Founder's Region, Multi-Event Report

FT · #1 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 12:24 AM

I am not sure why bunch of weird characters appear in the text, sorry about the annoyance.[/quote]

There is much to write about but I hope I can keep your interests with pictures [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/wink_smile.gif[/img]<v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o

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The <st1

lace w:st="on">Potomac</st1

lace> chapter organized a multi-event this weekend starting on Friday that included a fun rally, autocross, HPDE @ Summit Point, a banquet and gala, concours, etc. The list is quite long frankly [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/teeth_smile.gif[/img]<o

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The organization seemed to be nearly perfect, the volunteers really did a super job keeping everything under control and timely. Participation was very high, I am not sure how many total cars and participants there were, but it filled the entire Summit Point paddock and more.[/quote]

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ath><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t">[img]/UserFiles/SP_Paddock_720(1).jpg[/img]</o:lock></v:shapetype>[/quote][/quote]

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referrelative="t"><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t">In the car show area there were many more entries than last year (2), so it looked like a good corner of the paddock attracting a lot of interest:[/quote]</o:lock></v:shapetype>[/quote][/quote]

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referrelative="t"><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t">[img]/UserFiles/356Conv_1_720(1).jpg[/img][/quote]</o:lock></v:shapetype>[/quote][/quote]

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referrelative="t"><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t">[img]/UserFiles/356Conv_2_720(1).jpg[/img][/quote]</o:lock></v:shapetype>[/quote][/quote]

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referrelative="t"><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t">[img]/UserFiles/356Coupe_1_720(1).jpg[/img][/quote]</o:lock></v:shapetype>[/quote][/quote]
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Talk about a really clean engine:[/quote]

[img]/UserFiles/356Coupe_3_720(1).jpg[/img][/quote]

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>[img]/UserFiles/911_720(3).jpg[/img]</o

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Of course, no one couldtake their eyes of various DE entries as well:[/quote]

[img]/UserFiles/DE_2_720(1).jpg[/img][/quote]
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I could not locate the owners of these two highly attractive cars unfortunately:[/quote]

[img]/UserFiles/CSDE_720(1).jpg[/img][/quote]

[img]/UserFiles/DE_1_720(1).jpg[/img][/quote]
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I only had the time to participate in the auto-x at a new lot the chapter secured, which was really nice and large enough for our purposes. Unfortunately, I believe due to the rally and DE (and not to mention vacation schedules), only 22 or so people attended, and we all got 6 runs, which is a first for me [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/tounge_smile.gif[/img]<v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o

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Not knowing the rules with this chapter, my first time running with them, at the registration and tech inspection, I asked about classing rules and mentioned that I have aftermarket wheels and tires. [/quote]They still classified me in stock category.[/quote]

[img]/UserFiles/AX_1_720(2).jpg[/img][/quote]

[img]/UserFiles/AX_2_720(1).jpg[/img][/quote]

The course was an interesting mixture of very slow and very fast sections and offered a true challenge for everyone. The U turn right after start was a first gear turn leading to full throttle mildly offset straight, ending withtrail braking left-right-left section, again leading to a lot-length straight where we almost ran out of 2nd gear. Then the final tight section was very slow, forcing most to go down to 1st gear, and you could immediately tell who wasn't properly doing the heel/toe from their loudly grinding gears. A lot of tire smoke from differentialless (a real word?) cars, missed braking points; spectacular to watch.[/quote][/quote]

[img]/UserFiles/AutoX_Course(1).jpg[/img][/quote][/quote]

I was worried about the tight sections of the course that our tall gearing may create issues and I might bog down. I was also expecting quite a bit of understeer and after hearing that we are getting 6 runs each on this abrasive surface, I thought today would be day my tires would finally give up and play dead. To my surprise it did not quite turn out that way.<o

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I was registered for the 2nd heat and worked during the 1st heat. [/quote]The best time during the 1st heat was, I believe, 45.6 secs by Mick (one of the organizers of the event), in a Boxster in either Street Prepared or Improved classes with slick tires.<o

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1st run:[/quote] Before the runs the CS got so much interest that I was getting questions from 3-4 ppl at the same time, got really confusing for a short while, especially as I was getting ready for my first run. In that confusion, I forgot to change my shoes! Not a big deal, huh? Well in Sport mode and the sensitivity of the throttle, you really don't want to drive competitively with running shoes, and that showed[img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/crazy.gif[/img]<v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o

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ath o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"></v

ath><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype> I gave too much throttle in corner exists and slid aroundquite a bit,but it was still a fine run as I knew what do with my tire pressures. Overall, I certainly did not try to go all out but wanted to see how much the car was sliding at the front and rear. [/quote]Interestingly, the fronts were gripping but the rear was really loose. [/quote]I thought I would lower rear pressures and brake a little later next run. [/quote]Time: 48.7 sec. (<st1

lace w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sport</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">ON</st1:state></st1

lace>, PASM ON, PSM OFF).[/quote]

2nd run:[/quote] First, I changed my shoes [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/thumbsup.gif[/img]<v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o

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ath o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"></v

ath><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype>, and then I only had time to check rear pressures. I lowered them to 39.5 psi from 40.6 initially and went off. As I was staging for the start, I stalled the car twice and that did not help my confidence[img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/embaressed_smile.gif[/img] Of course, the throttle felt great immediately thereafter. However, the more surprising part was the front end. [/quote]I tried braking later and later, but it kept gripping. [/quote]The rear end was still somewhat loose, but in a strange way. [/quote]Overall, the car did not feel right; transitions were slow, reaction time was slow, ABS keep engaging, etc. [/quote]Once I finished the course, I was thinkingabout whatIcan possibly do the car felt worse than the first run. [/quote]Then I realized, as I stalled the car at staging, I forgot to turn on and off the electronic goodies[img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/tounge_smile.gif[/img] [/quote]Time: 49.2 (Sport OFF, PASM OFF, SPM ON).<o

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3rd run:[/quote] [/quote]I lowered rear pressures to 39.0 psi and the fronts to 34.0 psi. [/quote]This run really felt good. [/quote]Good turn in, stable reactions, but at the top straight portion of the course the rear-end was feeling just a little off-line as you slowly move the steering while going about 60-65 mph, which was unsettling for me. [/quote]Overall the front was not understeering at all, gearing felt great and I got more confidence. Time: 48.2, I think (<st1:city w:st="on">Sport</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">ON</st1:state>, <st1

lace w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">PASM</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">ON</st1:state></st1

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4th run:[/quote] [/quote]Since the front was gripping, I lowered its pressure a little more to 33.5 psi; for the rear, I lowered it to 38.5 psi. [/quote]This time everything seemed to click together. [/quote]The car was really good, much better than I expected. [/quote]The front grip improvement was most noticeable under braking with no ABS engagement and phenomenal turn-in. [/quote]The rear was also planted with just the right amount of turn at the application of throttle in tight corners. [/quote]The entire balance was … well, something to write about[img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/thumbsup.gif[/img][/quote]<v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o

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ath o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"></v

ath><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype>[/quote]Time: 47.3 (Sport ON, PASM ON, PS<st1

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5th run:[/quote] more of the same as 4th run. [/quote]I was literally enjoying each and every second and giggling along the way. [/quote]I was just glad that I had the helmet on; otherwise everyone would think that I am one arrogant son of b****. [/quote]You don’t think that, do you???[img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/tounge_smile.gif[/img][/quote]Time: 47.0 (Sport ON, PASM ON, <st1

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6th run:[/quote] I looking forward to my last run and thinking how I can improve from my 5th. [/quote]Generally, I tend to think that you cannot “gain” time by doing one thingor another in auto-x, you can only “loose” time. [/quote]So, I tried to figure out where I can loose less time and thought on one of the corners I was braking too early and coasting a little bit before the actually turn-in. [/quote]So, this run I went really deep into that corner and I still made through; then I thought of keeping my pace without pushing too hard, not making unnecessary mistakes andsee how the time turn out. [/quote]It turned out better than I expected frankly: 46.6 (Sport ON, PASM ON, PS<st1

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That time was good to earn the top spot in stock class. [/quote]In the mean time I met Michael Johnson, he was competing in his Boxster. [/quote]He was also turning very good times, I think his best was 47.4 and got second place in stock class. [/quote]I do fail to see how they class all Boxsters/Caymans regardless of engines in the same class though.<o

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Unfortunately, Michael’s clutch let go during his last run and got stranded. [/quote]He eventually found a towing company but it was going to take them sometime to get to the location, so I do not know how that adventure ended up. [/quote]In the mean time, during fun runs, I let Michael test my CS on the auto-x course. [/quote]I think he came away impressed once he adjusted his driving to it. [/quote]His turned run he turned in a 47.1 with a passenger. [/quote]I told him: “hmmmm… clutch vs. Cayman, tough choice”, he agreed [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/teeth_smile.gif[/img]<o

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After the event I went off to Summit Point to watch the DE a little, but could not stay for the banquet.[/quote]

[img]/UserFiles/FTCS_725.JPG[/img][/quote]

Tony Pagonis, event chair, caught up with me at Summit Point to tell me that one of the competitors protested my wheels and they had to move me to a higher class. [/quote]I, of course, told that is no problem at all as I am not in the points and it was just a fun event to be part of. [/quote]So, Michael actually got the first place in the stock class, which should be some level of consolation for his burnt clutch, congrats Michael [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/thumbsup.gif[/img][/quote]<v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o

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Also, unfortunately, the previous day, one of the experienced drivers lost it coming out of T9, hit the tire wall trying to recover and apparently rolled over. [/quote]I saw the car as they were towing it out of Summit Point, it looked really bad, completely totaled. [/quote]The driver was fine but the instructor had a deep cut on one his arms and had to get it stitched. [/quote]I am told that they had to cut the roof of the car to get them out of it. [/quote]I just hope that was the only mishap through the whole weekend as it was great and appealed to many different types of people, including kids and dogs [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/beer2.gif[/img][/quote]
Overall a great, driving filled set of events with great organization [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/drive.gif[/img]
[img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/thanks.gif[/img]Potomac Chapter and its volunteers.
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Edited by - FT on 08/20/2006 7:59:31 PM

**K-Man S** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 01:10 AM

The weird chars are there because you cut and pasted from MS Word and MS Word embeds them into the HTML, when you paste the editor here does give you the option to clean the code. I'll see if it lets me clean it up for you or not.

**Santa Fe** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 01:28 AM

Pretty good results I'd say. Thanks for the write up and the lack of ego we Cayman owners are known for. The one with number 4 on it sure is pretty......

FT · #4 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 01:50 AM

Thank you Ken if you can clean it up. I first tried to type it as regular post, but the typing window is so small, it became difficult and as I got to nearly the end of it, something happened to my connection, the site, or my browser (using B3 of IE7); I lost all of it [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/angry_smile.gif[/img]

Then I wrote it with MS Word, and yes, for the fear of loosing it again, I answered 'no' to the clean up question while pasting it.

Thanks Sante Fe; frankly it is really a diferent and special feeling to see sooooo many Porsches at one place with so many different models to look at.

**beez** · #5 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 04:11 AM

FT - Thank you for the great report, and taking the time to write it, considering the trouble it sounds like you went through to post it.

brad

FT · #6 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 01:52 PM

Thank you Brad. I can tell you this much; I had quit autoxing about 2 yrs ago as I got bored, but the CS is bringing back the fire [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/teeth_smile.gif[/img] I think if SCCA/SEB classes the regular Cayman into the AS class, it might actually be the car to have at the national level.