back where I started from
Day two of the time trial, and I'm starting to get the hang of the new setup. A chance discussion with a friend/competitor led me to try a different gear through turns one and two (stay in 4th instead of shift down into third) and that was great. The tires are wearing in, and I'm starting to figure out the turn in and weight transfer characteristics of the car. Quite different than before. Part of it is that the old setup was very tired, and as a result the car wallowed a bit. Now it just darts, so I have to be smooth and precise. Back to the drawing board.
First session, 1:45 (I pulled up and only made half of it), second session 1:41, third session 1:39. Then came the time trial. One warm up lap, then two hot laps. No traffic, as you're sent out in groups of 6 with space inbetween (unless you're really fast or slow and catch/are caught). Only the second time I've done this, and it is quite the psychological exercise...no car to pace you or catch you, and you have to get it right NOW.
Happy to report a 1:38 lap on my second hot lap. So I'm as fast as I was before. The difference is that I'm nowhere near the limits of the car like I was with the old setup...ther are easily a couple of seconds left on the table...llkely 5 or so. Time will tell...
