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

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

QUOTE (soloracer @ Nov 3 2005, 09:54 PM)

Anyone who rides a motorcycle understands the "look where you want to go" and the "keep your head up" mantra. I find that since I got my motorcycle and took a course on how to ride it that I am a better driver. Many of the basic ideas necessary to stay alive on a motorcycle translate to go driving practice in a car.

Took the words right outta my mouth!

I'm always trying to look 8 seconds ahead. But that's not always possible in traffic (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wacko.gif) Find yourself staring at the bumper in front of you? Try looking through the car...through the rear and front glass. Off the sides of the car. Watch the brake/tail lights of the ahead traffic. They tell you what to expect. You'll find yourself slowing down before the car in front of you because you're paying attention beyond the 10' to 20' in front of you (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

During auto-crossing I don't have the need to look at any gauges. There's no cops so speeding isn't an issue. I know where the car is in the rpm range by the sound she makes, thus I know when to shift. My peripherial vision will alert me to any bright warning lights the gauges emit in the event of any engine trouble. Heck, I even TRIED to GLANCE in the rear view mirror once to see a cone I hit but I couldn't because the next gate was approaching me. Looking at unimportant stuff will just slow you down.

As for this 10/10ths stuff...never heard of it. Kind of confusing? Someone care to elaborate at the 8th grade level? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)