Grand Valley 300km Companion & Competition

At the start of this let me say thanks to everyone who has posted in this thread, i had almost given up on GT before stumbling upon this brilliant idea.👍

The best add VW never made on the best track never built.

The car

Do not attempt to adjust your pc, that is infact the 1944 Kubelwagen type82.

Tuning
Everything!
Custom tranny set to 180km/h or 110mph
Weight reduction 3
RS tyres (used throughout)
Delivering a awe inspiring beast that weighs in at a whole 667kg with 108bhp at the start of the race.

During practice the day before the race the little car managed 2:17.xxx a few times but more often than not practice times are a second faster than laps during the race.

The lineup
1: Nissan fairlady Z 300ZX ver.S TT '98
2: G35 coupe '06
3: Silvia Spec R aero '02
4: RX 7 Type RS (FD) '98
5: Legacy touring wagon
6: 300ZX 2seater '98
7: Kubelwagen
8: Skyline coupe 350GT
9: Celica GT Four (ST205) 98
10: Supra RZ '97
11: Impreza Sedan WRX STi version VI '99
12: GTO twin turbo MR '95

After leering stares from the racers and cries of amused horror from the fans the flag drops and they are off, they not including the VW since its blistering acceleration would leave a racehorse bemused.

LAP1 After cutting through the field in T2 we cross the line in 6th at 2:33.058 +6 seconds from the race leader 300ZX ver.S

LAP2 2:24.031 7th +8.5 sec

LAP3 2:19.496 7th +11.5 sec
Jockey between 5th and 8th from up to third at the last tunnel entrance but alas no hope on the S/F straight they blast by and i cross at 7th dropping down to 8th and retaking 7th through turn 1.

LAP4 2:16.258 wasn't expecting that!
Took 5th before the 2nd hairpin, the 4th and 3rd before the first tunnel.

LAP5 2:17.590
The 300ZX ver.S is +11s ahead of me, Silvia +7s as i cross the S/F line with the RX 7 -2s
From here it looks like this might just wind up being a four horse race

LAP6 2:15.937 (drafting the Silvia)
The RX 7 has decided that my rear bumper isn't quite flat enough and being the helpful chap he is he helps correct that the entire lap.
Take 2 seconds from him in T2 up to -4s as i exit the 3rd tunnel he takes 2s back on the S/F straight and another 1s for good measure.

LAP7: 2:16.547
Hit the limiter in no mans land just before braking for turn 1, the RX 7 takes 2 more secondes before the 2nd hairpin, outbrake and pass him only to have him pass me up the hill, trade again before the 1st tunnel and again coming out of the second one the last tunnel we trade yet again but he doesnt make it and runs up against the wall allowing me an easy pass back to 3rd.

LAP8 2:16.589
The very helpful RX 7 has pushed and goaded me to within sight of the Silvia in 2nd, though they both leave me for dead on the S/F straight I'm now confident that i can pull off an upset.

LAP9 2:18.168
Pass the RX 7 through the hairpin, keep ahead of him through the second one and manage to gain on the Silvia.
Take the Silvia between the first two tunnels, he passes me on the bridge and parks just as he took second back. The 3rd tunnel and the esses that follow it are my friend as the Silvia looses alot of time there, cross the line 9 seconds behind the 300ZX ver.S
Keeping clear of the Silvia's line as he screams past.

RACE NOTE
Never attempt to block the in a car half the weight and 100km/h slower, the resulting crash, though spectacular, will not do much blocking but the acceleration borders on super sonic

LAP10 2:17.307
The Silvia overshot the turn and managed to take both himself and the 300ZX ver.S out at turn 1, while they relax on the beach i pass and for the first time I'm number 1 !
Finish the lap with a 3.6s lead over the 300ZX ver.S

LAP11 2:17.593
300ZX ver.S 2:18.837 + 4.8s
RX 7 2:18.721 +5.3s
Silvia 2:19.991 +6.2s

LAP12 2:17.647
20% of the race done
Fuel at 90% full, tires roughly 10% worn front and 5% rear.

LAP13 2:17.147
RX 7 has moved up to 2nd and now +6s behind me, i have to assume a bit of a battle with the Silvia.

LAP14 2:18.1
RX 7 just ran a 2:16.5 lap since he's now +4.8s behind me.

LAP15 2:16.2
RX 7 +5s waiting for him to open up and blast past me, he has the power.

LAPS 16 - 23 all 2:17xxx
Nothing the RX 7 has kept the gap at a steady +- 6s
He's toying with me....isn't he.

LAP24 2:19.575 still the gap remains at the 6s mark.

LAP25 2:17.927
RX 7 now +8s behind time for tires?

LAP26 2:18.487
Start catching the back markers but i have enough handling to simply pass outside or outbrake, lapping the supra and legacy on turn 1 .
the G35 and the 350 coupe on the second hairpin followed by the GTO and the GT four.

LAP27 2:19.416
Passed the other Subaru while he was in the pits, finish the lap +11s ahead of the RX 7.

LAP28 2:18.544
Now +17s ahead of the RX 7

LAP29 2:17.990
+20.987 looks like he gave up

LAP30 2:18.476
Halfway through the race I have finally managed to use a half tank in this fuel efficient little VW.
Tires are at 50% and 25%
Cars 6 through 12 are all a lap down.

LAP31 2:17.871
Finally lap car 5 the 300ZX 2 seater.

Following the advice of my crew chief who's also my wife (her ability to bark orders made her the ideal candidate during interviews) I pit on lap 32 for new tires, no fuel, it took more than 150km to get rid of half the stuff.

LAPS 33 - 50
LAP times vary from 2:17.xxx to 2:18.9xx
no real need to hurry as the gap by lap 50 has stretched to a seemingly unassailable 35s over second place.
Pit on lap 50 to negate the lead, settle in for a nice dog fight to the finish.

LAP51
Starting a lap form the pits is always fun and as I pull out the hud shows i now have a +2s lead over the RX7.
Grit my teath, shift my seat, we will have it out now, clear air for the next 10 laps, its the RX 7's race to loose.



It never happens, i pull out form under him, by lap 52 im 4.5s ahead, he pits on 53 and i cruise to a comfortably hollow 24s win.



Total time 2h18.47

At the end of the race the little VW had 103bhp, after a post race drink of oil its up to a 110bhp/667kg

I will be back on SS tires maybe have to push for RH, will be back at the valley that's grand on the first set that puts me at 2:20 odd at practice.

fjdutoit

.....The car

Do not attempt to adjust your pc, that is infact the 1944 Kubelwagen type82.

Tuning
Everything!
Custom tranny set to 180km/h or 110mph
Weight reduction 3
RS tyres (used throughout)
Delivering a awe inspiring beast that weighs in at a whole 667kg with 108bhp at the start of the race.

Click to expand...

Wonderful write-up!👍

Could your Kubelwagen run the entire race without the lap # 32 pit-stop? It sounds like the fuel would have held out, what about the tires?

Respectfully,
GTsail

EDIT:
At lap 30 I had only used a quarter tank of fuel, I finished the race with half a tank left over. Apologies for the mess up didn't notice it earlier.
As for tires tell you for certain after the next go round, but I do believe that RM would go the 60 laps in the little car, I had the tires flash red once due to over braking and only pitted when I did so I could have a nice fight. Lucked out I suppose. RS was overkill but I had never run the race without a rabbit so I really did not know what to expect.

And I thought the Volvo Estate was a crazy idea! Excellent stuff. 👍

It was because of the Volvo that I decided on something out of the box, and the VW is about as out there as I could get I think.

Having recently competed in the 450PP French Seasonals, I found the Peugeot Turbo 16 to handle reasonably well on hard tires. Wanting to set a new low PP record here at Grand Valley (however short-lived) for Comfort Soft tires, and knowing of a grid composed solely of backmarkers with one competent midfielder on pole, I ran the elderly blue Peugeot 4WD. It was a race all about setting times quick enough to capitalize on the 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Ltd having a few bad laps in the middle of the race before his pitstop. Below are the results:

Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 '85
433/431 PP
HP 251
Weight 1239kg
PL 85.0 %
No aids except ABS
Comfort Soft tires used all laps, Pitstops Laps 20 and 40
Total time: 2:20:41.889
MoV: 8.150 seconds

Lineup, 10th GV lineup after console reset and PDC Madrid entry/exit
1) 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Ltd '05 (Fastest Lap 2:17.198)
2) Legacy B4 Blitzen '00
3) Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver. S
4) Nissan 300ZX 2by2 '98
5) MazdaSpeed Atenza '05
6) Accord Coupe '03
7) Dotini
8) Mits GTO Twin Turbo '95
9) Lancer EVO IX '05
10) Legacy B4 2.0GT Spec B '03
11) Soarer 430SCV '01
12) Supra RZ '97

Lap 1: 2nd place after cudgeling those poor also-rans.
Lap 2: +4 to GT 4 Ltd
Lap 3: +3
Lap 4: +2
Lap 5: +.01, Got a tow, and set my fastest lap of the race with 2:17.085
Lap 6: Leading, - 1 to 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Ltd '05
Lap 19: -2 to Gran Turismo 4 Ltd. Lap of 2:19.886
Lap 20: Pit with worn left front, take on 16 liters fuel
Lap 21: emerge in 5th,
Lap 25: 2nd
Lap 33 Back to leading
Lap 39: -12 over GT 4 Ltd, laptime of 2:20.101
Lap 40: Pit, take tires and 3 liters, drop to 2nd
Lap 43: +3, GT Ltd laps at 2:23
Lap 44: GT 4 Ltd pits
Lap 47: -47 over GT 4 Ltd
Lap 49: GT Ltd lapping in the 17's, low 18's
Lap 60: Finish 1st with lead of 8.150 seconds

Respectfully submitted,
Steve

Dotini

.....
Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 '85
433/431 PP
HP 251
Weight 1239kg
PL 85.0 %
Comfort Soft tires used all laps, Pitstops Laps 20 and 40
Total time: 2:20:41.889

MoV: 8.150 seconds

Lap 1: 2nd place after cudgeling those poor also-rans.

Click to expand...

Very nice Dotini!

Cudgeling back-markers!

Best done with a smile and a wave!

By the looks of it, the 350Z Gran Turismo was coming on fast over the last 15 laps. A couple more laps and he would have been all over you like a cheap suit!

Cheers!
GTsail

GTsail290

Cudgeling back-markers!

Click to expand...

"Peremptory dismissal". Cudgeling is indeed too strong a term for a sportsman.

GTsail290

By the looks of it, the 350Z Gran Turismo was coming on fast over the last 15 laps. A couple more laps and he would have been all over you like a cheap suit!

Click to expand...

He loses his best steam after his first few laps in the stint. Even so, either I or my Peugeot did become somewhat wayward and erratic the last few laps.

Having said and done all that, I'm moving on to Laguna Seca. I'm a little tired of all those right hand turns. It's back to the USA for some left turns!💡

Respectfully,
Steve

Good run Dotini. 👍 That's a grid I don't think I've ever run against *gets idea*. How worn were your tyres when you pitted?

axletramp

Good run Dotini. 👍 That's a grid I don't think I've ever run against *gets idea*. How worn were your tyres when you pitted?

Click to expand...

Thanks, axletramp. I expect you will be able use this grid for a new record run at Grand Valley. My "SnailQuest" grid research may have yielded a minor nugget.

My left front tire was worn to about the 60% level, while the other tires were closer to 75%. I have found that in a race where you are strongly relying on your tires, this is about as far as you want to let them wear, since once they get near the 50% point, the wear rate becomes greatly aggravated, and you lose time hand over fist. The other nice thing about stopping twice is that you can add twice as much fuel without without lengthening the stop longer than it takes to change tires.

You will find that as you lower the PP value, the more you rely on the tires for your speed. In other words, it is easier to make the tires last if you don't lean on them! In the subject race, the key is to drive steadily, making up crucial time while the 350Z is floundering on his laps 31-44. He comes in for a very long stop, and you are now ahead. BUT, his tires are now fresh and yours are going past their prime, and you are now the hunted until the checkered flag. But I know you will do well, and I'm looking forward to your always entertaining race reports. Meanwhile, I will be laying siege to some of your records at Laguna Seca!

Respectfully yours,
Steve

For my next attempt, I decide to try a used Toyota MR2 that already has a bit of mileage on the clock.

After a chassis maintenance, I have my crack pit-crew adjust the spec's on my Toyota MR2 GT-S '97 (Orange Mica Metallic) and end up with the following spec's:

Horsepower: 217
Weight: 1375kg (added 105kg of ballast)
PPvalue: 417
Tires: SH (used thoughout the race)
P.Limiter: 85.0%
Odometer at start: 8766.7 miles
No skid

Time to face the competition at the Valley....

Sitting on the starting grid at Grand Valley were the following cars (alternative lineup # 10):

1) Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Ltd '05
2) Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen '00
3) Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT 2seater
4) Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z332 '98
5) Mazdaspeed Atenza '05
6) Honda Accord Coupe EX '03
7) GTsail in the MR2 GT-S
8) Mits GTO Twin Turbo MR '95
9) Lancer EVO IX GSR '05
10) Subaru Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B
11) Toyota Soarer 430SCV '01
12) Toyota Supra RZ '97

The flag drops and we're off for another tour of the Valley!

As usual, I coast for a bit to let the field stream past, so I follow the 11th place Toyota Supra RZ into the first hairpin.

I make my first pass of the race when I out-brake the 11th place Toyota Supra RZ going into the 2nd hairpin. A little paint was exchanged. I then pass the 10th place Toyota Soarer 430SCV as we brake for the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. Up next is the 9th place Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B, who I pass as we go across the bridge for the first time.
At the end of the lap, I'm in the draft of the Lancer EVO IX GSR '05 as I cross the S/F line 9.2 seconds behind the race leader after a 2.28.679 lap.

On lap # 2, I pass both the 8th place Lancer EVO IX GSR '05 and the 7th place Mits GTO Twin Turbo '95 when I out-brake them both going into the 2nd hairpin. I then pass the 6th place Mazdaspeed Atenza as we go across the bridge again. At the end of the lap, I see that I'm 11.2 seconds behind the race leader after a 2.20.693 lap.

On lap # 3, I set an early lap record of 2.17.857 and end the lap 10.5 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Ltd.

On lap # 4, I pass the 5th place Accord Coupe EX as we brake for the second hairpin. I also pass the 4th place Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z32 as we drive across the bridge. I think that the AI must enjoy the view, because they are always slow going across the bridge (not that I'm complaining mind you). At the end of the lap, I draft-up along-side the 3rd place Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen, and end the lap 11.5 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 5, I pass the 3rd place Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen as we go thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins.

On lap # 7, I set a new lap record of 2.17.436 and end the lap 12.9 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 9, I catch the 2nd place Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT 2seater as we drive across the bridge. The Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT 2seater leaves room for me on the inside, so I take the inside line as we go thru the third tunnel and I take over 2nd place in the race. At the end of the lap, I'm 12.5 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 10, I set another lap record of 2.17.283 and end the lap 11.5 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 12, I set another lap record of 2.16.582 and end the lap only 9 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo.

After 14 laps, I'm only 5 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo after another decent lap of 2.16.656.

After 18 laps, I'm only 2.2 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo after a slow 2.18.277 lap.

By this point in the race, its clear that my only competition is the Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo. The 3rd place Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT is about 30 seconds behind us.

On lap # 21, I catch the first place Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo as we go across the bridge, so I follow him thru the 3rd tunnel and then pass him as we go thru the final esses. At the end of the lap, I have a 0.325 second lead over the 350Z Gran Turismo.

By the end of lap # 22, I've been able to stretch out a 1.5 second lead over the 2nd place Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo after a 2.18.787 lap.

By the end of lap # 25, I have a 5 second lead over the Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo after a decent 2.18.982 lap. My tires have started to lose their new grip, but are still decent.

On lap # 30, as I cross the bridge, I check my fuel and tires. I've used about half my fuel, and I would estimate that I've used about 30% of my tires. The bridge checkpoint says that I have a 15 second lead over the Nissan 350Z Gran Tursimo who has been falling back. Since lap # 29 was a decent 2.18.630 lap, I decide to delay my pit-stop for a couple of laps.

On lap # 33, I catch the 12th place Mazdaspeed Atenza as we go across the bridge. I now feel that its time for my first (and only) pit-stop, so with a 20 second lead, I dive into the pits at the end of lap # 33 for new SH tires and ask for 15 liters of fuel.

While I'm in the pits, the 2nd place Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo drives past. This drops me into 2nd place in the race.

At the first checkpoint on lap # 34, I get the news that I'm 11 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Tursimo. Time for a break.....

After 35 laps, I see that I'm only 6 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo after a 2.17.703 lap.

By the end of lap # 36, I'm only 0.099 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Tursimo when I cross the S/F line after a decent 2.17.452 lap.

Immediately on lap # 37, I pass the Nissan 350Z Gran Tursimo as we go into the first hairpin. I also pass the 11th place Mazdaspeed Atenza.

At the end of lap # 40, I catch and pass the Mits GTO Twin Turbo '95 going thru the final esses. Just in front of the Mits GTO Twin Turbo is a 4-car pack being lead by the Toyota Supra RZ, who peels off to dive into the pits from 5th place in the race.

On lap # 41, I pass the 7th place Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen as we go thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins. I also pass the 6th place Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z32 as we go thru the second tunnel.

On lap # 43, I catch and pass the 5th place Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT as we make the final right-hander, just before the S/F straight. At the end of the lap, I see that I've got a 31 second lead over the Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo who has fallen back considerably.

On lap # 45, I catch and pass the 4th place Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B as we are going across the bridge. I also pass the 3rd place Mits Lancer EVO IX GSR '05, just before it drives off to enter the pits. I've now lapped the entire field, except for the 2nd place Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo.

The Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo pits at the end of lap # 45.

As I begin lap # 47, I see that I have a 1 minute and 25 second lead over the 2nd place Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 50, the game flashes the news that I have a 1 lap lead as I go thru the 2nd tunnel. About 2 seconds later, at the bridge checkpoint, the game says that I have a 1 minute and 23 second lead over the 2nd place Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo. I must have hit some sort of GV time warp!!!

On lap # 53, the game again tells me that I have a 1 lap lead as I exit the first hairpin (puzzled). At the first checkpoint on lap # 53, the game tells me that my lead is only 1 minute and 24 seconds over the Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo. Time warp again!!!

On lap # 54, I catch and pass the Mazdaspeed Atenza and put him two laps down.

After a decent 2.18.098 lap, I end lap # 58 with a 1 minute and 24 second lead over the Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo.

At the bridge checkpoint on lap # 60, my lead is 1minute and 28.802 seconds.

I cross the Finish line and take the win after 2 hours 19 minutes and 14.775 seconds.

Finishing order:
----------------
1) GTsail in MR2
2) Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo-------1min,29secs back (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.17.3)
3) Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 36)(BL 2.17.5)
4) Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z332 '98----------1 lap down (pits on lap # 34)(BL 2.18.0)
5) Toyota Soarer 430SCV '01------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 32)(BL 2.18.4)
6) Lancer EVO IX GSR '05----------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.19.3)
7) Honda Accord Coupe EX '03-----------1 lap down (pits on lap # 36)(BL 2.19.1)
8) Subaru Legacy B4 2.0GT--------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 47)(BL 2.18.8)
9) Toyota Supra RZ '97------------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 39)(BL 2.17.9)
10) Mits GTO Twin Turbo MR '95----------1 lap down (pits on lap # 40)(BL 2.19.2)
11) Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen '00---------1 lap down (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.19.7)
12) Mazdaspeed Atenza '05--------------2 laps down (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.20.4)

Post race notes:
------------------
Enjoyable race, though my Toyota MR2 GT-S ended up being a little too strong. I may try again with a lower PP tune. I'm not sure what happened to my game during lap # 50 and lap # 53, the game must have produced some sort of mis-calculation to flash the news that I had a 1 lap lead. The 2nd place car, the 350Z, wasn't in the pits, so its a bit puzzling. Has anyone else seen anything like it?

After the race, I checked my cars odometer, and it shows 8949.4 miles. So during the race I drove 182.7 miles. This is over a mile shorter than the published race distance. I must be using the GV short-cut more often than I'm admitting to!

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

GTsail290

Toyota MR2 GT-S '97
PPvalue: 417
Tires: SH (used thoughout the race)

(alternative lineup # 10):
1) Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Ltd '05

I cross the Finish line and take the win after 2 hours 19 minutes and 14.775 seconds.

Finishing order:
1) GTsail in MR2
2) Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo-------1min,29secs back (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.17.3)

Post race notes:
Enjoyable race, though my Toyota MR2 GT-S ended up being a little too strong. I may try again with a lower PP tune. I'm not sure what happened to my game during lap # 50 and lap # 53, the game must have produced some sort of mis-calculation to flash the news that I had a 1 lap lead. The 2nd place car, the 350Z, wasn't in the pits, so its a bit puzzling. Has anyone else seen anything like it?

After the race, I checked my cars odometer, and it shows 8949.4 miles. So during the race I drove 182.7 miles. This is over a mile shorter than the published race distance. I must be using the GV short-cut more often than I'm admitting to!

Click to expand...

Very interesting, GTsail290
And congratulations to your hard-working pit crew for tuning your MR2 so well.👍

Your result would seem to confirm that alternate lineup #10 is the best available in terms of ease in pace and ease of access. And you would seem to stand on the threshold of a new record for Sport Hard tires, should you choose to attempt it, and I hope you do!

I have never noticed the "time warp" that you report. Were you logged in?

Finally, with regards to the GV short-cut, the only one I am aware of is across the grass at turn 9, the 2nd right after the 2nd hairpin, and it's hardly worth the time, not to mention the opprobrium. Is this the one to which you refer?

Respectfully yours,
Steve

Dotini

...
I have never noticed the "time warp" that you report. Were you logged in?

Finally, with regards to the GV short-cut, the only one I am aware of is across the grass at turn 9, the 2nd right after the 2nd hairpin, and it's hardly worth the time, not to mention the opprobrium. Is this the one to which you refer?

Click to expand...

Yes, I was logged into the PSNetwork.

This was the first time that I've ever seen the game flash extra data like this during a GV300km race (and you know how many runs I've made!).

Somehow, the game must have been confused by the placement of the cars.

I have seen the opposite (during the 4hour 'Ring race), where the game didn't flash any split times during a lap, but I've never seen the game flash an extra split time like this.

I hope someone else sees it so I'll know that I'm not halucinating!

As to the GV short-cut, I'm not at liberty to mention its location, but its surface is paved with cement!

Puzzled,
GTsail

I just got the minolta 88c and won by 7 laps! Boom

For my next Grand Valley run, I decide upon some British machinery.

I check my garage and see a somewhat used Lotus Elise 111S '03 that already has a bit of mileage, since I've used it during some earlier testing runs.

After a chassis maintenance, I have my crack pit-crew adjust the spec's on my Lotus Elise 111S '03 (Bordeux Red Metallic) and end up with the following spec's:

Horsepower: 160
Weight: 950kg (added 144kg of ballast)
PPvalue: 407
Tires: SH (used thoughout the race)
P.Limiter: 87.6%
Odometer at start: 16,721.6 miles
Odemeter at finish: 16,904.5 miles
No skid

Time to face the competition at the Valley....

Sitting on the starting grid at Grand Valley were the following cars (alternative lineup # 10):

1) Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Ltd '05
2) Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen '00
3) Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT 2seater
4) Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z332 '98
5) Mazdaspeed Atenza '05
6) Honda Accord Coupe EX '03
7) GTsail in the Elise 111S
8) Mits GTO Twin Turbo MR '95
9) Lancer EVO IX GSR '05
10) Subaru Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B
11) Toyota Soarer 430SCV '01
12) Toyota Supra RZ '97

The flag drops and we're off!!

As usual, I coast for a bit off the starting line to let the field stream past, so I follow the Toyota Supra RZ into the first hairpin. During lap # 1, I pass both the 11th place Toyota Supra RZ and the 10th place Toyota Soarer 430SCV and end the lap 11.3 seconds behind the race leader after a 2.30.717 lap.

During lap # 2, I pass the 9th place Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B, the 8th place Lancer EVO IX GSR '05 and the 7th place Mits GTO Twin Turbo '95, and end the lap 12.2 seconds behind the race leader after a 2.19.627 lap.

On lap # 3, I pass both the 6th place Mazdaspeed Atenza and the 5th place Accord Coupe EX and end the lap 12.5 seconds behind the race leading Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo after a 2.18.576 lap.

On lap # 5, I pass both the 4th place Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z32 and the 3rd place Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen and end the lap 12.2 seconds behind the race leading 350Z Gran Turismo after a 2.18.206 lap.

I set a new lap record of 2.17.261 on lap # 6 and end the lap 12.3 seconds behind the race leading 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 9, I pass the 2nd place Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT as we go across the bridge.

At the end of lap # 10, I find myself 8.6 seconds behind the race leading 350Z Gran Turismo after a decent 2.17.311 lap.

On lap # 14, I set a new lap record of 2.16.794 and end the lap only 5.5 seconds behind the race leading 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 15, I set another lap record of 2.16.552 and end the lap 4.3 seconds behind the race leading 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 16, I set another lap record of 2.16.502 and end the lap only 0.409 seconds behind the race leading 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 17, I catch and pass the first place 350Z Gran Tursimo going thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. At the end of the lap, I have a 1.7 second lead over the 350Z Gran Turismo.

At the end of lap # 20, I see that I have a 7.6 second lead over the 350Z Gran Turismo after a new lap record of 2.16.318.

After 25 laps, I have a 23 second lead over the 2nd place 350Z Gran Turismo.

I obviously have too much car!

I will continue on and see if I can lap the field.

The first back-marker to get lapped is the Mazdaspeed Atenza who I pass as we cross the bridge on lap # 29.

At the end of lap # 29, I have a 35 second lead over the 2nd place 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 32, I catch the back-end of a 7-car train being caboosed by the Toyota Supra RZ. I pass the 11th place Toyota Supra RZ as we cross the bridge on lap # 32.

On lap # 33, I pass the 10th place Subaru Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B as we go thru the first hairpin. I then pass the 9th place Toyota Soarer 430SCV as we go thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins. Up next is the 8th place Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen who I pass as we go across the bridge. I also pass the 7th place Mits GTO Twin Turbo '95 as we go thru the final esses.

On lap # 34, I pass the 6th place Accord Coupe EX as we go thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins.

As I drive up the S/F straight at the end of lap # 35, I see that the Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z32 is in the pits, so he goes a lap down as I begin lap # 36.

On lap # 36, I pass the 4th place Lancer EVO IX GSR as we go thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. At the end of the lap, I see that I have a 62 second lead over the 2nd place 350Z Gran Turismo.

As I begin lap # 38, I pass the 3rd place Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT, who decides to dive into the pits.

On lap # 38, as I cross the bridge, I check my fuel gauge and see that I've used about half a tank worth of fuel. And my tires are about 25% gone. This means that they would both last for the entire race. My lap times have started to lengthen (but only a little), so I decide to continue on for a few more laps. At the end of the lap I see that I have a 75 second lead over the 2nd place 350Z Gran Turismo.

On lap # 45, as I drive thru the final esses, I see that I have a 1 minute and 54 second lead over the 2nd place 350Z Gran Turismo. My lap times are still decent (I'm still running mid 1.17 second laps), but I decide that its time for a pit-stop. So at the end of lap # 45 I dive into the pits for another set of SH tires and 10 liters of fuel. There's someone already in the pits. Could it be the 350Z Gran Turismo?

As soon as I get released from the pits, the other car gets released just in front of me, so I get to closedly follow the Mazdaspeed Atenza down the pit-out exit.

On lap # 46, I pass the 12th place Mazdaspeed Atenza and put him two laps down.

At the first checkpoint on lap # 47, I see that I have a 2 minute and 6 second lead over the 2nd place 350Z Gran Turismo (which means that he pitted on his 45th lap).

I run a 2.16.595 lap on lap # 48 since I'm pushing my Lotus Elise in an effort to catch and lap the 2nd place 350Z Gran Turismo who is about 6 seconds ahead of me on the track.

On lap # 49, I pass the Legacy B4 Blitzen and put him two laps down.

On lap # 50, I set a new lap record of 2.15.938.

On lap # 51, I reach the rear-bumper of the 2nd place 350Z Gran Turismo as we go into the first tunnel.

During lap # 52, I stay attached to the rear-bumper of the 350Z Gran Turismo. He's moving pretty slowly so my lap takes 2.26.229. We are going so slowly that by the end of the lap, the Legacy B4 Blitzen catches us just as we cross the S/F line to begin lap # 53.

Getting challenged by the Legacy B4 Blitzen has encouraged the 350Z Gran Turismo to pick up the pace a bit, so lap # 53 takes 2.21.672.

On lap # 54, the 350Z Gran Turismo back off again, so we turn a 2.27.184 lap.

Lap # 55 takes 2.27.065. This is so slow that the Subary Legacy B4 Blitzen drafts past both of us as we begin lap # 56.

Lap # 56 takes 2.26.360 and the Legacy B4 Blitzen actually pulls away from us since we are still just cruising along.

Lap # 57 takes 2.25.422 which is slow enough that the 12th place Mazdaspeed Atenza drafts past both of us on the S/F straight.

On lap # 58, the 350Z Gran Turismo re-pases the Mazdaspeed Atenza going thru the first hairpin and picks up the pace a little so we turn a 2.22.334 lap.

Lap # 59 takes 2.24.626, so the 350Z Gran Turismo has backed off again.

On lap # 60, I pass the 350Z Gran Turismo (to complete my lap the field journey) as we go slowly across the bridge for the final time.

After a 2.23.532 lap, I cross the Finish line and win the race!

Total race time was 2 hours 19 minutes and 33.738 seconds.

Finishing order:
--------------
1) GTsail in Lotus Elise
2) Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo-------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.17.3)
3) Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z32 '98------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 34)(BL 2.18.4)
4) Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT-------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 36)(BL 2.17.7)
5) Lancer EVO IX GSR '05----------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.17.6)
6) Toyota Supra RZ '97------------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 38)(BL 2.17.8)
7) Toyota Soarer 430SCV '01------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 32)(BL 2.18.8)
8) Subaru Legacy B4 2.0GT--------------1 lap down (pits on lap # 47)(BL 2.17.3)
9) Honda Accord Coupe EX '03-----------1 lap down (pits on lap # 36)(BL 2.19.4)
10) Mits GTO Twin Turbo MR '95----------1 lap down (pits on lap # 40)(BL 2.19.2)
11) Subaru Legacy B4 Blitzen '00---------1 lap down (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.20.3)
12) Mazdaspeed Atenza '05--------------2 laps down (pits on lap # 43)(BL 2.20.4)

Post race notes:
----------------
Way too much car!! I'm not faster down the straights at this level of tune, but in the corners I'm still eating up the AI badly! Must find a slower car! No time warps were encountered.
Miles driven during the race: 182.9 miles.

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

GTsail290

Way too much car!! I'm not faster down the straights at this level of tune, but in the corners I'm still eating up the AI badly! Must find a slower car! No time warps were encountered.

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

Click to expand...

Kudos for your new record run, GTsail290. Instead of finding a new car, why not reduce PP even lower on your lovely Lotus?

Were you logged in for this race? If so, why or why not? What difference do you suppose it makes (other than prize money)?

Respectfully,
Steve

Dotini

....Were you logged in for this race? If so, why or why not? What difference do you suppose it makes (other than prize money)?

Click to expand...

Yes, I was logged into the PSN during my race.

I also had intentionally run against the same lineup (# 10) to see if I could repeat the time warp, but no dice. Perhaps I needed to be in the Toyota MR2 GT-S. Maybe the MR2 is really a DeLorean, and strange anomalies will ocurr if you hit 88 mph!💡

GTsail

After an easy run with a Lotus (see post # 195 above), I decide to go for a bit more of a challenge.

Back in my garage is a nice looking Mazda efini RX-7 Type RZ FD '96 (black) that could use a workout. I have my crack pit-crew give it a shakedown and end up with the following spec's:

Horsepower: 223
Weight: 1400 (added 150kg of ballast)
PP value: 411
P.Limiter: 91.3%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
No skid

To give myself a bit more of a challenge I decide to try my luck against alternative lineup # 2 (after the Sunday Cup), which has the following AI:

1) Impreza Coupe WRX typeR STi
2) Infiniti G35 Coupe '06
3) Mits Lancer EVO IV GSR '96
4) Mits Lancer EVO IX GSR '05
5) Impreza Sedan WRX STi Version VI '99
6) Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z32 '98
7) GTsail in the RX-7
8) Nissan Skyline GTR R32 '89
9) Nissan Skyline GTR R34 '00
10) Stagea 25t RS FOUR S '98
11) Impreza Coupe 22B-STi Version '98
12) Mits Lancer EVO X GSR PP '07

The flag drops and we're off!

Going into the first hairpin, I get passed by the Skyline GTR R32 '89 and by the Skyline GTR R34 '00. I re-pass the 8th place Skyline GTR R34 going thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins. I then pass the 7th place Skyline GTR R32 '89 going thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. Up next is the 6th place Nissan 300ZX 2bt2 Z32 who I pass going thru the final esses. At the end of the lap I'm 9.6 seconds behind the race leader after a 2.27.242 lap.

On lap # 2, I pass the 5th place Impreza Sedan WRX STi Version VI '99 going thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. I also pass the 4th place Lancer EVO IX GSR '05 as we exit the final esses. I end the lap 14.9 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Xoupe WRX typeR after a 2.22.246 lap.

On lap # 3, I pass the 3rd place Infiniti G35 coupe going thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. At the end of the lap I see that I'm 17.3 seconds behind the race leading Impreza coupe WRX typeR after a 2.19.144 lap.

On lap # 5, I pass the 2nd place Lancer EVO IV GSR '96 as we drive across the bridge. I end the lap 19.6 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a lap record of 2.17.098.

On lap # 7, I set another lap record of 2.17.021 and end the lap 21.8 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

After 10 laps, I get the news that I'm still 22.6 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a fast 2.17.398 lap. The 3rd place Impreza Sedan WRX STI Version VI '99 is now right behind me.

At the beginning of lap # 12, the Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX STI Version VI drafts past me and beats me into the first hairpin. I pass him right-back as we go thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel.

On lap # 13, the Impreza Sedan WRX Version VI drafts past me again going into the first hairpin. And I re-pass him again going thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. My battle with the Impreza Sedan WRX Version VI has slowed me down a bit, so at the end of lap # 13, I see that I've fallen 26.1 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a 2.17.875 lap.

After 15 laps, I'm 26.9 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a decent 2.17.414 lap. And the 3rd place Impreza Sedan WRX Version VI is still following me closely. Time for a break.....

On lap # 19, the 3rd place Impreza Sedan WRX Version VI drafts past me again and beats me thru the first hairpin. I follow him closely thru the fast sweepers, so I re-pass him under heavy braking for the 2nd hairpin.

After 20 laps, I get the news that I'm 28 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a 2.17.517 lap.

I drive a sloppy lap # 23 and end the lap 27.8 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX type R after a 2.18.437 lap.

As we begin lap # 24, I can see that the 4th place Skyline GTR R34 '00 is gaining on me. He's about 3 seconds behind me.

On lap # 25, the 4th place Skyline GTR R34 '00 catches the 3rd place Impreza Sedan WRX Version VI, so he's only about 1 second behind me as we begin lap # 26. I've fallen 29.2 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR. My lap times have started to fall-off even though my tires still have about 75% of their life left.

On lap # 27, I allow my Mazda RX-7 to get all out-of-shape under heavy braking for the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. This allows both the 3rd place Impreza Sedan WRX Version VI and the 4th place Skyline GTR R34 '00 to get past me. At the end of the lap I find myself in 4th place, some 33 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a miserable 2.23.533 lap.

On lap # 28, we all three front-runners pass the 12th place Infiniti G35 Coupe.

Lap # 29 takes 2.19.660 which was a pretty decent lap for the condition of my tires. This is a sure sign that its about time for my first pit-stop!

At the bridge checkpoint on lap # 30, I see that I'm 32 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR. Since I've gained some ground, I think that this means that his tires have just started to go off and slow him down. I decide that I want fresh tires, so I dive into the pits at the end of lap # 30, and ask for a new set of SH tires and 10 liters of fuel. While I'm in the pits, I get passed by the 12th place Infiniti G35 coupe who un-laps himself. Time for a break.....

At the first checkpoint on lap # 31, I see that I've fallen 62 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR, and I have the 5th place Lancer EVO IV GSR '96 right on my rear-bumper.

Lap # 32 takes me 2.17.566, so I'm quickly back in the groove with a fresh set of SH tires and I end the lap only 59 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

On lap # 33, I re-pass the 12th place G35 Coupe and put him a lap down again.

Lap # 33 takes 2.17.185
Lap # 34 takes 2.17.150
Lap # 35 takes 2.17.039 and I get the news that I'm only 50 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.
Lap # 36 takes 2.17.286 and I see that I'm only 46 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

On lap # 38, I catch and pass the 11th place Nissan Stagea 25t RS FOUR.

On lap # 39, I catch and pass the 10th place Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z32.

On lap # 40, I run a 2.17.173 lap, and end the lap only 33 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

By the end of lap # 41, I almost catch the 3rd place Skyline GTR R34 '00 before he dives into the pits. He was about 2 seconds in front of me.

On lap # 42, I catch and pass the 2nd place Impreza Sedan WRX STi Version VI as we drive across the bridge. At the end of the lap, I see that I'm only 27 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a 2.18.202 lap.

On lap # 44, I catch and pass the 9th place Skyline GTR R32 '89 as we brake for the 2nd hairpin. At the end of the lap I see that I'm only 19 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a nice 2.17.827 lap.

The first place Impreza Coupe WRX typeR pits at the end of lap # 45, so when I drive past and begin lap # 46 I take over the race lead!!

At the first checkpoint on lap # 46 I see that I have a 26 second lead over the 2nd place Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

On lap # 48, I pass the Impreza Coupe 22B-STi as we go across the bridge. The 22B-STi is not pleased, so he returns the favor by slamming my rear-bumper going into the final esses and he spins me out! I lose about 3 seconds before getting underway again. Lap # 48 took me 2.20.389. I now have a 20 second lead over the 2nd place Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

By the end of lap # 52, I see that I have a 14 second lead over the Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a 2.19.434 lap. My tires are starting to go-off, so my lead is starting to shrink at an alarming rate!

After 55 laps, I have a 9 second lead over the Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a decent (for the condition of my tires) 2.18.538 lap.

After 57 laps, I have a 5 second lead over the 2nd place Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a 2.18.714 lap.

At the end of lap # 58, I see that I have a 6 second lead over the Impreza Coupe WRX typeR who has been held up by a back-marker. Lap # 58 takes me 2.19.092.

I have a 2.5 second lead over the 2nd place Impreza Coupe WRX typeR when I begin lap # 60 after a 2.20.007 lap.

The 3rd place Skyline GTR R34 '00 drafts past the 2nd place Impreza Coupe WRX typeR just as they begin lap # 60, so the Skyline GTR R34 takes up the chase of my Mazda RX-7.

Lap # 60 takes me 2.19.413

so I streak across the Finish Line after 2 hours 19 minutes and 6.903 seconds

I'm exactly 0.437 seconds ahead of the Nissan Skyline GTR R34 '00

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the RX-7
2) Skyline GTR R34 '00--------- 0.437 secs back (pits on lap # 41)(BL 2.14.686)
3) Impreza WRX typeR--------- 0.744 secs back (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.15.925)
4) Impreza WRX Version VI---- 22.057 secs back (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.14.997)
5) Mits EVO IV GSR-----------1 min, 45 secs back (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.17.2)
6) Mits EVO X GSR------------1 min, 52 secs back (pits on lap # 41)(BL 2.16.2)
7) Impreza WRX 22B-STi------1 min, 54 secs back (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.16.0)
8) Mits EVO IX GSR----------- 1 lap down (pits on lap # 43)(BL 2.17.1)
9) Nissan 300ZX 2by2--------- 1 lap down (pits on lap # 34)(BL 2.18.4)
10) Skyline GTR R32----------- 1 lap down (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.18.1)
11) Nissan Stagea 25t--------- 1 lap down (pits on lap # 38)(BL 2.18.9)
12) G35 Coupe---------------- 2 laps down (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.21.9)

Post race notes:
----------------
Great race! I was really sweating over the last five laps! If you want a close race, I highly recommend giving this particular lineup a try with a Mazda RX-7 at this level of tune. Just don't let the Impreza 22B-STI spin you out on lap # 48. You may need the time!

After the race, I checked my replay to see how the Skyline GTR R34 '00 tracked me down over the last 10 laps. His lap times were as follows:

Lap# -- Lap time
----- ---------
50-----2.15.594
51-----2.17.495
52-----2.14.866
53-----2.16.349
54-----2.16.372
55-----2.15.115
56-----2.15.624
57-----2.17.203
58-----2.20.915
59-----2.15.844
60-----2.17.091

The Skyline GTR R34 only had one slow lap, lap # 58. Both he and the Impreza Coupe WRX typeR got held up by the Mits EVO IX GSR '05 on that lap (I must remember to share my champagne with the Mits EVO IX GSR after the race).

Enjoy the Valley racing!
GTsail

Lovely close finish - 1st, 2nd and 3rd covered by less than a second! I don't think I've ever seen an R34 that high up the standing either. Good stuff. 👍 I could do with a close finish like that, as my recent runs have been walk-overs.

You gotta post some pics of that finish!

axletramp

Lovely close finish - 1st, 2nd and 3rd covered by less than a second! I don't think I've ever seen an R34 that high up the standing either. Good stuff. 👍 I could do with a close finish like that, as my recent runs have been walk-overs.

Click to expand...

Yeah, it was close!

The Skyline GTR R34 was extremely strong at the end. So strong that he actually drafted past the Impreza Coupe WRX typeR as they began lap # 60. I didn't notice this until I checked the replay! So I've had to go back and edit the finishing order of the race! I didn't notice this during the race since I was concentrating on my driving during the last lap, since I knew that I had no margin for error!

Respectfully,
GTsail

I have been reading all of these race reports (GVS300 LS200 Nur4hr) and decided to have a crack at GVS300.

I guess my problem is that I thought I would just beat the low pp limit for SS tires. Then I subsequently found that this is not an easy task.

I'll check the replay tonight hopefully and submit my write-up tomorrow of my failed attempt in a 358pp Suzuki Cap

hatfield

I have been reading all of these race reports (GVS300 LS200 Nur4hr) and decided to have a crack at GVS300.

I guess my problem is that I thought I would just beat the low pp limit for SS tires. Then I subsequently found that this is not an easy task.

I'll check the replay tonight hopefully and submit my write-up tomorrow of my failed attempt in a 358pp Suzuki Cap

Click to expand...

Welcome to the Valley!

Yea, I agree, besting one of Dotini's low PP runs is a challenge! He's a bit of a magician when behind the wheel of a tuned motor vehicle. Especially a go-kart-like Lotus Elise.

How far did you get at the "Valley" with the Suzuki Cappuccino?

Good luck on your next attempt!
GTsail

As promised, my report with the Suzuki Cappuccino (EA21R) '95.

I pick out the Cappy from my garage in Dark Turquoise Green Metallic and tune it to the following:
358pp
Sports Soft Tires
pl 85%
new oil
107hp
890kg
max speed set at 200kmh
4.7km odometer

I choose the first grid but find it different to the one listed on the first page of this thread:

Nissan Skyline Coupe 350GT '03
RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) '02
Mits GTO Twin Turbo MR '95
Mazdaspeed Atenza '05
Nissan 300ZX 2seater Z32 '98
Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX STi Spec C '04
cappy
Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GTB '96
Toyota MR2 GT-S '97
Nissan Fairlady Z (Z34) '08
Toyota Supra 3.0GT Turbo A '88
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) '00

Starting 7th I am swarmed by cars and at the kink heading into the first hairpin I stay wide to the right but still get a love tap from the 350Z
I drop to 10th by first corner
I fight with the Skyline GT-R stuck right behind me
He gets past and the Supra (behind) and I reel in the Legacy

I continue fighting with the Legacy wagon and Supra for positions 10-12 for the next few laps
I start pulling away slightly and by lap 9 they don't pass me on the straight

Unfortunately a mistake on lap 10 where I ride too far on the ripple strip on the corner before the second tunnel getting me sideways and losing momentum which means im battling with them again as the Supra takes me into the first hairpin only for me to take him back at the next hairpin

I pull away again by lap 13
Tires only showing slight signs of wear though lap times are increasing

Lap 15 complete
Its too late now and since I have too far to go before even thinking to pit, I call it a night so its a failed run

Positions at time of quitting are:
MR2
RX-7
Impreza
Fairlady
Skyline 350
Skyline GT-R
GTO
300ZX
Atenza
cappy
Supra
Legacy

I ran lap times between 2-23s - 2-21s
Best being a 2:21.545
Gap to the leader at the end of lap 15 is 1min 50+ secs
Total time at the end of 15 is 35:52:350

Stats of the car after 15:
108hp
359pp
78.1km odometer

It would be interesting to see what position I could have finished with a no pitstop run.
I may have had to pit once as the back end of the cappy was slightly twitchy.

I am thinking that the Cappy is too light and I would need a car with more weight and power at the same PP.

Is that why the Elise is so good?

It's not the weight here, it's the power. An Elise isn't exactly lightning in a straight line at low PPs but I know that the Cappucino is even slower. On a twisty track like Grand Valley an Elise uses lower revs than the small capacity Honda and can pull out of the tight turns much better.

You need to be hitting lap times well below 2:20, preferably in the 2:17-2:18 area against that grid. The RX-7 Type-R is your main adversary there, especially when he breaks clear of the rest of the field in the second half of the race.

Also, a two or even three-stop strategy on grippy SS tyres will be faster than not pitting at all as you will be consistently faster across the entire race distance which is crucial when attempting a low PP run.

Good luck.

Thanks for the tips. Stay tuned for my attempt to beat the RR record in the brother A310 Alpine

Edit: As Promised, my RR Record attempt.

After some testing to try and beat the overall PP record, I decide to get my name on the board with something easier to start off with and pull out my Alpine A310 1600VE '73 in Bleu Alpine from the garage.
Specs as follows:
390pp
SS
pl 87.4%
new oil
156hp
1027kg
max spd 250kmh
24,319km odometer

I run the first grid:
Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX Ver.S TT
Infiniti G35 Coupe '06
Nissan Silvia Spec R Aero S15 '02
Mazda RX-7 Type RS '98
Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GTB '96
Nissan 300ZX 2seater Z32 '98
Nissan Skyline Coupe 350GT '03
Toyota Celica GT-FOUR ST205 '98
Toyota Supra RZ '97
Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX STI Ver. VI
Mits GTO Twin Turbo MR '95

The flag drops and we're off!
Lap 1 2:33:xxx I pick through the field up to 2nd behind the 300ZX
Lap 2 2:18:xxx Keep catching the 300ZX
L3 2:17 I overtake the 300ZX to take the lead
L4 2:16 I start to pull away and the RX-7 takes over 2nd
L5-7 2:17's
L8 2:16
L9-12 2:17's
L13-14 2:18's
L15 2:19 -10sec gap to the RX-7 who is maintaining distance behind
L16 2:18
L17 2:19
L18 2:18
L19 2:19 -10sec gap
L20 2:39 I pit for new SS tires and no fuel
FL 40%; FR 50%; Rears at 90%; Fuel at 75%
+11secs in 3rd as the RX-7 and Silvia take 1st and 2nd
L21 2:27 +21sec gap
L22 2:16 I start gaining almost immediately on the 2 front runners
L23 2:16:137 a new lap record
L24 2:16 I pass the Silvia for 2nd just before the bridge
L25 2:15:926 (Record)
L26-28 2:16's
I lap the G35 on the last tight 'S' but he slipstreams right by on the straight only for me to take him again at the 1st hairpin
L29 2:16 I lap the Celica on the bridge
L30 2:16 +2sec gap
L31 2:18 I overtake the RX-7 on the bridge for the lead as his tires keep degrading but as I pull out from left to right for the pass I clip him slightly
L32 2:16
L33 2:17 I lap the GTO after the 1st hairpin and the Legacy Wagon before the tunnel and clip him as I pass due to him trying to move out of the way as I try to pass
L34 2:18
L35 2:17
L36 2:18
L37 2:18 I lap someone in the pits
L38 2:18 I lap another in the pits and the Supra in the 1st tunnel
L39 2:19 -22sec gap. I also run wide at turn 3 which puts me into the grass at turn 4
L40 2:39 +4sec gap. I pass someone in the pits at the start of the lap and then pit myself for new SS tires and no fuel
FL 40%; FR 50%; Rears at 90%; Fuel at 50%
L41 2:25 +1sec gap. 2 cars unlap themselves while I pit and the RX-7 retakes the lead.
I relap the G35 on the last tight 'S' and catch the slipstream of the RX-7 on the straight
L42 2:15:132 (Record) I take the lead from the RX-7 on corner 3
L43 2:16 the RX-7 pits
L44 2:15 -50secs gap
L45 2:16 -50secs gap. The lead is being maintained I assume due to the RX-7 needing to get heat into the tires
L46 2:16 I lap the 350GT at the 2nd tunnel
L47 2:15 I lap the 300ZX at the 2nd hairpin and pass another in the pits
L48-49 2:15's
L50 2:16 -50secs gap. I lap the GTO in the last tunnel
L51 2:17 the GTO unlaps himself on the straight but that lasts until the hairpin
L52-3 2:16's
L54 2:17
L55 2:18 -46secs gap. The RX-7 finally starts to gain but it seems to be too little too late
L56-7 2:17's
L58-9 2:18's
L60 2:23 -39secs gap. I go wide at 3 which puts me in the grass at 4 but its of little consequence as I cross the line with a total time of:
2hr 18min 36.616sec

The RX-7 was 39 secs behind
Impreza was after him but as I used a race save I could not see the other gaps or positions before the screen went away.

After the race the A310 goes down to 148HP and 383PP
24,612.5KM on the Odometer

I was sweating after my first pitstop as I was not sure when the RX-7 would pit. But luckily he just tries to run his tires into the ground and loses a heap of time before he eventually does pit.

If he had pitted on lap 30 it would have probably been all over.

For my next attempt, I decide to try out one of the GT Academy cars, so I search my garage and light upon the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero (GT Academy) '02

I have my crack pit-crew give it a shakedown and end up with the following spec's:

Horsepower: 220
Weight: 1320 (added 80kg of ballast)
PP value: 416
P.Limiter: 87.4%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Aquired: 7/21/2012
Switches: 1
Wins: 1
Beginning mileage: 124.9 miles
Ending mileage: 307.9 miles
No skid

To give myself a bit more of a challenge I decide to try my luck against alternative lineup # 2 (after the Sunday Cup), which has the following AI:

1) Impreza Coupe WRX typeR STi
2) Infiniti G35 Coupe '06
3) Mits Lancer EVO IV GSR '96
4) Mits Lancer EVO IX GSR '05
5) Impreza Sedan WRX STi Version VI '99
6) Nissan 300ZX 2by2 Z32 '98
7) GTsail in the Silvia spec-R Aero
8) Nissan Skyline GTR R32 '89
9) Nissan Skyline GTR R34 '00
10) Stagea 25t RS FOUR S '98
11) Impreza Coupe 22B-STi Version '98
12) Mits Lancer EVO X GSR PP '07

The flag drops and we're off!

As usual, I coast for a bit to let the field stream past, so I follow the Lancer EVO X GSR PP '07 into the first hairpin. I pass the Lancer EVO X, the 10th place Impreza Coupe 22B-STi and the 9th place Stagea 25t RS Four going thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. I also pass the 8th place Skyline GTR R32 '89 going across the bridge and the 7th place Skyline GTR R34 '00 going thru the final esses. At the end of our first lap, I'm 9.4 seconds behind the race leader after a 2.27.186 lap.

On lap # 2, I pass the 6th place Nissan 300ZX 2by2, the 5th place Impreza Sedan WRX Vers VI '99, the 4th place Lancer EVO IX GSR '05, the 3rd place Lancer EVO IV GSR '96, and the 2nd place Infiniti G35 Coupe. At the end of the lap, I'm 12.8 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a 2.20.364 lap.

On lap # 3, I set an early lap record of 2.17.641 and end the lap 15 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR. Looking back I see that the Infiniti G35 Coupe is in 3rd place and he's doing and admirable job of holding up the rest of the field as I try to chase down the race leader. The field is now about 8 seconds behind me.

On lap # 6, I set another lap record of 2.17.464 and end the lap a full 17 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

Lap # 8 sees another lap record of 2.17.317. I now have about a 20 second lead over the 3rd place Infiniti G35 Coupe, even though I'm 18 seconds behind the race leader. Just before the end of the lap, I get the news that the Skyline GTR R34 '00 has driven past the Infiniti G35 Coupe, and now claims 3rd place in the race, and begins to chase me down.

On lap # 10, I set a new lap record of 2.16.864, and end the lap 18.5 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR. Also on lap # 10, the Impreza Sedan WRX Vers VI '99 gets past the Infinit G35 Coupe, so he takes over 4th place in the race and gives chase after the 3rd place Skyline GTR R34 '00, who probably has a 10 second lead over him.

After 21 laps, I'm 24 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a decent 2.17.942 lap. I'm now only about 3 seconds ahead of the 3rd place Skyline GTR R34 '00, who has been driving 2 seconds a lap faster than me.

As I begin lap # 23, the 3rd place Skyline GTR R34 '00 reaches my rear-bumper. At the same time, I get the news that I'm 25 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

Looking ahead on lap # 24, I see that the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR has caught the first of the back-markers. I hope that they will slow him down a bit. At the end of lap # 24, I get the news that I'm only 23 seconds behind the race leading Impreza WRX typeR, so the back-markers have done their job!👍 Lap # 24 took me 2.17.798, so my lap times have started to increase since my tires are getting worn out.

On lap # 27, I catch and pass the 12th place Stagea 25t RS Four going thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins. I also pass the 11th place Infiniti G35 Coupe and put him between me and the 3rd place Skyline GTR R34 '00, which gives me a breather for a bit.

On lap # 30, I check my tires and see that I've used about 20% of the tire bars. The tires feel much worse than 20%, but they still have some decent life left, so I decide to continue on without pitting for another lap or two. At the end of lap # 30, I get the news that I'm 21 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a 2.18.552 lap. The 3rd place Skyline GTR R34 '00 has regained his place in my mirrors after falling back a bit as we drove past the back-markers.

On lap # 31, I pass the 10th place Nissan 300ZX 2by2 as we drive across the bridge.

Lap # 32 takes me 2.19.041, which was not a good lap, but I do get the news that I'm only 20 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR who has begun to slow down significantly on his worn tires.

Lap # 34 takes me 2.19.254 and I see that I'm only 19 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

At the end of lap # 35, I dive into the pits for a new set of SH tires and ask for 10 liters of fuel. The Skyline GTR R34 '00 was right behind me, so he continues on and takes over 2nd place in the race. While I'm in the pits, two of the back-markers drive past plus the 4th place Impreza Sedan WRX Vers VI '99.

At the first checkpoint on lap # 36, I get the news that I have fallen 49 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR.

On lap # 37, I catch and pass the 10th place Nissan 300ZX 2by2 and put him a lap down again.

On lap # 38, I catch and pass the 3rd place Impreza Sedan WRX Vers VI '99. At the end of the lap I'm only 43 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a 2.17.819 lap (made easy by my nice fresh tires).

As I begin lap # 41, I pass the 2nd place Skyline GTR R34 '00 who has entered the pits for his only pit-stop. I also get the news that I'm now only 35 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Coupe WRX typeR after a very fast 2.16.860 lap.

On lap # 45, I pass the 8th place Skyline GTR R32 '89 as I brake for the second hairpin.

When I begin lap # 46, I pass the 1st place Impreza Coupe WRX typeR who is in the pits.

At the first checkpoint on lap # 46, I see that I have a 23 second lead over the 2nd place Impreza Coupe WRX typeR. The Skyline GTR R34 '00 is in 3rd place and the Impreza Sedan WRX Vers VI '99 is back in 4th place. At the end of lap # 46, I almost catch the Infiniti G35 Coupe just before he enters the pits, so he goes two laps down.

On lap # 49, I get the news that the Skyline GTR R34 '00 has driven past the Impreza Coupe WRX typeR, so the Skyline GTR takes up the chase after my Nissan Silvia spec-R. He's a full 20 seconds behind me, so I've got a healthy margin (I think).

After 50 laps, I have a 17 second lead over the 2nd place Skyline GTR R34 '00 after a decent 2.17.394 lap.

After 55 laps, I have an 8 second lead over the 2nd place Skyline GTR R34 '00 after a 2.18.113 lap.

At the end of lap # 58, I only have a 2.4 second lead over the 2nd place Skyline GTR R34 '00 after a fast 2.17.790 lap.

At the end of lap # 59, I have a 0.210 second lead over the Skyline GTR R34 '00 after another fast 2.17.547 lap.

After 2 hours, 18 minutes and 37.862 seconds, I cross the Finish line just in front of the Skyline GTR R34 '00 with a margin of 0.745 seconds. Yeah!

Finishing order:
---------------
1) GTsail in the Nissan Silvia
2) Skyline GTR '00 ----------0.745 secs back (pits on lap # 40)(BL 2.14.727)
3) Impreza WRX typeR ------7.001 secs back (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.15.846)
4) Impreza Vers VI '99 -----48.481 secs back (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.14.974)
5) Impreza 22B-STi -------1min,51 secs back (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.15.950)
6) Lancer EVO X '07 ------1min,57 secs back (pits on lap # 41)(BL 2.15.837)
7) Lancer EVO IV '96 ------1 lap down (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.17.482)
8) Lancer EVO IX '05 ------1 lap down (pits on lap # 43)(BL 2.17.779)
9) Skyline GTR '89 ---------1 lap down (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.18.125)
10) 300ZX 2by2 '98 --------1 lap down (pits on lap # 38)(BL 2.18.546)
11) Stagea 25t RS ---------2 laps down (pits on lap # 43)(BL 2.18.536)
12) G35 Coupe '06 ---------2 laps down (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.21.832)

Post race notes:
----------------
Very nice race! My Nissan Silvia spec-R (GT Academy) does quite well at the Valley. I was able to run nice consistent laps during my stints, with only a little fall-off towards the end after having about 25 laps on the SH tires. The Skyline GTR R34 '00 is just so very strong towards the end of the race. Yikes! According to my car's odometer, I drove 183 miles during the race, a full mile shorter than the published race distance. I'm not sure where I'm gaining this advantage, but I'll take it!

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

That's a nice close run. I don't think I've ever taken on the GTR here. I might have a crack at it with something around 415PP.

For my next attempt, I decide to try out some more German machinery, so I search my garage and light upon the BMW Z4 '03 painted a nice Sterlinggrau Metallic.

I have my crack pit-crew give the BMW Z4 a shakedown and end up with the following spec's:

Horsepower: 216
Weight: 1370 (Stage 1 wgt reduction, then added 115kg of ballast)
PP value: 415
P.Limiter: 89.4%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Aquired: 12/29/2011
Switches: 2
Wins: 1
Beginning mileage: 204.8 miles
Ending mileage: 387.9 miles
No skid

For a change of pace, I decide to try my luck against alternative lineup # 14 (after the LeMans 24 hour race), which has the following AI:

1) Impreza Sedan WRX '94
2) Mits GTO Twin Turbo MR '98
3) Skyline GTR R32 '89
4) Silvia spec-R Aero '02
5) Fairlady Z Version ST '02
6) Toyota Supra RZ '97
7) GTsail in the BMW Z4
8) Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B
9) Fairlady Z Version S '02
10) Lancer EVO X GSR PP '07
11) RX-7 Spirit R Type A '02
12) Mazda RX-8 Type S '07

The flag drops and we're off for another tour of the Valley!

I'm not sure how strong the field will be, so this time I push hard to hold my position once we start, so I'm able to hold my position and I follow the 6th place Toyota Supra RZ into the first hairpin. I get a good run thru the fast sweepers so I pass the Toyota Supra RZ by out-braking him going into the second hairpin. Up next is the 5th place Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST, who I pass as we go thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. I then pass the 4th place Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero as we go thru the final esses. At the end of the lap, I find myself in 4th place, some 5.7 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX '94 after an opening lap of 2.24.924.

Just at the beginning of lap # 2, the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero drafts past me, but I out-brake him going into the first hairpin, so I'm able to hold onto my 4th place position. The Nissan Silvia is quite a bit faster than my BMW down the long S/F straight, so it was not un-expected that he would try to get past.

Going thru the final esses on lap # 2, I pass the 3rd place Skyline GTR R32 '89. At the end of the lap, I'm only 6.1 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX '94 after a 2.18.903 lap.

Just as we begin lap # 3, the Skyline GTR R32 '89 drafts past me. I out-brake him going into the first hairpin, so I'm able to keep my third place position as we head towards the fast sweepers. Looking back, I see that the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero has driven past the Skyline GTR R32 '89, so my battle with the Skyline GTR R32 must have slowed him down a bit, which allowed the Nissan Silvia spec-R to drive past him.

On lap # 4, I catch and pass the 2nd place Mits GTO Twin Turbo '98 going thru the third tunnel. At the end of the lap, I'm still 6 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX '94 after a lap record of 2.18.418.

On lap # 5, I set an early lap record of 2.17.963 and end the lap 5.6 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX.

Just as I begin lap # 8, the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero drafts past me. However, I'm able to out-brake him going into the first hairpin, so I maintain my 2nd place position, about 7 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX. On lap # 8, I set another lap record of 2.17.869.

Just as I begin lap # 9, the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero drafts past me, however, once again, I out-brake him going into the first hairpin, and keep my position.

At the beginning of lap # 12, the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero drafts past me again and beats me thru the first hairpin. I stay close, and re-pass the Nissan Silvia spec-R going thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins.

At the beginning of lap # 13, the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero drafts past me again, but once again I'm able to out-brake him going into the first hairpin.

At the beginning of lap # 14, the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero drafts past me again, but once again I'm able to out-brake him going into the first hairpin. You would think that at this point one of us would try something different!!

After 15 laps, I see that I'm 9.6 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX '94 after a decent 2.18.334 lap. I've finally pulled away just a bit from the 3rd place Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero (about a full second!!). The Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero is now being hounded by the 4th place Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST, who has been close behind him over the last few laps. This may have distracted the Nissan Silvia spec-R into giving me some breathing room.

After 20 laps, I get the news that I'm 9.8 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX '94 after a slow 2.19.186 lap. My lap times have just begun to fall off since my tires have lost some of their grip. I still have about a 1.5 second lead over the 3rd place Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero, who is still jousting with the 4th place Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST.

After 23 laps, I get the news that I'm 7.9 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX after another slow 2.19.296 lap. I'm still pushing my BMW Z4 pretty hard to stay ahead of the 3rd place Nissan Silvia spec-R, but my tires are worn enough, so that fast laps are no longer possible. Looking back thru the field, I notice that the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A has taken over 5th place in the race, and that the Mazda RX-8 Type S has taken over 6th place. I've been expecting them to make a charge, but they've been very slow to come thru the field. The two Mazda's are running together about 15 seconds behind me.

After 26 laps, I see that I'm only 3.4 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX '94 after a decent 2.19.093 lap. The race leading Impreza Sedan WRX is finally coming back to me. His tires must be getting as worn out as mine.

On lap # 29, I get a great run thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins, so I'm able to pass the 1st place Impreza Sedan WRX '94 before the second hairpin. By the end of lap # 29, I've been able to pull out to a 2 second lead over the Impreza Sedan WRX.

After 31 laps, I have a 6 second lead over the 2nd place Impreza Sedan WRX after a very fast 2.18.907 lap (for the state of my tires). Looking back down the field, I see that the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A has taken over 4th place in the race, and is about 17 seconds behind me.

Lap # 32, takes me 2.20.158, which is a sure sign that its time for my first pit-stop.

At the end of lap # 33, I dive into the pits for a new set of SH tires and take on 10 liters of fuel. While I'm in the pits, the 2nd place Impreza Sedan WRX drives past and takes over the race lead. After another 8 seconds or so, the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A drives past and takes over 2nd place in the race.

Just as I get released, the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero, the Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST and the Mazda RX-8 Type S all drive past the pits and drop me down into 6th place in the race as I cruise down the pit-land exit at 50 mph.

At the first checkpoint on lap # 34, I get the news that I'm 20 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX '94.

By the end of lap # 35, I'm only 15 seconds behind the race leading Impreza Sedan WRX after a new lap record of 2.17.830. I'm also only about 1 second behind the 5th place Mazda RX-8 Type S, who is on the back-end of a 3-car pack being lead by the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero.

On lap # 36, I pass the 5th place Mazda RX-8 Type S as we accelerate out of the 2nd hairpin. I also pass the 4th place Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST as we go thru the tight left-hander just before the first tunnel. I then accelerate past the 3rd place Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero as we go across the bridge. At the end of lap # 36, I find myself in 3rd place, 11 seconds behind the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A, who has just drafted past the Impreza Sedan WRX and taken over the race lead. So it took the Mazda RX-7 36 laps to work his way thru all the back-markers from his 11th place starting position. This was a bit longer than I expected, but I'm certainly pleased with this result.

On lap # 38, I set a new lap record of 2.17.728 and end the lap only 8.2 seconds behind the race leading Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A.

On lap # 39, I catch and pass the 2nd place Impreza Sedan WRX '94 as we go thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins.

After 41 laps, I'm only 4 seconds behind the race leading Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A after a decent 2.18.148 lap.

At the end of lap # 42, I catch the draft from the race leading Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A, which allows me to set a new lap record of 2.17.319!

On lap # 43, I catch and pass the 1st place Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A as we drive across the bridge. The Mazda RX-7's tires must be completely shot because he's moving pretty slowly thru all the corners.

After 44 laps, I have a 2.7 second lead over the 2nd place Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A after a decent 2.17.936 lap.

At the beginning of lap # 46, I get distracted by the Nissan Skyline GTR R32 '89, who exits the pits just in front of me, so I drive off into the sand on the outside of the first hairpin.👎 The 2nd place Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A takes this opportunity to drive past me before I get back from the beach! I quickly re-pass the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A as we go thru the fast sweepers between the two hairpins, and end the lap with a 2 second lead over the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R after a miserable 2.23.434 lap.

On lap # 47, I catch and pass the Nissan Skyline GTR R32 as we go thru the first tunnel. This puts him a lap down.

On lap # 48, I set a new lap record of 2.16.994, which makes up for some of the time I lost during my trip to the beach!

The 2nd place Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A finally pits at the end of his 48th lap, so at the 2nd checkpoint on lap # 49, I see that I have a 43 second lead. The Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX '94 is still being shown in 3rd place.

On lap # 52, I get the news that the Nissan Silvia spec-R Aero has passed the Impreza Sedan WRX and has taken over 3rd place in the race. The Mazda RX-8 Type S is shown in 5th place.

After 53 laps, I still have a 32 second lead over the Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A, who has finally started to show his speed, now that he has a clear track to work with.

After 56 laps, I still have a 21 second lead over the 2nd place Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A after a decent 2.17.828 lap.

On lap # 58, I catch and pass the Mits GTO Twin Turbo '98 as we go thru the first tunnel. At the end of the lap, I only have a 12.8 second lead over the 2nd place Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A who is taking 3-seconds a lap out of me.

After 59 laps, I still have a 9 second lead over the 2nd place Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A after a decent 2.18.220 lap.

Lap # 60 takes me 2.18.669 which gives me another Valley win!

Total race time was 2 hours, 19 minutes and 14.376 seconds.

Finishing order:
--------------
1) GTsail in the BMW Z4
2) RX-7 Spirit R Type A---- 5.418 secs back (pits on lap # 48)(BL 2.13.689)
3) RX-8 Type S '07--------1min,9.9 secs back (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.14.703)
4) Silvia spec-R Aero-----1min,15.1 secs back (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.16.442)
5) Impreza Sedan WRX--1min,16.3 secs back (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.17.270)
6) Fairlady Z Vers. ST----1min,23.8 secs back (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.15.973)
7) Lancer EVO X PP '07---1min,27.1 secs back (pits on lap # 41)(BL 2.16.236)
8) Toy Supra RZ---------2min,12.9 secs back (pits on lap # 40)(BL 2.17.621)
9) Fairlady Z Vers. S----2min, 13.8 secs back (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.16.318)
10) GTO Twin Turbo-------1 lap down (pits on lap # 40)(BL 2.18.622)
11) Skyline GTR R32-------1 lap down (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.17.777)
12) Legacy B4 2.0GT------1 lap down (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.17.870)

Post race notes:
-----------------
Quite a nice race! My BMW Z4 handles quite well at the Valley. It has enough speed for everyone except for the Mazda RX-7 Spirit who is just waaay faster than the rest of the field. Per my odometer, I drove 183.1 miles during the race.

After the race, I checked the replay for the last 11 laps for the Mazda RX-7 Spirit and he's running very fast at the end of the race as follows:

Lap # -- Lap time
------ ---------
50 ---- 2.15.781
51 ---- 2.14.200
52 ---- 2.14.703
53 ---- 2.14.629
54 ---- 2.15.071
55 ---- 2.13.689
56 ---- 2.14.845
57 ---- 2.14.043
58 ---- 2.14.935
59 ---- 2.14.769
60 ---- 2.14.xxx

Enjoy the racing!
GTsail

For my next attempt, I decide to try out a front-drive vehicle, so I search my garage and light upon a Mitsubishi Eclipse GT '06 painted a nice Kalapana Black.

I have my crack pit-crew give the Eclipse GT a shakedown and end up with the following spec's:

Horsepower: 225
Weight: 1450
PP value: 420
P.Limiter: 87.7%
Tires: SH (used throughout the race)
Aquired: 11/13/2011
Switches: 1
Wins: 0
Beginning mileage: 5030.6 miles
Ending mileage: 5213.8 miles
No skid

For a change of pace, I decide to try my luck against alternative lineup # 14, which has the following AI:

1) Toyota Celica GT-FOUR ST185 '91
2) Mits Lancer EVO X GSR PP '07
3) Toyota ARISTO V300 '00
4) Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B
5) Nissan Silvia 240RS S110 '83
6) Mazdaspeed Atenza '05
7) GTsail in the Eclipse GT
8) Mits GTO Twin Turbo MR '95
9) Mits Lancer EVO IX GSR '05
10) Mits Lancer EVO V GSR '98
11) Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST '02
12) Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX TT 2seater '89

The flag drops and we're off for another tour of the Valley!

I immediately pass the 6th place Mazdaspeed Atenza going thru the first hairpin. Up next is the 5th place Nissan Silvia 240RS S110 who I pass going thru the second hairpin. I then pass the 4th place Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B going across the bridge for the first time. Up next is the 3rd place Toyota ARISTO V300 who I pass as we go thru the final esses. At the end of lap # 1, I'm only 2 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X GSR PP '07 after a 2.24.230 lap.

On lap # 2, I catch and pass the 2nd place Toyota Celica GT-FOUR ST185 '91 as we brake for the first hairpin. At the end of the lap I'm only 1.7 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a fast 2.17.588 lap.

On lap # 4, I set an early lap record of 2.17.399 and end the lap 3 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07. The Toyota ARISTO V300 is in 3rd place about 7 seconds behind me.

On lap # 6, I set another lap record of 2.17.293 and end the lap 4.8 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07. The 3rd place Toyota ARISTO V300 is now about 10 seconds behind me and he's holding up the 4th place Lancer EVO V GSR '98.👍

On lap # 8, I set another lap record of 2.17.249 and end the lap 4.2 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07. The 3rd place Toyota ARISTO V300 is now about 15 seconds behind me and he has a 2-car pack right on his rear-bumper.

After 11 laps, I'm 6.6 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07 who's been able to pull away from me a bit even though I'm still running laps in the high 2.17.xx range.

After 15 laps, I'm still 6.4 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a decent 2.17.641 lap. The 3rd place Toyota ARISTO V300 is now about 30 seconds behind me and he still has the 4th place Lancer EVO V GSR '98 on his rear-bumper.

After 18 laps, I've fallen 8.8 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a decent 2.17.935 lap. Looking back, I see that the Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST '02 has climbed up into 7th place in the race.

After 20 laps, I'm 9.3 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a 2.18.199 lap. The Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST has now climbed thru the field up into 6th place in the race. I also notice that the Lancer EVO V GSR '98 has taken over 3rd place in the race. He's about 45 seconds behind me, so he's no threat at this point. The Toyota ARISTO V300 is now in 4th place and he's holding up a 3-car pack which includes the Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST.

After 22 laps, I've fallen 11.2 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a 2.18.635 lap. My front tires have begun to show evidence of their age (they are about 25% gone) and my lap times have begun to suffer. I would like to stretch my tires to lap # 30, but I'm not sure that they can make it that far. I have paused the race to contemplate my pit-stop strategy....

After a lengthy pause, I'm back underway again... and decide to carry-on for a few more laps....

After 24 laps, I'm 10.9 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a 2.18.993 lap. Lap # 23 took 2.18.994. Very consistent for such worn tires!

During lap # 25, my tires really feel that they have lost their edge, so I decide that trying to get another 5 laps out of them would be an ill-advised tactic, so at the end of lap # 25, I dive into the pits and get a new set of SH tires and 10 liters of fuel. Since I have a huge lead over the 3rd place car, the Lancer EVO V GSR '98, I don't lose any places during my pit-stop.

At the first checkpoint on lap # 26, I see that I've fallen 41 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07.

With my nice fresh tires, lap # 27 takes me 2.17.446 and I end the lap only 37.2 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07, who has caught up with the first of the back-markers and may get slowed down a bit. Looking back, I see that the 3rd place Lancer EVO V GSR '98 is about 23 seconds behind me and that the Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST is still in 5th place, just behind the 4th place Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B.

On lap # 29, I set a new lap record of 2.16.830 and end the lap 31.5 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07.

After 31 laps, I'm 27.6 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07.

On lap # 32, I catch and pass the 12th place Toyota Celica GT-FOUR ST185 as we enter the second tunnel.

On lap # 33, I catch and pass the 11th place Mazdaspeed Atenza as we go across the bridge. I also set a new lap record of 2.16.823, and end the lap 22.4 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07.

On lap # 34, I set another lap record of 2.16.537 and end the lap 17.1 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07.

On lap # 36, I catch and pass the 10th place Mits GTO Twin Turbo as we start to accelerate up the S/F straight.

After 37 laps, I'm only 8.8 seconds behind the race leading Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a 2.17.550 lap.

At the end of lap # 39, I catch the draft from the 1st place Lancer EVO X PP '07 and end the lap only 0.254 seconds behind him after a decent 2.17.583 lap.

At the beginning of lap # 40, I drive past the 1st place Lancer EVO X PP '07 as we brake for the first hairpin. Further on, I also pass the 7th place Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX TT 2seater as we go thru the second hairpin.

The 2nd place Lancer EVO X PP '07 pits at the end of lap # 40 (one lap earlier than I expected), so at the 2nd checkpoint on lap # 41, I have opened up a 55 second lead.

On lap # 44, I catch and pass the 6th place Lancer EVO IX GSR '05 as we go thru the second hairpin. Looking back, I notice that the Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST has taken over 4th place in the race. I wonder if he's finally un-tracked himself and can finally chase after me with a clean track. At the end of the lap, I have a 48.9 second lead over the Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a slightly slow 2.18.006 lap.

At the end of lap # 45, I dive into the pits for another set of SH tires and only ask for 5 liters of fuel, which should be enough to get me to the end of the race.

At the second checkpoint on lap # 46, I get the news that I have a 19.9 second lead over the 2nd place Lancer EVO X PP '07. The Subaru Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B is in 3rd place, and the Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST is still in 4th place.

On lap # 48, I pass the Toyota Celica GT-FOUR, who exits the pits just in front of me after his very late pit stop.

After 50 laps, I have a 23 second lead over the 2nd place Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a decent 2.16.917 lap.

On lap # 52, I catch and pass the Mazdaspeed Atenza again and put him 2 laps down.

On lap # 53, I set a new lap record of 2.16.457 and end the lap with a 25 second lead over the Lancer EVO X PP '07.

At the end of lap # 56, I catch and pass the 5th place Legacy B4 2.0GT spec.B by drafting past him on the S/F straight. I still have a 25 second lead over the Lancer EVO X PP '07 after a decent 2.16.886 lap.

On lap # 60, I catch and pass the Mits GTO Twin Turbo again, which puts him 2 laps down.

After 60 laps, and a total race time of 2 hours, 18 minutes and 50.505 seconds I take the win!

Finishing order:
--------------
1) GTsail in the Eclipse GT
2) Lancer EVO X '07 -----26.414 secs back (pits on lap # 40)(BL 2.16.059)
3) Lancer EVO V '98 ----1min,50 secs back (pits on lap # 43)(BL 2.17.376)
4) Fairlady Z Ver. ST----2min,11 secs back (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.16.092)
5) Legacy B4 2.0GT ----- 1 lap down (pits on lap # 46)(BL 2.17.440)
6) Fairlady Z 300ZX ----- 1 lap down (pits on lap # 39)(BL 2.17.244)
7) Lancer EVO IX '05----- 1 lap down (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.17.667)
8) ARISTO V300 '00 ----- 1 lap down (pits on lap # 36)(BL 2.18.020)
9) Silvia 240RS '83 ------ 1 lap down (pits on lap # 51)(BL 2.20.088)
10) GTO Twin Turbo ---- 2 laps down (pits on lap # 40)(BL 2.19.702)
11) Mazdaspeed Atenza-- 2 laps down (pits on lap # 44)(BL 2.21.165)
12) Celica GT-FOUR '91--- 2 laps down (pits on lap # 45)(BL 2.21.030)

Post race notes:
----------------
My Mitsubishi Eclipse GT handles pretty well, so it does a good job at the Valley! I'm pretty sure that I could have stretched my tires for 30 laps, but they start to go off substantially after about 24 laps, so I'm glad that I made the race a two-stopper. The Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST never gets himself out from behind all the back-markers, so he was never a threat. Miles driven during race: 183.2 miles.

Recently, I've been keeping track of the miles driven during these GV300km races and have found that I usually drive about 183.2 miles. I'm a bit perplexed as to why this is less than the published race distance of 184.36 miles. I could understand that my mileage might be off by about a 10th of a mile or so, since I try to hit every apex, but being off an entire mile seems inexplicable. As a test, I just ran a car in the B-spec race, and after the race I checked the mileage and found that my car traveled only 182.2 miles, which is another full mile shorter! What's the story? Has anyone else recorded the miles driven at the GV300km race? What mileage did you get?

Enjoy the Valley racing!
GTsail