Another metric I use, how well the steaks turn out in the paddock at VIR, using only a power outlet. Sous Vide, then finish them off in an electric skillet with garlic butter is the current standard, but I think there's more there. How long I can stay in front of Mike Skeen when he's driving some student's 991.2 GT3RS is another metric.
I love how you mention heart rate. I was working with a large German manufacturer on some of their race cars. One thing we measured during the laps was heart rate. The engineers were intently interested in the efficiency of every aspect, including the driver. I often make brains explode when I talk about how racing is not about speed...it's about efficiency. The efficient use of fuel, tires, brakes, and other expendables, including the driver, is a great determination of potential success. If you overuse any of those things, expect to lose. Maximize your efficiency, and winning is in your future.
As my lap times seem to be reaching a plateau, I’m trying to quantify consistency between laps now within a session. That helps me not get hung up on absolute lap time and factor out changing track conditions and tire life.
Bingo. There are plenty of people who can run a single magical lap time at some point. But it takes real skill to optimize and be an overall faster driver.
I’ve been thinking about this as I prepare to go drive at Spa and the Ring, for the first time. Since I don’t expect to set any records, I’m trying to think about how I can be more aware of the joy in driving. I’ll use some of your techniques--focusing on the sounds and the sights--but I wonder if you have any other ideas?
At the Ring and Spa, just appreciate where you are! With the Ring, you’re so busy just focusing on where you’re going and what you need to do that it’s not too hard to stay focused - because you have to! And knowing that, no matter how good a driver you are, there is absolutely no way you’re going to beat some lap record. As I said, just appreciate how fortunate you are to be able to drive these two amazing circuits. Have fun! I can’t wait to read about your experience.
As usual you help us consider the bigger picture Ross! No doubt especially right now in the heat of summer the same lap with less effort and stress on the car is big . And as I start my 70th year my wife says I'm allowed to go faster if I keep the same margin, we're currently in talks if that would be 8 or 9.2 10ths!
Ross, thank you for your suggestions over the years. Those years are exactly what determines my laptimes. Now at 85 there seams no way to shave the age deterioration!
I have had an issue for many years where I learn a track rather quickly, then do some quick laps and go no faster from there. Really bugs me but not sure how to fix that. I do not have any data aq so I use lap times and the weather for calculating where I should be, but usually am not.
I’m sure this isn’t a new idea to present to you, but I’ve found myself in the same boat at my regular track and started messing with gearing. For the longest time I thought 3rd was the fastest way through a complex. I tried different sections in 4th and suddenly gained avg speed and dropped time. It seems like the more awkward something feels, the more there is to learn from it.
I agree Aaron. 40+ years at the same 3 or 4 tracks has its drawbacks for sure, but over the years I have picked some time here and there with gearing, different tire pressures and using varying lines that seem to suit my car.
Another metric I use, how well the steaks turn out in the paddock at VIR, using only a power outlet. Sous Vide, then finish them off in an electric skillet with garlic butter is the current standard, but I think there's more there. How long I can stay in front of Mike Skeen when he's driving some student's 991.2 GT3RS is another metric.
I love how you mention heart rate. I was working with a large German manufacturer on some of their race cars. One thing we measured during the laps was heart rate. The engineers were intently interested in the efficiency of every aspect, including the driver. I often make brains explode when I talk about how racing is not about speed...it's about efficiency. The efficient use of fuel, tires, brakes, and other expendables, including the driver, is a great determination of potential success. If you overuse any of those things, expect to lose. Maximize your efficiency, and winning is in your future.
As my lap times seem to be reaching a plateau, I’m trying to quantify consistency between laps now within a session. That helps me not get hung up on absolute lap time and factor out changing track conditions and tire life.
Bingo. There are plenty of people who can run a single magical lap time at some point. But it takes real skill to optimize and be an overall faster driver.
I’ve been thinking about this as I prepare to go drive at Spa and the Ring, for the first time. Since I don’t expect to set any records, I’m trying to think about how I can be more aware of the joy in driving. I’ll use some of your techniques--focusing on the sounds and the sights--but I wonder if you have any other ideas?
At the Ring and Spa, just appreciate where you are! With the Ring, you’re so busy just focusing on where you’re going and what you need to do that it’s not too hard to stay focused - because you have to! And knowing that, no matter how good a driver you are, there is absolutely no way you’re going to beat some lap record. As I said, just appreciate how fortunate you are to be able to drive these two amazing circuits. Have fun! I can’t wait to read about your experience.
That’s about where my head was at: I just want to soak in all the sensations.
As usual you help us consider the bigger picture Ross! No doubt especially right now in the heat of summer the same lap with less effort and stress on the car is big . And as I start my 70th year my wife says I'm allowed to go faster if I keep the same margin, we're currently in talks if that would be 8 or 9.2 10ths!
Ross, thank you for your suggestions over the years. Those years are exactly what determines my laptimes. Now at 85 there seams no way to shave the age deterioration!
Thanks for the help!
I have had an issue for many years where I learn a track rather quickly, then do some quick laps and go no faster from there. Really bugs me but not sure how to fix that. I do not have any data aq so I use lap times and the weather for calculating where I should be, but usually am not.
I’m sure this isn’t a new idea to present to you, but I’ve found myself in the same boat at my regular track and started messing with gearing. For the longest time I thought 3rd was the fastest way through a complex. I tried different sections in 4th and suddenly gained avg speed and dropped time. It seems like the more awkward something feels, the more there is to learn from it.
I agree Aaron. 40+ years at the same 3 or 4 tracks has its drawbacks for sure, but over the years I have picked some time here and there with gearing, different tire pressures and using varying lines that seem to suit my car.