decodeddiesel's 2020 A90 DD to weekend fun car journey

[decodeddiesel]

Did a track day today at Thompson with @razorlab. The GPS puck helded a lot, but didn't solve the issue. I need to figure out a better place to put it where it can get a better LOS with the satellites. I'm thinking double sided tape right behind the center screen.

ETA: Forgot to add that I was not able to connect the OBDLink CX. Looking at the MX+ due to sampling speed (50Hz+) and it's ability to pair with my phone without Bimmerlink running.

That said, I SMASHED my PB today. I was hitting a pretty good pace, then on my 3rd session, Elivan Goulart the President of SCDA and VERY accomplished race car driver led our group out in a Spec Miata...I caught him and was able to keep up with him for 4 laps before he pitted!! Seeing his line was incredible. I set my best for the day and PB.

This screen shot from RaceChrono Pro really tells the story: ?

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[FLtrackdays]

Did a track day today at Thompson with @razorlab. The GPS puck helded a lot, but didn't solve the issue. I need to figure out a better place to put it where it can get a better LOS with the satellites. I'm thinking double sided tape right behind the center screen.

That would be a perfect ?? spot. Velcro baby. Love it ?

And great job on your times! It’s amazing following someone faster in the corners and improving from there. I love it!! Smart on your part 4 sho ?

 

[decodeddiesel]

On Saturday I checked and corrected my alignment, checked torque on all of my suspension components, and installed a few Verus goodies getting ready for Watkins Glen on the 28th and 29th...

 

[FLtrackdays]

On Saturday I checked and corrected my alignment, checked torque on all of my suspension components, and installed a few Verus goodies getting ready for Watkins Glen on the 28th and 29th...

Damn to have your knowledge & skillset ? That’s beautiful dude! Brings a tear to my eye ?

 

[decodeddiesel]

ETA: Apologies for the weird edits, internet access has been sporadic throughout the day...

First day at Watkins Glen in the bag. It was raining and cool all day. The track went from damp, to basically flooded, back to wet. This track is extremely unforgiving. There's no runout ANYWHERE. At every braking zone you're staring at a wall coming at you very quickly.

Good news is I'm getting some great time to actually look at the track and learn it. Bad news is between the rain, the fact that NASCAR was on the track last weekend (lots and lots of rubber on the line), the E36 that dumped 100% of it's coolant on the track during the first session of the day, and the GT40 that dumped 100% of it's oil on the track the next session, it was VERY fucking sketchy.

I'm not really paying attention to my lap times or anything. It's like an ice skating rink. I'm having a lot of trouble getting any heat into my tires or my brakes.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a dry day tomorrow.

Some pics from check in yesterday...

 

[Rocksandblues]

Turn timers off in rain. Rain is only good to learn car control and a “wet line”

 

[decodeddiesel]

Turn timers off in rain. Rain is only good to learn car control and a “wet line”

Great advice.

 

[FLtrackdays]

ETA: Apologies for the weird edits, internet access has been sporadic throughout the day...

First day at Watkins Glen in the bag. It was raining and cool all day. The track went from damp, to basically flooded, back to wet. This track is extremely unforgiving. There's no runout ANYWHERE. At every braking zone you're staring at a wall coming at you very quickly.

Good news is I'm getting some great time to actually look at the track and learn it. Bad news is between the rain, the fact that NASCAR was on the track last weekend (lots and lots of rubber on the line), the E36 that dumped 100% of it's coolant on the track during the first session of the day, and the GT40 that dumped 100% of it's oil on the track the next session, it was VERY fucking sketchy.

I'm not really paying attention to my lap times or anything. It's like an ice skating rink. I'm having a lot of trouble getting any heat into my tires or my brakes.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a dry day tomorrow.

Some pics from check in yesterday...

I’ll trade you a hurricane and raise it with two more months of waiting for those wonderful temps up there. Beautiful pics Wes! And what a great experience to be able to do Watkins (even in the wet) ?

 

[decodeddiesel]

I’ll trade you a hurricane and raise it with two more months of waiting for those wonderful temps up there. Beautiful pics Wes! And what a great experience to be able to do Watkins (even in the wet) ?

It's dry today! ? (so far ?)

 

[decodeddiesel]

Went from 2:50s in the rain yesterday, to low 2:20s in the dry. I really started figuring out the track on my 3rd and 4th session of the second day. My lap times were all over the map. I also realized that I forgot to start my timer twice lol.

The Glen is really something special. The whole area is focused on the track. Even the crosswalks in the Village of Watkins Glen are checkered flags. Seneca Lake is huge, and the area is absolutely gorgeous. I grew up in Central Connecticut and have never been to this area before. The steep, wooded hills are dotted with farms and lakes... it's really a special place.

We stayed at the Seneca Lodge, which is kinda legendary at the Glen. Here's a pic of the bar...

Some pics from the track today:

Killed my brakes...

To be continued....

 

[FLtrackdays]

Went from 2:50s in the rain yesterday, to low 2:20s in the dry. I really started figuring out the track on my 3rd and 4th session of the second day. My lap times were all over the map. I also realized that I forgot to start my timer twice lol.

The Glen is really something special. The whole area is focused on the track. Even the crosswalks in the Village of Watkins Glen are checkered flags. Seneca Lake is huge, and the area is absolutely gorgeous. I grew up in Central Connecticut and have never been to this area before. The steep, wooded hills are dotted with farms and lakes... it's really a special place.

We stayed at the Seneca Lodge, which is kinda legendary at the Glen. Here's a pic of the bar...

Some pics from the track today:

Killed my brakes...

To be continued....

Great job amigo! I swear I’m going (and wife) to do that track someday ?. I have a pic somewhere with my pads paper thin (kid you not). Anyways, thx for sharing. Fantastic photos and what an experience

 

[Rocksandblues]

Great job amigo! I swear I’m going (and wife) to do that track someday ?. I have a pic somewhere with my pads paper thin (kid you not). Anyways, thx for sharing. Fantastic photos and what an experience

Thin like this ?

I too want to go to Watkins at least once. Stop by my home track on 95 when you head up

 

[FLtrackdays]

Thin like this ?

I too want to go to Watkins at least once. Stop by my home track on 95 when you head up

Oh hell yeah! At least that thin with some bare metal showing. One side a little higher than the other. They were on a single piston and obviously a little off balance. VIR definitely on the way and a MUST do track for sho!!!!! I went to watch a buddy race in the MX5 Cup. It was the only time he DNF. You’re back corkscrew, following another car, lots of dirty air and (unlike him) brakes overheated.

https://www.mx-5cup.com/news/epic-mazda-mx-5-cup-vir-finish

It was his worst season but his team still won the championship. It was nice to see Nathanial (Sparky) win but felt so bad for John ?. Anyways, VIR is EPIC!

 

[decodeddiesel]

New rotors inbound from FCP EURO, but I can't find the Project Mu pads in stock anywhere.

I'm thinking about trying something else, and I've been looking at Bryan's pad/fluid chart.

 

[FLtrackdays]

New rotors inbound from FCP EURO, but I can't find the Project Mu pads in stock anywhere.

I'm thinking about trying something else, and I've been looking at Bryan's pad/fluid chart.

Hawk DTC and some have mentioned Endless (I don’t know much about those personally). Paragon can get you by and ofc the pricey CSGs.

Fluid, you know DOT4 will suffice. Castro SRF has a nice wet boiling point. So less to worry about as the season goes on while just bleeding out the dirty fluid.

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