Quote:
Originally Posted by DocWalt
It's interesting you say that specifically because I find myself wanting to race more and practice less. I find that racing is a more realistic challenge because it forces you off the ideal line, not to mention the challenge of looking beyond/through cars for reference points, as well as using more of your mental capacity for managing things like checking mirrors, etc. which is much more of a preparation for real world track time.
|
I think some track organizations are trying to teach more of these skills in HPDE's. My last track weekend, the chief instructor specifically told our group that we shouldn't be lifting to let others pass. It made for an interesting dynamic.
With low hp cars like ours, it really forced you to pass off-line in corners with the other car not giving up much ground if any. Also when you were stuck behind a higher hp car, you'd have to think about where you could build enough speed to make the pass given he wouldn't lift (e.g., leaving space entering a corner and passing with higher exit speed). If you couldn't complete the pass by the end of the straight, you'd have to think about entering the corner two-wide, off-line at speed. It had some of the thrill of racing without being nearly as competitive.
They also had a combined HPDE3/4 group with 60+ cars on track, so during that session you were constantly off-line (either passing or being passed) and checking your mirrors. There were so many cars you couldn't see your reference points. It was one of the more fun track events I've had, even though there was more risk involved as well.