First track day before ever autocrossing
09-22-2010, 02:28 PM
#1
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First track day before ever autocrossing
I'm thinking about doing the Hyperdrive at Infineon this weekend but I've never tracked or autocrossed before.
Common sense would seem to me that autocrossing is a better first step than going to the track, but I'm hoping I'd be OK since the Hyperdrive provides you with an instructor to ride with you. Still, is it a bad idea to do this before autocrossing? I'd really like to not spin out into a wall or something but I figure I will just try not to push too hard. What do you guys think?
All those AP1 snap oversteer threads just have me paranoid I guess.
By the way, I hope you guys don't mind I posted this in the Bay Area section.
Common sense would seem to me that autocrossing is a better first step than going to the track, but I'm hoping I'd be OK since the Hyperdrive provides you with an instructor to ride with you. Still, is it a bad idea to do this before autocrossing? I'd really like to not spin out into a wall or something but I figure I will just try not to push too hard. What do you guys think?
All those AP1 snap oversteer threads just have me paranoid I guess.By the way, I hope you guys don't mind I posted this in the Bay Area section.
09-22-2010, 02:41 PM
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I've only gotten in trouble (fishtailing) once at all the track days I've been to. I think that's partly testament to the fact that I try not to drive outside my limits and don't think of it as a competition, rather than just a fun time where I can gradually improve. With that said, I'm always on track with people that see it otherwise for whatever reason and drive outside of their limits. So to answer your question, I personally wouldn't be afraid about crashing your car if you can keep your ego in check (which is easier to do with an instructor on board). I'd advise you to study the track layout and possible strategies prior to going though, just so that you're not 100% new.
As far as doing it before autocrossing, my personal thought is that I develop my high speed car control, braking, and general smooth driving on track, whereas in autocross, it's more about lower speed car control and catching the slide quickly. Smoothness is good of course, but I'd say autocross is less forgiving on the ham fisted driver.
I'll just say though that after going to track, you probably will think autocross is a huge waste of money.
CLIFFNOTES: drive within your limit and you'll be fine.
As far as doing it before autocrossing, my personal thought is that I develop my high speed car control, braking, and general smooth driving on track, whereas in autocross, it's more about lower speed car control and catching the slide quickly. Smoothness is good of course, but I'd say autocross is less forgiving on the ham fisted driver.
I'll just say though that after going to track, you probably will think autocross is a huge waste of money.
CLIFFNOTES: drive within your limit and you'll be fine.
09-22-2010, 02:56 PM
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If you've never auto-crossed before a track day, just tell the front desk to put up the track bumpers. Disco balls, black lights, and air-filled bumpers will come up from the burms to keep your car rolling in the lines.
You'll be fine.
You'll be fine.
09-22-2010, 02:56 PM
#5
Former Moderator
It all depends on your skill level and what you expect to gain from it.
There's nothing that says you have to do one before the other but I will say that auto x'ing before a track definitely won't hurt anything.
I auto x because it enables me to push harder in a relatively safer place than the track and of course way safer than the street.
Enjoy your trackday and know that information can be gained from both.
There's nothing that says you have to do one before the other but I will say that auto x'ing before a track definitely won't hurt anything.
I auto x because it enables me to push harder in a relatively safer place than the track and of course way safer than the street.
Enjoy your trackday and know that information can be gained from both.
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09-22-2010, 03:11 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by danvuquoc,Sep 22 2010, 03:56 PM
If you've never auto-crossed before a track day, just tell the front desk to put up the track bumpers. Disco balls, black lights, and air-filled bumpers will come up from the burms to keep your car rolling in the lines.
You'll be fine.
You'll be fine.
Nice, I guess I can return that palette of bubble wrap back to Costco then. 
09-22-2010, 03:13 PM
#10
Registered User
i've autocrossed once and that was after maybe 5 track days.
i'll be there sat and sun
hyperdrive seems short and easy. just drive within your limits and have a good time.
i'll be there sat and sun
hyperdrive seems short and easy. just drive within your limits and have a good time.