A.R.T. Time Trial @ Harris Hill Road 2/4/12

[Chris S]

These are always fun events, and you'll get plenty of track time, lap times, plus a chance to see how you stack up to your fellow racers. It's basically similar to a DE but w/ timing and scoring*, fewer run groups (2?), and no instructors (so you need to be solo-qualified). Lunch will be provided.

Hope to see some fellow S2000 owners out there, I'm looking forward to this event!

http://www.americanracingtech.com/timetrial.htm

* FYI, most insurance companies already exclude DE's, but you should be aware and accept that you almost certainly will not have insurance coverage during an event of this nature.

[Rocketman]

Chris, is this a wheel-to-wheel race with corner passing or a timed DE with passing zones and all the safety goodness?

[Chris S]

When I've done it before, it felt like an advanced run group of a DE, w/ the same passing zones/point-by reqs. I would never risk my S2000 in wheel to wheel racing, but am as comfortable w/ this as a DE. In fact, I believe NASA combines TT w/ their advanced DE groups.

[Rocketman]

Oh, I just looked at the date. Don't think I can make it, but it does sound fun!

[RiceNeck]

Chris, what kind of lap times do you run in the s2000 at h2r?

[Chris S]

Not really sure, since I sold my TraqMate before getting the S and this will be my first timed event. Best w/ my Miata was 1:30.4 with NT01's. I'll be aiming for 1:30-1:32 in the S, but breaking 1:30 would really make my day.

[Rocketman]

I know your Miata was pretty tricked out, but do you really think it's faster around the track? Are you running race rubber on the S?

[Chris S]

For me, not being a pro driver, confidence and predictable handling are more important than outright power. When I supercharged my NC, the fun factor went up, but I wasn't any faster, just b/c I could drive the wheels off the NC pre-SC.

The S was a handful to tame after going to a non-staggered setup, and though I now have it pretty dialed in, it's less benign at the limit....not really a problem under good track conditions, but harder to reel in if the track is wet or has dirt on it. After my last track session, I stiffened up the front coilovers, hopefully that will make it a bit more stable.

I alternate between R888's and Star Specs depending on weather conditions, but will do the TT on the Star Specs since race compounds will carry a stiffer time penalty than I'll gain in lap times. I also have slightly wider/lighter wheels (17x9 TR Motorsports C3's vs. AP2 V3 17x8.5's all around) affixed to the Star Specs.