Short-Throw

I've discussed this topic countless times with my local racing buddies and would be interested in hearing from the forum if there is a bias.

Obviously in a perfect racing world, you would place pole and never relinquish the lead until checkered flag. Hold that thought mutually exclusive in this discussion which is aimed more at the 'fun factor'.

Which do you enjoy more:

1) Being the lead car and trying to fend off competitors or,
2) Trying to eek out a 1/10th every corner and overtake another car.

So we don't morph HPDE and racing, lets remember that HPDEs are often schools as well. Assume that in an HPDE, you earn an overtake by a point-by and take the checkered by having nobody pass you (and not because you were slower but refused to give it up despite driving 'flat-out').

I personally prefer to chase as it's more rewarding to me.

Again this isn't about winning, who doesn't want to win right? It's about a specific time sequence when you're on track.


Thoughts?


Mike

jvp

My point of reference is only HPDE, but I definitely enjoy the chase. I like it even better if I can't pass the guy I'm chasing: it's more educational that way. Some of the most fun I've had on the track has found me behind someone just a hair (or more) faster than me.

jas

Jason

TT I'd rather be in front. Hard to get a clean lap even with a faster car in front of you.

jvp

For little it may be worth, I've timed some of my fastest laps at Summit Point while chasing someone who was a good deal faster than I.

jas

PaConehead

From an HPDE standpoint - I'd rather follow/chase, I enjoy watching where I can gain ground - and eventually pass

Jason

All depends how MUCH faster and where on track. Cars with monster hp can still hold you up in a brake zone.

AU N EGL

From 20 some years of bicycle racing; Only win by what you need to. Never any more.

For HPDEs, just drive do what your instructor says

Dont follow anyone. Their line may not be that good.

Omaha02Z06

For HPDE I would rather take advice from an instructor and try to better my driving than worry about competing with others. Open track day…probably follow. For one if I mess up I don’t have to worry about someone on my *** that may hit me and two I like the chase.

jaa1992

My last TT event at Road Atl answered that question for me.

Trading places, I passed a C5 in my class in one short straight and led him for 3/4 a lap and he passed me on the back straight. Then I did my darndest not to lose sight of him.

I still need to digest the data from the traqmate on that one. I found a bit of speed in several turns that I didn't know I could get! And found some suspension issues that need worked out so I can get more speed in the turns. They are all momentum cars, so not scrubbing off more speed than you need too, exiting a turn with as much speed as possible is the name of the game - right?

jvp

Fair enough. The kinds of cars, and more importantly: drivers that I'm referring to are the ones that are always faster, in the corners, down the straights, and into the braking zones. I've met a few of those in my 15 years of HPDEs, and have enjoyed every minute of chasing their tail lights.

jas

jvp

Here's an example of what I'm talking about. Fast-forward to about 10:00 and watch for the silver 996 Turbo. He was highly modified, running slicks, and driving the **** out of that car.

jas

Timz06

HPDE, doesn't matter, as there is no competition. The slower car waves the faster car by.

TT, I prefer to be out front for sure.

Racing, it is really hard to pass, so being out front is better in my opinion. if you have other cars behind you with equal speed, you have to drive your mirrors and take a defensive line, but better than trying to pass them.

0Randy@DRM

"I would rather be in 2nd place, then 1st on the last lap"
Valentino Rossi

WNeal

Actually, I have been that guy just barely ahead and doing some blocking and being just barely behind and being blocked.
Either way, mixing it up when those types of sessions come along are always the most fun.

Z06trackman

All my favorite times at HPDE are when I am very closely matched with another driver, and we chase each other for a whole session, trading places every few laps with a friendly point.

WNeal

Not at all HPDE
The 10/10ths Advanced group is very fast and we are "unofficially competing when we get the right guys on track.
LINK

When it comes together with the right "trusted" and competent guys, these sessions can be an absolute blast and very skill building. If you watch, the Z06 is working hard to keep me at bay and I am working hard to get around. Usually the Orange Pumpkin is right in that mix as well but I think he had some really crap tires for this session

SouthernSon

I enjoy leading. Every one of the those few seconds at a time!

WNeal

Few seconds my a$$
I can't catch you

John Shiels

I know it is against the golden rule but not always true in HPDE. As long as I am in a close match it's fun. I was in one hate match once and that was intense.

trapp

Hands down its chasing........When in the lead I don't have as much fun...I love to see the action in front of me and enjoy "hard to catch" competition......I have a great pic of an modified Evo 9 just in front of me at the autobahn country club. I was on his tail for a few laps and finally was waved bye...The photographers at the event had a perfect pic of both cars coming out of a corner......The driver of the Evo was wide eyed and looking in rear view mirror with my vette glued to his tail.....Priceless

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/pict...ictureid=80517