RickBetterley

This is really odd, since the extra weight ought to slow me down, and because I am conscious of the need to keep the passenger safe and I am usually trying to demonstrate something.
Possible explanations that have occurred to me:

• I am showing off - but I doubt this is the reason, as I am extra careful with a passenger
• The car is better balanced - but I doubt that, as the car is corner balanced and feels balanced even without the passenger
• Since I am trying to demostrate, I am putting more effort into perfecting my drive
• My cautious nature is having less of an effect, since I am trying to drive a perfect line, brake and shift perfectly, etc. Maybe that is taking my mind off the 'uh oh, better brake before I run out of room' feeling that leads to my chronic over-braking

I suspect it is the last 2. At both Tremblant and Watkins Glen, I was taking a fellow driver out for a ride and crossed start/finish only to flash my lowest time ever on that track. A very odd feeling, as it didn't seem particularly fast (of course, the best laps often don't).
Anyone else have this experience?
Maybe I ought to strap one of those commuter lane dolls in the Cayman

sbelles

Most likely the last one. Just like when I try to take something off a golf club and end up putting it over the green.

Coochas

Is this one of those ride alongs where there is a Victorias Secret model in the passenger seat?

Dwane

Was it with me in the car?
Looked like you had a really good pace going....

vantage

I have had a similar experience in my Lotus. Though I did not beat my fast lap, I got a lot closer than expected without trying too hard. Because the car is only 1900 .lbs, carrying a passenger has a profound effect on the acceleration. The car is corner balanced as well, but feels less nervous with a passenger and the car's reactions appear to be a bit slower. I do think I drive more smoothly with a passenger and don't put as much pressure on myself to turn a fast lap.

Maybe you should just assume that all your track video will be turned over to a pro for intense scrutiny!

wanna911

Probably trying too hard when by yourself. You relax and smooth everything out when you have a passenger resulting in faster lap.

Matt Lane

Natalie's pleasant conversation and casual banter taking the edge off?

RickBetterley

Nope, but we were close!

RickBetterley

That was a fun ride; she is special.

Coincident

On the contrary. I am consciously aware of how much better my car drives when I am alone. The weight reduction of being passengerless is immediately noticeable. This has been the case with all the Porsches ( and others ) I have owned. This fact should be logical since eliminating the weight of a passenger can amount to 200lbs. Consider the ends that Porsche and other carmakers go to reduce that much weight.

noturavgm

Only once have I ever been AS fast as I was solo with someone in the right seat, nonetheless faster.

For instance I was 4sec/lap faster at WGI solo than I was with my instructor. I just feel more comfortable alone in my car. One less life to be responsible for out there. I take what we've discussed and worked on previously and apply it... or tweak it slightly and see what happens. If I botch a corner as a result it's no nevermind to me, but with an instructor I sometimes feel like I am letting them down. Also, ditching 7% of my vehicle's weight and getting back 1lb/hp is a pretty large gain in my car!

Radio996

Rick, for proper and statistically significant trial, swap Nat with Matt and see if you get the same outcome. If not, then your were consciously smooth, and unconsciously in #1state above !!

RickBetterley

Hence the puzzled look on my face.

RickBetterley

I should add - each time the passenger seemed perfectly confident and at ease.

Matt Lane

I don't follow.