Ran my first track session, and the results
 

it was a blast. I loved it. I have never driven my car so hard, and gotton such a rush. This doesn't even compare to autocross, it is way better. I think I am hooked. I need to either buy a race car or I need to find more track events for my rx-7.

I don't feel that the r-compound tires hurt me at all, the only thing is that I was a little nervous after everyone told me not to run them. I thought that they would just let go and not give any warnings and I would end up off the track. Well by the end of the day I had the tires making a little noise, and was starting to push them a little.

The only thing that I took from autocross was how late to brake. I was bracking a hell of a lot later than anyone else on the track.

And no I didn't kill the instructors, or myself.

Congrats on the good time.

Which track venue?

What track club?

What feedback did your instructor(s) give you?

What did your instructor(s) teach you?

What did you learn from your instructor(s)?

What do you plan to do better next time?

With regard to R-compound. You won't know what bad habits you're picking up until you've developed them. Also R-compound tires don't give you a chance to develop car control skills like street tires do (because street tires break away earlier).

As a open track driver who does both autocross and open track lapping, I'd say autocross requires more car control (and so I learn car control), and has given the ability to learn a track more quickly (than a driver who does not autocross).

BTW, late-braking only works when you're going slow into a turn. Once you start carrying big speed, you'll need to adjust your braking point earlier to scrub the extra speed going into the turn.

good to see you had a great time. now get the race car and add the wheel to wheel racing to the speed of the open tracking. you will be hooked, sorry.

congrats!!!

PaulC

Say good-bye to all your money.

Seriously, good luck. The thing I remember most from my first track session (many years ago, now) was how much fun it was to use the entire width of the track -- no lanes.

I think so too. That's the point I tried to make before, you're not going to go blow up the car but you don't realize how poorly you really are driving. That doesn't mean you are actually a poor driver, it's all relative to your ability. You'd be better by learning with street rubber first and then moving to race rubber. It's MUCH easier to learn than to unlearn; ask anyone who has taken a real driving course.


I think so too. I have to get some of my autox vids posted (though I will leave out the ones where I hit things :p: ). Smooth autoxing is still very busy; smooth track driving is not busy it all. Autoxing gets my concentration centered and adrenaline pumping. Track driving actually leaves me time to enjoy it :)

I guess I'll weigh in ....

First off, congrats on your first track experience. And, as you've already admitted, it's addicting. Hope you have your trust fund open ....;)

The R-compound tires aren't going to give you much audible warning unless you're on a sealed asphalt surface. Street tires are much better for that ... and street tires will give you a definite audible signal for when you've reached the adhesion limit. Squeal not squall. I agree with SleepR1 and DamonB that running on race rubber is probably not the best way to learn to go faster. And definitely not the cheapest. Street tires will take twice the beating that R-compounds will. You'll also burn off a lot of good sticky rubber trying to unlearn bad technique. While you won't be as fast on street tires, you will learn the fastest line and how to manage the course. But hey, you might be the next Kimi Raikonnen .... so take my advice with a grain of salt. :)

or Danica Patrick

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media...05/3138277.jpg

:drool1:

Awh...damon...that's working the adrenaline all right LOL :)

Sleep R1

To answer your questions

"Which track venue?"
It was a road coarse called Black Hawk farms near rockford IL. http://www.blackhawkfarms.com/

"What track club?"
It was put on by SCCA, the chicago, wisconsin, and blackhawk regions I beleive.

"What feedback did your instructor(s) give you?"
He basically just helped me to learn the basics and told me to be careful and be smooth
"What did your instructor(s) teach you?"
Not a whole lot, he only went out with me the first to session, he helped me to learn how to be smooth and how to find the fastest line through a corner.

"What did you learn from your instructor(s)?"

What do you plan to do better next time?"
I feel like I lost me concentration, I think the main thing that I need to work on is corner speed. I feel like I caould have gone a lot faster if I would have set myself up properly when entering the corner.

All and all I had fun, I am toying with the idea of taking an actual race school of some sort. I need to find something to race, I am thinking of buying an old rx-7 and racing it. I just need to get a second and third job.

I don't feel like I learned a whole lot but I think I did okay for my first time on a track.

Ahh...sounds like an open lapping event with a few instructors to show you the "line" and keep you out of the weeds. You need to sign up for a Porsche Club or BMW Club drivers education event (usually a 2-day weekend school). They have instructors that will stay with you as long as you want. There's also a classroom session to teach you vehicle dynamic theory. Sounds like you enjoyed yourself in a safe manner. That's the key. Safe fun! Best of luck in your open lapping and racing endeavors!

NASA also puts on some excellent driving schools. With instructors and classroom sessions similar to Porshe and BMW clubs. You might check out the Ohio/Indiana Chapter. You can get their address at www.nasaproracing.com

Glad to hear you had a great experience!!! Welcome to the wonderful world of open tracking!!!!

Dave

Wicked,

Congratulations on your first school! I understand that Blackhawk is really nice with the new pavement and all.

When and where will you be taking your second school? If you get it in this season, will you be finishing your license this year?

I will look forward to hear of your progress, and if you come out to race in CenDiv, please post your plans. There is a large group that paddocks together, and we would welcome you to join us.

db

I agree with SleepR1.
Try and do a track day with a Porsche club!
I did my first track day in Feb. Was a blast, and the Porsche instructors were awsome. Taught me alot.
I also got to have Cindy Lux in the car with me for about 10mins.......