GEN 2 Texplex was fun

[zombiekiller]

Texplex looks painful

I'll probably make it a point to try it out sometime.

As far as improvements are concerned, you recommending more raptor appropriate jumps?

Tommy and Billy are super awesome to confer with. They have the heavy equipment to make any changes too.

When it is a little drier, the sweepers that we asked to be put in will be super fun.

The jumps have to be about 2 feet longer than a raptor's wheelbase for those with less offroad experience to feel comfortable hitting them at speed.



the challenge is that the course is amazingly fun in a sxs if there is a medium amount of moisture, the same fun sxs experience is like driving on marbles in a raptor. The guys at the park don't have a prerunner to test everything out on, so they move some dirt, then they kind of have to wait for feedback until the tmx guys get over there to run it.

They kind of have a business and a race team to run, so sometimes the course is what it is.


As for the width and turn dynamics...


If you aren't an experienced off-road driver, and you aren't very comfortable with left foot braking, you aren't going to be able to rotate the truck enough.

Those "too skinny" sections of the course are designed so that you HAVE to left foot brake, set the front end, then rotate the truck to the line with the throttle. If you aren't doing that, you have to go much much much slower.

It will also help once there is a more permanent configuration, so we can record the trail and put waypoint notes in. (I'm working on a piece of software that will give you audio cues, but no one should be expecting it anytime soon, as it isn't a priority for me right now.)


The track is REALLY fun once you learn it. When I was taking a couple test laps in December a few days before the event, where rtmozingo was going 60, I was hitting 85 and Jason was into triple digits in old blue. ( this is only going to be the norm after more folks get comfortable with the course and their trucks.)

Net/net, there really wasn't a time where I wasn't applying some amount of brake outside of the straights the last time I ran it.

it is a work in progress, but it is a breath of fresh air to have park staff that is this open to feedback. There aren't too many other places where anyone will get monthly access to a facility like this either. TRR has what, 3 events a year? Texplex has 12 planned. To be honest, it'll cost you the same coin to run 12 times at texplex vs 3 TRR runs, one being raptorX. ( not knocking TRR, as Trey has built an amazing long-standing event at Texana that I LOVE.)

the more people that show up and support the events and track, the better and more built out it will be. If 40 trucks show up once a month, the revenue doesnt cover the gas for the dozers and graders to maintain the track. Texplex is investing in making a fun truck playground. the humble ask from me to everyone is, invest your time too and help make it better. Bring your buds, even if they don't have a truck.

 

[rtmozingo]

Tommy and Billy are super awesome to confer with. They have the heavy equipment to make any changes too.

When it is a little drier, the sweepers that we asked to be put in will be super fun.

The jumps have to be about 2 feet longer than a raptor's wheelbase for those with less offroad experience to feel comfortable hitting them at speed.

From Billy:

Thank you Russell! Great feedback, and we completely agree with all your suggestions! We will make these changes quickly and hopefully will make it much better! Lastly, the crossing was sketchy at best... even for us! But it was decided last minute to actually run it.. so we will for sure change that up.. and won’t do that again! Thank you again!

As for the width and turn dynamics...


If you aren't an experienced off-road driver, and you aren't very comfortable with left foot braking, you aren't going to be able to rotate the truck enough.

Those "too skinny" sections of the course are designed so that you HAVE to left foot brake, set the front end, then rotate the truck to the line with the throttle. If you aren't doing that, you have to go much much much slower.

To be fair, on the course we ran yesterday, most of the turns that I had problems with (even left foot braking) were due to it being setup for UTVs, therefore the turns were really sharp (and precluded by obstacles that cut into your speed ahead of time). Had I run in Baja 2H or with a locker, I doubt I'd have had a problem there, but I would have lost more time elsewhere. I do agree with you overall, however, and I'm still learning my truck's dynamics regarding double pedal input.

It will also help once there is a more permanent configuration, so we can record the trail and put waypoint notes in. (I'm working on a piece of software that will give you audio cues, but no one should be expecting it anytime soon, as it isn't a priority for me right now.)

The app I used to record the video supports all of these things, and I have already published a certified, downloadable course for Rally Ready that supports automatic timing, and warns users at the creek entrance and exit. Once the Texplex course gets locked in I'll do the same for it.

The track is REALLY fun once you learn it. When I was taking a couple test laps in December a few days before the event, where rtmozingo was going 60, I was hitting 85 and Jason was into triple digits in old blue. ( this is only going to be the norm after more folks get comfortable with the course and their trucks.)

Net/net, there really wasn't a time where I wasn't applying some amount of brake outside of the straights the last time I ran it.

Timestamp? Would love to have some feedback on how to improve my times. I try to play it safe - I was rewarded by being the only one (seemingly) to go home without any sort of damage, but I'm aware I lose out on time in certain areas for this. Keep in mind my truck is completely stock, and a SuperCab.

it is a work in progress, but it is a breath of fresh air to have park staff that is this open to feedback. There aren't too many other places where anyone will get monthly access to a facility like this either. TRR has what, 3 events a year? Texplex has 12 planned. To be honest, it'll cost you the same coin to run 12 times at texplex vs 3 TRR runs, one being raptorX. ( not knocking TRR, as Trey has built an amazing long-standing event at Texana that I LOVE.)

the more people that show up and support the events and track, the better and more built out it will be. If 40 trucks show up once a month, the revenue doesnt cover the gas for the dozers and graders to maintain the track. Texplex is investing in making a fun truck playground. the humble ask from me to everyone is, invest your time too and help make it better. Bring your buds, even if they don't have a truck.

Agree, but thankfully the UTV/ATVs share a good bit of the track most of the time, so they will help fund the maintenance. Further, the trails (so I hear) will eventually open up to Jeeps and the like, which would further help offset cost. I know I won't be able to make every month, but I'm hoping at least 1 in 3, or better yet every other month.

 

[mezger]

@zombiekiller @rtmozingo thanks for the posts.

I don't know how to brake a two pedal car with my right foot

I figured raptors dictating the course is a bit of tail wagging the dog, but sounds like they're up for making the modifications. Their attitude seems really awesome. I'm going to prioritize hitting their track at some point in the next few months. Like rtmozingo, I'm close to stock and not there to damage my truck, so looks like I can't be as balls out as I am in west TX.

After looking over their site, a couple things that'd get all of my money: some high end Can Am rentals (Free test drives sound like a ton of fun, but I'd like to formalize a rental for x hours) and a 1000 yard rifle range. Do they have on site camping?

 

[rtmozingo]

@zombiekiller @rtmozingo thanks for the posts.

After looking over their site, a couple things that'd get all of my money: some high end Can Am rentals (Free test drives sound like a ton of fun, but I'd like to formalize a rental for x hours) and a 1000 yard rifle range. Do they have on site camping?

I believe so.

 

[zombiekiller]

@zombiekiller @rtmozingo thanks for the posts.

I don't know how to brake a two pedal car with my right foot

I figured raptors dictating the course is a bit of tail wagging the dog, but sounds like they're up for making the modifications. Their attitude seems really awesome. I'm going to prioritize hitting their track at some point in the next few months. Like rtmozingo, I'm close to stock and not there to damage my truck, so looks like I can't be as balls out as I am in west TX.

After looking over their site, a couple things that'd get all of my money: some high end Can Am rentals (Free test drives sound like a ton of fun, but I'd like to formalize a rental for x hours) and a 1000 yard rifle range. Do they have on site camping?

thats why its called "left foot braking" .

If you can heel/toe, you can left foot brake. It is a little bizarre at first, but once you get the hang of rotating the truck this way, its butter.

I'm happy to give a lesson or two the next time im out at texplex. I dont think i'll make the february one either, unfortunately. I dont cross back into the states until the 20th and have a photoshoot for my truck scheduled the 22nd in socal.

I'm sure tommy would let you pitch a tent, but it is primitive camping or camping with not water/power hookups right now.

Amongst other things, hookups are planned and in the works.

They also have a pretty legit situational live fire pistol range that is a video screen at the target. Like a live fire video game.

The jet boat is going away though.

If we set it up right, I'm 100% certain we could get a mile range. The property is roughly 2600 yards tip to tail.

 

[zombiekiller]

From Billy:


To be fair, on the course we ran yesterday, most of the turns that I had problems with (even left foot braking) were due to it being setup for UTVs, therefore the turns were really sharp (and precluded by obstacles that cut into your speed ahead of time). Had I run in Baja 2H or with a locker, I doubt I'd have had a problem there, but I would have lost more time elsewhere. I do agree with you overall, however, and I'm still learning my truck's dynamics regarding double pedal input.



The app I used to record the video supports all of these things, and I have already published a certified, downloadable course for Rally Ready that supports automatic timing, and warns users at the creek entrance and exit. Once the Texplex course gets locked in I'll do the same for it.




Timestamp? Would love to have some feedback on how to improve my times. I try to play it safe - I was rewarded by being the only one (seemingly) to go home without any sort of damage, but I'm aware I lose out on time in certain areas for this. Keep in mind my truck is completely stock, and a SuperCab.

The locker wont do much for you. You essentially set the line with your left foot braking into the turn, while still applying lighter throttle, just before the apex, stab the brake, punch the throttle and steer around the turn with gas pedal. These trucks are big. super big fat heavy ******* that you have to rotate around turns. Once you get the hang of your truck, stock or not, you'll be able to have much more fun.

The app I'm working on is tailored towards desert racing. I'm building a lowrance interface complete with output to a HUD visor and PTT interface commands for Impact helmets. Its quite a bit different that what you're using. I've used harry's plenty on track. It is a great app.

We were running a different course, with culverts, etc. We also weren't timing, just giving billy feedback. That was the day we asked if they could cut the field into the track ( which it looks like was about 3/4s of what y'all ran. ( btw, you're welcome for the sweepers, they are supposed to be flat with good vision lines and no obstacles on the outer side. )

Now on your harry's setup, does it catch your braking input? It appeared that you were braking into the turn, albeit not particularly heavily, then light throttle and steering input to get through the last 3/4s of the turn.

Now instead of taking the turn that way, try it as i described above.

Think of it this way... On loose surfaces with the truck totally flat, your steering will be light and the front end of the truck will want to push. If you stab the brake as you are steering to set your line, the nose of the truck will dive, thus giving the tires a TON more grip, so you can effectively set the direction of the truck. you want to set the truck where youd be pointing your truck to cut the inside of the corner.

a split second later while still staying on the brakes a tiny bit, puch the throttle to make the weight transfer to the back so you are steering the truck from the back, with the throttle, If the truck starts to understeer, apply heavier braking to transfer the weight back tot he front for more grip, but never let off the gas, just modulate it.

If we make it out to one of these days at the park, I'm happy to take you for a ride in my truck or yours and show you the technique.

 

[rtmozingo]

The locker wont do much for you. You essentially set the line with your left foot braking into the turn, while still applying lighter throttle, just before the apex, stab the brake, punch the throttle and steer around the turn with gas pedal. These trucks are big. super big fat heavy ******* that you have to rotate around turns. Once you get the hang of your truck, stock or not, you'll be able to have much more fun.

The app I'm working on is tailored towards desert racing. I'm building a lowrance interface complete with output to a HUD visor and PTT interface commands for Impact helmets. Its quite a bit different that what you're using. I've used harry's plenty on track. It is a great app.

We were running a different course, with culverts, etc. We also weren't timing, just giving billy feedback. That was the day we asked if they could cut the field into the track ( which it looks like was about 3/4s of what y'all ran. ( btw, you're welcome for the sweepers, they are supposed to be flat with good vision lines and no obstacles on the outer side. )

Now on your harry's setup, does it catch your braking input? It appeared that you were braking into the turn, albeit not particularly heavily, then light throttle and steering input to get through the last 3/4s of the turn.

Now instead of taking the turn that way, try it as i described above.

Think of it this way... On loose surfaces with the truck totally flat, your steering will be light and the front end of the truck will want to push. If you stab the brake as you are steering to set your line, the nose of the truck will dive, thus giving the tires a TON more grip, so you can effectively set the direction of the truck. you want to set the truck where youd be pointing your truck to cut the inside of the corner.

a split second later while still staying on the brakes a tiny bit, puch the throttle to make the weight transfer to the back so you are steering the truck from the back, with the throttle, If the truck starts to understeer, apply heavier braking to transfer the weight back tot he front for more grip, but never let off the gas, just modulate it.

If we make it out to one of these days at the park, I'm happy to take you for a ride in my truck or yours and show you the technique.

The app only gets the braking some of the time. I was using left foot braking on nearly every turn, but I don't think I was hitting it hard enough on the sharper turns. I find myself relying more on coming in hot and using momentum to throw myself around, which works great on sweepers but not so much on the hairpins.

Thanks for the feedback. From what you've said, I need to hit the brakes harder, a tiny bit later, and let off of them more quickly. It was my first time getting to really put the hammer down, so I was figuring it out on the fly.

 

[mezger]

thats why its called "left foot braking" .

If you can heel/toe, you can left foot brake. It is a little bizarre at first, but once you get the hang of rotating the truck this way, its butter.

I'm a heel and toe ****... well, more of a one side of the foot on the brake and the other side on the gas.

I get what you're going for; moving the weight around to set up a drift, except with more squishy suspension than on a street car.

 

[zombiekiller]

it just takes time. if this is your first time, you did pretty damn well. in particular, with no instruction, it isnt a driving style youd discover on your own. at face value it is counter to what you are taught when learning to drive on a road, or a track.

The app only gets the braking some of the time. I was using left foot braking on nearly every turn, but I don't think I was hitting it hard enough on the sharper turns. I find myself relying more on coming in hot and using momentum to throw myself around, which works great on sweepers but not so much on the hairpins.

Thanks for the feedback. From what you've said, I need to hit the brakes harder, a tiny bit later, and let off of them more quickly. It was my first time getting to really put the hammer down, so I was figuring it out on the fly.

 

[zombiekiller]

I'm a heel and toe ****... well, more of a one side of the foot on the brake and the other side on the gas.

I get what you're going for; moving the weight around to set up a drift, except with more squishy suspension than on a street car.

think of it as using the brake to clutch kick into an oversteer situation when trying to snag the inside line for a pass on the track.