How to get faster

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Takumi788

Good one! Have the coach show you how to read data properly.

Also, there is a bunch of literature out there. Speed Secrets Ultimate by Ross Bently is my favorite. I read is every off-season.

There's the level of data where you just read speed/throttle/brake/g-force traces, and then a level of data where you can go deeper into dampers, wheel speeds, cause and effect, and truly exploit the nuances of each individual car and track.

Scary part, is that this is all with data from a $700 AIM Solo/Solo2 DL.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Icecreamtruk

Coaching is good, not all coaches are good coaches, not all of them are focused on making you faster, some only know how to make you safer.

Mods are great as well, I believe improving the car along with the driver is a more effective way than to try and squeeze every ounce of performance of an otherwise stock car before changing anything.

Absolutely this.

Just how there are drivers all across the scale, there are coaches all across the spectrum as well.

Remember that most volunteer coaches primarily coach to get themselves cheaper/free track days! Many of them do have your best interest at heart, but watch for the ones who really don't care. Also, get input from MANY different experienced drivers and coaches.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Mr.ac

You don't need a "pro" all you need is a dude/chick that has way more track time and fast times just teach you some tips.

Originally Posted by iLuveKetchup

"Pro" coaching seems silly (unless this is for a 5yr old on karts with aspirations to be in F1). Just have a more experience driver ride along and/or become a passenger for a session. Watch a ton of videos. Keep it simple and fun.

Originally Posted by TommyW

Most track days offer free coaching

the old adage of "you get what you pay for" applies here. Not needing a pro coach is akin not not needing track brake pads to be on track.

The difference is a good pro will VERY quickly eliminate your bad habits, and give you plenty to work on going forward past the single day of coaching, that a volunteer coach will likely not see.

Someone who relies on coaching to make a living is far more incentivised to give the best possible experience, whereas a volunteer coach really suffers no consequence whether their student does well or not.

[steverife]

Minimal track experience, but lots of autocross. And some coaching experience and formal coaching training outside of motorsports.

I think where free instruction sometimes comes short is there is often a one size fits all approach. Even with the best intentions, your instructor may not have the time or the broader perspective to learn and to cater to your goals, your learning style, your language, and your experience level.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by Apelsin

I'd like that, a car which is more fun and helps focus on driving. But can you be more specific as to what exactly is a properly modified car?

Basically I mean a car that you don't have to worry about and you're not driving around major short comings.

So proper cooling and brakes you can trust are obvious things, but also a good alignment that allows you to get the most out of your tires. Tires that can take a little heat and don't go off too quickly. Also continued proper maintenance.

Your alignment and suspension should be built around your tire choice. Brakes too. For example, really sticky tires will still go fast on stock suspension, but you'll be wearing them unevenly and the chassis will be moving around a ton.

Data analysis helps a lot for both driver improvement and car set up, and there are different levels of that.

On that note, lots of suspension adjustment points are great when you understand what's happening to the car and can confidently make changes. This means knowing what you're going to affect directly and indirectly, in each phase of a corner AND how it will affect other corners. If you're not fully understanding what's happening to the car and what you're doing to it, more adjustment isn't necessarily better. On the other hand, if you do understand what's going on, more adjustment can unlock more potential in the car. Or work with an experienced suspension tuner.

- Andrew

[TommyW]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

the old adage of "you get what you pay for" applies here. Not needing a pro coach is akin not not needing track brake pads to be on track.

The difference is a good pro will VERY quickly eliminate your bad habits, and give you plenty to work on going forward past the single day of coaching, that a volunteer coach will likely not see.

Someone who relies on coaching to make a living is far more incentivised to give the best possible experience, whereas a volunteer coach really suffers no consequence whether their student does well or not.

True. I think it depends on your level of driving. A novice or intermediate may be fine with a track day coach however once past that a pro may be necessary.

A lot of great drivers coach out of financial necessity. They may be phenomenal drivers however that doesn’t always equate to being a great coach. This I was told by one of the best drivers\coaches in the biz, not from personal experience.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by TommyW

They may be phenomenal drivers however that doesn’t always equate to being a great coach.

This is true about a lot of things in life. Some people just can't teach.

- Andrew

[Apelsin]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

PM me and we can discuss your coaching needs, and see if I'm a potential good fit.

PM sent but not sure it can work out since we are on opposite coasts. Any recommendations on how to find a pro coach on the east coast?

[i8ur911]

Originally Posted by Apelsin

PM sent but not sure it can work out since we are on opposite coasts. Any recommendations on how to find a pro coach on the east coast?

Where are you on the east coast, North or South?

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[Apelsin]

Originally Posted by i8ur911

Where are you on the east coast, North or South?

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Middle

[i8ur911]

Originally Posted by Apelsin

Middle

If you're in the NJ area, you can reach out to the local NASA group. I know AZP Installs runs their own events and the owner also tracks am 86.

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[lextrueno]

Another point that I don't think many have addressed yet is if you live in an area where weather limits track time, it is a good idea to invest into a entry level sim rig. You can get a lot of seat time playing gran turismo or iRacing just by using a decent seat and force feedback wheel. I know this isn't the perfect way to learn/gather data. But I think for the money you can develop your race craft in a fun, safe learning environment with no extra costs for consumables like brakes and tires. Also some coaches can work with you through those games to analyze your line and help you focus on certain aspects of your racing.

Assuming you have nothing:
Racing Seat with mounts for wheel/pedals - $230-$500 dollars
Thrustmaster T300 Ferrari - $400
PS4 with Gran Turismo -$330 (Black Friday sales would be a good time to pick one up)