getting started - practice?

03_Track_Z · 02-21-2007, 02:11 PM

Hey I'd love to get started learning to road race my STI. Before I jump right into it though, I'd really like to practice by myself some, and get a better feel for the car (ive only had it for a few weeks!). So how do you go about practicing for something like this? Can you just go to a track and pay for some free run time? Or do you just go find some nice backroads

? Thanks!

***nandanrp*** · 02-21-2007, 02:12 PM

You go to an HPDE (High Performance Driver's Education) and learn with an instructor on a track.

Backroads will never ever equal a track. You simply can't push your car that hard on public streets safely.

03_Track_Z · 02-21-2007, 02:15 PM

I did an HPDE once with my Z, it was a lot of fun, but I'd really like some more track time than the few runs I got in that day. Is there no way to just get out and run free on the track?

**SWortham** · 02-21-2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03_Track_Z

I did an HPDE once with my Z, it was a lot of fun, but I'd really like some more track time than the few runs I got in that day. Is there no way to just get out and run free on the track?

Not unless you own the track, or maybe if you're famous.

Track days and HPDE's are done differently from place to place. But, if you look around you may be able to find an event that you'll get more seat time out of. I got about 80 minutes of seat time at the last HPDE event I went to.

03_Track_Z · 02-21-2007, 02:30 PM

well, i guess i'll just have to get famous...

upncummr · 02-21-2007, 02:35 PM

Sign up for a BMW CCA, PCA or Audi NA Drivers' School. It's time and money well spent (actually well invested in yourself).

The typical format for a school is that you'll get 4 on-track sessions on Saturday and Sunday. These sessions are 20 to 25 minutes in length. So total on-track time for the whole weekend will be about 3 to 3.5 hours.

In addition to the on-track sessions you'll also get classroom instruction. The classroom instruction and the opportunity to interact with the other students in your run group will be just as beneficial as the on-track time.

Anoter element of the school is that you'll get an opportunity to ride with your instructor in his/her vehicle. This will give you an opportunity to learn the track, grasp what he/she is trying to tell you in your own session, and finally give you an idea of what a car is capable of when well-driven by someone with considerable experience.

The final element of the school is that you'll get experience corner workers who are there to look after your safety. You'll have emergency personnel there who can deal with any on-track problems that raise there head.

There is just no substitute for learning in the secure environment of a school.

Gary

03_Track_Z · 02-21-2007, 07:35 PM

thanks, i agree with you. before i go dropping serious cash on mods i think it's best that i learn to make use of the power i already have. the only thing i've bought and will buy until i know this car better is a CBE. that and a few sets of brake pads for those long weekends... =)

HarlanPepper · 02-23-2007, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03_Track_Z

...before i go dropping serious cash on mods i think it's best that i learn to make use of the power i already have.

Wise move. I wish more STI owners had this attitude...

Driving skill will trump HP every time.

I'd start with an autocross if you've never done one before. Get an experienced autocrosser to ride shotgun with you and show you the ropes. Safe way to find (and exceed) the limits of your car without hitting a wall at high speed.

If you have the cash, a formal driving school is great, too. But you can also get great/cheap instruction at HPDEs if you go with a good group.

ACHAHockey · 02-23-2007, 10:51 AM

+1 for joining the pca. My dad's already a member, and he made me a member when i turned 18. i went to events with him, he raced in the expert class, i raced in the beginner class. i had an instructor ride with me, and they make you put an "x" on the back of your car with tape to let everyone know youre a beginner and to take it easy. that was a blast.

LOLSTi · 02-23-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nandanrp

You go to an HPDE (High Performance Driver's Education) and learn with an instructor on a track.

Backroads will never ever equal a track. You simply can't push your car that hard on public streets safely.

AndrewSS · 02-23-2007, 11:31 AM

screw that..... street race in school zones ftw...

but really, good advice in this thread, have fun

02-21-2007, 02:11 PM	#1
03_Track_Z Junior STI Driver Posts: 111 IWSTI Addict since: Feb 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	getting started - practice? Hey I'd love to get started learning to road race my STI. Before I jump right into it though, I'd really like to practice by myself some, and get a better feel for the car (ive only had it for a few weeks!). So how do you go about practicing for something like this? Can you just go to a track and pay for some free run time? Or do you just go find some nice backroads ? Thanks! This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

02-23-2007, 11:31 AM	#11
AndrewSS S204 Racer Car: 05 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: RCE T2 Coilovers Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 4,643 IWSTI Addict since: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (21)	screw that..... street race in school zones ftw... but really, good advice in this thread, have fun This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

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02-21-2007, 02:12 PM	#2
*nandanrp* Indiatr0n in yo IWDPL Car: 05FTW OBP STi Fav Mod: Brum Brum Location: downtown Chicago Posts: 48,820 IWSTI Addict since: Jun 2004 Trader Rating: (11)	You go to an HPDE (High Performance Driver's Education) and learn with an instructor on a track. Backroads will never ever equal a track. You simply can't push your car that hard on public streets safely.

02-21-2007, 02:15 PM	#3
03_Track_Z Junior STI Driver Posts: 111 IWSTI Addict since: Feb 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	I did an HPDE once with my Z, it was a lot of fun, but I'd really like some more track time than the few runs I got in that day. Is there no way to just get out and run free on the track?

02-21-2007, 02:30 PM	#5
03_Track_Z Junior STI Driver Posts: 111 IWSTI Addict since: Feb 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	well, i guess i'll just have to get famous...

02-21-2007, 02:35 PM	#6
upncummr Spec C Club Car: '05 CGM Fav Mod: HPDEs Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 1,255 IWSTI Addict since: May 2006 Trader Rating: (3)	Sign up for a BMW CCA, PCA or Audi NA Drivers' School. It's time and money well spent (actually well invested in yourself). The typical format for a school is that you'll get 4 on-track sessions on Saturday and Sunday. These sessions are 20 to 25 minutes in length. So total on-track time for the whole weekend will be about 3 to 3.5 hours. In addition to the on-track sessions you'll also get classroom instruction. The classroom instruction and the opportunity to interact with the other students in your run group will be just as beneficial as the on-track time. Anoter element of the school is that you'll get an opportunity to ride with your instructor in his/her vehicle. This will give you an opportunity to learn the track, grasp what he/she is trying to tell you in your own session, and finally give you an idea of what a car is capable of when well-driven by someone with considerable experience. The final element of the school is that you'll get experience corner workers who are there to look after your safety. You'll have emergency personnel there who can deal with any on-track problems that raise there head. There is just no substitute for learning in the secure environment of a school. Gary

02-21-2007, 07:35 PM	#7
03_Track_Z Junior STI Driver Posts: 111 IWSTI Addict since: Feb 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	thanks, i agree with you. before i go dropping serious cash on mods i think it's best that i learn to make use of the power i already have. the only thing i've bought and will buy until i know this car better is a CBE. that and a few sets of brake pads for those long weekends... =)

02-23-2007, 10:51 AM	#9
ACHAHockey Spec C Club Car: Bugeye, '95 Porsche Fav Mod: Flat 6 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 2,060 IWSTI Addict since: Jun 2006 Trader Rating: (3)	+1 for joining the pca. My dad's already a member, and he made me a member when i turned 18. i went to events with him, he raced in the expert class, i raced in the beginner class. i had an instructor ride with me, and they make you put an "x" on the back of your car with tape to let everyone know youre a beginner and to take it easy. that was a blast.