"Lets Just Drive" (lets-just-drive)
08/19/2013 at 01:06 • Filed to: TRACK TIPS
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"Lets Just Drive" (lets-just-drive)
08/19/2013 at 01:06 • Filed to: TRACK TIPS | 0
| 3 |
Okay, hi Oppo!
So, on the FP today we had a neat top ten funniest racing videos. #4 brought up some interesting discussion points and got me thinking about what the newbies and rookies really need to know their first time out.
As I'll be attending my very first Autocross on the 25th, I think the timing is just about perfect. And so, Oppo, I'm reaching out to you, the community, to try and compile a list of THINGS TO KNOW on a Track Day for the New and Uninitiated.
I'd like to see what you have to say and then tomorrow or the day following I'll compile a neato list of Oppo-Tips for Track Days!
So, since I was so vocal about video #4 on the aforementioned QOTW, I'll start things off with something I think is very important for racers to remember:
ALWAYS DO AS THE MARSHAL INSTRUCTS! - The Marshals are gods, as far as you're concerned. They're human, and they get things wrong sometimes, but you'd better just forget about that until the race is over, the track day done and make sure you don't step on their toes! If you feel you were treated wrongly, appeal to the race Stewards but don't, like the hero of video #4, take it into your own hands to make sure you get what's coming to you because even if you're right all you'll get is a black flag at best and banned at worst. Remember also, they're really just there to make sure everyone is a safe as possible, that the event runs smoothly and to help you, rookie racer, learn the ropes. They're there for you!
Alex87f
> Lets Just Drive
08/19/2013 at 04:01 |
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Three things pop up in my mind:
-#1 priority is to go home alive and in one piece. Never forget it.
-#2: obey track rules, whatever they are
-#3: keep in mind that you suck. As this website puts it: " Remember the hot hatch that smokes your 911? That's because you are not fast. Say it with me! You're not fast . You're not going to be fast, and even if you were, you won't be that fast. You could be driving an 800 horsepower F1 car, but you're still going to get shown up by sub-compacts. "
Cixelsyd
> Lets Just Drive
08/19/2013 at 09:28 |
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When speaking with other more experienced drivers, the ratio of listening to speaking for the rookie should be 90 to 10, and the 10 should be mostly asking questions.
Turk
> Lets Just Drive
08/19/2013 at 11:13 |
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There's already some good ones in here. I'll add a few:
1. Logistical. Have most of your crap together the night before. Nice-to-haves that generally improve the experience - folding chairs, lots of water, small cooler with snacks or some non-alcoholic beverages (careful, not toooo much caffiene), shade especially at autocrosses which generally have limited facilities - a big EZ-UP is a great way to go. Little camping grill, cool idea but be prepared to make a lot of new friends... that all want chow. floppy hat and sunscreen for your course-working shift. Shades.
1.a. Show up on time. Do the course walk. If at all possible go with buddies to bounce approaches etc. off; follow old dudes err sorry veterans on the course walk. If they're there, especially in a project or a beater-looking (careful possible sleeper!) thing, they probably have some clue what they're doing and may cue you to little things like surface conditions that you wouldn't think of especially your first few times out.
2. Keep a good attitude. Let me share a personal experience that may help keep this in check for you. I had plenty of autox and some road course experience in cars the first time I took my bike to the track. In the novice class, I was immensely frustrated - despite the usual rules (somebody else posted already - as a general rule, you are very slow), I was apparently REALLY fast for novice class, and I was scared to death to make passes because some inexperienced / inattentive riders out there were very unpredictable and very slow. I kept getting more and more frustrated (I can fight homicidal traffic for free, no need to go to the track) and the instructors weren't very accomodating. 5-6 trackdays later I moved up a class after picking up yet more speed, and all was well... just had to be a bit patient about it. Now I'm mid-to-high-end of the pack in the intermediate class and may even go advanced soon, but the frustration prevents you from learning and ultimately takes away from the fun too. So just enjoy, seek constructive feedback and take it well. Eventually most people on a site like this can get pretty fast with the right attitude and plenty of seat time.