Wnet to my first HPDE at Thunderhill with ACNA.

Great event - especially for novice.

Quick summary - very friendly people: I knew no one when I got there. Classroom and handouts were very helpful especially concerning brake zones, turn in, track out points and apexing.

First day on track was overwhelming - just too much info to be processed. Instructor ride (in spec Miata) was eye opening - got to see it done right instead of told how I wasn't...

Second day was MUCH better - total of 4 30 minute sessions. I felt I improved each session especially with consistency of my lap.

I also had an instructoor ride in a modified EVO VIII - WOW, that is one track dedicated machine.

A6 worked well especially given it's girth. Brakes (OEM with Carbotech track pads, SS lines and Motul RBF 600 fluid) were SUPERB. The front left was smoking some after a couple of sessions but they never faded and by the last sessions I was braking HARD to the turn ins.

Instructor wouldn't let me run my auto tranny in TIP mode which would have helped with engine braking - used S mode instead.

He blamed my TIP on his getting sick (maybe it was the late night cocktails).

I did decide that I'm not fixing this car up anymore for track events - weight and auto tranny do not translate well on the track.

If you have never been to an HPDE - go.

Mike

P.S. - Met Robert Gideon (sp?) at the event.

 

Interesting... I'd ;like to do that one day.

 

thnx for the input! glad u enjoyed it

 

i had the same impression at my 1st DE. S6 did great but made me want a dedicated track car.

 

how interesting. Yep, the A6 is very capable, but you can do better for a track car. I found the A4 is a nice compromise....

 

if he had a car, what was it?

 

done a fair amount of hpde's in the big girl....now that i own a 951 it's more bettAr

 

Beautiful car!

 

Was good to meet you. That track is a blast. Glad you had fun!