I got to test out my fresh new Toyo R888 semi’s on the track yesterday. It was a Private Track day held by JDMyard, the best kind as you get as much track time as you want (open pitt lane) and there’s very few people and even less spectators.
I had a horrible night’s sleep, nothing new there as I always get excited before track days! The long drive to Goulburn was painful as always, even worse in the GT-R due to it’s shoe melting hot floorpan, no stereo or air-con. The trip was made more bearable though that I had Matt, Jing and Cliffy in convoy.
The first session out is always a nothing session, especially as you have to come back in an adjust hot pressures of your tyres. Having said that, the car felt good and on a cruisy lap I was already seeing 1.14, then 1.11, then 1.10 and all of this in traffic too. I came back in to find my tyre pressures were at 40 hot. Most would suggest much lower hot pressure for semis so I reduced them to 34 hot and went out for another session.
Second session the GT-R transformed into a drift car. Turn 2 and the last corner on the straight had the car completely sideways and full oppy lock! It’s amazing what a small difference in tyre pressures did to the GT-R. I only managed a 1.11, no traffic but just so much sideways action it wasn’t possible for me to clock a good time.
I came back into the garages quite frustrated, a little rattled that the car was so taily too. I decided to pump the tyres back up to 40 hot and I went out again.
Third session out I hit a 1.08! The car wasn’t crazy tail happy like the previous session with tyre pressures set to 34 hot. Job done! R888, 8th lap, 1.08. I love 8’s!
After a lunch break I notice a lot of fluid under my car, turns out it was oil. Yet another track day ended early in the GT-R! I had to call it a day, a shame as I usually get my best lap time on the last session of the day when the weather is cooler and confidence is up. I know I could have gone much faster, but ultimately I’m happy I got a PB.
I drove the car straight to Indy at IS Motor Racing to check out the oil leak. It turns out the leak came from some braided lines near the oil filter/cooler set-up. Nothing major, as expected.
I ended up having a billion beers and ciggies with Indy, just like old days. We reminisced about the past, and spoke a little about the future too. He’s a constant, so am I. Just head down, do what you do best. I’ve got a lot of respect for the man and always will.
On a final note; I’ve still not tamed the beast and it’s why I love my GT-R so much! I’ve owned over 20 cars and can’t say I’ve ever respected any car more than this one. Seeing it back at Indy’s last night, drunk, in love… it was an awesome thing. I’m back, or well, that’s what it feels like. Home.
Cat and Mouse. Jing and Matt on the track.
Mead 3 wheelin’ in his Anal (Ford) Fiesta.
Jing’s 86 is not exactly stock anymore!
I let young Clifton drive the GT-R, Jing as passenger.
Leaving the garage.
As close as one can get to the action on the wall at Wakefield.
Honda fanboy.
Ha! Love it!
1.08! Got my PB on the 8th lap of the 3rd session!
Then I saw this… it’s not a GT-R unless it leaks, right?!
RB26 back at IS Motor Racing, the beast’s second home.