A bit of an eventful day today.
Caught the first half of the Germany vs Costa Rica match and did not wake up in time to make my way towards Sepang for the 2nd High Performance Challenge structured track day event.
I got up realising that I had to rush to the sepang circuit. I suppose in the rush I picked up a puncture (on my right rear) along the way to the Sg Buloh toll plaza. Once on the highway, the puncture got worse and resulted in a tyre blow-out. Luckily I was driving within the speed limit, and the bimmer was well within its limits.
The blow out was a bit of an inconvenience. I had to replace the shredded tyre. The spare was not of the right size. Potentially, I had to replace both rear tyres if I could not get the same model. It turned out I couldn’t… not without waiting much longer. So… two new tyres today.
The new Dunlop Direzza’s do not seem as firm as the old Yokohamas. A little less surefooted around the fast corners. Well, I’ll use it for a while and try other tyre models when it is time.
Got to the track at around 12noon. The orphans from two foster homes had already arrived (invited by RMCC – Ronald McDonalds Childrens Charity). The kids had a lot of fun being taxi-driven around the Sepang Circuit in a variety of cars ranging from the Lotus Elise (driven by the always fearless Kah Beng) to an Opel Zafira.
I got my chance later in the evening to hitch a ride with Kah Beng (pic above – wearing cap) and to observe the man at work. The amazing thing about the Elise is the braking point… which was some 75m from the entry into turns 1 and 15. He would drive the elise very close to the limits of adhesion with many opposite lock corrections. Spun once. Interesting to note his line through turns 13 and 14. I would like to see a slightly different line through that complex to see how the exit into the back straight would be like. Also took a ride in Luen’s track car (a bare bones Satria). Good stuff all round.
For more information about the High Performance Challenge, please do visit the website… and also help contribute towards our Racing For Children initiative.