Home in one piece. No damage, car still running, so successful weekend. This was my first run with the advanced group where there is passing anywhere on the track without point bye's. Wow. 1st session out was cut short by fluid on the track. It was a green track, and I was slipping and sliding everywhere on the track, not a good session. 2nd session I ran full. 10/10ths has 30 minute sessions and I can tell you A) I still feel it today, and B) I was ready to come in on that 2nd session. It was unnerving to have a Dodge Viper or Corvette Z06, race prepped, come hauling a$$ up on me in the turns, and take the inside lines in the middle of the turn. It wasn't making me nervous so much being in that position as it was the what if....what if my non race prepped $30k car slips and takes out a $120k race prepped car 
I ran ok, but not too well. Watched my mirrors more than anything. 3rd session was again cut short by fluids on the track after 3 laps. I skipped the next session to regather my thoughts and get my head straight. Thanks to Jim Dooley, I was able to do that and get back on the track. By this time, it had rained and then the sun came out putting a little heat in to it. This session felt really good. I was able to pass a car or two and felt more comfortable with the passes in the corners. I found out that the entry to turn 7 is the favorite place to pass, and that if you run the line, you will cut someone off 
but, these drivers understand that and adjust around you.
Sunday, not too good for me. Had a migraine all day that cleared up for the last two sessions enough for me to concentrate better. Was out there alone on the last session, and ran slower I felt. All in all I learned some new lines, some new skills, and some new trust in the better drivers and that I have a whole lot to learn. I purchased all new safety equipment Friday evening, so now I have an extra helmet, race suit and gloves. Also bought a HANS and some arm restraints. This gave me some comfort on the track and allowed me to hang it out a bit more.
I learned there are just some basic limits to my car. Not having a rear end where I can adjust camber being the main one. I adjusted tire pressures to try and compensate, but still getting very bad uneven wear on the rear tires. The limits of a solid axle car. I learned from a suspension specialist that toe OUT is preferred over toe in. I will try this next time to see if it helps me in the turns. He said each turn of a flat is 1/32" adjustment. This can be done at the track as long as you keep track of it. It isn't preferred on the street, but on the track, he says it helps the car knife down through the turns. He adjusts to 1/8" on the vette's and vipers. I learned that I need a racing seat. My forearms are wore out. My butt stays in place, but my upper body moves around way too much. I need some side bolstering. A fellow driver there owns a factory five and he has a Kirkey seat that he said would be best. I've never run so hard at a track to try and keep pace before. So, I've never had this big of an issue with my seat. I also bought a concave mirror, just need someone to help me mount the thing. Will take some pics and post those to another thread.
Video - tried to, but I mistakenly hit the off button on the session where other cars are out there with me. I have some, but it's my slower run on the last session of the day. I may post it. Times - well, I didn't have anyone to time me. There was a car running 1:23's and 1:24's consistently that I passed, so I'm guessing 1:23's with an occasional 1:22. Fastest laps were ran by a Vette at 1:13 and a Viper at 1:14. Yes, I was on the track with them, they take some risks. Both of them came by me going to turn 7 and the Vette was in the grass (2 wheels) getting by me. I was told to drive my line, not to give it up and to make them take it....well, they did Fun weekend, learned lots....gave me the fever again....now what? 
(Jim took pics for me, he is supposed to bring the CD next week at the meeting)
I ran ok, but not too well. Watched my mirrors more than anything. 3rd session was again cut short by fluids on the track after 3 laps. I skipped the next session to regather my thoughts and get my head straight. Thanks to Jim Dooley, I was able to do that and get back on the track. By this time, it had rained and then the sun came out putting a little heat in to it. This session felt really good. I was able to pass a car or two and felt more comfortable with the passes in the corners. I found out that the entry to turn 7 is the favorite place to pass, and that if you run the line, you will cut someone off but, these drivers understand that and adjust around you. Sunday, not too good for me. Had a migraine all day that cleared up for the last two sessions enough for me to concentrate better. Was out there alone on the last session, and ran slower I felt. All in all I learned some new lines, some new skills, and some new trust in the better drivers and that I have a whole lot to learn. I purchased all new safety equipment Friday evening, so now I have an extra helmet, race suit and gloves. Also bought a HANS and some arm restraints. This gave me some comfort on the track and allowed me to hang it out a bit more.
I learned there are just some basic limits to my car. Not having a rear end where I can adjust camber being the main one. I adjusted tire pressures to try and compensate, but still getting very bad uneven wear on the rear tires. The limits of a solid axle car. I learned from a suspension specialist that toe OUT is preferred over toe in. I will try this next time to see if it helps me in the turns. He said each turn of a flat is 1/32" adjustment. This can be done at the track as long as you keep track of it. It isn't preferred on the street, but on the track, he says it helps the car knife down through the turns. He adjusts to 1/8" on the vette's and vipers. I learned that I need a racing seat. My forearms are wore out. My butt stays in place, but my upper body moves around way too much. I need some side bolstering. A fellow driver there owns a factory five and he has a Kirkey seat that he said would be best. I've never run so hard at a track to try and keep pace before. So, I've never had this big of an issue with my seat. I also bought a concave mirror, just need someone to help me mount the thing. Will take some pics and post those to another thread.
Video - tried to, but I mistakenly hit the off button on the session where other cars are out there with me. I have some, but it's my slower run on the last session of the day. I may post it. Times - well, I didn't have anyone to time me. There was a car running 1:23's and 1:24's consistently that I passed, so I'm guessing 1:23's with an occasional 1:22. Fastest laps were ran by a Vette at 1:13 and a Viper at 1:14. Yes, I was on the track with them, they take some risks. Both of them came by me going to turn 7 and the Vette was in the grass (2 wheels) getting by me. I was told to drive my line, not to give it up and to make them take it....well, they did
Fun weekend, learned lots....gave me the fever again....now what? (Jim took pics for me, he is supposed to bring the CD next week at the meeting)