What do you do if you go into a turn and part way through you realize you're going too fast? Now obviously hitting the brakes would be a bad idea because it would only make things worst. And giving it more gas would just cause oversteer...

After all that I've learned about performance driving I've never been told what the proper procedure is in a situation like this. So what would be the right thing to do? And please, don't tell me that I'm an idiot for not knowing this and that I shouldn't own an S2000 - just interested in gaining a little knowledge from some of the more experienced drivers on the board. Thanks!

 

 

Anyone? Sorry - I'm bored at work - need something to read to fight off boredom!

 

Let's not flame this guy...he's asking the question BEFORE he gets in over his head.

Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question.

1) Make no sudden inputs.
2) If you have safe runoff, you may consider aborting the turn and try to stop the car in a straight line.
3) Is the front sliding? Try easing off the brake/gas/steering to get the front tires to hook up.
4) Is the rear sliding? Too much power/wheelspin? Smoothly turn into the slide and ease off the gas to get the rear wheels to hook up.
5) Is the rear sliding under braking? Smoothly turn into the slide and ease off the brake to transfer weight to the back to get the rear wheels to hook up. Advanced tip...add some gas to transfer weight to the back.
6) MAKE NO SUDDEN INPUTS. (worth repeating.) Jerking the wheel or lifting completely off the gas or brake will severly unsettle the car.

 

Thanks Conedodger - just want some advice from some of you with more experience. And yes, as soon as I get my s2000 I'll attend auto-x. I'm already preparing by reading some performance driving books

 

In slow, out fast

 

I can tell you the answer is not to downshift. I learned that lesson, almost hitting a sign post and a VW golf. I don't know what the right answer is.

 

too many variables you're really not going to know until you're there. Alot of things *MIGHT* save you but it all depends. If you're really screwed and you know you can't save it then best choice is both feet in.

it's hard to say what is the right course of action is. It might be changing your turning radius, it might be backing off the throttle some(note this is not lifting, just reducing thottle input). Sometimes if you enter a corner faster than you wanted to you just have to ride it out. Be calm and smooth can get you through sometimes. Panicing and trying something radical to 'save' it can often get you into worse trouble than just being calm and smooth.

 

Sorry, hit the reply button before I was finished. I've added more to my original post.

 

Forgot that one. Very good advice that we tell our Novices at the autocrosses.