Redline Time Attack AutoClub Speedway 7-20-08

Greetings ,

This past weekend July 20th Redline held their 4th round of Time Attack at AutoClub Speedway in Fontana California. I decided to give my first shot at TA to see where I stand as a upcoming driver and entered the Unlimited FWD class. First off this would not have been possible with out Kiwi from Special Projects Motorsports/Gear-X driveline and Brian G. from HASport motor mounts ; you know your parts and I thank you. Also big thanks to Kim from Rota wheels for supplying us with the new 17 inch P45F wheels which shaved 4lbs per wheel from our old wheels from Rota for a total of 16lbs on a wheel change.

With a small issue in my car I struggled to even make the event, however HASport came through and helped me fix my problem so I can get my car running so I could show up Sunday. I burned midnight oil in my garage preparing my car and managed to pull into the gates Sunday at 6:30am. Redline gave us 2 practice rounds and then round 1 of Time Attack, a 4 lap chance to lay your best down. After round 1 was a second practice and then a second and final TA round. Running the Unlimited class , all car classes(AWD, RWD and FWD) are sent together so it was a blast being on the track at the same time as Tyler McQuarrie in the S2000 and Billy Johnson in the 350Z. Once I warmed up in the practice rounds and felt happy with the car. We were a little under geared for such a large track but I dont think I could have caught the two ahead of me, great cars and drivers with Chris Rado in the Scion tc and Tage Evanson in the Hasport 95 civic getting 1st and 2nd respectively. I pushed fairly close to the edge but never gambled, so I think there is some faster time left on the table.

My car is well capable of quick times, but as a driver I must hone my skills even more to be able to run with the best. In the end of round two I managed a 2:01.xx lap which was good for 3rd place in Unlmimited FWD. Not bad for a Honda Challenge spec car running in Unlimited. I was happy with the result and just being out there I learned a ton. There is only up from here and I can not wait to attempt more Time Attack events as I develop as a driver. Thanks to Password:JDM and all of my sponsors.

You can view gallery and a video at http://www.riceboytv.com/ in the ALL ACCESS section

Untill next time, be safe

-Justin

NASA TT Willow Springs 7-12-08

Greetings to all,

This past weekend July 12th and 13th NASA held thier 6th event of the year at Willow Springs Raceway in the Southern California High Desert near Palmdale. Though it was quite humid for cali standards the event had wonderful weather and was quite fun as I ran Time Trials. The last step in the ladder to reach my goal of racing in the Honda Challenge. This was some of the most fun I have had on track in a long time. Among the regular TT drivers were a few Tuner cars from companies like Crawford, Robi spec,Endless and C-west trying to qualify for the Super Street - Super Lap Battle at the end of the year. Though I was not the fastest, I held it down for Password:JDM and all the FF Hondas being second fastest front wheel drive in the group next to our TT instructor; which would have qualified me for the SLB. I was not registered for the SLB qualifying so I do not get an invite to the Lap Battle unfortunately. Definitely next year I have to make it !

I was able to try out my new airdam and splitter combo from Special Projects Motorsports, which worked very well and I was pleased with the performance of the kit. The car felt more stable and the front felt "IN" the track as they say, meaning I had more grip. We can always use more grip ! I also got to try using a Cool Shirt system for the first time. I got a good deal on a kit from a new sponsor, weekend-racer.com and was very pleased with the cooling the system provided which helped me focus on driving instead of the heat, and it helped to reduce fatigue.

Sadly NASA cancelled the next event in August, so this will actually give us time to fine tune and make a few adjustments to the car to prepare for our Honda Challenge Debut at the end of this season. I also will be hitting the track next weekend for the Redline Time Attack . It looks like a great turnout and I hope to have a good showing.

Untill next time, Be safe

Justin