Yesterday I participated in a FAAST High Performance Driving school. It was held at No Problem Raceway. We drove the track for 2.5 hours of a half day event (7:30 - 12:30). There was one classroom session indoors and one in the back of a pickup truck on the track. I knew the S2000 was a sweet car, now I know how sweet she really is. I was amazed at how stable the car was throughout the corners, how quickly she accelerated. The class taught me to avoid braking, only a touch prior to turn-in is all that was needed. I used to think a day at the track would require new tires and brake pads, but this is not the case. Well, tires, yes, but my car had 19,000 miles when purchased, and still had the original tires, in good shape, till yesterday. Has anyone else participated in a similar event? Driving on the track has opened my eyes to how well my car is engineered. When I arrived home I felt guilty for driving her so hard. I checked my freshly changed oil, which still looked golden and the level had not changed. I cleaned her up and except for some new rubber she looks new again.

John

 

Welcome to da' club.

 

you can punish her and enjoy her at the limit all day then driver her home for the commute the next day.

 

I'm glad you had a good time, but I think you may have taken home a false impression.

Braking is very important on most racetracks, except for banked ovals. When you are going 130 mph and you come up onto a turn that you can only get through at 70 mph, braking is a must for any car.

On the other hand, if you are driving a Spec Miata and your peak speed is 110 but you can take that corner at 85, then you do want to make sure not to overbrake.

 

I was thinking the same thing when I saw that statement.

Jason

 

Aye, if you want the a faster time around the track you want to be braking very hard and late for anything other than an oval turn.

 

s2000 ftmfw

 

I can't wait til my track day @ Laguna Seca in April!

 

They did not teach that braking was not necessary, only to use the minimum required to get around the corner. This was my first track day and even when I was allowed to use my brakes, a progressive push was all that was necessary for this track. I think a day of city driving will put more wear on my pads than me driving this track.

I appreciate the comments and assure you I was not taught to not use my brakes.

John

 

I miss track days