Got a track related question? I'll try to answer.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by hushypushy

I feel like there are two unrelated tangents here! Both of which are interesting.

What year was this ice racing gig? It's not like Prost was ever known for ice racing, but he is known for his smooth driving style. Since you replied to a quote about smoothness/ice driving with that anecdote, that must mean that your boss was an ice racing virtuoso.

Also, on the other tangent, I think we all know that money doesn't buy taste or talent. So it's good to see those guys investing some money where it matters. I spoke with a McLaren owner the other day who told me one of his best investments was track instruction. He said he knew it was time for an instructor when he was out in his Lambo on his first track day and was getting passed by "old guys in Miatas" as he put it

Up until 2013. The guy next to Prost in this picture is my boss... video is just one type of ice racing.



[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpfWtqYbDfQ"]Evens STIEVENART coéquipier de Alain PROST vainqueur au Stade de FRANCE 05/03/11 - YouTube[/ame]

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by solidONE

I thought buckets were strictly for caged cars, or are they alright with factory seat belt. And seating position, you mean upright and close enough to the wheel to rest your forearms on top?

Normally yes, you should have full safety equipment, but you need to sit so that your arms are relaxed.

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by dp1

I haven't tried that yet in the past week since I got the car back from the big build. Have custom tune for JR SC and P&L exhaust...did ask tuner to soften the cutoff by pulling back timing at the limit. Don't know if it will shift in manual mode without paddle input, need to try - hope someone else can chime in who knows/tried. Thanks

It cuts, no forced shift.

[solidONE]

Originally Posted by orthojoe

He finally gets it.



No, I'm a dbag. I call it like it is. I fully admit I have no patience for this kind of stuff, which is why I've never accepted any instructor positions and only instruct friends I know well because I can yell at them. Fortunately you have some nice guys here like mike, david, AZP, etc to hammer the point home.



Another piece of advice that I ALWAYS get push back on from every single newb:

Leave your damn car STOCK (except for brake pads and alignment) until you know how to properly drive it. You are very likely making the car WORSE or slowing yourself down (at best it doesn't change a thing) with a set of springs that weren't matched to the dampers you are using. Everyone thinks they can outsmart an OEM engineer by adding a bar or spring here and there. They are professionals with a budget that dwarfs yours. Think about it.

Nobody listens, nobody buys into it. Ever. You won't either. Then you'll advance far enough and realize it's the truth. We're all guilty of it (myself included). This is one of the points that I don't push anymore because everyone needs to learn this for themselves.

Now I do think about it. These professionals with a budget that dwarfs mine also signed off on a product that has lop sided alignment without adjustment and a knock prone engine tune. Not saying that I'm any smarter, cause I'm no OEM engineer. Nor am I disagreeing that to further progression of driving skill development car should be left mostly as is, 'cause you are definitely right in that, but there is definitely room for improvement. Althogh... I am listening and I am buying into what you are saying. HA!

[solidONE]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Up until 2013. The guy next to Prost in this picture is my boss... video is just one type of ice racing.

What did you do for this guy and how do get a gig like that?

Also. It seem you like to go glove-less, but I'll ask here anyway. Any recommendation for those with sweaty hands? Preferably something on the cheap. Would it be not recommended to use just any old gloves like my light motorcycle gloves?

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by dp1

Any suggestions specific to driving automatic transmission car on track? Which nannies to leave on? Or should I do the pedal dance (if it applies to auto)? I have the trans cooler. Anything else? Thanks

When I tracked my GTI (with DSG), I used the paddles for every gearchange. Not because it was faster, but it was just more involving that way. And I knew for sure what gear I was in and how much engine braking to expect.

If you're just starting out though, you may want to leave it in auto or sport so that you can focus on other things like the line and braking zones.

[ayau]

Originally Posted by orthojoe

Another piece of advice that I ALWAYS get push back on from every single newb:

Leave your damn car STOCK (except for brake pads and alignment) until you know how to properly drive it.

I'd add tire pressure there too. Stock tire pressure (35 PSI cold) will most likely end up being too high on the track.

[dp1]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

When I tracked my GTI (with DSG), I used the paddles for every gearchange. Not because it was faster, but it was just more involving that way. And I knew for sure what gear I was in and how much engine braking to expect.

If you're just starting out though, you may want to leave it in auto or sport so that you can focus on other things like the line and braking zones.

Great, thanks. I've done about a dozen track days with my lotus elise in the past three years and I'm comfortable with driving on track. Planning to shift manually using paddles.

I wonder which nannies to disable. I don't really need any of them if the track is dry but would like to keep ABS on. Have AP Racing Sprint BBK and Carbotech XP12 for track.

Also, which nannies should be left on if the track is wet, just in case? Will bring shaved toyo proxes RA-1 for dry and Michelin PSS for wet.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by dp1

Also, which nannies should be left on if the track is wet, just in case? Will bring shaved toyo proxes RA-1 for dry and Michelin PSS for wet.

How do you rate your car control skills? Do you see the track as a place where you can work on them - appropriately, that is?

[orthojoe]

Originally Posted by dp1

Also, which nannies should be left on if the track is wet, just in case? Will bring shaved toyo proxes RA-1 for dry and Michelin PSS for wet.

If you have to ask, best to leave it on.

[orthojoe]

Originally Posted by solidONE

Now I do think about it. These professionals with a budget that dwarfs mine also signed off on a product that has lop sided alignment without adjustment and a knock prone engine tune. Not saying that I'm any smarter, cause I'm no OEM engineer. Nor am I disagreeing that to further progression of driving skill development car should be left mostly as is, 'cause you are definitely right in that, but there is definitely room for improvement. Althogh... I am listening and I am buying into what you are saying. HA!

There is room for improvement for sure. However, it's easier said than done. Most of the time people end up chasing their tail. You can't change one thing without affecting something else. Make one part stiffer, and that force has to be transmitted to the next weak link. Will that part hold up? Will it adversely affect the car? Will equate to a faster lap time when driven properly?

My biggest issue with the BRZ platform is how weak the entire drivetrain seems to be. The alignment on my car never holds. After one track day, it's totally out of whack. I've broken 2 wheel bearings after the car's first three track days. My friend has a broken rear axle. The oil temps run really high. Then there's the whole direct injector seal failure issue. My BRZ now only sees the track on rain days. It's a nice DD, though...

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by orthojoe

My biggest issue with the BRZ platform is how weak the entire drivetrain seems to be. The alignment on my car never holds. After one track day, it's totally out of whack. I've broken 2 wheel bearings after the car's first three track days. My friend has a broken rear axle.

As a track junkie hanging here to learn about the platform before deciding whether or not to buy a twin to use as a DD & dozen-track-days-a-year car, your comments have me concerned. Can you elaborate on the issues you've noted here?

[dp1]

Originally Posted by dradernh

How do you rate your car control skills? Do you see the track as a place where you can work on them - appropriately, that is?

Good question, I would say decent...usually work up the speed and tire squeal and rarely lose traction. Spun out (360) once in the lotus on the track (WGI) in the rain. I do see track as a perfect place to work on car control skills. Primary goal is smooth transitions (brake/shift/turn/gas), secondary is driving line.

[dp1]

Originally Posted by orthojoe

If you have to ask, best to leave it on.

I have to ask because my lotus elise only has ABS and nothing else and I will drive the frs on track (Watkins Glen) for the first time this Mon/Tue. I don't need any nannies in dry but want added safety on a wet track...just don't know how much of what I should consider. Thank you

I hope someone else can chime in with frs AT nannies recommendation for wet track