Any advice for a DE first timer?
09-16-2002, 10:19 PM
#16
Race Car
Thread Starter
Wow!!! Lot's of good stuff here, I hope I can get it all "sunk in" by Friday night.
Several things came up again and again, first is car condition. Ironically I posted this thread at lunchtime and was a little disapointed that there were no replied when I left work. I left a few minutes early as the tech inspection was tonight, by the time I got home there were 11 replies! Just a couple minor issues that could use attention in the near future, one was already on the list to be a winter project just for the sake of upgrading. The only thing they recommended was to have spare rear brake pads, mine are marginal.
JLeake and PSUice944 mentioned Autox....yeah I'm addicted, I figure DE will help my autox times!
LISTEN TO THE INSTRUCTOR, I wish I could say that this sort of thing came naturally to me. Well I can say it, but I'd be lying. At least I know what to work on.
Don't scare the instructor. That one I knew!
Stefang, I have the same tires, just had 'em swapped side to side 'cause I ran ~16 days of autox on 'em. The outside edges are so rounded that from the rear they look like the letter "D".
Thanks for the pressure info.
John D. I didn't know that you're an instructor, to you and all the others on the other side of the car, THANKS.
Zoltan, Who me?...competitive?
And since when have I NOT entertained an instructor. (I ran into the instructor who was with me when I obliterated the cones at the end of the braking excersize at the CCC, he remembered me 
)
Several things came up again and again, first is car condition. Ironically I posted this thread at lunchtime and was a little disapointed that there were no replied when I left work. I left a few minutes early as the tech inspection was tonight, by the time I got home there were 11 replies! Just a couple minor issues that could use attention in the near future, one was already on the list to be a winter project just for the sake of upgrading. The only thing they recommended was to have spare rear brake pads, mine are marginal.
JLeake and PSUice944 mentioned Autox....yeah I'm addicted, I figure DE will help my autox times!
LISTEN TO THE INSTRUCTOR, I wish I could say that this sort of thing came naturally to me. Well I can say it, but I'd be lying. At least I know what to work on.
Don't scare the instructor. That one I knew!
Stefang, I have the same tires, just had 'em swapped side to side 'cause I ran ~16 days of autox on 'em. The outside edges are so rounded that from the rear they look like the letter "D".
Thanks for the pressure info.
John D. I didn't know that you're an instructor, to you and all the others on the other side of the car, THANKS.
Zoltan, Who me?...competitive?
And since when have I NOT entertained an instructor. (I ran into the instructor who was with me when I obliterated the cones at the end of the braking excersize at the CCC, he remembered me )
09-16-2002, 10:39 PM
#17
Race Director
[quote]Originally posted by Skip:
<strong>Above all else, I think we can all agree on this: Resist the temptation to quit your job, sell your house, purchase an RV and enclosed trailer, and lead a nomadic life traveling from track to track attending every event humanly possible - even to the point of hiring an alternate RV pilot to keep the magic bus going. <img src="graemlins/oops.gif" border="0" alt="[oops]" /> Oh, eh, sorry - maybe I put too much thought into that
</strong><hr></blockquote>
A little too close to home Skip?
[quote]Originally posted by Skip:
<strong>Once per month is plenty - no it's not - yes it is - no it's not - YES, IT IS!!! - Okay, honey... it is, I guess... </strong><hr></blockquote>
Uh.... we are still talking about DEs now, aren't we Skip?
<img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
<strong>Above all else, I think we can all agree on this: Resist the temptation to quit your job, sell your house, purchase an RV and enclosed trailer, and lead a nomadic life traveling from track to track attending every event humanly possible - even to the point of hiring an alternate RV pilot to keep the magic bus going. <img src="graemlins/oops.gif" border="0" alt="[oops]" /> Oh, eh, sorry - maybe I put too much thought into that
</strong><hr></blockquote>
A little too close to home Skip?
[quote]Originally posted by Skip:
<strong>Once per month is plenty - no it's not - yes it is - no it's not - YES, IT IS!!! - Okay, honey... it is, I guess... </strong><hr></blockquote>
Uh.... we are still talking about DEs now, aren't we Skip?
<img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
09-16-2002, 10:44 PM
#18
Race Director
[quote]Originally posted by John D.:
<strong>All these posts are great stuff - we should compile it and add it to a DE FAQ... </strong><hr></blockquote>
Bloody good idea John!!!
<strong>All these posts are great stuff - we should compile it and add it to a DE FAQ... </strong><hr></blockquote>
Bloody good idea John!!!
09-17-2002, 12:15 AM
#19
Here's my one word of wisdom having only been through 1 DE thus far - that being Pocono.
You'll learn a lot very quickly - so there's no need to push.
Especially with your autox experience, I'm sure you'll have a pretty easy time ramping up. A good instructor helps, and you'll learn something each time out - each lap, in fact. Putting everything together takes time (I'm far from being even half-way competent) but as it gels, you'll get faster and faster.
Have a tremendous time, I'm sure you'll let us know how it goes.
<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> ,
Clem
You'll learn a lot very quickly - so there's no need to push.
Especially with your autox experience, I'm sure you'll have a pretty easy time ramping up. A good instructor helps, and you'll learn something each time out - each lap, in fact. Putting everything together takes time (I'm far from being even half-way competent) but as it gels, you'll get faster and faster.
Have a tremendous time, I'm sure you'll let us know how it goes.
<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> ,
Clem
09-17-2002, 12:43 AM
#20
Race Director
wow, that's almost too much information to process without a brain overload... <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" /> Remember the most important thing... HAVE FUN !!! 
09-17-2002, 02:17 AM
#21
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lots 'o good info...one more I didn't see:
take one or two extra qts of oil to make sure you keep the oil level topped up. I always checked the oil level before EVERY run session to make sure it was full (was more important in my 951 given the #2 bearing issues, but still a good idea in any older car imho)
Enjoy your last few days "addiction free", as once you drive on the "big track" even once, its a tough addiction to shake. I was forced involuntarily to go cold-turkey to deal with my habit, but know the addiction is still lurking in the background, and will re-emerge in the not-too-distant future.
take one or two extra qts of oil to make sure you keep the oil level topped up. I always checked the oil level before EVERY run session to make sure it was full (was more important in my 951 given the #2 bearing issues, but still a good idea in any older car imho)
Enjoy your last few days "addiction free", as once you drive on the "big track" even once, its a tough addiction to shake. I was forced involuntarily to go cold-turkey to deal with my habit, but know the addiction is still lurking in the background, and will re-emerge in the not-too-distant future.
09-17-2002, 09:10 AM
#22
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Dave,
There is an excellent DE guide on the CVR website, <a href="http://www.cvrpca.org" target="_blank">http://www.cvrpca.org</a> , it is very comprehensive and there are even specific supplements and track maps for different tracks (two of the Pocono courses are covered). Worth printing out and keeping. Go to the website, then to the DE link, then to the Track Information link. The overall guide is under Lime Rock, and there are supplements under Pocono.
Have fun!
Matt
There is an excellent DE guide on the CVR website, <a href="http://www.cvrpca.org" target="_blank">http://www.cvrpca.org</a> , it is very comprehensive and there are even specific supplements and track maps for different tracks (two of the Pocono courses are covered). Worth printing out and keeping. Go to the website, then to the DE link, then to the Track Information link. The overall guide is under Lime Rock, and there are supplements under Pocono.
Have fun!
Matt
09-17-2002, 01:55 PM
#23
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[quote]Originally posted by Geo:
<strong>
Bloody good idea John!!!</strong><hr></blockquote>
A little while ago, I reserved the domain name "controlledfright.com", for a site that I have called Controlled Fright Motorsports. (I liked the name... based upon the feeling that you get when you experience fright in a controlled environment... like at a DE event!!).
I am still not sure what I am going to do with it i.e. a business, or just a fun/info site about DE and autocrossing etc., but for now I went with the latter.
The site is still very much under construction... but I'd be interested in hearing if I should proceed with it. What do you all think?
Here's the URL:
<a href="http://controlledfright.com" target="_blank">Controlled Fright Motorsports</a>
The picture at the top of the page is me in my 1987 VW Quantum Syncro (since sold), in the rain, leading an Audi S4 into the downhill at Lime Rock. Of course, I let him pass on the straight!!
<strong>
Bloody good idea John!!!</strong><hr></blockquote>
A little while ago, I reserved the domain name "controlledfright.com", for a site that I have called Controlled Fright Motorsports. (I liked the name... based upon the feeling that you get when you experience fright in a controlled environment... like at a DE event!!).
I am still not sure what I am going to do with it i.e. a business, or just a fun/info site about DE and autocrossing etc., but for now I went with the latter.
The site is still very much under construction... but I'd be interested in hearing if I should proceed with it. What do you all think?
Here's the URL:
<a href="http://controlledfright.com" target="_blank">Controlled Fright Motorsports</a>
The picture at the top of the page is me in my 1987 VW Quantum Syncro (since sold), in the rain, leading an Audi S4 into the downhill at Lime Rock. Of course, I let him pass on the straight!!
09-17-2002, 04:34 PM
#25
Three Wheelin'
Well, I have a little to share from my infinite (1) DE experience. Don't run into the other cars!
Seriously. I felt like superman after a few hot laps. My instructor was impressed enough to give me the solo thumbs up. But luckily I asked to have a couple more instructors ride along for different viewpoints. My run group (first timers) went out just as it started to drizzle. We all thought we cut back, but obviously these two didn't...
The Fiero started to loose it in the carousel (Nelson Ledges) and the 300ZX was following too closely. Luckily I was listening to my instructor and concentrating on the line and not lap times or I might have added my 944 to the carnage. Neither of the drivers or instructors were injured, but it certainly put a damper on the weekend.
PSUice944- I emailed you about swapping pictures from the event. Mine are posted <a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/stuttgart/gielamonster/nl02.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. If you can, email me yours, I'll even add them to the page if you want. turboshelby AT email.com
Seriously. I felt like superman after a few hot laps. My instructor was impressed enough to give me the solo thumbs up. But luckily I asked to have a couple more instructors ride along for different viewpoints. My run group (first timers) went out just as it started to drizzle. We all thought we cut back, but obviously these two didn't...
The Fiero started to loose it in the carousel (Nelson Ledges) and the 300ZX was following too closely. Luckily I was listening to my instructor and concentrating on the line and not lap times or I might have added my 944 to the carnage. Neither of the drivers or instructors were injured, but it certainly put a damper on the weekend.
PSUice944- I emailed you about swapping pictures from the event. Mine are posted <a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/stuttgart/gielamonster/nl02.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. If you can, email me yours, I'll even add them to the page if you want. turboshelby AT email.com
09-17-2002, 09:19 PM
#26
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Great advice. Here's a small one to add to the list if it's allowed on at your DE at Pocono. If the traffic is heavy and it's throwing off your timing, head into pits, go slowly down pit lane, and reenter the track.
Here's my impressions of the first day of my first DE:
1. Overwhelmed.
2. I can't believe how good (fast) my instructor can drive.
3. I can't believe these cars can go this fast around corners.
4. Not sure if this is that fun.
Here's my impressions of the last day of my last DE:
1. Comfortable.
2. I can't believe how good (fast) my instructor can drive.
3. I can't believe these cars can go this fast around corners.
4. I am definately sure this is fun.
Enjoy the experience and a big thanks to the instructors (John, George, etc...). They must have some great stories regarding some of their students!
Mike
Here's my impressions of the first day of my first DE:
1. Overwhelmed.
2. I can't believe how good (fast) my instructor can drive.
3. I can't believe these cars can go this fast around corners.
4. Not sure if this is that fun.
Here's my impressions of the last day of my last DE:
1. Comfortable.
2. I can't believe how good (fast) my instructor can drive.
3. I can't believe these cars can go this fast around corners.
4. I am definately sure this is fun.
Enjoy the experience and a big thanks to the instructors (John, George, etc...). They must have some great stories regarding some of their students!
Mike
09-17-2002, 09:42 PM
#27
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Hey Dan!
Yeah, pictures still sitting in my crappy camera.
I was filling up the roll with my upgrade pics, but that process is taking longer than expected (hows the finishing touches on Friday night before BeaveRun...).
So you going to be at the Run with you buddy?
I'll be there with Weltmesier Sways, refinished wheels with some Yoko 032s! Kinda stoked...
Maybe Friday I will have the camera all shot up and can have pics for the weekend. You have a scanner? Saturday evening turn-around?
Laterz,
Yeah, pictures still sitting in my crappy camera.
I was filling up the roll with my upgrade pics, but that process is taking longer than expected (hows the finishing touches on Friday night before BeaveRun...).
So you going to be at the Run with you buddy?
I'll be there with Weltmesier Sways, refinished wheels with some Yoko 032s! Kinda stoked...
Maybe Friday I will have the camera all shot up and can have pics for the weekend. You have a scanner? Saturday evening turn-around?
Laterz,
09-17-2002, 11:14 PM
#28
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I tell my students to concentrate on being smooth and following the line, the speed will come naturaly. I also encourage them to keep their eyes moving, know what is right in front of you but also know what is going on beyond that (look through the cars to the track). Do not follow the car ahead of you. I also encourage my students to keep the car in a taller gear so they have to shift less, once they know where they have to be then they can start getting on it a bit harder. Know how to heel-toe downshift, sounds obvious but a lot of people do not know how. Do not scare the instructor, very important. Most of all... have fun!
This thread could easily go on forever, but these are the points that I always stress.
This thread could easily go on forever, but these are the points that I always stress.
09-18-2002, 12:11 AM
#30
Race Car
Thread Starter
[quote]Originally posted by Deepice:
<strong>Don't let any one offer to check your tire presure for you..</strong><hr></blockquote>
I'm not even going to ask.... <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
You guys are great! I was expecting bring extra oil and a jacket and I've ended up with alot of good advice. Thanks again to all who have posted.
Skip, Move out here, NNJR does a DE every 3 weeks and there are enough other regions within a few hours of here that you can chose from several tracks most weekends!
Txhedg, Same goes for you, but you didn't mention where on the East coast she had in mind.
Matt, Good stuff on the CVR site. NNJR "borrowed" a bunch of it for their own site, but CVR has more detail (and it's written better)
Al P., I'll find you!
Now everyone cross your fingers for me
. The reply I had to send back last sunday to confirm that I would attend, came back as undeliverable. I resent it, plus a second e-mail and I guess I'll phone the track chair after work tomorrow to make sure he got it. I hope there isn't a problem <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />
EDIT; That last part is taken care of
, I just got an e-mail back.
<strong>Don't let any one offer to check your tire presure for you..</strong><hr></blockquote>
I'm not even going to ask.... <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
You guys are great! I was expecting bring extra oil and a jacket and I've ended up with alot of good advice. Thanks again to all who have posted.
Skip, Move out here, NNJR does a DE every 3 weeks and there are enough other regions within a few hours of here that you can chose from several tracks most weekends!
Txhedg, Same goes for you, but you didn't mention where on the East coast she had in mind.
Matt, Good stuff on the CVR site. NNJR "borrowed" a bunch of it for their own site, but CVR has more detail (and it's written better)
Al P., I'll find you!
Now everyone cross your fingers for me
. The reply I had to send back last sunday to confirm that I would attend, came back as undeliverable. I resent it, plus a second e-mail and I guess I'll phone the track chair after work tomorrow to make sure he got it. I hope there isn't a problem <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> EDIT; That last part is taken care of
, I just got an e-mail back.