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I took my 97 900SET to Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia last Friday and it was a blast! Friday's at the track include one classroom lecture, four 20 minute sessions on the track with an instructor, and skid control class in one of their cars. Being the first time I have taken my car on a track, I was a little worried about safety but sitting with an instructor it was a relatively safe and fun experience. The track itself is about 2 miles and has 10 turns. The first run around the track was by the instructor himself in your car to demonstrate what your car is capable of and to orient you with the track. After that demonstration, I couldn't wait to get behind the wheel!
Most of the track sessions concentrated on racing techniques, specifically, steering, reading turns and knowing when to brake and accelerate out of turns and driving the "line" when coming out of turns. The instructors guide you and tell you exaclty what you should be doing, what you the car should be doing, and what you should be feeling. When you get it right, you can really feel it....it's like hitting a perfect drive in golf....
My car was the only Saab there! Most cars were BMWs, Miatas, S2000s, and Porsches. I really felt outclassed.. I think there were was only one other front drive vehicle at the track and it was an Integra! It was frustrating having to wave others to pass me on the straightaways!
Running on the track and pushing your car to the limits really reveals a lot about the flaws of your car not to mention, the flaws of the person behind the wheel!!! Turbo lag really does affects the accelerating out of turns! One instructor did say that it was difficult to drive my car, he did not like the torque steer, however, he did say I had great suspension (I upgraded to Koni and B+Gs last summer) . He also claimed that the pedal placement in my car could not allow him to heel/toe shift easily. Also, the first instructor said that my brakes had a lot of fade and this is after upgrading to metal master pads on the front!
I wasn't planning on doing any more mods, but it really looks like I'll have to do a lot more (e.g., slotted rotors, airbox, MBC) if I keep on going to the track! I think I'm addicted and I will have to continue working on driving skills and getting accustomed to the quirks of the Saab. I'm going back to Summit Point on April 19th...I don't want to be the lone Saab again...anyone interested?
posted by 198.26.11...
, Mon, 4 Mar 2002 12:13:46
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