Exercises for advanced drivers...
03-22-2007 | 04:39 PM
#31
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Tibet
Originally Posted by Z-man
I've heard of an instructor driving with an cup of water in his hand, or a cup on the dash. Don't see the merits of that idea though - is it supposed to teach smoothness? If so, there is no way to compensate for a bumpy section of track.
- Z
- Z
03-22-2007 | 04:50 PM
#35
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,170
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From: North NJ, USA
Originally Posted by fork_included
put a cup half filled with water in the cup holder, tell the student to not spill anywater, focus on being fast and smooth.
03-22-2007 | 04:51 PM
#36
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
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I don't know about for advanced drivers, but I think that a car control clinic for new and intermediate drivers would be outstanding.
In addition to the standard skid pad, I think that there should be specific "turn types" set up (with wet asphalt to decrease the speeds) to focus on advanced car control techniques.
You could set up situations that create massive understeer.
You could set up situations where you induce snap oversteer and let drivers practice catching slides.
You could set up situations where you can teach drivers how to use trailbraking, TTO and TBO as a tool to rotate their cars.
The semi "go cart" track at Lime Rock Park that Skip Barber uses is ideal for what I have in mind, but I think you could do it in a parking lot with cones or even in specific corners at the track provided that you wet the pavement to get speeds down.
In addition to the standard skid pad, I think that there should be specific "turn types" set up (with wet asphalt to decrease the speeds) to focus on advanced car control techniques.
You could set up situations that create massive understeer.
You could set up situations where you induce snap oversteer and let drivers practice catching slides.
You could set up situations where you can teach drivers how to use trailbraking, TTO and TBO as a tool to rotate their cars.
The semi "go cart" track at Lime Rock Park that Skip Barber uses is ideal for what I have in mind, but I think you could do it in a parking lot with cones or even in specific corners at the track provided that you wet the pavement to get speeds down.
03-22-2007 | 05:00 PM
#39
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: North NJ, USA
Originally Posted by 1957 356
I think we should all take a page from Ghettorocer and practice getting 4 wheels in the air by jumping curbs.
Originally Posted by BrianKeithSmith
ZMan: Pat yourself on the back all day long on that one because it was AWESOME!
I've been inspired. See new siggy.
-Z
03-22-2007 | 06:13 PM
#43
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,438
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From: Dallas/FortWorth Texas
Wow, another great DE thread (and I thought this forum was only for racers)! As a realtively newbie DE'er in the lower instructed run groups, I would love to have the opportunity to practice some of this. For example, intentionally lifting the throttle and having the back end break loose in a corner and trying to recover, dabbing a couple of tires off the edge of the track in a hard corner and practice controlling the car, etc. The problem is that with a large run group and lots of cars all around you, the thought of getting sideways on the track and getting T-boned is terrifying. It would be so cool to have the opportunity, with no other cars nearby and with a very safe run-off, to be able to practice this stuff without the fear that getting into a spin equals instant disaster. I'd pay just to attend this type of clinic (where you can slide or spin your car without fear to practice recovery skills).
Regarding the suggestion of using no brakes, I love that idea! I have actually practiced that on the track and it was a very good learning experience for me. It taught me about carrying momentum into and out of the corners. I was almost by myself on the track (maybe one other car out) and had intended to do it as a single cool-down lap, but it was so much fun that I ended up doing about 4 laps that way. I'd like to try it again some time.
Regarding the suggestion of using no brakes, I love that idea! I have actually practiced that on the track and it was a very good learning experience for me. It taught me about carrying momentum into and out of the corners. I was almost by myself on the track (maybe one other car out) and had intended to do it as a single cool-down lap, but it was so much fun that I ended up doing about 4 laps that way. I'd like to try it again some time.
03-22-2007 | 06:20 PM
#44
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From: Tibet
Originally Posted by TR6
The problem is that with a large run group and lots of cars all around you, the thought of getting sideways on the track and getting T-boned is terrifying.
if someone is going to go off track you'll tend to see smoke and or dust up ahead
this is also where the "taking a different line" comes into play
