1st Time Trial FD video @ Roebling Road
 

I did my first time trail with the Tarheel Triangle Z club this last weekend at Roebling Road Raceway.

This edited videos shows me passing two track-prepped BMW M3s, with my best time of 1:22:102.

Of course I spun just after passing the red M3, doh!

But look who spun out ahead of me and blocked the track !

IMHO, not bad for an FD touring that is not stripped, just (4) 850cc, Steve Kan tune, AD coilovers, Tri-point front sway-bar, stock turbos, and Kumho 710's (225's & 265's), and SMIC.

Enjoy,
:-) neil

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXpRYLzsMxE

Good stuff!

Catch a tire in the grass or something? I couldn't really tell why you went into a spin. Good vid.

Neil,
Nice stuff.

THSCC runs some great TTs.

Damn I just love the way an FD turns in but sometimes it can be a little too good hehe ;)

Man it looked like when you spun out you were on ice. I guess the weight wasnt shifted all the way comming out of the first turn, so your rear right tire was light and no traction?

Nice vid. Your mid-turn hand position freak me out though. :)

Not that I'm one to critique, but it seemed like your turn in wasn't very smooth on that corner in general. Kinda looked like you slightly jerked the wheel on that last turn in point.

Thanks for the kind words.

I noticed in another thread that you have a Racing Beat rear spoiler and Spec'99 front lip.

Do you think it helps on the track, or would I better off with a Spec'99 rear spoiler combined with a Spec'99 front lip ?

TIA,
:-) neil

I'm still perfecting my rhythmn as I am increasing my speed into and out of that series of turns.

:-) neil

Still better than me. I'm hitting Buttonwillow in a couple of weeks for some more practice on the rhythm thing.

I think you'll be better off with the '99 Spec rear spoiler. Since its adjustable, you'll be able to have some amount of adjustment depending on whats needed for a particular track.

The previous owner of my car had it completely outfitted with Racing Beat parts. I kept the rear spoiler but changed the front out. If I keep the car for a while, I plan on changing the rear spoiler out for the Mazdaspeed Type GT-C Rear Adjustable Wing:

http://corksport.com/store/category/...-exterior.html

Its a little much for the street, but I would like more adjustability for the track. For some reason, I'm just not a fan of the '99 Spec rear spoiler. :(

Neil -

Good stuff - I like the video. There is a termendous amount of speed at Roebling to be had. Stay off the brakes a little more and get the finese down. You'll pick up 3-4 secs.

I ran a 1:24.2 in a bone stock 12A.

http://media.putfile.com/SCCA-Driver...-Roebling-Road

I believe you.

A good Spec Miata driver can do 1:24's and 1:25's all day.

My friend in his Spec Miata is so quick through the turns!

Unfortunately, more practice is expensive when you're getting 6 MPG and having to use premium fuel!

:-) neil

great watch. your car seemed to have a lot of get up and go for the mod list you posted.

very nice, very nice! get some more videos when you go out again.

Few pointers for when you go back to RRR.

1) Carry tons of speed into 1. Lots of time to be had here and no one ever carries enough speed. Double apex it and you'll find a good bit of time.

2) Get more inside at 2. Use all the rumble strips. There is tons of grip on the inside of turn 2, and the more inside you get, the more there is. I hang 1/2 my tires off the back of the gators and can carry several more mph than if you only kiss them.

3) The scariest turn at RRR. It's very fast and very late. Stay to the outside of 3 and don't turn in early. You should start to come over when the outside rumble strips end. If you turn before that, you're doing it too early. Exceptions to this rule would be super slow cars that can make more time by hugging the inside and shortening the track. All but the fastest of fast cars should take turn three without lifting.

4) What I call turn 7 (the 180+ degree right hander just before the mini-straight) should be taken later than you are. I come over about 2/3rds track and hold it. Too far left and you lose the camber.

5) Turn 8 should be later. You can see how you start the turn, then have to tighten up the wheel to make it. If you do it right, there should be one steering motion and then you open the wheel. If you have to "pinch" the wheel, you're early. Another turn that should be taken without lifting. Just aim for the grass if you mess up. Don't try to save it or you'll meet the wall.

Still, a 1:22.1 is quick. I think I've only managed a 1:20.5. Any idea what your power and weight are? I'm right at 2550lbs and 215whp.

Thanks for the tips!

1) Without better brakes, T1 still intimidates me, hence I'm off the gas sooner and braking, esp. since I'm topping out in 4th gear. I've gone into 5th (150mph +) , but due to 5th's over-drive nature, it doesn't seem worth it, and down-shifting twice. I've been creeping-up in speed though.

2) I'll definitely try to get in closer on T2 and hit those rumble strips. Yes, the grip is incredible here (until the track deteriorates . . . )

3) Yes, getting light as you approach T3 is very scary esp. at 125+ MPH. I believe once or twice I have been able to keep it WOT, but again very scary. Sometimes, I just question whether she is going to turn-in, although she hasn't failed me . . . I've found that some gentle left-foot braking here does help, but only if I'm WOT.

4) Agree. I've done it 100% right probably only 50% of the time, which allows for a very straight line at almost WOT.

5) Is your T8, my T9 ? That is, the last right-hand sweeper before the front-straight ?

FWIW, as I approach T9 I also do some gentle left-foot braking.

Again, thanks for the tips.

BTW: my weight is 3000-lbs with driver and last dyno was 285 RWHP. I've done some changes, so I'm estimating about 325 RWHP.

:-) neil

PS: do you have video ? I'd love to compare. If so, and it's on 8mm, Digital 8, or mini-DV, I can do a split-screen for both of us.

Please tell me you have video of this!

Yes, I say there are 8 turns at RRR, which is widely considered wrong. :-)

RRR is a very weird track. To look at the map, it seems so boring, but to drive it, it's one of the hardest tracks to get right. So much of it is just lapping over and over again. There are several turns that have no real reference points, and so many different lines that are all just as fast. Every time I go there I learn something new. Turn two was the big epiphany this last time. I couldn't believe how much grip was there when you hang the car over the inside rumble strips. It explained why the mustang kept pulling on me taking a line that I thought was impossible.

I can get video of it if you wish. We'll be back at RRR at the end of September. I don't know if I'll be instructing before then though. Turn three is one constant butt pucker. It takes a lot of laps to convince your brain that the car can indeed go that fast. Just because I'm a bit of a puss I leave about 2 feet between me and the rumble strips on the outside in case the rear end ever wiggles.

How about getting me that video.

You can PM me and I'll digitize it and do a split screen.

:-) neil

You need to listen to that man. He knows what he's talking about. Plus, he now drives a pink Spec E30 race car. Driving a pink race car takes more balls than taking turn 8 WOT. See you in September Rob! :)