Track forum general chit chat.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Ximian

If I was going to a new track, I have no problems at all having an instructor for the day to get their suggestions. I also like riding along with different instructors and learning from their driving. Most people can't talk coherently while driving quickly so I don't ask many questions on track. The observation and occasional data logger helps answer most of my questions.

I'm at 10 days at this specific track. I haven't had the chance yet to go to other tracks but likely will this year. I don't count autocross, karting, or any time on racing sims to pad those numbers as I have seen that happen. I've had solo time with other groups to practice and improve and I definitely need more time to practice. Nearly all of the events are 4 or maybe 5 sessions at 20 minutes each. In comparison, one open lapping day is worth several days of regular events which is why I'm eager to get solo approval. Once I improve my technique and am able to do drive they way I want consistently, then I'd like to move on to more professional driver coaching.

Locally, there is a "club" that allows everyone to solo on track, even complete beginners. Not a great idea but it is what it is. The intermediate group was pretty safe with good enough driver etiquette, minus the rare YouTube-bro holding you up for a lap while they get a good video. There is another club that allows everyone to solo on track and to even bring one passenger if you have prior HPDE experience. Sounds great but they have two events and usually in the middle of the week so timing doesn't work out. I assumed events with the first club would have a lot more accidents, but looking back it with more CCA events under my belt, the CCA events actually have more incidents. So those groups allowing solo driving for everyone are no more dangerous the the CCA events.

My frustration with instructors stems from the subjective and biased review you have to go through. If you're honest with them and explain what you need to work on, they'll critique it much harshly than they would if you didn't say anything. I understand that's not the case everywhere, but I have encountered very good drivers that are not very good instructors. I've only had one instructor that I would say is a good coach. During one of my first events at the track, an instructor complimented the smoothness of my brake pedal release. On my next event with a different instructor, I listed things like vision and braking smoothness as things I'd like to improve further. The end of the day feedback was that those were the areas I needed most improvement on. Nevermind the sloppy line or passing cars by moving over to the opposite side of the track. During a recent event, I saw a solo approval for someone that had only three events completed, two at that track. It was someone I provided tips they found helpful on throttle application through higher speed corners and some line suggestions that their instructor didn't provide. I don't think I'm a worse driver than that person and I don't think the person didn't deserve to be solo approved. But it's hard not to take things like that personally when it seems I'm subject to some arbitrary, more stringent standard.

If it's possible for me to switch to PCA events here per SYT_Shadow's info, I don't think I'll mention any specific things that I'm working on and see how that changes the instructor feedback on my performance.

A good instructor really is an asset in your learning curve. To get the 'good' part you need to become part of an established club.

The thought of a club letting everyone go solo is just terrifying.

[XKxRome0ox]

brake fluid discussion reminded me that i should replace my brake fluid

i have Motul RBF600 fluid in the system after getting ST60 kit in front (stock brake in rear)
any negative impact from using a "racing brake fluid" for daily driving for over a year?

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

brake fluid discussion reminded me that i should replace my brake fluid

i have Motul RBF600 fluid in the system after getting ST60 kit in front (stock brake in rear)
any negative impact from using a "racing brake fluid" for daily driving for over a year?

Not really, but it's also super easy to bleed.

[bigjae1976]

Inconsistent evaluation will always happen. I know some instructors immediately shut down anything involving getting the back end sideways. I'll allow a student to get as sideways as they want...so long as they understand their surrounding. Things like walls, ditches and high curbs.

DE Orgs are so desperate for instructors that qualification and continued employment is almost guaranteed. No one is ever fired. Hard to believe that DE Orgs only make good choices in choosing instructors.

The most important thing in the student -instructor relationship is building some level of trust. Some students have flat out sucked at driving. Therefore, they do no have my trust and I won't allow certain things. If a student has my trust, we can push a lot and learn a lot.

It's the instructors job to help build a relationship of trust. But if the driver ain't trying to do that...then you're probably not going to have a great learning experience.

The first thing I test is does a student allow a car to pass when directed? If yes then it builds trust. If not...I assume things and we're gonna stare at flag stations for awhile.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by b4hand

So there seems to be a good amount of us within this sub-forum, is there any interest in choosing an event and everyone trying to make it out to it? Would love to include sir dogbone and slicer as well as the other West Coast guys. I know there are a few of us on the east coast too.

If we plan it from now, seems like it would be easier to make it happen.

That sounds fun - I'm open to that!

[b4hand]

Originally Posted by slicer

That sounds fun - I'm open to that!

COTA may be the best choice but it will be expensive, and probably with limited space.

[dogbone]

Originally Posted by b4hand

COTA may be the best choice but it will be expensive, and probably with limited space.

(And it rains a lot.....)

[slicer]

Originally Posted by dogbone

(And it rains a lot.....)

Yes, I dealt with rain on my last visit

[rhyary]

Originally Posted by slicer

Yes, I dealt with rain on my last visit

NYST is available for renting.
I am checking the fee for two days mid week late summer to get an idea.

We should rent NYST and spend two days driving E92 M3 in circles

[OG Shark]

Originally Posted by dogbone

(And it rains a lot.....)

Originally Posted by slicer

Yes, I dealt with rain on my last visit

C'mon now - it doesn't rain that much here. It's just been a weird 2, 3, well maybe 4 years now. I'm sure we will get back to our normal drought conditions soon

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by OG Shark

C'mon now - it doesn't rain that much here. It's just been a weird 2, 3, well maybe 4 years now. I'm sure we will get back to our normal drought conditions soon

Should be good this weekend

[roastbeef]

Buttonwillow tomorrow! It's been over a year since I've had some seat time so I laid out all my crap so I didn't forget anything.

[Richbot]

Bruh there’s no wheels in those slicks bruh

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Bruh there’s no wheels in those slicks bruh

Tire shop at the track will be open. I'm going to finish off the nittos while I'm knocking the cobwebs off my balls then I'm mounting up the dh's.

[rhyary]

If there is an interest I can put together a 2-day event at NYST for $600/car for 30 cars.

http://www.nysafetytrack.com/

normal day runs 7 x 20min session
Three groups of 10

or

2 x group of 15 @ 30min session
If 2 groups then point-by must be done promptly assuming more mixed speeds

So for $600 you get ~ 280 minutes of driving

I can open a group-buy tread and be open first to any M3.

Let me know if this has potential or interest and I can work on it.

We can coach each other, but basically this is a driving solo event.

[b4hand]

Originally Posted by rhyary

If there is an interest I can put together a 2-day event at NYST for $600/car for 30 cars.

http://www.nysafetytrack.com/

normal day runs 7 x 20min session
Three groups of 10

or

2 x group of 15 @ 30min session
If 2 groups then point-by must be done promptly assuming more mixed speeds

So for $600 you get ~ 280 minutes of driving

I can open a group-buy tread and be open first to any M3.

Let me know if this has potential or interest and I can work on it.

We can coach each other, but basically this is a driving solo event.

This is awesome but I feel it is way to far away from our west coast friends

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by b4hand

This is awesome but I feel it is way to far away from our west coast friends

Midwest as well - 19 hour drive for me. COTA or another track in TX wouldn't be bad.

[fsmtnbiker]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Buttonwillow tomorrow! It's been over a year since I've had some seat time so I laid out all my crap so I didn't forget anything.

Ah man, I’ll be there in 2 weeks with Speed District! Can’t wait to get back to BW.

[b4hand]

Originally Posted by Ximian

Midwest as well - 19 hour drive for me. COTA or another track in TX wouldn't be bad.

COTA does have that "wow" factor. And nice garages

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by Ximian

Midwest as well - 19 hour drive for me. COTA or another track in TX wouldn't be bad.

Where are you located?

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by ThunderMoose

Where are you located?

Near Minneapolis so the closest major track is Road America. I wouldn't mind a longer drive to big meet up.

[roastbeef]

I'm in for COTA, but this needs to be way in advance.