Elise Takes 2 (of 9) Legs At Buttonwillow Raceway

[Ridgemanron]

Re: R & T - Mar. 05 Issue
....Section 3 curve @ Buttonwillow had the Elise besting all comers. This is a
fast corner. Entry speeds are above 90 mph and in some cars like the Z4, the experience is unnerving. The Elise can go flat out the entire way. Race cars are all about keeping up momentum and not using the brakes , something the Elise does well. Finishing '2nd thru 9th' were the Corvette Coupe, Viper SRT-10, M. Benz SLK 350, Porsche Boxster S, Nissan 350 Z (35th Aniv.), Porsche Carrera S Coupe, Honda S2000 and the BMW Z4 - 3.0i.
....A still sharper turn is 'Turn 1'. This corner is a good test because it asks the cars to do a lot. The Elise is quick because it turns in very well and stays flat. In higher horsepower cars, I am more careful putting the power down. The Corvette, in particular, is a little loose with stability controls turned off.
....another excerpt I found stated, '...the Elise's shortcomings (hard to get in and out of and spartan-like amenities) can easily be overlooked when you're driving into the apex of a corner, leaving a Porsche or BMW in your wake.'