Track Tested!

Originally from Friday, July 9, 2010

It STILL lives!!!!

And it runs!

We finally got to bed at 2:30 AM, and up again at 5:10 AM, made it to the track at 7:40 AM, and just now got home from Bonni's track event (T.E.A.M. Racing) at Thunderhill.

So how did it go?

Awesome! We ran the car practically all day, three different drivers, for at least half of all sessions, maybe more, and no problems at all, maybe except for one, and also learning to drive this car is taking some effort, and we made good progress on this. This car definitely does not drive like modern cars. Also, with the sway bars and 205's (and our awesome big-ass CF wing) we have on it, we have a lot of grip, more than any of us were comfortable testing the limits of. None of us got it to push, or step out. But, we just stepped onto the learning curve, so give us a little time. Like, just under a month, because that is all we have.

As for myself, I was having trouble working the small, closely spaced pedals. I definitely have to wear driving shoes for this car. I got a handle on most of that but could use a little more track time to get heel-toe right on this car.

Regarding power, just let me say that every hp is precious. Tuning should get us a few more. They will be precious, too.

But, the engine ran strong and smooth. We did notice a little pause, then surge, at full throttle, it seemed, that we think was the carburetor opening the secondary.

All of us noticed a little glitch on shifting from 3rd to 4th, so we'll watch for that. We must be nice to the little old tranny.

I have video from a lead follow session. Sorry, no in-car. It was so hot and I was so busy as an instructor and team member that I just couldn't move things from my car to the TTV car.



Should we change the team name to the one Alan suggested, Team MightyVette?

All in all, a very good day, and a very good 5 weeks, give the outcome of today's track event. We met all four of our goals - not catching fire, not getting towed, everybody drove, and the car finished the day.

And a BIG THANKS for everyone on the OpelGT.com forums who has helped and encouraged us.

Next up: carefully inspect the car for damage and wear, including an oil change, some other minor fixes, and then we concentrate on making it pretty.

Here are a few pics, taken from trackside by GotBlueMilk..