Drivehard.net

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.

With another day here and a working clutch, laps in the low 1:40′s should be doable. Overall the car continues to handle and otherwise run pretty well. All told I can’t be disappointed with a 1:49 the first time out. I was keeping pace with several C6′s with 50-100 more horse power and Porsche GT2s.

A set of LG Pro Longtube Headers are next on the list. Headers plus the handful of other modifications I already have will definitely call for a tune. With any luck 30-40hp will be the result, and offer more to play with at the track. With a bit more power I could transition to 4th gear sooner and have more torque available when coming out of the tighter turns here at Laguna.

Finally got a mic on the camera for audio that doesn’t pop and click, but I was in a rush and what you hear in the video is the result of a $9.99 mono mic from RadioShack a few hours before I left town for Monterey. I think we can do better in the future…

After a total of about 60 laps, race fuel was rough on the pocket book, $9 a gallon for 110. Ouch. But the elevation changes really make this track a blast, and the thrill of the corkscrew doesn’t disappoint. I’m missing the next HOD track day here due work travel, but the season is far from over.