Lane's SCA - '99 SPC Rally (2)

People were classified into groups based upon prior racing experience. Groups rotated on and off the track driving in 30 minute sessions. By the end of the day, we all had about 120 minutes of track time. Our day started with an overcast sky and a bit of rain. The first session gave us all the opportunity to improve our driving skills on wet pavement. Several cars did some nasty spins, including an AWD Subaru which must have taken some effort to do.

Rich & Jeff Noose from MSR Racing acted as our track officials and brought out a Formula Vee that they race for a few laps with us. Special thanks also goes out to Sierra Performance for helping us out with track rental expenses.

For my track sessions, I switched to a different set of tires so that my Nitto street tires wouldn't be chewed up and worn away. I used Dunlop D60A2s (195 60 15) on stock alloy wheels. Even though these are only classified as high-performance all-season tires (and not suited to racing), I was quite impressed with their grip on the track. The tires started with about half tread, and are now at a quarter - they look like they have one more track day left in them if I choose to use them again.

During my first session, I was able to experience firsthand what massive brake fade is like. I was using generic Napa pads and rotors and they just weren't up to the job. Best Racing had a tent set up and brought parts out to the track - helmets, tires, brake pads, harnesses, fluids, etc. I picked up a set of Carbotech Super Street F-Compound pads and installed them on the front. Twenty minutes of wrenching, and a few minutes of break-in and I now had some damn good braking compared to the old pads.

The day did produce a few casualties. Stan (NY) had just installed a NOS system and hadn't even had a chance to use it. He spun a bearing on the track early in the day due to low oil level (check your oil everyone!). A flatbed was called to take him & his car to a nearby Saturn retailer (in southern MI) for a new engine. Jamin (NY) later picked up Stan, and he was able to rejoin the group the next day.

Stan (21k)
Stan and his '96.

Wally being towed (19k)
Wally being towed off the track.

Later in the day, Wally (MI) had a sudden engine stall during a run. He also rode the flatbed to the local Saturn and was diagnosed with lots 'o wrecked internal engine parts (you can see a pic HERE) and an engine replacement was necessary. Wally did rejoin us later in the week for the remainder of the Rally (it's an interesting story so keep reading).

Part of the crew that drove like crazy fools the entire day. L to R: Jon Ghoddoussi (Goose - Canada), Bill Park (IL), Wally (MI), Rich T (CT), Bill Deebs (IL), Dave Vaccaro, Subaru Guy, Jon Tapp (IL), and Lane (WI).

Crew (25k)