Back from Texas!
The event was a pretty decent success.
We had some issues, as I always seems to do at large event. I went to adjust ride height because I feared the fenders were going to cut into the tires. I pulled the tie rod nut to get a little more swing room. When I went to put it back on, it wouldn't suck the tie rod up tight. The nylock-nut was smooth. One use, and the threads came right out. So off to the hardware store to get a new nut.
After that issue was resolved, it was off for practice starts. After a couple tries, we came to the conclusion that the Exedy Twin clutch was just too aggressive for us to have good results. We tried to slip the clutch as nicely as possible and make up the rest of the time on course. On one of my last practice runs, I lost 2nd gear.
Had the tune shop come though on the battery mount kit, this wouldn't have been an issue. However it didn't, so I had a "custom" battery mount made up. The result, it the mount coming apart and jamming the shift linkage. Teaches me a lesson. This time I made one with a bunch of zip-ties and a ratchet strap. It's a real race car now :D
In the morning, we finished putting on the required decals, and over to Tech. I knew the car would be heavy. Minimum weight for F-Prepared is 2400lbs. The car weighed in at 2862lbs. 100 or so pounds lighter than a BSP car. This wasn't unexpected, as the car still has the heavy headlights, A/C, dash, and full weight trunk. That will be changing in the coming weeks.
First runs in the car were amazing! This is the fastest thing I have ever driven! The car was so extremely well mannered, and very easy to drive. In the first run set, I was able to put down a 41.997 on the right side course. Sadly, I turned in on the finish a little early. It cleared the car, but not the additional 2" of tire beyond the fenders. The raw time held down 4th fastest of the event, and 2nd fastest car with doors. If I had been able to make my final 7 runs, I'm sure I could have improved.
Sadly, on the 2nd run of the afternoon set, the car broke. I started slipping the clutch and heard a giant clunk. I was able to get enough to movement to get off to the side. A quick look under the car and I saw there was fluid leaking. We pushed the car off, and got it back to paddock.After closer inspection, it appears that the amount of torque and grip was too much for the drive train. The transfer case had so much torque on it, the expansion caused the case to crack and split away from the transmission. The hallow shaft from the transmission broke off inside the transfer case.
For a first showing, the car was extremely fast. If it had held together, I think the times would have dropped off. Being 40th of 120 on Index with a coned run with a lot of great drivers at the event is fine in my book. I am very pleased with how well it did while it was in one piece :D
More than just a race event, this was the most fun trip I have ever had. My Co-driver Mike Casino flew in from Charlotte NC to drive 15 hours down south with me. It made this a real trip. The car breaking on day 1 stunk. Mike Casino found a ride in a Burton SuperStalker. I took the rest of the event off. Even with a broken car, it was still a great event! I got to share the 5 growlers of local MN Town Hall beer I had brought down with some great people. And of course, an awesome game of 4-square that went on for hours! It was as successful of an event as I could ask for.
Time to start planning the cars return to autocross!
-Mike
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