First off, let me say that I hate Motegi. I always have since I first played it in GT3 or 4, I can't remember; it just doesn't feel like it flows well. When I saw that Motegi was going to be the round to advance to the finals it made me realize how lucky I was that we had the format that they used last year, with two tracks and a combined time. I don't think I would have stood a chance with this format; and frankly, I don't envy anyone who is dead set on advancing to the finals. It's already getting super tight up top, and with only one track (that is really short), there are going to be some broken hearts on Sunday night.
Seeing as how they (understandably) won't let the Silverstone guys participate I was kind of down on giving the TT a shot, then I drove 8-5 for the first time and was reminded of how much I don't like this track. I have some local friends who are giving the competition a good shot, so I decided to hop on and give it a go last night and put forth some effort so we could compare times. I got to a 32 flat last night, but didn't feel the mojo with the track or the car; I gave it another shake tonight and hit a 31.865 early on; ran lots of garbage laps most of the night, and then something clicked; I finally understood how to get that mobil-turd of a Z around those last few corners....consistently I was running 32.2's, 32.0, 31.9, 31.869. <- WAT?
Dammit man. Frankly it's too late to keep going and I need to hit the sack.
I am excited that I think I've got things figured out, so I hope to find a few more tenths before this thing is over. I'm in the frustrating zone now. Lot's of laps to shave a cunt hair of time.
As for a top 32 cut off, I think it's going to be in the 31.3's if not high 31.2's. Crazy fuckers.
Best of luck to those trying, keep at it; finding time TAKES time!