[boataholic]

http://escondidoautoelectric.com/Med...1-07%20Big.wmv
I was with the intermediate group. The host was speed trial usa and I saw quite a few other STIs and Evos at the track. This was my last session and my first time at this track. My highest speed was 137 and my best turn is turn 2 which is a constant radius. If you watch I hold the steering wheel in the same position thru the entire turn. If you do that turn well you can make up time. I was going about 75% because my front tires are almost bald and if you make a mistake at this track there is no run off. I saw 3 bumpers lost and one Porche Gt3 run into the wall. Any constructive criticism of my driving is appreciated. Here is a map and I plan on getting new tires, Pagid Blues, SS lines and Motul Dot 4 before I go back in a few weeks.

[La Mer]

damn. i want to go again.

i may be going on the 24th.

[boataholic]

Hey Le Mer,
Lets go on the 27th or 28th with Speed Ventures. Me, Cho and a few guys from work are planning on going. It'll be a blast.

[La Mer]

hmmm i'll look into it!

i need to install my alk, get aligned, and buy sways before my next track day.

[Mexitr0n]

Sounds like I going have to get my "side spoilers" installed so I can catch air during passing opportunities.

Great driving man!

[SnowbordrWRX]

I'm thinking of going also...wasn't planning on going to mammoth that particular weekend. You guys want to meet up for breakfast and then drive up together?

[SubyFi]

Nice vid!

Looks like you late apex turn 1. Gary Sheehan says that you can early apex turn 1 because there is plenty of track to use after it. Your speed will be faster.

Did you time your laps? It's good to do if you drive that track again and then you can see if you improved.

You can check out my track videos on my website: www.hpdedriver.com (Media).

Here's a suggested driving line that is good:

[STi_4_Daddy]

great video.

[GarySheehan]

Originally Posted by boataholic

If you watch I hold the steering wheel in the same position thru the entire turn. If you do that turn well you can make up time. I was going about 75% because my front tires are almost bald and if you make a mistake at this track there is no run off. I saw 3 bumpers lost and one Porche Gt3 run into the wall. Any constructive criticism of my driving is appreciated.

Constructive Criticism:
1. Use all the road. You seem to be leery of apexes and exit curbing.
2. Your transitions from throttle to brake to throttle seem "lazy". Get after it.
3. If you're truly driving at 75%, there's really no criticism to be provided other than your theoretical lines are off. You are not working the tires, so you don't really know what line works for your car for this track. Hence the ultra-late apex of turn 1 and constant steering in turn 2. At 75% you are so far below the limit that you can't get any action out of the car. You'll be working the wheel and the throttle quite a bit in turn 2 as you approach the limit.

As far as your theoretical line goes:

Turn 1: WAY to late an apex. This is a classic non-compromise corner. Use all the entry, clip the apex and track all the way out to the apex carrying maximum speed. There's LOTS of time to get back to the left for Turn 2.

Turn 2: There are several lines into 2 but by halfway you should be up agains t the apex, WOT and the car working it's way all the way out to the exit.

Turn 3: Not bad, just need more speed.

Turn 4: I tend to straight line from the apex of 3, hit the curbing on the right side into 4, apex out wide then come back in to clip the curb on the right side prior to exiting. Much like the diagram that SubyFi put up. By going wide left and rounding out the entire corner until you apex late, late, late, you're just driving a longer distance and wasting time.

Turn 5: No coasting! Exit turn 4 with hard throttle then brake hard for 5. Get set up earlier on the right side for turn-in. Your apex it too late in 5 and you hug the left side of the track too much. Straighter line into 6.

Turn 6: Nail that apex and carry speed. This is a critical corner, almost a non-corner, but you need to make it as straight as possible to carry as much speed as possible.

Turn 7: What turn 7

Turn 8: Apex, apex, apex! Make that corner as straight as possible to carry maximum speed.

Turn 9: No coasting! Brake hard aiming for the outside of the track. Turn in and get back to throttle. Apex! Use all the track on the exit.

Key points: Start using all the track that is available to you. It will make going fast easier.

Post up some video when you start working the tires and we'll have more info for you.

Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
www.garysheehan.com

[M3-to-STI]

Dude...You have the EYE OF THE TIGER!!!!!

You have to play that song with this video!

Nice driving. Seem pretty smooth on the wheel and pedals to me.

You look a bit close to the wheel though. I like to sit back from the wheel on the track, gives me more finesse. Could also just be the cam angle.

Im curious as to what your camera set up is and looks like. Maybe we see?

[AndrewSS]

Nice, I am downloading it right now... this is what hosting your videos is all about, getting great feedback from notable drivers, I am glad you are able to do this

-Andrew

edit: whats that rattling? Lense cap?

[RAS_STI]

ahh...yeah what gary said.

for once. a song i like at the begining.

[boataholic]

Suby Fi and Gary, thanks for all the tips. I appreciate it and will keep that in mind at my next track event. Andrew, I'm stoked that veteran drivers can give me a critique on my driving. That's what this is all about. I appreciate the feedback. I hope to push it a little harder when I go back in a few weeks.

[AndrewSS]

^ yeah, gotta love in car footage Good to see one of my mounts making such an impact, hehehe

Was there someone in the passanger seat, or you just didnt recline it? Even with it up I dont mind it too much, you placed the cameras view really well. Beats normal lense camcorders on harness bars IMO!

[boataholic]

Yeah I forgot to recline the seat but it that camera mount works really well. I've gotten some good footage and it's easy to take off and on. The camera is acually a Cannon ZR500 and I only paid $200 for it.