SFSCA Autocross
6 July 1997
Did anyone ever mention that it is HOT
in Miami in July? Finding, and keeping in the shade was the main order of business today.
Not to bitch too loudly, but the SFSCA organizers managed to delay the start until around
11:00, and then their system of paid course workers took a nice long "lunch" between the
second and third runs. A "popular" idea among the hundred or so drivers who were roasting
while the workers took their (much deserved) break was that we might have twice as many
workers who volunteer for half a day, rather than sitting around while these guys eat
lunch. Pardon me while I stumble off my soapbox. Oh, before I go, everyone I talked
to today hated the pivot cone, everyone. So why was it there?About the race, I had fun. I also got proof positive that I need to install my limited slip differential. First run was good, but a bit tentative. Second run was better, even though I botched the 1-2 shift off the start. Third run I got major wheelspin through the opening obstacles, but rather than back off and get it under control as I did in the first two runs, I kept my foot in it just to see how it would play out. There's a bright orange stripe on my right rear sidewall as evidence of the results <grin>.
With the turbo, I can choose to compete in either E-Modified, with a prepared Acura
NSX, and whatever full blown racecar Al Wicht shows up with - or in Street Modified,
a local class with about 6 competitors today, including a 300HP 18psi boosted MR2.
Hmmmm.... I class myself differently, I look around for people who are actually
racing on street tires, Yokohama A509s seem to be the favorites - I was running on
the Dunlop SP8000s today, though looking at the wear they sustained, I think I'll
switch over to the cheaper 509s in the future. Compared to that field, I did
rather well with my 1:02.975. For reference, Darrin Disimo was turning in mid
50s on BFG R1s in his B Stock Miata - but with Darrin it's not just tires, he's
a hell of a driver too.
