Heck not even a national champion. I have a few friends who are instructors and they can kick my butt in my own car. I still beat them with karts though :tup:

That's one of the best things about being new to the track. When you first start learning, the time comes off in big chunks.

Your point about aptitude is spot on, that coupled with good instruction will always trump talent alone. Also, I agree talent can be developed...I just don't think it's about the platform. The (edit) GT Academy proves that...a Juke against a GTR, for reals! Boris would kick their butts straight up, he doesn't need paint balls!!!

Not really no...

...they'll adapt and put down top pax times in a few runs most likely.

I will bring it back to seat time given that the platform does not matter. The one thing all those which excel at the highest levels have in common in perfecting their craft is time spent perfecting their craft and that magic number is 10,000 hours if you want to be great!!! This include those who are gifted at an early age...probably more so because they obsessed. If you want a reference, check out a book called "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell.

I probably haven't made 600 autocross runs in my life....I'm reasonable good, not great, at it...

The major thing that goes with being great is access and opportunity, that is why we do not see a lot of minorities in motor sports. You got to have the means to have suitable car and maintain it, then access to a track that is open to you more than just track day and you need help (instruction, track time, money for parts). Yup for any of us to be good is good enough. Because it takes time to be good many will quit after the first couple of sessions. It's really a simple equation for any of us...Time/Cost/Value! If the TCV does not add up...then I'm out no matter what the endeavor is.

I usually got 80-85% first run and full bore by the second...

In an autocross setting, consideration of the equipment - and safety - aren't concerns the way they might be on the track. The whole "x/10ths" thing applies in a track setting as an indication of the level of risk you're willing to take in regards to your equipment and yourself. Autocross is ALWAYS run at 10/10ths.

Doesn't mean the best autocrossers can lay down perfect runs the first time. The course needs to be learned and if it's a vehicle type that autocrosser isn't accustomed to, it can take time. You can generally get a feel for the vehicle's performance envelope pretty quickly (within 1-2 runs), but to get that inch-perfect feel for where every corner is exactly, takes a little time. For some that might just be 1 run, for others it could take dozens.

This is true a national champ will figure out your car in 3 laps better than you will over the next year.

Note to self...... turn traction control off and do not ask stupid question whether it should be on or not....This is how I dropped 4 seconds..... :facepalm:

I hate when they do that...

Tracy Ramsey