NickHolt Posted November 17, 2011 Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 The heated meeting rooms at Thunderhill Raceway and at Houston Motorsports Park will be the settings for this off-season's Nick Holt suspension seminars. And maybe a seminar in December at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio if things work out. These seminars are designed to give race teams a good understanding of how a racing suspension actually works. And we're not talking "trick of the week" stuff here. We dig into the hardcore stuff that winning racers understand - weight transfer, suspension geometry, spring/shock selection and a whole lot more. When you're done with this seminar, you won't need to snoop around to see what the other guy is running. You'll be able to make your own decisions and know why you made those decisions. Dates for the Thunderhill Raceway seminar + January 5, 2012 through February 2, 2012. That's five Thursday evenings in a row from 7 pm to 10 pm. Dates for Houston Motorsports Park seminar + January 10, 2012 through February 7, 2012. That's five Tuesday evenings in a row from 7 pm to 10 pm. New for this year is a model front end that is completely adjustable in all three directions. This model, originally built by Ted Kerr and later highly modified by James Huff to make the model completely adjustable in all three directions, allows class members to actually make adjustments and see what those different geometry settings do to the wheel/tire. Here's a few pics of the model. + Learn how weight actually transfers in a car during cornering and how to determine what springs and shocks are needed to handle that weight transfer. + Learn how suspension geometry settings work together to produce a car that will get through the turns. That new model front end will clearly illustrate what different settings do to the handling for those of us who are visual learners. + Learn about roll centers, motion ratios, jacking effect, roll-couple distribution and other suspension terms that seem confusing at first. Yes, this stuff is a bit difficult, but I don't use big words and I give you a program that does the math for ya! + Learn what handling adjustments work in different situations. Several pages of charts are provided that help you decide which adjustments are needed in different situations. + Most of all, learn how all the various suspension variables work together as a unified package to produce a front-running car. This course concentrates on conventional suspension setups typically used in the majority of stock car classes competing in Texas, but we briefly discuss the "Big Bar/soft spring" setups that are popular in some of the “upper” divisions. And, yes, the principles we teach are applicable for the dirt, although dirt and asphalt setups can be quite different even though the principles being used - the ones we teach in this course - are the same. Some learning aids I use: + Almost 100 pages of class notes that coincide with each class session. + A computer program that handles the math needed to compute “ballpark” spring rates. + A fully adjustable working model of a front end that helps illustrate some of the suspension geometry settings. + Guest speakers - such as Chris Swenson and Chase Stapp in years past - in their specialty areas. The five-week course costs $300 per person, but if you attend with your crew chief, the crew chief is half price. I require a $100 deposit to hold your seat since I limit the class size to less than 15 folks. It’s a good idea to get your deposit in early since the class usually fills up quickly. I can accept PayPal, checks or cash. My contact information: nick.lssz@gmail.com; phone (210) 415-1215; or PM me Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingaces Posted November 17, 2011 Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 Nick, we are really hoping you can schedule one in San Antonio, my sons and I are looking forward to attending this year. Keeping our fingers crossed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted November 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 I've already been asked for references from folks who have attended the seminars. I don't want to put anyone on the spot, but here are a few of the folks who attended over the past couple of years. If you know one or more of them, ask them about the seminar. List is in no particular order.... Arden Vikre Cory Lovell Kevin Wiseman Chase Stapp Aaron Brungot Terry Tschoerner James Huff Mason Mitchell Heath Stewart Bo Knowles David Lewien Tim Self Chris Farr James Cates Travis Benson Joey Jenkins Mark Stevens Chad Malin Duane Toyne Steve Green Tommy Gural Chris David Doug Ayers Leland Waddell Mickey McKim Del Harris Clint LaFont L. Cody Smith Ted Kerr Levi Krauss Mitchell Morrison Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racer61 Posted November 17, 2011 Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 Well worth the money. Now if I could get someone to read my own notes, dang my handwriting sux. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAPA Posted November 17, 2011 Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 Nick I dont know if you will be able to teach anyone using that thing. Most race cars are all beat-up and bent somewhat. That thing is to shinny and straight. Maybe you should let Cory or Robert have it for an afternoon. They can fix it to where most racers can understand it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted November 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 PAPA, I thought for sure you were going to ask, "Where are the flames and shiny wheels?" LOL Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racer61 Posted November 17, 2011 Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 PAPA, the last "model" he had looked like it came off one of my cars. Proly the reason he opted for one that actually worked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted November 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2011 In return for the use of the Meeting Room at THR for the upcoming suspension seminar, I have offered one free seminar spot for Mary Ann to give out to some deserving individual. Many Ann has decided to hold a drawing for the free spot at the 2012 Registration Meeting being held this Saturday afternoon and evening at the Comfort Suites, 15295 S IH35, Buda, Texas 78610. Good luck to all who attend! Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted December 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Someone brought it to my attention that I had one too many numbers in my phone number in the original post, so I corrected it. The number is 210-415-1251. Registrations are coming in very slowly this year for some reason. Must be the economy. Smaller classes are great from my perspective since I get to give more individual attention to folks, but I do need a few more folks interested in better understanding the principles of suspension engineering to sign up. I am attaching another shot of the model front end that I will be using to teach the interactions of the various front end suspension settings. It is fully adjustable in all directions and makes it much easier to demonstrate how changing the suspension settings changes the way the car will handle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingaces Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Nick, any word on a San Antonio date? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted December 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Nick, any word on a San Antonio date? The folks at Southwest Research are still working out their end of the deal. I will keep you informed as progress is made. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waco Racer Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 You are making it difficult to attend having these classes on Thurdays. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAPA Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Nick Your going to be in big trouble if your wife finds out that you have that thing on her nice dinning room table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted December 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 You are making it difficult to attend having these classes on Thurdays. ;-) The problem is that this course is covering complex material that many find difficult. I have found over the years that many people "fuzz out" after about 3 class hours. That's because we really get into what really happens during weight transfer, how roll centers and the roll axis interact with the Center of Gravity height, how moment arms really work in producing both lateral and vertical weight transfer and the complexities of suspension geometry in today's modern race cars. In other words, it's stuff that most people have only read about but never understood. Well, we get into all that using words that most of us understand instead of the jargon one usually reads. I work very hard at making it all understandable to those without a math or physics background, but it's still difficult to grasp if you're all fuzzed out. So... I break it up over six nights a week apart to give folks a chance to digest what we're covering before coming back for the next section that builds on the last section. And if someone is fuzzed out, that next section never sticks in their brain. So I have to split it all up - it's the only way people can grasp all we are trying to teach. And even then, the biggest complaint I get at the end of the course is that the course was not long enough! That's why we have so many folks take the course several times. Yeah, I know it's tough to get out of the house on weeknight evenings, but I've found that's it's even more difficult on a series of weekend nights. Anyway, I'm sorry the weeknight deal doesn't work for you. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b50 Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Nick, out of curiosity who are you talking to to set up a class at SWRI? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted December 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Sam Kong is taking the lead in this.. I think maybe Bruce Mabrito and he are buddies. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racer61 Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Handled like a dream in the living room huh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmbishop Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 That butt weld on the upper ctrl arm should never pass safety inspection!!! but cool idea - all we had in Jim Jenson's (JJ KitKars) classes were graph paper and rulers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted December 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 That butt weld on the upper ctrl arm should never pass safety inspection!!! but cool idea - all we had in Jim Jenson's (JJ KitKars) classes were graph paper and rulers... As long as that butt weld doesn't break while my finger is under the lower ball joint, I'm cool with it... LOL And we still do the time-tested graph paper thing when figuring out static front roll-center heights when the chassis is at ride height. You ought to attend, Mr. Bishop. I bet you'd learn a thing or two. Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmbishop Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 ...You ought to attend, Mr. Bishop. I bet you'd learn a thing or two. Nick I am sure I would - and I have seriously wanted to - but unfortunately jan - march I am working 16hr days 7 a week. It's the time of year where I earn 90% of my annual income - TAX TIME! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiTech Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 I am sure I would - and I have seriously wanted to - but unfortunately jan - march I am working 16hr days 7 a week. It's the time of year where I earn 90% of my annual income - TAX TIME! well just pay the money and i will go for you ..lol problem solved...oh and throw some gas money in . i live down south ..tax write off for you right ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwmbishop Posted December 15, 2011 Report Share Posted December 15, 2011 I am sure I would - and I have seriously wanted to - but unfortunately jan - march I am working 16hr days 7 a week. It's the time of year where I earn 90% of my annual income - TAX TIME! well just pay the money and i will go for you ..lol problem solved...oh and throw some gas money in . i live down south ..tax write off for you right ... Only to be a tax write off it must be business related - until I figure out how to run two business simultaneously with the same "peak demand time" I can't be in a racing business - which is the main reason I am not in a racing business now - my Tax Business is my bread and butter!. Jan Feb March preparation time is the critical time to have a successful racing season. I do still plan on starting a race venture - likely in about 5-10 more years with my current plans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waco Racer Posted December 16, 2011 Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 Breaking it up doesn't bother me, having it on Thursdays doesn't bother me - driving home 100+ miles on Thursday night/Friday morning and "fuzzing out" bothers me! I hope to make it to one of your classes one day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickHolt Posted December 16, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2011 Breaking it up doesn't bother me, having it on Thursdays doesn't bother me - driving home 100+ miles on Thursday night/Friday morning and "fuzzing out" bothers me! I hope to make it to one of your classes one day! I know what you mean. Whenever I teach the seminar in Houston that 225-mile trip home gets a bit fuzzy around 2:00 a.m. Here's a solution for you though. If you round up 10 or more folks who want to attend the seminar in the Waco area I will do the driving, not you! Deal? Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyman Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 How about an address so i can send you a check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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