Sears Point Sunday
 

I went to Sears Point with my Z on Sunday for my first open passing event. I was informed that no beginner group would be offered, just advanced and race groups. Advanced is for ten or more track days. I'd done four but was assured I was ready to advance. I accepted the promotion but must admit I was reticent. The cars in attendance were impressive. Only one other car had street tires, a Mustang GT, according to the registration info. When I saw the car it had Nitto two groove tires that were feathered across most of the tire surface. He was here Saturday as well.

I was out of my league and over my head. I contemplated leaving most of the day. I knew if I did I might never come back. So it was better to push on than give up. The other piece of good news was that the last event of the day would be a mix of both advanced and race team together.

I also brought along two large house fans to blow air over my rotors between sessions. It worked perfectly until a corvette with super sticky tires drove over my 100' extension cord and drove off with it wrapped around his axel. Eventually it returned in two pieces.

This track can get up to 100 degrees and we were blessed with an 82 high and 75* with a breeze most of the day.


The day resulted in two cars into the wall and light contact between two race team members which will likely result in temporary suspension. My day though was without incident. I did ask a couple of others in charge of the club if I should do the mixed last event. He told me their is nothing they do in R group that is different from A group except the safety equipment. So I did it, and by the time I came off the track that day I was 15 seconds faster than the morning and had convinced myself I will stay in A group.

Recap. I had my back side handed to me all day








Sears Point - Third run "Group A" CFRA 9/9/12 - YouTube

Sears Point 4th run in A Group - YouTube

Sears Point CFRA First time in A group - YouTube
Final A & R Group Run - YouTube

Out of your league? I think your Z probably handles better than most of the Group A cars, stock.

Might be time for some upgrades!

I was out of my league, not the car. Although it was the least powerful in it's class.

Here are some stills.

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That looks like a lot of fun....it doesn't matter where you go or what you drive...there is ALWAYS gonna be someone (or a group of someones) with nicer cars/kit than you.

The trick is to enjoy YOUR ride....and if you got out there and drove smoothly and safely, (which it looks like you did in your videos), then it's fair play in my book.

15 second improvement in one day! Awesome!

Good job bud! :tup:

Thank you. I just need to improve. I love the Z. Miatas passed me so it is not the cars fault. I passed a Ferrari and it is not the Z's greatness either.

My goal is sub 2 minute laps. I may need competition tires to acchieve this. So I do plan on coming back.

Thanks for sharing!! Being there matters. So many will never know the feeling!

That's pretty awesome Mt_Tam! You're going to be so good by the time we finally meet up I won't have a chance to keep up. :tup:

Pics of wall carnage?

Good work and nice photos, Mt. Tam. :tup:

I hate the vulture attitude even if I am curious. I find it hard to walk up and start taking pictures of your "Baby" that got smashed up, right in front of you. So this time I did not.

Here is last months wall incident. Turn 5 at Laguna Seca. Brakes failed.

Eh, it didnt bug me when I went into the wall. People were just curious what happened is all.