For my first time I didn't do too
bad, in my VW Passat 1.8t. I ran TGS class which was G stock with
street tires, and my best time of the day was 63.791 seconds for
the course. To give perspective, the really powerful cars and
experienced Auto Xers were running into the mid 50's. But that
was 500 hp Supra and 400hp C5 vette and things like that. Other
cars that I ran against that were comparable were Imprezas 2.5rs,
and one Turbo WRX. They were running low 60's as well and some
into the 58-59 second range that I could see. There were also
some Firebirds that were running about in the 60 second range.
Steven in his new Audi TT bested me by 2 seconds at 61.somehting.
BUT I have to say...after never having done this before I did
pretty good. I wasn't at the back of the heap and I wan't at the
front.
I have to say that my friend Mark's
knowledge and experience in Auto crossing became invaluable. He
helped us with everything from walking the course, explaining
everything the whole way to adjusting tire pressures and running
around helping in any way possible. Hats off to Mark. I attribute
everything associated knowledge wise to him and his efforts to
make this event as fun and positive as possible. Next time I'm
sure he'll rip us all a new one with his super nice Beetle 1.8t
though. ^_^
My Achiles heel was the stock Michelins.
Even at 40psi front and 30psi rear I was getting some oversteer
and TONS of wheel spin. A quaife LSD or better Rubber all together
would have probably helped me maintain grip. Every time I got
on the pedal the tires would break loose and I would have to back
off. In a straight line my car is slightly quicker than the FF
TT 180, but I lose it in the turns due to stock everything. Of
course I have the Chip, and like a friend said: it acts as more
of an equalizer due to my weight disadvantage and the fact that
every other car is LIGHTER and running close to the same HP level.
So handling and grip being the
main detriment, I would say I did well. I taped my camera to my
middle rear headrest as a make-shift mount and got some decent
VIDEO.
In alll I have to say with more practice and better rubber I may
be able to run with the best of them in my class. I guess this
big 'ol family car can hang. ^______^
Maybe some good racing rubber would
help next time...???
Hopefully the next event will go
as well, and perhaps I will be ready with some new tires and wheels...and
maybe suspension. Then again, I may be aiming too high too soon.
I should probably work on technique instead of relying on the
equipment to get me so far.
(Oh just to reduce the amount of
scoffing...I am now aware that I should have been in Street Modified
with the Chip ...but due to my weight and handling disadvantage
I would not have been anywhere NEAR competitive. And besides it
was more of an afterthought really, nothing really sneaky about
it. If nothing else the chip was the great equalizer for me running
against car with near or more the same HP rating and A LOT less
weight.)
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