How was your first time on the track ?

Hello guys Just came back from a private session on the track and I was sort of dissappointed on the way i drove this car. I seemed lost on the track, i understand the logic but i was early on the apex , late on some, missed the toe and heel downshifts , the vision of the track was not what i expected and i was alone on the track with no pressure! It was my first time on the track and my god there is so much to learn. Braking , acceleration , downshifting etc etc etc...How did you all start and when did things start to really fall into place ? Thanks for your input guys

First...learn the track...get some pics of it...make a mental picture of it. Second, run the rack without using brakes, use only gears. Get that down...come back and learn braking later. You need to feel the limits of the car, this will actually instill confidence...forget tow heel for some time. Oh and have fun....

Don't be disappointed. Most people flail a little on the first day, especially if they are trying to go to fast too soon. Usually, on the second day of a two day DE things will begin to fall into place for a first timer. Your brain and eyes will slow things down for you and you'll be better able to focus on the important stuff. It really is an amazing process. Keep at it...you'll see.

I experienced all of the things that you described and I'm still at it. With repetition, you will learn the line. Everything falls in place after that. Get instruction every time you go out. Pick the bugs out of your teeth from the silly smile that you get when you get it right.

did you have any instructor or were you flying solo? if it's your first time on the track, you should be learning the track - SLOWLY at first and not worrying about heel/toe. Did someone show you "the line"? I think that we've all been there/done that with being lost at our first event and we had instructors who kept us slow and under control until we learned the basics.

just practice practice practice

Just go slower and learn smooth, percison and control.. Have fun! MTB

Try to go out next time w/ an experienced driver on that track, and follow him to observe the line, brake points, etc. You'll get there in no time! As has been already mentioned, don't stress over it - relax and have fun!

Quotes source post: 5620925

+1 on this idea, teaches you so much about line, braking, speed in and out of corners etc

Was this a one day event? Did you have an instructor beside you? Organized DE with instructors is, IMHO, the best and quickest way to learn to drive fast on track. On my first organized DE day, I could comprehend what was needed but could not quite DO it. Too many years of city driving. A bit disappointed in myself. I had fancied myself at least a "good driver", not the dork that was on track that day. Took a ride with the instructor in his car at full speed later that day, imagined myself doing it that night. First run next day, I finally got it. What it meant to "use the whole track", "brake hard early then ease up", "look up and prepare for the next turn", all things that are contrary to years of city driving. I had a gigantic grin the rest of that day. Two thumbs up and a slap on the back from the instructor, and I was like a puppy that was given a pat on the head. I went home exhausted but on an emotional high. Don't despair. Many years and many weekends later, I am close but still not as good as my first instructor was on his full speed run that first day. Take it slow, learn one thing at a time to get a sense of accomplishment. Use the whole track, learn the line, learn the brake hard-ease-up, be smooth. Basics that will serve you well. Above all, have fun!!! That's what it's really all about.

I've been instructing at DEs for about 5 years now and I always warn my students that they will be overwhelmed the first few times on track. Like you noted, there is so much to learn; flag stations, braking points, apexes, etc. You mentioned down-shifting and heel-toe. If my student is feeling lost, I usually recommend leaving it in 3rd gear and don't worry about shifting until you learn the track. Focus on learning the track first, keep at it and have fun.

Go to a racing school it will help you.

I was a total Klutz 25 years ago. Now I have been instructing for 22 years and I enjoy sharing the little bit I have learned. Just using one or two gears will allow you to learn the "line" on the track. Heel and toe on your first time out? Your instructor was pushing you too hard. Practice this on the street. Learn the line, then Learn where the flags are. (Your instructor should be watching them for you the first couple of run sessions.) Learn to look way far ahead. Practice being smooth on the gas and on the brakes. If you do this speed will come.