While I would normally agree with that statement, I do think a well setup Evo is easier to drive than a stock one. Boost lag and the lack of negative front camber, coupled with a naturall tendency to understeer makes a stock Evo very difficult to drive fast in stock form. Plus it's slow

 

Well, so I just got back from the PCA event today at Pennington Field. We got a very generous 10 runs in - can you believe it? Lots of seat time and chances to figure out what to do and what not to do.

I had a blast and also had a nice crash course in how to drive an evo on a very tight course. Or rather how NOT to drive an Evo on a very tight course. The layout had - get this - three tight 90 degree box turns in it that pretty much required you to slow to a crawl and take a precise line as if threading a needle.

The Evo cordially reminded me that if you come into a turn too fast and try to brake hard while in the turn - you'll be pushing out and plowing cones. On the other hand, slow before the turn and give it throttle through the turn and she'll pull nicely to the insde. It's a beautiful thing when you get it right.

It's clear to me that having more boost earlier would have only allowed me to hit the cones with more velocity. I know what part of the "car and driver" equation needs the most work.

 

Hrm, I need to learn how to drive better too.

Going to the Texas World Speedway AutoX event on the 24th of May sponsored by Don Herring Mitsubishi? Should be fun! =D I need to learn how to drive effectively. =P

 

So which one will be the better event to attend on the 20th?

Mineral Wells Airpark with Equipe Rapide or LaGrave Field with the Lone Star Chapter BMW CCA?

 

mineral wells is huge! you'll get to utilize some of the power there. pennington is so small that you hit the gas and by the time your spooled your braking already.

 

Yes - I am looking forward to a place where I can run the turbo a bit. I ran at Pennington last weekend. The course was short and tight and my evo felt very cumbersome out there.

 

I got a picture from my first event -- I thought I might share it here. What's that I see under the right rear tire? Why -- it looks like daylight!

 

Thats a common sight for Evo's. And even more so for stock suspensioned evos. Looks like you were utilizing most of the grip though, so thats a good thing.

 

I thought the event is at Texas Motorsport Ranch?

 

^yeah, its at motorsport ranch, and its not an autocross, it is a drivers education day (two VERY different events). speeds will be much higher, you'll be going for 20-25 minutes at a time (instead of 60 seconds in an autocross run).

 

I cant wait this is going to be my first event. I cant think of a better way than with proffesional instruction. They allow methanol on the track right?

 

best BANG 4the BUCK for driving experience
you get way more seat time than days of autocrossing

the smaller 1.3 is fun with the elevation changes, but
there is way less run-off space, so you have to be selective where you decide to push the car and what corners will allow room for mistakes.
The straight closest to the pit area is fastest, but the turn is difficult and ends in a tire barrier,
so I give up speed for a more positive turn-in experience!!!http://www.motorsportranch.com/1.3-road-course.cfm

watch this video until you can SEE IT with your eyes closed
http://www.motorsportranch.com/MSR-Video.cfm

 

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY....

This Sunday at the Texas Motor Speedway bus Parking lot...

April 27th, come autocross with the SCCA!

EDIT: OH and hey Mark -- I see you're running in F Prepared now? What happened to BSP? What did you do to move your car up to prepared class?

 

seat time is certainly higher on track days. but i assure you, learning to handle your car at 50-60mph will make you a better driver at speeds twice that.

its a common debate between auto crossers and road racers. but i would recommend anyone to get some decent expierence at auto-x before making the leap to track driving. would u rather spin out and nail a couple cones? or spin out and slam into a wall?

 

Today's autocross at the Texas Motor Speeday Bus Lot was great!

The runs were a nice 50 to 60+ seconds (on the average) and the surface out there is so smooth which made it quite fun considering how it was raining that morning. My first run or two it was like driving on ice. Slipping everywhere but it was still a blast.

If you have never tried autocrossing, you don't know what you're missing. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys driving and has a spirit of competition. Plus, it's just a great way to spend a day with like-minded auto enthusiatst who are all very cool.

All I can say is -- you all should have been there. You should sign-up for the next event.