First time I had the prospect to take the automotive on a correct monitor at velocity. Additionally, this was the primary time I attempted this “trackcross” format. Got here out with blended emotions.
The format is a mixture of autocross and time assault, besides the runs aren’t by way of the complete monitor, solely a portion of it, standing begin. The good a part of it’s that they’re timed runs, so we get to compete with out turning steady laps. The benefit is a inventory automotive with road brake pads, fluid, tires, and many others. is completely effective. And we get to go as quick as we dare going, in contrast to autox the place the speeds typically are beneath 60 mph, and there are not any cones to navigate by way of.
First time with the automotive on monitor was a studying journey. I actually needed to handle the ability, which is one thing good to have. The climate was typical Mid-Atlantic in January. We began off with a moist monitor at 38 degF. The monitor within the morning was very unpredictable, even with road tires traction on varied components of the monitor was very tough to guage, not to mention setting the tire pressures. The PS4S tires by no means had sufficient temp and my tire pressures barely reached 34 psi, I began off at 30 psi throughout.
After my first timed run, ready for the 2nd, a automotive went astray hitting the tire wall, and bringing plenty of mud onto the monitor floor, we needed to wait an prolonged time on grid for it to be cleared. Within the meantime, the monitor confirmed indicators on some components of drying. Finally, I began my second run, and thru one of many essential turns, I noticed the racing line was dry, squeezed the throttle after the apex, and had a scary tank slapper at about 60-65 mph, which fortunately I used to be in a position to catch and keep on monitor. MDM was on, however frankly, I feel it hindered the restoration greater than it helped. Confidence was utterly shattered after all. I feel it was due to the tire pressures, temps being too low, and MDM interfering too quickly or on the mistaken time.
Within the afternoon, the solar got here out and dried the floor, and we ran the longer a part of the monitor. The monitor was much more predictable and there was some grip. After the primary two runs, I had extra confidence on most components of the monitor, the automotive, and myself. Nevertheless, the brakes had been inconsistent from flip to show. On some turns, I might brake properly, however on a few the turns, the ABS would kick in too early. I had actual problem judging the braking distances. This might have been as a consequence of clear vs. soiled surfaces on totally different turns.
General, for being on monitor with this automotive first time, I got here off the occasion positively and I’m trying ahead to the primary HPDE in March. The M3 undoubtedly has nice potential to be a enjoyable automotive on the monitor, I must attempt purpose for larger tire pressures, flip the MDM off, and deal with driving. I welcome another strategies.
I used to be solely in a position to file a few runs, so right here is one to provide an thought on trackcross format. I’m not positive I’d do one other trackcross, I feel want autoxing or full-on HPDE to this format. Though I’m glad I obtained to attempt it:
Final edited by BackOnBlack; 01-14-2024 at 06:48 PM..