The DREAM TRACK SESSION!

[SKYVUE]

Here's the last message from Speed Ventures about Saturday's Buttonwillow track HPDE session (TOMORROW!):

"We currently have 9 drivers and don't expect any more signups. Here are the participating cars:

Porsche 997tt
Mercedes SL55 AMG
Ferrari 430
Ford GT
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
BMW M3
Lotus Elise
Porsche 997GT3
Ferrari 360

Look forward to seeing you at the track."

WOW!!! I'm driving the Elise! The CHEAPEST (well...inexpensive) and lowest HP car there! Wish me luck!

I'm EXCITED! --Hal

[catapult]

Have fun! Make sure you keep out of everyone else's way. Try to take some pics too (and then post them).

My dream track session would be if I got to spend a 15-20 min session driving each of those cars.

[SKYVUE]

Thanks to Aaron Bitterman and SpeedVentures crew!
My Lotus Elise gave the GT40 and Lamborghini a good run!

The small group of cars let me to concentrate on DRIVING SKILLS!
A GT3 passed me once, but no other passes. Actually, I passed the GT40 and the Lamborghini in the erlier session, but in the afternoon, all cars are used to the track's line.

I did not spin or had any "offs". I had a great time. My fastest lap time was 2min 45 sec. For YOU it may be Methusala, for me it was great! The other times for the Porsche GT3: 2m20sec This is Buttonwillow in reverse!

MORE PHOTOS to will posted soon.

--Hal

[RoadDad]

Glad to see you had a good time.

[SKYVUE]

One session had only FIVE cars! Here they are:

[lotusland]

Nice to see some great cars getting track time!

[RelativePants]

What is that attached to the front license plate area, a transponder?

[Sh4rkattk]

Yes the red box is a transponder

[Inrev]

How did the R8 do?

[SKYVUE]

Originally Posted by Inrev

How did the R8 do?

As far as I know, the R8 was in only one session. The cars/driver skills were fairly matched so with 5 cars spread out over the track, I hardly saw the others except the GT3 who passed me once.

The photos showed the R8 did some off-road excursions. That's all I know. All the drivers are a bit faster than me, except the GT40, which I passed once in the second session. The third session, the Lamborghini and I passed each other several times, but in the fourth section, the driver was more experienced on the track and drove faster than me.

After looking at my video, I see my errors. Next time it will improve.

Of course, the biggest factor here is the DRIVER'S SKILL, not the car.

Even though I was the slowest in the group, I had a BLAST!

--Hal

[JMY]

How do you like running the CCW configuration vs. CW?

[SKYVUE]

Originally Posted by JMY

How do you like running the CCW configuration vs. CW?

The first session was confusing. But in the second session, I was used to the layout and lines. It was easy when you learn it.

I think CCW was easier and has smoother transitions compared to CW.
Seems like there more visability as to elevation changes too.
I liked it!

Aaron Bitterman warned us about the first turn before the straightaway (sunset?) in the CCW config. We all were wary and cautious, since if we hit the apex wrong, you'll skid into the tire wall, crash and explode into smithereens.
BILLIONS of people met there demise at that turn!



--Hal

[plastique999]

Yes, in that corner you must drive Straight if you are in the dirt or else if you try to correct - smash into the wall!

That is quite an elite group of cars....glad you had fun!

[delise]

Wow, I need to do that next time it happens !