Here we are at the end of June, I’ve let things go for far too long in between updates. There are several bits of news here and there which I’ll have to get to as I can, but today’s post is primarily aimed at the 2009 Solo 2 season. In my last post I was in a cold building practicing my skills for my major and far from worrying about autocrossing. Today we’re already 1 practice event and 3 points events into the season and I’ve only just mentioned it! Things have been difficult with the weaker job market; also I came across some parts I couldn’t pass by but ironically I also can’t afford to use them this season. More on that later, in any case my budget for the season was reduced drastically and split between rent, parts, and gas. In the end I had no chance to outfit my car with the new Re-11 tires which finally arrived from Japan…I saw them at least a year and a half ago at Tokyo Auto Salon 2008. Without new tires my car would likely be at least half a second slower than normal. Compounding matters was the discovery that my camber settings had corded the inner edge of my front `08 RE-01 tires.
This meant at best my 240sx would be competing on old and outdated RE-01 tires in front and completely irrelevant sports tires on the rear. Considering that last season I only managed 4th with brand new tires (though there were a few mistakes in tuning during the season) I’d be running for personal practice with such a scrappy setup. The icing on the cake was my SCCA license expiring, running up the tab to compete another $75 or so.
I began to write off the season and look toward 2010 and my graduation in December. It was in this mindset that the first 3 points events (of 8) slipped by me unnattended. I did make it to the practice event, running with my father in his C5 Corvette Zo6 (pictures on the way). While catching up with some friends at that event I made mention of my situation and received an offer to drive Eric M’s class-winning `89 Civic Si in ST (STS has been renamed to ST, STS 2 is now STS). Somehow I got wrapped up in other things and forgot how much I love to drive. That being said I’ll go back to focusing on the upcoming races and taking things one step at a time. I’ve never been a fan of people driving another’s car, but it’s kind of like being sponsored and as I’ve certainly been beaten by drivers of faster cars they did not own, I’m looking forward to seeing how I do in a car more appropriate for the class. The first event I’ll be driving in ST is on July 12th. Huge thanks to Eric, I’m looking forward to new driving challenges this 2009 season.
