Taking the stock S2k to the Milwaukee Mile for some track time. First time on a track. Wondering the skid characterstics if overcooked in a turn. My understanding is the car will slide nicely without the front or back breaking out abruptly. Is this true? What is best recovery manuver? Any future F1 racers that can provide any feedback would be appreciated. I figure one good day at the track and Paul Tracy better start looking for another day job.

 

are you from the milwaukee area? i dont think we've met you yet. be sure to scroll down the forums list to the Upper Midwest Forum. we hold meets and get-togethers all the time.

lol and sorry no advice on the track.

 

Born and raised in Milwaukee. Been going to races at the Mil mile since 1968. Rember Ron White? Just a chance to drive on this historic track will raise the short hairs. See you at the track!

 

Take it very slow to learn the limits of the car. The pre-2004 cars tend to have viscious snap -oversteer which will send you flying off the track It's almost like it holds in the corners like there's no tomorrow then "BAM" the back end breaks loose with no warning. There's no gradual loss of traction and squeeling tires to warn you, it's extremely abrupt Don't get over confident and push it too much too fast. Remember to use as much of the track as you can. Slow down before the turn and power through the turn. Have fun and stay safe.

 

Thanks much for the info. Although I would like to push the car to it's limits, I do not want to kiss the wall. I'm surprissed there is not any wheel squeel before the rear end breaks loose. That is a little scarry. The car must give some feedback before getting into a loose position. OH Well. Looks like another drive in the park.

PS: Paul, Keep your day job.

 

if you're afraid to push the limits of your car, i'll come down from Oshkosh and do it for ya. if you want something maybe a little safer, i'll let you take my S4.

 

^ I learned that the hard way at SESM 2005...Check out my thread "CRASH, NEVER MIX MATCH TIRES"

 

Is this an open track day or are there going to be instructors and class time too? What is you're experience level with any kind of performance driving? Do you know anything about how a RWD car behaves? Is your car modded at all? These are all important questions before getting any useful advice, especially on the internet.

I'll assume that you're a novice in a stock car with stock tires. First, adjust your expectations. Don't overdrive and stay in you're comfort level. The most important thing is to find the right driving line and be smooth on the brake/throttle/steering. The car will feel like it is riding on rails if you drive it at around 60%-70% of it's capability. Go higher and it is harder to control than an average street car. The car is very well balanced and nimble, meaning if you make a driver error and don't correct it quickly the car will make you pay. A stock S2000 has mild steady state understeer. That being said, if you go into a corner too fast you will understeer. If you lift or brake mid-corner you will spin. If you add too much throttle at corner exit you will oversteer. This is all basic RWD car handling stuff, the famous S2000 snap oversteer is 99% driver error. If you find yourself caught out, don't panic stay smooth, SLOWLY modulate the throttle (more or less), LOOK where you want to go and steer there. I'm not saying to be a granny out there, but don't be an idiot either. If you can find an instructor or experienced guy to ride with, it is a real eye opener and a worthwhile experience. It'll show how much there is to learn.

SO2's are very high performance street tires, so they don't squeal like stuck pig at the limit. If you're running all-seasons or cheaper rubber they'll probably make more noise. Pump up the air pressures on street tires to prevent rolling over on the sidewalls, but this really varies with the type you're running. Do not use the parking brake after a session, it will overheat the rear brakes. Do a warm up and cool down lap. Most of all have fun!

 

I do not have tons of experience, but here are my thoughts.

After reading all the comments about "snap oversteer" on these forums I was very wary (not to say worried!) my first time at the track.

Having now tracked and auto-xed the car a few times, I completely agree with Fongu. On a smooth track, the only way you will get snap oversteer that I can see so far is by sudden throttle lifts, so absolutely driver error. Bumps can be tricky in corners though as they unbalance the car and wig out the rear end. -The infamous bumpsteer, a much greater cause for concern than snap-oversteer IMO. (Being on the gas, therefore having the weight on the rear wheels helped counter bumpsteer in my case, but still, in high speed corners was not a "good" feeling)

Otherwise you get understeer on an even throttle and playing with the throttle by light lifting or accelerating will help you rotate the car thru oversteer. At the very limit of understeer, even full throttle won't get you out of it in my experience.

In other words when at the limit be smooth with your throttle adgustments, never-ever suddenly lift all the way off and otherwise expect understeer.

The one thing this car is very sensitive to in my amateur opinion is weight transfers. (Hence snap oversteer from lifting). Always try to give the car time to set on it's suspension and be SMOOTH and you will love the car.

 

A quick addendum:

-By any standards I am a beginner at the track.
-I have an 04.
-I have a PSS9 suspension.


By far the most helpful of the many books I have read are Ross Bentley's "Speed Secrets" and "Speed Secrets 2". (available at Amazon)