Buttonwillow Videos

[mrondeau]

Here are a couple more Buttonwillow videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAPV8E2vZiE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v95rXjzQkys

[Mmagus]

Great vids Mark! What did you to shoot them?

I especially liked the Lost Hill "watusi" in the first vid, first lap.

[mrondeau]

Videos were shot with key fob cameras taped to the roof. I have some from the front bumper as well. I also have a great one that shows the cars ahead of me sinking into the horizon as the camera comes loose from the tape and slowly flips over. I'll get them sorted out in time for the Motorhead Monday.

[rshon]

Geez, Mark, do you brake at all up the back of Lost Hill (Phil Hill)?

I wouldn't say that Mark spends alot of time behind me, but early on Saturday morning, I was in the lobby of the Buttonwillow Motel 6, bent over getting donuts and coffee, and I hear Mark's voice say "Russell?" (actually happened...)

Here's a vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig-4_Xeu8w8

[mrondeau]

Geez, Mark, do you brake at all up the back of Lost Hill (Phil Hill)?

I wouldn't say that Mark spends alot of time behind me, but early on Saturday morning, I was in the lobby of the Buttonwillow Motel 6, bent over getting donuts and coffee, and I hear Mark's voice say "Russell?" (actually happened...)

Russell, Brakes are overated.. I figured out that if I hit the brakes, counted to two, turned the wheel and got back on the gas, I'd make it over Lost Hill most of the time. As for your rear view....let's just say its distinctive.

[Mmagus]

Russell thanks very much for posting that vid. It is really facinating to see how you take the track in your Boxter. The lines are similar but everything else is TOTALLY different than my little 924S (Tuffy). For instance on Lost Hill I am in 4th with my foot stuffed into the firewall untill about half way up it then I get on the brakes for about a two count, turn in and accelerate. No down shifting at all.

Its like a completely different car! Oh Wait It is!

[rshon]

Yes, well it is somewhat related to all the threads about how power and grip affect your approach to driving. When you've got more speed down the straights, you can get into more trouble on the corners (and the hills).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfvUQzm8oi0

There are some places that I know I'm making time on my compadres, and some places I know I am giving some up. I know that several guys actually brake before Lost Hill and accelerate up (and over) the back, but I'm not that confident of my ability to "stick the landing". The track actually bends to the right past the crest of the hill.

Besides, some of us have to be a little pragmatic, and be able to drive the car home on Sunday evening, and drive it to work the next day!