I def plan on keeping it up, Mike has a little bun in the oven that might set him back a bit

I don't have a winter project as big as yours but I will get my harnesses, should prob get a hardtop, maybe a splitter, and considering switching up wheels and getting the Stoptech kit even though it may or may not be needed.

I'd like to do VIR, and from what I heard Watkins Glen. Heck, while I am at it, why not Road Atlanta and Road America??

 

I hope I can keep it up too. I plan to do at least 3 events next year. As with everything, you just gotta make the time for it. I'd like to try VIR as well, but considering it's farther away and perhaps harder on brakes, I'm definitely more hesitant. Summit is close by which definitely makes things a lot easier.

 

Group 3 is a big step with NASA, with passing anywhere.

You should work on off-line exercises while still in group 2, IE take the inside line of a corner like you are passing someone there. Its a lot different charging into say turn 3 on the inside and still trying to make the corner.

 

Yep, which is precisely why I'm happy in group 2 for a little while. I had a little off track excursion once going into turn 3 (into the gravel) when I got the point by and had to take the inside line. I had been pushing the brakes and they were definitely fading in turn 1. Getting on them harder into turn 3 there was some fade and realizing I couldn't quite hold the line I drifted into the gravel.. No point trying to make a hero move. The only resulting damage was to my pride.

 

Not a particularly great lap but the best full lap of the weekend. I could definitely push harder and longer into the straight as I let off at the top of 5th, but I'm a big puss. Didn't have the best go through the carousel this time either. There's always next time. All things considered I'm pretty happy. I need to work on compressing my brake zones and staying on the gas longer. Definitely going to try some different pads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tsNfqlXEH0

 

Yeah, that is what I have been told, so I am in no hurry to try and make a jump. I did get a decent amount of offline passes done this weekend, in fact 80% were going into 3 I think. I do need to practice doing some of those off-line exercises though as well - I meant to in the last couple sessions but got too caught up trying to go fast!

 

The day after a track weekend is such a hangover, ESPECIALLY the last one of the season

So just planning ahead to make me less depressed, the next tires I get, should I get:

a) BF Goodrich Rivals - $808
b) Bridgestone RE-11 - $728
c) Dunlop Star Specs - $704
d) Hankook RS-3 - $624
e) Kuhmo Ecsta XS - $656
f) Toyo R1R - $780

I know Jim gave one vote for the Rival. So many tires, so little track time to try them all out.

 

I can't help here, I used RA1's for years and always had good luck with them. Are the R1Rs the same compound?

 

From the quick research I did, it seems like the R1R are good initially but don't handle heat very well, and not as well as an RA1. Plus, apparently they are a dual compound tire and initially are good but the second stage isn't nearly as good. However, the RA1 is a little too sticky for me right now, I don't think I want to jump to R-Comps yet.

 

From the quick research I did, it seems like the R1R are good initially but don't handle heat very well, and not as well as an RA1. Plus, apparently they are a dual compound tire and initially are good but the second stage isn't nearly as good. However, the RA1 is a little too sticky for me right now, I don't think I want to jump to R-Comps yet.
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With all the track days you have under your belt you are ready for them. Just keep on mind wear and tear on the car is greatly accelerated. Brake Pads go away quick.

I have been running street tires now after years of R comps, I find they get greasy after 5-8 laps and have a lot less grip, but brake pads and other parts last much much longer.