INDICATIVE RX-8 circuit laptimes

[casey]

Pete H (who’s doing Time Attack this year) PM’d me with a suggestion of posting up “indicative” laptimes for an RX-8 at various circuits. It’s something I’ve had in mind to do, but have not done it to date as I could see a lot of pitfalls:

1. I do not wish to encourage people to time their laps on trackdays as this is strictly against trackday rules.
2. What evidence is sufficient to support a claimed tracktime?
3. What level of modification to the car?
4. Track conditions?
5. Tyres?

However, having bounced some idea around with Pete, I’ve decided to try this out….

The times below are for reference only, so that everyone can have a rough idea of what laptimes the RX-8 is capable of achieving at various circuits. There are NO prizes and this is NOT a competition, merely useful benchmarking information. As such, all times will be rounded up to the nearest second, so laptimes of 1m31.001s (if the data is that accurate!!) and 1m31.999s would both be shown as 1m32.

The information may give viewers an idea of what modifications “work” in getting an RX-8 round a track faster, bearing in mind the skill of the driver is not taken into account

Acceptable laptime evidence will be a video of the lap, posted up in this topic (or linked here), or an official recorded laptime from a competitive event. Anyone who goes on a trackday should only be viewing their laptimes from their video AFTER the event - NOT live whilst driving . I don't want this to get overly complicated, especially as this is for reference only. The information required, alongside the laptime are:

DATE of laptime
ENGINE: (231/192) + Standard, Ported, Turbo/Ch or Super/Ch
CAR: Standard or (seriously) stripped out car
TYRES: Road, Semi-Slick or Full Slick tyres

I (or maybe one of the Events Team if I’m not around ) will aim to keep this first post updated with data – so just post your laptime evidence (plus the supporting data as listed above) and we’ll do the rest...

ANGLESEY (COASTAL) 2.5 km (1.5 miles)
231, stripped+cage, Aero, Semi-slicks: 1m20s
4 Feb 2018, R3 Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m26s

ANGLESEY (NATIONAL) 1.9 km (1.2 miles)

ANGLESEY (CLUB) 1.3 km (0.8 mi)

BEDFORD GT (CLUB) 6.8 km (4.2 mi)
4 July 2020, 231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight + half cage, Semi-Slicks: 2m58s

BLYTON PARK (OUTER) 2.57 km (1.6 mi)
17 Sept 2016, 231 Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m18s

BLYTON PARK (INNER)
17 March, 231, Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m17s

BLYTON PARK (EASTERN)

BLYTON PARK (SPRINT TRACK)
17 Sept 2016, 231 Supercharged Engine, Stripped, Semi-Slicks: 1m14s
17 Sept 2016, 231 Standard Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Toyo R888): 1m15s

BRANDS HATCH (Indy) 1.929 km (1.198 mi)
19 June 2016, 231 Std Engine, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks: 58s
1 Dec 2017, 231 Std Engine (decat), Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 59s
4 Dec 2015, PZ Std Engine (decat), Std Weight, Road (Vred Ultra Sessanta): 60s
April 2018,13b Turbo, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (R888's): 55s

BRANDS HATCH (Full - GP) 3.908 km (2.433 mi)
231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (worn Toyo R888): 1m49s

CADWELL PARK (Full) 3.477 km (2.173 mi)
24 April 2016, 231 Std Engine, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks: 1m48s
1 May 2017, 231 Std Engine, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Troffeo R's): 1m45s

CASTLE COMBE(Full) 2.977 km (1.85 mi)
231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m20s
26 June 2010, 231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight + half cage, Semi-Slicks: 1m20s
23 Feb 2019, 231 Std Engine (decat), Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m24s

CROFT 3.4 km (2.1 mi)
Aug 2019, 231 Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m46s
3 Sept 2017, 231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Troffeo R's): 1m40s

DONINGTON NATIONAL 3.149 km (1.957 mi)
231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m23s
7 Jul 2013, 231 Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m30s
25 Sept 2017, 231 Bridgeport (decat), Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m28s
1 July 2017, 231 Std Engine, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Troffeo R's): 1m25s
31 Oct 2018, 231 Std Engine, slight mods, Semi-Slicks (Nankang AR-1): 1m26s

DONINGTON GRAND PRIX 4.020 km (2.498 mi)
231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m54s

GOODWOOD 3.809 km (2.367 mi)
Aug 2013, 231 Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m43s

KNOCKHILL (INTERNATIONAL) 2.092 km (1.300 mi)

KNOCKHILL (NATIONAL) 1.609 km (1.0 mi)

LLANDOW 1.45 km (0.9 mi)
7 Mar 2020, 231 Std Engine, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks: 0m45s

LYDDEN HILL 1.609km (1 mi)
Sept 2021, 231 Std Engine, Stripped Wieight, Semi-Slicks, 0m50s

MALLORY PARK 2.173 km (1.350 mi)
10 June 2016, 231 Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 58s

NORDSCHLEIFE (12.9 mi)
16 Oct 2017, 231 Streetport, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Nankang NS2-R rear, Hankook Road front ): 8m47s

OULTON PARK (FULL - GP) 4.307 km (2.692 mi)
12 June 2013, 231 Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 2m10s

OULTON PARK (ISLAND) 3.616 km (2.260 mi)
22 July 2017, 231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Troffeo R's): 1m44s

PEMBREY 2.348 km (1.456 mi)
June 2021, 231 Std Engine, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks: 1m7s

ROCKINGHAM Super Sportscar Circuit 3.12km (1.94 mi)
4 March 2017, 231 Std Engine (decat), Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m46s
15 Oct 2017, 231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Troffeo R's): 1m46s

SILVERSTONE (NATIONAL) 2.638 km (1.639 mi)
April 2016, 231 Std Engine (decat), Std Weight, Road (P Zero Corsa Direzione): 1m19s
Sept 2021, PZ Std Engine (Sports Cat), Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 1m17s

SILVERSTONE (GP) 5.891 km (3.661 mi)
231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Toyo R888): 2m37s
26 Feb 2018, R3 Std Engine (decat), Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 2m51s

SNETTERTON 200 3.141 km (1.952 mi)
25 Sept 2016, 231 Std Engine, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks: 1m29s
4 June 2017, 231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Troffeo R's); 1m27s

SNETTERTON 300 4.779 km (2.969 mi)
1 Nov 2016, 231 Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 2m26s
231 Std Engine (decat), Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks (Fed 595RSR): 2m18s
25 Mar 2017, FD Turbo RX-8, Stripped weight, Semi-Slicks (Advan A048):2m17s

THRUXTON 3.793 km (2.356 mi)
Sept 2021, 231 Std Engine, Stripped Weight, Semi-Slicks: 1m28s
May 2023, 231 Bridgeport Engine, Standard Weight, Semi-Slicks (Federal 595RSR): 1m36s

[casey]

Evidence for the times posted up above:

Casey
- Brands Hatch http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum/vi ... &start=108
- Mallory Park http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum/vi ... 2&start=39

Pete H
- Pembrey and Cadwell Park; officially recorded Time Attack laptimes. See Pete’s Time Attack Project thread (backed by official TA website postings) http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum/vi ... 04&t=69554

[casey]

Snetterton 300, 20 Feb 2015, Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks

http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum/vi ... &start=253

2m27s

[brix79]

Would track lengths be possible, just think it makes for a more interesting read for those who don't know the tracks.
Shouldn't make too much difference as the track length doesn't take into account how many corners etc. so again, indicative? Just a thought.

[casey]

It would be possible to add circuit lengths, but that's freely available info elsewhere if anyone wants to look it up. I'm not sure it would ever be an "interesting read" unless you are into driving on track

As you say, due to corners, gradients, etc, the laptimes really don't have any comparative meaning, track-to-track. The intention is to give someone driving one of these circuits a ballpark idea of what is possible with an RX-8 at a specific venue, so circuit length is not really relevant. Plus, the laptimes enables comparisons with other vehicles at a given venue, using data from other sources, should anyone wish to do so

[brix79]

I'm not sure it would ever be an "interesting read" unless you are into driving on track

If that were true, not many people would find the stats of F1 or similar interesting unless they were a track day goer. Not so good sir!

And I only pointed out the indicative nature of it as I agree wholegeartedly in discouraging any attempt at competition in this regard.

[PeteH]

I guess it just adds to the effort of publishing the data. The driver will already know all of the required information, but if we add lap length then that will need looking up. The more "painful" we make this process the less likely people are to join in. Personally I think Malcolm has it spot on, and I'd like to say thanks to him for putting this together. Hopefully it will turn into a useful resource.

Ps. Great time at Brands Malcolm. The Clubman lap record is 59s dead, so I'm clearly going to have to push to beat your time.

Now, come on Liam, Clive and the rest of you. Fess up....!!!

[Sonic KaBoomii]

I think Matt timed me at 1:03 by the end of Mallory

Std engine, std weight, std suspension
Conti 5 SSR

[casey]

^^ I'm going to try and stick to the "simple" rules for categories I've defined above. I thought about adding suspension, but there are just so many variants, with ARB's, lowering springs, coilovers, etc, that it seems easiest to "ignore" that factor for now. I'll maybe think of adding it later, depending on how things develop on here.

Question though, is your car absolutely stock, no changes that would give any advantage on track? If so, I might think about an "OEM" category (dents don't count ) - are the conti's semi-slick (I see the "R" in the model, which suggests they might be)?

Ps. Great time at Brands Malcolm. The Clubman lap record is 59s dead, so I'm clearly going to have to push to beat your time.

Wow, I had absolutely no idea, and I did this twice on a cold track in December! Good luck tomorrow, I feel sure you'll better my laptime though, based on your Cadwell time bettering mine by a few seconds

Now, come on Liam, Clive and the rest of you. Fess up....!!!

Absolutely

[Salesy]

Hi Casey,

I have done a 59.50 around Brands INDY on 4th Dec 2015 @ 13.05pm with regular times under 60s. Funnily enough my double driver posted a 59.50 at 14.58pm

Standard PZ with no modifications except a decat, original engine, verdstien ultra sassantas and comp test showing low 5's

Proof can be provided if needed, accidentally run my Harry's Latimer app on my phone.

[casey]

^Looking at your general track posts on the forum I'm sure that is correct, but to be absolutely fair, I do need proof before I can add you to the list

[ChrisHolmes]

[youtubewide]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p ... 97sPxxGCMo[/youtubewide]

Can you get a lap time for the Silverstone National circuit from this DashCam video?

[casey]

I made that a 1m19s Chris?

231 Std Engine, Std Weight, Semi-Slicks?

Confirm and I'll add it to the list

[PeteH]

To be fair Malcolm, I'm probably not standard weight (the car, that is!). I've stripped a fair bit, and probably lost 150kg. Bog standard engine though.

[brix79]

I guess it just adds to the effort of publishing the data. The driver will already know all of the required information, but if we add lap length then that will need looking up. The more "painful" we make this process the less likely people are to join in. Personally I think Malcolm has it spot on, and I'd like to say thanks to him for putting this together. Hopefully it will turn into a useful resource.

It would only require entering once in the main post, I don't mind doing it.
It won't be needed in order for people to post their times, so doesn't add to any 'pain'. I just think it shouldn't feel exclusive to track drivers only, after all, we're all just a first track day away from joining in!

Overall I think it's an excellent idea, and will undoubtedly become a very useful resource.

[casey]

^^ John, absolutely no problem if you want to add the track lengths to the first post

Note I have only added a "few" tracks so far, will add more as required, when identified by posts on here.

[Dave-B]

I'll have a look back through my go pro footage for some times, I'm sure you worked out a Caldwell park time for me once casey.

[Salesy]

Hi Casey,

Screen shots from my iPhone app with the times

https://www.flickr.com/gp/134115384@N07/zm49p6

https://www.flickr.com/gp/134115384@N07/88BR4D


Im happy to take you out in Dec too.....

[Salesy]

^^ Data added to the first post Salesy - be good to go out with you in Dec and exchange notes

[PeteH]

Great day yesterday. Good to met a few of you. I'll do a write up in my build thread, but here is my best time. Did anyone on the public session beat me? (unofficially, and only from post-session video analysis of course )

By the way, Brands Indy is 1.9km, 1.2 miles.

[casey]

Excellent laptimes Peter - I've added the rounded up time to the list

I thought you'd be into the 57/58 seconds area, based on your other track laptimes times. Great to be proven correct and to show this time can be achieved with a standard engine car

BTW, what semi-slicks were you running? I think you have mentioned it before, but can't remember (age..... )

[PeteH]

Thanks Malcolm. I see you're rounding up then, 57.286s becomes 58s
There was a high 56s in there, but (racing driver's excuse ), I couldn't get everything right in the final session.

My tyres are Pirelli Troffeo R. Age 48 and three quarters.... Oh, I see what you mean. Brands was their fourth event. I'm hoping to swap them at Oulton.

[Salesy]

Good to know what times you can achieve with those semi slicks on.... do you know what weight the car is?

I was told by someone that a set of list 1B tyres should give me an extra 2 secs around Brands compared to my list 1A tyres. so i would be interested to see what weight your running.

[PeteH]

I think I have lost about 175kg from stock. I'd have thought 2s is a reasonable guess for what 1b tyres can give you. Looks like we could be close, all things being equal. There's only one way to find out for sure though......

[Salesy]

You coming down for the brands track day in dec Pete?