JustDSM
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
First off, what a weekend!
After a 10+ year hiatus from driving and tinkering around with AWD Mitsubishi's I decided to try something new, and picked up a new 2020 PP1 GT 6spd manual. I intend to take a departure and change up my historic modus operandi of engine modification above all else. I want some more "driver mod" and put some effort into the suspension/chassis to be able to enjoy the wonderful motor under the hood.
With just 400mi on the odometer and the car in showroom stock condition, it was time for Event #1 of the North Texas Autocross Series. (www.ntaxs.com) Went into the event without really much expectation as I have virtually zero driver experience behind anything front engine/rear drive in anything even remotely "sporty" in nature. This was my first ever autocross event in a car that had zero prep. I really wasn't expecting much considering there were a few cars in my class (Class 4, Anything on 200+ treadwear with engines over 4.0L) that were well prepped, and clearly not their first rodeo.
I was in group 1 and probably the 10th or so car out the gate. Adrenalin kicked in, and you'd think I was a 16y/o driving dad's Mustang! Tail end wagging every which-a-way... After the first few corners I collected myself and put things together. Struggled "reading" the course at speed, as my DNF's would tell you. But I did start to get the hang of things and managed to put in two solid runs (for me) in the 2nd session. Managed to best a nice gentleman in a C7 Z06 who I can only imagine had his hands full with that beast.
Results (I'm car #51): http://www.ntaxs.com/uploads/2/5/5/1/25513290/2020_1_mar_1_fin.htm
In car video:
What I learned:
After a 10+ year hiatus from driving and tinkering around with AWD Mitsubishi's I decided to try something new, and picked up a new 2020 PP1 GT 6spd manual. I intend to take a departure and change up my historic modus operandi of engine modification above all else. I want some more "driver mod" and put some effort into the suspension/chassis to be able to enjoy the wonderful motor under the hood.
With just 400mi on the odometer and the car in showroom stock condition, it was time for Event #1 of the North Texas Autocross Series. (www.ntaxs.com) Went into the event without really much expectation as I have virtually zero driver experience behind anything front engine/rear drive in anything even remotely "sporty" in nature. This was my first ever autocross event in a car that had zero prep. I really wasn't expecting much considering there were a few cars in my class (Class 4, Anything on 200+ treadwear with engines over 4.0L) that were well prepped, and clearly not their first rodeo.
I was in group 1 and probably the 10th or so car out the gate. Adrenalin kicked in, and you'd think I was a 16y/o driving dad's Mustang! Tail end wagging every which-a-way... After the first few corners I collected myself and put things together. Struggled "reading" the course at speed, as my DNF's would tell you. But I did start to get the hang of things and managed to put in two solid runs (for me) in the 2nd session. Managed to best a nice gentleman in a C7 Z06 who I can only imagine had his hands full with that beast.
Results (I'm car #51): http://www.ntaxs.com/uploads/2/5/5/1/25513290/2020_1_mar_1_fin.htm
In car video:
What I learned:
- I have a lot to learn!
- I'm hooked!
- Front end of the car felt great. Lots of roll and not much static camber made things difficult for the PS4S's, but the front of the car felt pretty well sorted in comparison.. I definitely will have more negative camber in it for the next event.
- The rear of car felt "disconnected". It definitely wanted to rotate under throttle which I used to my advantage at times, but it just didn't communicate what it was doing very well. Undoubtably my "driver mod" is weak, but the rear of the car didn't jive well with me.
- Lots and lots of body roll. Will need to address.
- The car had more than enough power for me at my driving level. I found it difficult to read the course at times (more so in the first session) at the speed I was approaching each section. I'm sure this is more a product of my first autox event than the raw speed I was traveling.
- I need to USE the brakes. My first runs I realized I was giving up a lot of time by being too gentle with the brakes. I dropped my times significantly in the 2nd session by being consciously more aggressive on the middle pedal. The stock PP1 brakes were good, but their ability is taxed by the porky nature of the car no doubt.
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