At 11:41 PM 6/23/99 -0500, you wrote:
>
>Well, here's my example. I'm trying to help someone locally who is
>relatively new to driving, let alone autox. All last year, this person was
>at the bottom of the timing sheet for all classes. Having fun, but not
>improving much. Seat time will only go so far without instruction IN THE
>CAR. With a few runs in the car and out of the car instruction, this person
>has moved up several places in the overall standings. Not going after a
>trophy, trying to get better.
>
>As for seat time, seat time, seat time...no argument here, but seat time
>by yourself will only get you so far. My largest improvements came last
>year after riding with Reagan Baker in my car in Dothan. I saw a LOT
>that I was doing wrong that I would NEVER have fixed on my own. Then
>in Denver, I let Taka Aono drive my car. Again, a lot of stuff that I
>wouldn't
>have done myself.
>
>You can tell someone over and over that slower is faster, but until they
>see what you mean from inside the car, it won't sink in.
>
>I still contend that a jacket or mug (or whatever your local region gives as
>year end awards) isn't worth stunting the development of newbies. I've
>even reduced my campaign to allowing the newbies to ride with experienced
>folks. This would let them see technique and develop as a driver while not
>allowing the 'unfair advantage' of seeing the course again to someone who
>can put it to serious use.
Good points, David.
It does seem that the 'top of the heap' drivers already know how to put it
together in 2 or 3 runs, so the extra time riding as a passenger, or
driving a newbie around shouldn't weigh in one way or the other.
In our region, it seems like so many of the drivers buy into extra
"non-comp" heats that there's always plenty of time to work with newbies.
I converted from the Street Scene/Import Drag crowd, so I'm always trying
to get those guys to ride in my car with me to:
Experience the joys of something other than a straight line.
Race around cones, not on the street.
Show frustrated drivers that it's all about good technique, not HP.
(Example: a local guy has built a 12 second Civic w/Japanese Type R
engine, and also has a good chassis setup....can't figure out why he's 8
sec slower than me. Goes for a ride and sees his mistakes (stops trying to
grab first out of every corner!))
Help build the ST ranks. Can't let Vince Bly have all the fun.
Eric
Eric Moon
'92 Miata SOLO II CSP
e-mail: info@scca-susq.com
home: (717) 221-8828
mobile: (717) 329-7074
Appalachian Sports Car Club www.scca-susq.com
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