Clark - I think we have met, but I don't really remember. I usually try to introduce myself or make conversation with S owners at track events. Unfortunately, talking with several S owners, I usually get them mixed up and my memory isn't great either.

The rain was interesting last year. I've been really lucky for track days in the past. Before last years WMHM, I've only had rain show up in the morning sessions and I was able to wait it out, or later sessions in the day which I just skipped. Last year I was on relatively new R888's so i decided to have a go. It was surprisingly fun, and I conquered turn 3 (I used to always take it early in the dry, but with a giant puddle there, I was forced to take it late...which is actually the proper way to take it). But I'll take a dry track any day over a wet one.

 

Very interested in going.

Looks like I'll have to get a set of track wheels & tires.
Oh and Pat, yes please on the instructor thing or at least the ride along, I'll need all the help I can get.

 

Patinum,

I actually LOVE driving in the rain....with the appropriate tires. I bet new 888's would have been a blast. I was on treadless R1's which were useless the moment there was ANY standing water.

As for turn 3, I sort of disagree with you that late is 'the right way' (though I guess it gets more into what 'late' really means).

It certainly was necessary in the wet, but my opinion on turn 3 is to take it as early as you can and be at full throttle by the time you hit the apex...or just after... and make your exit without lifting or changing steering angle.

I do [too often] take it too early trying to push that limit (I'd change that patter if it were a race), but we're certainly not traction limited there and I want to maintain corner speed as much as possible for what is essentially a pretty good 'straight". Plus dropping a wheel on that exit isn't a big deal and doesn't upset (a stock-ish) car much.

 

Yeah, I guess it depends on what you consider to be "late". After doing it the way in my below video, I realized I was taking it to early. Thoughts?
http://vimeo.com/2023089

 

patinum.... and please I'm no driving god, there are plenty faster guys out there than me.....

I wish I could have seen you in 3 more than once. Compared to that, I think I turn in just 'a hair' later, but barely (unfortunately i'm not a pick out a marker type, mostly by feel for me).

From what I see though, you're either trying to trail brake (which I do not [consciously] do in 3, or you just has to harsh an initial turn in (or went in too hot) which resulted in your steering correction and what sounded like uncommitted throttle at apex.

That's what I see in that video. Then again, I bet I've done that exact same thing 100 times myself.

9 out of 10 time I think that cone they put out there (when they do) is too late an apex for us, and is more for the cars with more pure grunt under the right pedal.

You're transition through 8-9 was quite nice looking btw (before whatever that was in 10 .

All spoken from a guy who hasn't posted any video of himself. Advice and criticism can, and often is, worth what you pay for it.

-Steve

 

Completely understand. I know I have a lot to learn as well - especially at Gingerman where I've been there so many times that I've developed bad habits and find it hard to try something new.

I am trying to trail brake most corners (consciously). I had an instructor who suggested it and I love doing it (when I do it right). I do think it is faster, at least for me, based on lap time improvements (never dug into my data logging though). My up shift before 4 comes a lot earlier when I trail brake too. But then again, turn 3 was always horrible for me previously, so I could only improve even if it's not the best way around.

The thing I'm finding about trail braking, at least while I'm still working on it, is that there are a lot of minor adjustments and corrections I need to do while turning - both with the steering and throttle. So it definitely doesn't look as smooth as some of my old videos, but I think I'm using more of my friction circle.

Yeah, that 10 was horrible. Every lap, I have to f* up at least 1 turn

What group do you plan on running at WMHM? I signed up for Advanced 1. If we're in separate groups, I'd love to take a ride with you to see what I could do differently. Actually, it's 2 days, even if you are in Advanced 1, I could sit out a session.

 

I'm with you on always having to f'up at least one corner it seems.

I may actually be trail-braking in 3 slightly, as in still braking as I turn-in, I'm not completely sure. To me, consciously trail braking is more when you actually give it a little extra and feel the rotation... before you're back on the throttle.

I was going to be in Advanced 1 as well, though I haven't signed up yet. I don't know if it's always this way, or just cause of the rain and lower traffic, but they pretty much seemed to let Advanced 1 and 2 go out in either one randomly as they wished, so I'm sure we could easily swap ride-alongs as I too need continuous improvement and would like the view from your passenger seat.

Dude, let's stop hi-jacking this thread. I'm getting my tires soon (maybe this week) and will meet you (perhaps again) soon. We'll talk.

 

Good call.

BACK ON TOPIC!

Spots look like they are going rather quickly. I highly recommend this event. While the instruction isn't as professional as other track days/schools you may go to, the price is great and the atmosphere is more of a car meet than a track day (which I like). It would be great to have a bunch of S2000's there!

 

Chris e-mailed me back and indicated there were no roll bar/cage restrictions. I went ahead and registered! See you guys there!

 

I suppose the next question on my mind regards lodging. Is there a particular place where everyone stays, or does everyone pretty much do there own thing? Or, does anyone have hotel recommendations?