This page has pics f/ different autox events during my 1st season. They're in no particular order. As I get better shots, I'll be replacing more of the older, more boring pics. Now that I've trophied during the SFR's 2001 season, my goal is to keep improving my driving and consistently place in the top 30% of the SFR field. It'll be tough since we have a bunch of national caliber drivers, but I'm more than up for the challenge! Check out how I did in my SFR SCCA 2001 novice championship season.
Setting up and campaigning a FWD car to be competitive is a bit harder than a MR or RWD car. But, once you get it right, it's a joy to drive on the edge. Never mind you have to drive totally ass-backwards compared to a RWD'er! =) As much time and money as I've spent on my GT-S' suspension, I think it can still be vastly improved upon. Plus, I'd really like to get another daily driver ('93+ MR2 or RX7 R1) and convert the GT-S into a Street Prepared, track-only car. I'd chuck the OEM intake and EFI systems and replace 'em w/ TWM Induction individual throttle bodies and an FJO 341B aftermarket ECU. Hopefully, it'll squeeze the last bit of available power f/ the motor.
Lastly, I need to fix that loose nut behind the steering wheel! Driving schools, seat time, seat time, and seat time!
Check out this funny autox routine...
Much thanks goes to Roanne, Alan, and Bryan for snapping some of these shots of me!..
Round 5 in the SFR '01 season. Thanks go to Bryan Heitkotter for sending this pic to me! I believe that's my
little sister, Claire, riding shotgun. Check out the outside front tire's deflection. And look at the inside
rear tire trying to get some quality air time! Hahaha... The car still had stock anti-swaybars and Eibach
Pro Kit springs at this time, which'll explain the lean angle.
Check out the funky suspension loading on this bad boy...
In a field of cones... Slalom time! You can tell I wasn't pushing the car enough--the suspension isn't as loaded.
Getting the suspension loaded more.
The following 2 pics are captures f/ the in-car video camera. This pic is with the Eibach Pro Kit
springs and the stock anti-swaybars. You can see how much the car is leaning over! =)
Funny thing is, it doesn't look this bad from inside the car! This was at Mather Airfield
in Rancho Cordova. Crazy track surface--a mix of mostly high-grip concrete and low-grip asphalt.
You'll notice the drastically reduced body roll as a result of the Ground Control coilovers
and front TRD anti-swaybar. The rear TRD bar was still backordered at this time. You wouldn't
be able to tell, but the rear end was sliding out towards the left during this frame capture.
Even with the high suspension loading, you can see how much of an improvement there is.
On grid at Round 11 in the SFR '01 series. You can see George's AE102 behind my car. I'll
always remember this round cuz it's the one where I finally got the car semi-sorted out to
the point where I could make it do what I wanted it to... Come in hard, let off the gas to
get the rear end to rotate, then romp on the gas at the exit. Ahhhhh, handling heaven... =)
The last 180° sweeper to the finish line at Round 11. Michele took this one w/ Tim's camera.