Learning the limits ,Spun it once , ran off twice

harryrcb · harryrcb's Garage

This is what happens when you turn off your PSM and hit the throttle too soon and too hard. As I always have said, you are not trying hard enough if you haven’t spun out. Regrouped and came out behind the Turbo that I spun in front of, and stayed with him for almost 4 laps until traffic caught me and another turbo. Make a long story short, I did the Boxster community proud by sticking this close to 997 turbo’s with a virtually stock Box S. My lap times were at 2:34 fairly consistently and I think that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just wait till I get the funding for a bigger engine. Lol Bottom line is, I had lots of fun.

Grant Lenahan · 11-20-2010, 05:59 AM

always fun. Even in my stock 986 on street tires, i can typically stay with -- and catch -- various high powered p-cars, some on track rubber. Its all int he nit behind the wheel, and boxsters are very track-able right out of the, uh, box.

Grant

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Cool video. I don't think bigger tires would have helped there, as they probably would have sent you to the wall a bit faster! The PSM is nice sometimes, as when you floor it and the car knows what's going to happen next, it backs off the throttle for you. With so many walls around, I like traction control!

-Wayne

Thorshammer · 01-22-2011, 05:34 PM

Okay, so on the exit where you spun there is a bump, I think it is clear that the car unloaded and this was the cause of the spin. But, in that turn and one, you need to track out a bit more. Also, if you set up the camera in the car so you can see your hands, you will learn more than just watching lines.

Other than that, you drive pretty well. I think there are a couple small changes I would make, but until I can see your hands, it is hard to tell. You turn in smoothly, and I like the second lap that you started to use the curbs, this works well in any production based car and sometimes in sports racers we use them to rotate the car by unweighting it, but it is easy to spin.

Overall, I have instructed people with far bigger problems. Small corrections and I think you are on point. I enjoyed seeing you put both feet in when you spun. While it is taught, sometimes it is not used.

Erik

harryrcb · harryrcb's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorshammer

Okay, so on the exit where you spun there is a bump, I think it is clear that the car unloaded and this was the cause of the spin. But, in that turn and one, you need to track out a bit more. Also, if you set up the camera in the car so you can see your hands, you will learn more than just watching lines.

Other than that, you drive pretty well. I think there are a couple small changes I would make, but until I can see your hands, it is hard to tell. You turn in smoothly, and I like the second lap that you started to use the curbs, this works well in any production based car and sometimes in sports racers we use them to rotate the car by unweighting it, but it is easy to spin.

Overall, I have instructed people with far bigger problems. Small corrections and I think you are on point. I enjoyed seeing you put both feet in when you spun. While it is taught, sometimes it is not used.

Erik

Hi Erik
I appreciate any advice given. I have been running this track a little over a year now and am still learing it and my car one turn at a time. Did you say bump? if you look at the vid carefully the entire track is nothing but bumps but it's still an awsome track. this weekend was particularly tricky as they resealed the entire track and the stuff was sticking to our tires. Not making any excuses, I know the main cause of that spin was my overzelous throttle control. You may have notice on the lap before last I almost did the same think in turn 5 but I did recover by lifting quickly and back on.
my hands are entirely different matter. they are all over the place only because I have had one too many motorcycle accidentss and both wrist and elbows are shot not to mention feet and ankles. When I say shot I mean metal and screws and nerve damage. I can only go for about 40 minutes in a stint sometimes less. Nonetheless I will move the camera back in the cab for the next dE which might not be for a while as my car is getting some badly needed upgrades.
I still managed to pull out some 2:33 laps that day even with sliding around a bit.
Thanks again, your comments are always welcome
Harry

Thorshammer · 01-23-2011, 06:43 AM

Hi Harry,

I know Sebring well. And your right it is all bumps, but the exit on the corner you spun, there is a sealant seem and a rise leading to it. If you soften your hands and unwind the wheel on the exit, you will be able to put full power down.

Just think of standing it up at the exit to get to the meat of the tire, its the same thing. As a previous motorcycle racer (AMA Grand National Champion 1997) just think of going from full lean to power and standing the bike up while you drive to the track out point. The second lap is much better, but don't forget to look ahead, one of my IMSA students has the same issue. It causes his point corrections to be too severe. He also has a motorcycle racing background.

BTW, your driving is good, but with some minor corrections, you could reduce the lap times and eliminate the spins.

Best,

Erik

harryrcb · harryrcb's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorshammer

Hi Harry,

I Just think of standing it up at the exit to get to the meat of the tire, its the same thing. As a previous motorcycle racer (AMA Grand National Champion 1997) just think of going from full lean to power and standing the bike up while you drive to the track out point. The second lap is much better, but don't forget to look ahead, one of my IMSA students has the same issue. It causes his point corrections to be too severe. He also has a motorcycle racing background.

Erik

That's a good analogy. I'm more familiar with a bike. I don't know why I pull in on turn 10, it might have something to do with my bad wrist ( sometimes I struggle around the track.) I get hand cramps etc, that's why I gave up bikes 2 years ago and decide on this 4 wheel "bike" You know, the soft top, fresh air lol
BTW that was the 2nd day of the weekend driving and I really get tired by the end of the second day. I have actually considered just doing 1 day at a time to eliminate the fatigue. I know it sounds like I'm making excuses but I make these videos and go home and study them to see where I can improve. I really does help as does advise. I will definitely focus on that corner my next time out.
thanks, Let me know the next time you come down maybe we can get together and take a ride. Just thought of this, if you are interested I have more of my drive on youtube, some with the camera inside the car (I think they were with an instructor) if you have the time. http://www.youtube.com/user/Harryrcb?feature=mhsn
Harry

Thorshammer · 01-23-2011, 02:02 PM

Actually I will be down at Sebring in two weeks training an IMSA lites driver. Maybe we can meet a short tiem there. Two things on the hand cramping which may or may not help due to your injury.

One, take two aspirin about 30 minutes before you go out to drove, this will thin the blood and allow a bit more oxygen to get to the hands and wrists.

Two: roll your fingers on the wheel going down the straights. This means. raise one finger at a time starting with the little finger, third finger, middle etc.. To allow blood to flow to the fingers and back out. This can help if the grip on the wheel is the cause?

PM me and I will send you my cell number.

Erik