Nelson Ledges Track Day June 11, 2011

we'll be out with the grill ... i'll check to see if i have charcoal.

we will bring the gopro, but anyone wanting to use it please provide your own 1 or 2 gb sd card. 2gb holds about 56 mins. also, if you can bring your laptop to download it all. unless you know a way of downloading off the sd card without using the camera ...
(the gopro doesn't recommend going bigger than 2gb)

looks like a beautiful day for sunday, sunny and 60's!! woohoo!!

maybe it's posted in the beginning, but what time does this all start? we will probably be there by 10 or 11am, but i'm not getting up at the crack of dawn, sorry folks.
 
Lauri- would you be able to bring out your helmet? I have 2 friends coming (one of them is Evan #3) and they want to ride along in my car. Passengers must wear a helmet too. I forgot to ask earlier so if you don't bring it no biggie. Thanks!
 
good times, got a better feel of the tires. Lauri got some pics and I'm uploading the videos, will post them later. It seems the only casualty was my passenger side mount, so it wasn't too bad.
 
Looks like fun! Didn't look like too much traffic either which is awesome.
 
WillD said:
Looks like fun! Didn't look like too much traffic either which is awesome.
Click to expand...

Ya it was definitely no Mid-Ohio, but you can't really compare them. For the money, Nelson Ledges was an awesome experience!! It was a little bumpy and the stock suspension on my ms3 bounced a little too much, but it was still really fun. Also, it wasn't very busy so a few sessions I basically had the track to myself.

The first few sessions I followed Pablo to learn the track and get a feel for it. Then I realized I wasn't paying enough attention to my lines, and instead focusing on following Pablo. So after that, I decided to pass Pablo and go on my own. I was able to get a really solid line down and work on getting faster and faster on each corner. I felt like I could probably push the car a lot more, but since it wasn't a race and just for fun, I decided to play it safe. Plus, I'm still learning and I need more track experience, I'm not trying to crash my daily driver LOL. There were a few turns that I had some issues on and couldn't iron them out because I didn't have the knowledge or experience to do so. Luckily, Marlon gave me some really good advice at the end (thanks!!!). I went back out and did a few more laps using his advice and I was finally able to cleanly take those turns with confidence.

I typically like to figure everything out for myself, but it's nice to have instruction from someone that actually has the knowledge and experience.

All in all...I'M ******* HOOKED!!! Hopefully I have the money (and tire tread) to make it out to Mid-Ohio for HPDE in July!
 
Evan9999 said:
Ya it was definitely no Mid-Ohio, but you can't really compare them. For the money, Nelson Ledges was an awesome experience!! It was a little bumpy and the stock suspension on my ms3 bounced a little too much, but it was still really fun. Also, it wasn't very busy so a few sessions I basically had the track to myself.

The first few sessions I followed Pablo to learn the track and get a feel for it. Then I realized I wasn't paying enough attention to my lines, and instead focusing on following Pablo. So after that, I decided to pass Pablo and go on my own. I was able to get a really solid line down and work on getting faster and faster on each corner. I felt like I could probably push the car a lot more, but since it wasn't a race and just for fun, I decided to play it safe. Plus, I'm still learning and I need more track experience, I'm not trying to crash my daily driver LOL. There were a few turns that I had some issues on and couldn't iron them out because I didn't have the knowledge or experience to do so. Luckily, Marlon gave me some really good advice at the end (thanks!!!). I went back out and did a few more laps using his advice and I was finally able to cleanly take those turns with confidence.

I typically like to figure everything out for myself, but it's nice to have instruction from someone that actually has the knowledge and experience.

All in all...I'M ******* HOOKED!!! Hopefully I have the money (and tire tread) to make it out to Mid-Ohio for HPDE in July!
Click to expand...


Definitely looked a lot better during the last session. You were losing time coming out of the last turn and into the front straight, once you figured it out, the cars could not pull away from you ansd the cars behind you could not catch you. My suggestion is for you to upgrade your suspension and the car wold be more stable under hard braking....stiffer springs and adjustable stocks, would go along way, aslo getting some negative camber in the front would also help too!
 
tutuga said:
this one is from my car

http://s317.photobucket.com/albums/mm394/pchois/?action=view&current=Pablo.mp4

this one is from Marc's car, I cut it down to eliminate the last part

http://s317.photobucket.com/albums/mm394/pchois/?action=view&current=Marc.mp4
Click to expand...


Those videos are sweet!! Pablo, your car looked really good out there. I wish I had your suspension mods and your tires. I was having trouble keeping up with you in the turns. Even when you didn't have the slicks on. The turbo definitely helped me keep up on the straights.

I'm still trying to determine the direction I want to go...do I keep upgrading the speed3 for the track and keep daily driving it?....Or do I keep it the way it is and spend money on a different car more dedicated to the track? Damn I wish I had a better paying job! LOL
 
yeah traffic was alright, except for the guy in the Lightning that didn't let me pass... although impressive he kept it on the track he needs some instruction to have a better line. Most of the time I was by myself and managed to pass a couple of cars, it's not a race but it does tell me I'm consistent and taking corners faster (plus it boosts my ego...).

Getting a better feel for the tires which still have plenty of thread left, and the car is running great. I really need a seat and harness, my left leg and right knee are sore today, and I can't work on my left foot braking (the 1 time I tried it wasn't very graceful...) - not sure I can have this for Mid Ohio
 
Evan9999 said:
Those videos are sweet!! Pablo, your car looked really good out there. I wish I had your suspension mods and your tires. I was having trouble keeping up with you in the turns. Even when you didn't have the slicks on. The turbo definitely helped me keep up on the straights.

I'm still trying to determine the direction I want to go...do I keep upgrading the speed3 for the track and keep daily driving it?....Or do I keep it the way it is and spend money on a different car more dedicated to the track? Damn I wish I had a better paying job! LOL
Click to expand...

after this event I want a turbo again, would have LOVED to fly by the stupid Lightning... and keeping up with the black M3 would have been pretty cool...

you should definitively get a second car, after stuff like this I want to push mine further BUT I do know there are other cars that would be more fun... problem is I haven't been able to drive one under these conditions so it's hard to make a decision...
 
Perro del Sol said:
Definitely looked a lot better during the last session. You were losing time coming out of the last turn and into the front straight, once you figured it out, the cars could not pull away from you ansd the cars behind you could not catch you. My suggestion is for you to upgrade your suspension and the car wold be more stable under hard braking....stiffer springs and adjustable stocks, would go along way, aslo getting some negative camber in the front would also help too!
Click to expand...

Ya I definitely agree with you...during hard braking, the car would nose dive and the rear end would dance around a lot. Also, hitting bumps would disrupt the cars weight distribution too much preventing me from braking 100%.

I do think that having a softer suspension is great for learning. I'm able to learn the importance of trail braking into turns and driving as smoothly as possible to keep the car predictable. I feel like I'm ready to start improving the car's suspension to make it more stable.

The brakes feel strong, I just need to replace the rear pads (still have the oem rear pads) and put on the EBC Yellowstuff. The main thing I noticed is that towards the end of the sessions, the brake pedal would feel mushy. Marlon suggested I replace the brake fluid with something better. The fluid is heating up way too much. Marlon: What brake fluid did you suggest?

I'm completely satisfied with the power of my car. The only issue I have is that after about 4 or 5 laps, the engine bay would get way too hot and heat soak, noticeably decreasing the power. I'm not sure if there's a solution for this, other than going to a FMIC. The only other thing I plan on doing is either a full exhaust, or just replacing the 2nd cat with a straight pipe. I'm having issues hearing my engine with the helmet on when racing. (Following Pablo didn't help either HAHA!)
 
Evan9999 said:
I'm completely satisfied with the power of my car. The only issue I have is that after about 4 or 5 laps, the engine bay would get way too hot and heat soak, noticeably decreasing the power. I'm not sure if there's a solution for this, other than going to a FMIC. The only other thing I plan on doing is either a full exhaust, or just replacing the 2nd cat with a straight pipe. I'm having issues hearing my engine with the helmet on when racing. (Following Pablo didn't help either HAHA!)
Click to expand...

you can get the CF hood that has a scoop for the TMIC, that might help a little but if you're making this your track car, definitively get the FMIC. If you're satisfied with the power just get the catback and you'll be golden. I had CP-E and really liked the sound. This is my speed3 with the catback alone, no downpipe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jysyr-wTxzk
 
Last edited:
Try ATE Super Blue or Type 200. I use it in the Miata and only bleed it once per year and haven't had any problems. Prior to that I just used the DOT 3 Valvoline stuff from Advance Auto Parts but I changed it every 2-3 events with a complete flush every year.

I think a car that is a dedicated track car or at least a weekend driver is the way to go too. You don't have to worry about doing something that will make the car less enjoyable on the street. And if it ends up on jack stands for 2 weeks you don't have to bum rides to work! :D

BTW, turbo NA Miata track/weekend car would be pretty fun.(2thumbs)
 
tutuga said:
after this event I want a turbo again, would have LOVED to fly by the stupid Lightning... and keeping up with the black M3 would have been pretty cool...

you should definitively get a second car, after stuff like this I want to push mine further BUT I do know there are other cars that would be more fun... problem is I haven't been able to drive one under these conditions so it's hard to make a decision...
Click to expand...

Ya I've been thinking about it for a long time now, but the money is the issue. I want a Miata because it will be fairly cheap, but it won't have the power of the MS3 (unless I go for a MSM or turbocharge/supercharge it, which will be way too expensive). I've been looking at going for an RX7, but I've never worked on a rotary and my knowledge of them is slim to none. I feel like the MS3 is an extremely capable car and I don't really have to put more than $2,000 into it to make it a really fast track car.

I think right now, I just need to focus on satisfying my speed addiction until I finish my degree and get a good paying job. I'm still making monthly payment on the MS3 so I don't have a large budget right now. Until I make more money, I'm going to try and be patient and maybe do a few more upgrades to the MS3.


Ya that F150 Lightning was scary following, I felt like he was about to crash or rollover at any moment. He also had more power than me and wouldn't let me pass for a few laps. I did manage to make a pass on the back straight. He motioned for me to pass him, but for some reason he tried to drag race me, which was really stupid. He had to brake for the kink (I only had to lift off the throttle) so I had enough room to pass him.
 
WillD said:
Try ATE Super Blue or Type 200. I use it in the Miata and only bleed it once per year and haven't had any problems. Prior to that I just used the DOT 3 Valvoline stuff from Advance Auto Parts but I changed it every 2-3 events with a complete flush every year.

I think a car that is a dedicated track car or at least a weekend driver is the way to go too. You don't have to worry about doing something that will make the car less enjoyable on the street. And if it ends up on jack stands for 2 weeks you don't have to bum rides to work! :D

BTW, turbo NA Miata track/weekend car would be pretty fun.(2thumbs)
Click to expand...


Ya I really like the idea of a turbo NA Miata, but it depends on how much it will cost. I'll have to do some research and figure out how much the costs will be. I should also start looking on craigslist for Miatas to see what's out there. How much do you think I could pick up a decent NA Miata for?
 
tutuga said:
you can get the CF hood that has a scoop for the TMIC, that might help a little but if you're making this your track car, definitively get the FMIC. If you're satisfied with the power just get the catback and you'll be golden. I had CP-E and really liked the sound. This is my speed3 with the catback alone, no downpipe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jysyr-wTxzk
Click to expand...


By the time you get the CF hood or this lightweight one you might as well get the FMIC. But the hood in that link is very sexy.

If you think you have trouble hearing your engine, try driving a Miata with stock exhaust :D
 
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