Thank You!!

I just wanted to say thanks for the advice you guys gave me ... it saved me from a nervous breakdown!!

I just wanted to let you know I made it out of there in one piece and car intact! It was the most fun I think I have ever had in my entire life. Going to the races is fun but racing is 1000x better!!

I was by no means great but I held my own (for a novice) I guess? I added some pics from the race to my pics at the following link. It is not all my pics, there are some of the other cars there too and the track, etc. For those of you WRX lovers...there is a picture for you too see. It was the nicest car there...it made me want a body kit. (call me crazy)

Well, I won't keep you just wanted to say thanks again. I would also like to know if you have any advice about finding the right line to take the corner w/. I know that I am supposed to use the one w/ the highest exit speed...but I was not getting it. That is the one thing I totally sucked at all day!!

Here is the link...
http://www.msnusers.com/SICKEVOPICKS/shoebox.msnw
Then go to pictures at the track.

Glad you had fun



Well, I won't keep you just wanted to say thanks again. I would also like to know if you have any advice about finding the right line to take the corner w/. I know that I am supposed to use the one w/ the highest exit speed...but I was not getting it. That is the one thing I totally sucked at all day!!



AWithout seeing you drive is kind of hard to point out what and if you are doing something wrong.

But from what I see, most people tend to push to sharply out too fast into a corner and severely understeer.


I've made you a quick sketch (yes my drawing skills are appalling)

The red line represents what I see a lot of people do: Commit too soon and at too sharp of an angle into the corner with the end result of heavy braking to correct for the heavy understeer.

The blue (and proper) line hugs the outside line then at the proper moment turns and clips the apex and then accelerates towards the other outside line.

In a nutshell you have to take corners following the most open arc that still clips the inside of the apex.


http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/13360Racing_Lines.jpg

I hope I explained it clearly enough, its 3am here and I’m a bit tired.

This advice applies to most standard corners. Another piece of advice is: If you feel you jerked the car into a corner and you feel it pushing most likely you is doing something wrong. A proper cornering technique should feel very smooth and fluid and, dare I say, elegant with the car rotating perfectly with no hint of pushing. I know in all my autoX courses all my fastest runs are also the smoothest.

I love the E30 pics. And of course the your Evo looks great. So did you race anyone? And if so what place did you come in?

I would also like to know if you have any advice about finding the right line to take the corner w/. I know that I am supposed to use the one w/ the highest exit speed...but I was not getting it. That is the one thing I totally sucked at all day!!

Find someone who knows what they're doing and follow them...

lol

Find someone who knows what they're doing and follow them...

Thanks for the tip!! But, I think I got that one figured out!! I know that it seems like that is a dumb question but it was my first time on the track and there were so many things to remember and watch and adrenaline, etc. So...following someone through the turns and watching the line they are on was hard!! I know it will come w/ practice but it was a start anyway!!
BTW... I do appreciate the advice that you gave the other night...even if it was meant as cut down, it did help!! :cwm27:

RACER D12:
At the track we go to:
The track at Second Creek is to be used for road racing practice only. No drag racing or off road racing is allowed. It is just for fun and the vibe is very positive. (mostly the people there are older car enthusiasts just there to have a good time) There are 4 levels of drivers - each level is divided in to heats and that level is the only one on the track at the same time. The track is 1.7 miles w/ 10 turns. The time limit is 15 min. ... so you can get around quite a few times before time is up. Here is a link to the site if you would like to check it out. http://www.2ndcreekraceway.com/info/scr_map1.html
We didn't take a stop watch so I am not sure on my times but Wed. nights are open and there is hardly ever anyone there so we are planning to go and practice!! The 19th is Ladies Day...and I am signed up so hopefully I will do better!! :lol2:

good luck on lady's night

[QUOTE=jnglgurl]Well, I won't keep you just wanted to say thanks again. I would also like to know if you have any advice about finding the right line to take the corner w/. I know that I am supposed to use the one w/ the highest exit speed...but I was not getting it. That is the one thing I totally sucked at all day!! [QUOTE]


There may not be many people who can really give you good pointers unless they've been to the track you visited. Just some broad rules of thumb type tips. If you are serious about getting into road racing I would suggest a few books like Skip Barber Racing School's "Going Faster" and Speed Secrets: Professional Race Driving Techniques.

The tip about getting the right line is good, but the first thing I learned about was car balance and brake zones. Proper braking before the turn is essential to any great line. Also not upsetting the car balance due to sudden lift-off and stabbing the brakes suddenly, will help a LOT.

Sorry everyone, I know this is the street racing forum... :grinno: