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Streets of Willow - Lessons Learned

BOXRPWR

By BOXRPWR
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BOXRPWR Mentor

BOXRPWR

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Back from two days of tracking at the Streets of Willow at the Willow Springs Raceway. Had fun but learned a few lessons - some the hard way.

 

Xenonk - no need to say "I told you so."

 

First day (Sat.) was colder than Pikes Peak. Temp indicator in car said 38F but that doesn't feel the 30-40 mph constant wind gusts. It was bone-chilling cold all day. The warmest temp the car showed was mid-50's but the wind never relented. At least the intercoolers loved it! :icon_tong

 

First lesson from day one - listen to everyone that tells you to check your brake pads or bring a extra set. After 2 sessions I heard a squeal in the back and felt a little brake chatter thru the pedal. Looked things over and found the passenger-side rear brake pads down to the two metal warning nubs and some minor grinding action on the rotor. Track day over early. Missed 3 more sessions :icon_frow

 

Thank goodness for good friendships that can develop directly through the LegacyGT.com board. Called my buddy SnoDork in L.A. and he still had his stock pads after putting on Bobcats. He teamed up with Boostjunkie and both these great guys drove up to Lancaster on Sat. night. Wish I thought to bring my camera at that moment. It looked like a pit crew event in a Denny's parking lot. Both guys brought tools and each one changed a rear brake pad set in less than 5 minutes. This is yet another benefit of driving a Subaru - especially a Legacy.

 

Thank you Merv & Paul!

 

Second day weather conditions were much better. Still very chilly but the wind was less than 10 mph with a few stronger gusts. You could actually feel the warmth of the sun and that was nice. [Did I mention how comfortable it was to drive the track with your leather seat heater cranked all the way up!:) ] Those STi guys can't do that.

 

Rodan showed up Sunday morning. He was in the area for an event later Sun at LARC. He took some video from the spectator stand that I posted here: http://media.putfile.com/StreetsBOXRPWR

 

Here's a link to a photo album of many of the cars that participated in the SpeedTrialsUSA sponsored event: http://photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/StreetsofWillow/

 

Next hard learned lesson came right after the lunch break on Sunday. My group "D" was up first at the 1:00 PM restart time. See, you drive into town about 3-4 miles away to grap a bite unless you brought some food. That's when I must have picked up a nail in my drivers-side rear tire but didn't know it. Got back literally a minute or less before they called group D to get on the track. So out I went. But not before turning on the video camera mounted to the sticky-pod on my roof. Here's a link to that video: http://media.putfile.com/StreetsonTop1

 

First lap I went 50% speed or less for two reasons: wanted the car/tires to warm up and was concerned about the camera mount. One of the 3 suction cups didn't want to stick down well. Started the 2nd lap as a hot lap. Right before reaching the infield the rear end slid around like I was driving on ice. I knew my line was good and my speed was not excessive. I was shocked that the car spun out. After limping into the safe zone I found out why - goddamn nail in the tire. When the tire finally went flat all traction/control goes straight to hell.

 

Damage was limited to that tire (nail) and bad gravel scarring of that wheel. Yes, my +$300 5Zigen wheel dammit! Front driver-side wheel had a ton of gravel crap wedged between the tire bead and the wheel rim. Amazingly it still held air pressure. That was a blessing because the stupid donut tire had to go on the rear. Limped about 10 miles to a Costco store and the tire center dismounted and remounted the front tire to remove all the debris. Wheel scarring was surprisingly light.

 

My second track event taught me some harsh lessons that I won't ignore for the next event.

 

1. Absolutely check your brake pad wear and bring a spare set if possible.

2. Get a dedicated set of track wheels and possibly R-compound tires.

3. Never, ever avoid doing the tire pressure check and visual exam prior to each and every track session (no matter what the time constraint).

 

Overall, still had a blast and generally have no regrets. Absolutely plan to do it again in the fall. Love all the attention that the Legacy brings - not another one to be found except for when Rodan arrived to watch for awhile.

 

Some more pics to follow shortly.

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BOXRPWR Mentor

BOXRPWR

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Mystery man with his ride

 

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0224.jpg

 

Some "action shots" of the group "B" beginners. While it looks like some close-quarter driving.....its actually just parading around behind instructor cars.

 

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0203.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0205.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0209.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0215.jpg

 

Here's the wounded beast

 

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0250.jpg

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BOXRPWR Mentor

BOXRPWR

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pics of tire trashing

 

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0251.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0252.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0254.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/PICT0255.jpg

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Xenonk Grand Master

Xenonk

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:lol: dude, I wouldnt give you the "I told you so" part. You did what you could in all accounts and did it right. Good thing it was just a gravel pit (keep the wheel straight when going in and "two feet in").

 

I always carry a full set of tires with me (hell, you got 4 doors, use them ;) ).. at least you can buy one more 5Zigen wheel from now on and put that damaged on as your spare. That's what I would do.

 

yea, it's great to know some people from the boards.. I know I have called a few members that worked at Subaru dealerships that helped me in a bind when I had lost a bolt for one of the calipers in the rear.. it's just nice to know you have a connection along the way.

 

Thanks for Merv and Paul on helping out, eventhough I have nothing to do with it, it's nice to have some really helpful members.. after all, it's bringing the internet's community into the real world.

 

Glad you are ok, and glad you learned more than just driving.. just learning track preparations, track-day ettiquttes and procedures can go a long way in making your weekend a fun and uneventful one.

Keefe
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Boostjunkie Grand Master

Boostjunkie

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Sorry to hear of your misfortune with the nail Kevin. I can't take too much credit for helping out on the brakes. I was only 15 minutes from home and didn't have anything to do. Merv drove over an hour to get there, he's truely the man! Now I know who I can call if I break down somewhere in the middle of BFE!
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Boostjunkie Grand Master

Boostjunkie

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nice video Kevin!!...Glad you got home in one piece! that looks hella fun, i'm gonna have to track my car in the near future!!

 

Either that or SMOKE Paul @ LACR!....hehe..

 

Best learn how to drive first son... the Forester I took down was a faster more powerful car than mine... I just drove fastAr! :lol:

 

I think I'll try my hand at auto-x next. I just need some more appropriate rims and rubber.

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PeterJMC Grand Master

PeterJMC

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Glad the car is ok Kevin. Nice speaking with you today, I hope the sale of the headers will help pay for the loss onthe tire and wheel. Keep it safe out there.

 

Inspecting tires should always be part of your saftey inspection before you head out. I have a habit of doing that when I got on my bike... All I have are those two tires to keep me safe.

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jsalicru Mentor

jsalicru

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sweet videos! Sad to hear what happened man. I'm just glad that it happened how it happened and not in some way that might have potentially gotten you hurt! On to plan the next outing!

 

 

PS: With you hittin these track days lately I've been feeling stupid for selling my STi...

"some say, his arms are made of coiled adamantium fibers. And that he tops his cereal with nuts and bolts. All we know is, he's called the Jose."
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Xenonk Grand Master

Xenonk

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the good thing is that Kev here has a good attitude throughout the whole weekend.. another thing to note is that if you are too bummed out about an off and your instructor doesnt fix you up mentally to be confident with the car, then dont go out for another session until you have regain control of yourself.

 

In Kev's case, he had a flat, nothing you can do about that. Hope to see more of your videos in the future, oh yea, and drift that sucker coming out of the turn and onto the straight, you got plenty of power for that ;)

Keefe
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