Cem’s 2017 Camaro SS 1LE with APEX 19″ Wheels

APEX: Tell us some details about yourself & your car.

Cem: My name is Cem Sahin. I am a car enthusiast and track day addict from Seattle, Washington. I currently own a 2017 Camaro SS 1LE in Hyper Blue Metallic color. I currently have a sponsorship/membership from APR Racing, NASA, and recently became an instructor at Oregon Raceway Park (ORP) which I consider as my home track.

APEX: What is your track day wheel setup?

Cem: I have two sets of the same model and size wheels listed below (in black and anthracite grey colors). I have 305-30-19 and 325-30-19 NT01 tires for one set and will go with a different tires on the 2nd wheel as I didn’t like the performance of the used slicks (295/305 Pirelli DH slicks) or the Trofeo Rs in 305/30/19 square setup that I tested previously. Since OEM suspension with extra sticky 305/325 NT01 tires feel like they can use a bit stiffer dampers.

Front Fitment: APEX 19X10.5″ ET22 PS-7 Wheel 305/30/19 NT01 Tires 5mm spacer -2.9 front camber

Rear Fitment: APEX 19×11″ ET 25 PS-7 Wheel 325-30-19 NT01 Tires -1.6 rear camber

My current suspension is the OEM SS 1LE Magnetic Ride Suspension but I will consider the upcoming Multimatic DSSV suspension from the Camaro ZL1 1LE (if offered as a kit) or some good quality coilovers, in order to be able to run 18″ wheels and tires in the future and more importantly to have a stiffer overall suspension for stickier tires.

APEX: Why did you choose APEX Wheels over the rest?

Cem: Simply because Apex offers affordable, lightweight, track proven wheels that also clear many big brake kits. I have been very happy with them so far. I managed to slightly bent one wheel when I ran over some very rough, concrete bumps at one event but was still impressed by its quality considering my speed and angle. I was able to drive back home, and ordered and received another one with expedited shipping and made it to next event on time 🙂 Something not possible with custom wheels…

APEX: How did you get into track racing & for how long?

Cem: Not timed/competition type events but I have been actively attending to HPDE events ever since I moved to Pacific Northwest (2012) as there are many beautiful tracks and organizations in the area and also because my friends were familiar with local tracks and clubs in this area. I try to improve my personal best lap times by tweaking the car and become more familiar with my car and the setup and I believe this is a never ending process.

APEX: What is your favorite memory or entertaining story from the track?

Cem: I managed to run off track at the same exact corner with two different cars (3 years after the first one). As a result, I needed a towing since all four tires got stuck in the dirt but luckily I was able to drive back home in both cases (after a battery reset) 🙂

APEX: How many events do you participate in each year, care to share any track results?

Cem: I typically attend about 10 events each year because the track season is somewhat limited in Pacific Northwest and there are only three good tracks that I consider safe and fun to drive (ORP, RMP, PIR). However, as I recently purchased a towing vehicle, I am planning to get a custom trailer so that I can drive to tracks in Northern California (Sonoma Raceway, Thunderhill Raceway, MRLS, etc.) at least once a year.

With the Camaro SS 1LE, I was able to run 1:53.02 at the Ridge Motorsports Park and I believe the low to mid 1:52s are very possible on a better day without any traffic.

My current best lap at the ORP is 1:54.5 with some very hard and inconsistent used slicks. I have a slight understeer issue that is a bit more severe and noticeable at the ORP since it’s a very tight track. Once I address that I think I can easily shave another second.

APEX: If you could give one tip to a new racer, what would your tip be?

Cem: I would advise the new drivers to search for the local track organizations in their area to attend a driver school and practice with patience.

APEX: Where can we follow you?

Cem: My track videos can be found at my YouTube Page at: https://www.youtube.com/user/glamcem

You can follow my track build thread on Camaro6.com here.

APEX: Do you have any clubs, shops or racing buddies you want to give a shout out to?

Cem: I am a member of Oregon Raceway Park club and have been going there with my close friend who has a track build C7 Z51. I try doing my own basic maintenance and some tools in my garage for things like oil changes, fluid/brake changes, parts installation (exhaust, header, supercharger kits, radiator, oil coolers etc.). For all the other work, I have been quite happy with Doug’s service (Chase Race in Duvall, WA). He understands our requests and share his opinion as he is very experienced with race/track cars and custom modifications.

Cory has been Domestic Fitment Expert at APEX since 2018, helping owners figure out the proper wheel fitments for their Camaro, Corvette, Mustang, Challenger, Charger, Cadillac, and Tesla vehicles. Prior to joining APEX, he worked as Service Advisor at an automotive performance shop. Never one to sit at a car show, Cory has had a lifelong passion for performance driving. His extensive track experience began with HPDEs in 2015. He soon got the itch to start competing in time trials, which he has been doing ever since. Among the cars he has tracked are three Mustang GTs (2005, 2006, 2011), a 2016 Fiesta ST, and his current ride, a 2010 Corvette Grand Sport with APEX SM-10RS wheels. Fun Fact: Apparently Cory’s love of speed isn’t limited to the racetrack; after not training at all, he recently ran a 5K and placed 7th out of 210 competitors.

Have questions about wheels for your domestic vehicle? Use our contact form and ask for Cory