Did my first track day today, driver's ed, at Carolina Motorsports Park. Some random thoughts:
1. Wow. Double wow.
2. Grip. The box has lots, and lots, of grip. Much grip. The rear end takes a whole lot to break loose, and doesn't stay loose long.
3. The car is well balanced and linear. Fun to drive fast.
4. Gas milage is not so good on the track. I almost ran out. Started with 3/4 tank, never occurred to me that wouldn't be enough for the day. Check the gage before going out.
5. Dodged a turtle on the track (unscheduled). Turtle survived.
6. Only spun once. Maybe the back end will come out. Went in the grass - no damage. Did the both feet in. How do I get all that dust out of the interior?
7. Ran one set after a heavy rain. Wet track. New ball game, but still a lot of fun. Sumitomos did great on a wet track. Audi S4 was in heaven.
8. Got passed by the Audi S4. Neat car, and had an enjoyable talk with the owner afterwards. Tweaked engine - all wheel drive and an estimated 350 HP. No wonder he'd catch me on the straights. I could gain a little in the corners but lost more on the straights. 350>220. He enjoyed the rain. He also was on Sumitomos.
9. Similar with a Mustang GT - I could gain a little in the corners but lose it on the straight. V8 torque.
10. The carpet protective plastic seems to work. I plastered it over the front end. It came off ok - didn't see any damage to the paint but will wash it tomorrow and check it in daylight. At $10 for a 50' roll, it's not bad.
11. Great day, great comraderie. Lots of present and former Biritsh car owners.
12. What a car. Wow. Did I mention wow?
