Went with and met a few friends at Texas World Speedway June 6-7 and we participated in a Drivers Edge track event for the weekend. This was my first experience with this group and I have to say I was very impressed with the organization, attention to safety and overall production value of the event. The track was not bad either at 2.9mi and running clockwise. This was my 4th track event and while I still consider myself a complete novice I did very well and was not passed the entire weekend. In fact nobody even came up behind me and I felt in compete control over the car and the track.
There was an interesting moment when a Z06 in the session before us blew his engine on turn (6) and dumped all his oil onto the braking zone which is the area right before the turn where you are supposed to finish all of your braking (in a straight line) prior to entering the turn. My car was first on the grid and while we waited for (20) minutes as they mopped up the mess I got a little nervous when it became apparent to me that I would be the first car through the oil slick. My instructor said to “go right through it” so I would know what I was dealing with on the next lap. Great advice and as expected I took that braking zone a bit slower than normal. My car has been hitting about 110mph on the short straight into that braking zone but I started braking sooner and slowed it down a bit more and when I came upon that area I just saw what appeared to be baby power all over the track. As I entered the slick all I could see was a HUGE white cloud in all three mirrors and then I was in the turn, car stuck like glue and all was well. It was funny speaking later to the guy (Mark) who was right behind me as he recalled watching my car disappear into a white cloud having no idea what was on the other side. Better him than me I suppose.
My instructor was Steve Amos and he gave me high grades for control, aggression, speed, awareness and that I was the fastest car/driver in my run group. On the last day I had an issue with my brakes that forced me out for the rest of the day and required new rotors and pads on the front. Thank goodness for my bumper to bumper warranty and that the dealer I bought from understands that my car was made for the track and actually appreciates that I drop the hammer from time to time. Plans are to use racing fluid and racing pads for any future events and hone my braking skills to prolong my brakes.
The next event is July 11-12 and Eagles Canyon and I’m pumped about this one as I already know the track pretty well. My 2nd and 3rd track days took place here and my goal is to get solo status with Drivers Edge so I can do the Texas Motor Speedway night driving event on August 8th. (2) of my (4) tracks days have been solo so I hope and expect to get cleared for this and future events as a solo driver soon.
Here is my buddy Karl tearing it up in his Supercharged Cobra (my wife says it sounds like a mosquito)