I really enjoyed it, and learned a lot. I doubt any mod for the cost I paid ($220) would have shaved 5 seconds off my times (which were at 40.3 seconds by the end of the day) like the class did. The Pit Brawler stood out among the Corvettes, BMW's, Porsche, and the Hennesey Viper there like Joe Dirt at a black tie party (there were a few more mundane cars there, like a Cavalier and a Civic, but nothing else with a three figure purchase price, faded paint, and cracked taillights). But I wasn't worried by that; I know we've got quite a few other beaters at the local events. I definitely learned a lot about control there; the course was set up to punnish people who tried driving too fast. I'd definitely recommend a driving school to anyone who'se looking to get started in autocross (or road racing) and wondering what the first thing to spend their money on should be.
BTW, I did take some pictures - I could write an article on the event too, if you're interested, Evil.
Posted by: MikeT
So, how'd the probe do compared to those other cars?
Posted by: MadScientistMatt
I didn't bother comparing timeslips much. It was not nearly as fast as the high end stuff, although with one of the instructors driving it was "only" 3 seconds behind one of the WRX's. Not sure how close it was to the other cars that would have fit in G/Stock or H/Stock. I think it would have been a bit faster with decent tires; the no-name front tires and Firestone rear tires are slippery enough to have really slowed me down.
Posted by: SVOno5oh
Glad to hear you had a good time at the school. I spent my Saturday floggin the Miata on Mt. St. Helens. Wow! Those were some great roads. Any major error could've equalled death too.
Posted by: Scuderia
Sounds like I am a pre-you, my buddy got me into this mess wanting to build a car that was more stylish than the '94 sentra I currently drive but now it has become a monster and I am looking to possibly get into auto cross maybe with it, would like to hear more about your story
Posted by: jackass
EXCELLENT!!! Great to hear Matt and glad you had a good time too! I Would also agree that the first "mod" most people should invest in (to make their car faster) is driver training. I still go to training days when I can and yet I am also an instructor at others :P
You can never stop learning and I am looking forward to 2004 and a full rally season and some more professional instruction from a veteran gravel driver early in the year
Posted by: VickSupra
Quote:
Originally posted by jackass EXCELLENT!!! Great to hear Matt and glad you had a good time too! I Would also agree that the first "mod" most people should invest in (to make their car faster) is driver training. ........
Amen to that brother.
I have to learn to get the most out of my car the way it is before I start adding mods (suspension, tires, etc) that can get me in more trouble if I don't learn.
