Building a 240Z!

[sopwith21]

I'm probably telling you way more than you want to know here... sorry...

Another huge advantage of working with experienced drivers in open track sessions is that they mostly drive street cars that HAVE BRAKE LIGHTS. When you're following them, watch for two things:

1) Assuming you're in a comparable car, try to match their braking point. IOW, try to make your brake lights come on at the precise spot on the track where their brake lights came on when you're following them on the track. By doing this you'll learn exactly when to brake for each corner... you won't have to experiment on your own by smoking your tires and making mistakes (expensive!).

2) Watch for the point at which their brakes lights go OFF. Try to be off your brakes on or before that same point, and minimize the time between letting off the brakes and getting on the gas. Make that transition smoothly. Smooth is fast. Frantic is slow.

3) Watch for a small puff of white smoke from the exhaust pipe of the experienced driver that you're following. When you see that white puff, it means he hit the gas about ten feet earlier. Try to do the same. And squeeze the throttle, don't punch it. Better to get on the throttle earlier and easier than later and heavier.

That's probably more than you ever wanted to know, so I'll shut up now. There are lots of good drivers on this forum and some of you experienced guys should take a moment to offer advice here. If you don't help a newbie, no one else will either.

[Sane]

Hey sopwith21 your advice is definately welcome anytime! Those are great techniques, and i'm definately sure they will help. I've read numerous books on racing, and all the advice you offered are all on point. Again, I appreciate all the advice your giving, it'll surely help me on the long run. When I get the chance to give the techniques and get the track time I can, i'll definately keep all the things you've said in mind. Everytime I would go indoor kart racing with some of the topdogs of the place, they would leave me in the dust when they were driving all out. So I can definately agree with you that asking them to drive at 70% would be more suitable, as I can keep up, study there lines along with there brake and gas work. I am hoping to get onto the whole scene soon, so i'll be looking forward to using these techniques as well!

Thanks again,

Jason

[240Z415]

Sane,

This weekend would be a great weekend to come down to Qualcomm as the National Auto-X tour is in town. Only happens 1X per year. 250-300 cars from all over the West Coast. I will be there in my Z #15 running FP class both Sat and Sunday. Will be pitting with some fellow Datsun fanatics. Stop in and say Hi.

Steve

[Sane]

Hey 240z415 i'll definately stop by! If there's any assistance you need at all please let me know! I'm willing to help, and hopefully I can learn a few things on the way! Thanks for letting me know about the event, I had no idea!

I'll be looking forward to the weekend!

Jason