|
Post by gmercurio37 on May 4, 2010 8:12:06 GMT -8
I wanted to say thanks to all who raced last weekend for a great set of races and no issues to speak of.
Well, some.
It's very difficult to plan a safe pass with cars that are not on the racing line. I had a few discussions with FF and FC drivers about this so it's not just me saying this, but if we are passing you and WE are on line, there's a problem. Please do not deviate, we will plan our passes so that there is no interference with your race, your line, etc.
Also, there was an incident in T6 that could have been really ugly, with a V stalled on entry to T6, square in the middle of the road. Please, if you have a mechanical issue, please get as far off the racing surface as possible.
Other than those, gerat job by all!
|
|
|
Post by Dan Wise on May 7, 2010 20:46:20 GMT -8
Perhaps an open wheel clinic sometime.. Rent the track on a weekday and learn the line without the pressure of a race weekend.
|
|
|
Post by Take 'em Out Terran on May 8, 2010 21:06:42 GMT -8
Dan, I think this is a great idea, just make sure that its sometime in Late June or July so us high school students can have a chance to attend =)
|
|
|
Post by Bruce on May 9, 2010 9:02:01 GMT -8
I thought the RDC had ride around to show novices the line at every track.
|
|
|
Post by Dan Wise on May 9, 2010 21:32:33 GMT -8
Bruce,
They do. I admit I missed the opportunity to go round because forgot to ask Allen for a ride and never caught up with him. Its one thing though to do a ride along, another to drive it yourself and really understand from your point of view in your car. Since I have no natural ability I have to learn it by repetition.
|
|
|
Post by Take 'em Out Terran on May 10, 2010 10:24:23 GMT -8
I believe that renting the track out for a day and having the opportunity to get everyone together and get track time with each other is still a good idea. Like Dan said, this would allow people to get comfortable with giving point by's and staying on line with a faster car behind you for the Vees and Fords (or FF1 if you like the new name =P ), and gives the chance for the Continentals to practice passing without the pressure of a race weekend and points and stuff.
This would also allow give us the chance to get together after each session and talk as a group what went well, and what needs improvement.
|
|
|
Post by gmercurio37 on May 11, 2010 7:34:01 GMT -8
Anyone wanting a video of Laguna Seca, Sears Point, or Thunderhill is welcome to one or two or 3. I've got a few of each track in the library. DVD on request.
|
|
sweenrace
National Driver
.....rub'ns racin......
Posts: 450
|
Post by sweenrace on May 11, 2010 11:44:40 GMT -8
Gents,
from the bleachers is didnt look like anyone was using horrible/wrong lines. Sometimes when folks were being passed they just weren't staying on their racing line, i.e. trying to be helpful by getting out of the way, and surprising the passer.
Ian
|
|
|
Post by Dan Wise on May 11, 2010 12:33:49 GMT -8
Greg advised me that I was not on the racing line in multiple corners during the first qualy session on Friday. I made a conscious effort to drive the line, but was not always successful. I followed a few other cars during the Saturday race and Sunday qualifying and noted that turn in points, proximity to the apex, and corner exit position varied a great deal.
The two issues Greg noted with my lines were missing the apex and not letting the car out fully to the track edge at corner exit. I know I still need work on this, but I believe I got a little better as the weekend progresssed.
Early on, I was braking too late and after turn in which put me oversteering at entry. After much discussion Saturday evening, I resolved to do my braking only in a straight line, so by turn in I was off the brake and feeding power on. Car was much more predictable and I started to make the apex more consistently.
Some of us have limited seat time at Laguna, including me. I have a cheat sheet kindly given to me by a very good CF driver. I studied it before the weekend, but I obviously missed a bunch. I think watching video of a good lap over and over would help me a bunch.
I tend to learn best visually and by repetition.
Thoughts anyone? I would be glad to discuss further.
"Somehow, we all believe we are better than average drivers." - Dave Barry
|
|
|
Post by EShippert on May 11, 2010 15:18:15 GMT -8
dan- if you're legitimately interested in improving, the fastest way is to hire a driving coach. yes, they can be expensive, but the knowledge gained is WELL worth the price of admission. not only can they help with your driving, but they'll help with the setup of your car, making it easier for YOU to drive. one or two test days a year with a coach and watch how quickly your enjoyment level rises as your laptimes fall... ethan
|
|
|
Post by Dan Wise on May 11, 2010 15:28:05 GMT -8
Ethan, I agreee. Considering how much I have spent floundering around, it would be money well spent. I am planning on arranging a coach/test day soon. I have someone in mind, but if he is not available, I am open to suggestions.
|
|
|
Post by Take 'em Out Terran on May 11, 2010 15:40:01 GMT -8
Dan - here is some in car video of Tom Duncan when he was still running in CF at Laguna Seca. I don't know how useful it will be due to the crazy jump from the back of the pack in the beginning... and touching wheel-to-wheel with another Ford...twice...... but there are a few clean laps which might show a good line for CF's. video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1772273753586657218#
|
|
|
Post by Dan Wise on May 11, 2010 18:22:51 GMT -8
Dan - here is some in car video of Tom Duncan when he was still running in CF at Laguna Seca. I don't know how useful it will be due to the crazy jump from the back of the pack in the beginning... and touching wheel-to-wheel with another Ford...twice...... but there are a few clean laps which might show a good line for CF's. video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1772273753586657218#Terran, thanks! What's wrong with a jump from the back of the pack though? Regards, Dan
|
|
|
Post by Take 'em Out Terran on May 11, 2010 18:58:14 GMT -8
Haha it looked pretty hairy to me, but who knows...
|
|
fv47
Novice Driver
Posts: 31
|
Post by fv47 on May 15, 2010 7:05:36 GMT -8
Dan, I think renting out the track is a great idea as a lot of seat time would help a lot of us get faster. I also use a video camera and ask drivers that i KNOW are good critique my laps before the next session. Dan.
|
|