What we've learned on the track

[Need_for_speed]

Just finished the Skip Barber Advanced Car Control Clinic. Learned a lot and would highly recommend the course, especially for those who currently Race/DE/Autocross or plan to do so in the future.

This was my second time on a skid pad. On my first go-around, I learned how to manage the weight shift after the initial correction, which was a pretty big step forward for me. This time around, after a lot of work and great instruction, I finally progressed to the point where I could start the skid and then drift the car around the entire circle.

The big learning moment for me was to look where you want the car to go -- a throwback to my days on a bike. It's really amazing how your eyes are connected to your hands. Initially, when the skid would start, I focused just off the nose of the car. As soon as I started looking downrange, the car went exactly where I wanted.

After the skid pad work, it was out to the track (Lime Rock), and my ability to turn-in and track-out of each turn was vastly improved. I was also a great deal more confident that I could better manage things if the car went loosey-goosey.