04-15-09
Short S2000 Auto-X Video from Test and Tune 2009
Considering I only had the S2000 for 12 days when I recorded this, go easy on me! I’m not an autocross sensation anyway, but I did have a lot of fun getting to know our new car. Without further ado:
Thanks for the video Alex!
Here is a really terrible picture of the track map, complete with shadow of my hand and camera:
And here is another bad picture from my Blackberry of the time sheet:
According to the SCCA rulebook for Solo 2 autocross, my S2000 falls into the A Stock class. As you can see, in the first two runs I took it very easy. I also was going the wrong way through the 180 degree gate, two runs in a row. After actually get the track memorized correctly, I just wanted to improve my times with each run. I feel like I did pretty good considering I don’t really even know the car yet and have very little track time in a rear wheel drive car. In fact, I only ran my M3 at one track day event at PIR, which didn’t go very well to be honest.
What I discovered running the S2000 for the first time autocrossing: Running most of the course in 2nd gear was never going to get me the speed or response I needed since most of the course was set up for 30-45mph (for my skill level anyway) and 2nd gear is dragging at that speed. I ran the course from then on in 1st gear almost exclusively and my time kept dropping. I’m sure if I had more skill, 2nd gear could’ve come into play more often, but learning the car in 1st was working fine for me; and with a 9k rpm redline, there was lots of room to play in the best part of the powerband!
The back end of the AP1 S2000 does move around, but it’s in such a controlled and predictable manner that I think it wouldn’t really be dangerous unless the tires were bald and the road was wet. The limited slip is very aggressive and snaps the car back into place immediately when staying on the gas. In fact a guy named Gabe who I met at the event, who purchased an S2000 just a few weeks earlier than me, possessing more experience than me in autocrossing, put on a great display of controlled rear-end tail wagging around the 180. And his times started in the 38′s and went down from there. I vowed to do as well that day, but found myself a bit shy and not wanting to embarrass myself. Still, I have a pretty good idea of what is to come with more experience, and I’m looking forward to it!
As for my buddy Paul and the friendly rivalry I mentioned prior to the autocross event, he did really well in a car that he’s never had to the track. I doubt my times would be any faster in the same car. But the horsepower advantage and gearing of the S2000 kept me ahead of Paul for the day (shown on the timesheet the line above me). I’m sure this won’t be our last meeting and I’m sure if he was in the Rabbit, I would be behind.
Cheers to the EESCC for putting on another really fun and relaxed event. It makes being a newbie no big deal and I always enjoy myself at their events. If you’re anywhere near Eugene and have ever wondered, don’t hesitate and join one of their events.
And check out Paul’s new blog: Paul’s Garage Blog
dc
03-29-09
The S2000 Is Headed For Her First Autocross
Well I believe it will be the first autocross for this car anyway. I’m totally sure the last owner never autocrossed the car, but who knows about the owner before that as the car was bought at the local dealership as CPO. But since the car has so low miles and represents gentle ownership, I think we can probably assume it’s never been, even though an SCCA pamphlet came with the owners manual when purchased new!
Paul and I have been to a handful of auto-x events in the past, and try to make the Larison Rock Hillclimb each year if possible. And while we have over a dozen track day events under our belts at PIR, they’ve mostly been behind the wheel of the 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit track day car we co-own. I’ve only been out in a RWD car once, my old M3, at a soggy track day a few years ago. And I did a 360 over the old ‘Porsche bump’ and drove like I was driving Miss Daisy the rest of the day… Naturally I’m worried that I’ll spin the S2000 at this event considering it’s reputation for spinning out is well documented.
To add flavor and contrast to the experience, Paul is bringing out his cherry Porsche 911SC as well. The car has been fanatically maintained since day one and to our knowledge, has actually never seen an amateur event. Naturally since we’re close friends, we’re already speculating on who will have the better day; a half-hearted competition if you will.
The event we’re attending on Saturday is actually a preseason event, held by the Emerald Empire Sports Car Club. The Test & Tune event is intended to be a shakedown day for setting up your car for the season. For me, it will be a perfect opportunity to get to know the car in a controlled environment and start exploring the limits.
This should be a really entertaining day and I hope to catch some video of our cars attacking the course, which I’ll of course post with our times. I believe the event is now full, but if you’re in the Eugene area, spectating is free and the action should be entertaining.
dc
