HPDE: Where, When and Who With?

[leicaboss]

I'm so pumped that this thread even exists, I really want to become a better driver to take advantage of this wonderful platform

[SeanBlader]

Originally Posted by leicaboss

I'm so pumped that this thread even exists, I really want to become a better driver to take advantage of this wonderful platform

Start with autocross, they say:

drag racing: 10% driver, 90% car
road racing: 50% driver, 50% car
autocross: 90% driver, 10% car

I think the last one is a bit of an over-estimation, it's probably more like 70/30 but the idea still stands, you learn to be a better driver on the autocross course. And Autocrossing is a lot less expensive than a road course for seat time.

[orthojoe]

Originally Posted by SeanBlader

Start with autocross, they say:

drag racing: 10% driver, 90% car
road racing: 50% driver, 50% car
autocross: 90% driver, 10% car

I think the last one is a bit of an over-estimation, it's probably more like 70/30 but the idea still stands, you learn to be a better driver on the autocross course. And Autocrossing is a lot less expensive than a road course for seat time.

Those numbers obviously come from a cone dodger. Statements like that come from people that don't have any real experience in each of those sports. Each sport is different, and each uses a different skillset.

Getting a perfect and consistent launch at a drag strip takes skill. Unless you're talking dual clutch launch control, it's not just mash and go. Getting that 60' time perfect and consistent is not easy.

I used to autocross, but find zero appeal to the sport anymore after doing road courses. Standing around all day long picking up cones to drive for 4 minutes and never get out of second gear just doesnt appeal to me anymore. Seeing a corvette or GT3 at an autocross makes zero sense to me, but I can appreciate that some like the competition at a reasonable cost. Your skills at an autocross course do not directly translate to being a good driver at a road course. There are some skills that carry over, but they are different animals. If you can't see that, then I guarantee that you're not a fast driver on a road course.

I personally subscribe to the pyramid of speed (http://www.nsxfiles.com/Pyramid_of_speed.htm), but have enough insight to respect that the good drag racers, autocrossers, and road course drivers have unique skillsets and that starting with one doesn't make you better at another.

That being said, I do think karting helps develop skills if you can take the grueling nature of it.

[MyRx]

Originally Posted by SeanBlader

Start with autocross, they say:

drag racing: 10% driver, 90% car
road racing: 50% driver, 50% car
autocross: 90% driver, 10% car

I think the last one is a bit of an over-estimation, it's probably more like 70/30 but the idea still stands, you learn to be a better driver on the autocross course. And Autocrossing is a lot less expensive than a road course for seat time.

You get seat time in these events in a manner you typically wouldn't get. That's most important. Even driving your backroads is educational. Take any driving scenarios beyond 'commuting', I think you'll become a better driver.

[sw20kosh]

Skip autocross and go right into road racing!

[sw20kosh]

Signed up for Feb 7th NCRC thunderhill

@PMok @overlookedx @BigFatFlip @RehabJeff86 @garful
@MyRx @BRZkitty @Flow

Anyone else coming?

[MyRx]

Originally Posted by sw20kosh

Signed up for Feb 7th NCRC thunderhill

@PMok @overlookedx @BigFatFlip @RehabJeff86 @garful
@MyRx

Thanks! But weekdays are tuff for me...kids.

[RehabJeff86]

Originally Posted by sw20kosh

Signed up for Feb 7th NCRC thunderhill

@PMok @overlookedx @BigFatFlip @RehabJeff86 @garful
@MyRx @BRZkitty @Flow

Anyone else coming?

nice!! ya weekday is near impossible for me, but Im going Feb 9 at Thill

[mkivsoopra]

Originally Posted by sw20kosh

Signed up for Feb 7th NCRC thunderhill

@PMok @overlookedx @BigFatFlip @RehabJeff86 @garful
@MyRx @BRZkitty @Flow

Anyone else coming?

I'll be there.

[WoOosOn]

im there 7th & 8th too

[BigFatFlip]

Originally Posted by orthojoe

Those numbers obviously come from a cone dodger. Statements like that come from people that don't have any real experience in each of those sports. Each sport is different, and each uses a different skillset.

Well put OJoe, I felt exactly the same. I've autox'd/rallyx'd, did driving schools and trackdays, but to me, it all boils down to seat time. The more you have, the more you are comfortable with your car and know how it will react in certain situations, granted you've been in that given situation. So if most of your seat time is going <35 mph, you'll be prepared for that but not necessarily taking a high speed corner, etc.

Oh, and had a good kick out of that pyramid article. I guess rally drivers are in a separate box all to its own beside the pyramid, who likes any woman that doesn't get car sick (so he can con her into being a co-driver) and likes to read repair manuals

Originally Posted by sw20kosh

Signed up for Feb 7th NCRC thunderhill

@PMok @overlookedx @BigFatFlip @RehabJeff86 @garful
@MyRx @BRZkitty @Flow

Anyone else coming?

Hmmm, like a few other folks, weekdays are a little though for me, but its early enough that I might be able to. May have to put in my request to my bosses (at work and at home )

[overlookedx]

Originally Posted by sw20kosh

Signed up for Feb 7th NCRC thunderhill

@PMok @overlookedx @BigFatFlip @RehabJeff86 @garful
@MyRx @BRZkitty @Flow

Anyone else coming?

Definitely been considering it. I really like Friday track days.. I'll let you know if I sign up.

[BRZkitty]

Originally Posted by sw20kosh

Signed up for Feb 7th NCRC thunderhill

@PMok @overlookedx @BigFatFlip @RehabJeff86 @garful
@MyRx @BRZkitty @Flow

Anyone else coming?

Yes!! I'm going... So excited!! First track day for me wonder if any of you will be my instructor in the DS!?? That would be great..

[leicaboss]

I really want to go do the DS on Feb 7th @ Thunderhill, that'd be my first ever track day too! But I want to work on actual technique, is this not a good option?