Now off to Phillip Island GP track

With the car now as close to stock as i could get it, it was time to take it to the race track to bank some base lap times. The goal of the day was to achieve a 2.03 lap time. The target time was based on a standard looking current model holden commodore VE SS, that had achieved this time in an earlier outing. As i was a holden man for much of my early days, beating the current model in my 17 year old standardish R32 would be a nice feeling.

G Circle From S1 L5

The first session started off cautiously, firstly because the car was old and i wasnt sure what to expect and secondly it had been a while since i had been on the track. The first flying lap introduced me to a vibration i hadn't felt while driving on the road. It was on accel in turns 3 and 6 and unfortunatly would persist for the rest of the day. Being totally unsure what it was made me reluctant to push hard this session.

SESSION ONE - 

LAP/TIME/VMAX

1    02:35.20    186.76

2    02:19.80    186.79

3    02:14.80    186.85

4    02:12.70    187.72

5    02:07.80    187.59

6    02:12.90    186.23

Edges of tyres getting nice and warm

Between the sessions i had a quick look at the car for the cause of the vibration. With limited tools and no jack handy i came to the conclusion, "she'll be right mate". And with that in mind i pushed harder this time round.  I was just starting to get my groove on in lap 6 when into turn 4 i heard a loud pop, smoke out the rear vision mirror and then a constant whistle in the next couple of corners. At that point i decided to back off think i may have just popped my first turbo. I came into the pits before the end of the lap to my pit chief (wifey) running over to see what the problem was. I was then told i blew alot of smoke on that lap and there was something under the car. I let the engine run for a minute to cool down while i listen to the engine. Upon shutting down the engine i heard the exhaust fart the "i have a hole in me sound". I ducked my head under to see the exhaust temp sensor had fallen out of the exhaust. Once replaced and tightened the engine whistle was gone and it was all systems go for session 3.






SESSION TWO -
LAP/TIME/VMAX
1    02:23.60    187.15
2    02:06.10    186.81
3    02:11.00    186.74
4    02:07.50    186.39
5    02:04.90    187.10


Session 3 started really well, there was little traffic and i was beginning to feel in touch with the car. A couple of sighters to get my eye in and i was off after that 2.03 i was chasing. It was now around 1.30pm and the hottest part of the day. With the performance box showing me live lap times i had put in good effort for lap three with only a 2.05 showing up on screen, i pushed even harder on lap four really trying for the 2.03 but only managed to drop a tenth off. after that lap the clutch was screaming enough! I then backed of and decided i would lap the session out getting as much experience as possible trying different lines.

SESSION THREE -
LAP/TIME/VMAX
1    02:17.90    186.53
2    02:11.30    186.47
3    02:05.70    186.15
4    02:05.60    186.12
5    02:22.70    186.42
6    02:25.20    185.82
7    02:17.20    185.29


Session four almost didn't happen as i contenplated calling it a day with a slipping clutch. But as with the attitude after session one, i went ahead and did it anyway. After a few incidents on track this session didnt start till late afternoon, and when it did it only lasted one lap till red flagged. The second full lap wasn't completed till around 40mins later once the spilt oil had been cleaned up. As i crossed the line to start lap 4 a 510 datsun overtook me with ease. I decided the mighty GTR should not be disrespected like that so i went off after it. The lines it took were almost flawless and i struggled to keep up. The next lap, lap 5 i tried to take all the lines the 510 had taken the lap before and i was glad i did. 

SESSION FOUR -
LAP/TIME/VMAX
1    02:21.30    186.65
2    02:17.40    186.37
3    02:09.10    186.63
4    02:05.70    186.09
5    02:02.90    186.41


As i was coming out of turn 12 i glanced at the lap timer and i was 2 seconds up on my last lap, i could see the 2.03 in my sights, i was up in my seat trying to bring it home like a melbourne cup jockey, and when the clock stopped at 2.02.9 i let out a massive  FUCK YEAH.

Laps in Speed V Distance. 2.02 v 2.04 v 2.07

It had just made the whole day worth every penny!