Vision narrowing under "spirited" driving, Normal or not? Options

[Tom Perso]

Hey Guys,

I am a pretty inexperienced auto-x/track driver. In my life, I've done a total of 2 auto-x events and done some ride-arounds at the track.

I don't normally drive "spirited" on the street, but I've found a nice backroads on my way home from work. Quite a few twisties, fall colors on the trees, and sunlight peeking thru. It's quite a relaxing time after a hard day of work.

I'm pretty comfortable with the curves, and most of them are fairly open so I can see around the curve.

So, with that, I've put the BMW 325IS thru it's paces today. (The 914 is on jackstands, sans engine).

So, I've noticed that when I'm really winding the car out and hanging near the limits, my vision narrows - much like that in a "fight or flight" situation. I noticed this when I was at my auto-x's which was very disconcerning when you're trying to look ahead for the next turn, keep an eye on the gauges, and have a general "feel" of where you are on the course, when you have tunnel vision.

Is this a normal occurance, or is this just me and my inexperience? Anything that I can do?

I would assume that having a more open field of view while hanging it out thru a corner would be most benificial - especially in a track situation. Watching the line you're on, checking the car in front of you, and the ones in front of them.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Tom

[TimT]

QUOTE

by consciously raising my chin 2 inches and reminding my brain to ignore that apex point and look at the corner ahead. You can still hit the apex out of your peripherial, without even looking at it

Yes look where you want to go

QUOTE

Another thing to watch for when learning how to up your speed is "Look where you want to go".

YES!!!

A Ski instructor I had years ago hammered this tenet into me. She picked up that I was worried about the terrain so much rather than getting where I wanted to go. Told me to keep my head up, look where I want to go, and my skills would get me there

Your peripheral vision is incredibly powerful!!

After a few session with a student I ask them to look at where they want to be, not the immediate obstacle..

Dont worry about the gauges in the middle of a turn, check gauges when your car is settled, also relax your grip on the wheel