So Why exactly are you modding your car???

[PeaveyBassist]

And you know this because? We should trust you because you have no experience on the subject?

Actually you've been on track Will. Last year at Putnam when I gave you a ride, remember you focker?

I know this because I learn from when other experienced people talk. I have a LOT to learn about autox still. Remember when I made you ride with me over in Ohio? You'll always have more to learn. Bobby, I didn't mean to make it sound like I was attacking you or calling you out or anything. As long as you know that you have a lot to learn and you take experienced driver's advice, you'll be fine. When I autox, I ALWAYS want to take an experienced driver with me on almost every run just so I can learn more on how to make me faster/better. Driving experience in the city does not equal being a good driver on the track though either remember. Honestly, I think I could outdrive my mom in autox or something just because she is such a defensive driver who has almost zero experience driving in an aggressive manner. I am an aggressive driver. I look for curvy roads in the middle of nowhere just so I can go fast and learn how the car feels when driving fast.

Will

[alex]

I know this because I learn from when other experienced people talk. I have a LOT to learn about autox still. Remember when I made you ride with me over in Ohio? You'll always have more to learn. Bobby, I didn't mean to make it sound like I was attacking you or calling you out or anything. As long as you know that you have a lot to learn and you take experienced driver's advice, you'll be fine. When I autox, I ALWAYS want to take an experienced driver with me on almost every run just so I can learn more on how to make me faster/better. Driving experience in the city does not equal being a good driver on the track though either remember. Honestly, I think I could outdrive my mom in autox or something just because she is such a defensive driver who has almost zero experience driving in an aggressive manner. I am an aggressive driver. I look for curvy roads in the middle of nowhere just so I can go fast and learn how the car feels when driving fast.

Will

I was just kidding Will. Don't get all defensive. You are ok, except when you try to be cool and call me at 11:30 pm while you are drunk.

Do you think I can outdrive your mom? Is she cute?

[PeaveyBassist]

I was just kidding Will. Don't get all defensive. You are ok, except when you try to be cool and call me at 11:30 pm while you are drunk.

Do you think I can outdrive your mom? Is she cute?

I'm just sayin ;) And yes, I do like to call you when I am drunk. Next time I am drunk, I am calling myself and leaving a voice message so I can hear myself when I am drunk. Should be interesting lol. You can definitely outdrive my mom big boyeeee. She is not cute.

Will

[Dave]

Here's a fun fact. I don't care if you track your car. No one does. That goes for everyone.

Morgan,

I dont care that you dont care.:p

[Dave]

I have been to "the track" even if as a passenger, and I realize it is quite a bit different than being on the street. That said, I've been driving a car now for 23 years, longer than most of you kids have been alive. I DO know how to drive a car. I was doing J-turns before I even knew what one was. I have experimented with car control and car dynamics in more ways than most will experience in a lifetime. No, I'm not a professional and don't claim to be, but on the other hand, I'm not some punk 15yr old kid who just got his license and added some new springs/shocks/wheels/tires to his car.

I will eventually spend time behind the wheel of my own car on a track, it will happen. Eric and I have been talking about hitting Barber some next year as my brother lives in Birmingham so we'll have a place to crash. I will be more than happy to post up my initial lap times vs. my times after instruction from a professional driver. I don't doubt there is much for me to learn, but the pro's don't stop learning either. I would wager w/e wheeter wants to wager that I can run him down on any track on any given day. And next year, after I get some bills caught up (I'll finally be earning a nice paycheck again) I'll be willing to back that up on a track.

bobby,

you let Heeter suck you in every time, man.

And your attitude that you will be an instant Andretti on the track is a bad one. You'll be amazed how little you know until you are actually in the seat, driving the car. The passenger rides are great - but you dont really get the proper feeling in your ass of what is going on with the car and the track until you have actually done it. believe me.

Maybe you'll be a fast leanrer and you car control on the road thus far will be helpful. But I'll wager a dollar to a donut that you have car control habits now that are actually going to be a disservice to you in a high performance driving situation.

I say this not to argue with you, but just to give you some perspective.

Go - track your car - its setup well for that. You'll have a blast. Just be humble going into it. The guy with the S54 powered M Coupe who was waving me by told me he was an excellent driver too. And it wasn't his first driving school either.

And really - dont let Heeter suck you into these fights.

[RCWells]

bobby,

you let Heeter suck you in every time, man.

And your attitude that you will be an instant Andretti on the track is a bad one. You'll be amazed how little you know until you are actually in the seat, driving the car. The passenger rides are great - but you dont really get the proper feeling in your ass of what is going on with the car and the track until you have actually done it. believe me.

Maybe you'll be a fast leanrer and you car control on the road thus far will be helpful. But I'll wager a dollar to a donut that you have car control habits now that are actually going to be a disservice to you in a high performance driving situation.

I say this not to argue with you, but just to give you some perspective.

Go - track your car - its setup well for that. You'll have a blast. Just be humble going into it. The guy with the S54 powered M Coupe who was waving me by told me he was an excellent driver too. And it wasn't his first driving school either.

And really - dont let Heeter suck you into these fights.

Advice well taken on all counts Dave. I don't necessarily think that I'm an Andretti by any stretch of the imagination, just making the point that I'm not the typical teen with a license and a racer boy mentality.

I absolutely believe there is/would be much for me to learn about driving a car fast around a track and sooo look forward to the days when I can. It won't be too much longer now as I graduate in Dec. and can begin working seriously towards that end. By next summer I would love to be hitting Barber with a properly set up car.

[hamann318is]

Morgan,

I dont care that you dont care.:p

We all did a track day with no instructor, and all my friends think they're track gods. So I just stick to autox until I can get some cash money for a DE... that and pretend I drive a M3.

[Sean]

HUMBLE - key word here fellas.

I don't see what all this bitching is about? NOT A SINGLE ONE OF US are perfect drivers. Some can get around tracks faster than others, some have been driving longer than others, some have autocrossed more than others, some have been car-control skills than others....what it all comes down to is - WE ALL HAVE MORE TO LEARN. (before you jump down my throat - this isn't directed towards anyone)

That's my two cents, anyway. lol

I'll tell you what. At my first driving school, I followed EVERY SINGLE WORD of advice my intructor gave. One thing you have to realize is you need to let the instructor warm up to you. They don't know how you drive, and are very nervous at first. Take it easy, wait for them to tell you it's time to pick up the pace, and try harder. Also - be very open with them. Tell them your goals for the day, tell them what you want to learn, tell them your plans on the track - that way they are surprised by it and they can offer advice relating to your goals.

It's all learning. BABYSTEPS...another key word.

Just be humble, and go there with the intention to learn and nothing else and you will do just that, and be amazed with the results.

My first driving school was awesome, and I plan on hitting many many many more.

I think that's all I gotta say. :)

[Iain]

There's a few more keywords people need to learn too:

- BEER. More of it needs to be consumed, away from cars.

- CHILL THE FUCK OUT. Who cares if Person X doesn't track their DTM GrpA M3? Not your car, not your problem.

- POOP. More of it needs to go on hoods.

[Simon S]

- POOP. More of it needs to go on hoods.

hmmm. yes. quite.


.

[Iain]

Simon raises a valid point. We should all drink beer.

Excellent idea, I like this boy! Hire him immediately, the force is strong within him!

[Sean]

There's a few more keywords people need to learn too:

- BEER. More of it needs to be consumed, away from cars.

- CHILL THE FUCK OUT. Who cares if Person X doesn't track their DTM GrpA M3? Not your car, not your problem.

- POOP. More of it needs to go on hoods.

I forgot to mention those.

Thanks, Iain! :D

[2002maniac]

meh, who cares?

[Iain]

I forgot to mention those.

Thanks, Iain! :D

Beer. Not a beer worry.


These subliminal beer messages brought to you by

BEER

[Febi Guibo]

I thought 'Fosters' was Australian for 'Beer' ...thanks for translating!!

--
Hey, this isn't a knock on anyone who hasn't driven on a track etc. but if you care about cars and like driving, do a driver's school, HPDE, etc. it will *blow* your mind (and often, your wallet --funny that way).

I thought I was a 'decent' driver before I went to driver's school... it completely changed everything. I've gone at least 1x/year for the last 4 years and it's worth every penny.

Trust me, if you haven't done one of these, and think you know how to drive, get ready for a surprise... you will never think about cars the same way again, truly.

so DO IT... beg, borrow, etc. ...and read Carl Lopez's book 'Going Faster'.

As a postscript, late last year I finally got my SCCA letter... here's hoping it can help me get those points off my license! :D