First things first – we set up the projector, cracked a few beers and ordered some Pizza.
100 photos down to 3 was never going to be easy.
So many great shots, was super hard to get from 4 to 3.
Thanks to Ian Baker, we got our dirty hands on this pre-release Option WTAC DVD. So surreal seeing footage shot in Australia on a Japanese DVD (no subtitles!).
Low Life.
Haters Gonna Love This!
The Phoenix.
Having fun with more sticker designs for Zen Garage. :) Last shot is of Phoenix‘s awesome new tattoo. All shots by Aleks.
God I love goodies in the mail! Care package sent to us by Tomei in Japan.
Banner put to good use!
We got to use the race car garages today! So much cooler as you could see just who’s out on the track, not to mention watch all the action when you’re not on the track!
Silvia boy and Silvia girl.
Chillin’ in the shade.
This C63 race car was bonkers.
This NA MX5 was killin it. I couldn’t catch him. 1.08’s apparently.
JDMyard/Yonas’ Civic had more tweaks. More brakes and more power too. Unfortunately they lost 4th gear towards the end of the day and had to retire.
My EVO IX.
First session out I had no brakes and the suspension was set way too soft. I only managed a 1.23. I adjusted the dampers (4+ clicks front and back) and set tyre pressure to 35 hot and 2nd session out I did a 1.13. Lots of understeer. I handed the keys to Narada, he did a 1.10.2! Lowered the pressure to 32 hot and I did a 1.11 on my 3rd session but then the intake pipe blew off (too much boost?!).
I had to get towed off the circuit (embarrassing, first time for me!). I asked around for a spare hose clamp, no go. I then checked the engine tray and fuck me dead I found it just sitting there! Super lucky!!! I had a check engine light but disconnecting the battery and re-connecting it made it go away (phew!). I filled up fuel and was off again.
Still heaps of understeer, tyres were losing traction way more than earlier in the day too so I upped the pressure to 35 hot again and also went 4 more clicks harder in the rear. The rear then came out when tyres were cold but once they were warm, understeer again. Maybe I need sway bars… nothing at all like the 6.5 TME which loved to drift.
I finally managed a 1.10, and have to be happy with that. Suspension, or alignment needs tuning. Lots of power (I ran it in low boost mode today) but the car just understeers heaps and feels a little more disconnected than I’d like it to (the Golf was a much sharper track car and I managed consistent 1.11’s in that).
All in all a great day. Sun was out, bit windy but heaps of track time and great company to boot.
Mia Tequila!
Nanami spotted these awesome hand painted and individually numbered Kah Tequila skulls at Camperdown Cellars in Darlinghurst. They’re not meant to be for sale anywhere outside the US, but the bottle shop owner managed to score a few pieces. Nana ended up buying a couple and I ended up buying one too to keep my Crystal Head Vodka skull company.
Spag bol & salad.
Ever since tropfest (used to go every year many many moons ago) I’ve always wanted to check out Tropicana Caffe, last night I finally did! I wasn’t expecting anything special (which was part of the fun of it), ordering off a lightbox was interesting, and having lots of big TV’s play music videos made me feel like I was in a 24hr restaurant at 3am in the morning.
Cutlery came in pre-packaged paper bags which then made me feel like I was in an airport lounge. Looking around at the other patrons I spotted lots of older ladies sporting arty frizzy hairstyles and thick frames glasses.
Lighting inside the cafe was an off-putting blue due tot he fluorescent tubes used in the kitchen, but people watching both inside and out was fun and the meal was reliable and un-pretentious. Loved it :)
Small update: Dropped in to see my good old mate Indy @ IS Motor Racing today to fit a direct clutch line to reduce clutch shudder and also thought I’d bleed the brakes with high temp brake fluid in prep for this weeks track day.
APP direct clutch line – stainless mesh hoses which use a teflon lined inner tube. Got to love quality stuff!
AP Racing PRF660 – proper racing stuff with a dry boiling point of 320°C.
Felt a difference in clutch pedal feel as soon as I drove out of ISMR. It’s smoother, which makes the clutch pedal feel lighter. The big shudder has gone, very very happy with this! Brakes feel even better again, very cool. Front brakes have been squealing hard though when travelling slow and coming to a complete stop. I’ve read it’s a pretty common issue on all EVO’s with aftermarket pads/rotors (cause and effect!). I might try some ‘no squeal’ grease and/or inserts if it gets to be too much.
In celebration of the warmer seasons, ALL STARS will be throwing a Show ‘n’ Shine and Picnic. Will be a huge assortment of street, show, go, slow and everything in-between, gathering on the grass for a social day by the river.
Location: Silverwater Park. Entry through Clyde Street.
Time: 11am to 6pm / Set-up from 8am.
For the latest updates please visit:
http://sydneyallstars.com/
