Bearcat94's First AutoX Event in his WDP-S!..NEW VIDEOS Added 6-3-08
#1
tehLEGOman
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 41
Posts: 9,171
Received 1,983 Likes
on
1,336 Posts
Bearcat94's First AutoX Event in his WDP-S!..NEW VIDEOS Added 6-3-08
This weekend there was an autoX event held in Charlotte, and Bearcat94 had PMed me some info about the event. I decided to show up and see what kind of action was going on. I took some pics of him driving his TL-S around the course. For a FWD 5AT big body the car looked very impressive coming out of the hole and digging into the corners. He made a comment that some of the instructors were impressed with the power output from this Acura.
Enjoy the pics!
Enjoy the pics!
#2
tehLEGOman
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 41
Posts: 9,171
Received 1,983 Likes
on
1,336 Posts
And here are a few shots of a WDP Trio!...
Bearcat94, Chill_dog, and ACCURATEin.
Bearcat94, Chill_dog, and ACCURATEin.
Trending Topics
#11
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Posts: 32,488
Received 7,771 Likes
on
4,342 Posts
Originally Posted by ACCURATEin
...
Really, really nice for you and Chill_Dog to come out to watch. It was GREAT to have some AZ friends at the finish line giving me a . Thanks.
And thanks for the pics & post.
Originally Posted by ballinfizzle89
Damn very nice, Looks like Bear was ripping it up out there. Eric, why didnt you enter mang!
Today was newbie day - some classroom, some practice. The actual competitive event is tomorrow. Eric could still make the show.
I did "rip it up" a little. Left a lot of Michelin rubber behind and bounced it off the rev limiter a couple of times.
Originally Posted by HONgDA
how many cones did he knock down? lol.
now that you pushed it to its limits, what mods do you feel you need to improve on?
now that you pushed it to its limits, what mods do you feel you need to improve on?
Yeah, I took out a couple of cones. But I didn't take any home with me. .
The car did VERY well. The course was fairly short and tight (keeping speeds down for the newbies) and the TL-S had pretty much as much "oomph" as it needed.
RSB and Spings made a BIG difference I am sure. Turning-wise the car was very composed and responsive. All of the problems I had (primarily understeer and to a lesser extent acceleration and braking) were related to TRACTION - I didn't have *nearly* enough.
As Eric mentioned a couple of the instructor's commented very favorably on the power and handling - they were surpised.
Biggest improvement needed (other than the driver) is TIRES!! Still running (or should I say "ruining") the stock MXM4's. Other than that, a little more low end torque would be nice. Shocks might offer some improvement, but not nearly as much as TIRES!!
I'm going to fool with air pressures some to "fool" the car into a little more over-steer. We'll see how that goes tomorrow.
I've read comments in the past about thinking you're a good driver, then finding out for sure once you get on a track or AutoX course. Well, those comments are right. If I could improve my brake/turn/acceleration points and inputs better, I'd cut another a second or two without changing anything else. And I *am* a "good" driver.
Had a blast. Started out with runs ~34 sec then a couple of 33's in the 1st session (with VSA on :idiot: ). Second session got into the low 32's and one run at 31.9. Beat a newer Vette (he was running 33's and mid/high 32's), but the driver was . Best drivers (instructors) were running 28s - 30s.
Some really nice cars: Lots of Subi's, a Lancer or two, a newer M-series Coupe, and an awesome current gen "Bullitt" Mustang.
Oh, and 1 3G WDP Acura TL-S.
#15
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
Posts: 17,431
Received 1,485 Likes
on
1,049 Posts
If you're looking for new tires, I hear Falken FK452s are really good, and this would be a good chance to get rims if you want.
#17
Instructor
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Charlotte, NC
Age: 44
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's awesome guys, good stuff.
We used to hit them up when they did them at the Eastland Mall parking lots.
Back then I had a 1999 and 2001 Prelude both with 18's, coilovers, sway bars, tie bars, etc.. I raced motorcycles and can figure out lines and apex's fairly quickly. However just like you said when you get in the car and play on the cone corses its a whole different ball game. I remember trying to "muscle" my cars through the slalom with heavy multi piece 18" rims, wow what a nightmare that was!
Next time you go let me know and I'll grab one of the old motorcycle helmets and head out to meet up!
We used to hit them up when they did them at the Eastland Mall parking lots.
Back then I had a 1999 and 2001 Prelude both with 18's, coilovers, sway bars, tie bars, etc.. I raced motorcycles and can figure out lines and apex's fairly quickly. However just like you said when you get in the car and play on the cone corses its a whole different ball game. I remember trying to "muscle" my cars through the slalom with heavy multi piece 18" rims, wow what a nightmare that was!
Next time you go let me know and I'll grab one of the old motorcycle helmets and head out to meet up!
#18
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Posts: 32,488
Received 7,771 Likes
on
4,342 Posts
Originally Posted by Fyre Man
If you're looking for new tires, I hear Falken FK452s are really good, and this would be a good chance to get rims if you want.
Sounds good.
Paypal bearcat94@needsmoney.com
Thanks for your donation. :wink: lol.
#20
94 DC4 RS LSV/Turbo
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: New York City | Stuck in Traffic
Age: 38
Posts: 11,734
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
11 Posts
Originally Posted by Bearcat94
I want to do some auto x'ing also but don't really have the time.. did find a road course not too far from home might look into it once I get settled in... possibly even make my car competition ready and see what it can do against big ballers like the lotus and mugen s2ks
for the record... do cones scratch the paint...? and to be running 2-3 seconds behind the pros... on the mistakelins not bad at all... I'd say a combination of better tires and later breaking with understeer control would get you 30 flat
#23
~Da Nocturnal Cheetah~
Bear: I'm proud of you mannggg!! Way to represent the TL amongst the pros!! BTW...does your insurance cover cones? Just asking...
Chill_dog: Awww...her still have her wittle booties on!! Isn't that so tweet! Hercules, Hercules (like Eddie Murphy's "Nutty Professor - Klumps")!!!!
Eric: Why is your car "accidentally" sticking out further than the other two cars in all of the shots??
Chill_dog: Awww...her still have her wittle booties on!! Isn't that so tweet! Hercules, Hercules (like Eddie Murphy's "Nutty Professor - Klumps")!!!!
Eric: Why is your car "accidentally" sticking out further than the other two cars in all of the shots??
#25
Track days at road race courses should be on every ziners schedule this year. IMO.
Prices vary, but 200-250 dollars per day- your car- with a pro driver riding shotgun to give instant corrections...you learn car control skills that directly transfer to the street. Speeds are usually in 2nd and 3rd gear- 40-90 mph, maybe 110 tops at most courses, and 1st timers all run in a group of slower cars together.
More experienced drivers with track experience get faster run groups and can do lead and follow with instuctor in another car and/or drive alone.
AutoX events- like SCCA hosted, are usually 25-35 dollars entry for 1 day event.
More for a 2 day school like the one pictured
The skills developement comes at you fast! Speeds may only be 25-35, but with full throttle and max braking between each turn, thats 30 seconds of full on concentrated driving on a course tighter than a go-kart track...in a TL!!!!
Cones dont hurt the car- well nothing some polish wont remove in most cases.
You are supposed to get right at the edge of the cone- not run over it!!!
Todays driver feedback should be an interesting read.
NOTE: at most places- Helmets must be SNELL approved and 10 years old or less.
Motorcycle Snell M or race car designed Snell SA helmets with a sticker of 2000 would be the current acceptable standard.
Loaner or rental helmets are available at events- advise them ahead to make sure.
Hope everyone goes and learns how to excel at skills ~
Prices vary, but 200-250 dollars per day- your car- with a pro driver riding shotgun to give instant corrections...you learn car control skills that directly transfer to the street. Speeds are usually in 2nd and 3rd gear- 40-90 mph, maybe 110 tops at most courses, and 1st timers all run in a group of slower cars together.
More experienced drivers with track experience get faster run groups and can do lead and follow with instuctor in another car and/or drive alone.
AutoX events- like SCCA hosted, are usually 25-35 dollars entry for 1 day event.
More for a 2 day school like the one pictured
The skills developement comes at you fast! Speeds may only be 25-35, but with full throttle and max braking between each turn, thats 30 seconds of full on concentrated driving on a course tighter than a go-kart track...in a TL!!!!
Cones dont hurt the car- well nothing some polish wont remove in most cases.
You are supposed to get right at the edge of the cone- not run over it!!!
Todays driver feedback should be an interesting read.
NOTE: at most places- Helmets must be SNELL approved and 10 years old or less.
Motorcycle Snell M or race car designed Snell SA helmets with a sticker of 2000 would be the current acceptable standard.
Loaner or rental helmets are available at events- advise them ahead to make sure.
Hope everyone goes and learns how to excel at skills ~
#26
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
Posts: 17,431
Received 1,485 Likes
on
1,049 Posts
more pics!
#27
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Posts: 32,488
Received 7,771 Likes
on
4,342 Posts
Reply to All
Originally Posted by stillhere153
....
for the record... do cones scratch the paint...? ...
for the record... do cones scratch the paint...? ...
See the pics below.
Originally Posted by Ramrodthrusterpuppy
Looks like loads of fun!
That one pic looks like the top of that front tire is kissing the inner fenderwell....
That one pic looks like the top of that front tire is kissing the inner fenderwell....
Originally Posted by darksom1
Bear: I'm proud of you mannggg!! Way to represent the TL amongst the pros!! BTW...does your insurance cover cones? Just asking...
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
Track days at road race courses should be on every ziners schedule this year. IMO.
....
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
AutoX events- like SCCA hosted, are usually 25-35 dollars entry for 1 day event.
More for a 2 day school like the one pictured
....
More for a 2 day school like the one pictured
....
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
....
The skills developement comes at you fast! Speeds may only be 25-35, but with full throttle and max braking between each turn, thats 30 seconds of full on concentrated driving on a course tighter than a go-kart track...in a TL!!!!
The skills developement comes at you fast! Speeds may only be 25-35, but with full throttle and max braking between each turn, thats 30 seconds of full on concentrated driving on a course tighter than a go-kart track...in a TL!!!!
Precision car control and precise brake/throttle inputs are the key. Jerking a 3,900 pound car though a slalom is hard work.
Originally Posted by 01tl4tl
....
Cones dont hurt the car- well nothing some polish wont remove in most cases.
You are supposed to get right at the edge of the cone- not run over it!!!
....
Cones dont hurt the car- well nothing some polish wont remove in most cases.
You are supposed to get right at the edge of the cone- not run over it!!!
....
As you know, if you don't clip a cone or two from time-to-time, you're not close enough. OTOH, if you run it down and drag it home, you F'd up somewhere.
A "good" cone impact (just missed the mark by a few inches):
F'd up and hit this one Head On (dead center, baby) and drug it half-way around the course
Don't worry, I'll have 'em buffed out in no time (just like yesterday )
Originally Posted by Fyre Man
more pics!
#28
Tristate ViP Crew
looks good..I go every week to the AutoX and take pics of my boy in his G35TT going around the course. The next time you go just throw on some painters tape for those areas that can hit the pavement or cones.
#29
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Posts: 32,488
Received 7,771 Likes
on
4,342 Posts
Results
Course Changed. Essentially ran yesterday's course backwards and it was harder that way. Most of the Novice's lost time compared to yesterday.
Handicapped (PAX) times (Adjustment based on Car plus Modifications) Novice Class:
Handicapped, overall, I ran 72nd out of 108 entries. Top 10 times (adjusted) were 23.1 - 23.9.
Raw Times (unadjusted) Novice Class:
Unadjusted, overall, I ran 84th of 108 entries. Top 10 times were 25.2 - 28.6.
What I learned:
1. It's not the car as much as it's the driver.
2. If you're spinning your wheels you're losing time. Slow w/traction is better than Fast with no traction. The TL-S (with street tires anyhow) has too much power to go full throttle on a course this tight - you've got to be smooth and easy with the gas.
3. Tire pressure to minimize under-steer should be High in the rear and ~5 or more psi lower in the front. Since it was cold today and the course was short I set the rears to 44 psi (max for the MXM4) and 39 in the front. For the last 2 runs, I took a pound out of the front.
This makes the contact patch in the rear thin (front-to-back) which will allow/cause the rear to break free sooner. Wouldn't recommend pressures that high for the street though.
As far as under-steer, this ran better than yesterday which were set to 41 Front and 38 Rear (which is +5 psi over what I normally run day-to-day).
Todays Runs:
1. 36.071 DNF (got "lost" and missed a gate, then to add insult to injury, clipped a cone in the slalom )
2. 33.653 Clean
3. 32.646 Clean
4. 33.412 +1 Cone
Find an AutoX nearby and go. Lots of nice cars (and lots of FAST beaters too), lots of nice people and lots of fun. What more could you ask for 35 bucks?
Handicapped (PAX) times (Adjustment based on Car plus Modifications) Novice Class:
Handicapped, overall, I ran 72nd out of 108 entries. Top 10 times (adjusted) were 23.1 - 23.9.
Raw Times (unadjusted) Novice Class:
Unadjusted, overall, I ran 84th of 108 entries. Top 10 times were 25.2 - 28.6.
What I learned:
1. It's not the car as much as it's the driver.
2. If you're spinning your wheels you're losing time. Slow w/traction is better than Fast with no traction. The TL-S (with street tires anyhow) has too much power to go full throttle on a course this tight - you've got to be smooth and easy with the gas.
3. Tire pressure to minimize under-steer should be High in the rear and ~5 or more psi lower in the front. Since it was cold today and the course was short I set the rears to 44 psi (max for the MXM4) and 39 in the front. For the last 2 runs, I took a pound out of the front.
This makes the contact patch in the rear thin (front-to-back) which will allow/cause the rear to break free sooner. Wouldn't recommend pressures that high for the street though.
As far as under-steer, this ran better than yesterday which were set to 41 Front and 38 Rear (which is +5 psi over what I normally run day-to-day).
Todays Runs:
1. 36.071 DNF (got "lost" and missed a gate, then to add insult to injury, clipped a cone in the slalom )
2. 33.653 Clean
3. 32.646 Clean
4. 33.412 +1 Cone
Find an AutoX nearby and go. Lots of nice cars (and lots of FAST beaters too), lots of nice people and lots of fun. What more could you ask for 35 bucks?
#30
tehLEGOman
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 41
Posts: 9,171
Received 1,983 Likes
on
1,336 Posts
Originally Posted by Fyre Man
more pics!
...you gottum!...
#31
tehLEGOman
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 41
Posts: 9,171
Received 1,983 Likes
on
1,336 Posts
Jim it was fun watching you rip it up yesterday on the course. I wish i could have gotten there a little earlier to see you run today.
#34
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Posts: 32,488
Received 7,771 Likes
on
4,342 Posts
More pics. I PM'd you an email address to send me hi res versions.
I think I know where these are now.
Exit of a Right Hand sweeper at the bottom of the slalom:
Coming out of that right-hander ( ^^ ) you go into a 180* left hander to the finish. This looks like the run where I overshot the turn in and nearly took out a whole flock of cones (see how high rear end is - I am standing on the brakes) before I gathered it up and gunned it through the timing lights.
I think I know where these are now.
Exit of a Right Hand sweeper at the bottom of the slalom:
Coming out of that right-hander ( ^^ ) you go into a 180* left hander to the finish. This looks like the run where I overshot the turn in and nearly took out a whole flock of cones (see how high rear end is - I am standing on the brakes) before I gathered it up and gunned it through the timing lights.
#35
I forgot to mention to you before the school- a set of $15-20 mechanics gloves or real racing gloves will give superior grip and control of the wheel in tight situations
Now practice your 2 foot driving and get some real tires~
Now practice your 2 foot driving and get some real tires~
#37
Oderint dum metuant.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Lake Wylie
Age: 46
Posts: 12,496
Likes: 0
Received 534 Likes
on
446 Posts
After watching this Saturday, I want to do it, but I will wait until I have some good tires on my new wheels...doing this on my EL42's would be nothing but a waste of my time and money. I guess I could throw the 19's on to do it, but I don't see that happening.
Bearcat - you looked good out there. You were definitely one of the better drivers there.
Eric - great shots. Now post some of the pics of the other cars.
darksom - Yeah, yeah, yeah...tell one of these bishes to buy my wheels and we'll see what you have to say.
Bearcat - you looked good out there. You were definitely one of the better drivers there.
Eric - great shots. Now post some of the pics of the other cars.
darksom - Yeah, yeah, yeah...tell one of these bishes to buy my wheels and we'll see what you have to say.
#38
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Posts: 32,488
Received 7,771 Likes
on
4,342 Posts
^^
Yeah, Eric. Post up some the Subi's, Z's, etc.
I KNOW you took pics of them; it's in your blood, there's no way you could resist.
Yeah, Eric. Post up some the Subi's, Z's, etc.
I KNOW you took pics of them; it's in your blood, there's no way you could resist.
#39
Safety Car
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by chill_dog
After watching this Saturday, I want to do it, but I will wait until I have some good tires on my new wheels...doing this on my EL42's would be nothing but a waste of my time and money. I guess I could throw the 19's on to do it, but I don't see that happening.
Bearcat - you looked good out there. You were definitely one of the better drivers there.
Eric - great shots. Now post some of the pics of the other cars.
darksom - Yeah, yeah, yeah...tell one of these bishes to buy my wheels and we'll see what you have to say.
Bearcat - you looked good out there. You were definitely one of the better drivers there.
Eric - great shots. Now post some of the pics of the other cars.
darksom - Yeah, yeah, yeah...tell one of these bishes to buy my wheels and we'll see what you have to say.
#40
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Posts: 32,488
Received 7,771 Likes
on
4,342 Posts
Originally Posted by aznbo187
Actually, you should try it out on your stockies. It's recommended to start out with less of performance tires so that way you can learn the cars ability first WITH crappy tires. And then get better tires. Performance tires should help you improve your time, not make up as a handicap for bad driving.
Hard to do since it's counter-intuitive, but probably not a bad strategy.
I *know* I could run faster times on the MXM4's if I'd go easier/smoother on the accelerator. If I could learn to do that, then it'd be easier to be smooth with grippier tires.