Quote:
Originally Posted by GUMBALL
My intent was constructive suggestions.
My intent was a couple of small things that you might improve on.
I am no more successful than dozens of others that I know and worked with, but, I have won races at a variety of tracks around the country, as well as Championships. . . . as a driver, as a Chief Mechanic as well as a spotter/drivers coach.
My intent was not to incite a "pi***ng" match with you.
Every fast driver I have ever known has welcomed another perspective as well as suggestions on how he might shave hundreths of a second off his lap time.
But, you appear to take any suggestion as a personal insult.
May I suggest that you watch your in-car videos more thoroughly.
.
|
Two things....
1. I was not asking for driving advice or suggestions. Let me say that again: I was not asking for driving advice or suggestions. I posted the video for its entertainment value.
Most of the driving advice you have offered has been generic at best and could be found in any basic driving book. The rest of it has been incorrect. I have challenged what you said because generic advice does not apply in all situations on all tracks and all cars and some of what have said I know to be incorrect. I am not some DE novice that doesn't have a clue about lines.
For example, you said that "Many drivers apex this corner [turn 6] much too early". Well, there is a very good reason why people that race at Sonoma often do this: grip! Anything out from the left edge of the track is quite bumpy and most cars have a problem with grip out there. The turn is more than 180 degrees so it can be a lot faster overall taking a more inside line on entry and through the rest of the corner. Anything entry more than mid track will only cost you time that you won't gain all the back with a "better" apex that lets you got back on the throttle marginally sooner. I get the best exit speeds if I am on the inside yellow line by half way through the corner. I then let the car drift out to the left about a half a car width and then bring it back to curbing at exit.
Finally, the most critical part of the track is the exit of 7 all the way down to turn 11. Not the exit of turn 6....
2. I ask for and get great advice from just a few people. These people have helped me improve immensely over the years. I have learned that most people that don't know me or my car and offer unsolicited advice are not the people I should be paying attention to. I don't know who you are or what your credentials are...but I have not read anything that suggests I should be going to you for targeted advice for me and my situation.
I study my videos intently and look at my data. I have gotten to the point where I think it is time to hire a professional coach and to whom I will certainly pay close attention. That coach would likely be Thomas Merrill as he is familiar with the tracks I race on and is relatively familiar with me and my car.