Luck Guy

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

My wife was in my car for the 3rd time ever on the weekend and just driving through town was all:
"This is too bumpy"
"How can you hear"
"Stop spinning the tires"
"Do you have to go around corners so fast"
"Slow down"
"Slow down"
"Slow down"
"Slow down"
(never went over the speed limit once)

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

What could go wrong haha...

See above!

[jvincent]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

The experience as a passenger is always worse than that of the driver. Think about it, as driver are you not only in control but you are more grounded in the car because you have a grip on the wheel. The passenger has nothing to hold onto so they are getting beat to death.

Definitely agree about the grounded aspect in this car.

I took my daughter out one evening and since there are no Jesus handles on the passenger side she was holding onto the door handle with both hands and had her feet jammed up against the footwell to stay in one spot. That said, she had a blast.

One thing about being a passenger on the track is that it is easy to get car sick because you don't know when the car is going to change direction so you can't anticipate.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

See above!

Yeah this could turn ugly. One of them "loves" speed though, which is how this whole idea got started. I'm hoping that means she won't complain much, or throw up.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Yeah this could turn ugly. One of them "loves" speed though, which is how this whole idea got started. I'm hoping that means she won't complain much, or throw up.

They'll never get into it if you never give them a chance, like you said 8/10ths, concentrate on smoothness. But definitely don't *****foot around too much, easy on the brakes gentle on the turn in and in an 86 the power out isn't too violent.

I picked up a tenth of a second when I took my girlfriend around for an autocross because I focused on smoothing out my inputs.

But I totally agree with dadhawk as I get sick after about 5 laps as a passenger even with master drivers who go around the course like they're ice skating on butter.

Also be sure to point out attainable vehicles they can drive to work and at the track with minimal sacrifices, Mini's, Miata's, Mazda3, WRX, Ford Focus ST, Fiat Abarth. Hell I see at least 2-3 wagons and a handful of sedans at every event I go to, and E30 wagons are starting to pop up on our shores for <$10k, seriously tempting...

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

They'll never get into it if you never give them a chance, like you said 8/10ths, concentrate on smoothness. But definitely don't *****foot around too much, easy on the brakes gentle on the turn in and in an 86 the power out isn't too violent.

I picked up a tenth of a second when I took my girlfriend around for an autocross because I focused on smoothing out my inputs.

But I totally agree with dadhawk as I get sick after about 5 laps as a passenger even with master drivers who go around the course like they're ice skating on butter.

Also be sure to point out attainable vehicles they can drive to work and at the track with minimal sacrifices, Mini's, Miata's, Mazda3, WRX, Ford Focus ST, Fiat Abarth. Hell I see at least 2-3 wagons and a handful of sedans at every event I go to, and E30 wagons are starting to pop up on our shores for <$10k, seriously tempting...

I get the sense they're not interested in tracking as a hobby (my wife definitely is not), but just wanted a ride-along to see what it's like.

Also I'll likely be taking the GTI, which is quieter & softer than the FR-S. The dual-clutch is pretty much seamless at track speeds.

Lastly agree on smoothness being important (not just for them, but for track days generally!) It's pretty easy to be smooth in the GTI to be honest. There's rarely any need to countersteer, and near the limit under power the chassis just transitions to understeer which is easy enough to correct. I definitely won't be trying to induce rotation or anything like that. The more I think about it, the GTI might be one of the most passenger-friendly track cars. Pretty refined/quiet overall, and less darty than other FWD cars like the Mazda 2 or Mini.

[ducky369]

Well ... Mom and dad never got on the 86 again after delivery day.

Nothing but
"So bumpy"
"No room in the back"
"Oww so low, back hurts from getting out"
"You're driving too fast"
"Don't rev over 3000"

My gf is like this daily
"Can you slow down?"
"Stop driving so fast"
"Ducky! Ducky! Ducky!"

*note: real name is replaced with ducky

[cdrazic93]

ninho
ninho
ninho
ninho
NOOOOO NINHOO!!

but I'm almost done

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by cdrazic93

ninho
ninho
ninho
ninho
NOOOOO NINHOO!!

but I'm almost done

You have a great future as a script writer for porn!

[Tcoat]

[ducky369]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Yeah I've ridden as a passenger a few times and it's definitely scarier not being in control.

The problem is they asked and I already agreed.

I think I'll bring the GTI on all-season tires. Less grip, FWD, softer. Has solid door grips What could go wrong haha...

You just agreed so you can have some alone time on the track with wife's friends

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

WTF? Why isn't she wearing her shoulder straps? Stupid girl.

[Black Tire]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

My wife and two of her friends asked to come to a track day with me this year. I was going to take them out for a few 8/10ths laps, but this is making me think twice.

If any of them complain like that, I will not hesitate to pit and drop them off.

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Honestly, its probably not a good idea.

The experience as a passenger is always worse than that of the driver. Think about it, as driver you are not only in control but you are more grounded in the car because you have a grip on the wheel. The passenger has nothing to hold onto so they are getting beat to death.

At the schools I instruct at, they have instructor sessions where the student rides with the instructor. When at the shorter track, I usually drive real conservatively with a student in the car, and many are generally still frightened at the speed. I go "slow" and/or very smooth, but it is still difficult for them. I usually take the first couple of laps really slow to see how the students react, and to warm up my car/tires/brakes. These are students that have signed up for the driving school. I would generally try to drive ridiculously slow for just "passengers."

[ducky369]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

WTF? Why isn't she wearing her shoulder straps? Stupid girl.

Because it will ruin her expensive top.

Besides anything without a strap looks more attractive

[Tcoat]

Apparently not wearing the shoulder harness is fairly common. Guess it gets in the way of videoing!