Scenes from the track - 2006

21 January 2006

One of the first things that was done after installing the MoTeC into the M3 was a spark test, where we do some basic tests (okay, Alex at CarbConn does some basic tests) to ensure the ECU can communicate properly with the engine. This low-res, 1.61MB video clip shows the spark being driven from 40RPM all the way up to 15,000RPM (the RPM "plateaus" are 40, 600, 1000, 1500, 2500, 4000, 5000, 10000, and 15000). As the intervals between sparks decreases, the resulting arc ionizes the air and eventually causes some minor chaos. Poor, brave little spark tester. :)

12 March 2006

As far as I know, the only pictures we have of the inaugural "Four Hours of Pacific Raceways." Pictures by Randy Krause, I think.

	Late in Eric's first stint, with the Euro-spec M3 in the background.		The first pit stop, as Eric gets me belted in and Skip adds fuel.
	Still shiny and undamaged, if a little dirty, the car waits as we pack things up.

28 March 2006

First time out with the new car, just close enough to completion to give it a shakedown and start getting used to it. Third run of the day, second hotlap... to quote Forrest Gump, "And that's all I have to say about that."

Poster courtesy Flagrant Disregard

9/10 September 2006

The teething problems I experienced on Saturday meant that I didn't get any on-track pictures or video, but here are a few shots I took as I loaded the car up on Friday afternoon. (You can see a few more on the Cantrell Motorsports projects page.)

30 Sept./1 Oct. 2006

The last regular race of the season, but my first real chance in 2006 to race the new car. More teething problems, but generally a successful week-end as far as my plans and goals were concerned. Pictures by my wife, except as noted.

Despite the few tire scuffs on the front, this is the cleanest this car will ever be at a track. (Unless I need to have it repainted—again—which isn't something I care to think about.)	More clean car, as well as showing the evidence of my adjusting of the hood pins. That's my new tow vehicle lurking in the background, all 395HP and 400 lb-ft. of it. :)
What the car is supposed to look like when it exits Turn 9 onto the front straight.	What it was looking like for the first half of the week-end, as the splitter slowly separated itself from the airdam. (Shades of the Portland race, but a good deal less violent.)
Shot of my brake lights being on for no reason, as happened all week-end long.	I'm so loooone-leeeee...
Taken during the Group 1 battle I had with Hugh Golden, showing him setting up for Turn 9 after taking the traditional Pro-3 (and Spec Miata) wide line through Turn 8.	The very cool picture that Miki Haraguchi took of me mid-corner in Turn 9. (Note how the right front tire has lifted off the ground!) My favorite picture of all that were taken that week-end.	M. Haraguchi

Low-ish resolution video of the full Group 1 race. Lots of mistakes, mostly because I'm still getting used to the car, plus I'm taking it relatively easy, as you'll see from all the times I give up a corner during the mid-race battle I have with Hugh Golden in Wes Hill's red/white BMW. (90.4MB)

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