Wow, what a day. I went with Chin on Sunday and had an absolute blast. I had a full 3 hours of total track time available to me, and was only able to get in about 2 and 1/2 (oil temps were getting a little over 300). My instructor was awesome, and the best part was he had the same exact car, he was my age, we went to school in the same area (Raleigh) so needless to say we got along great which definitely helped me relax a bit behind the wheel.
For weeks leading up to the event I watched Craigs video about 5 times a day (thanks again for doing that by the way), but the first lap around the track for me it was just sensory overload. I took it easy for the first session, getting used to the track, turn in points, etc. and then starting in the second session I started pushing it a bit harder. One thing I must say is this car held up great. Once I got comfortable with the car and the track, my instructor had me try later braking points using ABS braking, and I couldnt believe just how quick this 3800lb car could decelerate. Pads held up good, didnt get any brake fade even into the last session. By the next event I'd like to have an oil cooler and a decent harness setup; I was sliding around in the stock seats pretty good.
My only little "issue" I had on the track was turn 17. I learned the hard way that you really need to brake a good bit where the braking zone cones are, turn in towards that cone in the middle, straighten the wheel a little and brake some more, then make the full sweep around turn 17. I didnt scrub enough speed before turning in, and while turning in and moving towards that middle cone right before the bridge I realized I was carrying too much speed, so I tried to brake a bit (bad idea) and right at the corner workers station the back end came out and we went for a little ride, but I had the tires pointed in the direction of the slide and was looking into the slide, finally got the back end to settle and all was good. Definitely learned my lesson; a.) scrub more speed before turning in to turn 17 and b.) trailbraking is not for rookies. Could any of you Sebring guys go into detail on the best way to take turn 17? Watching the videos I can see the line, but it is hard to tell the braking points for turn 17.
Heres a video of my cleanest lap without traffic. I had the camera mounted on the driver's side front bumper, but for some reason there is a ton of wind noise and it started to fog up a little. I think I just didnt get a good enough seal on the GoPro when closing it in the case. Anyways, turn down the volume and enjoy. Feedback is appreciated! This lap was a 2:49.8.
YouTube - Sebring lap in 2004 CTS-V
I cannot wait to get back onto the track, I am addicted.