A tip for track whores...
11-19-2003 | 03:13 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 883
Likes: 0
From: Durban, South Africa
A tip for track ******...
You know, we track junkies throw a lot of money at our cars, no doubt...
I share my Alfa GT junior track car with a friend, and today after another fun day at the track we were discussing the car and our lap times over a few beers. We came to the conclusion that we need more straight line speed, but we agreed that there are better lap times in the car (as it is now) and our driving skill, so before we throw money at more horse power, we decided to set benchmarks. ie - We will not spend on performance enhancement untill we manage to achieve certain lap times.
This rule will force us to hone our driving skills and experiment with different setups, tire pressures, best setup for the day, track conditions etc, etc, before we reward ourselves and spend money on go faster ****. I think we'll prolly save tons of money and reach optimum car & driver performance before we spend more $$ to take it to the next level.
Just something I thought worth sharing...
I share my Alfa GT junior track car with a friend, and today after another fun day at the track we were discussing the car and our lap times over a few beers. We came to the conclusion that we need more straight line speed, but we agreed that there are better lap times in the car (as it is now) and our driving skill, so before we throw money at more horse power, we decided to set benchmarks. ie - We will not spend on performance enhancement untill we manage to achieve certain lap times.
This rule will force us to hone our driving skills and experiment with different setups, tire pressures, best setup for the day, track conditions etc, etc, before we reward ourselves and spend money on go faster ****. I think we'll prolly save tons of money and reach optimum car & driver performance before we spend more $$ to take it to the next level.
Just something I thought worth sharing...
11-19-2003 | 03:19 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,674
Likes: 40
From: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Remnds me of a conversation I had last year.
A newby driver had picked up a car from Kelly-Moss, done a few weekends and wanted to be faster. He called up to discuss more power and was told, "Learn how to drive, and then call back."
A newby driver had picked up a car from Kelly-Moss, done a few weekends and wanted to be faster. He called up to discuss more power and was told, "Learn how to drive, and then call back."
11-19-2003 | 03:54 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
From: SW Colorado
On the other hand.....If you are just doing it for fun, as a hobby, the power is FUN! Once you add it though, you will be addicted and coming back down will hurt.
Before my 928, I ran a modified 944T in DE. That car was wicked fast on the straights, a total rush. I was nearing top speed at the end of the straight in Brainerd, nearly 160mph. My 928 barely gets to 130 on the same section of track. I have to say that running with 911TT's at Road America in a $20k total investment car was awesome.
If your ultimate goal is to reach some pinnacle of driving skill, your appraoch seems to be a very good one. For just going out and having fun, speed and power sure are nice, the more the better
Before my 928, I ran a modified 944T in DE. That car was wicked fast on the straights, a total rush. I was nearing top speed at the end of the straight in Brainerd, nearly 160mph. My 928 barely gets to 130 on the same section of track. I have to say that running with 911TT's at Road America in a $20k total investment car was awesome.
If your ultimate goal is to reach some pinnacle of driving skill, your appraoch seems to be a very good one. For just going out and having fun, speed and power sure are nice, the more the better
11-19-2003 | 05:20 PM
#4
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: jersey
I agree
if you want to be fast, spend money on the car. if you want to be a great driver, learn how to drive. If you start out with an underpowered car, and really learn how to drive it, you will be faster than most of the guys out there who are fast on the strait but cant turn for anything.
Have fun
if you want to be fast, spend money on the car. if you want to be a great driver, learn how to drive. If you start out with an underpowered car, and really learn how to drive it, you will be faster than most of the guys out there who are fast on the strait but cant turn for anything.
Have fun
11-19-2003 | 09:51 PM
#5
Administrator
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 2,248
From: Up Nort
Originally posted by GlenL
Remnds me of a conversation I had last year.
A newby driver had picked up a car from Kelly-Moss, done a few weekends and wanted to be faster. He called up to discuss more power and was told, "Learn how to drive, and then call back."
Remnds me of a conversation I had last year.
A newby driver had picked up a car from Kelly-Moss, done a few weekends and wanted to be faster. He called up to discuss more power and was told, "Learn how to drive, and then call back."
Hahahaha!!!! AWESOME!
Still, its hard to imagine Kelly-Moss turning away someone that wanted to spend more money, basically that is what "go faster" usually means.
This thread reinforces why my 944S is going back together stock with the exception of engine saving components such as accu-sump, baffled pan, drilled crank etc...
But then I took the 928 out on Road America (only touring) and one autocross this year. The 944S may become the little lady's car now.