I hadn’t driven the Seven to work in over 6 months and really hadn’t driven the Seven much at all since October. I had forgotten about how open the car is and how responsive it is. The Elise is responsive but nothing like the Seven. The throttle, brakes and steering are even more direct. When the Seven is gone I will miss it.
Motorsports
The UniBrain Motorsports division was founded in order to keep alive fragile Little British Sports Cars. The division currently owns a a 1966 Lotus Elan Coupe, a 2008 Porsche Cayman S and a 2002 Mazda Miata. We’ve included the Miata since it was inspired by the Lotus Elan and because it is yellow. Other cars we’ve cared for include a 1997 Caterham Seven and a 2005 Lotus Elise. Fair weather sporting activities of the division include open track days at Portland International Raceway, TSD rallies and the occasional Autocross. Off season the officers can be found buying new tools and safety equipment.
First Trackday
Today is the first trackday for the Elise. I’m going to run it with the stock tires, alignment settings and tire pressures to see how it performs. It is supposed to be rather hot today, around 90, so it might not be the best day but at least I’m not at work!
Corner weights
I went over to a friends house yesterday to help him put the body back on to his S2 Europa. He has swapped the Renault engine for a Zetec but that is another story. While hanging out after the work was done, we broke out his scale set and weighed everything in sight. For my Elise, Touring pack, hardtop and about 1/2 tank of gas, the weights were: Empty LF 369 RF 373 LR...
Thoughts on owning an Elise – 150 miles
On Friday night, after 3 years, I picked up my Elise. It (or should it be she? or he?) is Saffron Yellow with Blue Leather Interior. My initial reaction to seeing my car was, Yippee!. I’ve only gotten more excited over the last days. 3607 Taking the first little drives around town and out to a local winery left me with the following impressions The yellow is a Great Color for the NorthWest The...
It's here!
My car is in Portland! I’m in Las Vegas. I won’t be able to pick it up for another week. I think this week will be very long.