My wagon takes on a Ford Cobra (autocross battle)

So here's the story. Last week my wagon took on a couch This week it changed duties and took on a Ford Mustang Cobra at the local Autocross. It was a mini meet (sort of) but the only other member that made it out was Frank (a few cancelled). Also joining in on the fun was my brother and friend in WRX wagons . The guy in the Cobra has the California package and many stickers but I think its more show than go. Still he has experience and is pretty fast. Beat me last time by .001 sec (no lie) so I knew I could take him. Most good autocrossers were in the low 50's. Getting under 50 was the talk of the day and most couldn't get there. Top times for the day were 46's by a Porshe GT2 and a wicked fast BMW who is a national champion. My last two runs I pulled off some 49's and surprised quite a few by my grocery getter. It wasn't by accident as I've been dialing in the wagon and working on my technique for the past two years. I can credit bumping up my R compounds to 40/38 and the MSI endlinks in giving me the extra edge to win my class. Below are some pics:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb304b18b66900000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb31c12c176400000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Moar pics

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb3182ced60f00000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb30607bf68700000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Your wagon looks nice

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb31f35c963d00000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

What the hell, moar pics

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb31980857f400000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb30a7bab6bd00000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb310739171200000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0ce39b3127ccefb31366ed6f500000030O00AaN2zRq2aNWYPbz4U/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

It feels good beating up on Mustangs doesn't it?

Congrats! Your wagon looks great! So does that sub-50 second Datsun 510.

Great job for a long car. Your autocross looks more like a road course. I've never seen an autocross with retaining walls. The Legacy should do well in a more open course. I'd like to drive in your autocross.

 

I was in an autocross last weekend and it sucked. The course was tiny. We had do a full circle around a cone mid way through. The course was slow forcing shifts from 2nd back to 1st. We did 2 laps with total times in the 39 to 55 second range. I had a 43.1 and was beat my S2000s and supercharged miatas that could do it in 39 seconds. The Legacy was just too long and heavy.

I have 3 things to say:

 

1) your wagon is hot

2) that autox course looks fast

3) i want a 510

bahahahhaa

 

go wagons!

Nice win, don't ever remember autocrossing having shoulder rumble strips, I want to give your track a try!

The course is a parking lot outside the Homestead motorsports park but it is a Kart track and pretty drawn out. This particular day def favored the Leggy wagons long wheel base. When the course is ultra tight a stock Yugo will beat me. But this day I bested a Z06, the Datsun 510 , the track ready 350 (he was pissed i beat him) . Everyone is cool and goes there to have fun but the competitive spirit comes out. The guy in the Mustang came over to my parked wagon after he lost and did a once over (walked around it and even under it). I saw it from a raised platform and wish i would have taken a pic (LOL) . Of note is a 4th place finish by Fernando in the blue WRX in the STX class . This was a 4th place with a 52.8 in an ultra competitive class of 12 and he was in last place all last year as he learned . My brother in my ex WRX pulled a 5th place but was hampered by shitty brakes. Frank did really well on his modestly modified Black LGT on stock RE-92's but he was sliding everywhere.

a true sleeper!

 

congrat on beating up a gt

What suspension setup are you running?

Too bad a wagon isn't as surprising in the land of the great north. People here in Vancouver actually know what a Legacy GT wagon is.

You shouldve shown the mustang guy the picture of your wagon eating a couch. I think his face wouldve been priceless

You shouldve shown the mustang guy the picture of your wagon eating a couch. I think his face wouldve been priceless

 

Good call!

The guy in the Mustang thinks he rules . He car is all decked out with stres bars everywhere. Schroth harnass and all. My wagon is a sleeper. No stickers, no badges. The only hint is if you look underneath.

 

My suspension setup is relatively modest but has been tweaked and tuned. ION springs with Koni's that have been adjusted many times until I felt It was right on. 1.8 neg camber up front , MSI endlinks with their hard motorsports bushings. Progress bars with the setup changed many times (both front and rears are adjustable) currently running hard setting front and rear after running soft front hard rear all last year. AVO LCA bushes, white line steering rack bushes . Kuhmo victoracer V 710 tires (my best mod). What really helped was reading a book on winning autocross technique. Things like walking the track before hand and memorizing each turn, visualizing your run, looking way ahead to cones before you even get near them, trail braking , weight management etc.

ThWhat really helped was reading a book on winning autocross technique.

 

Nothing better than beating up on mustangs. You are a stellar performer and I love how far you have taken your wagon. I bet that Mustang cost a LOT more in the end than your LGT for the WIN!!!

 

Which book was that ??? Can we get a REVIEW in the reviews too?

 

But seriously, which book WAS that? Your stellar review + improved skills mean I need to get a copy!!!

Good job, like everyone else said, feels good to beat up stang's. They think they are so hot...

I learned many years ago never to race Mustang drivers, they just don't give up no matter how much faster/better handling your car is.

 

Hat's off to you Petey, awesome car, great driving.

The book I am refering is by Ross Bently " Winning autocross techniques". You can buy it at Amazon. com for like $ 13 right now. Awesome book even if you don't autocross. The guy is a motivator, sports psychologist , humorist and overall a great writer. The book is funny and entertaining as well. You'll be practicing trail braking on on/off ramps . Really helps one learn to manage the weight shifts. Find it here:

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Winning-Autocross-Techniques-Speed-Secrets/dp/0760331561]Amazon.com: Winning Autocross Techniques (Speed Secrets) (9780760331569): Ross Bentley, Per Schroeder: Books: Reviews, Prices & more[/ame]

Congrats on the win, car looks and obviously performs great!

I declare you the champion of the parking lot!

 

Good luck on a road course.