How to get my ''full'' mojo back?

spearfish25 · 03-17-2011, 09:54 PM

I hear ya. I had a spin on the track that freaked me out. It still lingers in my mind during track days. But that spin was far less costly (no damage or issues whatsoever) than doing the same thing on a city street.

The safest place to start getting your confidence back is probably autoX. Aside from killing some cones, you're not going to damage anything. The track is probably second. The first few track sessions (and perhaps TRACK DAYS), just take it easy. Reacquaint yourself with the sensations. Then pick the safe parts of the track and start working through your fears and apprehensions. It wouldn't be so much fun if there wasn't a bit a thrill involved! Just take calculated risks.

I like to keep a sticker on my steering wheel that says "this is not a race". That way I don't start pushing to pass slower cars in passing zones or getting upset they're slowing me down in corners. It also keeps me slower in the 'dangerous' corners.

cossie1600 · 03-17-2011, 11:26 PM

When my brake line let go and I flew on the grass at Pocono, I had to sell the 350. I never was able to overcome it completely......

ChrisSlicks · 03-17-2011, 11:42 PM

Auto-X is definitely the best place to regain your confidence pushing at the limit (and beyond) especially if you can find one that has some decent speed. Track is good to but you have to be far more progressive as there are still plenty of things to hit.

MightyBobo · 03-18-2011, 03:01 AM

Well well, I sure missed THIS thread. If it makes you feel better, I have plenty of footage of my incident

Registered for my first HPDE (TrackDaze VIR - Nov 16/17)

Everyone I talked to who is FAR more experienced than I simply said that I'll be better for this. It was true - I hit the track 8-ish months later with a clear head (and better instructor), and had a GREAT time!

Pointless to type more on my feelings - spearfish did a great job summarizing all my thoughts. Get your confidence back, preferably on a track, and go forward.

cossie1600 · 03-18-2011, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyBobo

Well well, I sure missed THIS thread. If it makes you feel better, I have plenty of footage of my incident

Registered for my first HPDE (TrackDaze VIR - Nov 16/17)

Everyone I talked to who is FAR more experienced than I simply said that I'll be better for this. It was true - I hit the track 8-ish months later with a clear head (and better instructor), and had a GREAT time!

Pointless to type more on my feelings - spearfish did a great job summarizing all my thoughts. Get your confidence back, preferably on a track, and go forward.

saw your video with the crash, s9orry to hear that. i am glad you are back out, i love vir. what can match the surge of the climbing esses?

MightyBobo · 03-19-2011, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

saw your video with the crash, s9orry to hear that. i am glad you are back out, i love vir. what can match the surge of the climbing esses?

Those climbing esses are intense, but hitting the rollercoaster just right was my favorite feeling. Naturally, that corner just happened to be the one that bit me in the *** the one time I pushed it too hard haha

ImportConvert · 03-18-2011, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPOHN

I need some advice and hopefully some other members experiences with wreaks/ spinouts. Whether on the track or what not. In case you don't know or remember my thread on my story here's a link.

My Story (Good Pics)

It's been three years since this happen. And I haven't been back in a sports car or any car with some sort of decent power/ handling to keep my game sharp. They say once you fall down get back up and go right back at it. Well I didn't have that opportunity.

So now that I'm back and trying to refine my skills back to what they were. I'm doing good and somewhat feel I still have it. I do feel I'm a great driver. Above average. That's just my confindence speaking. Even though I'm getting there pretty quickly. I can't get it out of my head that I'm going to just run off the road due to my accident that happen. Just paranoid through every turn I make. And the thing is that day was just bad conditions mostly. Cold weather and pea gravel. Yes I shouldn't of been pushing it hard that day but you get carried away.

What do you guys think it takes. Time? Practice? What do you suggest? Besides smart comments. I'd also like to hear from guys that may of had similier experiences.

On the street:

My suggestion is not to give it the gas until the wheel is pointed straight/you are sure of the surface. If it spins, clutch in, gas off, and don't try to look like a hero.

I wrecked a car one time trying to play hero in a corner in less than ideal conditions and that is the lesson I took home from it. Cheap lesson, all considered.

On the track: Get some exposure, have fun, only get on it when there is no chance (or greatly reduced, as there is ALWAYS risk) of damage to yourself or your car from a spin-out.

In general: When you no-longer feel anxiety about the possibility of something bad happening when you push man and machine to the limit, you have crossed from confidence to stupidity. A little anxiety is healthy. It's called self-preservation.

Jordo! · 03-18-2011, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

In general: When you no-longer feel anxiety about the possibility of something bad happening when you push man and machine to the limit, you have crossed from confidence to stupidity. A little anxiety is healthy. It's called self-preservation.

Amen to that

SPOHN · 03-18-2011, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyBobo

Well well, I sure missed THIS thread. If it makes you feel better, I have plenty of footage of my incident

Registered for my first HPDE (TrackDaze VIR - Nov 16/17)

Everyone I talked to who is FAR more experienced than I simply said that I'll be better for this. It was true - I hit the track 8-ish months later with a clear head (and better instructor), and had a GREAT time!

Pointless to type more on my feelings - spearfish did a great job summarizing all my thoughts. Get your confidence back, preferably on a track, and go forward.

I agree about being better for it happening. I really believe if your not spinning out or losing control your not pushing yourself to the limits to know them. Great vid. I watch it about 20 times. I spend alot of time watching all types of video of others to try to see different ways of enter turns, braking, and what not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

In general: When you no-longer feel anxiety about the possibility of something bad happening when you push man and machine to the limit, you have crossed from confidence to stupidity. A little anxiety is healthy. It's called self-preservation.

I like that.

spearfish25 · 03-18-2011, 09:19 AM

Another great option for improving skill is carting. My buddies and I have found that we do much better at autoX events if we do some indoor carting the week prior.

SPOHN · 03-18-2011, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

Another great option for improving skill is carting. My buddies and I have found that we do much better at autoX events if we do some indoor carting the week prior.

Now that I would be up to. There's a great Mario A. one here GA also.

Armonster · 03-18-2011, 11:30 AM

Instead of worrying about your anxiety, you could consider its benefits and use it as a positive. Like others have said above, anxiety is a healthy (and to some extent preferable) response in dangerous situations. In moderation, anxiety can keep you focused on an intense task and heighten your senses. If you're not scared, something is wrong! That is also why I refuse to go rock climbing with people who have absolutely no fear.

SPOHN · 03-18-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armonster

Instead of worrying about your anxiety, you could consider its benefits and use it as a positive. Like others have said above, anxiety is a healthy (and to some extent preferable) response in dangerous situations. In moderation, anxiety can keep you focused on an intense task and heighten your senses. If you're not scared, something is wrong! That is also why I refuse to go rock climbing with people who have absolutely no fear.

I never really never thought of this way until everyone on this thread stated it. Thats why I'm glad I did. I'll come to a peace of mind to embrace this. Thanks.

03-17-2011, 09:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	I hear ya. I had a spin on the track that freaked me out. It still lingers in my mind during track days. But that spin was far less costly (no damage or issues whatsoever) than doing the same thing on a city street. The safest place to start getting your confidence back is probably autoX. Aside from killing some cones, you're not going to damage anything. The track is probably second. The first few track sessions (and perhaps TRACK DAYS), just take it easy. Reacquaint yourself with the sensations. Then pick the safe parts of the track and start working through your fears and apprehensions. It wouldn't be so much fun if there wasn't a bit a thrill involved! Just take calculated risks. I like to keep a sticker on my steering wheel that says "this is not a race". That way I don't start pushing to pass slower cars in passing zones or getting upset they're slowing me down in corners. It also keeps me slower in the 'dangerous' corners. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

03-17-2011, 11:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 654	Auto-X is definitely the best place to regain your confidence pushing at the limit (and beyond) especially if you can find one that has some decent speed. Track is good to but you have to be far more progressive as there are still plenty of things to hit. __________________ Hotchkis ARB \| Stillen CAI \| Art Pipes \| Berk CBE \| Stillen AP Racing Brakes \| AE Performance Oil Cooler \| BC Racing ER Coilovers \| Doran Control Arms

03-18-2011, 03:01 AM	#4 (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	Well well, I sure missed THIS thread. If it makes you feel better, I have plenty of footage of my incident Registered for my first HPDE (TrackDaze VIR - Nov 16/17) Everyone I talked to who is FAR more experienced than I simply said that I'll be better for this. It was true - I hit the track 8-ish months later with a clear head (and better instructor), and had a GREAT time! Pointless to type more on my feelings - spearfish did a great job summarizing all my thoughts. Get your confidence back, preferably on a track, and go forward. __________________ I don't own a car anymore.

03-18-2011, 09:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	Another great option for improving skill is carting. My buddies and I have found that we do much better at autoX events if we do some indoor carting the week prior. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

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03-17-2011, 11:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	When my brake line let go and I flew on the grass at Pocono, I had to sell the 350. I never was able to overcome it completely......

03-18-2011, 11:30 AM	#12 (permalink)
Armonster Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 270 Drives: 2010 370z t/sp/6mt Rep Power: 15	Instead of worrying about your anxiety, you could consider its benefits and use it as a positive. Like others have said above, anxiety is a healthy (and to some extent preferable) response in dangerous situations. In moderation, anxiety can keep you focused on an intense task and heighten your senses. If you're not scared, something is wrong! That is also why I refuse to go rock climbing with people who have absolutely no fear.