[APKhaos]

Nicely done, John!
That situation is often the prelude to disaster, but you handled it exactly right.

[vranko]

Originally Posted by APKhaos

Nicely done, John!
That situation is often the prelude to disaster, but you handled it exactly right.

Thanks Tony.

Originally Posted by BlackTalon

John -- you were early on about every turn leading up to that one as well. As Axl Rose would say, "Just a little patience..."

Thanks for the advice David. We'll no one ever accused me of being patient (at anything) and I do tend to enter early (I'm working on that) but I'm curious what turns your referring to. Turns 5 and 6? That's my typical line. I learned from a few instructors (although I do sometimes go mid-track more in #6). I can see that I was a little early in 7 and 8 though. I've been struggling finding a good 2nd-to-3rd shift point around turn 7. Was shifting before 7 at a prior event and switched to after last week.

I'll try to get that song in my head at the next event!

[Andy993]

A few of my Blue group buddies captured the after effects in their videos. (visibility was zero exiting #9 for a while, sorry blue group!). I'll see if I can post them later.[/QUOTE]


John, Nice save!

Here is what those behind you had to deal with. Hope this works for everyone. First time posting video.

New Project 1 - YouTube

New Project 1 - YouTube

[Landjet]

Nice catch John!

[Dr K]

If you realize you're early in 8, and especially if you're early in 7 and 8, you need to take it easy in 9, breath off the throttle extra before turn-in, and make certain you get all the way down to the apex. Most runs into the tire wall after 9 start with problems in turn 6 or 7...

[BlackTalon]

John: T4 was the big offender that I saw.

[vranko]

Originally Posted by BlackTalon

John: T4 was the big offender that I saw.

OK. Thanks DD and everyone for your thoughts.

[Gunther]

Vranko thanks for posting my agriculture work in turn 1. Sorry if I distracted you. Luckily I managed to keep up enough speed to get out of the gravel and not ruin everyone's session.

[HoodPin]

Originally Posted by vranko

First of all, as many have already stated, great event this weekend. Thanks to all the volunteers, my instructor and everyone that helped me investigate and diagnose my power steering fluid leak (apparently I need to invest in a PS cooler).

If anyone was wondering who caused that major dust cloud in turn #9 (Saturday, Blue Run Group) it was me. Here's the video:

http://vimeo.com/39795230

A few of my Blue group buddies captured the after effects in their videos. (visibility was zero exiting #9 for a while, sorry blue group!). I'll see if I can post them later.

Nicely handled John! To me it looked like you turned in a bit too early, causing the track to shrink for you at exit. But you handled it well, allowing the car to put two wheels in the dirt where, as you experienced, you can safely drive through it. All too often, someone doing the same thing will try to stay on the pavement, by turning in tighter. Unfortunately, there's a subtle bump in the pavement there, that less discernable the more stock a car is setup. The bump begins shortly after passing the apex, and the car doesn't "land" again till almost to the trackout curbing on the left. In the interim, the car is light, and when the steering correction is inputted, its often too much because the car doesn't seem to be reacting. And when the car does 'land", traction suddenly increases, and the extra steering input causes a dart to the right.

I've always advocated looking for that straight line between apex and trackout of T9, to keep the car under control. But if you do find yourself heading beyond the pavement, keeping it straight will more often than not maintain control of the car. Once you're two wheels off and going straight, a slight throttle lift to slow the car, and then gently moving to the right gets all 4 back on the pavement.

[roundel]

I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Mario Andretti, "The difference between champions and also rans is that champions recognize their mistakes faster." Everyone fuchs up, but if you realize it immediately, the correction could be so small, it is hardly noticed. If you wait until the results of that initial mistake have had time to grow, frequently the correction must be much larger.

In this case, a slight breathe off the throttle before the apex would have nipped the issue in the bud. You realized a bit late, but in time to open the wheel as you crossed into the dirt. If you realized later, you may have needed to correct for all four off and a large developing yaw angle.

This lesson applies throughout life. Dating, politics, career, drinking. You name it, the sooner you realized you are on the wrong path, the easier it is to get back on track.