I've attended HPDE quite frequently in my M3. I just bought my S2000 4 days ago and will hit the 600-mile mark by tonight. There's a track event sponsored by Factory Five Racing at TWS tomorrow and I was wondering is it too soon to go for it or should I wait awhile.

 

if you haven't been to TWS before, then I'd suggest - no. there will be some follow-me instructors out there, as I'm told.

however, if you've been out there at least once or twice, then by all means, go for it. the car is ready if you are.

 

My car was still noticeably tight and not ready to run hard at 600 miles. The engine was not reving freely (as now) and I was certainly not comfortable with the handling characteristics. I guess it was closer to 2000 miles when it was broken in enough that I felt comfortable on the track. You might be ok, but it would not have been the right thing for me to do that early.

 

I've been 8 times and ran in yellow at JEH about 1.5 yr ago. However, I'm still trying to get used to the car's handling and figuring out VTEC which I first experienced tonight. So maybe not this time. Is anyone coming out tomorrow to the event?

 

it seems you've been to quite a few schools, so i guess you'll be fine. the car generally doesnt break in until about 2000miles or so, and i think you know how hard track driving can be on a car.

it'll most probably be okay for the car, but few things to watch out for if you decide to go:
-get some oil with you...a new engine can eat a quart without warning
-dont push until the third lap. these SO2s really do need to get some heat in them. also the tranny works much better then.
-modulate your throttle in the turns very carefully. while the m3 might have forgiven a little bit of lift off during a corner (i know mine does), the s2000 can get nasty. just be prepared for it and you'll be fine.
-this car really rewards the smooth driver where the m3 will let you slide with some slop

good luck
bassem

 

Absolutely. The M3 covers your butt if you are sloppy, the S2000 rewards smoothness. I'd consider the cars to be pretty much at opposite ends of the spectrum in this regard. Just be careful doing some of the things you used to do with reckless abandon in your M3, or you may find yourself in the rough. Trailing throttle oversteer and trail braking come to mind.

Jeff

 

Amen. I had two unexpected spins this past weekend and have much more respect for how quickly this car will go out than I did before. Luckily both were at relatively slow speeds, but the imminent concrete wall gave me quite a scare.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by medicalstudent
[B]I've attended HPDE quite frequently in my M3.

 

I remember the days when I was instructing at Gingerman for Phil Mirenda of CGI Motorsports. My student (and best friend) went into turn 9 too fast with an abrupt transition out of turn 8 (for those of you who know the track, you'll understand how this can get you into trouble). I told him to modulate the throttle and steering and use all the track to keep the car on, which was very possible...but HE LET GO OF THE THROTTLE...nice spin...and I got a racesuit full of grass and dirt. In fact, when we got back into the pits, and I went to use the bathroom...I unzipped my suit and a big divot of dirt fell into the toilet! <grin>

Andie Lin
Cobalt Friction Technologies