New track, New PB! :) To follow the annual tradition of celebrating International Women's Day, I decided to explore the new track (The Circuit) at Buttonwillow Raceway. It's been 3 months since my last track day, so I needed this "mental health clinic" therapy time.
Impression of this track:
0) An interesting " dino-nugget"-shaped track with a fresh surface😌, like a fresh breeze after driving different configurations of the Classic track several times.
1) Fewer turns to remember. 😅 It seems an excellent track for beginners.
2) It's not as technical as the BW Classic track, but it's still a happy place for high-power cars with grippy tires. Also, it's pretty heavy on the brakes!
3) Fewer connected turns compared to the Classic track.
4) They only delivered an MVP version of the track facilities on the Circuit trackside: there are no proper restrooms yet (only porta potties); Chevron across from the track is still under construction; there is no clubhouse/classroom yet; and there is no food (there is a super long line on the Classic track side).
5) Weird designs of the tire/concrete walls here and there. 😶🌫️
6) Braking marks are helpful, but I struggled to find other reference points.
My opt of the day was ~1s faster, but since I forgot about driving on street brake pads, I didn't cool them down well in the earlier sessions. My front brake rotors started vibrating intensively at the beginning of the last session. 😶🌫️
I hope to come back to the Circuit for more events and practice late apex, carrying more speed into corners and being patient on throttle inputs for decent exits.
Setup:
2023 Toyota GR86 in 86 Challenge Stock-ish Class
Tires & Wheels:
• GT Radial CHAMPIRO SX2 (225/45ZR17)
• Apex Wheels VS-5RS (17x8 +40)
Mods:
• CSG CP front and rear brake pads (Street pads :/)
• Jackson Racing Oil Cooler
• Pedders camber plates and SPC 81305 camber bolts
• Borla Cat-Back Exhaust System S-Type
Data Logging:
• GoPro HERO11 Black Mini w/ helmet mount
• RaceChrono Pro on Pixel 2
• RaceBox Mini (https://www.racebox.pro/products/race...)
More info and photos of my car on Instagram: @yuzuracing