[JimboJames1972]

Managed to do some back to back runs between the Ascari, Ginetta and Aston at a local club tonight. Exact lap times/graphs to be added as soon as they have been posted...

Track measured 12x20m and was an intermediate layout (10 apexes, and a 10 sec lap was a good target). Grip usually starts off fairly low but comes up well through the evening. Test results were obtained once a few rounds have been rung and grip was up.

Aston gave the fastest single lap of 9.64s. It was extremely aggressive to drive - everything felt as it it was on the nose and as if the rear was just waiting to swing round to overtake the front. Some setup changes (including adding a bigger rear wing) and tire changes were needed to get the best times but getting consistent times was a struggle. If you could keep it tamed it was fun to have all that front end grip but it was bit like trying to drive an angry Pit Bull.

Ginetta gave the most consistent times (best single lap of 9.74s, average over 5mins of 9.97s). Car felt safe and easy to drive and forgave several driver input errors. Keeping a rhythmical flow to corners was easy, but the car never felt fast or as "on edge" as the Aston did. However, it was easier to drive and getting tight lines felt less risky.

Ascari gave me a best single lap of 9.71 sec. The runs I did with this shell were hampered by a few crashes so the average lap times are not comparable. It felt less predictable to drive than the other two - it would grip, grip, grip... and then all of a sudden let go. Sometimes the front end let go first and it understeered, sometimes the rear let go and stepped out. And then sometimes it would carry on gripping. Odd, I never felt as I knew what to expect the next time I tried the same corner. I still like this shell but feel as if the other two have more to offer?

Overall my favourite is the Ginetta. For a one off blast the Aston will probably give a faster single lap but, over a whole race, I feel as if I will have more success with the Ginetta.

Hope this helps,

James