I decided that I needed to video my maiden voyage so on went the GoPro.
The first five minutes is comically painful. Count the number of times I stall and laugh. (there may be a few swear words...)
The next two laps were sketchy - this thing is different from anything I've ever driven and I'm not fitting in the seat at all.
By the end of the first session I'd spun once and was starting to at least figure out what it's all about. Fun stuff. Spooky but fun. (I admit it, I kinda like that rush...)
Third session I was feeling it pretty well. I'd fixed my seating and was much more comfortable.
Here's three of us running around nose to tail. The two cars are Porsche Cayman GT4 cup cars. The Flying Lizard driver, Erin Vogel, is one of an all female team competing at the 25 hours of Thunder Hill next week.
David waves me by at the 5:00 mark and I run between them for a lap.
Here's my last session on Saturday. I was beat, worn out, tired and my face hurt from the perma-grin so I was taking it easier.
There is a pretty decent save around 4:40
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW-What a Ride!'"
Looks like a great weekend. I figure anytime I can run all sessions and get on trailer in one piece is a great track day.
Turning money into smoke and noise since 2005
Looks like you had a great time. I agree with Dennis' comments. 😉
Looks like a great weekend. I figure anytime I can run all sessions and get on trailer in one piece is a great track day.
LOL!
I feel the same way - especially in the off road world.
Have come home with missing wheels and suspension parts a couple of times but if it gets on the trailer under its own power, it's a win.
Hopefully I can continue to load 'er up w/o anything hanging off or in a place it shouldn't be. ?
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW-What a Ride!'"
It looked like on the day two fourth run at 4:40 you did a four wheel slid. How much time was on your tires and was the track cold?
What Camera are you using, and where is it mounted? seems like it is mounted to your helmet.
How do you prevent the 1st gear stalling? I get my 1st days in a Radical in 2 weeks. Is it a light flywheel low torque problem you just need to figure out?
How do you prevent the 1st gear stalling? I get my 1st days in a Radical in 2 weeks. Is it a light flywheel low torque problem you just need to figure out?
Carl, I’m sure others will chime in... but, yes....light flywheel and low torque make it tricky to make a raceful start. Using a little more as than you would typically use will help a lot. The othe thing to be aware of (I’m sure you read abou it already...) is that these cars are much more sensitive to front / rear balance while turning than a street based car. It is very common to spin (a few times) before you get a feel for it. Once you get it, these cars turn like magic. When you spin it is essential to get the clutch th the floor immediately! If the rear wheels rotate backwards , even a little, the starter engages and self destructs. But don’t worry. With your level of experience you will catch on very quickly and have a great time. Have fun.
Charley
What Camera are you using, and where is it mounted? seems like it is mounted to your helmet.
Its a GoPro Hero Black mounted to the top of the roll bar bodywork.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW-What a Ride!'"
It looked like on the day two fourth run at 4:40 you did a four wheel slid. How much time was on your tires and was the track cold?
I don’t know how much time is on the present tires. They look good, though.
Track and tires were both up to temp. It was the last run of the day, I was tired and getting sloppy.
I am fully responsible for the drift/slide/save - just got on the happy pedal too soon/quickly.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW-What a Ride!'"
How do you prevent the 1st gear stalling? I get my 1st days in a Radical in 2 weeks. Is it a light flywheel low torque problem you just need to figure out?
Ergonomics is key. My first day I didn’t have my seat anywhere near correct and it gave me absolutely no feeling in the clutch and the engagement window is tiny. The second day I had messed with pads and got much more “in the car” so I had better feeling in all three pedals.
Bite the bullet and just learn it. Seat time is definitely your friend in one of these little beasties.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW-What a Ride!'"
Rolling around the pits (paddock) without stalling takes some practice. The clutch is not your friend. You just have to hop in, get your ergonomics right (as Richard said) and go.
