For the first time, Bumblestook and Lupa were racing at the same event. Clyde's trying to get the rust off his driving as quickly as possible and today's course had a great balance of speed and technicality to help him further explore the limits of the car.
NNJR PCA - 8/21/2016
We got rained on quite a bit just before morning runs and Clyde was surprised at how well the Bridgestone RE71Rs respond even in very wet conditions. Thankfully though, the sun immediately came out and we only had to endure 2 runs in the wet before things dried up and he was able to get runs at full grip conditions again. Considering his reference for competition grade street tires is about 3 years old now, he's still trying to wrap his head around how effective the new generation tires are at maintaining grip. I think he's getting more confidence in the car and I'm glad the way I've set her up is meshing well with Clyde's driving style.
NNJR PCA - 8/21/2016
Clyde also did a pretty crazy thing and picked up a limited edition Evasive Motorsports spec Black/Red Recaro Pole Position driver seat that I had been eyeing for Lupa as a gift. It has a black velour headrest, black jersey sides, a red suede center and classic double red stitching I'll have to agree that this will definitely help make driving the car a lot easier and it looks absolutely badass. I dare say it's better than the Mugen S1R bucket seat.
Evasive Motorsports Spec
Black/Red Recaro Pole Position
Two weekends ago Clyde came out for his first autocross after 3 years. He sold both his S2000s back in 2013 and I only usually get to see him during winter karting events where he usually kills us in lap times. He took his STi to that event but I seized the opportunity to offer him Lupa to run at Nationals this year if he was willing to drive her all the way to Lincoln. I didn't think he'd go for it at first but a few days later he reached out to me and he was able to register for Nats just before the deadline. There's still some logistical issues that may prevent him from going but it would be awesome to see both Lupa and Bumblestook at Nats this year.
Lupa on loan to Clyde - 8/12/2016
I handed off the keys to Clyde last Friday so he could attend some events this past weekend. Unfortunately he probably picked the worst weekend to get back into it as soaring heat and intense humidity made driving difficult. He went to the MSNE Autocross on 8/13/2016 to get used to her and was able to keep finding time with every run despite overheating the tires (he forgot his tire sprayer).
MSNE Autocross 8-13-2016 Photo by: Vincent Valentine
He ended up mid-pack but I'm confident he can get up to speed within the next 2 events. Jumping feet first into one of the most hotly contested classes in Solo after 3 years of hiatus is no easy task. Still, it's good seeing him back out there in a S2000.
