Mt Tam I am's Driving Journal

wstar · 06-04-2013, 12:05 AM

I basically always drive my truck now unless I'm test-driving something on the Z. I have similar internal monologues, but now a lot of it's things like "OMFG, I'm in this big-*** boat of a truck and your little wannabe race-car has to take this corner 20mph slower than I can? You should just use a bicycle if you're gonna go that slow, it'd save a lot of gas".

blackcherry20 · 06-04-2013, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

I basically always drive my truck now unless I'm test-driving something on the Z. I have similar internal monologues, but now a lot of it's things like "OMFG, I'm in this big-*** boat of a truck and your little wannabe race-car has to take this corner 20mph slower than I can? You should just use a bicycle if you're gonna go that slow, it'd save a lot of gas".

Morning!! love it-you should come back and visit...with more internal dialogue!

Mt Tam I am · 06-05-2013, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

Morning!! love it-you should come back and visit...with more internal dialogue!

Please do return.

wstar · 06-12-2013, 08:08 AM

It's pretty mentally and physically exhausting. I normally do a lot of physical work around the house/garage every day and then also write software the rest of the day, and I still only sleep from around midnight to 6-7AM. On track weekends, I often get back to the motel from Saturday's sessions around 6-7pm and find it difficult not to just pass out on the bed immediately. If you're driving home directly from a track day (which I usually do on Sundays), it pays to take it a little easy on your final session or two.

Of course: it goes without saying that you should really pay attention to hydration and nutrition over these weekends, and try to get a few really good nights of sleep leading up to it. Drinking during a track weekend or even a few days before is out, too.

Mt Tam I am · 06-12-2013, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

It's pretty mentally and physically exhausting. I normally do a lot of physical work around the house/garage every day and then also write software the rest of the day, and I still only sleep from around midnight to 6-7AM. On track weekends, I often get back to the motel from Saturday's sessions around 6-7pm and find it difficult not to just pass out on the bed immediately. If you're driving home directly from a track day (which I usually do on Sundays), it pays to take it a little easy on your final session or two.

Of course: it goes without saying that you should really pay attention to hydration and nutrition over these weekends, and try to get a few really good nights of sleep leading up to it. Drinking during a track weekend or even a few days before is out, too.

Wow I agree with everything to a tee.
My very first event was in the rain and I never ate all day I was so excited. I mentally crashed so hard I could not safely drive the last event. I felt wimpy but this may have been one of the best decisions of my life. Proper nutrition and hydration keep you mentally sharper. Fuel for you, just like fuel for the car, is just as true. I force myself to eat and drink.

One hour before I take a dramamine and a couple ginger pills. I take a 5 hour energy and again at lunch. This takes me till 5 PM and I usually feel pretty charged from adrenaline, I might be able to drive home 2.5 hours but my gal does not want to and have never tried. I think it a wise decision not to drive back actually, as I age I can't do what I once did, ie go for days without sleep.

A standard post event, might be to hook up with a few other drivers at Chilli's and decompress with stories of how and why. I like this best. Afterwards I can relax go for a walk and be asleep by 10 PM. Most other drivers go home after Laguna Seca. Sears Point is only 45 minutes away so I do drive home from here.

Temperature can play a role too. A 70-80 degree day is better than a 80-100 degree day for me. Actually for me 50-70 is best. I get too hot tired and sweaty.

BC20: Did you leave the credit card at the gas pump?
I review my camera footage to help with memory of the event.
The total mental crash has been lessened with more events under my belt which stand at 10 total. I am sure a good portion is the food and water, plus knowing how to prepare between driving sessions. I get gas, sit in the shade, talk to various people and know what time I'm on next. Seems simple but not stressing keeps me sharper and less fatigued too.

My only autocross type event, was an all day event followed by my 30th high school reunion which I attended afterward until about 10 PM where I got to the end of my rope. The drive home was also the first time the little lady complimented my driving.

A memorable day.

blackcherry20 · 06-12-2013, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Wow I agree with everything to a tee.
My very first event was in the rain and I never ate all day I was so excited. I mentally crashed so hard I could not safely drive the last event. I felt wimpy but this may have been one of the best decisions of my life. Proper nutrition and hydration keep you mentally sharper. Fuel for you, just like fuel for the car, is just as true. I force myself to eat and drink.

One hour before I take a dramamine and a couple ginger pills. I take a 5 hour energy and again at lunch. This takes me till 5 PM and I usually feel pretty charged from adrenaline, I might be able to drive home 2.5 hours but my gal does not want to and have never tried. I think it a wise decision not to drive back actually, as I age I can't do what I once did, ie go for days without sleep.

A standard post event, might be to hook up with a few other drivers at Chilli's and decompress with stories of how and why. I like this best. Afterwards I can relax go for a walk and be asleep by 10 PM. Most other drivers go home after Laguna Seca. Sears Point is only 45 minutes away so I do drive home from here.

Temperature can play a role too. A 70-80 degree day is better than a 80-100 degree day for me. Actually for me 50-70 is best. I get too hot tired and sweaty.

BC20: Did you leave the credit card at the gas pump?
I review my camera footage to help with memory of the event.
The total mental crash has been lessened with more events under my belt which stand at 10 total. I am sure a good portion is the food and water, plus knowing how to prepare between driving sessions. I get gas, sit in the shade, talk to various people and know what time I'm on next. Seems simple but not stressing keeps me sharper and less fatigued too.

My only autocross type event, was an all day event followed by my 30th high school reunion which I attended afterward until about 10 PM where I got to the end of my rope. The drive home was also the first time the little lady complimented my driving.

A memorable day.

see previous post. I DID NOT FOLLOW YOUR INSTRUCTIONS!! sigh. and I am still paying for it. Wednesday and still worn out. I feel realy stupid. But I will do it to the letter next time because THIS sucks the joy out of the fun I had 3 days ago.

(congrats on 10 events- experienced drivers told me time and again on sunday-seat time makes you better-don't rush it)

Mt Tam I am · 06-12-2013, 12:41 PM

I totally get the missed advice. who could have thought it would knock the stuffing out of you? Just driving. It is a far more physical sport than I ever imagined. I knew the mental aspect would come into play, but why these guys spend hours at the gym is now clear.

wstar · 06-12-2013, 12:59 PM

Well, another factor is most people are too tense their first event (or three, or five). Death-grip on the steering wheel, leg muscles and torso all locked up, etc. You have to learn to relax while you're driving at speed, and that takes some seat time as well. Then it's not as bad on the physical front. Focus on remembering to breathe (if you pay attention, you'll catch yourself holding your breath through the tricky corners, etc), and start reminding yourself to relax and take each hand off the steering wheel and shake it out (one at a time!) during long straights.

Mt Tam I am · 06-12-2013, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

Well, another factor is most people are too tense their first event (or three, or five). Death-grip on the steering wheel, leg muscles and torso all locked up, etc. You have to learn to relax while you're driving at speed, and that takes some seat time as well. Then it's not as bad on the physical front. Focus on remembering to breathe (if you pay attention, you'll catch yourself holding your breath through the tricky corners, etc), and start reminding yourself to relax and take each hand off the steering wheel and shake it out (one at a time!) during long straights.

Such good advice. The breathing thing. Who'd think you'd need a reminder but I hear on some of my track tapes. "Breathe, breathe" And you are correct, as time goes on I do breathe normally.

I have a picture taken of me with my my last two fingers not touching the steering wheel, demonstrating a light grip. What I like about this pic is that my hand is at twelve o'clock while my hold is at 3 and 9 o'clock, and I am traveling WOT at 75+ MPH with 90 degrees of turn. I'll post it some day.

EDIT Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Turn 6 LS - Picture

blackcherry20 · 06-12-2013, 08:36 PM

Thanks guys. I agree. Totally blind sided by my devastated psyche.
Basic things like breathing. And body tenseness. Being mindful of these things is important as is the nutrition-hydration-resting prior to. Gawd. I broke EVERY freaking rule!!!!! Sigh.

Thankful for you guys having experience and sharing it w me!!

Next time will be better!

Mt Tam I am · 06-13-2013, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

Next time will be better!

It sure will.

Mt Tam I am · 06-13-2013, 12:16 AM

Here is that picture.

Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Turn 6 LS - Picture

blackcherry20 · 06-13-2013, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Here is that picture.

Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Turn 6 LS - Picture

great pic!! Relax, breathe, hydrate, relax, breathe, eat, hydrate, relax....repeat!
and take LOTS of pics for your forum friends

Mt Tam I am · 06-13-2013, 09:16 AM

A week or so ago my VDC turned itself off mid turn, due to half a reservoir of brake fluid. Keep this filled up to Max.

Oddly I have turned VDC off manually every day since. I usually just leave it on but I forgot how much more alive the car is when off.

MightyBobo · 06-12-2013, 10:59 PM

Every event, I bring plenty of hydrating fluids and snacks. Better yet, StangerGT brings his portable grill and we grill out at lunch time.

After each outing, I drink one bottle of drink, or at least a half bottle. Yes, I'm pissing all the time, but I'm not drying out - that's for sure.

06-04-2013, 12:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3595	I basically always drive my truck now unless I'm test-driving something on the Z. I have similar internal monologues, but now a lot of it's things like "OMFG, I'm in this big-*** boat of a truck and your little wannabe race-car has to take this corner 20mph slower than I can? You should just use a bicycle if you're gonna go that slow, it'd save a lot of gas". __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

06-12-2013, 08:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3595	It's pretty mentally and physically exhausting. I normally do a lot of physical work around the house/garage every day and then also write software the rest of the day, and I still only sleep from around midnight to 6-7AM. On track weekends, I often get back to the motel from Saturday's sessions around 6-7pm and find it difficult not to just pass out on the bed immediately. If you're driving home directly from a track day (which I usually do on Sundays), it pays to take it a little easy on your final session or two. Of course: it goes without saying that you should really pay attention to hydration and nutrition over these weekends, and try to get a few really good nights of sleep leading up to it. Drinking during a track weekend or even a few days before is out, too. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

06-12-2013, 12:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3843	I totally get the missed advice. who could have thought it would knock the stuffing out of you? Just driving. It is a far more physical sport than I ever imagined. I knew the mental aspect would come into play, but why these guys spend hours at the gym is now clear. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

06-12-2013, 12:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3595	Well, another factor is most people are too tense their first event (or three, or five). Death-grip on the steering wheel, leg muscles and torso all locked up, etc. You have to learn to relax while you're driving at speed, and that takes some seat time as well. Then it's not as bad on the physical front. Focus on remembering to breathe (if you pay attention, you'll catch yourself holding your breath through the tricky corners, etc), and start reminding yourself to relax and take each hand off the steering wheel and shake it out (one at a time!) during long straights. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

06-12-2013, 08:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240459	Thanks guys. I agree. Totally blind sided by my devastated psyche. Basic things like breathing. And body tenseness. Being mindful of these things is important as is the nutrition-hydration-resting prior to. Gawd. I broke EVERY freaking rule!!!!! Sigh. Thankful for you guys having experience and sharing it w me!! Next time will be better! __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

06-13-2013, 12:16 AM	#12 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3843	Here is that picture. Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: Turn 6 LS - Picture __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

06-13-2013, 09:16 AM	#14 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3843	A week or so ago my VDC turned itself off mid turn, due to half a reservoir of brake fluid. Keep this filled up to Max. Oddly I have turned VDC off manually every day since. I usually just leave it on but I forgot how much more alive the car is when off. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

06-12-2013, 10:59 PM	#15 (permalink)
MightyBobo A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 8,465 Drives: No cars; only bikes Rep Power: 53	Every event, I bring plenty of hydrating fluids and snacks. Better yet, StangerGT brings his portable grill and we grill out at lunch time. After each outing, I drink one bottle of drink, or at least a half bottle. Yes, I'm pissing all the time, but I'm not drying out - that's for sure. __________________ I don't own a car anymore.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
O&G's Journal	O&G	Member's 370Z Gallery	648	02-16-2017 03:30 PM
a6walter1's Journal	a6walter1	Member's 370Z Gallery	33	08-04-2014 11:28 AM
My Journal gone	SPOHN	The370Z.com Feedback, Suggestions & Questions	12	11-13-2012 02:12 AM
RHD's Journal	rhd	Member's 370Z Gallery	3	06-07-2012 02:37 PM
Z BEST Journal	Z BEST	Member's 370Z Gallery	26	01-09-2011 03:19 PM