Trackday driving.........how will you get better

[shimmy]

Just thought as the first TD of 2012 approaches, I'd start a topic about driving on trackdays and how to drive better and faster but trying to avoid the PH bullshit that drives me bonkers.

Firstly this is not about race driving and from what ive seen that is a totally different circumstance and skill

If I look at me from 2006 to 2011 I'd make the following comment.

I was originally quite conservative, smoothish and average I'd say. Not that I am massively different now as my general behaviour on track is still the same, always starting slowly and having to build it up every day I go out. Always my ambition is to drive my car faster than last time and with more skill. I have not bothered too much about other drivers out there (apart from the normal red mist) but i have kept detailed records and data just trying to understand how ican be faster.

Where I have improved I think is two fold. Firstly some instruction has eventually got thru to my small brain and now I think my ability has improved but subconsciously rather than having to think about it. Secondly I have managed to convince myself that my danger level is higher than it used to be. The natural place where you don't want to take you body or car past a certain place has moved to a different level. It involves more risk but I have accepted that.

Oulton in Nov made me realise a few things. It made me recognise that even on tracks I don't know well and conditions that are not perfect I now have a level of ability to much more quickly lick up the pace and that I should not be so slow to try to push the limits. I am not saying at all that I am fast but onl how I have managed to get faster.

Now for anybody reading this who is starting up I'd recommend the following if your goal is to drive faster.

1. Get instruction at regular intervals
2. Get comfortable driving the car out of shape as believe you me that is where it needs to be to get the extra 5%
3. But most of all get your head sorted out every time of get in the car.

Finally we all are different people and with different attuitudes and styles so work out what you are and what you want and don't be slow in being brave.

As for me next, I have a few goals to score and I'm certainly not bored of TDs yet but I think racing has to be next.

So what about you other guys......what's it all about?