I attended another HPDE this past weekend at Putnam Park. I got a best time of 1'27" and averaged around 1'29". That puts me at least 2 seconds faster than last time. I used the Ferodo 3000 pads this time and they were excellent. They didn't give me that horrible pad transfer and disintegration like the OEM brembo's did last time. They took only two turns to warm up then they were solid and consistent throughout.
I started out with 36/35psi cold in my tires. Then I lost my pressure gauge and couldn't messure my hot temp pressures. So I never touched the pressure again. I might have been able to shave off another second if I could have monitored that.
I got to get in six 25 minute sessions over the course of the weekend.
There was a Ford Lightning out there on some R compounds that I couldn't touch! This guy was good. I was very impressed with both the Lightnings that were out there. A lot of people learned what they were all about this weekend.

Can't wait to the next event!

 

DE's are awesome. I was at Mid Ohio friday. Although I'm very fond of Putnam, Mid Ohio kicks it's *** in every way. I think I'll be at Putnam again in July though. What tires are you running? I ran the Ferodo 2500's friday with the stock Yoks, Tanabe springs, and a progress group rear sway bar. The car was awesome - completely hooked up and neutral. Very predictable with just a hint of oversteer. Understeer = gone.

 

Good job on the times. Was the Ford Lightening red? I ran against a red one 2 years ago in my track prepared Miata. We were both running low 1'25's. He'd disappear on the straight stretch & I'd catch him by turn 10, only to do it all over again. It was a pretty amazing performance by a pickup truck.

992gnt-I agree Putnam is pretty Micky Mouse compared to Mid-O. Wait until you try VIR though, now there's an amazing track.

 

The Lightning was Red. I talked to the owner for a while. He had a Rousch (spelling??) suspension and a Brembo front brake kit. I could pass him on his street tires, but once he put the slicks on there was no hope. I believe he also had a sport tune running on race fuel and a lower pulley on his SC.

992gnt, I was running stock tires. Stock everything except the brake pads and a Works P2.

It's amazing you guys are turning such fast times! What DE class do you usually run in? With those times I would have to assume A class. I timed a lot of cars out there and VERY FEW were running 1'25" and under.

I'll be going to Putnam again in July. It's the closest course to me. If one of you are entered I would like to ride with you and experience a ride in the Evo that is 4 seconds faster during a lap.

After that event I'll probably expand and try a different track. I heard Gingerman was nice.


I'm constantly tempted to play with my suspension, but I've decided to keep it stock as long as possible. Hopefully I'll know exactly how my car will respond in every situation before I move on.

 

What weekend in July are you running? I ususally run in the most experienced class. I have done Putnam 12+ times. Like you, it is my closest track (2 1/2 hours from Cincy). I would be glad to take you with me as a passenger if we are ever there at the same time. You should consider running next year in late March with Predator Motorsport. Typically you get six 25" runs AND a final open track for 30-60" when you can run as long as you can stand, all in one day, for $250. No instruction tho.

 

I'll be there for the MORPCA event. July 24-25.

 

That's the one I'm planning on attending as well. So far I've only done 2 DE's, so I'd imagine I'll be in with the green guys again. I'd really like to move up to the intermediate group seeing as I've yet to be passed even once during 3 days of on-track driving.

 

Just register for the 'C' group. They moved me out of D and into C this last time. Only one car passed me the whole weekend and that was an instructor.

 

Latest Putnam update.
Lots of rain, sleet and some snow. And even more bitter cold. Luckily the track eventually dried out and the sun peaked out for a while giving us some good conditions.
My average time is down to 1'26" now and a best of 1'25". This is still with stock Yoko Advans and stock suspension. I'm also running with Works P2, 269 cams, Works Exhale pipe and Ferodo 3000 pads.
HP mods seem to make minimal differences on the track. The alignment however made huge gains.