STS #1 - fun in the sun (and no wind)

[nostatic]

Reports say that Saturday was cold and windy...brutally so. Sunday dawned clear and cold, but warmth was on the way...and thankfully very light wind in the AM which dropped of to dead calm the rest of the day



My car was ready after getting my temp number assignment. I'm in II class, which is I for a US-spec SC, and I for "improved" since I run bigger sways.



Dan was there and running hard after yesterday's school:



But then he came in during his second run session after hearing a noise:



Turns out the shock bolt decided to go missing:



A temporary fix involving a borrowed bolt, some small washers (to substitute as a bushing...note to Chuck: polybronze shock bushings) and a lock nut allowed him to get home (hopefully).

As for me I got in 5 sessions with "Wayne" my instructor...a very nice guy who was (trying) to run a prepped 914 with a 2.5L 4 banger...but it wasn't cooperating. First session I got reaquainted with the track (not having run it since school last year). Best lap time was a 1:26, but the first and second sessions didn't count for official time. The next session I managed a 1:25, so I was going in the right direction. Session 3-5 were for official time and points, although they are doing a new format this year where you can take your two best times from three different run sessions, or if you think you didn't really get a clean lap, you can do a tradition timing session with warm up then 2 hot laps. *But* you have to decide before the 5th session...if you pass on the 5th session, you can run the regular timing session, but you also lose your best times from session 3 and 4...so a bit of a gamble.

Any way, I'm happy to report that I shaved a second off each session, ending up with a 1:22 in the last session and a trap speed of 111mph. Class record is a 1:19:5 so I don't feel too bad. There also is still a lot on the table. More track time is indicated.

I've got a fever...and the only cure is more cowbell. And more seat time. Looking at my options for February...

[Jack Olsen]

1:22 isn't just a lot of cowbell, it means you're really 'exploring the space' with that cowbell.

Congratulations.

[Silveresrty911S]

Nice job Todd
Sounds like you've made leaps and bounds at that track. Maybe by the time I get out there you could be my instructor

I can't wait to come out and try streets, 1-2 DE's @ the Q and by late summer/fall I'll make the treck out to Willow.
AX' are alot of fun and a good way to start learning about handeling. Just not enough seat time, although the cost 40.00 is great!
Another beautiful day @ Quallcom 911s Old Hot Targa

(U)O(/U)

[DByers]

Great work Todd!!! Looks like you will be right there with the front runners in your class.

I did make it home. Auto parts store was closed. So I just took the targa top off and began the 3 hours of flat 6 therapy.
Started to dig into it last night but decided just to give it a day or two. Just cant figure out how that bolt would shear like that? Anyway Saturdays school was fun and even though the failure and never really getting my car up to temp and being able to run her during the first session, Sunday was pretty good also.

Here is a picture of Todd and one of Sandy. Sandy's 911 reminds me of the Stay Puff before the suspension mods. I think I may have had more lean though.

[DonDavis]

Slip-sli---din' awwaa-uh-ay.


Take it away, Paul!

[911]

Todd & Dan,

You guys were parked right near me and I didn't even know. Glad to hear the day went well for both of you.

Rich

[nostatic]

Rich, you were just a couple cars away in the black 993, right? Next to the 944 turbo? Hope your day went well. Weather-wise that is about as good as Willow can get...which is close to perfect. The only off I saw was a 944 in the yellow group who lost it coming off the skid pad and touched the hot pit fence. Looked like there wasn't any major damage though.

[Jim Richards]

Looks like great fun guys! Six more weeks until my track season starts. After seeing this post, I can't wait.

[Vipergrün]

Wow, looks like you guys had a lot of fun! Ummm, what class is the Boxster S in (not yet, tho). Dan, Puff is looking really solid. Good driving there, Todd!

-B

[911]

Todd,

I wasn't parked next to a 944 turbo. I was next to a red '84 Carrera (JP), and a lime green '73 911T (duck tail). I had the black 993 C4S with yellow numbers (#225). IIRC, I was just north of you.. Had I known that was you I would have come over. This was the first time I took the 993 on the track (previously I drove an '86 Carrera w/ the POC). Are you going to the next event in April?

Rich