Well, well, well. I finally got a video up. I'm disappointed in the quality but I had to shrink it a lot to fit. This was a track day with an instructor as a passenger. Passing was not encouraged. You can tell when I was pushing and when the instructor was giving instruction. It's pretty obvious. For those that have seen my post on my tires, this was my last run of the day. Actually, the instructor pulled me into the pits early to check them. You wouldn't believe all the great cars they had at the track. Here's a link to the video and some pictures.

Les

YouTube - Salinas P R August 9, 2009

Domingo 9 de agosto - CARRITO.NET Puertorican Motorsport

 

Well I hope you all like seeing racing videos. Unfortunately the camera didn't record the tires communicating with me. The Vette has A6 Hoosiers and the BMW has racing tires also. The instructor gave the car great reviews. It was his first ride in a Crossfire and I think the car surprised the heck out of him. He has a Subaru and told me all I needed to do was lower the car and get sticky tires. Sticky tires are in the works as we speak. I'm still not convinced about lowering the car. Too many steep angles in Puerto Rico and huge speed bumps.

Les

 

Nice video. I am unable to make it to a track day like that so watching your video is the closest thing to it that I can do. Thanx

 

Looks like a fast, fun track. You're lucky to have one available.

 

I have a track nearby for the time being. At the end of this month the drag strip near me is being closed to make way for a golf course. Puerto Rico is becoming a golf destination and the Government is full speed ahead pushing it. The karting track that I started on closed until further notice this week. Times are hard for the track owners too. The Salinas track is pretty fast I guess. I really don't know what's fast for a track. On the front straight I reach 115 or so. I've never looked at the speedo but I shift to 4th a fair distance from the braking zone. On the back straight I reach the top o 3rd. Again I don't have time to look at my speed but I can feel the shift coming (timing being pulled) right before braking. So it's close to 100. Don't let anyone tell you our cars have bad brakes. I can out brake just about any car out there. Including the Corvettes. And I have the car turning pretty good now. I think with racing tires I'll be a rocket. But enough driving from the office chair. It really is a fun time and a lot of people go just for that reason. To go fast and have fun. Not to be the fastest or compete. You should give it a try if the opportunity presents itself. Don't wait until 50.

Les

 

Looks like a total blast. I could not tell in the video but were you having a little trouble with your exit speed in the turns and how early you could get on the gas? That seems to be where you would make up the most time.

Steve

 

Your exactly right. If I get on the gas too soon I can't hold the drift and I flirt with the dirt. This seems to be because the car still wants to push a little. Actually it's better at higher speeds than slower ones. I can see where I can improve my line but I also remember how the car was feeling that made me want to turn in early or late. The instructor wants me to brake much earlier than I want to and squeeze them on and off and not brake hard and ease up. The car is much faster through the barrels the instructors way.

It looks like september 19 and 20 are going to be wild. Lots of cars are coming out to support the track because of the recent closings. I hope to get some good video. (won't have an instructor either)

Les

 

I know from my old go-cart racing days, you would want to brake a little early and then get on the gas as soon and as hard as the cart would allow unless you are trying to outbrake someone to the turn. Maybe once you get sticky tires, that would help. Maybe softer compound in the front compared to the rear. I am sure air pressure adjustments would help dial it in as well.