View Single Post
Old 01-11-2008, 12:41 PM   #7
racer_d
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 846
Quote:
Originally Posted by racer_d
Not sure of your driving experience (ie, if you will have an instructor with you) but

1) LOOK AHEAD.. not just 10 feet off your front bumper but as far ahead as possible.
2) Be smooth. The smoother you are, the faster you will become.
3) Have FUN!
Please note there are TONS of books about learning to drive better/faster etc. This is a very abreviated cliff note (Skip Barber's "Going Faster" is likely one of the best)

1) By looking far ahead, and using a technique called "occular driving", you allow your eyes to steer the car. If you allow yourself to focus on the car immediately in front of you, you miss the larger view.. maybe a waving yellow flag.. maybe oil being dropped.. Looking far ahead also allows you brain to "slow down" what you are doing. It gives you time to process what is, in your case, all new.

Fast canyon driving is NOT track driving, but things you learn at the track can relate directly to how you drive on the street.

2) Smoothness isn't alway easy to learn.. some have it naturally, some must hone it.. but being smooth is about your car inputs. How you embrace and steer the car. How you apply the brakes; how you apply the gas. Smooth doesn't always mean slow.. but it means to not upset the cars natural balance. No matter how many improvements you make to your car, it is limited by your cars contact patch. Learning how to manage those patches is critical.


Being saved by PSM is not good. It implies to me that you drive above your skill set. Not sure how your event is run, but if "instructors" or more seasoned drivers are willing to ride with you, then even better. As mentioned, the top seats in motorsports are already filled.

Having a TIP is not a negative for you. It makes it easier. Focus on braking and steering with no worries about missing a shift.

Your goal this weekend is to bring the car home in the same condition that you brought it out in

Enjoy.. Take pics.. Stay hydrated.. and share your experiences with us!
__________________
1976 914 2.0
2000 Boxster 2.7 (sold)
1978 911 SC (sold)
1970 914 w/2056 (sold)
racer_d is offline   Reply With Quote