BostonDMD

can you learn it from a book, video or pro. coach?

Or is it just best learned on the track from the "School of Hard Knocks"......

Thanks......

Animus

I don't race yet, but my approach is to learn all I can from reading, talking to people and go-karts, so that when I do encounter something in the "school of hard knocks", I can relate to it and therefore adapt the lessons from the experience faster. If I had to rate, I'd put

books - good for theory, but doesn't substitute for experience.
video - works similar to book,but can be more beneficial if you're more of a visual learner
pro-coaching - probably the best, dependent on your attitude and the coach. This provides a situation for you to learn and get instant feedback.

Veloce Raptor

Yes.







Professional Racing and Driving Coach

Larry Herman

You will probably learn more from a good pro coach than from a book or video. Immediate feedback can provide more relevant information than volumes of books. Racecraft is a pretty vague term and you probably would be better served to split your question into the components that make up racecraft. Those would be:

1) Practicing
2) Qualifying
3) Starts
4) Beginning, mid-race and end-race pace
5) Passing
6) Tire usage
7) Pit strategy

This is what separates racing from DEs. The actual driving is only part of the total.

93 FireHawk 968

You'll learn plenty in a few weeks at LR. Nothing like an on track education to get up to speed on how to compete.

BostonDMD

Larry, I like your definition of racecraft......

.....so, can all the veterans on this board please share their thought on each of the 7 points.....

BostonDMD

I bet.....

Plus...... don't forget I will have plenty of time to pick your brain.......

Veloce Raptor

Sure:

1. It's not a race. Don't treat it like one.
2. Go faster, straighter. Get to gas sooner, and find some damned open track or you're ****ed.
3. Left foot brake to use more gas & keep motor spooled up. Watch other race groups to learn behavioral quirks/habits of the official starter. Expect to be brake checked by the cretin ahead of you. Don't try to win the race in turn one.
4. Go faster, straighter. Don't crash. Don't cause others to crash. Be polite to faster classes, and it will come back to you when you need it.
5. Plan your passes, and work your plan. Observe--I mean REALLY observe--the drivers you want to pass. Don't get desperate or hurried.
6. Be very aware of overdriving the tires, and know how to bring them back. Remember that your tires are there to RACE, not to last zillions of weekends.
7. Know pit lane rules. Don't speed. Know how much fuel your car consumes in race conditions.







Professional Racing and Driving Coach

Tim Pruitt

My 2 cents worth...

1) Practicing

1A) At a new track, Study Track Map before arriving at track, Understand high speed corners, corners leading to straights, talk to as many people as possible about track quirks, watch as much video of same car as yours or similar performance. Day of first practice, follow someone in a similar car you can trust, learn the line ASAP, practice qualifying lap, practice off-line in areas that you may pass or be passed, practice turns 1,2,3 inside and outside in preparation for race start.

1B) At a track that you already know, refresh your brain at race speed, practice qualifying lap to test conditions at 10/10, practice off-line with others around you, introduce yourself on track and off track to those that you will be racing with.

Gary R.

I think you will learn anything you need here on Rennlist.

BostonDMD

VR and Tim...... that is a good stuff.....

BostonDMD

Dude.......

Susan just approved my mentor............

You better start eating your wheaties.....

......and start taking patience pills........

SFreeman

Tim is so right on this. Get off line when you can - its not a waste of track time. When racing, parts of the track you've always thought of as just "over there" can suddenly, intentionally or not, become "right here!!" Knowing what to do can prevent bad results, and a lot of times lead to quite pleasant results.

Do introduce yourself "on track," illustrating skill and discernment is always a good thing. Tim and I race a lot together and have been 2 wide in places you shouldn't be 1 wide! I've witnessed his abilities and judgment so I'm comfortable getting into and out of those situations with him - and it makes for a heck of a good time.

Congrats on this past weekend Tim.

Good luck Boston, and have fun.

BostonDMD

SFreeman.......

Gary R.

Me and my big mouth............