[CanAm]

Originally Posted by Gimp335is

I cannot wait for the Glen! It's a week away and already have track jitters. Been reading, "Going Faster" by Skip Barber. Never thought of the technical approach to the track. I'm not slow, but usually drive by feel. Looking forward to trying the more analytical approach to the track. Just hope it doesn't take the fun out of it....
Also, what data systems do people use? Or should I ask that in a separate forum?

Among books, I've found the Ross Bentley books to be the most user friendly, and he's recently summarized his books in 'Ultimate Speed Secrets'. 'Going Faster' is almost too analytical, at least for me. A great book on development of skill in general, and very applicable to driving, is 'The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills' by Daniel Coyle.

But from my experience, the key is to get a lot of seat time, as often as you can, at various tracks, with good instruction. Main analytical things to understand are weight transfer, why the car gets loose or pushes, and how to prevent/control that. But more important is to feel these things, which comes with attention and practice, and the skidpad is also very good to help develop car control and the habit of looking where you want to go.

In general, don't overthink it, get out there and have fun, while making a deliberate effort to work on your vision/awareness and technique, and progress will come. And of course, be safe out there, don't overlook the risks, and expect the unexpected to the extent that you can.

Good luck!

[Gimp335is]

I'm 28 and have had 12 years of "experience." Three of those were legal, and with "good instruction."

[ausgeflippt951]

IMO you can never be too analytical with your driving. but then again I get paid to analyze other people's data so I may be biased.

Seriously though, by nature I was more of a seat-of-pants driver and have a decently good butt dyno. But by also understanding the mechanics of my car, I became a much better driver. To understand the WHY is very important (especially when you are the one also wrenching on your car!).

From my experience, very few amateur and lowish-level pro drivers are really all that analytical. Hell even some of the big dogs have this issue. As the race engineer and the guy who has to analyze their data, it's oftentimes the only way to get some meaningful feedback on chassis setup or driver performance/habits/etc.

[Gimp335is]

Hey, is there anyone leaving from Fredericksburg, VA area that has spare room for me to transport my track tires to Watkins Glen? My trunk space is occupied by my wheel chair and cannot fit my track tires in my car. Thanks.

[Trak Ratt]

Originally Posted by Gimp335is

... Just hope it doesn't take the fun out of it....
Also, what data systems do people use? Or should I ask that in a separate forum?

Search is your friend on data acquisition.

Only you can take the fun out of driving... Either by your actions or letting someone else do it for you

[Gimp335is]

I'll check the search. Thanks! Don't have Internet at my house, so have to search from my phone. Cannot wait for the Glen!!!!!

[HoodPin]

Originally Posted by Gimp335is

........Also, what data systems do people use? Or should I ask that in a separate forum?

A full blown data system will be able to capture lots of data, in addition to lap times/traces, such as RPM, throttle, brake, etc.

However, a good, not too expensive, intro approach might be to consider some of the apps currently available for your phone. Google phones can use Trackmaster; iPhones can use Harry's Lap Timer. These apps are constantly getting better & better, and some can even integrate Video from the camera (I've seen this in Harry's Lap Timer). Using accelerometers and GPS they can do an amazing job tracking lap time & lap traces via GPS that can be very instructional. I believe Trackmaster and Harry's are under $20.

[Seltzer]

See you all at the Glen!

[VaSteve]

Y'all have fun .... wish I could be there this year.

[Nerfbar]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

Y'all have fun .... wish I could be there this year.

Me too. Car will not be ready for July either. Someone have a beer for us at the Rooster Fish Brewery on the WG main drag. Of course, a Guinness at the Seneca Lodge will do too.