Hey Carlos,

First, sorry I didn't reognize you right off today! The stubble beard and shades really threw me!

Anyway I came down today to get a feel for the Hooked On Driving Advanced group option of running the the NASCAR 3&4 instead of 10 - 14. Since I have to miss Daytona I was going to try Homestead on the Banking to see what the Mini would do opned up. I was very interested in the fact that you seemed to prefer the road course over the Banked turn.

From my stand point 10 - 14 is a place that I can catch cars not to mention the thrilling HeeBee GeeBees you get turning in at full speed down into 10. When I talked to the Grand AM Mini drivers that also ran the banked 3-4 they also said it was a bit boring. Bottom line I guess I am less excited to bother running the Banked course.

I'd love to have you elaborate on your experience.

Ed

Hi Ed, didn't you know that "stubble beard" is "in"?
We had a great time running the banks 3 & 4 at HMS but it wasn't what I expected. I'll explain; last year when I drove Daytona, I was able to go flat-out through the banks - gas smashed to the floor, and I never felt the car fight the G-forces. It was probably because of the greater degree of banking that the cars feel so much more planted at Daytona. Conversely, at HMS, I believe the banks are shorter and not inclined as much as Daytona, therefore you'd have to be very judicious with the throttle.

I found myself not being able to see far enough into the turn when looking through the windshield. So, I tried looking out the driver's side window, just past the A-pillar, and that was a bit weird and uncomfortable. I also lost concentration for a second through the banking and the car started to eerily climb towards the wall. I only managed to go about 125mph through the middle section of the banks, but once I spotted the bank's exit, I was able to mash the pedal and accelerate to about 145mph by the start/finish line.

Overall, it was fun, but in the end several of us opted to move down to the "Intermediate" group so we could go back to using Turns 10 - 14.

Daytona is a different story - I can't wait to use those banks.

i look out the drivers side for that matter the passenger side window on a regular basis (sliding) i guess it was a little wierd at first
as far as nascar 3 -4 you should enter at about 120 and the car will be more stable and plant itself if your centered on the track you should be able to accelerate from there and mild understeer to the outside by the exit of 4
i entered at 140 in a panoz esperante marlboro race school car and it remained neutral all the way thru with moderate throttle just after turn in (however i wouldnt suggest that speed in a street car)