Any feedback on my first track day?

[ppbon]

Originally Posted by ProjectM96

My first track day and racing experience. No passing was allowed but I was driving as fast as I felt capable.

I shaved off at least 33 seconds off my laptimes throughout the day after driving about 17 laps total. I improved my time after every lap. There was no lap I took that was slower or equal from the previous lap.

I loved it and now I am addicted. For those of you who have experience, please give me some constructive criticism on how I can improve and where I was making mistakes on the track.

My First Track Day
^Video here. Click on the Second Video. Part 2.

My car has exhaust, bypass pipes, Eibach Springs, street tires, and intake. No additional weight savings.

I was reaching 105-110 on the straightaway. I was making the sharp turns at 50mph and the moderate turns at 60-70mph. You think I can go faster?

I got a ride in a Cayman S with Hoosier racing tires. The driver was turning 20-30mph faster than I was at every corner and was going 25mph faster on the straightaway's.

... constructive criticism on your driving it would be better for me to have seen you, not the road ahead.
You seem smooth and fairly consistent but I'd like to see how you sit and hold/maneuver the steering wheel and also look at your footwork.
Next time out try to position your camera so that we can see those things and you'll get a lot better feedback.
In our Gold Coast PCA Region we have beginners (green group) go out with an instructor always, but we allow passing with point-by in restricted areas of the track.
Advanced (blue group) still ride with an instructor and still can pass with point-by only in restricted areas.
Solo (yellow group) ride by themselves with no instructor and can pass using point-by in the restricted areas of the track..
Super Solo and Instructors have no restricted passing areas and may pass in any section of the track, but must still point-by.
Happy Boxstering
Pedro

[ProjectM96]

Originally Posted by ppbon

... constructive criticism on your driving it would be better for me to have seen you, not the road ahead.
You seem smooth and fairly consistent but I'd like to see how you sit and hold/maneuver the steering wheel and also look at your footwork.
Next time out try to position your camera so that we can see those things and you'll get a lot better feedback.
In our Gold Coast PCA Region we have beginners (green group) go out with an instructor always, but we allow passing with point-by in restricted areas of the track.
Advanced (blue group) still ride with an instructor and still can pass with point-by only in restricted areas.
Solo (yellow group) ride by themselves with no instructor and can pass using point-by in the restricted areas of the track..
Super Solo and Instructors have no restricted passing areas and may pass in any section of the track, but must still point-by.
Happy Boxstering
Pedro

They had me sit closer to the steering wheel. They wanted me to sit close and have the air bag facing at my chest. Shifting wise, I did not shift very fast like you would in a drag race because I cannot afford to replace a synchro.

But track wise, was I taking the right lines, braking too early, etc? It is the closest track to me(1 hour, 20 min drive) so it will likely be the only track I drive on.

My ultimate goal is to break the 1:40 mark for a lap time.

[stephen wilson]

Don't forget NJMP has 2 tracks to choose from. Pocono and Summit Point are also within 2 hours.

[Bob O]

I agree with Pedro that it's difficult to judge without seeing your feet and hands. BUT... There were several (quite a few) places where it sounded like you were off the gas in the corner...ie coasting. (I can't really tell from the video but that's what it sounded like anyway) If you were doing that, DON'T. That is a big no no and will become quite dangerous once you get a little faster. Other things were apparent, but since this was your first outing, it looked pretty good. Yes you were braking too early (the brakes on our cars are incredible...use them) Yes you were not hitting the apexes (but not THAT bad for a first timer) Yes you were late in accelerating from the apex (simply a lack of experence in knowing where the apex is probably) All those are typical first timer mistakes, all of which I would expect from a first time driver. No big deal really. A good teacher will help you correct them in short order.

I'm surprised your instructor didn't answer your questions while you were there. You have the same questions almost all newbies have, which is why I always make it a point to hang around Saturday and Sunday afternoon and just talk to my students if they want to. We also talk about what they're doing after every session and what I want them to think about between sessions and work on during the next one. Your goal initially should be smoothness (heck your goal forever should be that) and hitting the lines...speed will come once you have those at least somewhat under control.

I gather from your other post, that you didn't have an instructor for the entire weekend. That's too bad. Learning on your own is virtually impossible, and more than a little dangerous as you gain confidence and pick up some speed. As someone else said, you should try to get to a PCA event and have a certified instructor sit with you all weekend. It's fun, it's safe, and you'll be amazed at how quickly you progress.

Oh yes..and about that Cayman S you got a ride in...don't even think of trying to keep up with him. More hp, track tires, probably a lot more experience. I bet that ride was a blast!!!

Have fun, be safe

Bob

[ProjectM96]

Originally Posted by Bob O

I agree with Pedro that it's difficult to judge without seeing your feet and hands. BUT... There were several (quite a few) places where it sounded like you were off the gas in the corner...ie coasting. (I can't really tell from the video but that's what it sounded like anyway) If you were doing that, DON'T. That is a big no no and will become quite dangerous once you get a little faster. Other things were apparent, but since this was your first outing, it looked pretty good. Yes you were braking too early (the brakes on our cars are incredible...use them) Yes you were not hitting the apexes (but not THAT bad for a first timer) Yes you were late in accelerating from the apex (simply a lack of experence in knowing where the apex is probably) All those are typical first timer mistakes, all of which I would expect from a first time driver. No big deal really. A good teacher will help you correct them in short order.

I'm surprised your instructor didn't answer your questions while you were there. You have the same questions almost all newbies have, which is why I always make it a point to hang around Saturday and Sunday afternoon and just talk to my students if they want to. We also talk about what they're doing after every session and what I want them to think about between sessions and work on during the next one. Your goal initially should be smoothness (heck your goal forever should be that) and hitting the lines...speed will come once you have those at least somewhat under control.

I gather from your other post, that you didn't have an instructor for the entire weekend. That's too bad. Learning on your own is virtually impossible, and more than a little dangerous as you gain confidence and pick up some speed. As someone else said, you should try to get to a PCA event and have a certified instructor sit with you all weekend. It's fun, it's safe, and you'll be amazed at how quickly you progress.

Oh yes..and about that Cayman S you got a ride in...don't even think of trying to keep up with him. More hp, track tires, probably a lot more experience. I bet that ride was a blast!!!

Have fun, be safe

Bob

Yeah the instructor was only with me for 3 laps. But he told me to hit those apex's before he left and he told me when to brake and turn in(there were also cones and signs on the side of the track to tell you when to do that). I was trying but I still need practice. I drove for 35-38 minutes total. The rest of the track time was for the intermediate, advanced, and pro groups.

[Bob O]

You only had 35 minutes total track time????? wow. From your other post I see it cost $200...and you got 35 mintues and three laps with an instructor. hmmmmmm I think I'd find another venue for exploring the track. I'd definitely look up your local PCA chapter and find out when and where their next DE event is. You'll get, usually, 20-25 min per session, four sessions per day, for two days (not counting class time for novices). AND you'll get an instructor for the whole event. I think you'll be much happier..and at the end of the weekend, a better driver too.

Bob