Re: Autocross tire pressure?
I'd say you did quite well, Wedge. I'm no AutoX expert, but shaving 7 seconds off your first run is a huge amount of time. Guys win AutoX on tenths of a second. How does your fastest (lowest) time compare to others in your group? That will indicate to you whether you are on the pace or need to do something about tires/pressures/suspension. In any case, I've seen way too many guys get wrapped up in the technology and what they really needed is to improve their driving. "Slow down to go fast" is what they say.
A tire pyrometer is used to measure the temp across the tread of a tire. It can help you see whether you have your pressures set properly for the conditions. After your run, you measure the outsides and center of the tire tread to see if there is a variation. Hotter outside and cooler middle indicates too low pressure. Other variations can mean different things, but it's probably good that you don't get into all that now until you get better at handling your car on the course. I'm sure there are some old veterens around that can give you guidance.
My guess is that the Crossfire, particularly the Coupe, is going to make an excellent AutoX and track car. I'm a car nut and you can do whatever you want with your baby, but drag racing a Crossfire doesn't make sense to me. The thing was built to carve up the road.
Dude, knock yourself out and let us know how you do!