Hey all,

I see at least 3 other Evo's registered for Sunday at Willow Springs with Speed Ventures... Anyone from here?

This is the first time I'm taking the Evo out to a track (I always take the Lotus)... Should be interesting! Any Evo-specific tips for that track?

Thanks!

Rom.

 

I think my brother signed up for that, but he drives a yellow 997 S , no Evo

 

Hmm.. the only Porsche I see that's new enough to be a 997 chassis is a 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Everything else is 2003 or older (997's were introduced in 2004).

 

What is your previous experience? What have you done to your Evo?

 

I've done many track days both here and the UK. All the tracks here that I've been to (Laguna, Thunderhill and Streets of Willow) were in the Lotus. In the UK I used to track my heavily modified Audi TT.

I've never taken the Evo to the track, and it's virtually stock except for an AEM TruBoost, Access Port and drop-in K&N. I'm running Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec tires.

I run in the Intermediate group - mainly because I don't get a chance to get out there often enough (this is only my 4th track event this year).

I've never run on Willow Springs 'big track'.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Rom.

 

I instruct with SV sometimes. I would have helped you out if i were going, but ill be at BRP with NASA. Ok, im guessing youre taking the Evo 9 MR you have listed in your sig? Here is what gears youll be using:

Youre in 5th down the front straight. Downshift into 4th for T1. Stay in 4th until T3. Downshift into 3rd for T3. Since you have the MR your 3rd and 4th are a little shorter. You might top out 3rd through the Omega. If you can, ride out 3rd through the Omega. If you cant, quickly shift into 4th, then back down into 3rd for T5. If it gets too complicated just leave it in 4th. At the exit of T5 youll be in 4th, then 5th. Do you have an ECU flash? Or OEM power? Either way you should be able to go flat out from T5 all the way to the braking zone of T9. If youre going fast enough going flat out through T8 will be intense. If youre not comfortable, lift before you enter T8, then get back on the throttle. If your car gets unsettled keep your foot on the throttle through T8. If youre not comfortable just coast through there because its a really fast section. Downshift into 4th for T9. Then youre back into 5th down the front straight.

I have in-car footage from 2 recent races at Big Willow, but i dont think it will help you out much. My alignment was poorly setup so i was having difficulties keeping my car settled. If you want to check them out the links are posted on my website. As an alternative here is some in-car from Jack Olsen. Jack is an instructor, and has tons of seat time at Big Willow with his Porsche:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbA-pkFQayQ

 

Hi Bueller,

Thanks for the advice! You mention 5th down the straight... Wouldn't I be in 6th in the MR since it's such a long straight?

Thanks again for your help!

Rom.

 

No problem. The front straight isnt that long. You wont need 6th. I dont know if you have OEM power, of if you have a tune. Even with a tune on the OEM turbo youll be lucky to hit 130mhp. Im guessing youll be closer to 120-125mph. That also depends on the wind.

 

heres some great info from RTA speedfreak Billy Johnson...


http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticl...l-Raceway.aspx


http://www.motoiq.com/Columns/FastLa...3/Default.aspx

 

I think the main thing to know is: don't turn in early for turn 9. And if you do, use the hot pit entrance rather than pull it back on track.

 

Thanks all for the helpful tips!

Rom.

 

Hey guys,

Had lots of fun yesterday, and consistently improved throughout the day (I gained several seconds session-over-session). However, I found that I had a major lack of confidence through those high speed corners with the Evo. The fact that I'd never tracked the Evo, and the high-speed nature of this course, I couldn't get used to the softness in the suspension! The Lotus corners so flat it inspires a lot of confidence. The Evo however definitely rolls a bit - even with the MR's Bilstein shocks. I know it's not tuned for a tarmac track and is designed to have some give though - and the extra 1200 pounds (over the Lotus) didn't help me. If I decide to track the Evo more, I feel some suspension updates are definitely necessary!

Thanks again all!

Rom.

 

Youre welcome. Thats right, that extra 1,200 lbs or so will make a huge difference in all aspects. For suspension tuning id say call Robi:

http://www.robispec.com

 

try using gravel setting for a whole lap
then use tarmac for another lap
depends on which type of driving style you like

 

werd