I did see some yelling and screaming back and forth in the trailer, it was rather interesting. I drove mediocre and got a mediocre result, it was hot as hell but having an umbrella, cooler, camel pack and cold towel on the neck sure helped.
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I had a lot of fun. I felt pretty good about my driving... probably because I didn't look at the posted times.
It was good seeing everyone out there yesterday,
I think Gerry T. was having trouble seeing either the finishing cars or his laptop screen, so he and Jimmy S. swapped positions. That caused some problems with the electronics, and a looong delay during the first heat. I guess the problems kept coming back during later heats, too. Phil looked none too pleased after that.
I enjoyed the course, but not the heat and humidity :cat:. I'm no longer Bus Lot Challenged! :clap:
Lots of fun seeing you guys again and taking the Cayman for a spin for the first time. The car "hooked up" better than I expected -- the surface wasn't as "slick" as I remember and the Micheln PS2's had more grip than I thought I'd get -- but geez my times were bad. It didn't feel like I left that much out on the course, but I suppose nearly 3 years of absence from the AX scene has really taken it's toll on my abilities... :(
I've been searching other SCCA sites to see if any 2.7 Caymans ("non S" version) are placing well in AS, and it doesn't appear so. The older Boxster S's (the newer Boxster S's have been moved to SS) and are doing well in class, but I don't see any base Caymans placing very high. In fact, I don't see many running in SCCA AX's at all.
I was kinda hoping to see that a well prepared Cayman, driven by a good driver, could be competitive in AS, but I don't think that's happening. Guess if I want to be "competitive" I'm going to have to stick with PCA events, where they have a different classing system. Otherwise, I'll just be coming out to other AX events "just for fun"...
Or joining altiain in track events instead of spending time working on my tan at AX events ;-)
OMG! I got outpaxed by both Safety peeps this time. :punchout:
Good event and the course was fun. The S was pushing like a dump truck I made some changes to the alignment and it helped the car alot but I had the sway bar to stiff. I should do better next time.
Kestrel, good seeing you again. A 2007 Cayman finished 16 out of 60 at nationals last year on kumhos (not the fastest tire IMO). Buy some r-comps and come play in A-Stock!
Pics are posted, only got shots in the 1st heat:
http://www.autocrosspictures.net/SCCASolo071308/
Pixs from 1st heat only?
There was one at nationals that ran good times, but the car REALLY has to make the best of its handling since it's down on acceleration. I ran an 01 Boxster for years before Pop's got an 01 S. The S is much faster but takes a different driving style. It's more necessary to be smooth and on the power more gradually, where as the non S you can go through turns a bit faster and it responds quicker. Problem the grip isn't increased enough to allow full throttle 30 feet sooner in every corner (which is what it needs to keep up with the S).
But having driven the Cayman S in an autocross I must say the chassis is beautiful :)
I think either one is a good choice.
Congrats to Jon for laying the smack down...on everyone!
Posted some photos from event #5:
http://www.pbase.com/autoxmax/tms_07_15_2008