Went to Spring Nats again – first time since 2014. In 2014, I was the only one in HS, as the two other HS cars opted to run in STF. I wasn’t interested then, so as the lone entry in HS I took home the prize.

This year, the competition consisted of 4 Fiesta STs, 1 CRX, and my Mini. 3 runs on each side, which was the same course reversed. All other cars were the there earlier in the week, getting tons of runs on Lincoln’s concrete, which may have contributed to the difference, but otherwise the gap was too large to overcome, and in total I lost by about 3s. I had a codriver lined up that could easily have made that difference, but had to cancel last minute, leaving me the sole Mini out there. I didn’t DFL, as one of the codriven Fiesta STs was slower, but clearly I’m far off pace. Will take a lot to get me there, but I’ve been making some progress this year.

Made one set up change on the car, which was going from 42-43psi in the rear to 45, while staying at 40 in the front. I didn’t think this was going to be a huge change, but it was, allowing the car to rotate a lot better. I plan on running 40/45 from now on in this car locally as well. Also got some tips from the other competitors which I thought really helped: the main one being that I am too aggressive entering corners. Results in me scrubbing time and delaying getting on the gas pedal. Will work on tightening up my line, and doing a little more slow in fast out and seeing how that works out for me.

Runs below:

Things to work on (Mini):

• Tighten up the line, cut distance
• A little more slow-in fast-out

Notes (Mini):

• 2/9ths tank
• Ran 40/45
• 5th of 6 in HS
• 2016 Runs: 39

2016 Run Count: 51 (+6 Mini)