NASA Mid-Atlantic Archives | Page 2 of 2

Pitt Race with NASA Great Lakes: Beating the Heat

July 8, 2024August 1, 2019 by Jake Thiewes

No, I’m not here to talk about a crossover with four wheels. Not yet, anyway. The Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regions of the National Auto Sport Association put their heads … Read more

“Tom Rolled, But He’s Okay.” Subaru Crash at VIR

July 8, 2024June 11, 2019 by Jake Thiewes

Zach walked up to me as I was checking a few things on my racecar prior to my group’s morning practice session at HyperFest. My staff radio was on the … Read more

Hyped Up: Three Days at VIR for NASA Mid-Atlantic’s HyperFest

July 8, 2024May 28, 2019 by Jake Thiewes

Years ago, NASA Mid-Atlantic director Chris Cobetto wanted to bring the throngs of people typically seen spectating at pro racing events to the amateur level. And so, 18 years ago, … Read more

Speed is in the Air: Setting a Personal Best at Summit Point

July 8, 2024April 21, 2019 by Jake Thiewes

Thunder group qualifying at Summit Point

Rain was coming down in sheets as I left my client site in Bethesda, Maryland. “Oh great, let’s see how dry this weekend is,” I thought as I made my … Read more

“If You Need a Straight, Make a Straight” – Unkefer Memorial at VIR

July 8, 2024August 24, 2017 by Jake Thiewes

The late Chief of Instruction, Dan Unkefer, had a saying he’d frequently utter to his HPDE students in the classroom. “If you need a straight, make a straight.” We lost Dan a few years ago, but our August event at VIR is named in his memory.

All of us who have ended up with racing licenses started off in Dan’s HPDE program and taken that phrase to heart over and over.

My trip to VIR started on a good note, though traffic quickly became unbearable. College move-ins, beach travelers and the upcoming solar eclipse meant everyone felt the need to be on I-95 on Friday afternoon. Thankfully, things eased up once I got past Richmond.

NASA Mid-Atlantic “June Joust” at Summit Point

July 8, 2024June 13, 2017 by Jake Thiewes

It’s officially summertime and the weather at Summit Point was a constant reminder. It was H-O-T all weekend.

Saturday’s qualifying was cut very short by a Spec E46 who dropped a wheel around T8ish, spun and stuffed it nose-first into the tires on driver’s right. The car looked mostly fixable but the track was put under full-course red and every tow truck, ambulance and fire truck was sent out.

Hyperfest 2017 at VIR

July 8, 2024May 25, 2017 by Jake Thiewes

Hyperfest is one of my favorite events of the year, and this year was no different. I was excited to be back at VIR with full aero and the upgraded differential, plus I had my parents, some family friends, and friends from DC all coming to watch the racing on Saturday.

“Spring Showdown” at Dominion Raceway

July 8, 2024May 1, 2017 by Jake Thiewes

Second race weekend of the year and my second provisional weekend! I kicked it off on Friday afternoon with a little jaunt down I-95 (only two hours to go 50 miles, wow!), unpacked and headed to the Holiday Inn where Jeff was giving the Instructor Clinic. I passed and now have my red hat, and can hop in the right seat to yell at all you students who come out and do Hyperdrives/HPDE 1.

Competition School & First Race Weekend

July 8, 2024March 27, 2017 by Jake Thiewes

My driving progressed over the last year or so to the point where I (and others) felt that I was ready for wheel to wheel competition. I decided back in November that 2017 was the year I’d finish the car and do Comp School, and that I’d want to do it at a track where I was very comfortable, so that I could focus on the school as much as possible. I got the car prepped (ish) and headed to VIR on Thursday afternoon.