Mt Tam I am's Driving Journal

Mt Tam I am · 06-12-2013, 12:41 PM

I totally get the missed advice. who could have thought it would knock the stuffing out of you? Just driving. It is a far more physical sport than I ever imagined. I knew the mental aspect would come into play, but why these guys spend hours at the gym is now clear.

wstar · 06-12-2013, 12:59 PM

Well, another factor is most people are too tense their first event (or three, or five). Death-grip on the steering wheel, leg muscles and torso all locked up, etc. You have to learn to relax while you're driving at speed, and that takes some seat time as well. Then it's not as bad on the physical front. Focus on remembering to breathe (if you pay attention, you'll catch yourself holding your breath through the tricky corners, etc), and start reminding yourself to relax and take each hand off the steering wheel and shake it out (one at a time!) during long straights.

Mt Tam I am · 06-12-2013, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

Well, another factor is most people are too tense their first event (or three, or five). Death-grip on the steering wheel, leg muscles and torso all locked up, etc. You have to learn to relax while you're driving at speed, and that takes some seat time as well. Then it's not as bad on the physical front. Focus on remembering to breathe (if you pay attention, you'll catch yourself holding your breath through the tricky corners, etc), and start reminding yourself to relax and take each hand off the steering wheel and shake it out (one at a time!) during long straights.

Such good advice. The breathing thing. Who'd think you'd need a reminder but I hear on some of my track tapes. "Breathe, breathe" And you are correct, as time goes on I do breathe normally.

I have a picture taken of me with my my last two fingers not touching the steering wheel, demonstrating a light grip. What I like about this pic is that my hand is at twelve o'clock while my hold is at 3 and 9 o'clock, and I am traveling WOT at 75+ MPH with 90 degrees of turn. I'll post it some day.

EDIT Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Turn 6 LS - Picture

blackcherry20 · 06-12-2013, 08:36 PM

Thanks guys. I agree. Totally blind sided by my devastated psyche.
Basic things like breathing. And body tenseness. Being mindful of these things is important as is the nutrition-hydration-resting prior to. Gawd. I broke EVERY freaking rule!!!!! Sigh.

Thankful for you guys having experience and sharing it w me!!

Next time will be better!

MightyBobo · 06-12-2013, 10:59 PM

Every event, I bring plenty of hydrating fluids and snacks. Better yet, StangerGT brings his portable grill and we grill out at lunch time.

After each outing, I drink one bottle of drink, or at least a half bottle. Yes, I'm pissing all the time, but I'm not drying out - that's for sure.

Mt Tam I am · 06-13-2013, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

Next time will be better!

It sure will.

Mt Tam I am · 06-13-2013, 12:16 AM

Here is that picture.

Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Turn 6 LS - Picture

blackcherry20 · 06-13-2013, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Here is that picture.

Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Turn 6 LS - Picture

great pic!! Relax, breathe, hydrate, relax, breathe, eat, hydrate, relax....repeat!
and take LOTS of pics for your forum friends

Mt Tam I am · 06-13-2013, 09:16 AM

A week or so ago my VDC turned itself off mid turn, due to half a reservoir of brake fluid. Keep this filled up to Max.

Oddly I have turned VDC off manually every day since. I usually just leave it on but I forgot how much more alive the car is when off.

Mt Tam I am · 06-13-2013, 09:29 AM

On a totally different topic of driving. I have always wanted to have a garage like Jay Leno. Well that is not happening in such a fancy way.

On Monday I bought a building which has the ability to open a truck door on the west side and drive through the east side truck door. What this means is that I can own a truck trailer and race car to put on top of the trailer and store them indoors. By buying the building I have no money for said items but mentally it is a cool feeling.

The building is an old POS but it suits me.

Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Mt Tam Speedway - Picture

Can you see my 370Z? My building is the one with the trailer in back. 6,000 commercial square feet. I don't have a clue what else I'll do with it but a slot car track comes to mind.

JARblue · 06-13-2013, 11:21 AM

That sounds awesome, dude!

wstar · 06-13-2013, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

due to half a reservoir of brake fluid. Keep this filled up to Max.

Keep in mind that, barring leaks, the main reason the fluid reservoir level drops is because your pads are wearing down. If you top off the fluid, then later take out the worn down pads and replace them will new ones, pushing the pistons back in to fit the new pads will overflow the fluid in the reservoir. So you might have to suck some out first (or just take the opportunity to bleed the calipers a bit first).

Mt Tam I am · 06-21-2013, 09:49 AM

Yesterday on the way home I was behind a slower Jag. Moments later a Z4 came up behind. I had hopes of the Jag pulling over and letting me and the BMW go. The Jag sped up a little and when I looked back the Z4 was falling off. I was disappointed. The Jag did turn off and I had a minute alone.

blackcherry20 · 06-30-2013, 06:56 PM

well-more seat time has been achieved. Not the best day but i guess any seat time is better than none. Right?!
One a good note, maybe great note, i feel A LOT better afterwards than the last time. I chugged a bottle of water between each run (and spent a lot of time running to bathroom) but WOW! What a dif in how i feel now.

And , i had an opportunity to ride w a fella who has been doing this a long time. He drives so smooth and methodical-no nerves. I WANT TO DO THAT!
My new driving buddy and his 1996 (?) Corvette that is totally badazz

image.jpg

Tech note: it was pretty hot today-oil temps around 200 after each run...what should i be doing..? If anything...about 30 cars, each taking approx 1 minute run...rotating 4x. Plenty of time in between for cool down.

wstar · 07-01-2013, 10:24 AM

200F on oil temp is fine. I'm guessing from the timing you mentioned that this was an Auto-X? It's hard to get temps too bad in short Auto-X sessions.

06-12-2013, 12:41 PM	#256 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3842	I totally get the missed advice. who could have thought it would knock the stuffing out of you? Just driving. It is a far more physical sport than I ever imagined. I knew the mental aspect would come into play, but why these guys spend hours at the gym is now clear. blackcherry20 likes this. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

06-12-2013, 12:59 PM	#257 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	Well, another factor is most people are too tense their first event (or three, or five). Death-grip on the steering wheel, leg muscles and torso all locked up, etc. You have to learn to relax while you're driving at speed, and that takes some seat time as well. Then it's not as bad on the physical front. Focus on remembering to breathe (if you pay attention, you'll catch yourself holding your breath through the tricky corners, etc), and start reminding yourself to relax and take each hand off the steering wheel and shake it out (one at a time!) during long straights. blackcherry20 likes this. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

06-12-2013, 08:36 PM	#259 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240459	Thanks guys. I agree. Totally blind sided by my devastated psyche. Basic things like breathing. And body tenseness. Being mindful of these things is important as is the nutrition-hydration-resting prior to. Gawd. I broke EVERY freaking rule!!!!! Sigh. Thankful for you guys having experience and sharing it w me!! Next time will be better! __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

06-12-2013, 10:59 PM	#260 (permalink)
MightyBobo A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 8,465 Drives: No cars; only bikes Rep Power: 52	Every event, I bring plenty of hydrating fluids and snacks. Better yet, StangerGT brings his portable grill and we grill out at lunch time. After each outing, I drink one bottle of drink, or at least a half bottle. Yes, I'm pissing all the time, but I'm not drying out - that's for sure. Mt Tam I am and blackcherry20 like this. __________________ I don't own a car anymore.

06-13-2013, 12:16 AM	#262 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3842	Here is that picture. Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Turn 6 LS - Picture blackcherry20 likes this. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

06-13-2013, 09:16 AM	#264 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3842	A week or so ago my VDC turned itself off mid turn, due to half a reservoir of brake fluid. Keep this filled up to Max. Oddly I have turned VDC off manually every day since. I usually just leave it on but I forgot how much more alive the car is when off. JARblue and blackcherry20 like this. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

06-13-2013, 09:29 AM	#265 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3842	On a totally different topic of driving. I have always wanted to have a garage like Jay Leno. Well that is not happening in such a fancy way. On Monday I bought a building which has the ability to open a truck door on the west side and drive through the east side truck door. What this means is that I can own a truck trailer and race car to put on top of the trailer and store them indoors. By buying the building I have no money for said items but mentally it is a cool feeling. The building is an old POS but it suits me. Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Mt Tam Speedway - Picture Can you see my 370Z? My building is the one with the trailer in back. 6,000 commercial square feet. I don't have a clue what else I'll do with it but a slot car track comes to mind. JARblue likes this. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

06-13-2013, 11:21 AM	#266 (permalink)
JARblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Age: 43 Posts: 36,449 Drives: 11 Z34, 98 E36 M3 Rep Power: 2684440	That sounds awesome, dude! Mt Tam I am likes this. __________________ 2011 370Z 6MT Sport Gun Metallic \| ARC \| CJM \| Ecutek \| FI \| Fujimura \| R2C \| SPL \| Stillen \| TWM \| Z1 \| ZSpeed \|

06-21-2013, 09:49 AM	#268 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3842	Yesterday on the way home I was behind a slower Jag. Moments later a Z4 came up behind. I had hopes of the Jag pulling over and letting me and the BMW go. The Jag sped up a little and when I looked back the Z4 was falling off. I was disappointed. The Jag did turn off and I had a minute alone. blackcherry20 likes this. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

06-30-2013, 06:56 PM	#269 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240459	well-more seat time has been achieved. Not the best day but i guess any seat time is better than none. Right?! One a good note, maybe great note, i feel A LOT better afterwards than the last time. I chugged a bottle of water between each run (and spent a lot of time running to bathroom) but WOW! What a dif in how i feel now. And , i had an opportunity to ride w a fella who has been doing this a long time. He drives so smooth and methodical-no nerves. I WANT TO DO THAT! My new driving buddy and his 1996 (?) Corvette that is totally badazz image.jpg Tech note: it was pretty hot today-oil temps around 200 after each run...what should i be doing..? If anything...about 30 cars, each taking approx 1 minute run...rotating 4x. Plenty of time in between for cool down. Mt Tam I am likes this. __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White Last edited by blackcherry20; 06-30-2013 at 07:00 PM.

07-01-2013, 10:24 AM	#270 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	200F on oil temp is fine. I'm guessing from the timing you mentioned that this was an Auto-X? It's hard to get temps too bad in short Auto-X sessions. blackcherry20 likes this. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

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