I used Rotary Junky's Tune. According to the thread(s) in the Seasonal Events Forum, a few others are following suit.
I don't want to crush anyone's hopes or dreams, but I don't feel these events are winnable by everyone, unless you're willing to race dirty or cut the track.
The leader finished the race in 7:55 in the first 2 times I tried and 8:00 the 3rd time when I finally won by 8 seconds.
7:55 / 5 = 1:35.000 all 5 laps to cross the line at the same time as the leader.
So, knowing the first lap is ~1 second slower than the following 4, this requires you to average 1:34.750 lap times on the next 4 laps, and this just means you'll be side by side at the line.
Realistically you have to run:
1:36
1:34.5 (x4) to win.
My best lap of all 15 laps was a 1:33.0xx I believe.
For the those who are desperate to win at any and all cost, I've read about people who use the 'pit road' on turn 1 to cut some time, you can cut the corkscrew if you like, I did it once to avoid another car getting in my way, but due to dirty tires and the next turn, didn't think it actually helped, can also cut the very last corner. The best place to pick up time, is the last 90 degree turn, before you head up the hill to the corkscrew. You can make up a lot of time here, by getting a really good angle and keeping your speed up the hill. You can do it with 2 wheel still on the track, but again, if you're desperate to win, you can cut this much more than that. Remember, the STI is a very stable 4WD car. You can drive the entire course, half off the track and it won't phase the car.
Good Luck
P.S. Maxing the car out, and using the power limiter, give you max power at nearly the entire RPM range. I've heard this makes a big difference.
Also, performing the weight reductions, and then placing the weight back on the car with ballast, but in a better spot, to give the car a better weight ratio front to back. I didn't do this one, as I just used the car 'as is' from February.
