Just had a great day out driving the S2000 sideways around a friend's freshly mown paddock. An outstanding way to become accustomed to the car at the limits of traction.

I don't see much mention here of driving on grass. Does anybody do it? Are autocrosses in the U.S. often on grass? (They are here in New Zealand - we generally call them "Grasskhanas". We use sheep to mark out the course.)

Also, is anyone able to comment on whether extremely low traction environments like grass are likely to cause any mechanical issues with the S2000? Specifically, I was wondering if the diff could be damaged with the constant wheel spin?

 

Autocrosses here are generall on pavement (for better traction). However, grass sounds really fun!
I don't think a low-traction environment would damage parts. We can burn tires as long as we want in any environment, so I wouldn't assume doing it a lot would cause damage. But I don't do it often so I don't know for sure.

 

wow that is really interesting> i think i'd liek to see/try one of these events. how does tire affect performance in these grass events? ie type of tire have any effect? oe trewar much?

 

 

...I always have a "great day" while I'm driving "on grass"

 

Just got to love this

John

 

In my limited experience, nobbly off-road tyres will give faster times, but S02s are a lot more fun. Pick any gear, throttle, spin. Turn any corner, throttle, slide.

Actually this raises another question, for those who are used to driving off tarmac. In my experience, gravel is what I would call a "slow" low traction surface; when you oversteer, the tail comes around slowly and you don't need to react too quickly. Grass is a lot "faster", and is a little harder to catch. I haven't intentionally broken traction on wet tarmac in the S as yet. I assume that wet tarmac is "faster" than grass?

 

Not often, but sometimes. A local group put on a couple of "Rallycross" events last year. Autocross in a grass parking lot. It was a bit chewed up, and I think they recommended higher clearance vehicles.

 

No, you have more traction on wet tarmac than wet grass. Unless you are totally hydroplaning....

 

what do you use to marinate the sheep after it has been hit. i am sure they taste better than cones.