After all the mods on my car over the last couple of weeks it was time to see how it goes on a circuit. I entered the unlimited grip race, not really knowing what to expect or even what goes on
I wanted to but a set of Potenza RE55 race tyres but I could find them anywhere other than a one week mail order..... oh dear. Looks like I have to use the Yokohama Advan GP's, well known as a good drift tyre
The event was at Nihonkai Maze circuit, 30 mins south of Niigata on the west coast of Japan, a really picturesque circuit but very narrow, has almost zero run-off anywhere, and very difficult technically. Almost every braking point is on a curve, the kerbs are evil and it undulates. The back straight is actually 3 corners over bumps and it takes some hanging on!
As you will see the weather was perfect. The only snag was I turned up with my pretty standard 180SX to be faced with 20 full race skylines, mitsubishis, silvias etc all on sticky tyres (RE55's
) or slicks. It was not looking good. Me and the family got my numbers and stuff stuck on and we were ready.
Off I went for the free practice, first time on track with the 180. I posted second fastest overall time! I also realised the tyres were a lost cause, after 3 laps it was really difficult to get out of corners as it just wheelspun. Did some good drifts though
The std road pads were almost on fire when I finished though, clouds of smoke pouring off them 
There was then two timed qualifying sessions to set the grids for racing. I posted 9th fastest overall time which was okay given the gear I had and was racing against. Also during these runs it bacame clear the std radiator was not enough. 10 laps of flat out saw the temp near the top so I stopped early.
I made the cut for the A final race! 10 lap race and off we went but soon I was running 7th by myself so just gave the car an easy time as it was getting hot again, and the tyres were well past their best. That was where I finished, not bad 7th from 21 entries. The car was great fun, I've never driven a car so easy to play around with sliding etc. Just needs some upgrades again. Next on the shopping list:
Race radiator
braided lines
4 pot calipers
race pads
set of RE55's
I reckon that lot will be close to 4 seconds a lap, which will put me within 1 second of the race winner. Roll on the next open turbo event. After that some small changes to get a bit more power and I hope it will a skyline eater
There was open drift there too, here are some pics. About 25 cars in all. Great to watch and the orange skyline got my vote for the best sound and tyresmoke.
until next time......
Rich
