Autox
10-23-2013, 07:14 AM
#1
Autox
Hi All,
I'm very new to autox and so far I'm really bad at it (but want to improve) my next race is Saturday. One of the many things I'm having a problem with is left foot braking I start off the run doing it and by the first or second turn I realize that iv'e switched to my right.
Is it that beneficial to left foot brake?
Joe
I'm very new to autox and so far I'm really bad at it (but want to improve) my next race is Saturday. One of the many things I'm having a problem with is left foot braking I start off the run doing it and by the first or second turn I realize that iv'e switched to my right.
Is it that beneficial to left foot brake?
Joe
10-23-2013, 07:34 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
Absolutely. Look for "how to drive fast" by Alex Lloyd. I'll stop short of saying it is the best reference but it will, at the very least, tell you WHY it is important. My last instructor cautioned me that it is very hard to learn while on the track because, as you have found, reflex takes over under pressure.
I've been practicing while city driving and after a few months still find myself reverting back.
I've been practicing while city driving and after a few months still find myself reverting back.
10-23-2013, 07:42 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
Some folks do and some don't. Sam Strano (multi time national champ) doesn't do it and does not recommend it. Personally I have always found it pretty natural, probably from karting.
10-23-2013, 07:44 AM
#4
Drifting
If you are new to autox, I wouldn;t worry about left foot braking yet.
Learn clean, smooth lines, and get comfortable pushing the car hard before you start tweaking with things like left foot braking. It is an important skill, but you are trying to do fine motor work before you tackle the rough motor work...
Learn clean, smooth lines, and get comfortable pushing the car hard before you start tweaking with things like left foot braking. It is an important skill, but you are trying to do fine motor work before you tackle the rough motor work...
10-23-2013, 10:08 AM
#5
80% of being a fast autoxer is looking ahead. Work on that. It should naturally balance you between driving aggressive and smooth.
10-23-2013, 10:25 AM
#6
Absolutely. There's far more important things to worry about when you are first learning to autox. Work on the low hanging fruit first.
80% of being a fast autoxer is looking ahead. Work on that. It should naturally balance you between driving aggressive and smooth.
80% of being a fast autoxer is looking ahead. Work on that. It should naturally balance you between driving aggressive and smooth.
I have a total of 13 runs at 3 events and unfortunately 7 of those where DNF'S !
10-23-2013, 10:51 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
In some cars it's really important to left foot brake, in particular it really helps in front drivers. I used to left foot brake in RX-7's, but when I went to C4's found that it just made the car push straight ahead and didn't help. Look ahead and drive the car and don't worry about it.
I practiced left foot braking in the RX-7 by driving it that way every day for months, to the point where it became second nature. Only then was I successful at doing it.
The point being that you will drive in an autocross or the track the same way you drive on the street, because that is what is hard wired to your brain. In order to retrain your brain you have to do the same thing on the street as you do on the track.
Another technique that you can practice every time you drive is learning smooth and accurate turn in. If every time you enter a corner you think about what you are looking at (in terms of arc and speed) and then try to smoothly turn the wheel ONCE and then HOLD IT THERE until you finish the corner (and obviously you might have to correct your line as you learn this technique so you don't hit anything or run off the road at first). The objective of the exercise is to program your mind as to how much you need to smoothly turn the wheel. This eliminates the urge that a lot of novices have to initially turn the wheel too fast and to yank the car into the turn to "set" it, and then back out of the steering to prevent the car from going into the weeds. The end result is a much smoother corner entry without upsetting the car.
I practiced left foot braking in the RX-7 by driving it that way every day for months, to the point where it became second nature. Only then was I successful at doing it.
The point being that you will drive in an autocross or the track the same way you drive on the street, because that is what is hard wired to your brain. In order to retrain your brain you have to do the same thing on the street as you do on the track.
Another technique that you can practice every time you drive is learning smooth and accurate turn in. If every time you enter a corner you think about what you are looking at (in terms of arc and speed) and then try to smoothly turn the wheel ONCE and then HOLD IT THERE until you finish the corner (and obviously you might have to correct your line as you learn this technique so you don't hit anything or run off the road at first). The objective of the exercise is to program your mind as to how much you need to smoothly turn the wheel. This eliminates the urge that a lot of novices have to initially turn the wheel too fast and to yank the car into the turn to "set" it, and then back out of the steering to prevent the car from going into the weeds. The end result is a much smoother corner entry without upsetting the car.
10-23-2013, 01:33 PM
#8
In some cars it's really important to left foot brake, in particular it really helps in front drivers. I used to left foot brake in RX-7's, but when I went to C4's found that it just made the car push straight ahead and didn't help. Look ahead and drive the car and don't worry about it.
I practiced left foot braking in the RX-7 by driving it that way every day for months, to the point where it became second nature. Only then was I successful at doing it.
The point being that you will drive in an autocross or the track the same way you drive on the street, because that is what is hard wired to your brain. In order to retrain your brain you have to do the same thing on the street as you do on the track.
Another technique that you can practice every time you drive is learning smooth and accurate turn in. If every time you enter a corner you think about what you are looking at (in terms of arc and speed) and then try to smoothly turn the wheel ONCE and then HOLD IT THERE until you finish the corner (and obviously you might have to correct your line as you learn this technique so you don't hit anything or run off the road at first). The objective of the exercise is to program your mind as to how much you need to smoothly turn the wheel. This eliminates the urge that a lot of novices have to initially turn the wheel too fast and to yank the car into the turn to "set" it, and then back out of the steering to prevent the car from going into the weeds. The end result is a much smoother corner entry without upsetting the car.
I practiced left foot braking in the RX-7 by driving it that way every day for months, to the point where it became second nature. Only then was I successful at doing it.
The point being that you will drive in an autocross or the track the same way you drive on the street, because that is what is hard wired to your brain. In order to retrain your brain you have to do the same thing on the street as you do on the track.
Another technique that you can practice every time you drive is learning smooth and accurate turn in. If every time you enter a corner you think about what you are looking at (in terms of arc and speed) and then try to smoothly turn the wheel ONCE and then HOLD IT THERE until you finish the corner (and obviously you might have to correct your line as you learn this technique so you don't hit anything or run off the road at first). The objective of the exercise is to program your mind as to how much you need to smoothly turn the wheel. This eliminates the urge that a lot of novices have to initially turn the wheel too fast and to yank the car into the turn to "set" it, and then back out of the steering to prevent the car from going into the weeds. The end result is a much smoother corner entry without upsetting the car.
I know i'm doing after the run is over and driving in to hot to make up time.
10-23-2013, 03:44 PM
#9
I don't autox as much as I would like these days. I just did one last month after almost 2 years being away from it. But my first 3 times were within hundreths of a second of each other. That consistency comes from looking ahead.
Next time you are at the starting line at an autox there is only two words that should enter your head. Look ahead.
10-23-2013, 04:09 PM
#10
Drifting
The most important part of looking ahead, I believe, is knowing where the course goes. This will improve your times the most. Get out and walk it several times -- at least once without distraction from talking with others. Try to walk the course as if you are sitting in the driver's seat and take the line you feel is best. Stop and look back at where you've come from. Either visualize the course or make a quick sketch. You should be able to draw the course in your mind. From there, you can look ahead.
Learn what's important on course. Many cones are a distraction and can be ignored. Learn to recognize the apex (which may or may not be the one(s) marked.) Figure out how to get from corner to corner in the fastest line. Look to the next corner and not the one you're taking as you prepare to line up for it.
Learn when you need to give up speed to go faster. Use soft hands and feet as you apply gas and brakes. Smooth is faster. And, finally, let other faster drivers take your car out before you spend money on "go-fast" parts. We all find out that what's needed most is seat time.
--Dan
Learn what's important on course. Many cones are a distraction and can be ignored. Learn to recognize the apex (which may or may not be the one(s) marked.) Figure out how to get from corner to corner in the fastest line. Look to the next corner and not the one you're taking as you prepare to line up for it.
Learn when you need to give up speed to go faster. Use soft hands and feet as you apply gas and brakes. Smooth is faster. And, finally, let other faster drivers take your car out before you spend money on "go-fast" parts. We all find out that what's needed most is seat time.
--Dan
10-24-2013, 05:42 AM
#11
OK.Look ahead and I need to keep reminding myself not to drive into the corners so hard.
Do you guys have recommendations on what air pressure I should run in the tires?
I have Nitto 555 street tires that are brand new. 285/40/17 in front and 315/35/17 in the rear. I ran 37 in all 4 corners last time.
Do you guys have recommendations on what air pressure I should run in the tires?
I have Nitto 555 street tires that are brand new. 285/40/17 in front and 315/35/17 in the rear. I ran 37 in all 4 corners last time.
10-24-2013, 06:48 AM
#12
Drifting
Usually run 2#'s higher pressure in front on tires. My street tires I use 38 front, 36 rear hot. But those are PS2's. Every tire is different , but I would start there