Archive for February, 2008
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – 1:49
After years of spectating and virtual practice at one of the most dynamic tracks in the country, I finally had my shot at the 2.2 mile course.
Xbox may “just be a game” but having at least some idea what to expect around the next turn really paid off. Memorization of any course is paramount and any edge helps. Proven by my first lap of 2:26, which only two laps later dropped to a 2:00 and mildly improved from there the rest of the day. I had one significant limiting factor all day – my clutch decided to continue it’s obstinate behavior, this time in the form of sticking to the floor. This, even after installing a brand new master and slave cylinder last month. I had run the first session all in 3rd gear, but during the second session it was clear that I was in need of 4th. I’m not sure what the issue was, if it was heat build up reducing the flow of hydraulic fluid or something else, but the peddle was HARD and stuck to the floor. After pulling it up with my toes it would work again for one or to more engagements…then back to sticking. So 3rd gear it was for the day. You can hear me in the video bouncing off the rev limiter between turns 11 and 1, and 4 to 5.