First time I had the possibility to take the automotive on a correct observe at pace. Additionally, this was the primary time I attempted this “trackcross” format. Got here out with blended emotions.
The format is a mixture of autocross and time assault, besides the runs usually are not by your entire observe, solely a portion of it, standing begin. The good a part of it’s that they’re timed runs, so we get to compete with out turning steady laps. The benefit is a inventory automotive with avenue brake pads, fluid, tires, and so forth. is completely nice. And we get to go as quick as we dare going, in contrast to autox the place the speeds typically are under 60 mph, and there are not any cones to navigate by.
First time with the automotive on observe was a studying journey. I actually needed to handle the facility, which is one thing good to have. The climate was typical Mid-Atlantic in January. We began off with a moist observe at 38 degF. The observe within the morning was very unpredictable, even with avenue tires traction on numerous elements of the observe was very tough to guage, not to mention setting the tire pressures. The PS4S tires by no means had sufficient temp and my tire pressures barely reached 34 psi, I began off at 30 psi throughout.
After my first timed run, ready for the 2nd, a automotive went off beam hitting the tire wall, and bringing a variety of mud onto the observe floor, we needed to wait an prolonged time on grid for it to be cleared. Within the meantime, the observe confirmed indicators on some elements of drying. Finally, I began my second run, and thru one of many essential turns, I noticed the racing line was dry, squeezed the throttle after the apex, and had a scary tank slapper at about 60-65 mph, which fortunately I used to be capable of catch and keep on observe. MDM was on, however frankly, I feel it hindered the restoration greater than it helped. Confidence was fully shattered after all. I feel it was due to the tire pressures, temps being too low, and MDM interfering too quickly or on the mistaken time.
Within the afternoon, the solar got here out and dried the floor, and we ran the longer a part of the observe. The observe was way more predictable and there was some grip. After the primary two runs, I had extra confidence on most elements of the observe, the automotive, and myself. Nevertheless, the brakes have been inconsistent from flip to show. On some turns, I may brake properly, however on a few the turns, the ABS would kick in too early. I had actual issue judging the braking distances. This might have been as a consequence of clear vs. soiled surfaces on totally different turns.
General, for being on observe with this automotive first time, I got here off the occasion positively and I’m wanting ahead to the primary HPDE in March. The M3 undoubtedly has nice potential to be a enjoyable automotive on the observe, I must attempt intention for larger tire pressures, flip the MDM off, and deal with driving. I welcome some other ideas.
I used to be solely capable of document a few runs, so right here is one to offer an concept on trackcross format. I’m not positive I might do one other trackcross, I feel choose autoxing or full-on HPDE to this format. Though I’m glad I obtained to attempt it:
Final edited by BackOnBlack; 01-14-2024 at 06:48 PM..
