where do you go to drive better?

[Fras]

So I've read a ton on this forum (thank you Larry) and learned an spent a lot of money on how to get my Camaro to perform as best as it can on my budget.



Now the question is where is a good resource to learn how to actually drive the car to its full potential? A lot of good drivers are defensive, but to me i want to drive in a mythodical aggressive manner (not the road rafe type) Are there books? Classes? I live near Bondurant, but not sure that is the route to go.

[tflyboy77]

This last weekend at RTTH they had an autocross driving class that everyone loved. It sounds like the American street car series is going to add these classes to some of there events.

[astroracer]

Bring the car to Michigan and drive it on I96 between Farmington and Milford. East or West bound, doesn't matter... Do the 275 loop to 96 at Novi. That'll learn you a thing or two. And you'll also more then likely drive MUCH better then 99% of those Jack-wagons doing their phone call/texting/mouth-breathing impersonation of the driving dead... Sorry, was I ranting????

Now, seriously, if you want to learn to do it right, you should take a few classes. There is no better way to learn other then having someone teach you how to do it and then going out and doing it...

[UNGN]

When I was in high school 30 years ago, I remember reading books by Jacky Stewart and Mark Donahue that completely changed the way I thought about cornering and braking. I'm sure there are hundreds of books out now on the subjects. I remember going to the go kart "slick Track" with my new found knowledge and lapping the field every time I went out. I guess because Cars sucked, people really weren't very good drivers back then.

Even Today, though I'm still surprised when there is a go kart track outing with "car guys" the truly awful lines some take because they think "the shortest distance around a curve is always faster".

Learning theory from books is cheap and will prep you for track days or autoxs which are way cheaper than driving schools and will give your more track time per buck, because track time is where the real learning happens.

[Z06vet]

I agree with flyboy77- I learned a ton in just one weekend at RTTH. I would def attend the driving school at every ASCS event if its offered. Lots of seat time and the instructors were great- who better to learn from that the 4 or 5 fastest guys on the track. And if was a blast.

[dontlifttoshift]

Learn to autocross. Most SCCA regions do a school at the begining of the season. After that attend an EVO school (on my list for next year). Driving school seems expensive but it is cheaper than parts. If you can manage your car on an autocross, track days are a walk in the park.....comparatively speaking.

That's my theory anyways.

[Fras]

Again, thanks for all the direction. I've watched autocross quite a bit and I guess I just need to be "that guy" that is an obvious rookie until I learn. Seems like the RTTH is pretty awesome. Is it a common event? Do they ever do it in AZ?

[79-TA]

There are no ASCS events in Arizona, though there are other events in Las Vegas, like LS Fest, and the Mopar car show (open to non-mopars oddly enough.)


I highly suggest NASA open track days. In HPDE 1, you'll get an instructor to ride along with you who should be very helpful. I've found that NASA instructors, who tend to be actual competitive racers, are generally more credible than the average instructor at the average open track day.

Also, ditto to this:

When I was in high school 30 years ago, I remember reading books by Jacky Stewart and Mark Donahue that completely changed the way I thought about cornering and braking. I'm sure there are hundreds of books out now on the subjects. I remember going to the go kart "slick Track" with my new found knowledge and lapping the field every time I went out. I guess because Cars sucked, people really weren't very good drivers back then.

Even Today, though I'm still surprised when there is a go kart track outing with "car guys" the truly awful lines some take because they think "the shortest distance around a curve is always faster".

Learning theory from books is cheap and will prep you for track days or autoxs which are way cheaper than driving schools and will give your more track time per buck, because track time is where the real learning happens.

[Fras]

Thanks Brett- I will definitly check that out. It sounds like a blast.

[vanzuuk1]

You really have the right idea, unless your day job involves a helmet and pit crew you are likely the slowest part of your car...Do a track day,get some instruction,read some books. Smooth and safe to start, then add speed.

[rentedmule]

Auto-X is a good place to start because when you screw up there's a lower risk of destroying your ride with an off-track excursion. You can find your limits there and then you'll know how far you can safely push it at the track later on. There are rookies at every auto-x event - I wouldn't worry about looking slow.

[SkinsandJrfan]

I was a rookie at this years RTTH. I didn't let that deter me from pushing my car to it's limits as well as mine. I learned ton. I look forward to learning all I can.

[SLO_Z28]

Where are you on the west coast? Is Ventura county a long drive for you?

[Bill Howell]

There are programs all over the country. I am more familiar with those on the east side, like 10/10s, evolution, NASA, and yes Get Started Racing. I am sure there is at least a NASA chapter near you. Our ASCS has been working with Get Started Racing to try and have a day of instruction at several of our events next year. It would suit what you are looking for, a day of simple instruction that explains the basics of autocrossing in a way no one would feel intimidated. It is designed specifically to make you not be "that guy" at say a Goodguys autocross.
The best training you can get though is seat time and more seat time. Remember, everyone was a rookie at one time. Go to local events, learn all you can and improve your times each run, don't worry about how much faster the others are, that will come in time.

The main thing is........... Get out there and DRIVE!!!

[parsonsj]

I highly suggest NASA open track days. In HPDE 1, you'll get an instructor to ride along with you who should be very helpful. I've found that NASA instructors, who tend to be actual competitive racers, are generally more credible than the average instructor at the average open track day.

x2. If you want to learn to drive fast, go NASA. Another thing I've done a few times is to drive late model Corvettes at Spring Mountain (near Las Vegas, NV) in the Ron Fellows driving schools. Corvettes are similar to our pro-touring cars (high horsepower, rear drive) and are great to learn with. Plus, you're beating the hell out of someone else's car.

I'd get some instruction -- driving just to drive might lead you to learn some bad habits that are later hard to unlearn. Hand position, shifting technique, etc.

[mpozzi]

Again, thanks for all the direction. I've watched autocross quite a bit and I guess I just need to be "that guy" that is an obvious rookie until I learn. Seems like the RTTH is pretty awesome. Is it a common event? Do they ever do it in AZ?

Everybody that you see autocrossing was "that rookie newbie guy" at one time! AZ SCCA has an excellent Solo program and I think they run at Firebird Raceway a lot. Just let the folks know you're new when you register and they'll get your learning curve up and ramped much faster than if you go at it cold.

What's interesting and probably good is I find my street driving is much less aggressive from driving Autocross and track events, not more. My defensive driving skills are much improved from miles of "looking ahead and thru corners" which equates to looking thru traffic patterns and keeping my exits open. It's a win-win no matter what ...

Mary Pozzi

[parsonsj]

What's interesting and probably good is I find my street driving is much less aggressive from driving Autocross and track events, not more.

Me too. I also find myself teaching patience and look-ahead/behind to my teenagers as they learn. And my kids drive 9-3 on the steering wheel.

[JEFFTATE]

What's interesting and probably good is I find my street driving is much less aggressive from driving Autocross and track events, not more. My defensive driving skills are much improved from miles of "looking ahead and thru corners" which equates to looking thru traffic patterns and keeping my exits open. It's a win-win no matter what ...

Mary Pozzi

Me too , I drive like a Grandpa on public roads nowdays ..
Track driving makes me realize that the public streets is a no place to drive fast , only the track is safe enough to do that sort of thing .

[TheJDMan]

I raced karts for several years and I can tell you that there is no substitute for seat time. I can also say that my racing experience has made me a safer, much more aware street driver. Also, if you look close at the engine you can see I was running a Briggs&Stratton class. With only about 9 HP available, one learns to be very smooth and use the brakes sparingly. Just a side note, this kart with B&S power has run 100mph on the straights at Summit Point.



All that said, I plan to attend some NASA events and SCCA autocross schools next year. Just an FYI, for those of us who live in the mid-atlantic region, Summit Point also offers a Friday At The Track (FATT) driving experience complete with instructors for $250.

http://www.summitpointfatt.com/

[High Plains Mopars]

I guess because Cars sucked, people really weren't very good drivers back then.

There are still a lot of bad drivers out there today,heck, maybe even more. They just havebetter cars that help cover up their mistakes better now.

Look for events with a local SCCA or NASA chapter. This is a good way to actually get in a place that is supervised where you can't get into a lot of trouble. You may be outclassed, but getting a feel for your car is very worthwhile regardless.