RTR was a large diverse 55 car class this year at the 2013 SCCA Solo Nationals with a huge variety of makes and models spanning several indexes. Eyeing my competition in paddock, I was most concerned about the Hyundai Genesis GS 2.0T / DS V6 and the Nissan CS 350 / 370Z, especially after walking the unique East course. No Pontiac Solstice (?!) in attendance for this event.
Day one we drove the fun and flowing Speidell West course and I was able to jump out front with a large 1.4+ second lead. Ultimately, the BRZ/FRS was going to be my biggest fear this week and they slowly reeled me in reducing my day one lead to just over six tenths.
Video - West Course 2013 SCCA Solo Nationals
Video - East Course 2013 SCCA Solo Nationals
The Strano East course drove differently (some restraint required here) than I thought but I was finally able to nail the apexes and keep my momentum up, improving again over the rest of the field. Many of the higher power cars seemed to advance their positions with a SS Lotus Elise eventually finishing in third position; the CS Subaru BRZ came in second place. I captured the top spot on the podium in my 2007 Mazda MX5 for my first National win in SCCA Solo competition.
RTR is a supplemental class so technically I am a National Winner and not a National Champion.
Assuming the SEB approves the new classing proposals, I look forward to the new challenge in B-Street where the same stock class rules apply on street tires, but the competition will be heads-up with no index and a slightly different class mix.
Always room to improve and testing to be done. A softer front swaybar setting allows the car to sweep better, but the resulting reduction in roll stiffnes means less camber and ultimately creates push, especially noticeable on Lincoln's concrete. It is a delicate and difficult balance to achieve. I have already maxed out camber at all four corners, including tightening the suspension bolts under load. The minor front shock adjustments I made this week worked well at initiating turn-in and the BFG tires seemed to want a little more air pressure - they definitely needed to be cooled down.
My current thought process involves the 225/45-16 (if allowed next year) Dunlop which will lower the COG and help gearing. Other thoughts in my head include the 245/40-17 Rival.
