I will start by saying I have never ran stock pads on the track. First impression was the lack of bite over stock on the street. My pads were installed on new rotors, cleaned of any deposits left over by manufacturing, and were not contaminated or glazed in any way. On the street, I like something with alot of initial bite (my friends stock VW's, MKIV, MKV, A3, etc). The hawk pads never feel confidence inspiring, and on a small track, such as Lime Rock, they fade after driving a few laps; even sooner if I drive in red mist, only to have to let the B5S4 pass when I can no longer stop. I switched to the HPS+ pads, and even on a larger track they felt exactly the same as the HPS did as far as fade under hard, repeated braking. Now that my car has more power (going from stock to a pulley w/flash, oneball, JCW suspension) I feel that my car has overpowered the stock brakes, just coming from Lime Rock a week ago with new tires (dumped the runflats) and the HPS pads, once again (only because I got them for free). Does anyone else feel the same way about the HPS and HPS+ pads, that they are inadequate and only provide the less dust advantage? My reason for asking is because I have searched every forum regarding the HPS pads, (Sti forums, vortex, etc) and it seems like everyone loves them. Maybe I am nuts
I have monitored the brake temps at over 600F, and even cracked a pair of drilled rotors with these pads. I should also add that I only use ATE super blue brake fluid, changed after every track event, and have the TyrolSport bushings all around.

I scored a set of Hawk blues F&R that I intend to use at Watkins Glen in <2 weeks. My friend used them on his MKV GTI and I know for sure they stop like hell, as they have been ran at multiple events, and are way overpowering of the stock suspension. They even spark under hard braking . I will post feedback on that when that time comes.
Feedback appreciated