Into the World of Cars: The Civic Type R Experience

The Beginning: What Sparked the Passion?

The journey into the world of cars for this enthusiast began somewhat unexpectedly. It all started when he leased a 2016 Civic sedan EX CVT after his '98 I4 Accord died. Chase found himself enjoying the new Civic, washing it frequently, and gradually getting into car-related videos. The pivotal moment came when Honda announced the Civic Type R. Captivated by its design and performance, he decided to save up and eventually buy one. In retrospect, that first Civic was what truly ignited his passion for cars.

Choosing the Civic Type R

Before acquiring the FK8, he knew very little about cars, but his family had always owned Hondas. The Civic Type R stood out for several reasons: it was light, fun, fast, and practical. Given that they were already familiar with the 10th-gen Civic, the Type R seemed like a natural progression. Initially, he didn’t plan on tracking the car, but that soon changed as he delved deeper into its capabilities.

Plans for the Car

The primary plan for the Civic Type R is to track it extensively. This year, the focus is on safety upgrades. Next year, he plans to undertake a full suspension upgrade and add aerodynamic components. The goal is to finish this year in NASA Time Attack (TA) and move up to NASA Time Trials (TT4) and TA-B next year. Over the following years, he aims to refine his driving skills and eventually transition the car to TT3. This will involve building the motor, switching to a Motec system, and adding a full body kit. If resources and skills permit, he hopes to participate in more national time attack events in the future.

Goals for Next Season

For the upcoming season, the goals are clear: complete the full TT4 and TA-B seasons, finish the suspension and aero upgrades, and increase practice sessions. Ideally, he aims to track the car twice a month, funds permitting, to maximize seat time and improve driving skills.

Why Time Attack?

Time attack presents an accessible way to compete in circuit motorsports. While he would love to participate in wheel-to-wheel racing, that’s a different ball game. True lap-restricted time attack offers a unique thrill—high pressure, high risk, and high reward. The competitiveness, combined with the camaraderie of motorsports, creates an unparalleled experience, especially when shared with friends.

Favorite Modification

Among the various modifications, his favorite is the AP Racing Big Brake Kit (BBK) or the fact that the car is gutted. Chase isn't into flashy modifications, but these are cool "if you know, you know" upgrades, especially the AP BBK.

Spec Sheet

Here’s a detailed spec sheet of their 2018 FK8 Civic Type R:

Weight: Gutted & AC delete, ~2900lb without ballast
Power: Mild tune ~320whp on 91 octane
Brakes: AP Racing BBK, CSG C1 pads
Wheels and Tires: FL5 Wheels, RE71RS tires
Bolt-Ons: 27won and PRL parts, Stock turbo and fueling, Stock aero
Cooling: HKS Oil cooler, Koyorad Radiator, Acuity hoses
Suspension: Spoon lowering springs, SPC Rear camber arms, Stock suspension otherwise
Drivetrain: Exedy flywheel, FL5 trans (FD mod), Acuity shifter upgrades
Chassis: Spoon rigid collars, 27won FSTB+cylinder brace, 27won race RMM, 27won exhaust (modded), Radium catch can, Raceseng tow hook
Miscellaneous: Jethot coated FP, DP, inlet, Velocity Race Fab ballast posts and heel plate (custom), Apex Solo Data Recorder, Hondata

Upcoming Modifications

Looking ahead, several modifications are planned:

Cagekits 8-point NASA/SCCA spec roll cage (Velocity Race Fab installed)
Sabelt Taurus halo seat
Sparco 6-point harness
Unit2 oil pan ballast
Kap fire extinguisher bracket

Conclusion

Through these modifications and experiences, he has discovered a profound passion for cars and motorsports. The journey with the Civic Type R has been exhilarating, and the future holds exciting possibilities for further adventures and achievements.

Follow Chase's progression on and off track on his Instagram page:

@ctr_crm