Really... either one would work. Ultimately, at either event you go at your own pace. You may have an instructor giving you tips, or trying to give you confidence... but no one is holding a gun to your head to go faster.

Overall I personally like HPDE better. But AutoX would be a good start to, its probably a bit safer, and its cheaper. More room for mistake.

If you go the HPDE route, you could jump in with the group that normally goes. I am guessing Rob will be going later this year... sadly I will only be able to do one =/


EDIT: you could always come to the May HPDE event (or any other) if you are not doing ZDayZ... and get an incentive ride from someone. Thats what I did my first time. Got me hooked instantly. You just walk down to the pits and ask for a ride when the more advanced groups go out.

If you ain't first, you're last!

Nah it's better and safer to get comfortable in a closed environment like HPDE or AutoX. If you screw something up, it won't be as bad as doing so on the street. If you've done a cruise then you should be able to handle either.

The important thing to know about AutoX/HPDE is that you go at whatever pace you feel comfortable and can handle. You don't have to have a certain skill level to be able to do them. If you want to go really slow, you can do so. Just signal for anyone stuck behind you to pass and you can continue at your own pace. The idea is to start from wherever you are and slowly build speed as you get better and better.

Thanks, guys. I'd love to talk with you about your experiences at the next meet.

Are you going to the AAM meet this Saturday? I will be there.

Barring unforseen circumstances, I'll be at the AAM event this Saturday. Should be fun and informative! I've never seen their facility before.

i think one of my calipers is seizing... but aside from that (or if i dont get the parts in time) i may go.

It's really nice and a lot of nice cars as well.

Driving a car fast is an extremely unforgiving art. Professionals make it look so easy, but the level they are performing at is the equivalent of a jogger versus an Olympic runner. The absolute worst place to find the limit is on the street - you're thinking a bit backwards as far as being "comfortable" in your car. It's the opposite: you go out with a professional to learn your own car, and then on the STREET you will be more comfortable.

So, my recommendation? Try a little AutoX or two. Then move up to HPDE.

Or just learn on the street like the pros did. :)

Gahd dahmnit, Steef.

Trust me, I know it's a technical skill that takes practice to master. I make no such mistake of thinking that it's as easy as the pros can make it look. The main problem that I've run into is that there are differing schools of thought on how best to approach the learning process, and everyone is completely in the tank for their own. I have no preconceived notions, or extreme loyalties, I just want to be smart.

The answer is, any one of these methods will teach you something. There is no wrong answer. You can even learn things in a public place without endangering folks. There are many lessons to learn

This is true.

Just depends on what you want to "learn". For instance, oversteer/countersteer is NOT something you want to really practice on a narrow, tree-lined road. But, you COULD practice "finding the line" at almost any speed. I ALWAYS do that when taking on and off ramps, personally.

On and off ramps are also good for maximizing your drift style points.

I want to learn it ALL. :|

:roflpuke2:

Seriously, I want to learn how to drive the car in a way that is controlled yet still feels exhilarating.