so what exactly do you have to do....

m4a1mustang

Most important thing is not to panic. It can be pretty easy to talk about what you should do to bring the tail end back in order, but for many people it's difficult to execute simply because they aren't expecting the slide and panic, or just don't have that "feel."

Best advice I can give is just to learn how to drive on the edge in a controlled environment. Sign up for some high performance driving classes... ride along with licensed instructors at track days, etc. Get some seat time and feel what it's like to drive on a race track and start pushing the edge as you gain confidence.

You can also do some PC sim racing to supplement your real life experience. A realistic simulator like iRacing.com (which uses laser scanned tracks, accurate to the millimeter) and a good setup and routine practice will keep your senses up in between track days.

At the end of the day, though, some people are just born with it. I can hang the tail out all day long with a smile on my face. For others, a little bit of wheel spin could lead to a panic situation and a crash.

MaximumPwr

lmao

RCZ

No, you will not lose control in normal driving. You have to be going fast in corners close to the limits of the car for this to apply. Most people have no idea where the limits of their cars are though and thats the dangerous part. This isn't just race track stuff though, lots of people like to go fast on exit ramps for example...I've seen more than a few instances where people lose it or almost lose it because they back off the throttle abruptly mid-corner. Remember, be smooth with the throttle and you will be OK. Even if you are mid corner going super fast, you can get off the gas, but you must do it SMOOTHLY. Count to 5 when as you are letting off.

RWD is not bad. You can drive your car hard chim, don't worry about these things just yet. Just be aware of them...

It takes experience, end of the story.

Also I am always hesitant to suggest video games because people are just like "what?". But this is a HUUUUUUUUGE point. I wish everyone who is starting to drive a sports car would be FORCED to buy a Logitech G25 Racing wheel and GTR2. There are other good simulations and steering wheels too. THe G25 has a gated shifter and a clutch though, so it is the most realistic.

You guys have NO idea how helpful these "games" can be. They help you build automatic responses to slides/understeer/snap oversteer/ wheelspin/ spins/ weight transfer/ smoothness/ the correct line around corners. In a completely safe environment.

I highly HIGHLY suggest you guys who are just learning to handle RWD Spend $20 for GTR2 and $60 for a Logitech MOMO Racing Steering Wheel. If you have a little more cash, DEFINITELY get the Logitech G25 Wheel. You will thank me later.

Also, to the ones who gave me Rep, thank you. Lets me know my comments are appreciated and that they are actually being read. As stupid as it sounds, it justifies spending 15 min replying to a thread for the good of the members.

CrownR426

I'd drift my stress away on the lighter note

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!xoible

that's what i find like a catch-22 situation with the Z. i have never been on the track, i get all the theory but in action it's always different. i want a track car to go on the track and practice that. the Z doesnt let u because requires that you are already experienced (VDC off = know ur stuff or die)...

chubbs

It IS possible for the back end of a Z to break away when you're accelerating in a straight line. It's happened to me accidentally, and I've done it on purpose too, on quite a few occasions.

RCZ is right - the thing to do is get yourself plenty of off-road practice and make this sort of thing happen intentionally, so you know what to do if/when it DOES happen.

...because it WILL happen one day, unless you drive with granny boots on - and most of us don't. The last thing you want is for it to be a surprise.

Be safe.

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'03 Grey >>> '06 Black >>>'10 Silver >>> '16 Grey ^

mattkim85

alright so does anyone know of any good racing schools in SOCAl?

CrownR426

ask the dmv

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Chupacabra

Opa-Locka??? Xtreme indoor is left turn into left hair pin, never been to the one in opa-locka.

anyways good info, never thought about the counting from 3-6 while breaking, i was taught to hit the pedal once hard enough not to lock, and then ease off and apply pressure repeatedly (essentially making a human ABS).

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RCZ

I havent tried xtreme yet, but Opa Locka is outdoors and it is an absolute blast. They have 8HP karts with rental non-race tires on now. That means if you dont know what youre doing..you are going to learn very very quickly. Lessons learned on the kart track are invaluable. I can almost guarantee you that Opa Locka is the best rental place around Miami. Open, fast, lots of passing opportunities and the track takes a while to perfect. I've been racing there for like 3 years and my friend for over 6. We are are usually within a tenth off each other. If you are around the area, I highly encourage you to come race with us.

!xoible -
1) Get a bunch of $1 dollar training "flat cones" at your local sport store's soccer section.
2)Wait for rain. (if not you will be going faster and it will be harder to break it lose. AND you will smoke your tires.)
3)Find a parking lot with enough space.
4) set up a "U" shaped turn or simply outline a circle with the cones.
5) Practice breaking lose the rear end and holding a slide through the cones. OR if you set up the circle, practice holding the slide around the circle as long as possible.

This is one of the activities when you go to driving school. They call it a "skid pad" and they soak it with water for you..which is very cool.

It will help you a crapton if you go with someone who knows what they are doing already. Eventually your brain will stop saying "freak out" and start saying "countersteer enjoy"