Thanks Dick..... may be you can show this rookie the ropes in F next year........

 

good advice although it's actually tens of thousands

 

Now Sean..... why would you say that?.............

 

Dick, we missed you down at Lightning this weekend, you would have enjoyed it!

 

First let me say that some of the advice below, i still don't go by all the time (momentary lapses of reason...)

1.What is the most important thing to focus on the day of the race?

Don't worry about it at all. By the time you are done with the first practice and then the practice starts, it should feel natural enough. The first practice you do, with full passing, will "pop your cherry". I found my first practice to be stressful, with cars zooming by on either side. It was not natural even if i raced go-karts for years. Deal with the butterflies in your stomach at the start of your first official race.

2.What would your suggestion be in order for the rookie to achieve an optimal
first experience?

Don't crash and make sure that your car is well prepped. Pay attention to the flags. Don't go out there trying to prove yourself. Get in a comfortable groove and stay with it.

3.Any "unwritten" track etiquette towards other racers?

It will depend on the other racers. You will get to know who you race with. For a start, focus on the written rules and triple pay attention to what will be said in the rookie orientation meeting. Take it seriously and ask questions if you are in doubt. There is normally a good bit on passing, co-existence, and flags. It's key.

4. Is it imperative to have track side mechanical assistance?

No, it is not imperative. But it could help you be more focused on what you are setting out to do. Again, make sure the car is well prepped.


Another thing that i would tell you is that if you plan on doing your first race at a track that you do not know well, make sure to sign up for test and tune or the DE day preceding the CR weekend.

See you out there?

 

It actually depends on who your friends are...

 

Very very true. Don't abuse your friends' kindness.

 

you're killing me Fred

 

I was going to say something when I read that too.... like I never saw a flagger run out toward the track ready to throw a black flag like a SPEAR before!!!

 

Guys, Paolo asked about racing, not DE And frankly, that guy in the Elise....

 

Gary:
Sounds like you had fun
up until the point where the fun stopped
hope the car is not too bad
I couldnt make it there this time -- work is crazy and too close to Road America
congrats on your podium and hope to see many more

 

You can count on it...........

(Hoosiers included....)

BTW, thanks for the input and congrats on your win..........

 

You will definitely have "permagrin" after your first race. One thing that helped me was to find someone that was experienced and about my same speed to help me through slower traffic. He made a hole and I just stayed close and went through right after him. Then, if he is in your class, pass him before the race is over. If you have support available, I would always use it for a race. Racing is intense and exhausting and you'll need all the rest you can get, or at least I do. I get enough practice working on my car at de's and test days. Lastly, I would do a test day or de weekend and prepare the same way you would for a race. (cool shirt, hans, suit, etc.) Things will be smoother on race day. Good luck and get ready for some serious fun!

 

I don't know if anyone said this, but breathe, don't be tense. Get to grid early and try to calm down... but you probably won't be able to .

 

So Paolo ... was Gran Turismo 5 what you'd thought it'd be???




jk.