[asshanson]

Did my first track event in the car this past weekend, wow what a blast. Went to MAM for an open lapping day with the Mustang Club of Central Iowa, it was my first time to that track too, so learning the track combined with still learning the car at higher speeds made for an interesting day. During my second session I went off course once into the bean field (just a few feet in), didn't hurt the car but the interior needs a major clean now, plants were everywhere. The lap right before that was my fastest time of the day, and the fastest time anyone had at the track that day. After that session I was a bit afraid to push it hard for fear of the bean field lol. On the long sweepers if I was pushing it hard, the tail would eventually start to creep out, and I caught it a few times, but it got a bit away from me once, and then it just snaps into a spin. Having the wing a bit higher would prevent this I think.

Anyway, my best time was 1:44.4. My friend with the red Evo who beat me at M-town got a 1:44.5. A 550whp STi had a few 1:45.2 laps.

I need to work on my braking, I was being a pussy and braking before the 5 sign (there are countdown signs before the corners at the end of straights). But on the main straight I was hitting 140mph, and it's a 90* turn at the end. Didn't feel like finding the brake limits right there. The good thing is the XP10 pads showed zero signs of fading. I also need an instructor next time to help me with the lines, I think I left a lot on the table, one day didn't seem like enough to really learn the track.

Temps on this car are rock solid. Coolant never got above 195, and oil never got above 240, all after a 20 minute session when it was 90 out. Very happy about that. Didn't get a chance to check IAT. Also forgot to setup my cam/logger.

Oh yea, there were 3 Ferrari 355 Challenge cars there (no interior, purpose built race cars). They weren't very good drivers though, we were passing them all day haha. Felt good.