Experienced track guys

[polarity]

I was wondering if any experienced track guys in the Mississippi/Louisiana/Alabama area might be willing to allow a ride along for a couple of track laps. I've never been to an event and wanted to check it out and see if it's something I might be interested in doing. Honestly I'm not even sure if it's allowed or if I need to find a track and speak with a trainer and ride with them.

I'll take any information aswell on what you guys think of the sport, good ways to start or suggestions.

-William

[shabarivas]

You can always do a driving school session - I know GST motorsports in cali will offer tutorials on the track... if you have a lot of $$ go to bondurant or the like and get properly educated... trust me its a LOT of fun

[bullitt5897]

I am not available to do ride a longs at the moment due to work and limited weekends but I can give you a few helpful pieces of advice...

On your first couple of track days I recommend getting in the slower classes as this will let you feel less pressure and allow you to work on your form and functions while on the track. You wont have to worry about guys crawling up your butt while on the track too.

Smooth = Fast (This is ALWAYS the case) I dont care how fast you think you are if you upset the cars balance during anypoint on the track you will loose tenths of a sec or more. (I had problems at one track with one turn and it would cost me a tenth or more cause I couldnt get a smooth braking and downshift transition going into the turn) I have sense then learned better techniques to solve those problems.

Dont worry about being the fastest guy out there you most certainly will not be him!!! I went from motorcycles to cars and granted I had most of the basic knowledge I needed but my lines were completely different than normal lines (i was taking bike lines in a car) I was fast but when I got on the correct car line OMG my times Dropped significantly.

Each lap focus on one turn until you get the turn down right then try to link it to the next turn and focus on that next turn untill you get it right. As the track day progresses you will see how each turn will begin to link and flow into the next. Atleast if you are on the optimal race line it will seem as though everything is one flowing motion. (take little bites!!! do NOT try to conquer the track in one day!). Ask any of the fast guys out there and I bet you a majority have been coming there for years.

The best advice is to get out and try it for yourself. Ride a longs are great but it depends on what you are used too. I mean I get mixed reviews from my passengers... some are completely comfortable and relaxed because they know me and my driving style while others are scared sh!tless grabing every ohhh Sh!t handle they can find. Probably because im hard on the gas and do not brake for the turn until Jesus appears and says "Come home my Son" then I know to hit the brakes and turn.

The lessons learned from track days are numerous I know I still have tons to learn but the next event I am able to get to I will remember this thread and give you a shout.

[polarity]

Thanks for the info, it does seem like alot of fun. I guess really I would need to install an oil cooler before I event brought my car to the track, which is mainly the reason I'd like to do a ride along, to see if it's worth it to get the cooler. I would love to say I wont be worried about being the fastest guy out there, but I'm sure my first few rounds on the track that wouldn't be my thought process. If you get bored and think of anything else just throw it up there.

-William

[Mike]

If I had another Little Talladega event, we could do it, but most tracks only let instructors do ride alongs. All the events I go to at Litte Talladega are a little less official.

[Feffman]

William:

You are welcome to join us (www.MVPTrackTime.com) at Road Atlanta November 21 - 22. Our instructors are always open to riders to introduce them to the HPDE scene. If not you can ride with me for a session or two.

Mark Pfeffer

[bullitt5897]

^^^ There you go! Jump on that Road Atlanta is a hell of a track and you are ensured to see speeds of 150+ For Sure an AMAZING track! I wonder if he will grab the ohhhh Sh*t handles in 10a or 12? those are some real fun turns at full speed!

[polarity]

Originally Posted by Feffman

William:

You are welcome to join us (MVP Track Time) at Road Atlanta November 21 - 22. Our instructors are always open to riders to introduce them to the HPDE scene. If not you can ride with me for a session or two.

Mark Pfeffer

Hey Mark, thanks very much for your reply. Unless something drastic changes between now and then I look forward to seeing you there in November.

-William