It was a blast at the track
Originally Posted by EVO8LTW
I think after you get more track time under you you'll change your mind about the importance of HP for the track, particularly on a larger course. Autocross is a situation where power doesn't matter too much, but on a track you need that power. It's not good enough to be fast in just the curves if you are chasing people who are fast in the corners AND have good power.
Also, no reason to put down drag racers. The challenge is to be good at all kinds of racing and to have a car that can do it all. A friend of mine with a 9 second 94 Firebird takes it to the drag strip one day and then to VIR the next and then to Maxton the weekend after that. He's the CBRE of our club from a driving standpoint on the strip and is also a great road course driver. His car is set up to do everything decently. His car and his driving skills are the envy of many. The last thing that you want is to become another road course snob.
As far as the Evo being heavy, what are you comparing it to? An Evo isn't heavy at all compared to most cars that you see on the track that have comparable power and balance. Sure, you'll get smoked by a turbo Lotus, but the Evo is light enough and powerful enough to take down nearly everything streetable.
I wouldn't be too rash about selling your Evo if you are considering that. What I would recommend is getting a car that you use just for the track -- something relatively cheap that you don't mind cutting up to install a roll cage (I know someone in Manassas who is the best of the best on fabricating roll cages, so ask me about that when you are ready), that you don't mind having an unstreetably stiff suspension, and that you wouldn't be too upset to scuff up on a tire wall. An Evo is a great track car, but it's an expensive car to wreck and insurance for track events is iffy at best. You could get an older Miata or RX7 and then when your skills and wallet are ready, you could run one of the Spec classes -- now that's racing!
Also, no reason to put down drag racers. The challenge is to be good at all kinds of racing and to have a car that can do it all. A friend of mine with a 9 second 94 Firebird takes it to the drag strip one day and then to VIR the next and then to Maxton the weekend after that. He's the CBRE of our club from a driving standpoint on the strip and is also a great road course driver. His car is set up to do everything decently. His car and his driving skills are the envy of many. The last thing that you want is to become another road course snob.
As far as the Evo being heavy, what are you comparing it to? An Evo isn't heavy at all compared to most cars that you see on the track that have comparable power and balance. Sure, you'll get smoked by a turbo Lotus, but the Evo is light enough and powerful enough to take down nearly everything streetable.
I wouldn't be too rash about selling your Evo if you are considering that. What I would recommend is getting a car that you use just for the track -- something relatively cheap that you don't mind cutting up to install a roll cage (I know someone in Manassas who is the best of the best on fabricating roll cages, so ask me about that when you are ready), that you don't mind having an unstreetably stiff suspension, and that you wouldn't be too upset to scuff up on a tire wall. An Evo is a great track car, but it's an expensive car to wreck and insurance for track events is iffy at best. You could get an older Miata or RX7 and then when your skills and wallet are ready, you could run one of the Spec classes -- now that's racing!
See I am not planning on doing this for fun at this moment. I have met people there and we have discussed what I want. Now I have started to put money on the side just for these track days considering it as a monthly bill. Its beyond joy how far and much I learned especially on the last day when I let everyone pass me then I get them all. It's not the feeling of race it's the feeling of rhythm (I can’t explain it).
The EVO is great and I am keeping it but it will never be a perfect track car as its all wheel driver car. Most if not all professional racing cars have rear wheel drive and they are light (we are talking 2500 LBS max)... I am thinking about Elise as it will be a lot of fun and much experience but I am still thinking. I am thinking about E30 M3 (if I can find one) or 325 E30 as well.
The EVO is love and I won’t let it go but I need something else as well. I will be getting something in the end of the year so nothing after 4 or 5 more track events and hard driving.
The game has begun
Elise's will get walked on a road course, they have no power. They might keep up on a short track, but something like VIR full course forget it, keep the EVO. I would buy a miata as it would be cheaper to maintain and can be just as fast or slow depending on how you look at it. If you want to spend a little money, get a Noble m12. As far as the AWD, when it gets wet, NOTHING will keep up with you.
Originally Posted by sir lurks alot
Elise's will get walked on a road course, they have no power. They might keep up on a short track, but something like VIR full course forget it, keep the EVO. I would buy a miata as it would be cheaper to maintain and can be just as fast or slow depending on how you look at it. If you want to spend a little money, get a Noble m12. As far as the AWD, when it gets wet, NOTHING will keep up with you.
As I said I am keeping the EVO. I just need another track car (rear wheels and light) for more experience.
I am thinking about E36 M3 but I need to search more about it..
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 274
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From: Cincinnati, OH
I am reminded of the dark side of track days by the report out of California that a Porsche driver and instructor both died at a Ferrari Club event today. Apparently another driver left the pit-out area and pulled in front of the Porsche who was travelling 140-160 mph. At almost every event I attend, some one wads up a car, although fortunately there have been no injuries. I have had a few thrilling moments my self. Just worth remembering that there are risks, some of which are not within your control.
I know the feeling, since I autocross regularly. Out of my group of car friends, I am the only stock one (minus a boost controller set to stock psi), but I have the most track experience. Everytime I leave an event, it makes me wanna race just one more lap 
. I can only imagine a road course. Just can't afford it at this time of my life--college student.
. I can only imagine a road course. Just can't afford it at this time of my life--college student.
Heh, heh, so the track bug bit Mayer...
You're right, a few days at the track will alter your perspective and priorities in terms of mods, but as Rich says, don't discount the need for raw horsepower. Whether it be on the "old" track at Summit or a big place like VIR, you'll love the top end pull on the long straights. Even basic power upgrades that will put you in the 320-350whp range will leave Z06 owners scratching their heads.
What breathing mods have you done besides the turbo and exhaust?
Once I get my crap together I'll definately be hitting some track events at Summit Point and VIR. Damn I love VIR...
You're right, a few days at the track will alter your perspective and priorities in terms of mods, but as Rich says, don't discount the need for raw horsepower. Whether it be on the "old" track at Summit or a big place like VIR, you'll love the top end pull on the long straights. Even basic power upgrades that will put you in the 320-350whp range will leave Z06 owners scratching their heads.
What breathing mods have you done besides the turbo and exhaust?
Once I get my crap together I'll definately be hitting some track events at Summit Point and VIR. Damn I love VIR...
Originally Posted by propellerhead
Heh, heh, so the track bug bit Mayer...
You're right, a few days at the track will alter your perspective and priorities in terms of mods, but as Rich says, don't discount the need for raw horsepower. Whether it be on the "old" track at Summit or a big place like VIR, you'll love the top end pull on the long straights. Even basic power upgrades that will put you in the 320-350whp range will leave Z06 owners scratching their heads.
What breathing mods have you done besides the turbo and exhaust?
Once I get my crap together I'll definately be hitting some track events at Summit Point and VIR. Damn I love VIR...
You're right, a few days at the track will alter your perspective and priorities in terms of mods, but as Rich says, don't discount the need for raw horsepower. Whether it be on the "old" track at Summit or a big place like VIR, you'll love the top end pull on the long straights. Even basic power upgrades that will put you in the 320-350whp range will leave Z06 owners scratching their heads.
What breathing mods have you done besides the turbo and exhaust?
Once I get my crap together I'll definately be hitting some track events at Summit Point and VIR. Damn I love VIR...
I just have the turbo and the back exhaust for now. I am not against the power but it was just too much trust me. Summit point track Shenandoah was a blast. I LOVE that track.
Originally Posted by Az3ar
I just have the turbo and the back exhaust for now. I am not against the power but it was just too much trust me. Summit point track Shenandoah was a blast. I LOVE that track.
Originally Posted by Az3ar
It was the best 3 days of my life.
99% I am going to Watkins glen and VIR any one wants to come?
99% I am going to Watkins glen and VIR any one wants to come?
Glad you enjoyed it ... I raced my Evo for the first time a couple of weeks back, and had pretty much the same reaction (6 sessions, one day for me). [sigh] just one more addiction ... :P
l8r)
Originally Posted by propellerhead
Just wait until you open it up at a track like VIR. You'll get used to the power pretty damn quick.
). After the sharp Turn 5 left hander, I'm WOT to the breaking point before Turn 6. I'm obviously feathering it through the carousel, and then WOT out of 9 all the way to the braking point for Turn 10.I'm pretty sure that my Camaro has more power and less traction than your Evo, so that vid should give you an idea of how much you can really use power on even a relatively technical road course. The Shenandoah course is really really tight and not very typical of most tracks.
Originally Posted by EVO8LTW
Even the main track at Summit Point let's you put down a good amount of power. I don't know if you saw my post with in-car video from my Camaro (click HERE) at Summit Point, but I can tell you that when the video starts, I'm doing about 130 on the straight (which requires some power in and of itself). I'm WOT from the apex of Turn 1/2 all the way to the braking point for Turn 3 (accelerating from about 45-100 mph). I'm obviously not WOT going downhill from Turn 3 to 4 (don't think I could make Turn 4 at 130 ). After the sharp Turn 5 left hander, I'm WOT to the breaking point before Turn 6. I'm obviously feathering it through the carousel, and then WOT out of 9 all the way to the braking point for Turn 10.
I'm pretty sure that my Camaro has more power and less traction than your Evo, so that vid should give you an idea of how much you can really use power on even a relatively technical road course. The Shenandoah course is really really tight and not very typical of most tracks.
). After the sharp Turn 5 left hander, I'm WOT to the breaking point before Turn 6. I'm obviously feathering it through the carousel, and then WOT out of 9 all the way to the braking point for Turn 10.I'm pretty sure that my Camaro has more power and less traction than your Evo, so that vid should give you an idea of how much you can really use power on even a relatively technical road course. The Shenandoah course is really really tight and not very typical of most tracks.
I love goin to summit pt and watching peeps come out of the chute to the carousel.
Originally Posted by ExViTermini
I love goin to summit pt and watching peeps come out of the chute to the carousel.
Well,
Watkins Glen is coming and I heard that its a very very fast track (faster than VIR)...
I just finished working on my EVO and preping it for the next round.
I made up my mind about the rear wheel drive it will be BMW E30 325is... or maybe maybe M3 E30 if my wife says yes
Watkins Glen is coming and I heard that its a very very fast track (faster than VIR)...
I just finished working on my EVO and preping it for the next round.
I made up my mind about the rear wheel drive it will be BMW E30 325is... or maybe maybe M3 E30 if my wife says yes