So anyway, the event was run by SCDA [[ www.scda1.com ]]. In general, very well organized and professionally run. Except that tehc inspections were almost nonexistent, and apparently certain rules (convertibles require roll bars, long-sleeved shirts) don't really apply. But I digress.I have some pretty good video, including an F355 which spun out right infront of me, but I need a few days to figure out how to caprture it and get it up on the net.
I had a lot of fun, my instructor was great, people were nice, can't wait to go again. I started off in Intermediate-- I wanted to play it a bit conservative because it has been almost 2 years since I've been on the track, and the frist time in this car. After 2 sessions I got signed off to drive solo, which I declined, and bumped up a group. I ended up driving solo anyway because I couldn't find an instructor my last session.
My thoughts about my setup:
(Oh, I got to weigh my car. Full interior incl spare etc, 3/4 tank of gas, no driver, weighing in at a portly 3544 lbs. But, perfect left/right balance at 1772 lbs each side =)
Suspension: I am basically stock except for sway bars. I really could not have wanted for anything today, suspension wise. The car felt great. Very neutral, body lean not even noticeable. I was very happy. My instructor also commented that the car was very well balanced and neutral. And I was extremely happy with the T1-S.
Brakes: Thanks to nixit and guapo's suggestions, I can happily report that the stock brakes were more than adequate for the task. Surprise, surprise. And, by all accounts, NHIS is a track that is hard on brakes. You never really get much above triple digit speeds, but you are on the brakes often and hard. I was repeatedly going beyond the tires' limits of adhesion with absolutely zero fade. Very happy.
Power: Believe it or not, this was my weak point here. There were 2 Z06's and an M5 that I just could not hang with coming out of the corners. Through the corners and down the straight, sure. But I just did not have the grunt of the those cars to power out of the corners. The problem was basically this (those of you who have been there feel free to comment): coming out of Turn 2 and again through the Bowl (6, 7, 8), I was in 3rd gear about 3000 rpm. There was just very little pull there, until I got up above 4500. Downshifting to 2nd would have, I think, unsettled the car. Maybe double clutching or something. I dunno. I was really focusing on braking and smooth lines today, so...Those torquey V8s just rocketed out of those turns. I always caught them, but damn. I spoke at length with the M5 driver (3.73 gears, Stoptechs, 400 rwhp, yes rwhp), who took those turns in 4th gear!
On to the pics!
My vid cam setup.
My Toyos after a session.
I don't know how many of these are in the US, but there were 2 here. Plus an Elise.
"Smooth is fast."
SCCA member# 296913 (WNY region)
BMWCCA member# 306145 (GVR region)
Finally, some track time today... - 
