After driving my car for several years and reading post after post about spin outs and accidents, I can proudly say that I finally really know my car. I know what to expect from her with every turn and what she can and can not do.

I've also learned that she can do a lot, but you have to know how to handle her. I must say that my MY00 is a dificult car to drive (compared to all of the other cars I've driven) but once you know your baby, it's like heaven.

 

Even though cars are more forgiving, there is a common knowledge about motorcycles which can be taken in the same context.

The minute you are most comfortable with your abilities is when you are at the most risk. I personally, after two years of ownership, still fear the "bite" that can come at any time, but that is mostly from blasting around backroads on 130hp sportbikes and always having the fear of tumbling off a cliff in the back of my mind. Kind of helps me concentrate.

 

 

I'm with you there, Nastunipe1. This car takes alot if you're gonna drive it hard.

A couple questions:

1. Have you lost the rear end on it yet? It was difficult for me to know the endge of the envelope until I crossed over it. In a safe area, it can be a huge learning tool.

2. What does your user name mean. I have had your darn name in my head from time to time over the past 2-3 weeks, and I can't figure out your name. Sounds kinda strange since I've never talked to you. Just like a stupid song you can't get out of your head, I guess.

Drive on and keep the rubber side down!
Hockey

 

its been about 7 months now with my S and I still have a long ways to go, I usually stay pretty comfortable but in the back of my head is that fear that makes me concentrate. I want to go out in parking lots and just do lots of "learning" but tires are so freakin $.

 

"Cockiness is that feeling you have just before you know better..."

 

I'm seeing an analogy to climbers who climb unroped. They know their craft, their bodies limits, etc, but the consequences of failure are Bad. They usually climb relatively within their comfort zone, say 7/10 of their max. The thing to consider when you're 'solo' climbing like this is: is it worth risking getting stung by a bee, hit by rockfall, etc and facing death. These latter elements are outside your control. Driving at 9/10 may similarly usually be OK, but watch out for the one time there's an unexpected puddle, a squirrel, etc.

 

Have you done a bunch of track days? Years of autox? Not to be a jerk, but I doubt you're really driving the car at 9/10th's. But, you may be driving at your skill limit's 9/10ths. I've been autoxing for only two and half years, one of which is with the s2k. I get to test my limits two or three times a month, spin the car out without worry, and find the car's limits in a safe environment, and I'm no where near 9/10th's of the car's potential. And I'm on R-compounds to boot! A national level driver could stomp me on street tires. And like others have hinted at, pushing the car's handling limits on an open road and being "comfortable" is a recipe for destruction... a patch of sand, a little oil or water, a squirrel, a bump in the road, whatever... you're going to be in trouble. Take it easy, be safe.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by nastinupe1
After driving my car for several years and reading post after post about spin outs and accidents, I can proudly say that I finally really know my car.

 

your confidence will go out the door once your tires are worn down a lot, be careful... you can never be TOO safe.