Links: Thunderhill Raceway | Track Map

On Thursday, March 28, approximately 24 cars gathered for the third SBM Thunderhill event. Although the wind was enough to blow anything lighter than a outhouse around, the day was perfect for driving. With temperatures in the upper 70s, sunburned noses were the rule, and lots of happy drivers filled the pits of the Willows, Ca. road course.

The day started at 7:30am when the gates opened. All of the drivers were busy making last minute adjustments, prepping their cars, and meeting each other. It was pretty easy to visualize what the two groups would divide into - the experienced, or Red group, were busy changing into track tires, swapping brake pads, checking fluid levels. The less experienced group, of which I belonged, were busy wondering what the hell was going to happen next. Most of us tried to hang around the experienced drivers to find out about tire pressures and last minute tips.

After the driver's meeting, where we were all given the track rules and a review of the flags that would be used, we did a two lap course familiarization. I brought the wife along with me on this run so she could see what I was up against for the day.

After the fam trip, we all came into the pit to allow the Red group to hit the track. Many of us in the Yellow group caught rides with the Red group. I took a few laps with Stan in his track-prepped Saleen. What a ride. We have similar cars (well, both Mustangs), yet riding with him made me appreciate the skill that he has developed. It's not all about the car - the driver is where it's at. We cut the session a little short after he dropped a cat-shield on the track. I am pretty sure it was because of the extra ballast he had riding in his passenger seat. I may have disrupted the Saleen's Chi.

After the 30 minute session, the Yellow group was up. Many of the newer drivers had drivers from the Red group ride along for pointers. I chose to fly solo for the first session. I had driven the course at Thunderhill before, and really wanted to get comfortable with it and my new car. Also, I was warding off the evil spirits of my last trip to the track - a blown engine. My goal for the day was to have a great time and be able to drive my car home under it's own power.

The first session was a little rough. Learning my car, finding the right lines, testing the limitations. In hindsight, I should have had someone ride with me to help me out. It would have distracted me enough to get into it a bit more.

Some words about having someone ride along: the purpose is to have an experienced driver in the passenger seat to give pointers. Sounds easy enough, but there is a little added distraction of two guys wearing helmets speeding around a track going between 70-110mph. Instruction is usually in the form of "BRAKE BRAKE TURN TURN GAS GAS GAS - TOO EARLY ON THAT ONE" screams from the passenger seat [well, at least from my experience :-) ]. Believe it or not, it is the best way to learn. Props to the experienced group - they were always there for all of us willing to help out. Definately one of the best parts of the Stan Brown Motorsports experience.

After five sessions were run in the morning, SBM provided lunch at noon. It gave us all a chance to chill out, BS with the other drivers, and chase potato chip bags and napkins across the pits because of the wind.

After lunch and a bit of chill time, the Yellow group hit the track for the first afternoon session. There would be two sessions for each of the groups, plus one open session at the end of the day. It was cool to see the driving skill of everyone in my group increase towards the end of the day. All of the cars got faster and faster on each session, and I became much more comfortable with my car. Each session I would push it a little more.

I did take on one passenger in the afternoon session. Jim was brave enough to get into the passenger seat and offer up some tips. After 4 or so laps, we pitted, discussed a bit of what we just did, then I swapped places and let him drive. I have only ridden in the passenger seat of my car a few times, but never doing turns at 80mph! What a rush. I learned quite a bit from Jim driving my car. There were a few turns that I was hitting way too early, and watching him showed me a much better line. I took a ride in his car on the next session, and was very impressed with how he handled his GT with stock rubber. Again, it's not all about the car...

At the end of the day, I was too wiped out to drive the last session. Instead, I opted to let Rob do a few laps while I took a couple of pictures. I wish I would have ridden with him, as it seemed like it would have been quite a ride. You can see some of Rob and Steve's racing videos at the Team Venom Racing web site.

It was a great day. Very few mechanical problems, very few off-track experiences. With a great group of guys and a sunny day at a beautiful track, what could possibly be bad? Thanks to Stan Brown Motorsports for putting this event together and Mrs. Motorsports & kids for putting together a fine lunch. Stan is the best host. Also thanks to all of the Red group that were so cool about lending us advice. And thanks to Eric for hauling up a bunch of stuff that we didn't end up using. Finally, thanks to Alice for being a good sport and hanging out with us.

Thoughts on my car
This was the first time to the track for my 2001 Roush Stage 3. I had driven the track at Thunderhill a couple of times with my Stage 2, so that is what I base my opinions on.

The first comment is on the power. My Vortech'd Stage 2 was strong, but the Stage 3 does not feel like a car with a blower - more like a car with a bigger engine. It had plent of power to pull me out of turns very easily. It allowed me to shift gears less than I did with my Stage 2 with 3.73s. The car ran strong all day, and engine temperature and oil pressure did not fluctuate much. I did not hear any detonation, but driving with a helmet limits some of that ability.

The other very impressive feature of the car was the brakes. My Stage 3 came with Alcom brakes on 14" rotors on front, and Cobra brakes on 13" rotors on the rear. After sever braking during 30 minute sessions, I never felt any softness or fading of the brakes. They were always there when I needed them. The amout of dust they built up was amazing as always, but the thickness of the pads were good even at the end of the day. I did heat them up several times to where I could smell them, but the always felt good.

The suspension of the Stage 3 felt different than the Stage 2. I am not sure where that difference was, but it was different. The tires that came on the car - Comp T/As - were quite a bit harder than the Michelin Pilots that came on the Stage 2. It seemed that after the tires had a couple of laps on them, they felt quite a bit better. The tires heated up quite a bit during the session - first session tire pressure at start was 35psi, end of session 42psi.

After this event, I am sold more than ever on a tubular K-member and coilovers for the front. I will also consider rear coilovers. Also, I would like to add an FR500 steering wheel before the next event. I like the feel of the thicker steering wheel, as I have a tendency to grip tightly while driving. Finally, I would like better tires before the next trip. I will lean towards the Pilots again, but will be open for suggestions.

Final thought: I am happier than ever with my car. I pushed it hard, and it took it. Roush has put together a fine car.

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