I've been anxious to getting more seat time after my 2 sessions at Gridlife Pt. 1, I may not be able to run more than 2 more track days this year so I'd like to make as many improvements with your help.

If you have time to watch the video please help a new track goer out thanks, i know at first I was quite stubborn and not taking up the whole track and hitting apex properly.. Pat had to take the wheel at one point haha

Gridlife session

 

I don't want to sound like a smart a$$, but you had one of the best instructors you could ever get at Gingerman. Knowledgeable, fast, and a good teacher. Anything I, or most others would add are likely the exact same things Pat told you. If you are just looking for a refresher, with corner by corner references you can take for next time, please post up. I'd be happy to help.

Check my Sig; one of the main reasons I'm a regional champion, and this year multiple wheel to wheel race winner, is because of Pat's early track instruction. If you have your video with sound, go back and listen to what he was saying, there's probably a lot of good stuff in there.

 

Yeah, pat is an awesome instructor.

Just going by the video itself, I would say stop shuffling your hands so much.

 

Not to sound like a broken record, Pat is arguably the best instructor to have, especially in an S. Using more (all) of the track and hitting the markers is probably the same things he was telling you, there's little any of us can add that Pat didn't tell you already.

Pat is the reason why I started tracking my car and I'm really happy I listened to him.

 

Thank you gentleman, I agree Pats knowledge gave me a whole new outlook on what my stock S can do, I was very easy on the throttle (due to conditions) for most of my time out there, but pat continued to push me through turns. I do all 20 minutes of footage stored, I'll be watching it this weekend

I was very fortunate to have a veteran S driver with me, I do hope to go out there soon. Thanks guys!

 

I did not watch the video but I will share the best advice I got from an instructor on my first track day:

Get rid of your street habits:

Street habit #1:

When you apply the breaks on the street, you tend to apply more pressure to the pedal as you go. On the track, you want to get on the brakes heavy at the start and adjust as needed. In this way, should you over brake and start to skid or feel the ABS kick in, you can back off and get back on the brakes. If you get on them soft and apply pressure as you go, it'll be too late when the skid/ABS starts.

Street habit #2:

As with anything else, you tend to drive towards where you are looking. If you are staring at the corner entry, you will likely drift from your racing lane. Learn your marks and keep your line until it is time to turn in.

That's all I've got for you man. Other than that, just go out, be safe and have fun!

 

Questions: will your next track day(s) be at Gingerman? Will you have instruction? If not Gingerman, then where?

General comment from your video: I'm a big believer in driving "the line", no matter how fast you're going. It will teach you where to place the car, give you a feel for how much room there really is, and give you a visual of what the proper turns look like. I always run "the line", even on my warm up, and cool down laps. I feel it creates good habits.

So, if I were you, next time out, work to get on the proper line. From there, you can then bring yourself up to speed.

 

Thanks fellas, things to keep in mind for next track day.

My next track day will be at Autobahn with GPSTrackTime and looking to end the season at MidOhio With NASA I'll still be in the beginner group up until early next year I hope.

I have been thinking about the line when taking turns on off ramps or longer left hand turns on the street when no one is out. Haha

 

While I've been to Autobahn a few times, I don't feel like I'd be the best to advise you on lines there

Sorry that I will not be at Mid Ohio in October. First nasa mid O i will miss in 3 or 4 years. Will likely be racing the Chumpcar in the eastern championships at PittRace that weekend. However feel free to PM me if you end up going. I can send you an advance of the basic corner lines. Good news is that you're very likely to get good instruction if you go with NASA.

Before your next track day, go to the library. See if you can find a book called "Speed Secrets" by Ross Bentley. Its also avail for purchase online. Very good basic read which will help you understand things like proper apex's and tracking out.

 

trackpedia.com is a great resource when going to a new track. Scratch that, great resource for a new track or even one you have been on a dozen times.