Benihana's 14 Black Nismo Journal

Benihana

So I did an Auto-Cross day on Saturday on a decommissioned airfield in Devens MA. FWIW I have done many before in am SM Miata I had some years back and ran with mostly a Miata club, so the course was really set up for those cars.

Considering I had what was probably the least prepped car on the field, I did ok finishing about 2/3rds down the list of about 60 cars.

However, those stock Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires pretty much suck for AutoX. The 280 wear rating is just plain too hard to ask that much grip from. I really fought to keep the rears from spinning which slowed me down a lot. Then add in the tight corners this club is known for and, well, hence my not so great times.

I think a set of stickier sneakers could realistically reduce my times 4-6 seconds if not more. My first run was a 1:29.5 and my best run was a 120.4 so I feel good about my progress over the day but the tires certainly fought me the whole day.

If anyone has suggestions for a set of tires I would love to hear about them. And I'd also love to hear from you if you might have wheels and/or tires for sale. I plan to run primarily HPDE events but I can see running a few AX days in between. That way my lady can drive too.

Benihana

So upon the recommendation of my first instructor I did a 2 day event next and I have to say it was well worth it.

I ran with the Porsche club at Thompson Motorsports Park. First a quick plug about Thompson.

I understand that the track was reopened in 2013 after a change in ownership and major rehab. They have a huge new garage/paddock area, a 'pro-shop' of sorts and a great staff. Thompson utilizes about half of an old oval track, but, they added a new road course that dwarfs this small section.



I head heard that it was kinda flat and boring, well, maybe a bit lacking in the elevation change area but I would not consider it boring at all. Especially at my level.

It is mostly a 3rd gear track with a change to 4th wide open down the one main straight. I think I was regularly hitting about 115 before getting on the stop pedal before turn 1.

I am please to say that my Nismo performed beautifully and after my second day I was told that my instructor is recommending me to advance 1 level up form total noob to beginner. I'll take that!

What is also pretty cool is that while I probably had the lowest cost and least prepped car of the weekend, I was constantly surrounded by people asking questions about my car. Telling me how much they like it and how surprised they were with the performance on the track.

I did get the pleasure of passing several boxter/caymans and a couple of 911s.