First DE tomorrow - any tips?

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

The Great Plains region is holding their DE tomorrow and Sunday. It will be a first DE for both JonT (Jon Theobald) and myself. I changed the brake pads and tires about 300 miles ago, flushed the brake system with ATE, and I've gotten all the junk out of the car (including everything in the front trunk except the tire and jack, as well as everything inside, including the floor mats).

Any other helpful hints? It looks like it may rain and be cold (mid-60s) both days, so that could make driving much more interesting.

Thanks.

IROC · IROC's Garage

Have fun!! Don't worry about how fast you're going to be. Everyone worries about that, but you'll soon find that that not what it's all about.

One small piece of advice - especially if it's going to be wet - SMOOTHNESS. Be very smooth on all of your inputs - braking, turning, accelerating.

Most of all - have fun.

Mike

Lothar · Lothar's Garage

When you are packing your gear, be sure the first thing you pack is your humility. If you approach DE with the attitude that "I am a dumb $hit and have a whole lot to learn", you will make remarkable progress. Drive at your own pace and be kind a courteous to your fellow drivers if they are a bit faster or slower.

Have a great time and give us a report after the event.

Hey everybody, the hook is set in this one!!! Let's reel him in. There are only first DE's never "my only DE". This infection will spread throughout your body like no virus ever seen.

cary · 05-09-2003, 05:32 AM

Sucker .............hold on to your wallet.

Brush your teeth REAL good, you'll be smiling from ear to ear.

chrisp · 05-09-2003, 05:41 AM

If it rains definitely go out. Don't stay in the paddock like some of the others will. A wet track is the best opportunity to learn. But...take it easy.

Like the others said. Don't really worry about anthing except having fun. Keep tabs on what is going on around you and with your car but you shouldn't need to worry about any set-up issues.

Drive like you have an egg between your foot and pedal. Be smooth and purposeful...nothing sudden.

Ask a lot of questions and take advantage (figuratively) of your instructor. You will find out over time that each instructor will give you information from their persepective. Nothing is set in stone is all just advice from people who live and breath it.

Start to learn good habits about flagging, traffic, passing, and general track manners. You soon be signed off to go alone and the first time you get in the car alone you'll realize how much YOU need to do. If you have good habits then when you start to solo you'll have a much easier time.

addictionMS · addictionMS's Garage

check out the school tips at http://www.bellmotorsports.com/

pretty good advice as well.

Jim

APKhaos · 05-09-2003, 07:13 AM

Steve,
Read this DE Handbook

Its a great intro on all aspects of DE, written by Gary Church - one of the best [and a RUF driver currently running 3rd in One Lap of America].

You will be amazed at just how capable you car really is. They were born to run.

JonT · 05-09-2003, 07:51 AM

Steve--I'm glad you posted this--I was about to myself. I bought my helmet last night--still need a fire extiguisher--taking care of that tonight. Going to clean the car up and go through my list of items to bring. I'll read through the DE handbook a couple times. Put the bra on my car. Juice up the video camera and bring a regular camera. I won't be able to sleep tonight. I am so dam excited I can barely stand it. I've owned my car 8 years now and this is my first DE! What was I thinking?

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by JonT
still need a fire extinguisher

Home Depot over in Council Bluffs has a Kidde fire extinguisher + fire alarm for $10. It's a nice size - long and narrow. I've got mine mounted to a piece of aluminum that's bolted under the passenger's seat.

I'm lucky to have the car done - I had graduate school finals this week. But now, I'm done! Graduation is next Saturday. I'll be getting an MBA and a Masters of Science in IT.

P.S. I was supposed to have a final tomorrow morning, but I took it early. I told that professor I would be out of town for training

MMARSH · MMARSH's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by cary
Brush your teeth REAL good, you'll be smiling from ear to ear.

Very Funny and very true.