April 1st CSCC event

Based on the fact that the car was understeering at the ProSolo and the tail felt totally buttoned down, we decide to try changing the tire pressure, so we run 48 psi in the back. I couldn't feel any difference in the back end, it was still buttoned down.

Nothing else has been done to the car, we just go out and try to maximize what the car will provide given it's current limitations. I wonder if the clutch is going to make it through the entire season. During Jason's last run, you could hear the clutch slipping longer than the prior runs when he shifted from 1st to 2nd. During the other runs as compared to other Civic's, our shift seems to take longer already - maybe some slippage already.

The course was nice, a little like the ProSolo in that you had to look way ahead to properly set up and carry speed - something which I didn't do well at this event. There were fast sections and slow sections, but mainly fast sections if you took the right line. The other factor was trying to adjust to the relative lack of grip at California Speedway compare to El Toro. On my first run, it felt like I was on ice, not able to slow down, carrying too much speed into turns, pushing because I was still going too fast etc. Very painful first run.

Run's 2 and 3 are better, but the car is still pushing. Are the tires going away? Are we just getting used to the car and pushing harder, thus revealing limitations in the current setup? More work to do.

I could complain all I want about missed opportunities, but in the end, I managed to finish 3rd, behind Bret Norgaard and Will Kalman. Jason finished sixth. Not too shabby for both of us.

Jason is getting much better. Having the video of our runs to review at a later date and compare between the two of us should also be very helpful. It's fun watching him improve with each event. Everybody else in STS (including me) needs to watch out. Jason is coming.

Next up, we play with some Porsches in Camarillo. I'm close to home for a change.