervised seat time. This scenario will cost less than a sprint school (depending on the course) and will probably be more productive.
Look for a local talent who has a proven track record. They should be approachable and have the ability to teach, and their car should be well maintained and should feature excellent workmanship. Don't hire someone who hasn't washed their fire suit in two years; look for an individual who has their "shit" together.
Good luck and have fun!
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September 07, 2010 at
10:50:00 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Hannity on September 02 2010 at 01:02:31 PM
Fasster23,
I have personally attended Gary Wright's seminar and I have also attended Smiley's driving school.
Gary's seminar is worth the money; especially for someone who is just starting out. Gray didn't share any secret setups or "silver spoons", but he does cover the basics; chassis alignment, bar and shock selection, blocking, etc. For someone who is just starting out, Gary's seminar is a great place to start!
Smiley's school is expensive and unproductive. My disapproval isn't personal, I just think there are better, more cost efficient options.
Other schools include Jimmy Sills and Cory Kruseman (as noted). If you are set on attending a school, I would pick Jimmy's school if you are planning to run with a wing and Cory's school if you are planning to run non wing.
If I could do the school/seminar part of my career over again, I would piece together my own car and then hire a local talent that could go through your car at either your shop or their shop. Ask them to focus on the basics; make sure your rear end is squared, etc. Then I would rent your local track and ask them to come to the track, where you can get some supervised seat time. This scenario will cost less than a sprint school (depending on the course) and will probably be more productive.
Look for a local talent who has a proven track record. They should be approachable and have the ability to teach, and their car should be well maintained and should feature excellent workmanship. Don't hire someone who hasn't washed their fire suit in two years; look for an individual who has their "shit" together.
Good luck and have fun!
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Thanks for the insight. The best advice is from someone who has already been there and done that. I have looked at both schools and will be attending one this winter. I am definitely going to attend Gary's seminar. Thanks again. Good luck with the rest of the season.
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September 07, 2010 at
11:48:13 PM
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One more thing I should have mentioned. Most racers are more than happy to provide advice and help out. There are also a lot of experienced crew guys out there that are not turning wrenches that could benefit a new team for nothing more than a pit pass or a few beers and some pizza if they were to come to your shop and show you the ropes.
Member of this message board since 1997
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September 08, 2010 at
12:45:43 AM
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faster 23, have you already purchased Smiths "sprint car chassis" book? its a bit outdated ,but does touch on subjects (basics) that can be reread untill understood , definetly a bargan at less than $25.00 , remember some of this is outdated info - besides this winter is long and there is nothing else to do ,
the advice givin above on finding a "mentor" so to speek, is proubly the best advice and will produce the best results for the dollar, might cost you more ber and pizza than strait George Washingtons keep in tune and ready to absorb info when it is present , different tracks/& conditions will have to be attended to eventually get the hang of it , if your driven to be competitive you will be constantly learing new things and "absolutly" hate it! when your information hits a stahl... keep digging and goodluck..
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September 08, 2010 at
07:33:22 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Hawker on September 07 2010 at 11:48:13 PM
One more thing I should have mentioned. Most racers are more than happy to provide advice and help out. There are also a lot of experienced crew guys out there that are not turning wrenches that could benefit a new team for nothing more than a pit pass or a few beers and some pizza if they were to come to your shop and show you the ropes.
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I completely agree. I am in the process of talking to the previous points champ about wrenching in the pits and learning all that I can.
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September 08, 2010 at
07:39:08 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: dirtdevil on September 08 2010 at 12:45:43 AM
faster 23, have you already purchased Smiths "sprint car chassis" book? its a bit outdated ,but does touch on subjects (basics) that can be reread untill understood , definetly a bargan at less than $25.00 , remember some of this is outdated info - besides this winter is long and there is nothing else to do ,
the advice givin above on finding a "mentor" so to speek, is proubly the best advice and will produce the best results for the dollar, might cost you more ber and pizza than strait George Washingtons keep in tune and ready to absorb info when it is present , different tracks/& conditions will have to be attended to eventually get the hang of it , if your driven to be competitive you will be constantly learing new things and "absolutly" hate it! when your information hits a stahl... keep digging and goodluck..
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I do have the book. I've read it multiple times. This is an up hill climb for me seeing how everything I know I learned on the asphalt. My biggest problem is that I live near Kansas City, MO. Sprint Cars are becoming more popular in the area but, still no where near places like Indiana, Ohio, Penn, etc. This is still dirt modified country thru and thru. I personally am not a huge fan. I think modifieds should be reserved for the asphalt. Thanks for the tips.
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September 08, 2010 at
09:34:03 PM
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same here , unfortunatly up here in the North were kinda a select crowd , we dont have any asphalt tracks anywhere nearby so your previous habits would be greek to me ? at anyrate, welcome aboard, youll find Sprint fans/drivers/owners/crew are some of the most personable characters and share something some fans never seem to break into , its something special and doesnt compaire to anything I can think of to date....
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