I paid another visit to LRP last week (8/13/08) with the RX-7 and had the pleasure to drive with a few buddies on track. This event was hosted by SCDA. These guys put on well organized events. The weather was beautiful and the track surface was brand new. It was smooth as glass. The new uphill section was washed out to the point the armco wasn't anchored properly so we used the classic course.

Session 1
I used this session to get used to the new track surface. It was smooth as glass, but with no concrete patches and additional track area (new uphill, West Bend), all my reference points were gone. I used this session to explore the limits of adhesion, pickup new reference points, and explore the curbing. There is quite a bit less curbing track out at West Bend. The inside curbing is low enough to use at all corners. I was only brave enough to use at Big Bend. I felt less grip than I had in April, but I do not think it was due to the track surface. It is more likely due to my tires being heat cycled out and running in the wrong direction. I used a brand new set of Toyo R888's last April and had used up 10 heat cycles prior to this event. They were so worn on the left I had to flip them (left for right) to reduce opportunity to cord them. The tires were howling quite a bit too. The session was good for exploration, but the traffic was too slow. I was running Intermediate 2 (HPDE 3 in NASA speak).
Session 1 video

Notice in the video that I leave a lot on the table in the entry of Big Bend. I'm braking too early and too hard. You really need to trail brake this corner to get it right. I'll improve the next time out. @4:10.. I'm using all the road at the Uphill. The exit cone was knocked over by the wind, not my tires.

Session 2
I'm feeling more comfortable this session, but the traffic was just too slow. I couldn't get into a rhythm. I worked on some passing lines in the left hander. There were some real quick Volkswagens in this group.
Session 2 video

Session 3
I'm bumped up to the Advanced group (HPDE 4 in NASA speak). This group is quite a bit quicker and I'm able to get in a groove. I was able to turn a few laps in the 1:03 territory with my best at 1:03.5. I was pleased with the result.
Session 3 video

SCDA uses point bys, which I believe in provided drivers are courteous. Occasionally, you will get a driver like the Miata in this clip. He created quite a dangerous situation with a line of cars stacking up behind him. When he gets loose at the top of the uphill (how did he do that going so slow?), the field stacks up. I almost got a Diasio in my rear bumper. This is a tough call. Do I break the rules and pass without a point by, stay in line, or pit hoping to come out in a better position. I've tried all and found the pass without the point by in a safe location is best. In this situation, I didn't want to pass 2 cars without point by.

Session 4
I was preparing for another good session. I talked to a number of SCCA racers to get some tips just before going out. This is good, but I should have replaced the hood pins before going out on track. Bone head mistake. Everyone here should learn from this mistake. I smashed the windshield, bent the hood and the roof. It is an expensive lesson so I hope everyone here learns from it. I wasted valuable track time too. I'll just have to go back to LRP to try again.
Session 4 video

The car is getting repaired and should be ready for my next event which is 8/26 @ New Jersey Motorsports Park - Lightning Circuit. That should be a fun roller coaster ride.