Big moment at Bedford

Big moment at Bedford

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Billy83

Original Poster:

152 posts

231 months

Saturday 2nd June 2007
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I went to bedford this evening for the open pit lane trackday. Brilliant day overall and lots of very nice people in some very nice cars. Anyway we were on the south east circuit (if anyone knows it) and on one of the fast left hand bends i had a huge spin. Was probably travelling at 70-80 mph, hit the apex and started feeding on the throttle. Back starts to come out (quickly) so i back down a bit and then WACK straight round the other way before i've got the slightest inkling what the hell is going on. Spin round about twice then proceed to skid backwards towards the sinister looking wall. Finally come to a halt about 2 inches from the wall and still cannot believe my luck (although all 4 cups have serious flat spots and for want of a better word are f**ked!) The point of this story is to ask does anyone else find the cups to be just that little bit twitchy and find there's a serious lack of progression so far as oversteer is concerned. The break away happens extremely fast, without much warning and at very high speed. On my set of michelin ps2s everything is, granted, happening at a slower pace, yet i personally think there's more enjoyment to be had out of them simply because the mistakes, if made, are less severely punished!

Just wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences with the cups?
I'm not doubting that they are a brilliant tyre if its outright pace you want, but in my humble opinion there's more fun to be had out of a less focused tyre where the breakaway isn't so quick and unforgiving...

Any thoughts?

Also my front left wheel was making a banging noise over bumps all the way home and the steering column is a bit 'creaky'. Any ideas what this might be?

silly


RickShaw

14 posts

204 months

Sunday 3rd June 2007
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Was DSC on or off?

nickbell3

119 posts

223 months

Sunday 3rd June 2007
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That does seem a bit strange, CSL can be tail happy but you were already on the power pulling out of the corner. The cups are tricky to get the best out of them (that's why I'm switching to 18"'s) but never had that kind of end swapping. Do you have standard suspension?, my handling "moments" have happened because the car was incorrectly set up.

Billy83

Original Poster:

152 posts

231 months

Sunday 3rd June 2007
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DSC was and always is off the moment i step out on track. I've got standard suspension but with as much camber on the front as i can have and the rear set up to compliment this. Agree with the fact that the car may not have been set up completely correctly and am now definately tempted by the idea of the kw suspension. All 4 tires have huge flat spots on now and i think that'll be the last time i buy cups! Considering buying some cheap, quite hard tires to use on track because i'd be happy to have less grip... ie more (controllable) sideways moments!!! biggrin

RickShaw

14 posts

204 months

Sunday 3rd June 2007
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Heros are slated to provide similar lasp times to Cups with none of the downsides. Too good to be true?

Pirelli has revealed the new "P Zero the Hero"

In the centenary of the firm's involvement in motorsport, the most technologically advanced product to come out of Pirelli research, a revolution for the tire industry, is about to be launched. Making its worldwide premier on the track in Dubai , with a brand new tread pattern, futuristic compounds and an innovative structure, the new product, the fruit of 24 months of development and testing, is protected by five patents.

With "P ZERO THE HERO" Pirelli has consolidated its leadership in the high-end market: the new tire has already been chosen and homologated by manufacturers for the most recent and highest performance GT cars. Designed to manage the power of the hottest and most extreme cars, P Zero the Hero guarantees optimum performance for the most demanding motorists.




The return of the Pirelli wheel. The birth of the exclusive P Zero Club. Pirelli introduces to the global market P Zero the Hero, the new ultra-high performance tire developed for supercars and directly derived from the experience the firm has accumulated in a hundred years of competition (in fact, 2007 marks Pirelli's motorsport centenary). P Zero the Hero represents the most technologically advanced product to come out of Pirelli's research, a revolution for the tire industry, and offers the most demanding motorists unprecedented performance in all areas: sports handling, comfort and safety.

5 PATENTS FOR A REVOLUTIONARY PRODUCT. The latest addition to the P Zero collection, Pirelli's high-end market leading range that is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2007, benefits from numerous innovative features developed by Pirelli and protected by five exclusive patents. The brand new tread pattern, the futuristic compounds and the innovative structure are the fruit of 24 months of development and testing and are already making P Zero the Hero the tire chosen by the manufacturers of the most sporting and extreme cars.

RECORD HOMOLOGATIONS. The new P Zero has obtained 15 homologations for use as original equipment on the most recent and most prestigious supercars. It is already being fitted to the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the Lamborghini Murciélago and Gallardo, the Audi R8 and S8, the Aston Martin DB9, the Maserati Quattroporte, the Jaguar XK, the Mercedes AMG, and will shortly appear on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and the hottest Porsche and BMW models.



"P Zero the Hero", explains Francesco Gori, CEO of Pirelli Tire, "represents the state of the art of the P Zero Collection, the Pirelli UHP range leaders. The new tire has been designed and developed to control the ever more extreme performance of supercars and to offer ever higher levels of driving satisfaction and safety for the most demanding drivers."

SPORTS PERFORMANCE HAND-IN-HAND WITH COMFORT. The principal feature of P Zero the Hero is that it guarantees optimum performance in wet or dry conditions throughout the lifetime of the tire, while combining sports handling with comfort. In fact, the new P Zero boasts special nano-composites in the compounds of the tread and the bead (the element of the tire anchoring it to the wheel rim) that guarantee a comfortable ride together with sports performance. Thanks specifically to the tread compound, optimum performance is even provided during the first few kilometres when the tire is still cold.

EXTREME GRIP AND RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. The innovative tread pattern of the new Pirelli tire also permits the highest standards of grip in wet conditions and acoustic comfort to be enhanced, while the asymmetric DA.Co (Dynamic Asymmetric Contour) profile ensures even wear with a consistent footprint at all speeds. Moreover, P Zero the Hero has been designed with the utmost respect for the environment: the compounds used in fact contain no aromatic oils. Pirelli's decision anticipates by three full years the European directive regulating this issue, which only comes into effect in 2010, and goes beyond the most severe parameters in the highest performance (UHP) segment.

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE TIRE. Thanks to the Hy.Co (Hybrid Cord) system, the carcass allows the deformation of the tire profile to be controlled through to the highest speeds (370 kph), increasing the durability of the tire, not simply in terms of outright mileage, but above all, in the consistency of performance throughout its life.

TOGETHER WITH P ZERO THE HERO COMES THE RETURN OF THE PIRELLI WHEEL. Pirelli is aiming to respond to the demands of the most sophisticated motorists, interested in both performance and styling, by reintroducing the Pirelli Wheel. Manufactured in ultralightweight aluminium alloy, the Pirelli 5P wheel features five spokes reproducing the firm's elongated P logo. The new Pirelli Wheel, produced in collaboration with Antera, a market leader in its sector, will also be available fitted with P Zero the Hero.

THE BIRTH OF THE EXCLUSIVE P ZERO CLUB. On the occasion of the launch of P Zero the Hero, Pirelli is also introducing another new initiative: the P Zero Club. When you purchase a new P Zero you become a member of the P Zero Club and obtain the P Zero Card that gives access to a world of Pirelli services and privileges. P Zero the Hero presents revolutionary compound and structural features developed out of Pirelli research. Extremely high sports performance, safety and comfort throughout the tire's lifetime. The revolutionary P Zero the Hero, the fruit of the continuous evolution of Pirelli technology and the experience garnered by Pirelli Competizioni on race tracks throughout the world, is the overtly sporting latest addition to the P Zero collection. In particular, P Zero the Hero offers exceptional performance across the board in terms of sports handling, comfort and safety thanks to multiple innovative features developed by Pirelli that relate to both the structure and the compounds and are covered by five patents. These characteristics make P Zero the Hero, developed in 24 months, the most suitable tire for supercars. The durability of the new tire is also exceptional (+25% with respects to the P Zero Rosso, which in turn is 5% better than its closest rivals), not only in terms of straightforward mileage but, above all, consistent performance throughout the lifetime of the tire. The five new Pirelli patents guaranteeing P Zero the Hero optimum performance levels throughout the life of the tire and exceptional handling in both wet and dry conditions are:

Hy.Co (Hybrid Cord). A system integrating the use of nylon and aramid cord in the construction of the carcass. Hy.Co permits control of the deformation of the tire profile, even at high speed, increasing the duration of the tire with uniform performance.

Nano.Co (Nanobase Compound). In the compound beneath the tread and the in the belts, special nano-composites are used that guarantee thermoplastic stability and protect the carcass from deterioration even under extreme stress conditions. In short, perfect synergy between ride comfort and sports handling is guaranteed.

DA.Co (Dynamic Asymmetric Contour). An exclusive asymmetric tread pattern that minimises dynamic deformation. DA.Co thus guarantees even wear with a uniform footprint at all speeds.
PAS.Co (Permanent Aspect Sidewall Compound). A special sidewall compound that delays compound surface ageing, maintaining the original characteristics of the sidewall.

S-treme Tread Design. An innovative tread pattern that permits increased safety in wet conditions and improved acoustic comfort associated with exceptional handling performance. P Zero the Hero also features a special tread compound that ensures maximum performance, even during the first few miles when starting from cold.

P ZERO THE HERO HOMOLOGATIONS
ALFA ROMEO Brera
ASTON MARTIN DB9
AUDI S8
AUDI QUATTRO R8
FERRARI 599 GTB Fiorano
JAGUAR XK
LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO
LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO
MASERATI QUATTROPORTE
MERCEDES AMG S
MERCEDES AMG CLK
Coming soon:
ALFA ROMEO 8C Competizione
BMW
PORSCHE


shim

2,050 posts

209 months

Sunday 3rd June 2007
quotequote all
Billy83 said:
The break away happens extremely fast, without much warning and at very high speed.

Any thoughts?

silly

Reading your post and thinking back to my CSL when i bought it last year i think it is not your set up but the rear bushes or spring gone.

I find my CSL on the same set up understeering especially with cups on and whilst you are travelling at a g=reater corner speed with the CUPS the feel on turning is as good if not better than my PS2S and there is enough good feel to feel it gong (assuming your driving style is not crap)

i would get them checked before you start getting new suspension fitted.

washy

950 posts

277 months

Sunday 3rd June 2007
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I run Cups with a similar sounding set up to yours. I've never found the car to snap like that on the Cups at all. I wouldn't say the tyre's are a problem. I found them quite reasonable when I last drove at Brands GP a couple of weeks back. The car had a tendency to oversteer on turn in to Clearways but not in a snappy way. Yeah, it breaks out fairly quick and you wouldn't want to be asleep at the time but it's only the lightest of touches to get it tidied up and you're away.

Not knowing how you drive it's difficult to say what might have happened. If you're convinced that this was totally unexpected behaviour then get the car looked over by someone who knows them (Murketts?) I really wouldn't blame the tyre though.

D.no

706 posts

213 months

Monday 4th June 2007
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Hello there. I was in the other CSL at Bedford on Friday. I did notice you were spectating from the infield at one stage and I seem to recall some BIG black marks heading off towards the barriers where before there were none!

Regarding cups I cannot comment having never tried them- other than the fact that I couldn't keep up with you (I was on 255/35 and 225/40 PS1's). My tyres went off (to another galaxy!) after about 2 laps, but were entirely progressive - there's not one corner I didn't go round sideways - including the flat (90 - 100mph entry at my speed) right-hander after the first chicane. That said I spun twice, but with the sort of ham-fisted provocation I was giving the car it's not surprising!

I would trade outright grip/speed for that kind of progressive fun any day, but trying to get the power down out of the tighter corners was just a joke (before anyone mentions RTAB's mine were new at the end of May)- any throttle and it was time to feed some corrective on. Not quick, but loads of fun.

I've been toying with the idea of cups for ages, but think I'll steer clear and opt for some (275/30 and 235/35) PS2's next, but not before I've completely mullered the PS1's at the next trackday......those Pirelli's sound interesting too, but as I said I would put progressive break-away ahead of ultimate grip. Wonder how they fair from that point of view?

Good to hear you didn't hit anything, as I was worried you'd hit the barriers. I too came to a halt about 6 inches from the barriers after travelling backwards towards them coming out of the long hairpin left before the back-straight. Not a nice feeling, but I can't think of another circuit where such liberties could be taken.

Probably going back to Bedford on the 6th July, it would be good to get a chance to chin-wag a bit more as I was busy giving (and having)passenger laps on Friday.

All the best.
D.no

S3am

1,383 posts

253 months

Monday 4th June 2007
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D.no was good to meet you at bedford and have to say i agree with you completely. Every trackday i've been to so far (ie on non cups) i've been on the ps2s and the breakaway has been entirely progressive ie like you i managed to have the back out around pretty much every corner (apart from paddock hill at brands! you'd have to be either a complete expert nutter or a complete idiot to try it there!) I reckon you had much more fun than me that day and you were able to stay out there all day (as you hadn't completely screwed all 4 tires like me!) and that is what is important. Next time i go to a trackday i'll be on the ps2s and although i may not be as fast that really doesn't matter does it when you're not racing! Look forward to seeing you soon mate and thanks for the post, good to hear that someone else agrees with me!!

cossykiller

11 posts

227 months

Monday 4th June 2007
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LOL
get a 120bhp fiesta like steves. smile
might be slow but does handle as well if not better than an elise as we both have witnessed!!
yours was indeed a very VERY close shave and that barrier was getting closer and closer to my side due to this, i must admit you might need to clean those seats now.:-)glad you got home ok we went onto santa pod and i blow the zafira up! not sure whats wrong with it but its going to go in for a 320bhp-340lfb set up now as the 270-300 isnt enough (is anything!!)
cheers dave

S3am

1,383 posts

253 months

Tuesday 5th June 2007
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S3am said:
D.no was good to meet you at bedford and have to say i agree with you completely. Every trackday i've been to so far (ie on non cups) i've been on the ps2s and the breakaway has been entirely progressive ie like you i managed to have the back out around pretty much every corner (apart from paddock hill at brands! you'd have to be either a complete expert nutter or a complete idiot to try it there!) I reckon you had much more fun than me that day and you were able to stay out there all day (as you hadn't completely screwed all 4 tires like me!) and that is what is important. Next time i go to a trackday i'll be on the ps2s and although i may not be as fast that really doesn't matter does it when you're not racing! Look forward to seeing you soon mate and thanks for the post, good to hear that someone else agrees with me!!
D.no -Billy83 just wrote that signed in as me. He's my brother.

D.no

706 posts

213 months

Tuesday 5th June 2007
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Ok, thanks for that - was a little confused (doesn't take much!).

I need to make a similar decision to yours very soon. Do I stick with Michelins or go for the new P-zero's? Anyone know how the new P-zero's compare on price?

Billy83

Original Poster:

152 posts

231 months

Wednesday 6th June 2007
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Was good to meet you cossykiller! That fiesta was quite a car! so much fun for so little money and as you said it gave a few elises a fright (until the straights!) Have to say i found it hilarious that around every left hander the engine would practically cut out coz of petrol starvation meaning all the 'exotica' could escape from your clutches! Let me know if you post that video anywhere, i'd love to see it!

D.no mate for the track i'm just gonna go for something like a ps2 which is maybe a bit cheaper and harder (so it lasts a bit longer) the csl will still be comfortably quicker than a lot of things but i'll be able to smoke the tires up 1) without worrying about careering into the barrier (as i'll be going much slower!) and 2) without worrying too much about my bank balance!
Those p zero the hero tires sound pretty cool but i'm sure they'll cost a bomb plus the name is pretty naff tho isn't it, i reckon it might be a joke!

Also just wanted to say i managed to break the front left anti-roll bar bush and thats why there was a clunking sound. BMW have been very nice and are fixing a whole new anti roll bar and checking the rears too. Must say tho i'm feeling slightly guilty coz the rear bushes, if screwed too, were replaced only 3 months ago!!! clap

flattotheboards

6,683 posts

207 months

Thursday 7th June 2007
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sorry to hear about you knackering all your tyres, it could have been worse though you could have knackered all 4 tyres and smashed the back of your car in.

Billy83

Original Poster:

152 posts

231 months

Thursday 7th June 2007
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I know! Have to say i feel very very lucky that the only thing screwed was the tires and i'm sure cossykiller would 2nd that! Thanks for everyone's advice think i'm just gonna stay with the ps2s for track and road, they have just the right amount of grip i want, not too much, not too little

trackcar

6,453 posts

227 months

Thursday 7th June 2007
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How long had you been out for on that session before the spin? It sounds like a lack or rebound control in the damper (gives the effect of a high-side on a bike .. ie you're going one way then get spat out the other before you know it) .. were your dampers overheating maybe?

RickShaw

14 posts

204 months

Thursday 7th June 2007
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Billy83 said:
Those p zero the hero tires sound pretty cool but i'm sure they'll cost a bomb plus the name is pretty naff tho isn't it, i reckon it might be a joke!
The Hero tag is unfortunate. But the tyres are being used on the Audi R8 with very impressive results. I heard the difference in lap times between Corsas and Heros on the R8 was just 0.1 seconds.

Billy83

Original Poster:

152 posts

231 months

Thursday 7th June 2007
quotequote all
Trackcar it was a very hot day and i have to say i had been pounding around the track quite a lot so what you're saying is very possibly the case. Never happened to me like that before, back always seems to breakaway progressively, hence why i blamed it on the tires! Is this something which will have caused long term damage, and is it something which can be remedied by some higher quality dampers (ie the ones you get with the KW stage 3 setup?)
Thanks for the info tho, have to say i've never heard of this and i'm still at a bit of a loss to explain what happened (it all happened so fast and it has never happened before)

trackcar

6,453 posts

227 months

Thursday 7th June 2007
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It could be that the damper oil got very hot, and as with all oils it's viscosity drops at is gets hot .. so the damper gives less control just when you need it most. You can normally feel dampers fading away on a really hot day though before they become a problem, that's the warning sign to take it a bit easier or come in and cool down. A good damper with high quality synthetic oil would improve the situation if that is indeed the cause of your spin.

robm3

4,930 posts

228 months

Sunday 10th June 2007
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I've done a couple of trackdays on my Conti Sport 2's, I know they get slagged but good fun, can drift no worries especially in the cold/wet! In fact, I suspect some of the bad write ups the CSL has received has been due to the cups (in road use). CAR reckoned the CSL they tried on Conti Sports was a lot nicer to drive.
Would say though that you lose time round a circuit, no question, but you do have a good time...