How do you learn to drive?

[Amail]

Originally Posted by esotoracing

My 2 cents cashman. . . .do both Autocross and DE (which you dont need a rollbar) i was an instructor and to tell you the truth you wont get to the real potential of your car with an autocross, youll learn the limits of slow corners (thats all). Yea i know im gona get some moans and growns for saying that but its the truth. How many autocross tracks are there wjere you get your car out of third gear ?? Get to a DE where you can open up you car, learn braking points, heel and toe and is much more fun to be on a real track than a parking lot.
i can hear the moans and groans already............

Mooooan - Groooan

Balderdash. This guy wants to learn about high performance driving, he's not trying to perfect it yet.

+1 on the autocross. It's stupid fun, pretty inexpensive, you'll be among people of similar skill level and similarly equipped cars. You will learn the basics of car control "on the edge", throttle steering, heel-n-toe downshifting, looking ahead, the importance of tire pressure and temperature. You'll make a ton of friends all wanting to learn the same things. Many there will be *way* better than you, some will be *way* worse. Almost all of them will be friendly and more than willing to help you out.

The usual progression is A/X, DE, TT, Club racing. There's a reason for it. If you like A/X, be warned - you'll be hooked. And know this - if (and when!) you try a DE, you'll never want to A/X again. Estoracing's advice is spot-on when you get to that point.

Welcome to the slippery slope.