This event is really the ultimate test of a car and driver IMO. Drag strip tree, drag race, BRAKES, U Turn, Slalom, Drag Race, BRAKES. This would be a perfect super car test.
The car ran fantastic all weekend and my new oil cooler/radiator set up kept things nice and chilly. It was 80 something on Friday and after my road course laps my water temp was 210 and my oil temps were under 240. On Saturday it was in the 70's and the spread was 205/230. The brakes were pretty damn good as well. My new compound is working well in ALL events. I'd say it's not quite as good on the Road Course as my last compound but it's better in the Autocross and Speed Stop due to intial bite. The transmission really pissed me off this weekend. If you remember, I tore my tko600 down last year and put in the carbon fiber synchros. Well, it still doesn't like to shift from 2 to 3. It wrecked my road course times. I have a aluminum flywheel in this baby and it revs so fast in 2nd gear. I hit the throttle and I need to shift, literally. Well, I was talking to Rockland this week
and he said I don't have a chance. No **** sherlock. Trans is going down the road. I'm just looking at gear ratios and analyzing minimum and maximum gear speeds based on my experience on the street, autocross, and road course. Again, walking the line between multiple things, well....
I had the pleasure of having Mary Pozzi and Brian Hobaugh drive my car last weekend. Up until that time, my Dad was the only other driver to take it around the track. Mary seemed to genuinely love it. She drove it on Friday and said the balance was great, minus the steering wheel being to small. She like a soft/loose car and that's how my car drives.
On Saturday, Brian took the reigns and they had opened up the back section. Within three runs he ran a 39.8! That time was good enough for top 3 for the weekend! I coned away a 40.8 myself. Brian pointed out a downfall of my car. I warned him about all the engine braking it has before he set sail. When you are in a corner/off the gas/ and get on the brakes, it's loose. I got to thinking and that's exactly my downfall when I drive it as well. I need to tighten the rear up a hair and he's give me direction for the next event. He said it had the best turn in of any car he drove that weekend, including his. Quite the compliment.
Anyway, both amazing drivers with substantially different style. I learned alot this weekend. A car must be catered to the owner. End of story. I feel my driving style is very similar to Brians. I didn't get a chance to ride with him but I did Mary. She's way to smooth compared to me. I was joking around with her saying she barely tickled the four barrel and it's true. I always wanted to see how good I am at autocross. Brian was a good second faster in a car that I've been driving for 3 years. I've got some room for improvement and so does the car. That's a good thing.....
I'm continually amazed at just how far you can continually tweak these cars. The better you and the car get, new problems rear their head. I've got some mild shock tuning to do next time out and a trans to change. Other than that, my car is almost to it's full potential. The driver is getting better as well. I guess when I hit that mark, I'll just have to build another one.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
Congrats
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