Feb 17 Event - CA Speedway

[dara323]

There will be an autocross this Sunday at California Speedway in Fontana. See www.Solo2.com for details.

For those planning to run frequently this year, it's a good idea to invest into a points card. Costs only $20 and your events for the rest of the year will only be $20/per event vs $35 as a non-member.

Also, the advantage of having a points card gives you a permanent number.

See you there!

Dara
Yellow 240Z - BSP
2000 Silver GTS

[erok]

I'm looking forward to it.

[dara323]

Today was an awesome but wet day at California Speedway. I ran in the Z in the 2nd heat and was sure taught a big lesson on RWD handling in the rain. I must have spun twice, locked up the brakes once and flew thru the gates.

Quite different than driving the GTS with ABS!

I saw a silver GTS in the first run group. Erok, was that you? I hid in my trailer most of the day, too cold to hang outside. Almost froze my butt off in the rain. Group 3 and those after it had it good. Very dry, nice surface.

Dara
*Yellow 240Z, BSP #164
Formerly #323
*2000 Silver GTS

[erok]

Yes that was me. I was bummed about the rain on the way there, but actually had fun and amazingly won in DSP! Fortunately it stopped raining by the time I had to work in the 2nd run group.

It's pretty wild how the tables turn on powerful RWD cars in the rain! I can honestly say now I beat a Z06 Corvette :) That's my best place finish so far! Feels great!

Next time I'll try to introduce myself.

[erok]

BTW I ran with my stock 16" wheels and Kuhmo Ecsta Supra 712 tires instead of the new 15" Victoracers. The 712's are absolutely great in the rain. They grip almost as well in the wet as in the dry IMO ;)

The first part of the course was a big skid pad-like loop that tested grip more than driving ability and I know I was going faster around that part of the course than almost everyone I watched later on. Especially the people on race tires.

[dara323]

I loved the loop. It's been awhile since Cal Club has used that kind of design. I took it very easy since it was still wet....I'm still learning to trust the Z. I wish I ran in one of the dry run groups.

How long have you been autocrossing? I think you parked next to me at hollwood park in december. Remember a long white trailer with the yellow Z next to it? I lent out the Z that day and drove my celica in GS.

You have to come to our two day schools. There should be 2 this year, at least. Usually around June and October. Check Solo2.com for schedule. I've instructed at the last two or three schools. I usually get the FWD students.

Last summer, I was one of six instructors for the school that Road & Track wrote an article on (See December 2001 issue). Mazda donated new Miata's for the school and it was my first lesson in RWD. I thought, damn, I've never even driven RWD, how in hell am I going to instruct how to drive one? Turned out to be quite fun once I got used to the rear end when coming out of corners. I got hooked on RWD, hence now driving a 240Z.

Dara

[erok]

2/17 was only my 4th autox. I'm planning on going to at least one of the schools. I know that I could be driving MUCH faster. I'm looking forward to the next event in March.