[Supras] Want good braking?? (track use pads review)

[Walker, Brian (Rich. Dist)]

Well, I finally got to try out the new pads at Summit Point (WV) this
weekend. I'm using the Raybestos ST-41 in front and Porterfield R-41 in
rear (normally using R4S for street/auto-x). The pads did end up scoring
my rotors which is likely my fault from not breaking them in properly. I
went easy the first few laps (maybe too easy?) and then got a little
harder on them but never really standing on the pedal. The second day I
was dealing with some vibration under hard braking, which made me a
little timid to really stand on them but when I did it was what I
thought would require a BBK to feel. At the end of the straight I was
getting a little annoyed by Miatas and an MR2 for braking so early. Same
result through the 'chute' (fast downhill into a hairpin) I was finding
myself going off-line to avoid some other cars. He instructor
complemented my smoothness but still I'd see him lunge forward at each
brake application. Not one occurrence of fade either (the pedal got a
little soft due to the now weak link fluid) but some siding due to
relearning threshold braking (abs came in much quicker than before so
the braking pressure had to be relearned) 

I could not believe a 3600 lb car could stop like this! It was very cool
to catch lighter cars in the hairpin at the end of the straight because
I was able to brake so much later. The really let me be faster
throughout the track. Got the signoff for solo (group 1) and moved to
the next group. The R4S stopped well last year (this is my second event)
but wore quickly, these stopped much quicker. I had visions of coming
through a downhill sweeper at 80 mph and into a hairpin and sliding
across the sand/grass skipping a few turns. Instead, plenty of stopping
power even on street tires! I'll check the wear on these pads and report
back.

Brian W-88T