darkdrifter

The NEHA Mount Philo Hillclimb proved once again why it is the most stunning and dangerous hill in the series. With its surreal views, this short, tight course with crests that will easily unbalance any car, is favored by many and feared by all. Saturday started with 30 degree temperatures and clear skies. After the drivers meeting, Rookies to the hill got their first taste of what to expect while doing a ride along with the veterans of the hill. It was an odd feeling, driving two other people up at high speed, and explaining the course to them on the way. Last year, it was I who was in the passenger seat, thinking to myself the whole time that I must be crazy to run on this course. On other courses, such as Burke or Okemo, you can bobble a little and still be able to save yourself before you meet a tree. Not true for Philo; one mistake, and you will find yourself knocking down more tree’s than a lumberjack. After all the practice runs were completed in the morning, it was time for the real deal.

With Sundays weather up in the air, there was very little “taking it easy” runs. No one held back, and the times proved it. There were a few off’s Saturday, but mostly minor ones. Only one required the speedway safety crew and tow truck. Luckily the driver was ok. His car was retired for the weekend but overall damage was not nearly as bad as it could have been.

After the day was done, I found myself sitting second in class, and 15th overall. Sundays weather ended up giving us crystal clear skies, but extremely cold weather. Due to some issues in the morning, I was unable to make any runs in the morning session. Lining up after lunch, there were a few timing issue’s that held us up for awhile; blowing leaves kept tripping the timing light. Then it was finally my turn. Ryan Lawlis, in his 3000gt, just had a massive launch right before me. I was strapping my helmet on, and mentally preparing myself as he took off. Five seconds later, I heard someone say “that didn’t sound good”. A few moments later, the speedway safety crew rocketed up the hill. Seeing the safety crew go up the hill is nothing new. However, seeing groups of people running up the hill AFTER the safety crew, is a little alarming. At that point, I decided to make the journey up the hill myself. I didn’t have to go far; Ryan had lost control going into turn one. Oversteering put him into a tree, bouncing him across the road. Ryan was visibly shaken, but ok overall. He was taken to the Hospital for further evaluation. The car however, did not fare so well. The impact was so hard, it left transmission gears sitting on top of the motor.

After a lengthy clean up of glass and fluids, they decided to shut down the hill. The turn was just too slippery. No amount of speed dry would clean it up. The risk of having another bad incident was far too high to continue. All and all, it was an extremely exciting weekend. Driving the Evo again was eye opening. I had forgotten just how powerful the RS is. I can’t wait until next year!

I will post the in car footage when I get a chance to download it all!

Makkinen II

Glad everyone was ok. Hope to partake in the series next year.

apex electric

Only the best and bravest drivers excel on hill climbs! I drove Okemo in my old BMW 2002 race car and Burke in my Evo 8 street car. Heard about Filo but never made it yet. Good luck with your Evo. Have you run on Hoosier A6 tires yet? Can't imagine if it rained with the leaves!

Loser

iTrader: (9)

Well done! Hillclimbs are awesome. I had my first taste earlier this year in a borrowed car. Embarrassing because I stalled it, but I'll blame that on the anti-lag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMFcwFhSQSw

Definitely plan on doing some of the PA and maybe NH events next year.

CharlieN

iTrader: (1)

Philo is an interesting hill. There are areas up top that hold moisture all day that catch people out each year. One of the wetter spots is a long decreasing left that people early apex. One does not think how critical the apex point is but even on a 12' wide road it still matters. The finish line is also deceiving here, hard to get through many events without at least a spin there. It used to have a waterbar at the entrance to the finish turn that launched you real well.
Where that 3K went in there is a gentle crest in the road that is deceiving how much grip one looses over the top of it.
It is a challenging hill and being only 1.1 miles long you can hold your breath all the way up.

darkdrifter

Philo is a blast! I have run at Burke, Okemo, Asctuney, and Philo and Philo is my favorite by far. I have not run on anything stickier then Falken RT-615's. I have thought about going down to slicks but they are so expensive and normally they don't really have enough time to warm up to make a major difference. Mostly they are just to expensive lol.

LancerGTS

Love the pics, got anymore?

Wish we had this kinda stuff in Southern Cali...