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?

[northernjim]

Nicely put Shimmy, I think you've covered everything there

I don't think people realise the value of experience, and just time spent behind the wheel-Along with instruction to help me understand just how much faster the car is, rather than how fast/slow I actually think it is in my head!
( semi slicks to ages to get near to their potential in the corners) for me that's been the area of most improvement- I remember my first instruction with Sean from OPL at Oulton 2 years ago, I found it really hard to listen to his ( very clear and simple) instructions whilst driving 'fast' whereas in nov at Oulton I was able to have a normal conversation with him all the way round whilst putting in my best ever times around there

[northernjim]

Rugby is back on now so

[shimmy]

Instruction is a very strange thing. For sure one instructor and another, both who can be first class, don't always work with different drivers. We take things in differently for sure.

For me instruction gave me loads of info and loads to soak up but did not make much difference UNTIL first it comes naturally and secondly you go fast enough where it all makes sense!

[O'Neill]

Jim, Shimmy

Thats the key practice, being able to get to the limit of grip and balance it there. I tend to go either way don't get to the limit or go over it, slowing to get it back. Practice practice practice.

[Yanto]

Having complete and utter confidence of the dynamic and mechanical integrity of the car.

Billy and I were talking about this at car limits. Finding where the limit is on cornering etc. and having complete confidence that the car will react the same every time if conditions the same.

I'm not there yet, but hope to get nearer to "there" this year.

CL certainly helped. Will do another.

[billyboysm3]

As a TD novice Ive been happy with my last couple of outings. Doing the CL day abled myself and Ian to push the car that extra 10% in a safe environment. Also in a good way the weather was p*ssing it down most the day and she really does have good turn in, in the wet, meaning I can push the car harder next time

For me TD's are about improving my driving skills, more hours behind the wheel and a legal place to really open her up.

My aim for my next TD is to up my corner entry speed as I now know the car is capable of more.

[s.mac]

good instruction
the right set up for conditions on the day
time behind the wheel (this one is top of the list for me)
leave your brains in the paddock (more for racing than TD's) and by this I mean you have to rape the vehicle for all you can, which you wouldn't do with your beloved on a TD

[need4speed]

I agree with Yanto, I think it is important to understand the dynamics of which ever car you are in and explore it's limits in a safe way. Then build up your confidence at a speed that suits you without pressure. Not long after getting the CSL I got booked in on a driver development course down at Millbrook and have to say it was money well spent, basically exploring most of the points that have been raised in this thread.

[s.mac]

+1 for CAT training
& Car Limits
Palmer sport day is also good to push on in a few cars, with an instructor shouting at you to go faster