What we've learned on the track

[insite]

Kurt -

don't you really mean NOT using the ABS? i always get better stopping distances at impending lockup. if the abs pulsates ONE time, i'm deep by 3ft.

[Quickurt]

Originally Posted by insite

Kurt -

don't you really mean NOT using the ABS? i always get better stopping distances at impending lockup. if the abs pulsates ONE time, i'm deep by 3ft.

I agree completely. I had one of the best times ever at BrumosU and went about six inches out of the stopping box because the ABS pulsated once! Out of the box added 5 seconds to your lap time. OUCH!
That, however, does not mean ABS is not an absolute life-saver off the track, especially for all those who have no idea what braking modulation means, let alone how to do it expertly - let alone in weather.
I'm talking about coming up with some exercises that all the forum members can learn and become proficient with using empty parking lots to practice in.
The knowledge of how one can stand on the brakes and still manuever the car can save at least one member's paint job, and maybe save one member or a member of their family.
I think that in itself is worth the time and effort.

[ProjectM96]

Need Help.

I am going to my first racing event with my 2000 base 986 5 speed manual.

The event includes a drag race, AutoX using cones, and a car show. The points earned are added from each event to determine the winner.

Again, this will be my first drag and autox. I am pretty good in GT4 on PS2 and Forza Motorsport on xbox 360, but I have never done it in real life.

In the drag race,
Traction Control On or Off?
What do I rev to before dropping the clutch?
Should I shift at redline, or at an earlier rpm?

In autox.
Traction Control On or Off?
Does the car lose grip easy? Easy to gain control if I over steer? (Assume I have very good Ultra high performance summer tires.)

I will practice before the event to see where the limits are, but I want to know what you guys have to say from your experiences.

[insite]

drag race:

TC off

rev to 4k and let of the gas as you quicly release the clutch. as the clutch catches, get back on the throttle & modulate



auto-x

TC off

car is easy to catch if it starts to step out. get into 2nd gear quickly & leave it there; don't mess w/ shifting once you're underway. with autocross, shortest path tends to win the day, so don't get too creative with your lines.

you will beat 70% of the back just by KNOWING THE COURSE, so walk it, drive it in your mind, walk it again.

[Quickurt]

Great advice from Insite - M96!
Again, shortest route is usually the quickest route and drive it in your mind over and over. 2nd gear has plenty of torque without so much wheelspin.
Don't eat anything that day, either. Do some energy bars to keep your cals up, but don't eat a meal.
Hungry people are aggressive people! (that's a trick straight from Brian Redman!)

[ProjectM96]

So I pulled my handbrake driving about 15mph to test how strong they are.
I heard a loud pop and nothing happened. The car did not slow down and the brakes did nothing. However, when i park on a hill and pull the hand brake up, it holds the car in place.

Any ideas why the hand brake did nothing? Why the loud pop noise? Did Porsche do something to keep people from pulling the hand brake up while driving?

I am asking this question in this thread because I thought people might have tried pulling the hand brake on the track.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by ProjectM96

So I pulled my handbrake driving about 15mph to test how strong they are.
I heard a loud pop and nothing happened. The car did not slow down and the brakes did nothing. However, when i park on a hill and pull the hand brake up, it holds the car in place.

Any ideas why the hand brake did nothing? Why the loud pop noise? Did Porsche do something to keep people from pulling the hand brake up while driving?

I am asking this question in this thread because I thought people might have tried pulling the hand brake on the track.

Using the handbrake to do a 180 spin I broke 2 of the parking brake shoe retaining springs. $30. ea.