Track preparation...the days before. What do you do?

[bigjae1976]

Over time I've strayed from my usual routine which hasn't always been very methodical. Last event, I did no prep and it showed. My driving was terrible and I've haven't felt that uncomfortable on the track in the last 2 years.

I would like to see what other people do to prepare. I think I have some ideas on what mine will look like but I am looking for some insight and ideas on what other people do.

[1MOREMOD]

You talking about car prep, mental prep, sleeping, diet, all the above?

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

You talking about car prep, mental prep, sleeping, diet, all the above?

Mental prep.

Car prep =

[1MOREMOD]

i used to be better about this also and have been a little lax. i used to review my notes from previous drives as well as speed secrets. i wrote a post it note with 3 things on it to work on specifically for that day and stuck it on my nav screen on the e90. i also mentally walk myself thru a perfect lap of the next days track as i lay in bed, usually because i cant sleep beforehand very well. less of a problem now though.

[surlynkid]

I watch the videos of your screwups to prepare for the weekend.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by surlynkid

I watch the videos of your screwups to prepare for the weekend.

Yeah buddy!

[klammer]

I incessantly watch track videos of the track I'm running, for at least about 2 days in advance, and if it's a new one probably more, like the week leading in. If it's a new one I study track maps and any turn by
I can find, or even if it's an old one I seem to be plateauing on...there's so much info on the inter web, I for one would use it

[Jon@NL]

I am a relative track newb, but here is what tremendously helped me:

iRacing with a Fanatec 911 GT3 RS clubsport setup.

I was shocked how realistic it was. I learned the track, line, and the unsettling parts on the computer and it directly translated to real life. I didn't even get into the whole hardcore community, I just used it as a practice tool.

[jml]

Lots of sleep, lots of fluids day before (no international travel)
When I am cold in the car, things go wrong, so I try to stay warm
Buy insurance
No women for three weeks

[Shaung]

Originally Posted by Jon@NL

I am a relative track newb, but here is what tremendously helped me:

iRacing with a Fanatec 911 GT3 RS clubsport setup.

I was shocked how realistic it was. I learned the track, line, and the unsettling parts on the computer and it directly translated to real life. I didn't even get into the whole hardcore community, I just used it as a practice tool.

I enjoy Iracing as well. It helps me get " I really want to drive" feeling out of me. I'm using a Logitech GT wheel and pedals. How do you liketh Fanatec wheel?

Sorry for the thread hijack.

[Shaung]

Are you trying to have fun or beat times?

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by jml

No women for three weeks

ive found it difficult to drive with a boner.

Originally Posted by Shaung

Are you trying to have fun or beat times?

for me i am trying to have pr every time i go to the track, indicates im improving on my technique and figuring out the track and car. for me that is what is fun. i dont get enjoyment out of being slower than i can be. that said once in a while i will take the aim out of the car and try to have a day where i focus on other things.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by surlynkid

I watch the videos of your screwups to prepare for the weekend.

I'm pretty good at spinning and going off.

Originally Posted by Shaung

Are you trying to have fun or beat times?

Consistently trying to improve my skills. I do use lap times as a measure, not a goal. I've been using sector times and virtual best laps to compare to my actual best lap as a measure of how consistent I am and how well I am driving the entire track.

[OC3]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I'm pretty good at spinning and going off.



Consistently trying to improve my skills. I do use lap times as a measure, not a goal. I've been using sector times and virtual best laps to compare to my actual best lap as a measure of how consistent I am and how well I am driving the entire track.

+1

I would speculate that 70 to 80% of lap times are indication of the type of car/mod, setup/tuning thereof, etc.

[03///m3]

Another vote for time in iRacing. Love that sim.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by OC3

+1

I would speculate that 70 to 80% of lap times are indication of the type of car/mod, setup/tuning thereof, etc.

Lap times are so relative. I chased lap times for awhile...didn't find it very fun...did find it very expensive. As far as speed, I'm happy where I'm at. I'm within 2-3 seconds of the NASA TTB records at all of the tracks I run. I use NT01s and haven't really worked on the setup much. I was going to go the NASA TT route but it really doesn't interest me very much.

So here is my normal routine. I look at videos, mine and others, for the particular track. I know my virtual best lap, problem areas, areas for improvement and danger areas. Then I drive a perfect lap in my mind. I try and remember things about the better sectors that I drove. I try and challenge the "line" and think about different ways I can go through a corner just as fast or faster.

I focus on good sleep the Tue-Thu before the event. Fri is always iffy. I drink water and maybe 2 beers fri night with friends. One thing I want to get back to doing is I used to jog the track sat morning before the driver's meeting (obviously). I've learned so much doing that.

I may start some of those ridiculous looking exercises in speed secrets as well.

[klammer]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Lap times are so relative. I chased lap times for awhile...didn't find it very fun...did find it very expensive. As far as speed, I'm happy where I'm at. I'm within 2-3 seconds of the NASA TTB records at all of the tracks I run. I use NT01s and haven't really worked on the setup much. I was going to go the NASA TT route but it really doesn't interest me very much.

So here is my normal routine. I look at videos, mine and others, for the particular track. I know my virtual best lap, problem areas, areas for improvement and danger areas. Then I drive a perfect lap in my mind. I try and remember things about the better sectors that I drove. I try and challenge the "line" and think about different ways I can go through a corner just as fast or faster.

I focus on good sleep the Tue-Thu before the event. Fri is always iffy. I drink water and maybe 2 beers fri night with friends. One thing I want to get back to doing is I used to jog the track sat morning before the driver's meeting (obviously). I've learned so much doing that.

I may start some of those ridiculous looking exercises in speed secrets as well.

Use the force

[Triple M]

Reading speed secret a must for me. Althought they say avoid alcohol, I have to agree with Bigjae that a little alcohol helps me curb the excitement and gets me to sleep. Drink lots of fluid, even before the session starts. Ease off the "I'm so pumped coffee binge". Remember to breath and relieve the death grip from the steering wheel (too much excitement). Limit my in-between session yaps as the day goes on so I can actually check tire pressure, make sure hood is completely shut etc, and not overdoing lunch, afternoon sessions become too overwhelming. Oh btw, remember to tell myself to call it quits when I start to get tired.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by klammer

Use the force

Yes...light saber fights in the paddock before a session. Brilliant!

[admranger]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Lap times are so relative. I chased lap times for awhile...didn't find it very fun...did find it very expensive. As far as speed, I'm happy where I'm at. I'm within 2-3 seconds of the NASA TTB records at all of the tracks I run. I use NT01s and haven't really worked on the setup much. I was going to go the NASA TT route but it really doesn't interest me very much.

So here is my normal routine. I look at videos, mine and others, for the particular track. I know my virtual best lap, problem areas, areas for improvement and danger areas. Then I drive a perfect lap in my mind. I try and remember things about the better sectors that I drove. I try and challenge the "line" and think about different ways I can go through a corner just as fast or faster.

I focus on good sleep the Tue-Thu before the event. Fri is always iffy. I drink water and maybe 2 beers fri night with friends. One thing I want to get back to doing is I used to jog the track sat morning before the driver's meeting (obviously). I've learned so much doing that.

I may start some of those ridiculous looking exercises in speed secrets as well.

A fully prepped TTB car (you bring the car) is around $40-50k if what I was told by a TTB competitor is correct. That's nuts. Your plan is much better.

Reviewing notes or looking at track maps, reading "the perfect lap around circuit xyz" interweb write ups are all good. Thrashing to get the car done the night before is bad. Just have fun. HPDE champions get paid in karma and good times with your buddies, not $.

[pkimM3r]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Lap times are so relative. I chased lap times for awhile...didn't find it very fun...did find it very expensive. As far as speed, I'm happy where I'm at. I'm within 2-3 seconds of the NASA TTB records at all of the tracks I run. I use NT01s and haven't really worked on the setup much. I was going to go the NASA TT route but it really doesn't interest me very much.

So here is my normal routine. I look at videos, mine and others, for the particular track. I know my virtual best lap, problem areas, areas for improvement and danger areas. Then I drive a perfect lap in my mind. I try and remember things about the better sectors that I drove. I try and challenge the "line" and think about different ways I can go through a corner just as fast or faster.

I focus on good sleep the Tue-Thu before the event. Fri is always iffy. I drink water and maybe 2 beers fri night with friends. One thing I want to get back to doing is I used to jog the track sat morning before the driver's meeting (obviously). I've learned so much doing that.

I may start some of those ridiculous looking exercises in speed secrets as well.

Tap head while circles with one hand on stomach

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by admranger

A fully prepped TTB car (you bring the car) is around $40-50k if what I was told by a TTB competitor is correct. That's nuts. Your plan is much better.

Reviewing notes or looking at track maps, reading "the perfect lap around circuit xyz" interweb write ups are all good. Thrashing to get the car done the night before is bad. Just have fun. HPDE champions get paid in karma and good times with your buddies, not $.

I think that's about right on the price. I think a lot depends on your approach...losing weight will get you optimized on points and save $$$ vs modding the car.

Good point. This helps me quite a bit, the karma point is spot on. I think its time for a change or update in my goals. One area I can definitely grow in is becoming a better instructor. I need to better prepare to do that vs worrying about my inconsistencies and attacking corners faster.

Essentially, I am getting paid to be an instructor with track time. I had better show up prepared to work to do the best job possible...just like my day job. Really, instructing and the people is what has kept me in the sport.

Originally Posted by pkim1079

Tap head while circles with one hand on stomach

...I know. Speed Secrets has those goofy exercises. While I am sure they work, I will not do them in public. I have an image to maintain. I'd use a bathroom stall to do the exercises but all of the corvette drivers stink it up by the time I get my car unloaded.