thrashing the 440i around Donington
Discussion
Half a lap is far too long to be holding people up. You should be aware of the faster cars behind you and time it to clear off out of the way so that neither of you get held up for more than a handful of seconds. Those ultra slow cars holding you up - that’s how people running quicker cars feel about you!
wioifoiee said:
Julian Thompson said:
Half a lap is far too long to be holding people up. You should be aware of the faster cars behind you and time it to clear off out of the way so that neither of you get held up for more than a handful of seconds. Those ultra slow cars holding you up - that’s how people running quicker cars feel about you!
You have no idea of the circumstances i was referring to, the specific cars i was speaking of, or where these situations ocurred on the lap.You do not know, of what you speak. Silence, my brother.
I was coaching some guys at Combe a few weeks ago and the very first thing I try and get them to do is be aware of traffic and learn how to move out of the way efficiently and obviously with the minimum damage to their own rhythm.
There is never an excuse for half a lap of holding someone up. One or two corners is the absolute maximum.
Interestingly I happened to be on circuit myself up at Donington a few weeks ago whilst Sir Chris Hoy was enjoying some leisurely laps in his beautiful GT3RS. Superb driving - he wasn’t trying to go that fast at all but his awareness of traffic ahead of and behind him was outstanding - you can always tell a pro driver by the way they manage traffic.
There is never an excuse for half a lap of holding someone up. One or two corners is the absolute maximum.
Interestingly I happened to be on circuit myself up at Donington a few weeks ago whilst Sir Chris Hoy was enjoying some leisurely laps in his beautiful GT3RS. Superb driving - he wasn’t trying to go that fast at all but his awareness of traffic ahead of and behind him was outstanding - you can always tell a pro driver by the way they manage traffic.
Edited by Julian Thompson on Saturday 18th July 10:05
Wioifoiee,
Trying to keep this a constructive discussion, a couple of thoughts to consider:
Perhaps, another reason for not drifting is that it distracts attention from others on the track, such as not letting faster cars past (probably also another rule broken) that you mentioned.
Also, maybe to a Marshall at a distance who has to watch multiple cars at speed, its hard to judge which cars are drifting under control or heading out of control with minimal roll over protection (I have seen someone roll a car trying to do lift off over steer). Some organisers see fit to err on the side of precaution (safer option) ?
Trying to keep this a constructive discussion, a couple of thoughts to consider:
Perhaps, another reason for not drifting is that it distracts attention from others on the track, such as not letting faster cars past (probably also another rule broken) that you mentioned.
Also, maybe to a Marshall at a distance who has to watch multiple cars at speed, its hard to judge which cars are drifting under control or heading out of control with minimal roll over protection (I have seen someone roll a car trying to do lift off over steer). Some organisers see fit to err on the side of precaution (safer option) ?
Julian Thompson said:
Half a lap is far too long to be holding people up. You should be aware of the faster cars behind you and time it to clear off out of the way so that neither of you get held up for more than a handful of seconds. Those ultra slow cars holding you up - that’s how people running quicker cars feel about you!
Couldn't agree more. Do unto others etc...I was at the same event as the OP - many of the stoppages were caused by offs into gravel, and largely people in RWD cars. The marshalls have a hard enough job policing these events without having to try and discern between those who are talented and those who aren't. Whilst it's obvious the OP can control a car, perhaps he'd be better off going to bespoke drift events if that's his thing?
The OP also mentions lap timing in the video. Some track day organisers have issued lengthy bans for this in the past. I'd advise an edit.
Looks like fun, love a beemer round donington. Few understeer moments, but mostly looked like controlled oversteer to me. And no, its hardly drifting, you're barely using a quarter turn of opposite lock, pro drifters are fully sideways coming into corners!
Be honest- did you ever spin? If you didnt, then i see no problem, you were driving within your limits. However i think i have to err on the side of caution with trackdays... massive mix of abilities on track at once, and as you saw, other drivers/bmws have got it wrong and caused a redflag, which then slows up everything for everyone- remember, a redflag causes everyone to stop, not just you. A day would run a lot smoother with no red flags.
Be honest- did you ever spin? If you didnt, then i see no problem, you were driving within your limits. However i think i have to err on the side of caution with trackdays... massive mix of abilities on track at once, and as you saw, other drivers/bmws have got it wrong and caused a redflag, which then slows up everything for everyone- remember, a redflag causes everyone to stop, not just you. A day would run a lot smoother with no red flags.
Julian Thompson said:
Interestingly I happened to be on circuit myself up at Donington a few weeks ago whilst Sir Chris Hoy was enjoying some leisurely laps in his beautiful GT3RS. Superb driving - he wasn’t trying to go that fast at all but his awareness of traffic ahead of and behind him was outstanding - you can always tell a pro driver by the way they manage traffic.
I think driving at the LM24 does help with your traffic thinking! Very cool.Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff