[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!