Because the last event was completely soaked, NNJR used nearly the exact same course/layout for this event as they did last week. Great idea, as I could not get a single run down during that event. From the rain event, it seemed like the course was going to be really fun in the dry – and it was.

Due to scheduling and other commitments, I ran in the first heat (instead of the third heat), and was able to leave right after, as I am working grid setup in the morning. On top of that, they allowed me to run in the 2-driver lane, meaning I went twice as often as everyone else. This turned out to be a big help for the tires, as these Vitours are really, really bad when cold. The 2-driver lane moved so quickly that I barely had time to even put the tire blankets on between runs – and eventually for the last 2, I didn’t even bother with it. The temps were warming up, but with the consecutive running I was able to do, I was able to get closer to the Vitours operating window. You could really tell right from the start, as it impacted how much wheelspin I would have when launching the car.

It’s been challenging to manage this car with these tires, but when the tires were warming up I really felt like I could lean on the car more, without the rear biting me but still having enough slip angle rotation to make it through every variety of turn. It’s challenging as well because it’s almost like changing conditions, as the tire warms up and grips up, I need to keep exploring to see how much higher the limits are climbing with the grip. Run 4 felt pretty good, and Run 5 felt really good but I was surprised that it was only a few tenths higher. With the expedited running, I didn’t have a lot of time to think about my runs or where to improve, but I knew from the previous run that the grip had really improved on the car.

I decided to go for it on Run 6, trusting the car’s grip and braking less and overall carrying more speed through every single corner, getting on the gas earlier every time, while making sure to continue hitting the brake points. I’m not even sure exactly what I did differently except drive the car as if there was more grip, but I dropped nearly a full second between run 5 & 6, to a 56.429. While the time is still not fast, I think I would have had at least a second more if I were running in 3rd heat with the other DS cars. My goal moving forward for next year will be to be in the top 30 index with the new GS index. That still means I need quite a bit of improvement, but it’s definitely a goal I will work towards.

Set Up (VN):

• DS
• 255/35-18 Vitour P1, 36/34psi
• WL 24mm RSB on soft
• Camber at -2.0 0 toe, -1.5 0 toe
• Brakes: Stock

Notes (VN):

• 2025 VN: 7 autox / 0 track

2025 Event Count: 8 Autox, 1 track day