[TrackClub]

Originally Posted by Roostie

Great post, Track Club.


I will add that you should arrive early. You want to have time to unpack your car and get it ready before the likely drivers' meeting, and walk around and chat with other drivers, particularly any who are driving a similar car. There's a lot to be learned from other drivers.

Excellent advice to arrive early! This and other good tips are included in that Bimmer link ive attached

As to taking advice from folks one doesnt yet know: id be cautious. Ive been to events were folks were helpful in a good way and some where egos ruled and guys in fire suites and "race cars" - looking the part - were absolute basket cases . So for the first time around, id say listen to your instructor. By all means make some friends. But until you can tell bad advice from good advice, or have an opportunity to verify it, dont jump the gun. Imo anyway.

[wnta1ss]

Originally Posted by TrackClub

As to taking advice from folks one doesnt yet know: id be cautious. Ive been to events were folks were helpful in a good way and some where egos ruled and guys in fire suites and "race cars" - looking the part - were absolute basket cases . So for the first time around, id say listen to your instructor. By all means make some friends. But until you can tell bad advice from good advice, or have an opportunity to verify it, dont jump the gun. Imo anyway.

I think that he has a good point here. For your first time, it is a good idea to focus on what your instructor is teaching you. Right now you won't be able to reliably tell whether someone else's advice is good, flawed, or outright bad. With the instructor though, they have been vetted, so they should be able to give you a solid foundation.

[Shawnqa800720]

Originally Posted by TrackClub

Excellent advice to arrive early! This and other good tips are included in that Bimmer link ive attached

As to taking advice from folks one doesnt yet know: id be cautious. Ive been to events were folks were helpful in a good way and some where egos ruled and guys in fire suites and "race cars" - looking the part - were absolute basket cases . So for the first time around, id say listen to your instructor. By all means make some friends. But until you can tell bad advice from good advice, or have an opportunity to verify it, dont jump the gun. Imo anyway.

This is great advice that this site has already prepared me for. There are lots of folks on these forums that think they know what they’re talking about, but it is pretty clear those who do know and those who don’t. The issue is the middle ground where they know enough to be dangerous 😋

Thanks for all the input so far. Much appreciated! I am so excited and a little nervous. Can’t wait!

[Rodan]

Originally Posted by TrackClub

As to taking advice from folks one doesnt yet know: id be cautious...

This is very good advice.

Listen to the instructors, that will be your best source of info when getting started.

Something I haven't seen mentioned is work on your lines and corner speed from the very start. Any idiot can hammer it in a straight line, but that's not how you learn to go fast on a track. Stay away from full throttle and max braking until you learn your lines and can maintain some corner speed. You'll end up faster in the long run that way.

Also, try to keep an eye on your mirrors, and don't be surprised if you're pointing by much "slower" cars on your first trip to the track. If they're catching you, they're faster... And you may just learn something by following them...

[TrackClub]

I am assuming this will be an instructed event where you'll share the sessions with other beginners? If not then find one asap!

Assuming the former: listen to your instructor. He or she will help you with your sitting positions first. Talk about your car, etc.They will then explain how they will communicate with you (hopefully via radios). Then they will guide you around the track telling you when to brake, turn in, apply power etc for each and every corner, lap after lap. They will point out where the marshal stations are (flaggers). They will likely focus on foundational basics: proper line, smooth controls and effective vision. Based on "in slow, out fast" principle. When back from a session they will debrief with you offering feedback, suggestions, etc. Never hesitate to ask questions and dont worry if they may seem dumb. You're there to learn and instructors are there to facilitate the process.
She should also offer you a ride in her car during instructor sessions. If not: ask for it!

BTW assuming you share your sessions with other novices there likely won't be much passing, unless a much faster car (read high hp vs driver skill) catches you on a straight, or you catch a much slower car on a straight. Or instructors decide to do some for practice. Either way pay attention to your instructor and yourself vs the others.

It is normal to feel slightly nervous before an event.
It helps to watch some YouTube vids of pros driving the track and trying to memorize its flow. It will help. If you have a sim drive the track! Btw what track is it?

If you'd like a 10 page boilerplate type doc for "HPDE 101" pm me pls. Ive prepped it for some friends and would be happy to share it. Cheers!