DTMiller

I played the drums through high school and I find the footwork and the rhythms of driving tapping into a similar mindspace. Oddly, I do sometimes struggle with getting stuck in a learned rhythm that no longer matches an increase in pace. There is certainly a similar feeling when you get it just right though.

Definitely an interesting way of thinking about it.

badabing

That Usual Suspects bit is hilarious. Good Show!

z06801

All of my fastest friends that weren't raised from a young age to be race car drivers are pro Skateboarders like Bucky Lasek and Danny Way, I would think anything that tests and improves rhythm and coordination would only make a better driver.
http://www.thrashermagazine.com/arti...-buck-it-part/
Here is some very precise and delicate footwork

Manifold

I actually have a similar problem with drumming itself. Having dabbled with the instrument here and there over the years, there are some things I can do tolerably well, but they're interfering with learning new things. In other words, my skill set is very uneven, with some big holes in it. If I could do it all over again, I would have started learning this instrument more systematically with the help of teachers, to build a broad and solid foundation of skills, instead of taking a haphazard self-taught approach.

Fortunately, it's the norm with driving on track that just about everyone learns from instructors, rather than being allowed to be a self-taught solo driver from the start. And I credit my track experience with playing a big role in my more systematic and disciplined approach to learning drums this time around, and probably helping with physical skills also.

So maybe the relationship can go both ways: other sports and playing musical instruments can help our driving, but driving can also help in those other activities as well. For those of us who need to justify our time on track to spouses, etc., perhaps we can add this to our arsenal ("but honey, this track driving will make me better at X!").

RickyBobby

Yes I've seen the aura of you at Chin. You disappeared every time the pastries were served w coffee.

Not to challenge your greatness or anything, but I wanted to mention: I believe the correct term for us Miatadores in a group is "Bitch-Slap Gang"

Spinout

I've been playing guitar, bass and keys for the past 35 years. I enjoy it immensely but although I can impress my friends and family, when a pro is in the room, I've got nothing on them.

The same goes for my driving...

Although I probably have just as much $$ tied up into musical gear as I do my track rig. Last I recall about 10 nice guitars (some vintage Gibsons), about the same in high end basses and a plexi or two as well as a couple of tweed Fenders (that's the amp manufactuer, not body panel!)...

I did finance the majority of my track car by selling a vintage Les Paul back in 2010.

ProCoach

Hahaha! I've played a pre-CBS Fender Jazz bass with a variety of flip-top tube B-15's (SVT's too, when I was young and loud) for four decades. It sure helps me on the track, I think.

gbuff

Wasn't it fun moving those SVT cabinets around, Peter? Went through the same thing with Marshalls--that's what I deserved for bringing a full stack into a bar, but that's the way it was back then....won't even get into what I sold all my old Gibsons for back in the day 'cos it makes me sick with what they're worth today

Gary

Manifold

For the non-guitarists out there, here's an example of virtuosity on the guitar.


And here's some discussion of how he got so good:

http://www.guitarplayer.com/artists/...teve-vai/21995

997rs4.0

I use my time on track to really work on my concentration (being in the zone)
This is vital in my profession.
That's why I probably pit more often than others during DEs. As soon as I find my mind wonder of and start thinking about stuff that is not relevant I pit so I don't train with a non perfect mindset.
Trying to teach my brain and mind to be where it's supposed to be.
This is a lot harder than most people realize. (And some have never experienced it)

Manifold

I was very lucky to pick up a Les Paul that had belonged to Kerry Livgren (guitarist for Kansas) at a really good price on ebay. He owned it for ten years, played it live, and recorded a solo album with it. The guitar is as good as I hoped, and no plans to sell it.

ProCoach

Terrific methodology! And so true...

Manifold

Regarding how to get the most out of practice (for driving, musical instruments, etc.), I recommend "The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills" by Daniel Coyle. IMO, an excellent resource for both drivers and instructors/coaches.

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-T...5DZTMNN0YRQWFJ

Batman33

To be any good at either, you must concentrate/focus fully on the task, practice and never, I mean never, forget about the fundamentals, no matter how far you progress. Say...just like any other endeavor!

David993S

Not to change the purpose of this thread (OK, I suppose it would) how about you other guitar players post some pics of your axe(es).

I try not to watch videos of players like Vai as it just makes me want to sell all my guitars.