[ausgeflippt951]

Thanks for all the responses. I thought I might open a can o' worms with this one.

There are a number of factors one must consider before one makes the decision to drive off-line and try to salvage the corner.

These factors, in my case, were notably (but not limited to) the following. Thoughts?:

1) Just how fast am I going? Do I need to go off-track? Better safe than sorry. I've definitely driven off-track before; it's not something I'm afraid to do, per se.
1a) If i do go off, what's my escape route? Also need to make sure I go off straight to minimize chances of rollover.

2) Is there any traffic ahead or behind me who might be affected by my decision?

3) If I am not going sufficiently hot enough to guarantee my need for going off-track, what is the off-line track surface like? In my case, it was dirty+dusty+marble-y, but no standing water/mud.

4) Are the off-line conditions poor enough to warrant re-evaluation of going off-track? If so, revisit #1.



Based off of that decision process, I decided it was safe for me to try and salvage the corner. In my case, keep in mind it's all very relative: while I was certainly traveling fast relative to Green Group, I'm pretty positive that this would've been no problemo for more experienced drivers.

I think I was trying to convey that one element I would like to work on with my instructors is my ability to adapt. For example, when I'm driving on-line and without issue, I am good at concentrating on being smooth. However, when I slip up or have a lapse in judgment, I need to maintain that level of smoothness to get me back on-track (no pun intended). In my mind, one's comfortability with adapting will help minimize the time/effort it takes to get back in-sync. Is this a valid assessment?


I should also note that I get very critical with my driving. Whenever I meet my instructor for the first time, I tell him/her to be as nit-picky as possible. I've got a thick skin, and my ultimate goal is to be smooth, safe, and fast. Push me to perform (once the instructor feels comfortable with me), and I'll let you know if I'm operating outside of my comfort zone.