Patrick’s double duty S2000

I’ve known Patrick for about 8 years now. When I first met him, he rolled up in an Integra with black-painted spoon calipers and black painted Teins. I was appalled by the fact that someone would alter a Spoon caliper in such a way. He explained that he did it to be more low-key, which I partially understood. However, I firmly believe that altering the appearance of a spoon caliper is akin to defacing a priceless work of art. This encounter made it clear to me that Patrick valued a car’s functionality over its aesthetics. After that, I accompanied him to many track days at our “local” track, Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch. He was a strong advocate of the “driver mod” and “non-aero,” constantly striving to be “fast” without any aerodynamic aids. He was challenging himself; he knew that if he could achieve speed without aero, then with aero, he could be even faster. Patrick was deeply dedicated to tracking his car, frequently traveling to California for events at Chuckwalla, Buttonwillow, and Streets of Willow. While we didn’t spend a lot of time together, our discussions about track racing and car setup were always enlightening and thought-provoking.

The Integra I was referencing has since been retired, and Patrick has moved on to another Integra shell. He decided to embark on a new build, choosing a red shell as his preferred base. This new project is based on a basic GSR with type R cams, an upgraded LSD, and a shorter final drive. As part of the modifications, he removed the sunroof and replaced the roof skin with an RS roof skin. The car now sports 5-lug configuration with Carbotech pads, Spoon calipers, a 4-point roll bar, 225 NT01 tires, JRZ coilovers, and several other suspension upgrades. A comprehensive write-up on his car will follow once he completes the version 3.0 upgrades. Notable achievements include setting personal bests at SMMR 3.4 layout with bus stop at 2:41.79, SMMR 2.9 hunt with bowl at 2:07.162, and BW CW#13 at 1:59.41. For further details, you can view the Integra through the following link.

Patrick’s (track car) Integra

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Let’s revisit the concept of “no aero.” It’s not a rejection of aero, but rather a belief that basic modifications only offer minimal improvements. While adding aero or sticky tires can significantly enhance your performance, the preference is to focus on driving improvements, or the “driver mod,” rather than solely relying on additional equipment. With the abundance of “race car” parts available today, it’s easy to become absorbed in purchasing various components. However, this approach has its limits. While it’s true that technical enhancements can make you faster, someone who is already skilled without these additions will become exceptionally fast with them.

So why did someone as passionate about FF chassis as Patrick decide to buy an S2000? He sees it as a natural progression. Most of the time, an FR chassis will be faster than an FF one, with some exceptions, of course. It’s no secret that an equally modified FR chassis, with equal drivers, will be faster. We all know this. However, the reason we race FF cars is because the 90’s econobox cars hold their own, and it’s satisfying to head out to the track and be faster than “sports cars.” With the Honda FF chassis being so good, it was only natural for Patrick to move to the best FR platform (best for under 15k). Still, the S2000 receives high accolades among the track community. As someone who is focused on lap times and driving technique, it’s only natural for him to move to this FR platform. It’s important to note that he didn’t start here; he worked on improving his skill and technique until he felt the Integra was at its limits (for non-aero and non-slick tires). After around 6 years of tracking his car, he was ready to make the jump to FR and purchased an S2000. He has done one track event with it (technically two, but the first one didn’t really count as it was just a shake down). He feels that with some more track time in the S2000, he should be able to match his Integra’s times while still using true street tires, not something like the RE71R. The handling is, of course, going to be a lot different between the two platforms, FF and FR. However, he says that everything transfers over, and he didn’t have to relearn driving or anything. It’s just that the Integra is more forgiving and predictable. With the Integra, the focus is all on entry: carry speed, trail brake correctly, rotate towards the apex, and then manage understeer on exit. “I can be aggressive with the Integra,” he says, “but I have to be smooth and commit to a turn in the S2000.” The S2000 is less forgiving, and the mechanical grip is amazing, even against other FR cars, not just an FF. The S2000 isn’t quite as dialed as the Integra, obviously, since he’s had the Integra for years and the S2000 for a few months.

You may have observed that the S2000 currently sports a wing, leading some to label him a hypocrite given his stance against aero modifications. However, rest assured that the wing will be removed moving forward, as its impact on the car’s performance left much to be desired. Patrick’s belief is that the wing hampers the car’s capabilities by creating an imbalance. While it is true that adding a front splitter could potentially rectify this and significantly enhance the car’s handling, he remains committed to his guiding principles: prioritizing track time over new parts, embracing minimalism, and steadily advancing on the track. Consequently, a front splitter will not be added anytime soon, and the wing will remain off. This decision aims to enable Patrick to extract the full potential of Honda’s exceptional FR platform by honing his skills, rather than relying on aids like a wing and splitter.

To compare the two platforms FF, FR would be unjust. They both excel in their own right. The S2000 delivers an exhilarating experience, with its exceptional rotational capability and phenomenal mechanical grip, allowing drivers to push it to the edge of the track. On the other hand, the Integra exudes nostalgia and raw power, offering drivers the ability to push it to the limit without fear, surprising onlookers with its remarkable performance achieved through modifications.

Oh, let’s not forget that his S2000 is “double duty” because it’s his daily driver! Circling back to the Integra V3 build we mentioned earlier, he is now planning an aggressive build for that car, while keeping the S2000 relatively modest. The Integra will sport 15×9 wheels up front, aerodynamic modifications, reduced weight, and possibly a power boost, transforming it into a true track car. Previously, he used to drive it back and forth to events in Southern California – yes, actually driving it. So, while pushing for faster times, he always had to keep in mind that he still had to drive it home 300 miles back to Las Vegas.

Here is the current parts list of the S2000: