Taking your FX to the Race Track - FOR DUMMIES

azulrium said:
I just took my 2nd generation FX35 to that same track (Pacific Raceways, and like OP there I was also the only SUV :D), and it was an absolute blast! I gotta say, our cars are surprisingly track capable, even bone stock (mine is, down to factory tires). Granted any Miatas with a decent driver would run circles around you during those tight turns, but overall the car was exceptional. Factory suspensions are stiff enough you don't get any of that trademark SUV bodyroll, the brakes are still responsive after a day at the track (though towards the end you can feel you need to apply more pressure to get the same amount of braking), and while in DS mode the car never actually left me at a loss of power in a higher gear than I need to be.

Since I have never done any high performance driving before, I drove with the folks from Proformance. They run a tight ship, and I'd definitely recommend them if you're in the same boat.
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PNW brotha! I'm glad you had fun! I'm with you on the Miata thing because the last two times I've gone out, there's been a Lotus behind me just waiting for the slightest mistake :rage:. When he finally passed me however, I was surprised I started pulling on him on the straight. It's got it's strengths (engine, platform) but those ratty little cars make me want to spend $$$ on handling as soon as I get home. I'm taking GTODAVE's advice this week and getting some braces.

If you're up for another one, in 10 days @ the Ridge in Shelton (the newest track in WA) is hosting a Track Night In America. $125 (with code on their site) is a steal in my opinion, but it's a Thursday. I'll be there and a few buddies (BMW guys:dummy:). Come on out man!
 
Jesusjones1024 said:
PNW brotha! I'm glad you had fun! I'm with you on the Miata thing because the last two times I've gone out, there's been a Lotus behind me just waiting for the slightest mistake :rage:. When he finally passed me however, I was surprised I started pulling on him on the straight. It's got it's strengths (engine, platform) but those ratty little cars make me want to spend $$$ on handling as soon as I get home. I'm taking GTODAVE's advice this week and getting some braces.

If you're up for another one, in 10 days @ the Ridge in Shelton (the newest track in WA) is hosting a Track Night In America. $125 (with code on their site) is a steal in my opinion, but it's a Thursday. I'll be there and a few buddies (BMW guys:dummy:). Come on out man!
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Oh sh*@ I didn't see this until today - almost a week too late! I really need to get out there again. Been catching myself trying to hit the perfect line on just about every on and off ramp. If you ever see a gray FX35 on a ramp going outside-inside-outside, it's probably me :LOL:

How is the Ridge by the way? I've heard some good things about it but I've never been there as of yet. I'm new to all this track and lapping stuff as you can probably tell, but I'm itching to get back out there. I probably need a new set of brakes before heading to the track again (and maybe some stainless lines at the same time).
 
Jesusjones1024 said:
I posted yesterday's track day video on the Driving and Track Blog. If anyone else decides to go racing, post em up there! Driving & Track Blog
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Go Dawgs! I'm a UW grad myself (class of 2011) and never left the area since.

The Ridge looks like it's a pretty damn well maintained track. That couple of turns remind me of the Corkscrew. I'll need to take my baby there next
 
Hopefully there are other SUV's sometime that you go. I only did autocrosses, but got tired of only being able to beat the novice drivers. Every now and then a couple Cayenne's would show up to PCA events so that was fun. I could take the V6's, but there was one AWD V8 and I remember I was working while he ran and saw him accelerating through a corner as the front wheel was grabbing for grip and realized I had no chance.
 
I got killed by an srt Cherokee last time out, but VDC was the main reason. Was also driven by a pro
 
There was a 2011+ Jetta when I was there, driven by two teenagers. When all of us were talking after the second lapping session, they were talking about how they thought it would be easy to catch the only SUV on the track.
The only issue I had that day was during the 2nd and 3rd to the last lap. On the straightaway the power would drop briefly as if I lifted, but it was only for 1-2 seconds. As soon as I actually lift and give it a little throttle again, it would be back to normal. Last lap it was completely fine again. I think some fluid may be approaching its temperature limit (oil? That seems to be common on VQ HRs when driven hard). Got an OBDII reader that I'll use to monitor the vitals the next time.

I also noticed the VDC on the second gen isn't as intrusive as I thought. I haven't driven a 1st gen, so there's no way I can draw a comparison between the two. But the only time I ever notice the VDC saying hello is during turns (sweepers mostly) when the tires are beginning to squeal, and it was only after the day when I was going through the videos did I notice the lights coming on in the turns. The lights would come on, but maintenance throttle was unaffected and power coming out of the apex is business as usual. Maybe they reworked it for the second gen or something?
 
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