So drifiting is just controlling and directing the loss of control

 

Absolutely correct!! (Controlling loss of grip might be better)

It does need to be thought of though in the same context that landing a Jumbo Jet, is really a controlled crash and occassionally, it goes all wrong!

 

A drift isn't just for show, or just about preventing a spin; it's fast if the driver is capable of keeping the car on the knife edge with out falling off. A tire generates its maximum grip when it is sliding just a little. The difference between the actual direction of travel and the direction the tires are pointed is called "slip angle". A DOT radial tire's optimum slip angle (off the top of my head)... is like 5 - 8 degrees. Barely noticable to the casual observer from outside the car if it is done right. Big, long excessive drifts that we all like to watch cost time and can raise tire temps beyond the optimum range.

 

I don't normally feel the need to do this when I'm just popping up to the shops!

 

This thread is obviously winding down. Thanks to all for keeping it civil, useful, and on topic. Anyone want to tackle trail braking in a similar format?

 

Trail braking? On the S2000? I would be curious to see how many find a need for this.

I have not had the car understeer on me that badly, and I would be concerned the tail would come out instead.

Any autocrossers out there find trail braking useful? Or do you just turn lock the tires to get the car pointed in the right direction? Hmm, maybe I need to try some autocrosses to figure this out.

At high speeds however, trail braking would be very dangerous IMO.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by restonS2000
[B]Trail braking? On the S2000?...

 

Hey Jim-

I don't think you are a "Poll" guy (maybe Pole Position ), but you could do one with 8-10 topics...people vote...and then you start it running in your inimitable STYLE

Jerry

PS- This remains a classic thread...I also printed it out a few days ago...must have been 25 pp. Maybe there should be a new archive area for Classic Threads!

 

This is my first rwd vehicle i used to have a 2000 Type R and i can say i trusted that car more on the turns till i finally got the hang of the stook, i am at the point where i feel the car telling me get ready to drift your way out of this one, i learned through some spinouts that if you are great at it heel and toe downshifting can help, sometimes you are in the wrong gear and being in the right gear can prevent some of the times you loose control, also if you hold a steady throttle andn heal toe your way to the correct gear that will get your rpms higher putting more grip on the tires can allow your to regain quicker control, of course this has to be done quickly enough to work, but out of instict i did this once while taking an exit too fast and as soon as i felt the cars warning ( feels like you r riding in ice) i downshifted shifted out of instinct and and was able to lower the car speed while mainting throttle response to power slide it out of the conner. Hope this helps, i think the best mods to your car is to learn its limits and how to control them, in many cases practicing this skills once in a while on lonely parking lots can save your life. My 2 cents!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Allan Haggai
[B]One more thing about anticipation, I remember reading a Rick Mears interview several years ago about Indy.