[NCSD]

What settings do you use?

[Norm Peterson]

Seriously consider moving paddle use up earlier on your proposed schedule and worry about modes and TC later. It'll be closer to what your previous track experience was like, and avoiding any chance of getting an unexpected throttle-caused downshift as you get onto that pedal somewhere around the apex sounds like a good thing in and of itself. A total zero-track-experience newbie with an AT car isn't going to be driving as hard as I suspect you will.

My understanding of "modes" is limited, so I don't have any suggestions for track use. Sorry.


Norm

[DetCam]

I've done track days on two different tracks with my A8 1SS.

If it's a "safe" track, meaning lots of run off an no walls right next to the track, start with everything turned off, start out slow and keep pushing a little more until you find the limits. You can start off right away with the paddles... I personally don't care for them, I let the computer do it. It's never shifted and upset the car, the computer keeps track of lateral G's and it either won't shift, or will "soften" the shift if you're rolling your way out of a turn. I only have one turn on one track that I "might" consider not wanting it to shift. When driving in the rain it is timed exactly wrong so that it shifts at the exact moment I want to get off the gas and break before the next corner, but even then it doesn't really upset the car, it just adds an extra shift when I'd rather keep it down one gear. But other than that one turn in exactly those conditions, full auto mode works flawlessly (for me, on those particular tracks).

That first track, is very tight with walls too close or comfort, so I always run in Track Mode, but leave the nannies on. If you hit the nannies, it just means you aren't driving smooth. I'd rather have a minor interference than examine a wall up close. The only downside is when you start to rely on the nannies. There is a downhill sweeper that I can "usually" run at full throttle... but for those times that I can't, the nannies save my butt. I realized that I started to be a little too dependent on the computer and have a tendency to overdrive that area of the track.

I did a 7 session track day on a wide open track with lots of room for run off. Track Mode, with double tap for "competition mode" No nannies all day. Much more fun when you loose it and bring it back. I really only put it sideways once and luckily was able to recover without spinning. I ended the day with zero "wheels off", but it was nice to know there was room for mistakes. If you have a safe track to learn your car on, go no nannies. If there are walls to hit, I recommend leaving them on.

[Hooves]

This transmission is SMART. I'd drive it like it was intended to be driven on the track: Auto + Track Mode + Competitive Mode Shift as you learn the car/track if you really feel the need.

[mbar]

Originally Posted by Hooves

This transmission is SMART. I'd drive it like it was intended to be driven on the track: Auto + Track Mode + Competitive Mode Shift as you learn the car/track if you really feel the need.

Almost completely agree, except I would keep the traction control fully on for the first weekend. Better safe than sorry.

[mbar]

Originally Posted by NCSD

What would you guys say are the main differences you've noticed running in competition mode versus just plain ole track mode with the nannies on.

Competition mode lets you get on the gas earlier and harder without cutting out your throttle as much when you track out. Now...if you are not used to track such high torque car and you get on the gas too early you might end up in the wall.
Also CM let you play with more throttle steer (allow the rear to slide more).

Will CM catch you when you do something stupid? yes in many cases (saved my tail when I came to a turn too hot)
Will CM increase the chances of a crash with a novice driver/new to the car? yes in my opinion.

Down the road...once you know the track and car (not two sessions) I actually think that running in CM is safer, since the car would be more predictable

HPDE is about fun and learning...nobody gets trophies . We just want to go back home in one piece.

[mbar]

Originally Posted by NCSD

Thanks, I know I'm not going for trophies and I don't don't have any big ego issues, or feel like I need to prove anything to anyone, those years are behind me. I'm in my 50's . Better to be safe than sorry this round. This weekend, I will take it easy, start slow and get familiar with the car. Going into it, I'm actually a little worried about all the power and getting sideways exiting the turns. You drive a momentum car way different than a horsepower car, so it will take some time to adjust. I cant wait, I was so tired of not having any power. Thanks for all the tips.

Find out if they have a skid-pad practice. If not you should look for one. It's tons of fun and life saving education. The downside: cleaning your car after...
Have fun

[DetCam]

This car is very stable, and they designed in enough under-steer to protect you from yourself. If you still have the stock staggered wheel/tire setup, you've got nothing to worry about. If you want square, than the back end will come around and meet you from time to time if you're not paying attention.

Track mode only with full nannies prevents almost all "tail out" driving. Competition mode lets you slide it (some), and yes you can push it till you lose it... but it does also offer some assistance if you do something dumb.

I'd say the biggest difference you'll notice is how much more breaking you'll be doing since the corners will come up alot faster now!

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by NCSD

Thanks for the tips, I ran in track mode will full nannies on. It was very safe and controlled and protected me from myself. I found myself just flooring it too much instead of rolling on the throttle.

Practice rolling into the throttle in all of your street driving. I realize that this approach to driving sounds counter to the idea of owning a rowdy, noisy muscle car, but if you're going to instinctively squeeze into the throttle on the track you're going to have to practice it.

This doesn't mean egg-timer slow, but it does mean 'smooth' or a gradual ramp instead of a sudden step change, and this is more important with so much more torque available at most any rpm than in, say, a Miata or a BRZ.


Norm