REFUEL 2013 @ Laguna Seca

[BBQ]

http://www.refuelraces.com/

That seems very interesting!

 

[TonyWilliams]

http://www.refuelraces.com/

That seems very interesting!

I did it last year:




http://youtu.be/X8YhXv-EnPk

 

[BBQ]

I wonder if they let you drive SUV on track in this event.

I track ICE for more than a decade and usually track event organizer do not allow high center gravity vehicle to participate... :roll:

If they allow SUV, that will be a good place to use the "sport mode" without getting speeding ticket!

I really like the helmet Tony!!

 

[TonyWilliams]

I wonder if they let you drive SUV on track in this event.

I track ICE for more than a decade and usually track event organizer do not allow high center gravity vehicle to participate... :roll:

If they allow SUV, that will be a good place to use the "sport mode" without getting speeding ticket!

I really like the helmet Tony!!

Since the Rav4 can probably hit the 100 mph limiter pretty easy on the long straights, and with those all season Yokohamas, I'd recommend low profile tires and lowering the car with serious suspension tweaks.

I'm not aware of any restrictions for REFUEL (beyond obvious stuff... helmet, seat belts, window must be down, no passing without a wave-by, etc) but I hope somebody doesn't show up and flip a Rav4.

The brakes are WEAK on the Rav4 (same brakes as a 600 pound lighter V6 version) and the regen ain't that powerful, so you might also consider larger front discs / calipers.

 

[BBQ]

Just sign up for the event yesterday! I have a set of R888 for the car from my RSX type S

Anyone know which brake system we use in this car? Need to get some hawk pads...

What charge plug are they supplying for the 50A 240V? Need to make dongle to it...

See you guys out there!

 

[TonyWilliams]

Just sign up for the event yesterday! I have a set of R888 for the car from my RSX type S

Anyone know which brake system we use in this car? Need to get some hawk pads...

What charge plug are they supplying for the 50A 240V? Need to make dongle to it...

See you guys out there!

They have some 50 amp plugs, but they will be completely overwhelmed. I recommend renting a 10kW Honda generator on a trailer (obviously you need a hitch, too).

Power your own car... You will be amazed how much energy you will consume.

 

[BBQ]

Tony,

Are they using NEMA 14-50 (4wire) or NEMA 6-50 (3wire) connector?

How many time you need to charge with your Leaf last year?

 

[TonyWilliams]

Tony,

Are they using NEMA 14-50 (4wire) or NEMA 6-50 (3wire) connector?

How many time you need to charge with your Leaf last year?

I don't know, as I didn't use it. I would be ready for anything, INCLUDING not having access to ANY 240 volt power. I'm not kidding on that one. That's why I recommend a generator. I'm confident that a group of you could have a "real" generator delivered.

The LEAF guys are scrambling to get a DC charger and generator. You guys could all pitch in for one.

It's likely that I won't be there (but don't rule it out!!), as I'll be on the BC2BC rally somewhere between Seattle and Grants Pass, Oregon.

Last year, my LEAF was getting less than 1 mile per kWh, and we had a full 75KVA diesel genset plus CHAdeMO quick charger on a trailer from Nissan.

 

[BBQ]

Thanks for the insight Tony!

How many sections are there? And what is the time period per section?

Is time trial in a shoot out format? I saw some TT clips from YouTube.

 

[TonyWilliams]

Thanks for the insight Tony!

How many sections are there? And what is the time period per section?

Is time trial in a shoot out format? I saw some TT clips from YouTube.

There's some changes to the format this year... sorry, don't know. I think I posted my YouTube video a few posts up.

 

[BBQ]

Results of Time Trial:

http://www.refuelraces.com/sportelectrictt2013.php

Some article coverage of the event:

http://www.electricracenews.com/2013/06/refuel-2013-total-blast-lots-of-model.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=feed

http://www.plugincars.com/electric-vehicle-stereotypes-smoked-refuel-2013-race-laguna-seca-raceway-127646.html

It was fun to pass Roadster & Model S on the track

Power consumption wasn't too bad, 1.2 miles/kW with sport mode & VSC off.