2BWise

The question that follows popped into my head while reading the thread by BostonDMD "I wouldn't dare ask this in the racing forum..." Now for those of you that club race I pose the following question mostly because I too am looking to join your ranks in the near future.

The point has been made not to venture into club racing until you can drive intuitively, not consciously using markers, but what do you then at DEs?

If your driving at a DE you're not needing to worry too much about your mirrors, people trying to make moves on you, or making moves on them, so do you just aimlessly run your line. I can see trying to get quicker, but in that case wouldn't you be experimenting with braking deeper, different lines, apexes, and so on, which means you'd be driving the track "consciously". Is that assumption way off or could there actually be some basis to it. This really confuses me because when I'm at the kart track and in traffic I'm solely focused on getting by the guy in front or keeping the other guy behind me, but when at lapping days I find that I'm experimenting with deeper braking points, consciously trying to see if I can brake past what would be my normal mark, as well as making an effort to try different entries, etc for corners. Is this at all consistent with what you may do at a DE, or am I way off.

mklaskin

Bill,

You basically answered your own question. When I go to a DE, I work on braking and corner entry and exit. They are also valuable opportunities to work on car set up if needed. The really quick guys in a DE group are able to treat the sessions much like practice during a race weekend. Honing these skills helps you chase down the guy in front while keeping the guy behind you...behind you.

Hopefully some more experienced racers than me will chime in.

Jim Child

I found DE's a lot less exciting once I started racing, so I only do one or two a year now. The one I always try to do is at the beginning of the Mid Ohio season in April. I use it to get back in the swing of things after being off track all winter. I also use it as a test session to evaluate any repairs or mods made over the winter. I agree that you can use DE sessions much like practice sessions during a race weekend. I test setup changes, and look for ways to go faster just like race practice.

Bull

Most of the CRs that come to our DE do as described above, using the sessions to work on their skills and on their car set-up. This is particularly true at certain events, where the DE is relatively close to an upcoming Club Race. Club Racer attendance in always up at such events.

Sean F

It's a great opportunity to practice new skills like left foot braking and trailbraking. It's also fun to go with a couple guys in your race class and compare notes/mix it up a little. Like others have said, I use it as an opportunity to test setup. For example, go out one session with your front sway bar full stiff then start dialing back, test tire pressure changes, try different lines...etc.

Veloce Raptor

All of the above + pick on slower drovers.

BostonDMD

Bring it on.........

Veloce Raptor

Oh, brother....

Are you channelling GerbilRaper?

cooleyjb

I walk around asking to drive everybody elses car while wearing a red driver suit with a prancing horse. I like to then driver the cars at "6/10" but really I'm driving them a 10-11/10 for me. I mean honestly it's not my car so I don't car if I drop 2 or even 4 wheels off.

BostonDMD

No, I what to check your lines out........

Veloce Raptor

LOL...sorry, baby, but I'm not from Havana.

Bull

I was SOOOoooo hoping you would say THAT!

PS, I ain't in Texas............

Bull

All you have to do is stay with me..................of cours, i will be right back when you lose sight!

BostonDMD

What u mean maaan? I make u a offere u kent refus.......

BostonDMD

Now that is kind of funny and....... true...........

P.S. I ain't from Texas either, why, do you know any good drovers from there?