For those that want to skip the write up and go straight to the videos:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6ka9qXnlfb4
http://youtube.com/watch?v=J6QmQ8MVVYk
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KHvbJl77OoQ

I made the trip up to Grattan Raceway in Michigan this weekend to compete in the NASA Midwest Time Trial series. I just upgraded to Toyo R888

 

I Grattan. Can't wait to make it up there with my R888's. Now I have a time to shoot for. May I ask what mods you have?

 

Sure. The car was an A-Stock autocrosser last year, and I've basically added the aero package for the track:

2001 AP1
-Stock Springs over Koni Yellow Shocks
-Saner Front Sway Bar
-16" Regamaster Evo Wheels with 225F/245R Toyo R888s
-Cobalt XR2/XPS Brake Pads (Thanks to GT Motoring!)
-Mugen-style Hardtop
-APR GTC-300 Wing (60")
-J's 70RS Cat-Back Exhaust
-K&N Replacement Filter
-Race-Technology DL-1 Datalogger
-Da'Lan Hitch

Grattan was a great track. It was tough to learn all the secret lines, but the the constant twists and elevation changes keep you working the whole lap. The hills, trees, and ponds make for good scenery too, though the abundant grass made it hard to find a place to jack the car up for the tire changes!

 

great driving for the most part but your mid corner shifting is a no no

 

...for beginners.

 

Wow...some nice driving there, Dave! I didn't realize how crazy Grattan was.

I've never been there before, but I'd imagine that a heat-sensitive tire like the RE-01R would be a nightmare after a few laps there.

Lot of footwork and rowing required there...my kinda track.

Glad to see you tearing it up out there!

I'd try give you a run in TTC...but with all my goofy aero mods (and street tires...which makes things really silly), I'd be in TTA, I believe.

 

haha...i disagree but yes a definate no no for beginners.

 

[QUOTE=GT Motoring DC5,Jun 10 2008, 11:37 PM]I'd try give you a run in TTC...but with all my goofy aero mods (and street tires...which makes things really silly), I'd be in TTA, I believe.

 

Yes, as you state you can do a shift and not upset the car, but personally i am of the opinion that you should have your braking and shifting done prior to turn in unless you are trail braking.

I have seen far too many drivers, both new and experienced, either:

A. not revmatch and end up spinning or almost hitting someone beside them

B. focusing on the shift and missing their apex or placement for the exit.

Again, it can be done...but in 95% of the circumstances i think you should go through a corner without shifting.

 

I see what are saying. I drive this car daily and shift on the street like I do on the track, so I would like to think it's just second nature to me now so I wouldn't run in to those problems.

On the other hand, no need to guess! Next event maybe I will try a few laps that way and compare the data. Who knows, I might find out its costing me time.