Originally Posted by Macca

I feel its necessary to qualify Pauls statements in order that folk on here and attending the event on the 28th do not freak out, as I feel the comments are a tad alarmist.
...

Just saying thats all. This doesnt have to be a dangerous sport. Depends on your discipline and if you are the competitive type etc.

Its not an undertaking without risk, but I d not think the odds are 50% you will have an incident leading to damage to your vehicle. Probably more like 15% over time.

:-)

Originally Posted by nzskater

I wouldn't personally circulate uninsured as the financial hit would be unmanageable. So while I would have preferred to not have to spend the $$ on an official driver training course (and would have rather done it in a rear engine car!), the asking price was a no brainer for someone in my position (new to spirited driving of a sports car) before taking it out at the track.

In the end it's as much about removing an element of stress to allow me to enjoy it more, as it is management of a financial risk.

Originally Posted by Macca

Chris. Great stuff. You are using Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 correct?

If so those tyres should be good enough to get you into the late 1.15s with the cars modifications. Youll need to play with the pressures on them. It can make a big difference and may explain why they were going "off" earlier. Youll find 8 psi change on the track for those so will need to target 4psi under manufacturers recommendation on first session then start dropping them from there. The experience of myself (20") and other GT3 owners is you need to target around 30-32 hot at front and 34-36 Hot at rear but that will differ a little for the cayman on 19". Im sure US Rennlisters who track frequently will give you some advice.

I think you did well for your first time out on that platform. You will find the time drops quickly into the 18s by the end of the 28th and then it will take time and laps to get it into the 16s and beyond. That being said Ive done only three days at HD so probably not the best guy to talk about it LOL!

Originally Posted by John McM

FWIW Using an AIM Solo is a great way to get objective data. As you get closer to your optimal time it helps narrow down where you can improve. For me it's turn 1 and the Sweeper.

Originally Posted by 996tnz

Great approach, and more disciplined than mine. Within a month or two of getting the yellow terror I'd done a CCS performance driver training day and had immediately run in my first Sprints.

The one thing I don't understand is why more people don't rock up to the Gymkhanas. It doesn't get much faster or more furious than slashing around those cones, it's about the cheapest day you'll have in your car, accident risk is near zero, and you'll learn and practice car control skills that will (usually ) serve you very well on road and track.

Originally Posted by Moochier

Yeah keen to take a look at what data the Aim solo produces and how to interpret it... But they seem good value on the surface.

Interestingly for me it's probably the hairpins at HD that I felt I could improve the most, T1 and the sweeper felt ok.

Originally Posted by Moochier

When are these Sprint meets and Gymkhanas? Are they PCNZ events?

What's the just of the sprints?

Originally Posted by Macca

Ive often jested with John that the cheapest modification he could make to Herman to win a second o more at HD would be an insurance policy!

There is a good and bad side to this. When I was uninsured I took it easier. Now insured I probably drive harder...

Originally Posted by 996tnz

As Macca says, accidents can happen (and have) but the biggest determinant of risk is whoever is in the driver's seat, and it's up to me whether I drive at 7/10ths or at 9.7/10ths. Think I've still been to every Sprint meet since I got my car, bar one where it didn't come back from servicing in time. Who knows, I may have dodged a bullet with that one as that was the wet meet last year. But life without (considered) risk is not life. Besides, I reckon I owe it to Ferry to give her a burst every now and again...

Originally Posted by John McM

With all of the spare 'Island' time I've been reading a book on driving. It's scary how much I didn't know. That and a lot of practice at GT6 combined with real tuition should get me going that little bit faster. Not to mention the new engine management system. The only thing now is to have the discipline to put the road tyres on if it's wet. What will Lola do? That's the big question....

Originally Posted by Macca

I feel its necessary to qualify Pauls statements in order that folk on here and attending the event on the 28th do not freak out, as I feel the comments are a tad alarmist.

I count four accidents over two years in RSG track outings from a core group of say 25 participants who regularly attend meetings (usually 15 per track day). 16%. I wont name the incidents but those who have been in attendance since Jan 2013 will know.

I count a further two accidents happening at PCNZ speed series events.

Paul, you yourself have been uninsured for 6 figures+ on at least 3 occasions I can think of including my own car & Neils GT3. Probable a dozen times if you include others in "cheaper" cars. To the best of my knowledge you have circulated HD more than anyone in our group without a single accident!

Just saying thats all. This doesnt have to be a dangerous sport. Depends on your discipline and if you are the competitive type etc.

Its not an undertaking without risk, but I d not think the odds are 50% you will have an incident leading to damage to your vehicle. Probably more like 15% over time.

:-)

Originally Posted by John McM

With all of the spare 'Island' time I've been reading a book on driving. It's scary how much I didn't know. That and a lot of practice at GT6 combined with real tuition should get me going that little bit faster. Not to mention the new engine management system.

The only thing now is to have the discipline to put the road tyres on if it's wet. What will Lola do? That's the big question....

Originally Posted by kiwi 911

Sorry dude - I didn't mean to sound alarmist - 50% is a bit high..........

I drove Neil's car like a nana (1.26's).

I've blown an engine instead of crashing, still a $20K bill, and there are a few of these (not sure if we include JMc's own goal)..........

And there there is Tony M - not RSG but was on the NITT.

P.s. I said Russian Roulette - which is 16% chance (which your maths validate).