And there it is

-Mike

 

Having extensively researched this very question over the last decade, and being guided by K&K, Naughton and other leading track event underwriters, the definition of a "timed event" is one where lap times are published, posted and publicly able to be compared, NOT having the lap timing of an individual driver available to them in the car!

The advent of Porsche's Sport Chrono and precision driving app, GM's PDR, BMW's M App and countless others have cleared the legal and insurance hurdle for US distribution by MAJOR multinational corporations, so this fallacy, promoted by ill informed and poorly researched DE policy committees at a REGIONAL and LOCAL level, is just that. Not true...

Data does NOT support that lap timing, predictive lap timing or any other real time feedback contributes to increased incident levels, UNLESS the affected driver takes their "eye off the ball," similar to texting and driving.

/rant off

 

Interesting point of fact,which you are probably aware of already Peter, it's not the physical act of taking your "eyes off the ball" that effects drivers, it's the mental lapse or lost mental and emotional focus that causes the issues and mistakes.
I'm guessing that watching a stop watch or predictive lap timing for some people could cause this same issue, I think for more experienced drivers it is just a wonderful tool to use, although for a more newbie type I can see, and have experienced with some, the red mist set in as they are unable to keep up with their predictive lap time. For those drivers it's best to review after the run or session rather than during. Once again, I am sure you already do this as well.

 

Right you are! That's what I meant. Mental lapse...

Instead of concentrating on the task at hand, safely and quickly conducting the car around the course, changing focus or dwelling on thoughts not related to that task.

Poor choice of words and analogy, on my part...

And sorry for the thread derail!

 

I think VR revived this old post to bring attention to the Andy Lally advanced driving clinic coming up in October, not to discuss the benefits or risk of lap timing. Of course I could have had a mental lapse while reading RL :-)

 

I think the lapse is the announcement for the new event rebooted an eight month old conversation.

That said, I really like my predictive lap timer. It lets me know almost in real time if the change I made to this or that was good or bad and I'm convinced it has helped lower personal bests. I even think it can counter act the red mist, as the red mist worsens lap times and thus it tells the driver, "don't do that".

I don't think a predictive timer is of much value to a driver who hasn't mastered basics of a good line, vision, and smoothness. Frankly, I don't like seeing timers of any kind in the cars of my green or blue students.

Back on the recent topic, the first Lally event was a fantastic weekend! Andy is very down to earth, friendly and personable plus there was a lot of in car coaching from the local advanced instructors as well. Had fun and learned a lot. It was nearly 2 years ago, and people are still studying the data from that weekend.

-Mike

 

CORRECT.

One change we are making compared to the 2013 event: we are allowing fewer participants (maximum of 25 or so) in order that Andy can have a LOT more time in each car & with each participant. We are still bringing lunch in each day for everyone, and still having the nice offsite banquet dinner with Andy on the Monday night.

 

Sure wish I lived in Texas! ;-(

 

In the past, with events with both Andy as well as Pat Long, we have had folks come from all over the country. TWS is a fantastic track in its own right...

 

I'd love to take part but could never afford to get my car there and back. In 2013 I read all the posts leading up to and then after that event and watched the videos so I do know what a great opportunity it would be to enhance my skills. Any chance of hosting one at Sebring some time in the future?

 

Not sure. It is a distinct possibility...

 

I'd be in for sure. Especially if in the winter. :-)

 

That would be great! Please do consider it. It will be well received.

 

Sign me up!

 

That is one Sharp car shown in that posting, Texas RS!