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. |
Don Wohlfarth |
Jul 7 2006, 06:05 PM
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#2
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Member Group: Members Posts: 104 Joined: 8-January 03 From: Fairfax, VA Member No.: 117 |
Not trying to start a war, just adding a differnt perspective....
A well set up 914 with a "almost" stock engine and 205's is fun to drive. What makes a 914 so much fun is the mid engine, allowing low polar movement. It can be a stretch to get to the limit. Problem is when you go over the limit it will spin in a heart beat and can be very, very difficult to catch. Now add in 2 or 3 times the original power...heavy suspension...bigger tires...car can handle like it's on rails...until you go over the limit. You have to become very familar with your car as you have to anticipate the back end coming around. A little counter steer, maybe a very slight breathing of the throttle, you MAY have a chance to catch it. |
SandyI |
Jul 7 2006, 06:16 PM
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#3
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Member Group: Members Posts: 51 Joined: 27-December 05 From: Topanga Canyon, California Member No.: 5,322 |
Not trying to start a war, just adding a differnt perspective.... A well set up 914 with a "almost" stock engine and 205's is fun to drive. What makes a 914 so much fun is the mid engine, allowing low polar movement. It can be a stretch to get to the limit. Problem is when you go over the limit it will spin in a heart beat and can be very, very difficult to catch. Now add in 2 or 3 times the original power...heavy suspension...bigger tires...car can handle like it's on rails...until you go over the limit. You have to become very familar with your car as you have to anticipate the back end coming around. A little counter steer, maybe a very slight breathing of the throttle, you MAY have a chance to catch it. You're absolutely right, Don. The more seat time I get in my 914/3.2, the more I learn. Plus, I've got a secret weapon -- OTTO! He helps my car go fast in his shop and helps me go fast at the track. |
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