Hey all, looking for any Oklahoma Focused individuals here. I am in Lawton and I see tons of Foci out here, stock and tuned. Wondering if any local groups are out there.
Mike

I've got family in OKC and Tulsa, and friends at OU, so Im up there every-so-often. I havent been up there in a while though.

I've been in Lawton / FT Sill for a year now and have seen quite a few modded Foci out here so was wondering if there were any groups around. Gonna try the Ford dealership and see if they know of any.
Mike

I see a lot of stock Foci around where I live (in Mustang, OK). I think I'm the first to have an SVT in my town. I've seen about three up on campus at my college (UCO), but I rarely see them elsewhere around OKC.

There's only one other person I've seen driving a modded Focus and it was a black ZX3. I'm looking for a chance to talk to him when he's not driving the opposite direction.

The thing that sucks is that cars like the SVT Focus, STi, Evo, and the like are wasted on the roads in Oklahoma. I haven't found many opportunities to play with my new found handling where it's a little more safe (meaning I'm only at risk - and no cops) in OK. It'd be fun to meet up, make a trip to some nicer roads, and play cat and mouse... no?

Have you ever tried autocross? There is a SCCA Solo2 autocross at Remington Park in OKC on July 11. I run my SVT there and have done pretty good, for the most part. The Mini's with R comp tires are hard to beat tho. You aught to give it a try. Here is the link to the website:
http://www.okscca.org/
I won't make the 11 July event due to work, I will be in WYo at the time, but I will make the rest of the runs this year. Give it a shot. You'll LOVE IT!!
Mike

NW OKC has several SVTs!
I saw a black 5door one on the way home today.

Mr. Squatch is up here in Oklahoma City. My V8 Focus is up here too.

PM me if you are ever headed up this way.

I see some in OKC but on a rare occasion (kind of like an Evo or STi). It just doesn't pop up everyday. This also makes it nice to own one.

Anyway, I didn't know there were autocross events set up professionally here in Oklahoma. I used to drive a 95 T-Bird, but I had no interest in such things. I'd like to see an autocross event, but I don't know if I'd run my own SVT in one. I'm not a fan of tight low-speed circuits. I prefer high speed bends and hairpins over 90º turns and slow speed sweepers. Though, I've never personally tried either in an SVT so who knows?

What kind of classes do they have for the running cars? And what safety equipment is required for entry?

Thanks.

Oh yeah...

I love rally racing, but they do ever do that in OK? I know it's a little more popular out in California and up in Michigan, but where would they even have a rally event in OK?

Originally posted by ilcowil
What kind of classes do they have for the running cars? And what safety equipment is required for entry?
The SVT runs in G Stock. The Mini S will give you the most competition, but they all have R comps and I just have street tires. It is a blast tho, the SVT handles extreemly well for stock. The only safety equipment you need is a helmet and they have loaners on site. Just show up and run.

As for rally, I heard of a run near the Missouri/OK border area, but don't remember where I saw the website. There is a married couple in easten OK that run a Focus in it. Will try to find the website again.

What specific tires do you run on your SVT, SteelRain? And thanks for posting all the information. I'm sure I won't be the only one to benefit from it.

Does the lack of an LSD hurt the Focus on autocross events? What speeds are normally hit in an autocross event anyway (I'd assume nothing greater than 60-70mph) meaning you'd never get out of 2nd gear unless there was a final straight of some sort - in the SVT that is.

So, where do you go to get a little background in performance driving or do any of you have any? Sorry for the abundant amount of questions, but glad to see some responses.

not meaning to high-jack your thread but I'm in Edmond and just bought an 05 ST.....I would love to know if there is a place in town that sells different parts for the focus....nice to see some Oklahoma peps here though...

Lots of OK Focus owners coming out now. I'm in Claremore myself. You guys interested in autocross be sure to check out www.greencountrymotorsports.com for all the info you could want about local motorsports events.

Bob,
Most of the auto parts places are totally clueless. You have to know what you want going in.

Originally posted by ilcowil
Does the lack of an LSD hurt the Focus on autocross events? What speeds are normally hit in an autocross event anyway (I'd assume nothing greater than 60-70mph) meaning you'd never get out of 2nd gear unless there was a final straight of some sort - in the SVT that is.

So, where do you go to get a little background in performance driving or do any of you have any? Sorry for the abundant amount of questions, but glad to see some responses.
Not having LSD does hurt some, but not all our competition has it either. Only the 05 Mini S has LSD, and the guy said it doesn't help all that much. I pretty much stay in 2nd the whole course, came close to redline (60mph) once, but usually stay around 5000rpm. I just started autocrossing this year and have made it to the last 5 events, but will miss the July 11 event. The best place to learn is on the track, seat time, seat time, seat time. And it is a blast :)
Mike

Originally posted by ilcowil
What specific tires do you run on your SVT, SteelRain? And thanks for posting all the information. I'm sure I won't be the only one to benefit from it.
I was running with the stock Conti's till I lost a fight with a pothole in Dallas. Lost 2 tires. Not much of an option in stock so I ended up with 2 Nitto Neo-Gen's which I have on the front and Contis on back. My last autocross with em really sucked. It was real hot and they didn't grip at all. On a good note, the side walls are better, less roll on the tire that I was getting with the Conti's. I will run this way for the rest of the season and get R-comps for next season. The pothole also took out one of my struts so I will be getting a set of Koni Sports as a replacement, so they should help some. Before you go out and by some expensive tires, learn how to drive the car, best $$$ as a beginner.
Mike

Cool. Thanks for all the answers. I was wanting to know how well stock tires did for competition since I need to buy some new tires. I was just debating whether I should get an all-season tire or a higher performance summer tire. I'm just lacking in the funds right now, so I think I'm going to go practical for now. Plus, I'd just like to go watch an autocross event first and meet some people.

I met up with a guy named Lane that drives a black ZX3. I don't know if any of you here know him, but he told me that every Sunday they autocross out at Remington. Is it just for fun and the competitive event only rolls around every so often? Thanks.

alex

Who else is coming out to the July 10th Autocross Event at Remington Park (this coming Sunday)?

Just me...? I guess so. Who's going to represent the SVT crowd?

I just bought an 05 ZX5 ST. I live in Midwest City OK. I had no idea there was this much support for the Focus out there. Of course I used to drive an F250...

Originally posted by ilcowil
Just me...? I guess so. Who's going to represent the SVT crowd?

I would go since we lost our site in the NEOKLA SCCA region, but it is about a 2 hour drive from Claremore to OKC, and I don't feel like paying $30 to run in OKC when I can run for $15 in Tulsa.....when we have a site of course. [:D]

I went out there today. It wasn't too bad, but it sure would've been more fun had I been driving on the course. Racing is just still in its "grass roots" stage here in Oklahoma (well, road racing of sorts). I think the funniest thing I saw was a guy taking his new (or close to new) Cadillac Deville out on the course. He definitely ran the course well for a beast like that.

I look forward to possibly seeing some other SVT owners out at the next one. I look forward to chasing down Mike too. [chair]

I took my friend out with me, and he's planning on running his RX-8. So, any tips on avoiding voiding the factory warranty (at least for his sake)?

Do you have to pay an entry fee for each event every time? Since there's no prizes for winning, what does all the entry fee money go to?

Yes, you have to pay an entry fee every time.

As for what the money goes to, well, auto-x has always been used as a form of making money for SCCA chapters to help pay for their road racing programs.......

That's a little unfair to OK members... isn't it?

Well, that's the way it is in all SCCA chapters, not just OK. Road racing is extremely expensive and the money brought in from auto-x helps offset these costs.

Hey, Ataru. Will you let us know when the site for Tulsa Autocross is up and running? I'd make the drive up there just to run. Hell, $15 on gas will get me there and back and then $15 just to get in.

Originally posted by ilcowil
I look forward to possibly seeing some other SVT owners out at the next one. I look forward to chasing down Mike too. [chair]

I took my friend out with me, and he's planning on running his RX-8. So, any tips on avoiding voiding the factory warranty (at least for his sake)?

Do you have to pay an entry fee for each event every time? Since there's no prizes for winning, what does all the entry fee money go to?

Glad you had fun, and hope to see you in August. You have to pay for each class and get 4-5 runs per class. The SVT is in G Stock (GS) if you don't have any mods. A short ram intake bumps you to Modified and it is ugly unless you have REALLY modified it. I ran in Novice for my 2nd class until I won my last event, so now I am in Sportsman (X). The rent on Remington Park and the insurance takes most of the income from Solo2. The rest goes to buy equipment, like the timing lights ($300 ea) and such. The SCCA has a military discount so I only paid $35 for membership, which lets me do 2 classes for $35. Before I got my membership it was $50 for 2 classes. No form of racing is 'cheap' but this is about as easy on the wallet as you can get. I am going to start hitting Hallet next year, once a month if possible, and that will run close to $100 just for entry fee.
Enough rambling for now. Enjoy the FOCI !!!!!
Mike

Originally posted by ilcowil
Hey, Ataru. Will you let us know when the site for Tulsa Autocross is up and running? I'd make the drive up there just to run. Hell, $15 on gas will get me there and back and then $15 just to get in.


Just a heads up, but it's $15 for me since I am a NEOKLA SCCA member. Non members are $20.00 for the first class, $18.00 for the second class.

We might use the OK Sheriff's Training site in OKC until we can use a site in Tulsa.

A short ram intake alone doesn't put you in Mod. That will take you into STS first. That's where I play.

I go to Bixby quite often (in-laws are there). SRI will put you in STS unless no one is in GS, then they don't really care I guess (at least here). I put myself in STS this last time and won (CAI, tune, ORP). You cannot run novice in any of the Street classes (found that out this time too). Running novice only pits you against other novices with your PAX time (kinda like handicapping).

I hope no one minds that I'm not a Focus owner, I'm just passing through to get Mike/SteelRain's email address. I forgot to get it from him when we were talking on the telephone.

Mike: email me at model99savage@hotmail.com.

Later guys.

Originally posted by ilcowil
The thing that sucks is that cars like the SVT Focus, STi, Evo, and the like are wasted on the roads in Oklahoma. I haven't found many opportunities to play with my new found handling where it's a little more safe (meaning I'm only at risk - and no cops) in OK. I disagree. You need to look in the right places. Southeast Oklahoma and the Talimena Skyline Drive comes to mind right off the bat. Take a drive down there and make a big loop through McAlester, Hartshorne, Talihina, etc. and top it all off with some Italian food in Krebs. (I'm partial to Pete's, but I know a lot of other people who like Roseanna's and Isle of Capri and a few who like Giacomo's on the 69 Bypass in McAlester.)

This isn't the best picture, but believe me, there are a significant number of twisty roads in Southeast Oklahoma.

http://chad.trank.net/00mctrip1/8.jpg

And a plug for Krebs:

http://www.roseannas.com/

http://www.petes.org/

All right, I'll correct my statement. The car is wasted on most roads in Oklahoma, and a lot of these places are an hour to several hours away from OKC.

How is the police patrol out there, and are the roads fairly open (meaning not many blind turns)?

Originally posted by ilcowil
All right, I'll correct my statement. The car is wasted on most roads in Oklahoma, and a lot of these places are an hour to several hours away from OKC."Most roads in Oklahoma?" That's just not true. Almost all of eastern Oklahoma is in hilly country and with the exception of the interstates and turnpikes, almost all of the roads are twisty. Hell, I can even think of a few in western Oklahoma that fit that description.

It takes me all of about an hour-and-a-half or less to get to McAlester. How much time do you spend just farting around aimlessly? Not really an issue. Take a drive to McAlester, head east on 270, and turn south at Red Oak. Make a big circle back to McAlester and eat some Italian or head south to Antlers and eat at the barbecue place there. If you're worried about time, you've already resigned yourself to not having any fun. Do it when you have a free weekend.


Originally posted by ilcowil
How is the police patrol out there, and are the roads fairly open (meaning not many blind turns)? Are you planning on doing something illegal? Every town in Oklahoma is a speed trap. Period. Even Oklahoma City. On the highways you've got to contend with the OHP, but unless you're doing something grossly negligent, they'll leave you alone. Again, not much of an issue.

Most of the highways down there are fairly wide now, either having been expanded to four lanes or with a wide shoulder.

It's worth the time and drive to see for yourself.

I wouldn't plan on doing something illegal other than speeding to actually extract something fun out of a turn. I mostly drive around the metro because I have had no other reason to explore outside, so to me, most of the roads in Oklahoma from experience are just straight with the exception of a few places I've been. Also, I've never just gotten the urge to drive an hour plus into eastern Oklahoma without a clue as to where and what I'm looking for...

The other reason I ask about open roads is because I like to know what's ahead of me whether it be other people on the road or just cops sitting and waiting. I'm not out to make a roadtrip into something more dangerous than it should be. Are you telling me the roads are a pleasure to drive at the speed limit? I only ask because your question makes it sound as if I were planning on racing or something to the extent. I'm just looking for some fun without the risk of much danger and a heavy fine for speeding.

So how did you become familiar with these roads, Johnny Nitro? Or is it just what commuting from where you live? Also, do you drive out there alone or normally have some friends tag along for the drive? I wouldn't mind following someone who knew some of the roads pretty well to get a feel for them. Anyway, thanks for the tips on the locations. When I take my vacation time from work in the next two weeks or so, I'll be sure to make a drive out to some of the locations mentioned and check it out.

So if anyone else is interested...

Originally posted by ilcowil
I mostly drive around the metro because I have had no other reason to explore outsideI gathered that.

Originally posted by ilcowil
Are you telling me the roads are a pleasure to drive at the speed limit? I only ask because your question makes it sound as if I were planning on racing or something to the extent. I'm just looking for some fun without the risk of much danger and a heavy fine for speeding.Well, YOUR earlier question seemed to infer that you might be doing something a little outside the law. I'll say this: the roads I referred to are best driven at the speed limit if you're in something like a full-sized pickup (which I've done), but are a lot of fun if you're in something with tighter suspension.

Originally posted by ilcowil
So how did you become familiar with these roads, Johnny Nitro? Or is it just what commuting from where you live? Also, do you drive out there alone or normally have some friends tag along for the drive? I wouldn't mind following someone who knew some of the roads pretty well to get a feel for them. Anyway, thanks for the tips on the locations. When I take my vacation time from work in the next two weeks or so, I'll be sure to make a drive out to some of the locations mentioned and check it out.My dad grew up in that part of Oklahoma (Pushmataha County), so I have a lot of family down there and I deer hunt there, too. It's also fun just to take a drive once in a while. In fact, this is all mentioned on the Travel OK website (mostly for the scenery). A look at a road map will also show some of this.

A little closer to OKC would be highway 37 between Hinton and Cogar. That's a fairly twisty piece of road (yes, I've driven it) and it's less than an hour from OKC. (Cogar was also where the "Rain Man" scene of Dustin Hoffman farting in the phone booth was filmed.)

And on another note, do I know you? Your profile says you're a UCO engineering & physics student. I just graduated from there in E&P in December.

Hey Johnny Nitro, we need to set up a road trip thru those E OK byways. I have traveled out there a few time and loved it.

ilcowil if you want some twisties and no fear of police or oncoming traffic, try Hallet Motor Speedway. They do High Speed Touring about once a month, run what ya brung. Only need a helmet. Check out their website:
http://www.hallettracing.net/

What's your real name, Johnny Nitro? I don't know if you know me or not. My name's Alex Rusinek. Anyway, thanks for all the different tips on the locations around here. I'll be sure to check it out, and if anyone wants to make a drive with me or in a group, just let me/whoever else know.

alex

Originally posted by ilcowil
What's your real name, Johnny Nitro? I don't know if you know me or not. My name's Alex Rusinek. Anyway, thanks for all the different tips on the locations around here. I'll be sure to check it out, and if anyone wants to make a drive with me or in a group, just let me/whoever else know.

alex I know you. We were in Bingabr's/Baja's analog electronics and a few others. (Robert Brown)

[QUOTE]
This isn't the best picture, but believe me, there are a significant number of twisty roads in Southeast Oklahoma.

http://chad.trank.net/00mctrip1/8.jpg

[QUOTE]

I'd make a road trip JUST to take a sunday drive in those hills!!

beautiful [thumb]

Originally posted by SVTBishop
I'd make a road trip JUST to take a sunday drive in those hills!!

beautiful [thumb] It's an especially popular drive during the fall when the leaves are changing. Everybody thinks Oklahoma is treeless and flat, but I'm here to say I know better.

Well, there is a reason that NE Oklahoma is called "Green Country"......

Have any of you checked out Google Earth? It's a great program that'll let you zoom in on all the satellite photography to check out some roads without venturing (of course, I didn't think of it until now). Anyway, www.google.com and just search "google earth." Awesome program...

a yup.. pretty cool, photos are WAY outdated, but still cool,, they have google moon as well LOL