So this last weekend was pretty sweet. Great track, tons to do/see, awesome time hanging out with friends and family. This was Hyperfest's first time at VIR and all in all in it went really well. For those who don't know, Hyperfest is a NASA mid-alantic event holding HPDE levels, various races (Spec miata, Honda Challenge, E30/E36) as well as various time trials mixed with USDrift and there Hooliganism on the Patriot course all in one weekend. On top of that there was a 2 hour kart enduro, helicopter rides, rally rides, pro drifter ride alongs, burnout contest, beer garden and a car show, just to name a few things. There really isn't any other grassroots auto event that I know of state side that has the same amount of shear stuff going on.
Before getting to the even coverage I had a couple of loose ends to finish up on the car. First a bleed nipple for the upper rad hose to purge out any air. Worked very well, no leaks.
Also moved to a 180* thermostat. Notice the difference at 195*. The 180* is wide open and the OE and part store brand just started to crack open.
Then Thursday evening Justin came over and we loaded his trailer with the car and tons of tools for the trek to VIR the next day.
I didn't take any photos through the weekend so I'll keep it short and sweet. Friday Mindy and I made it to the track pretty early, around noonish. A couple of old friends of ours, Renzo, Jorge and Chris where on the way as was Justin with the merkur as well as Jeff and Audie with the integra and Stu with his boxster. We scoped out an area for us all to park. At 7 or so everyone had arrived, had a beer, I got tech'd and relaxed. Open track was on full course and we watched a few of the racers start to prep for the weekend races.
Saturday morning was like a typical HPDE, some driver's meeting along with a classroom session and such. Then by 10am it was track time. Each day we got 4 sessions of 25 minutes or so on full course.
Here is Jeff in his k20 integra following me around VIR for a bit. Every now and then you'll see a flame at a shift.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYciZbY0Pzc
Saturday evening I caught a ride with Pat, who was participating in the USDrift sector of Hyperfest, and it was epic! Before we headed to the 2 hour Karting Enduro with Mindy, Justin, Pat and I. We placed 9th of 12 teams.
Sunday was more of the same just a little less hecktic. USDrift was winding down and the crowd started to thin as the afternoon progressed. Jeff and Audie headed out a bit early due to some power steering issues with the integra. Justin, Mindy and I got out a bit after the last session.
Sunday's last run, at the end I got to play with a Cayman, other than that, clear track as you will see. I did better the cars personal best at a 2:25.9 on Saturday's 2nd session out. However with the mechanical issues I couldn't improve on that late Saturday or Sunday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuHuolpmuBg
Currently car is under going the knife again, It felt noticable weaker through the weekend and I quickly found out that the gasket between the turbo and manifold had blown out, letting all some exhaust gas escape past the turbo. More on that later as a new turbo is being built along with what I hope a fresh bottom end. Car needs more than 160whp around VIR...
