Yep it's all about where the wieght load sits and how that effects the grip and acceleration dynamics. I was having to remins myself NOT to lift in an S2000 I was driving recently to keep from spinning out in higher speed sweepers. Glad the suspension is working out. Hopefully you'll have the axle fixed and brake ducts ready to rock for VIR. I look forward to see how it turns out for you.
Glad it worked Ben. I've been following this thread, even though I won't ever do this and found it interesting. Jim
As usual Greg has some great insight and advice! Sounds like you had a great time at WGI, can't wait to hear about your VIR experiences.
Thanks guys. These past few weeks have been trying, but it's nice to have a little help from some friends. And every single time I get my car on the track, all I can think about is going back for more! :crazy:
*Smacking inside of forearm like a junky* Yeah... I know what you mean. I've been jonesing pretty bad for a track day. :frown5:
This isn't really useful to anyone else, but just thought I'd vent... Ordered a new axle last Friday at 3:15pm, which was past their same day shipping deadline of 3pm. Asked specifically if they had my axle in stock, yes, yes, of course. Called Tuesday, no tracking number yet, but it's shipping from the manufacturer who happens to be in my state. Ok, not so bad. Called today to ask for a tracking number, waited on hold, oh yeah, manufacturer was still putting it together, it'll ship out on Friday. Except I need to install it Friday so I can drive on Saturday! Shipping guy called manufacturer, arranged for me to pick up the axle myself on Friday. Fortunately, things are slow at work, so I'll be able to drive a couple hours and pick up the axle. Customer service was good, but if it's going to take a week to fill an order, it would have been nice to know that. Ugh.
Glad things went well at the Glen. Hey, it's a tough tough track to dial in and takes many many track days to do so. Joe was somewhat correct about his statements, but not fully. What you described is known as throttle steer and is how most front wheel cars behave, though I do think that the Mini is the best balanced FWD car out there. But fact is that you certainly CAN throttle steer a RWD car, it just takes a bit of a softer touch. Do know that the more you do to the Mini to make it stiffer on the track, the more oversteer you will get. You just learn to use it. Hey, BMWCCA track days are the bast out there as far as I am concerned, and their race schools are even better!. They do it right and somehow keep a great atmosphere that makes to that much more fun. They really teach! What you get at the Glen days are quite a few instructors from the Delaware Valley Chapter, and those guys down there can REALLY drive. I would really recomend you do a driving schools day with either the Boston and or the White mountain chapters at New Hampshire. What this teaches you is just how to control the car with throttle steer and to learn when and what to do when the car breaks loose. Very worth it.
Yup, been there done that. July 5-6, 2009, B group. Turn 3 is a pain in the butt after the instructor hops out of the car, and the bowl is good for working on accelerating through the corner. After running VIR, NHMS feels like an autocross course. =)
Was talking more about the driving skills course they used to require you to do at NH before you could actually do the HPDE on track. They do it in the parking lot in the wet. It's a must do, and fun for the most part.
Oh, yeah, I missed that. I agree, I would love to take my car, as it is now, on a wet skidpad. That would definitely be educational.