For the summer of 2010 we have formally decided that,we need more track time ! In an effort to get ourselves, and our customers more seat time in the cars they adore, we have organized 5 open lapping days at HPR ( High Plains Raceway ). We commenced our summer of high performance fun last Friday June 18th, and we must say it was a huge success. Given the weather, the drivers, and cars in attendance, this was a recipe not just for fun, but for profound entertainment.
DISCLAIMER : before reading the rest of this article please ensure that on on of the following dates you will be able join us.
For more info on lapping dates, click HERE.
We arrived early but not early enough. The racetrack opens promptly at 7:00am, and despite being an hour from downtown Denver, its important to get there as early as caffine will allow you to. The sun and heat can become very intense in the afternoon lapping sessions, and without question, your best driving will happen before noon.
John Conner, a track rat and collector of B5 S4’s ( 2 ) swaps out his wheels and tires for his track set up; BBS CH’s with Dunlop R Compound rubber.
At the track power is important, but ultimately tires, brakes and suspension are everyone’s limiting factor. John brings his track wheels in his S4 sedan, and swaps them out trackside , along with a high temperature racing brake pad set for his Stop Tech 332mm big brake kit.
Aaron Marshall sets up the HD video on an Autospeed camera mount in his S4. Thanks Matt !
Drivers meetings are an important component in any successful lapping day. Here Glenn is announcing that for this particular day there would be two lapping groups : fast, and really really fast. Each group taking 30 minute sessions. This structure is essential in ensuring that people get the most out of their time on the track.
A stage 1 B8 A4, stage 2 supercharged B7 S4, and stage 3 B5 S4 patiently wait for their first laps.
In between run groups we retreat to the retaining wall and watch the action.
KEEP RIGHT ! Despite wearing street tires, Charlie Collings made his HPR debut in his supercharged S4. The induction noise from the PES supercharger could be heard from nearly anywhere on the track.
No speeding tickets out here !
Back in the pits Aaron Marshall checks tire temperature across the tread on Geoffery’s 2007 RS4. During the course of the day, we help our customers understand how and why to monitor tire pressure and temperature. A few psi make a big difference when driving at the limit.
As John Conner accelerates into turn one he ponders how many more track days he will attend on stock suspension. ( Correct answer = NONE!)
Geoffrey Thomas (G) smirks behind the wheel in his RS4. No stranger to performance driving G has grown up road racing motorcycles. This was his first day on the track with his car and according to his permagrin he more than enjoyed himself.
While on street tires ( 255mm Michelin Pilot Sport PS2’s) we noted that the RS4 became faster as the tires heated up. We measured lap times on the RS4’s instrument cluster ( COOL !) and found that as the car became increasing loose ( loose definition see ‘Days of Thunder’) lap times actually improved allowing G to drive the car more and slide it car predictably around corners.
Aaron Marshall muscles his way around turns 5 and 6. Like a bull in a china shop, Aaron gets his S4 to where its going like no other driver on the track. Riding with Aaron is a special treat. So special in fact that I will never, ever, ever, do it again. ( Just kidding, kind of..)
In all seriousness, Aaron is a very talented driver. His driving skill proves to be a useful teaching tool. As he can easily demonstrate to customers the limits of their car, and how to take their performance to the next level.
Everyone in the grandstands enjoyed watching Aaron playing his new favorite game : ’Pass-the-yellow-Z06-Corvettes-as-if-they-were-standing still’.
20PSI at 110MPH, uphill !
The racetrack affords us the opportunity to get out and exercise these cars to the fullest extent. Many first time drivers are shocked at what it really feels like to drive their performance machines flat out.
Many drivers experience a sense of meditative peace while driving in this way. When pushing the car to the limit, all you think about is this instance, this corner, this braking zone. Email, work, the BP oil spill, simply do not exist in these moments.
Sean Thul refuses to listen. We keep telling him that his race prepped 944 only makes 115HP, yet he still manages to carry as much speed as anyone else thru the twisting corners at HPR. Looks like his days of duking it out in the NASA Spec racing series are really paying off.
A question frequently asked at every track event is : ‘… if you could own any of the cars out here, what would it be ?’.
On this particular day, I replied confidently ‘GT3RS, no question,’.
This is why I buy lottery tickets.
With a Porsche club event happening the following day at HPR, the Porsche’s were everywhere.
These enthusiasts travel well.
| Jealous. Part of speech ; adjective.
Definition: greedy, very desirous. |
Just can’t get enough of the GT3RS.
“Hey look, a GT3Rs !”.
OHMYGOSHJEFFGORDONISHERE!!!!
Part of the fun of these lapping days is that you never know who you are going to run into out here. While Jeff Gordon was no where in sight, this twenty-four car is rumored to be a Hendrick Motorsports-built spare car for the Gordon racing team. Pretty incredible watching this thing make turns next to anything else out there.
Track prepped Lotus = COOL!
Nomex firesuit on a 90 degree day = NOT COOL!
While we respect this approach to safety, and love the racing gear, you will find us wearing shorts and t shirts.
Relaxing in the shade at the end of the day. Enjoying a cold drink, and good company. Not a bad way to spend your friday.
Got a question about the track ? Wanna come with ? Just drop us a line ! Info@3ZERO3Motorsports.com
3ZERO3 Motorsports continues to be the most progressive and exciting VW, Audi, and Porsche maintenance, repair, and high performance tuning shop in Denver and all of Colorado. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about maintenance, repair, high performance tuning or track preparation for your Porsche, Volkswagen or Audi, feel free to contact us day or night.
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3ZERO3 Motorsports Inc.
8065 W. 48th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033
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I just had to comment on the page about your June 18th day at HPR. I was there for the afternoon session and had a great time. Someone driving the grey RS4 was very aggressive and nearly rear ended me twice! I didn’t appreciate that, but I did appreciate the speed of that car. It blew the doors off my NSX. Anyhow, I am shopping for a 2010 VW GTI that I’m interested in having you guys work on.
Thanks for putting some big brakes on that RS4 so you didnt’ wreck my NSX!
That’s my son out there making mince meat out of the yellow submarines—-In a sedan no less!!!!!!!!!!
Ethan,
So sorry for frightening you ! The RS4 owner Geoffrey is a very talented and skilled road racer, albeit with a very aggressive style. I will make him aware of your comments. In the meantime, we would be happy to help take care of you on your GTI. We will be back on July 9th, if you are planning to be there let me know !
-Max
John,
Your son is a driver and a half ! You should come out and visit !
-Max
Wasn’t my RS4….I left at noon and don’t “almost rear-end” people. Haha. Maybe one of the S4’s?
Ethan, Now that I think about it, it was Aaron driving Charlies supercharged S4 and passing you before the first cork screw !
Geoff had left for the day, and the supercharged S4 is the same color as the RS4. In any event we will make sure to take extra care in passing next time round, in our defense there is a large yellow ‘KEEP RIGHT’ graphic on the windsheild of that car
Yeah, you might be right. It may have been a super charged S4 and not an RS4. Either way, it was a sweet car.
If i see you guys there next time I’ll say hi. High Plains is a fantastic track and we are very luck to have it so close to Denver.
nice RS4 fun pics Guiceworks-man! Is that a laughing at yourself smirk, or a, “I’m so gonna smoke that guy’s lap times,” smirk? …you should def do the supercharger.