Drivers Mantra

tbro · Postby **tbro** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 8:26 pm

From Speed Secrets, Ross Bentley

Every performance driver should drive an under-tired, under-powered, no-driver-aid-enhanced car before driving a modern, fast, high performance car.

And I don't mean just once.

In fact, drivers should not move up to a faster car with traction and stability control until they're able to consistently drive something like a Miata, E30 BMW, or something similar very near its limit. Consistently. Period.

Why?

I see far too many drivers who rely on the super high-performance levels of their car, as well as the stability control and ABS… and they're not even aware that they are doing so, or how much these aids are helping them get around the track. Sure, they're fast. Well, their car is, at least.

If you truly want to be a good driver, spend a lot of time in a car with little horsepower and grip. Learn to drive a "momentum car" - one that won't allow you to make up for a mistake by simply pushing down harder on the throttle. Learn to drive a car with little traction, rather than one that makes you fast, simply because of its superior suspension and super-sticky tires.

In other words, learn to drive - and don't let your car drive you.

"BTY, if you ever get the chance to do a course with Ross, do it, amazing man and great teacher
Terry

The American · Postby **The American** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:45 am

This book is also on my shelf.
My first Mx5 allowed/required all of the throttle most of the time, and the challenge was driving a course in such a way that you carried as much speed as possible in a corner to the beginning of the next straight. Because of the limited power, a fast time was almost all about the braking, and positioning the car in the corner to carry the speed that takes so long to acquire when you haven't got much power.

There is also something enjoyable about driving a car at its limits, with all of its throttle, and you can't do that often, if you've got loads of power.

The TopGear 'star in a reasonably priced car' is a classic example of the fun that's possible when you've only got a few KW to rub together.