These technical/technique discussions are a great deal of fun and quite useful until they inevitably devolve into "I'm smarter than you." Prior to that, though, they constitute exactly what I'm here for.

 

i didn't say I was smarter than anybody, just can't understand why so much conentration is needed to move your hand from one position to the next. Doesn't seem like too "technical" of a discussion. I have had some real technical discussions on this board, but this certainly isn't one

 

I'm sure shifting is second nature to everyone, however, downshifting is not- especially quick downshifting. Likewise, when adrenaline is racing and you begin forcing the shifter, upshifting can be a problem too. I think more important than where the gears are is learning to remain calm and not man-handle your shifter. That didn't sound right...

There are many people who mis-shift at the track and blow otherwise great runs and I would not suggest they should be driving an automatic.

But personally, I have trouble getting the thing in reverse sometimes when the transmission is cold. Not always- but sometimes the stick just doesn't want to push down and go into gear.

-B