I went to the NASA HPDE on Saturday and was shocked at how many S2000's attend these events now. I am a NASA Official (tech and pitlane) so I have a pretty good idea of how many there were before. Great to see so many of their owners really enjoying the car.

There was one guy driving in the open track that was very, very quick. I was a passenger in a 325is K-Prepared car and we had to let him by. At the time we were running 1:53's or so (we had a hot lap timer in the car). I know the guy was on R compounds but other than that the car didn't look too modified.

I had to run in Group 2 as that was the only place there was any room. They really need more instructors as there were guys all over the track. There was one S2000 in that group that ran pretty strong but a few that were scary slow. Has nothing to do with the car, just an inexperienced driver. I did drag race one S2000 out of turn 11--it was a good drag race as he was so slow in the turn both of us couldn't hit the throttle until we were pointed straight. Great opportunity to see how my car compared. We were dead even until about 90mph when he finally let up and let me pass.

The group got progressively better throughout the day as guys learned the line (sort of) and were more cooperative with the passing. One idiot in a Vette, with a big wing, couldn't drive to save his life yet of course slammed his right foot down on the straights. I don't think he ever would have let me pass if he didn't get a meatball flag. He was so bad that when an instructor in a Vette passed him, the instructor tapped on the roof to say "follow me". A good example was that he got hard on the throttle out of 11 and pulled away but then BRAKED at the crest of the hill as I was shifting to 4th. Thank God he was far enough ahead of me that I had time to brake also.


Unbelieveable weather. I think a friend got me running a 1:57 and change. Only bad part of the day was someone rolled a nice 3rd gen RX7. Ouch.

 

Interesting post! I tend to think there were so many S2000's (more than usual) because about 60 of us met at Laguna Seca on Monday for some driving Although, maybe that many would have still showed up. As for track times, we had an S2000 from King Motorsports (you might have seen in car magazines) that easily pulls 1:43 times around Laguna. Not bad, huh??? I tell you, these cars were built for tracks like this Thanks for the post, it's good to see that all of us car enthusiasts can appreciate the joy we find in driving even if it's in different cars.

 

I am more impressed by the 1:50's the guy was running in what looked like a nearly stock S2000 (other than sticky tires). I have spent enough time on the track to realize it is 90% driver. There were Miata's running in the low 1:50's and the top Pro 7 Mazda drivers turn 1:50 with only 125hp.

An S2000 should let you carry tons of speed through the corners. Of course, that all depends on your cajones. I am pretty conservative and keep my car at about 8/10ths.

Just for the sake of comparison, I think Castroneves set a lap record of 1:07 or something. Wow.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by E34M5
[B]I am more impressed by the 1:50's the guy was running in what looked like a nearly stock S2000 (other than sticky tires).

 

Dave,

I did not have the pleasure of meeting you this past weekend. However, I just moved to Monterey and wanted to let you know that you have a new neighbor in the area. I'm sure we'll meet at the next local event. Would have wanted to see your supercharger but I'm sure next time

 

Silver, Sorry we didnt get a chance to meet... So many people and faces this last couple of days... very hard to keep track of... Anyway a bunch of us will be at the NASA autoX this coming sunday.. we could meet up there... and if you like, have a go at the track with my car...

 

Great event to have met everyone and put a car and face to these posts.

Tan

 

Dave,

Yes that was us. Hmmm, you have a supercharger. Yes, now I am not quite as impressed but you still were driving the corners pretty well. Jim bought that 325is because it was such a great deal and long term it is cheaper to race a 325is than an M3. It had full cage, very stiff springs, etc.

I always suspected my old warhorse would be about equal to an S2000 in a straightline race from a roll and I was correct. Of course, I am no match for a good driver in the corners given the 1000+ lb weight difference.

It really is good to see the S2000 crowd so enthusiastic about the track. I don't think there has been a new bunch of trank junkies in a while, maybe since the Miata. I still cringe thinking that you guys do that stuff without a real rollbar.

 

FYI, E34M5

a stock S2K weighs 2800lbs.

 

What are the details of the other accident at Laguna Seca beside Vtec Racer (Black S2000) there also was a silver one that was driveable but every body panel was scratched or dent/crushed. I also understand that the owner was not driving his own vehicle when this happened.

Tan