Re: Deep thoughts of yesterday's autocross.....By Jack Handy

["I.Mannix" <mannix@privatei.com>]

>At 11:22 AM 2/17/97 -0700, you wrote:
>>
>>OK, had an autocross yesterday.  I promised I'd post my
>>thoughts/felings/insights of my new suspension, so here goes.
>-----------------Major snippage--------------------------------

>Maybe im not telling you anything new but I was told this by a fellow
>racer and
>it really makes for a good driving pre-race plan.This works especially
>good when
>you know your getting 4 runs. Otherwise its out the window.
>When you go out on your first run, drive slow, and drive the exact line
>you want
>to drive so the next time your on course, it will be more of a memory
>thing than
>trying to remember, "Oh yeah, I wanted to be over there on this turn",
>ect. Does
>that make sence? It sounds kinda washy and by no means do you have to be
>grandma
>on the course, just lift a little earlier and go easier on the throttle on
>your
>first lap.

I used to do this.  A few people have passed on the idea that one should
learn the course *before* the first lap, and use the first lap to figure
out how fast is too fast.  I currently subscribe to this philosophy.  Not
this weekend, as I was learning the car....had a good idea of the course,
helped set it up, 2 walks (normally look for 4-6 at local events, as many
as possible at big events).  Dunno.  As you can read, I am a bit washy on
the subject - learning the course is imperative - and if you go hot on your
first lap, you might never see that you are WAY too late at *that* corner.
There are 2 sides to the coin.  I sorta agree with you this time.  Getting
the good line down is important, but at the same time, if you only have 3
chances (at Tours/Nats), well, is using one up at 8/10 worth it?  Not
saying "right or wrong" here, just thinking.


 it helps me, even though mid way through the first lap, im hard on
>the gas and late braking....... Im still trying to enstill this mental
>essence
>in my helmet while on course. Ive by no means perfected it, yet!

Maybe you have.  I find that I learn the start and finish of a course on
the first walk, but the middle (generally speaking) takes me a while - I
get up to speed, but maybe back off a bit where I am unsure....maybe I use
both techniques.  Dunno.


>>got out, he did two more runs in it - got to a 66.118.  F***ING A RIGHT!!!
>>Makes me really happy, it is not the car that contributes to my times, it
>>is the driver.
>
>You damn Skippy! Randy says he can drive my car fasterthan I can. Id like
>him to
>do it just so I will know it is possible to go faster.

I've not driven my car since BT drove it (on a course, where it matters),
but I am sure I'll be able to focus better on the course now that I KNOW it
can go faster.  Get RW to take a run or two in the car, see what he can do.
Might be enlightening, and say he does not go faster - well, if BT did not
go faster in mine, I might unknowingly think that *I* was doing something
better than him.  Keep dreaming, I know, but the mental bit of Solo is good
for a few tenths at least.


 Maybe if he comes to the
>sat practice on the 15th, ill get him to drive it. At the same time, i'd
>like to
>believe that nobody can drive MY car faster than I can! (ego thing, ill
>get over
>it.)

Laugh....I was hoping that he would, he did!!! Hooray!


>>  It's the driver.  He's good, and even though he does not
>>know it yet, he's going to Nationals in September.  As should all of you -
>>get your SCCA memberships, if you don't already have one, get to a
>>Divisional or Tour (need one to qualify - you don't have to win, just go),
>>and head to Topeka in September.  Got it?  Cool.
>
>
>Im thinking about going. (It depends on logistics and most of all, money!)
>Just
>to experience it once in my life. I dont plan on doing well, not on my first
>year but it should be a great experience. (Sure i'm willing go to Kansas and
>your sorry butt wouldnt even go to laughlin? I see how you are!) Time will
>tell.

Yeah, but see, YOU don't live 1/2 way between here and Laughlin.  See, you
and RW and anyone else can stay at my place on your way out, ahh, a nice
break in delightful Boulder, a measly 8 hours to Topuka!  Cool, eh?  From
what I've heard, I'm not sorry I missed another Blanchard fiasco.  I think
I told you, not a big fan of CMC-RMR events reputations.  Anyway.



>
>Nice report Mr. mannix!

Glad I have somewhere to ramble......


Mannix



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