mtn said:
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet: Ride along with an experienced driver. Preferably in a slower car than yours, and a faster car than yours. I'll never forget how much my eyes were opened when I first rode along with someone. I never ever would have seen the course like I did after that, or believed in my tires as much.
I like to ride along in cars that are SUPPOSED to be slower than mine but are killing me in reality. The Forte was great for that with noobs. Show up in their RX-7 or Supra or FRS/BRZ and get waxed by a 4-door Kia. Take them for a ride and they "get it".
mtn said:
Poopy has it right. On any given course, I'd imagine that less than 10% of the cones actually matter.
God I miss autocrossing. And I just sold the car I could autocross too. Anyone in Chicago want a codriver anytime this year?
I haven’t done it competitively in years. Just don’t have the time anymore. I *HAVE* taken the V out a couple times and had an absolute blast. I was close enough to the class winner that I *briefly* considered spare wheels/tires, but I know that’s a never-ending downward spiral.
There was a great article in the solo mag years ago about course “visualization” and memorizing “key cones” that changed things for me....
That, and a “real world” course walk with a pro level driver who frequently said things like “IDEALLY you’d like to be *here* on corner entry...In reality, you’ve probably still got the red-mist from that fast section and will end up way out *here*”
I set FTD for a non-kart that day.
Well guess I'm missing this one because the car wasn't as ready as I thought. The alternator has apparently decided to stop charging while I was in town tonight. And one of the rear brake calipers decided to start sticking again on top of that.
So much for the Mustang being my most reliable car I guess.
In reply to Indy-Guy :
Oh it's way worse. I haven't looked at the brakes, the tires are definitely not trustworthy to drive 2 hours to the event, let alone to actually run on. And the front bumper is hanging off with one headlight barely attached right now. So instead of going to the event I get to stay home and fix one of my cars so I can get to work next week.
In reply to Daylan C :
Well.... bummer. But at least you're not stranded on the side of the road 1000 miles from home.
There will be another event. Prepare for that one.
Yeah I'll probably just get the Mustang back to passable commuter status and focus on getting the Caprice ready.
