NASA Mid Ohio TTD track record and class win
For the last few years I've been running with NASA, started in the HPDE program. Last year I moved to TT (time trials) last year.
I've been using our 2006 Eclipse GT V6 mostly. I've run our EVOX and Subaru TR too.
Last year I put a set of Megan coil overs on the car, Yokahama AD08's, our cold air inlet, a 2.5" SS cat back exhaust I built, Rotora big brake kit. The car was fun to drive but in TTE where it was classed it was just too heavy and limited on tire choice, it simply wasn't competitive.
This year I decided to move to TTD, one class up but would allow me to add some tires and other parts.
My goal was to qualify to run Nationals at Mid Ohio this year and try to place in the top three and attempt to set a track record.
Last minute this week I signed up and started on the car. The biggest problem, only problem actually, has been the Rotora rotors breaking in half. I did some trading for a front set of EVO8 brakes and installed those. I also bought a set of Rota DPT's 17x9's. Added some Hankook Z214's to those, 245-40-17's. These tires and wheels dropped 9 pounds per corner!
I took points for a front diff and an additional 30 pounds of weight loss but ended up not installing the diff and was 16 pounds over my standard weight and 46 over my minimum weight.
So off to Mid Ohio for my first attempt in TTD and first time ever on slicks. It rained of course, slicks suck in the rain. A few laps in on our first session I spun the car 180 degrees at the top of the key hole, facing traffic sucks so I dropped it in reverse and got the hell off the track.
The track finally started to dry up in the afternoon but the back of the car was super loose, too loose for me. Shocks were set as soft as they'd go, I wasn't doing an alignment change so I dropped the air about 8 pounds in the rear. That was the ticket!
My best ever on the Pro course was 1:45, the Club course we were running best ever was 1:49. I dropped to a 1.45 with the tire pressure change, four seconds faster than my best last year. This moved me to first place and close to the current TTD track record of 1:44.47.
The final session of the day was a good one. Good track, good position, no traffic. I came in and checked scoring to find I set a new track record of 1:44.19. I have to admit, happy is an understatement!!
Ends up I won TTD, my first TT win and set the Club course track record.
Today, Sunday, I assumed the track would be set up Pro course, I really wanted a shot at the Pro course record. They ran the Club course again.....I decided to just run one session and head home. More traffic and I had a tough time getting into 3rd gear two other runs, still ran a 1:45.
Great weekend. Maybe this will help with my "drag racer only" reputation
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