Hi Everyone!

Thought I'd post a lap of my in-car video at the track this past weekend. This was my first time at the track with the GP - lots of fun!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vo6hHi8VVZw

 

That looks more like a poorly maintained back road than a track.

 

SP always looks a little chewed up this time of year, at least on the main track.

 

That's a brand new paving job too. Just got paved last fall. I was actually up there the weekend previous (8 & 9) on the main circuit.

 

It's good and bad - the new surface is stickier and smoother than the old one, but they paved over a lot of the curbing, and the edges of the track aren't painted. There's also some places where the track widens by 1-2 feet, then cuts out again 100 yards down the track. Kinda seems unfinished.

 

what kind of times did you run?

 

Low 1:36's for me... About 4 seconds slower than in my M3.

 

thanks, we hope to make it out there this yr to see what we can do

what are the fastest Mini times for that track?

 

Did a 1:47 at Road Atlanta this weekend. Hit 137 mph on the back straight and 129 coming down the front.

Only MINI out of 500 cars.

 

Not sure what a fast time for our cars is, certainly a lot faster than mine.

Here's a sampling of some other cars at Summit from NASA...a quick Spec Miata lap is about 1:30 -
http://www.nasaracing.net/Summit_Oct...nt_results.htm

 

Spec Miata's are slow.....

 

Nice to see you posting again Mozzarella

 

I know I am going to get flamed for this, but from experience those guys driving those spec Miata's will run circles around you and your Mini on that track, running in the 1:30 with the Miata means thay are being driven @ 10/10th on that track taking full advantage of their momentum and exception handling abilites and yes the Miata will out handle the Mini.

 

Great video. Looks like a lot of fun!

 

*gets popcorn*

 

I think he would know...he owns both. We'll see which one is faster at autox in two weeks

 

If you look at my Sig, I own a Miata as well. Ive driven Spec Miata's and a lot of my friends have them. I am perfectly aware of their speed and handling. I was joking that they were slow becasue My car weight's about the same as a SPEC, has a stiffer suspension and is Turbocharged. The shortcoming of the SPEC is that it has a stock 109 hp engine. Im running about 180.

 

you can drive the Miata... I want drive Trevor's M5

 

I seee.... Well, I Challenge you to a DUEL SIR! *Slap with glove*

 

do you honestly think I can fit in a Miata?

I've had one of the CDC guys' Miata in my garage to work on and it's laughable...I have to put it in neutral and roll it in and out...no way I'm fitting in there unless it's got the seats modded for legroom (like most do to allow clearance for a helmet).

 

no but it would be funny seeing you all buttered up and shoe horned in

 

Nice video, glad to see a MINI on the track! I've been trying to find time for an event at Summit this year. Been keeping my eye on the May 17th, or July 14th TrackDaze event.

 

Its not always about HP, and I do not own a Miata my daily driver and track car is my MINI and the M5 my toy.
On Summit PT main track there are 2 breaking zones for the Spec racer compared to higher HP cars which on average uses 4 braking zones. The spec Miata's being driven at max will break at turn 1 & 5, I think with your MINI at max on that track you would be breaking at turns 1,3, 4, 5, and 10, the Miata with its momentum will usually endup with better lap times. Those lap times posted are for competition racing not HPDE, there is a very large performance gap that an HPDE driver will need to over come to meet those times.

Jan I would have to send you to M school and a couple of weekend skid pad session before you could handle the beast at Summit. the MINI will forgive you and help you out, the beast will not.

 

so when is the NEXT M school?

 

you know I was kidding right, as a certified (NJ chapter) BMWCCA instructor I will teach you all you need, to enable you to handle the M.
Actually I have a M driving experience day with BMW performance Center coming on 4/23 at Holmstead south Miami.