posted 09-19-2002 04:15 AM                  

The Driver's Edge program was professionally run and included an experienced instructor for 4 hours of track time (8 x 30 minute track sessions over a Saturday/Sunday). This was a great opportunity to aggressively drive the Prowler. (I went off track only once during the weekend and none of 60 cars in the event was damaged)

How did the Prowler perform? Overall well. Instructor recommended a higher tire pressure (28 psi is probably too soft so I'll try 30 or 32 at the next event). Stock brakes performed well (although there was a lot of brake dust on front and rear wheels after each run). The engine temperatures were normally between 1/2 and 3/4, but on 2 of 8 runs it climbed over 3/4 (with 90 degrees ambient temperature and hot sun) so we engaged the second radiator (turned on cabin heat) to keep the engine cool. Track gas mileage was abysmal at 13 mpg.

Overall a great driving experience. I'd recommend this program and a closed track experience for drivers that want to improve their skills and see how our cars can perform. It was a thrill hearing the tires squeal, feeling the Gs in turns, WOT in straights, and hard braking for a turn. I'm planning to join the Driver's Edge event in October at Texas World Speedway. I hope to see you there.

Jim Bruckart

posted 09-19-2002 06:32 AM                  

Looks like you had a good time! I think I will add the photo of you leading the Porsche out of the turn to my screen saver slide show. I may have to go down and check out the Ranch, not very far from me.

What kind of reactions did you receive from the other drivers? I would assume that most have never seen a Prowler at a "performance" event.

Steve

posted 09-19-2002 06:41 AM                  

Happy Prowling

posted 09-19-2002 06:46 AM                  

Sounds like you had a great time... I've had Prowler on road course and it really handles very well... What gear did you drive in? I've found I can leave it in 2nd and get around course pretty good just using the accelarator...

The Porsche club has similiar course hear at No Problem Raceway on the 1.8 mile road course... I have taken it yet but, plan to one of these days...

The SCCA autocrossing is another good event to attend with the Prowler...

posted 09-19-2002 07:58 AM                  

Marty - didn't we have that kind of driving school in Colorado,,,,,,,,on the 'adult' cruise to the Royal Gorge?

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Call 911 - there is a Prowler in my garage....
3.5 power packed POA hours daily, always with rock solid analysis of all the hot topics!

posted 09-19-2002 08:43 AM                  

Looks like a lot of fun, I have done one of those schools at Watkins Glen with my 3000GT about 4 yrs ago, always wonder how the Prowler would do on a road course.

Did you have your laps timed? What was your best lap time with the Prowler? How did the Prowler stack up against other cars in the field? What car(s) come close to the Prowlers performance on the track? Camaro SS? Subru WRX?

** Rey Bestos Ceramic Brake Pads ($55 @ Pep Boys) on the Front will solve your brake dust issue!

posted 09-19-2002 02:27 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by spoons:

** Rey Bestos Ceramic Brake Pads ($55 @ Pep Boys) on the Front will solve your brake dust issue!

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Spoons-
I keep on getting a quotes of 80+ dollars for the pads at my local PepBoys... I might have to look around some more... I don't mind spending a couple of dollars more here & there, But $25!!!

TriJim-
Great photos! Looked like a great time too!!! Almost looks like the drivers side front almost lifted up in the first image! Great shot!!! Frame it!
Hmmmmmm Laps on a track with instruction, Prowler Museum... Sounds like great beginnings of a fantastic POA event!!! Did you run any with the top up or was it down to help ventilate the secondary radiator??? How were the headlight blacked out? Tape or plastic? I think I can almost make out the lamps inside... I guess it was done in order to protect the lens & contain breakage if it happened?

posted 09-19-2002 04:33 PM                  

Headlights - I taped lights to prevent stone damage, however it rained on Sunday and our early track time was done on the "wet line" with top up and headlights on (so no tape). I didn't get a chance to retape between track sessions on Sunday. I used Black Duct tape and was careful to keep off the paint.

Timing - Many advanced drivers timed each lap, but as a novice driver we were encouraged to work on controlled braking, turn-in points (hitting the apex), and acceleration. I ran off the track on one of the last laps of the day when I was focused on speed and turned in too early for a turn. Tightening the turn would have caused the back end to spin out. There are no trackside obstacles and we were able to drive back onto the track without problems.

Shifting - I decided to leave the transmission in auto so I could focus on braking, acceleration, and steering. In several instances (accelerating out of turns) the trans delayed shift during WOT so in this area auto shift might have been a better choice.

Other cars - The limiting factor in my group was usually the experience of the driver. The instructor was faster in my car then when I drove. The larger engine cars (Porsches, Vettes and Vipers) were faster in the straights (some reaching 100 in short straights while 90 was the highest I saw). Others (RSX, Honda S2000) appeared faster in tight turns, but Prowler was not outclassed in any area.

No one commented on the absent center caps. They are off because we rechecked lug nut torque after each session. None of the lugs on the Prowler showed loosening after any sessions and brake fluid did not need to be topped.

Other comments - Flag stations were manned and assisted with cautions and passing signals. Cars were checked after a spin-out or off-track episode to be sure they were mechanically sound before returning to the track. Advanced drivers operate without an instructor and in run groups that are segregated by car performance and driver experience.

I have higher resolution copies of the pictures if anyone is interested -- just email.

posted 09-20-2002 08:56 AM                  

http://www.rockauto.com/

posted 09-20-2002 02:52 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by spoons:

http://www.rockauto.com/

ReyBestos Ceramic Front Brake Pads - Part# 730 - $59.95

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Email pictures please!!! wildbill@ohiostatebuckeyes.com Thank you. Looking into Skip Barbar & LimeRock!!!

Thank you Spoons

posted 09-24-2002 09:38 PM                  

The Pics are great. I really like the one with the tape off the headlights and the Yellow s2000 in the background.