Its at Keelers right now. Lets see what they say.

 

Just did number 19 Monday at Blackhawk. Perfect MINI track; spent the day working on trail braking. Next up is Autobahn August 9th.

 

You know, there's a fine line trying to keep a mini competitive on the track and use as a daily driver, isn't there?

Obviously I did the RMW tune which has proven itself VERY useful. Other than the extra HP/TQ, the best part of Jan's tune is the 7K shift point.

That extra 500 rpm is just what I need coming out of a turn so I'm not bouncing off the rev limiter having to let off the gas and then end up downshifting because the engine is not in it's powerband.

I bought an identical set of of OZ's except in 17's for the track. I've been running RE-11's but it's time to swap out to a set of track tires.

I purposely haven't done so because slicks obviously will "cover up" any driving inefficientcies (sp? why does that not look right?). I think it's time to step up to a set of true track tires.

I'm running X10 and X8's for pads obviously with the JCW brakes, a 22mm swaybar, Forge intercooler and NM engr'ing springs.

I did recently order a set of B8 Bilstein shocks.

Other than a set of Recaro seats, I'll be installing a rollbar/halfcage in the car but all the time, trying to keep it streetable.

I know it's stupid to try to do both but I love the car and the way it performs and I don't want to give it up on the street so for now...

My last mod will be an LSD which hopefully is around the corner.... still having the rear seats made to look like the JCW Recaro seats so I can install the rollbar and harnesses.

Mark

 

15 weekends. I don't plan on competing, just enjoying some HPDE.

My biggest issue has been brakes. A front brake upgrade to 2009 calipers and Carbotech XP10s are working for me now (shoutout to Dustin@autoxcooper.com for the pads!) I'm may sell my new F/R Wilwood BBK to my mechanic for cash/trade to pay for other stuff. I have a Hardbar harness bar and Schroth belts for the next event. I had the Schroth quick fit kit, but one club I ran with wouldn't let me use them because my shoulders are above the seat back. A friend gave me a full weld-in, competition legal harness bar that I'll eventually put in.

I've only had 1 weekend on my OS Giken LSD and Bilstein PSS9s due to the economy, but I'm looking forward to a night event at Homestead in a week or so. Hopefully I'll get back to Sebring soon. As beat up as that track is, I do love it.

 

OC,

Thanks for the info. Looking forward to one day seeing that Mini of yours or even better having a few sessions with you on the track. Do you have any plans to come up to NJMP or WGI? Perhaps next year?

 

I'd love to do Willow... perhaps I can sneak away for some time there, it's always been one of the tracks I've wanted to do.


Mark

 

We should try to get everyone to meet at Putnam sometime...

I've never been there, but it'd be pretty much an equally obnoxious driver for all of us...

 

That's actually a good idea.... Just like MOTD, we could have a track day get together.

Mark

 

We can look at some dates for next year. Never been on that track, but I hear it's great for MINI's.

BMWCCA has an event there, MVP track time does as well, maybe we find a date that hits for everyone next spring/summer (I'm pretty much set for the rest of this year; unfortunately I have a busy schedule and have to plan things pretty far in advance). Be a hell of alot of fun....

 

OC and CCT1

How does mid ohio sound as a good mid point for all of us?

 

OC,

I will be down (up for you) at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ For the SCDA event September 13-14 2010. Not sure if you could make it up there at that time. That will the furthest south I will get for track days for what is left of this year's track season.

Hope you can make it.

 

Mid-ohio is going to be pushing it for me, 8.5 hour drive. I like to drive down the night before single day events, and go back after the event (Unfortunately my schedule is always pretty tight). Putnam is 6.5 hours, flip side is that may be too far for you guys to drive. Maybe we can figure something out.

Now, there's always Road America, a whopping 25 minutes from my house!

 

MidOhio is about a 8 hour drive for me as I am all the way out in the NE.

 

If you're going to drive 8 hours, I've heard Calabogie is where you want to end up.

 

Let us NE guy's make a plan a go! And anybody else as well...

 

Maybe next year.... And back to the topic at hand, my car is at 24 track days, and one autocross event.

 

VV, Heard about your sparkplug fountain.

 

S-driver and VV,

which one are you guys interested in next year: Mid Ohio or Calabogie?

 

From what I've heard, Calabogie, especially since Monticello will no longer be available to us relative poor folk. Zeke didn't make it up last week, so maybe he'd be in for next year if we got a MINI deal like we did from SCDA.

 

The fix is on the way from Time-sert. Should have the car back before my next scheduled date on Friday the 13th at Lime Rock, thanks to a good garage and a better track buddy. And no, I'm not superstitious at all.

 

How's 3 track days sound??? Ya its fun with an '07S with a few less mods than Orange Best mods: 1st 20mm rear bar for that go-cart ride around corners; 2nd - Ireland fixed camber plates for the feel and better tire wear; 3rd Yokohoma AD08s; 4th ATE rear rotors w/Carbo XP8. Worst mods: 1st worst - 25# 17" S-lites, because I thought they would be an upgrade from my 16" but hey they didn't slow me down too much with a 115 down the back straight at WGI; 2nd worst - R53 JCW cross-drill/slotted rotor, because if it is good for a Ferrari it must be good for a Mini - NOT At WGI the holes plugged up with Carbo XP10 dust which dragged across the rotors and created "lumpies" which was interesting just before the bus stop, the toe, the end of the front straight, etc. In-progress Mod - NAPA stock style front rotors ($45 ea) and Carbo XP 10s, so far so good. Upcoming mods: 15" 12# wheels, FMIC, JCW areo front w/brake coolers. Wishful thinking: JCW Recaro seats, Jan tune (I want to see what a Z06 driver's face looks like when I pass them - ok maybe a second Mini motor will be needed for that)

Say with the rumors about Moticello shutting out the Clubs, our local SCCA group has Sept 24th lined up with only 6 people signed up so far. We could turn this into a Mini event with the track to ourselves. What do you say ?

 

I'm liking the 24th of September at Monticello. We had 12 MINI's there in May and it was a beautiful sight. The rumors are true. No clubs there next year.

 

24th of September may be doable if Sherman doesn't go to the Runoffs. I took that week off so it may be free if we don't go, or I may try and move my week to the G52 event at WGI instead.

I heard that Monticello won't be renting to anyone other than "markee" clubs.....like PCA, BMWCCA, and such. Maybe SCDA will qualify - we'll see.

Calibogie would be cool to me but this would have to be planned out in advance of next March since that's when I have to pick my vacations.

 

Same here regarding advance notice as I book my work dates about 6-8 months ahead.

 

Already planning for the 'Bogie and LRP for next year, just a matter of when.

Damit, Scotty, I need more power