Off track excursions, Are they a measure of improvement? |
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Off track excursions, Are they a measure of improvement? |
nine14cats |
Jun 28 2006, 04:45 PM
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#1
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Bill Pickering -- 914-6 GT aka....Leeloo Group: Members Posts: 2,618 Joined: 10-February 03 From: Campbell, CA Member No.: 287 Region Association: None |
I have a question for the board....
Is going off track an indicator of ongoing improvement? This is meant as a "positive" experience question. I have heard some drivers use the old addage that there are two types of racers: 1. Those that have gone off track 2. Those that will go off track The reason I ask is that I've never been dirt tracking at any of the places I've run (Laguna Seca, Infineon, Buttowwillow or Thunderhill). I haven't spun out or even touched a wheel in dirt (just wispies!) I'm getting quicker and have set many personal bests this year. This past weekend my practice times put me in the top 20% of cars running, so that makes me happy. But is it possible I'm not pushing hard enough to learn my own limits and that of my car? Some drivers have told me that going off is no big deal. I personally don't like the thought of it a whole lot. From the standpoint of safety, I don't want to lose control and possibly hit someone else. From the standpoint of cost, I don't want to damage my car. My approach has been incremental...bring a little more speed in a section and then link it to the next section. And I have been trying to be more aware of practicing controlled drifting of the car through certain sections of track. I just don't know if I should push my limits a tad more. I suppose given our sport it is inevitable that I will go off, be it my own fault or circumstances happenning in front of me on the track. Any thoughts or insights from the Paddock? Thanks, Bill P. |
DanT |
Jun 28 2006, 07:10 PM
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#2
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Going back to the Dark Side! Group: Members Posts: 4,300 Joined: 4-October 04 From: Auburn, CA Member No.: 2,880 Region Association: None |
Bill,
I think you know how I feel but here goes.... In 16 years of TTing and DEs I have been off one time at BW at the bus stop. Thought I could make thru with out a lift....Doh! Guess not. Only other time I was off was at turn 11 at Laguna when my brakes went away. Knew I couldn't get it slowed down enough to make the turn so I let the car scrub sideways a bit and then drove straight off. I have always driven my cars to the track and always wanted to drive them home in the same condition. That $5 trophy just wasn't worth the cost to car or my health. I get around the track just fine for an old fart...so I have nothing to complain about. yes, some folks push the envelope and go off....some more than others. For me, slow incremental improvement while keeping the "farming" to an absolute minimum is the way I have always approached driving and instructing/coaching. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) |
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