The ProSolo has become one of my favorite events. In the past, Jason has missed a couple of these events because he has to do something silly - like work. Actually, it's pretty cool, he usually presents at a conference when the ProSolo is on, but this year the event is later and Jason can make it.
I'm rested after the end of the semester and really looking forward to this event. Tom's course is going to be a challenge. We run in Heat 2, which means that we need to be ready first thing in the morning, but yet, we don't have to rush because we are not first. I think this is my favorite Heat, or maybe 3.
The course does prove to be challenging in more ways than one. There was also an expected change from yesterdays practice starts - there is a lot more grip. The usual time that I would launch at, was causing me to red light. Even after dialing back the launch a little, I was stil red lighting my starts. Even though I was running good lap times, the red lights put me DFL at the end of the morning runs. I wasn't expecting to be DFL - Mike, remember, you weren't DFL ;-) This is an interesting event in terms of tires. In the past, Toyo's have been prevalent. However, at this event, Jon and David (from Arizona) are also running Bridgestone RE-11's. We have come company (and competition) on the same tire. It's also very nice to see that at the end of the morning, Jason is in FIRST place - woohoo!
I must say it was really cool having launch control. Just floor the accelerator and listen to the car go "bum bum bum" off the rev limiter, wait for the lights and GO! We have more than one competitor asking us what we had. It's very very cool - in a car that is 21 years old too. Take that all you high tech new cars with launch control, make way for the Civic coming through. The 60 foot times were nothing to write home about. We were on the slower end of the 60 foot times :( Oh well.
We take a break for lunch. I'm not too worried about the red lights - yet. Once I fix the red lights, I'll be in the hunt. It's a nice day and a perfect photo opportunity. A couple of the ST guys are sleeping in their cars while waiting for their turn.
When the afternoon runs come around, we go out and this time, I get a decent right side run, but am not able to get close to my morning left side time. I'm disappointed, but able to finish the day sitting in 2nd spot, behind Jeff Wong. Jason is in 5th. It's a good showing for the Bridgestone gang so far.
I'm doing well, but I'm not happy with the result. I'm having trouble in the left side turnaround. My choice of line is taking me into a slippery spot and I'm missing my apexes. Very costly turn to be doing this in. The right side is not causing the same problems.
The sun is out and while it's not a hot day, the sun does warm the car up. It's really nice having tinted windows now to keep the car cool. Thank you Bumper 2 Bumper.
No matter what the results are, this is a blast. Now off to get some rest and back for some more action on Sunday.
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2 comments:
The launch control in your ECU, is it just preset RPMs or does it feed back in any way?
BTW speaking of semesters, pepperdine wasn't it? I almost chose to go to law school there. I love the quote: "If better is possible then good is not enough."
Maybe somebody else can weigh in on this. I have no idea how to answer this question for you. I don't play with any settings.
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