I made my points (go back and actually read what I am saying) and I feel there is validity and truth in what I say whether some of you will admit it or not. It's a competition with many variables and most people want to win. You seem to get the most defensive and angry about it, so you can "keep walking" in the future, or you can come say hey to a friendly fellow competitor.

 

I think most people realize they're not in a position to "win" and are there for other reasons.

You can think I'm defensive or angry about it, but I don't even run in STR... so that assessment doesn't really make any sense.

And you betcha, I'm going to keep walking. Our club brings its own cheering section to Nats and I'll look forward to seeing my S2000 friends and helping them if they need anything.

 

Is it just me or does anyone else agree this is taking it a little far?

Fine, guy I've never met, we won't talk in person.

 

I think there are two, "silly seasons", to an auto-x year. The first is the most commonly known season: Winter. The second is a one month "pre nationals" season.

 

lol.

To birdshot's point - I can understand not sharing that last tiny bit of "secrets". The last little bit of your setup. Saying "I'm running a couple hundred pounds higher spring in the front" as opposed to "850 front, 700 rear". I think, for example a major thing like the fuel cut example you would be a dick if you didn't say anything and you would deserve the reaction Ckit is giving you. But I think what I'm reading you saying is that you would share something like that. You just don't want to share the last little bit, which I can understand and respect somewhat, and I'm not going to be an ass to you because you're not giving away your setup. But, I'm not that way at all.

I personally like being open about everything. As many have said, that's what I like about autocross is that there are a lot of people that are willing to collaborate. I will share everything - Usually after the first run I'm discussing with my competitors exactly what I think is making me fast, and anything useful I've figured out about the course, and what setup I'm using. That's really what's fun about this.

Another thing - I would be more guarded about fine details with someone who is obviously keeping all their own tricks to themselves - and probably wouldn't seek you out in grid to talk about things I've noticed. And I think a lot of other people feel the same way. So I think you don't grow as fast as an autocrosser with that attitude. And I've noticed it too...most of the people at a prosolo or a national tour are very openly collaborating. At a local autocross there is a mix of people like that, but a lot more guarded people too. I think having an open attitude helps you in the end, and it definitely wins you more friends and is more fun. Plus for me I just like helping people, even if I don't necessarily get anything in return, so that's rewarding in itself.

And in the end, it's really your driving that will make you win. You're not going to figure out a magic setup that no driver can make up for with pure skill. So you might as well have fun and discuss setups.

 

You know this pretty much is how I am at events as well. I don't even think about it really, I will just automatically talk with others about course details and what changes I am making. Sometimes I help others that way, sometimes they help me. I'm really not "guarded" at all, or at least I don't think others see me that way in reality.

The fuel cut example, ya I would tell a guy about that. My tire pressure example, MAYBE not. If I am in a battle with a guy and he breaks a diff right before his last run, hell ya he can drive my car (unless it's Ckit, cause we aren't talking, lol) I do agree with you it is fun to share information, it makes for friendships and good times. But I go back to what I have said, at the end of the day it is a competition and I would rather beat you than the other way around. Am I in the minority here that autocross is a COMPETITIVE driving event? It is about driving your best and having fun, but how well did YOU stack up against your fellow drivers by getting the most out of your car?

Maybe this board and these drivers will change that about me, and really I am just talking about perhaps withholding certain fine details. And if I did I would probably joke and let you know I'm holding onto that piece. Right now though, I have nothing to hide anyway! The S2000 is brand new for me and I will be learning as I go, slowly making changes. I have a test and tune on Friday and we are really going to work on tire pressures (that's all we can do right now anyway) and if there are any other STR guys there I will be more than willing to collaborate.

thanks for the reply, I respect your opinion

 

My view is that if you're not an amazing driver, there's no need to withhold anything.

If someone was withholding and being non-collaborative, I would have no problem weenie-protesting them for bent and flared fenders (which will happen with the low-offset RPF1s). Live by the sword, die by the sword.

In all actuality, you're likely to be seconds off the pace for a while so it's a little moot. We're talking Clemens Buerger-level drivers on this subforum. They're amazing to watch and unless you've seen National-grade STR S2000 drivers in action, you might not realize how silly this entire conversation is. These guys are talking about tweaking to get the last 0.3 seconds out of their cars when they're 2+ seconds faster than most of us.

 

Anyone mind if we wrap this thread up? I think we're actually all saying the same thing and the dead horse has been beaten enough, IMHO. If all are in agreement, let's let it go.

 

Speak for yourself. If I am 2+ seconds off the pace, I sure don't intend to stay there.

 

Fine with me