2-3-2024
2023 M2 with 3,700 miles

Back at Buttonwillow Raceway Park after almost a year. This is my second time here and with a different car. Heavy rain a day earlier left mud pits everywhere, so it was best to not over-drive the car and get stuck or roll-over (if you get into it going sideways).

This is one of my top favorite tracks, it's just far from home. The M2 has a sub2 in it, with the right mix of things going right...I attempted many times today and whether it was traffic, driver skill, overwhelmed tires, or general fears of sending it into the mud, I just couldn't do it. I'd watch in frustration as the lap timer turns over to 2:00 time after time; at least there's some consistency? 

Something to also note, I added a lower oil cooler protector from Stradale Design in hopes to providing protection and perhaps reducing some front-end lift because it has louvers that redirect the air flow backwards. I'd need to really do a test at Laguna and Thunderhill to see if it's made a noticeable difference, but I felt that the higher speed straights that lead into hard braking zones were more stable today. I also noticed on an aborted hot-lap, the car's oil temperature gauge was reading 189F - which is cooler than the usual 194-196F during hot laps. Not sure if the protector's louvers actually improve the air flow or if it's just a different day/different track and that was the result. I'm just glad this new addition didn't cause any problems.

Modifications:
Apex VS-5RS Satin Black 19x10 et12
Bridgestone RE71RS 275/35/19 (third track day)
Future Classic 12mm spacers front & Rear
Castrol SRF brake fluid
CSG CP brake pads F & R
Millway Spherical Bearing front Camber Plates
Stradale Design Oil Cooler Protector

Rough alignment specs:
Front: -3 degrees camber w/0 toe
Rear: -2 degrees of camber w/minimal toe-in