Live thread: An insider look at a GRM track test

Have any exciting Friday plans? Us? Oh we’re making the short trek out to the official test track Grassroots Motorsports, the Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park.

[How we track test cars and what the numbers mean]

We’ll be bringing our LFX V6-swapped Mazda Miata–as well as one or two other rides we don’t want to spoil just …

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The M3 is pretty much ready: lugs torqued, oil and tire pressures checked. The car recently got an oil change, so the sump is full of fresh Red Line. 

I’ll wipe down the car this evening so it looks all pretty. 

While driving it earlier today, though, I thought I heard a rattle from the rear. 

Found it. (Found the missing wrench, too.)

And more gear to prep: cameras.

I charge batteries whenever I return from a shoot, but still throw them on the charger before heading out again. 

David S. Wallens said:

And more gear to prep: cameras.

I charge batteries whenever I return from a shoot, but still throw them on the charger before heading out again. 

I feel neurotic sometimes about charging batteries. Even if the event isn't for another couple of weeks, I feel the need to start charging batteries.

I'm doing laundry because I accidentally left my balaclava in my gear bag for like six weeks and it smelled like hobo taint. 

I just finished loading up the truck--data gear, stay alive in the sun gear, and keep the cars alive gear. No photos until morning, because it's dark out! I'll load the car tomorrow, too, since it's supposed to rain overnight.

The other car has been safely delivered to Chris, who will drive it over in the morning. Still haven't figured out how to drive two cars at once. 

Time to make the donuts. 

I forgot to live blog my breakfast–coconut yogurt with some granola–but time to walk out to the car and then head on out.

Good morning from the track! Time to get camera gear unloaded and ready to shoot. 

Made it. 

Good to see that everyone made it.

Have fun storming the castle!

We are about to hit the track! 

Looks like the overcast is going to hang around - which is a good thing! But afternoon storms in the forecast, so get your driving in early. :)

ChrisTropea said:

Good morning from the track! Time to get camera gear unloaded and ready to shoot. 

That is a very interesting trailer in the background!

My first session in the GTI went well--the car is down to a 1:20.99 on 340tw tires. 

In reply to RacerBoy75 :

Here is what it looks like on the inside and some information on it. 

Time to cut some holes in the Miata. 

Yo dawg we heard you liked pictures of people taking pictures...

Hold vents installed and we are heading back on track to test. 

M3 survived!

Fun! Wish I was there!

Test day completed, time for lunch! 

Minor issues with the M3 but it's good to go and we are heading home.

I hope you do more of these.  It is cool to see this!!!