Really? Another Miata thread....

[rherold9]

Did you have a non-subscription transponder before?

No sir

[rherold9]

TL;DR truck yeah I hit my goal, learned a lot, had blast, new alignment is awesome, and the track gods sacrificed a fender line and side skirt after rally-crossing in the Miata

Man oh man where do I start about this weekend ....

Got the transponder wired after work Thursday. Got the car all together and ready for the weekend ahead. I met Jake at our usual Wawa on the way to VIR. We ended up getting to VIR around 5:45pm and cracked a beer while we waited for the gate to open. Had dinner/drink at the tavern with the MM crew and had a few adult waters before waking up and getting to it on Saturday.

My goal coming into this weekend was hit 2:16s. Why I chose that time? Well I was looking at certain racers and race class time, along with my weight to power, and prep level I estimated a 2:16 meant I was doing very well in this car for my driving level and experience in the car. This was my first ever TT weekend so I was excited to set big goals

Saturday morning was rough. Cold track, cold tires, new alignment, rusty as hell after a month. I felt like the car was loose everywhere and was a little nervous about it. I ran a 2:21 the first session which was the same time I left off on at Hyperfest. 



On Saturday the new alignment made the car's turn in so so damn good. So snappy on turn in. So willing to rotate. SO much better than before. I was not used to it so it felt bad in the butt and I thought I was gonna lose the car if I was going to fast. As a got used to it and warmed up to the new alignment I found it is was exactly what I want the car to do. 

As I got faster through the weekend I was so fricken happy with how the car handled. Turn in, the car rotates so perfect, get on the throttle and the car balances out, is neutral with a small slip angle through the turn at the tire limit. If you need to turn more just add more input and it swings the rear a little bit but stays stuck if you are on throttle. This can also make the car understeer or oversteer slide depending on load. So you have to be conscious of your inputs now.

Very hard to explain or read how it feels but this is awesome now. It will stay like this until aero/stickier tires and I made add even more "slip" then as I'll have more grip.

I slowly pushed more my next session as I was getting used to the car and shaved a little under 2.9 seconds off:



The third session I decided I wanted to send it. Saw a 16.9 predicted after turning into rollercoaster. I thought alright sweet just go fast but don't overdrive through hogpen. Sure enough I pulled a Maeng and went for a ride minus hitting any trees.... I carried more speed than usual which cause my turn in point to mess up. I turned in late and hit hard on the bump there. I was going pretty wide and stayed fully committed on throttle. I get up on the curbing mid hogpen and was like yup I'm not gonna make this turn. So, instead of trying to be a hero and spinning/putting it into the inside wall of hogpen with more input I straighten the wheel and let the car go off.... I've come to the conclusion this is the better option 90% of the time.

Boy is it so bumpy out there hahaha. After a huge bang and bump I was sure I broke something. The entire time I could hear the car bottoming out on the grass/dirt. I go to turn a bit at 70 or so mph to not aim towards trees and the rear starts sliding around on the grass. Next thing I know I'm full lock sliding sideways and put the brake/clutch in. I was a bit scared at this point as it took forever to slow even on dry grass as the trees were approaching. Thankfully I stopped way short but it was fun looking at trees approaching sideways. Didn't spin though! ;P

I take my time getting back on the front straight and take the checkered flag. I notice smoke pouring out the back of my car... I was like fuck fuck fuck no please don't be on fire. I slow down and make motions to the corner station at T1 and they aren't even paying attention. At T2 I made hand motions and they let me know I could take the short cut back to the pits but didn't motion like I needed to stop like there was danger. Supposedly they thought I blew my engine. What really happened was grass got suck between the rotor and dust shield/plate and was smoldering. 

I check under the car it and everything is fine looking except there is a literal pound or two of grass in every nook and cranny possible. Lol. It was hilarious how much grass was under that thing. Side skirt and fender liner were missing but I'll take that vs possibly hitting a wall. 



After the track was cold I jumped the fence with Tom and went to find the side skirt and fender liner. The fender liner was partially torn so I threw it in the trash. Side skirt was a-okay minus a few broken clips on the bottom



I was able to actually stick the side skirt back even though it was a little more wobbly than passenger it held the whole rest of the weekend. I'll take it!

I managed to get 2nd place out of.... 2.  The other TTD car was, Charles Ford, a SPEC3 driver running a 2:14...



Sunday morning was nice weather! I pushed a little more but didn't push hard enough. There was so much grip everywhere but I wasn't being ballsy and left tons on the table. I needed to keep it clean to ensure my TT license. So, I only managed a 2:17.01. SO CLOSE!



I figured I wouldn't run faster than that as it was hot out that day but I still stayed to run all my sessions for seat time though. I did all off-line stuff for the 3rd Sunday session to learn grip levels. Little did I know I had a lot more in myself to push even though it was 90F with the the last session coming up. The last session there was a TT5 Boxster in front of me... Let's just say I was just going to do more off-line driving but after a lap I decided to try to keep up with this Boxster. I did actually keep up even though he was on Conti slicks and aero haha. Why am I so much better chasing? Idk. I finally pass the Porsche and I look at the AIM for the first time that session and notice I ran a 2:16.5... I was so excited haha.



I'm looking forward to what the car could do in a cool morning pushing it hard, low 2:16s anybody? I felt hogpen, oak tree, and a few other areas I could shave a few tenths off max total with my driving ability. I feel like I was cooking pretty good at 154whp, 2613 pounds with ~1/6th tank of gas with my fat 188 pound self in it, and basically the same tires as Nitto NT01/Toyo R888s.... Pretty proud of that time especially considering I was able to shave 5 seconds since my last time at VIR in May for Hyperfest. That's a win in my book! Time to keep chipping away!

Videos with data and pictures to come. Still figuring out AIM data, Race Render, etc.

[rherold9]

Miata rallycross: 



Finer moments of the weekend:



Hot laps:



For the hot laps video I can see entry at Oak Tree, can brake just a hair later on the back straight, and can push just a little faster through T3/T4 are some easy place to spot on losing time. Easily a couple tenths or so left in the car at my driving ability. Next goal: 16.3!

[ScottyB]

so overall looks like great driving. i saw a 99% throttle all the way up the esses on that first hot lap! i don't really have any pointers considering my lack of experience but it does look like you're overslowing at the end of the back straight. i can't blame you though, considering its the fastest place on the track and the punishment for not slowing enough is a pretty severe off.

i noticed you're holding a consistent 1.2 to 1.3g's in turns. that's some excellent mechanical grip. with a splitter, spoiler, and diffuser you might even eke out 1.4 or more. really impressive and i can see what you mean about the car being very balanced and eager to slide or push depending on how you feel like entering a turn or punching it on the way through. no bad habits to be seen. i'm amazed that at this grip level you still aren't encountering oiling issues under those forces.

you've probably mentioned it before but what is your rendering software? i like the readout. i don't understand what the braking "1#" means though.

i see what you mean about power as well. i don't know that i'd want to dick with the suspension too much more, its pretty dialed. same with the brakes. wouldn't hurt to have more push down the straights, that's the most obvious thing to fix if a 2.5 swap is so easy.

[rherold9]

so overall looks like great driving.  i saw a 99% throttle all the way up the esses on that first hot lap!  i don't really have any pointers considering my lack of experience but it does look like you're overslowing at the end of the back straight.  i can't blame you though, considering its the fastest place on the track and the punishment for not slowing enough is a pretty severe off.

Thank you! I noticed a can brake a bit later too on the back straight as mentioned. The few times I have braked later and harder my right front passenger tire locks up and points me straight vs being able to slightly keep left. In turn, cutting my turn in a lot for that turn. Felt like I was losing speed. I just need more practice on that turn and focus on it next time as it seems my biggest weak point besides entry into Oak Tree.

i noticed you're holding a consistent 1.2 to 1.3g's in turns.  that's some excellent mechanical grip.  with a splitter, spoiler, and diffuser you might even eke out 1.4 or more.  really impressive and i can see what you mean about the car being very balanced and eager to slide or push depending on how you feel like entering a turn or punching it on the way through. no bad habits to be seen.  i'm amazed that at this grip level you still aren't encountering oiling issues under those forces.

I asked other ST/TT5 NC Miata's if they have any aftermarket oiling components and they don't. Factory there is an oil pan baffle and even the Cup Cars which probably pull a bit more grip don't have any aftermarket parts that I'm aware of.

you've probably mentioned it before but what is your rendering software?  i like the readout.  i don't understand what the braking "1#" means though.  

I'm using AIM Solo DL 2 which plugs into the ECU. Then using Race Render to combine those logs and the Go Pro video. Takes a bit to synchronize the data/video time but I've gotten much better even after a few videos. The braking means whatever the AIM picks up. The AIM was a parameter for braking power or something for the NC CAN ECU. It's in numbered points. Not sure what AIM uses to read that from the ECU but that's the way it is. The higher the number the farther the pedal I assume. Looks like 1 and 2 are light to medium braking, 3 is around abs/hard braking/can be sliding slightly, and 4 is hard abs/sliding after watching multiple videos.

[rherold9]

TL;DR - Feeling meh atm. I beat my goal, but knew had more in it. Weather wasn't fun and wouldn't make up it's mind. The tires I bought a year ago for spares were bricks and made in 2013 so I had a couple ice skating sessions. Only able to run 3 sessions on the dry RC-1 tires where it wasn't fully raining and the track wasn't very wet. I need to buy wet tires. Vids to come vs the paragraphs of writing

Attended Dominion with NASA-MA in TTD this past weekend. My goal was be within 5 seconds of the fastest guys which were Matt Huffman in his RX8 and Ahmad in his BRZ/FRS. I had never driven on this track besides touring lap speeds in a track attack and a track cross for only 7 of the turns so I had no idea what to expect time wise. I just knew I'm 5 seconds behind Matt at VIR so that's where I wanted to be at Dominion.

Before I moved to RC-1's a ran the RE-71R's in the rainier sessions. They did fine. My only backup were stock 205 all-seasons' and the RX7 wheels with Yokohoma S. Drives I bought several months back. I did not think to check the date code until after I put them on the for 2 sessions and felt like I was going to die. My ass cheeks were so quenched up from fear when I was driving air probably couldn't even penetrate them. 2013 date code, tires rock hard, never got heat, slide front and rear multiple times. Could not put power on unless wheel was 100% straight. Felt like a fricken Corvette out there. Running a 1:56 and just a hazard.

All on track pictures are from Cabell working his magic! . The ones standing still in the paddock are from my Pixel. Pictures are mostly just random order in random sessions



At least the RX7 wheels don't look half bad:



After feeling like I was dying after the first two sessions I made a call to switch to the dry tires on a semi-wet track and ran a 1:51 on the 2nd lap before a Honda Civic broke and we got black flagged. So I lost 5 seconds on the second lap without even pushing as I was slowing like I was going to spin on the S. Drives. It was drizzling on and off all day but finally stopped once lunch came around.



After lunch I gave Cabell a ride as it was a warmup session. We had a little battle with a NA Miata with a high compression build pushing 160whp and on huge tires 235? street tires. I pushed a bit more as I got used to the drying track that was damp in a few spots still. Managed to hit a 1:41 with Cabell in with plenty to spare. Gave me a lot of confidence to push more for the last session of the day that was timed.



My goal was a 1:38. On the 2nd lap of the final session about halfway through rain started to come down lightly so I stayed off 100% but pushed a little more than I had before as I thought it would be the only dry lap. I managed a 1:37 and backed down. After a lap it stopped raining and was mostly drying up on the line after a few laps. I pushed again. Predictive 1:36 and dropping per corner with still leaving time at every turn. I over-slow for T7 as I never tried braking super late and hard yet. So, I was able to apex a bit earlier holding the wheel in the same place. In my brain I said I know I'm early and I'm going to slide but let's send it for the fast time. I kept full throttle apex out. I drift it a little and save it since I knew it was coming. I'm only a couple inches away from the track now and turn back in like normal but the left rear tire goes off. Car snaps right and I'm full lock slide so I put both feet in and come to a stop sideways on track. Don't go off track but there is a red corvette who was behind me about two semi lengths or more that catches me during the slide, so I get DQ'd for causing an unsafe situation for the corvette. Feels bad.




So, final posted official time ends up being a 1:51 from the 2nd session of the day. Just plain embarrassing. I know the car has a ~1:34 in it with a good driver. I could probably hit a 1:35 my next time there if I got a whole dry weekend. This 1:37 was 2 seconds off the original track record for TTD that is now a 1:33 by Matt Huffman. The top TTD guy ran 1:33s. Scott Merker in his aero'd and lighter NC ran a 1:35. He's got tons of seat time in his car. So I beat my goal for the weekend with a 1:37 but it frustrates me to know I could've been close to good/faster drivers. I'm significantly under prepped and under experienced in comparison so it feels good somewhat I guess that I'm starting to slowly get faster (yes, I'll mention this to the moon and back until I have the confidence to know I'm fast vs being arrogant when actually slow; fuck off DJ).



I think my competitiveness is already biting me. I'm getting mad at an okay time my second ever 'dry' session out there. The only alone 'dry' session I've done... the other with a passenger lol. I think I'm also a bit drained from how much money legit rain tires I need will be. Sunday morning session was wet/dry in parts along with some typical HPDE3 drivers holding up traffic with not giving a point or giving a point and drag racing people. Only got about half a session in the morning before gas light hit. The rest of the day was a wash of rain and I was not going back on the sketchy tires. Especially once I saw the FRS wreck after hydroplaning on the front straight. I left at lunch. Waste of a day. Makes me sick to think of how much money I'm going to need to spend to be fully prepped and ready for next season and TT5. Doubt I'll be able to get the car fully prepped so I may just run HPDE4 and risk my life instructing to save money on entry fees. I also like the feeling of teaching someone and seeing them progress so I'm not just in it for money but it's a bonus for sure!



It has rained at every event this season except PittRace? So, I guess I'm done wasting seat time/money not driving because of the wet and will not be out driving until I pick up wet tires. I just need to take a chill pill and realize things take time. I'm super excited how close I'm getting for me and my car so my competitiveness I think is starting to come in a bit.



The real question is if you don't have a competitive mindset will you ever be a fast and top driver? I say nope.

[Jake]

I think it's hard, I'm not super-duper competitive, but I have discovered I really like hearing my name called and earning these stupid plastic/wood trophies. So, I want to go faster. Yes, you must throw more money at the whole shebang - tires, aero, diff(?), more tires, more seat time, etc. I have had a very busy year and a very shitty year in terms of money-shifting and then the big E30 crash. At first, I was going to try and get some coaching/test days in, but the money for that went away quickly. That's now a 2019 goal and I'm focusing on just finishing the season clean - and know that there's still money to spend in the off-season.

You have a good job making good money, and as you climb the career ladder, more money will flow too. That helps. My car has made big strides every off-season thanks to winter bonuses... those help too. I have some take-off "rains" from a SE46 right now - Toyo RA1, I think? - and they are fine but not super grippy. But, I paid something like $35 a tire for them and they work for now. Maybe 2019 will bring a set of something better suited for wet competition, but yeah, money tree is a little dry at the moment.

[Kaan]

when in doubt, throw money at it! #justdoit

[rherold9]

Yes, you must throw more money at the whole shebang

when in doubt, throw money at it! #justdoit

Seeing a theme here...

[Kaan]

powered by visa!

I'm trying to be cheap and I keep finding ways to burn cash ...

[JPolen01]

powered by visa!

This phrase always makes me cringe. I know most of you guys are joking, but I just can't help but think about the people that are buying car parts left and right on their credit cards and paying the minimum balance...

[rherold9]

This phrase always makes me cringe. I know most of you guys are joking, but I just can't help but think about the people that are buying car parts left and right on their credit cards and paying the minimum balance...

@jake ;P

And that's why I'm worried about money because that's exactly what I'm not doing and refuse to get into debt over. Not giving away free money to these pesky credit card companies. Only buy what you can afford folks!

[Kaan]

This phrase always makes me cringe. I know most of you guys are joking, but I just can't help but think about the people that are buying car parts left and right on their credit cards and paying the minimum balance...

@jake ;P

And that's why I'm worried about money because that's exactly what I'm not doing and refuse to get into debt over. Not giving away free money to these pesky credit card companies. Only buy what you can afford folks!

LOL... there are definitely some people racing on credit. when i hear the "i'll pay it off later" i die inside. 

there are things i want... but i dont have. i dont have an AIM... my phone will do. i waited to upgrade my camera setup, etc. I can see the temptation but the "powered by visa" is a joke!

[Jake]

Mine is more of a "I get paid next week and I'll pay the card off then" thing. I'm a fan of free money and free Ultimate Rewards points

[D_Eclipse9916]

This phrase always makes me cringe. I know most of you guys are joking, but I just can't help but think about the people that are buying car parts left and right on their credit cards and paying the minimum balance...

@jake ;P

And that's why I'm worried about money because that's exactly what I'm not doing and refuse to get into debt over. Not giving away free money to these pesky credit card companies. Only buy what you can afford folks!

LOL... there are definitely some people racing on credit. when i hear the "i'll pay it off later" i die inside. 

there are things i want... but i dont have. i dont have an AIM... my phone will do. i waited to upgrade my camera setup, etc. I can see the temptation but the "powered by visa" is a joke!

It is scary the amount of people that do this.  Recently was talking to an old friend of mine that had racked up $60k of debt racing.  

Always use your card to buy things for protection and rewards, but always have the cash in the bank to pay it off on the spot.  I can "walk away from my race car", but I certainly as hell don't want to!  The past 2 years has strained me though.  Between building a new car, minor crash, then motor; my account for racing finally hit it's limit.  It would take me a couple days to get my car running again; but without working Bodymotion or any sidehustles because of the house and kid; my race account is all used up.

[ScottyB]

no financial ramblings from me, just wanted to say i love the updates and photos because that thing looks so hooked up in the corners.

being competitive is great, just don't forget to smile...if it isn't fun, it just becomes work.

[rherold9]

no financial ramblings from me, just wanted to say i love the updates and photos because that thing looks so hooked up in the corners.  

being competitive is great, just don't forget to smile...if it isn't fun, it just becomes work.

It does indeed hook up nicely. Thankful for the photos as it has helped me spot I need a bit more camber in the rear for full grippy boi.

Two pics from Chris below for funnsies. Videos have been overlayed with data. They just need to be chopped up now... Doing it a bit slower due to Destiny 2 grind trying to get raid ready for this weekend:

[V1GiLaNtE]

Doing it a bit slower due to Destiny 2 grind trying to get raid ready for this weekend:

Is THAT why you've been yelling at your computer? Leveling up and prepping for a fictitious video game "raid"? 

[Sijray21]

I'm just shocked you'll be ready. I've put in some time and I'm no where close considering the final encounter is 580LL.

[rherold9]

Is THAT why you've been yelling at your computer? Leveling up and prepping for a fictitious video game "raid"? 

Video gamez r seris bidniz, mkay.

I'm just shocked you'll be ready. I've put in some time and I'm no where close considering the final encounter is 580LL.

Oh, I for sure won't be fully ready. Only for the first couple boss fights before the dps check. I'll be very close to or at 540. This is my first full week of 50 light level grind. Last week I only had half a week or I'd be close to 550s for sure.