Track Day 1/04/09

Track Day 1/4/08, Ferrari F430, Nissan R390, and Subaru Impreza WRX STI time trials at Maple Valley Long and the Nissan Speedway

Today was the second track day with the sole purpose of testing the G_T Team Cars. This time the fleet saw the addition of two Subaru Imprezas. The first runs of the day were at Maple Valley Long.

Nissan R390:
Pre-Race Modifications: Various upgrades totaling an increase of 160 horsepower
Best Time: 1:21.31
Post-Race Modifications: An extra 30 lbs of down force
Notes: Very strong overall, loss of traction can occur on very un-even roads.

Ferrari F430:
Pre-Race Modifications: None
Best Time: 1:25.24
Post-Race Modifications: Race Anti-Roll Bars, Race Differential, Race Transmission
Notes: The car was dangerous over all the elevation changes and graded turns, Maple Valley is not the track for the Ferrari.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI:
Pre-Race Modifications: None
Best Time: 1:27.97
Post-Race Modifications: None
Notes: The Subaru's excellent suspension balance, weight distribution, and 4-wheel drive made it the calmest of the three over Maple Valley's varying elevations.

Maple Valley's pleasant backdrop was penetrated by the roar of the R390


The F430 tended to lift off the road over hill crests


The Subaru was under control the whole time


After Maple Valley, I took the cars out for a speed run at the Nissan Speedway to stretch their legs a little.

Nissan R390:
Pre-Race Modifications: None
Best Time: 0:44.34
Post-Race Modifications: None
Notes: Both powerful and steady, the R390 was flawless around the ring.

Ferrari F430:
Pre-Race Modifications: None
Best Time: 0:46.23
Post-Race Modifications: None
Notes: While the fastest of the three in terms of top speed, the F430 has a tendency to suddenly loose traction under load at high speed.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI:
Pre-Race Modifications: None
Best Time: 0:51.15
Post-Race Modifications: Cams and Valves totaling an increase of 129 horsepower
Notes: The car reached 160 mph and refused to go higher.

The Impreza maxed out too early to set a good time


The Ferrari was dangerous but thrilling at speeds in excess of 190 mph