NOTE: This is not my preferred method of posting this information. The Forum has a thread posting limitation of 10,000 characters which I have exceeded in this treatise. Therefore I have had to break it into 3 separate threads. Again, not to my liking. If you want to comment on the topic, I ask that all comments be made in the 1st thread eliminating the need to read multiple comments in Chapters 2 and 3. Thanks!
For those bringing their GT’s to the Rally 13 track day, much of what I list below has been provided here on the Forum over the many Rallies we have enjoyed in the past. I have scrubbed the prose which is general in nature for a track event. There may be a few items that do not apply to our track event, but it is good general information for owners new to the track experience and a good refresher to those with experience. Reading this will give you a general idea of track terms, equipment required, car preparation, personal expectations and above all having fun driving your car in a controlled manner on a track devoid of police and intersection traffic worries.
There will be three run group divisions, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced based on your assessment of your driver skill and prior (if any) track experience. We want you to feel comfortable in the run group of your choosing knowing the other cars in your run group are piloted by drivers with similar driving skills. I will ask the Advanced drivers to partner up with Novice drivers if asked to help them understand track etiquette. The legendary Mark McGowan (as well as others) has offered to float in different run groups where needed for track instruction. We will have an early morning drivers meeting (time TBD) at the track after which we will harvest the car tech inspection sheets (which may be posted prior to the rally but will also be available from Dr. Frank prior to the drivers meeting proper). Track day outings in prior GT rallies have always been great fun for all run groups. To begin to appreciate the level of performance Ford has designed in any of the Ford GT vehicles is quite amazing. It will be safe and fun for all participants. Just remember, this is not a race!
Objectives for Beginners at a High Performance Driving Event (HPDE)
The HPDE program is designed to impart a solid foundation of knowledge to the student. The key notions taught form the basic, building blocks upon which all driving skills are developed. Students are taught safe-driving skills on an enclosed, track under an instructor's supervision. At a minimum, students will be taught the following:
* How to drive the proper “line” of the track;
* How to utilize Turn-in, Apex, and Track-out cones as landmarks for track navigation;
* Proper braking, shifting, and cornering techniques;
* Proper seating, grasping of steering wheel, use of mirrors, etc.;
* Use of your vision (ocular driving), to look ahead, behind, etc.;
* Passing zones and no-passing zones;
* Proper use of passing signals and your responsibilities in both passing a car and being passed;
* General vehicle dynamics and car control;
* The numbers and names of corners and straights of the track;
* How to pre-visualize driving a proper lap;
* Motorsport park safety and corner-worker techniques and responsibilities; and
* How to have fun and learn while meeting some very nice people.
The correct line
The safest and most efficient way around a track is known as "the line." It is also the shortest way around the course and uses the entire (emphasis here, ENTIRE) course surface from one side to the other. It is vital to know where to place the car on the line so each turn can be consistently driven safely and smoothly.
The turn-in, apex, and track-out cones are key elements in the learning process which help you master proper cornering technique. Once these skills are mastered, you should be able to find the proper line around any course in two or three laps without the need for markers. Knowing "the line" and driving it properly every lap is the key to safe, smooth driving both on the track and public streets and highways.
Basic Notions of Track Driving
ABC
Acceleration, Braking, & Cornering, the three basic elements of driving.
100%
A vehicle has only 100% tire capability. If you are using 100% of its capability for braking, you have 0% remaining for either acceleration or cornering; if you are using 80% of tire capability for cornering, you only have 20% left for acceleration and 0% for braking or 20% left for braking and 0% for acceleration. The driver must balance vehicle capability between braking, cornering and acceleration.
Steering Wheel Position
Hands should be at 9 and 3 o'clock and in contact with the wheel at all times (except when shifting).
Turn-in, Apex, Track-out Points
Use turn-in cone as a reference to begin turn, the apex cone marks where the car should be at the mid-point in the turn, and the track-out cone as the target as you unwind the turn.
Braking and Shifting
All braking and downshifting must be done in a straight line. All braking should be finished before a turn is initiated. Upshifting should be done after exiting turns with the wheels straight.
Throttle
Never lift off the throttle while in a turn; use maintenance throttle, or smoothly increase the throttle through the turn.
Use of Steering Wheel
Use smooth, firm motions to minimize wasted use of the wheel.
Downshifting
Use brakes to slow down; do not use the transmission to slow the car. Make all transitions smoothly When moving from throttle to brake, brake to throttle, entry to, or exit from a corner, all actions should be smooth and decisive. Avoid any actions that could possibly unsettle the car.
Never Coast
Either be on the throttle (even maintenance throttle) or on the brake — never coast!
Proper Cornering Sequence
Safe cornering requires a conscious and repeatable sequence of driver actions to properly enter and exit turns. This sequence must be smooth and flowing and requires regular practice to make it a habit. The sequence is as follows, assuming turn entry from a straight section of the course:
Lift
While driving in a straight line and looking ahead, smoothly lift off the throttle.
Brake
Smoothly and progressively apply the brakes in a straight line. Not all turns require use of the brakes. Squeeze and ease is the technique. Heavy braking initially modulating to lighter as the turn-in point is neared.
Downshift
Using heel-toe technique, downshift to the appropriate gear to maintain torque to provide for acceleration out of the turn. Not all turns require downshifting.
Off the Brake
While looking ahead to the apex and beyond, smoothly release the brakes when you're ready to turn in.
Breath & Turn-In
Breath all the time! Practice ocular driving. Look where you want to go. The car WILL go where you look. Never look where you are. Always look ahead to the next point by physically turning your head. Slowly and smoothly turn the wheel to initiate the turn. Let your hands follow the eyes and use progressive steering.
Accelerate
After initiating the turn, smoothly apply maintenance throttle, then progressively increase the throttle as you pass the apex and begin to track out to the track-out point.
Track-Out
As you pass the apex, smoothly and progressively open the steering wheel. Let the car unwind to the track-out point. This is not always needed. Your instructor will explain when and how.
Talk Yourself Around the Course
An excellent way to learn a track at any point in your driving career is to talk yourself through the course. This is also a good technique when you haven't driven a session as well as you might. For a corner, for example, think and visualize the following:
BREATH ALL THE TIME This keeps you relaxed and focused
* Lift off the throttle.
* On the brake.
* Downshift.
* Off the brake.
* turn in.
* On the throttle.
* Track out.
Post-Run Routine
At the end of the run group, as you slow and cool the car down from at speed, practice driving the line at cool-down speeds. Always drive the line on the track at any speed. It helps with muscle/sight memory. Review the session with your instructor. Identify areas and skills with which you feel comfortable as well as turns and skills you need to improve.
Your goal is to have the course memorized turn by turn, in order of occurrence.
Use the course map to relive the session and talk yourself through each turn over and over. Lift, brake, downshift, off the brake, breath and turn in, on the throttle, track out. Visualize every turn in order and include any improvements needed. Visualize and memorize one perfect lap after another. Recognize mistakes but do not dwell on them. Always end by visualizing a perfect lap.
Getting Ready
You need to get your car ready ahead of time. It needs to be inspected. Fix anything that requires attention. It is important that you start this process well in advance of the event. Do not leave this process until the last few days before the event. What if you need something repaired on your car? You won't have time to get it done. Don't set yourself up for this increased stress. A few things to think about:
* When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed?
* Do the brake pads have at least 1/2 or more wear left in them?
* Does everything work?
* Do the tires have tread to meet the event rules?
* Is everything in proper working order?
Now go to second thread PREP FOR RALLY 13 TRACK EVENT
For those bringing their GT’s to the Rally 13 track day, much of what I list below has been provided here on the Forum over the many Rallies we have enjoyed in the past. I have scrubbed the prose which is general in nature for a track event. There may be a few items that do not apply to our track event, but it is good general information for owners new to the track experience and a good refresher to those with experience. Reading this will give you a general idea of track terms, equipment required, car preparation, personal expectations and above all having fun driving your car in a controlled manner on a track devoid of police and intersection traffic worries.
There will be three run group divisions, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced based on your assessment of your driver skill and prior (if any) track experience. We want you to feel comfortable in the run group of your choosing knowing the other cars in your run group are piloted by drivers with similar driving skills. I will ask the Advanced drivers to partner up with Novice drivers if asked to help them understand track etiquette. The legendary Mark McGowan (as well as others) has offered to float in different run groups where needed for track instruction. We will have an early morning drivers meeting (time TBD) at the track after which we will harvest the car tech inspection sheets (which may be posted prior to the rally but will also be available from Dr. Frank prior to the drivers meeting proper). Track day outings in prior GT rallies have always been great fun for all run groups. To begin to appreciate the level of performance Ford has designed in any of the Ford GT vehicles is quite amazing. It will be safe and fun for all participants. Just remember, this is not a race!
Objectives for Beginners at a High Performance Driving Event (HPDE)
The HPDE program is designed to impart a solid foundation of knowledge to the student. The key notions taught form the basic, building blocks upon which all driving skills are developed. Students are taught safe-driving skills on an enclosed, track under an instructor's supervision. At a minimum, students will be taught the following:
* How to drive the proper “line” of the track;
* How to utilize Turn-in, Apex, and Track-out cones as landmarks for track navigation;
* Proper braking, shifting, and cornering techniques;
* Proper seating, grasping of steering wheel, use of mirrors, etc.;
* Use of your vision (ocular driving), to look ahead, behind, etc.;
* Passing zones and no-passing zones;
* Proper use of passing signals and your responsibilities in both passing a car and being passed;
* General vehicle dynamics and car control;
* The numbers and names of corners and straights of the track;
* How to pre-visualize driving a proper lap;
* Motorsport park safety and corner-worker techniques and responsibilities; and
* How to have fun and learn while meeting some very nice people.
The correct line
The safest and most efficient way around a track is known as "the line." It is also the shortest way around the course and uses the entire (emphasis here, ENTIRE) course surface from one side to the other. It is vital to know where to place the car on the line so each turn can be consistently driven safely and smoothly.
The turn-in, apex, and track-out cones are key elements in the learning process which help you master proper cornering technique. Once these skills are mastered, you should be able to find the proper line around any course in two or three laps without the need for markers. Knowing "the line" and driving it properly every lap is the key to safe, smooth driving both on the track and public streets and highways.
Basic Notions of Track Driving
ABC
Acceleration, Braking, & Cornering, the three basic elements of driving.
100%
A vehicle has only 100% tire capability. If you are using 100% of its capability for braking, you have 0% remaining for either acceleration or cornering; if you are using 80% of tire capability for cornering, you only have 20% left for acceleration and 0% for braking or 20% left for braking and 0% for acceleration. The driver must balance vehicle capability between braking, cornering and acceleration.
Steering Wheel Position
Hands should be at 9 and 3 o'clock and in contact with the wheel at all times (except when shifting).
Turn-in, Apex, Track-out Points
Use turn-in cone as a reference to begin turn, the apex cone marks where the car should be at the mid-point in the turn, and the track-out cone as the target as you unwind the turn.
Braking and Shifting
All braking and downshifting must be done in a straight line. All braking should be finished before a turn is initiated. Upshifting should be done after exiting turns with the wheels straight.
Throttle
Never lift off the throttle while in a turn; use maintenance throttle, or smoothly increase the throttle through the turn.
Use of Steering Wheel
Use smooth, firm motions to minimize wasted use of the wheel.
Downshifting
Use brakes to slow down; do not use the transmission to slow the car. Make all transitions smoothly When moving from throttle to brake, brake to throttle, entry to, or exit from a corner, all actions should be smooth and decisive. Avoid any actions that could possibly unsettle the car.
Never Coast
Either be on the throttle (even maintenance throttle) or on the brake — never coast!
Proper Cornering Sequence
Safe cornering requires a conscious and repeatable sequence of driver actions to properly enter and exit turns. This sequence must be smooth and flowing and requires regular practice to make it a habit. The sequence is as follows, assuming turn entry from a straight section of the course:
Lift
While driving in a straight line and looking ahead, smoothly lift off the throttle.
Brake
Smoothly and progressively apply the brakes in a straight line. Not all turns require use of the brakes. Squeeze and ease is the technique. Heavy braking initially modulating to lighter as the turn-in point is neared.
Downshift
Using heel-toe technique, downshift to the appropriate gear to maintain torque to provide for acceleration out of the turn. Not all turns require downshifting.
Off the Brake
While looking ahead to the apex and beyond, smoothly release the brakes when you're ready to turn in.
Breath & Turn-In
Breath all the time! Practice ocular driving. Look where you want to go. The car WILL go where you look. Never look where you are. Always look ahead to the next point by physically turning your head. Slowly and smoothly turn the wheel to initiate the turn. Let your hands follow the eyes and use progressive steering.
Accelerate
After initiating the turn, smoothly apply maintenance throttle, then progressively increase the throttle as you pass the apex and begin to track out to the track-out point.
Track-Out
As you pass the apex, smoothly and progressively open the steering wheel. Let the car unwind to the track-out point. This is not always needed. Your instructor will explain when and how.
Talk Yourself Around the Course
An excellent way to learn a track at any point in your driving career is to talk yourself through the course. This is also a good technique when you haven't driven a session as well as you might. For a corner, for example, think and visualize the following:
BREATH ALL THE TIME This keeps you relaxed and focused
* Lift off the throttle.
* On the brake.
* Downshift.
* Off the brake.
* turn in.
* On the throttle.
* Track out.
Post-Run Routine
At the end of the run group, as you slow and cool the car down from at speed, practice driving the line at cool-down speeds. Always drive the line on the track at any speed. It helps with muscle/sight memory. Review the session with your instructor. Identify areas and skills with which you feel comfortable as well as turns and skills you need to improve.
Your goal is to have the course memorized turn by turn, in order of occurrence.
Use the course map to relive the session and talk yourself through each turn over and over. Lift, brake, downshift, off the brake, breath and turn in, on the throttle, track out. Visualize every turn in order and include any improvements needed. Visualize and memorize one perfect lap after another. Recognize mistakes but do not dwell on them. Always end by visualizing a perfect lap.
Getting Ready
You need to get your car ready ahead of time. It needs to be inspected. Fix anything that requires attention. It is important that you start this process well in advance of the event. Do not leave this process until the last few days before the event. What if you need something repaired on your car? You won't have time to get it done. Don't set yourself up for this increased stress. A few things to think about:
* When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed?
* Do the brake pads have at least 1/2 or more wear left in them?
* Does everything work?
* Do the tires have tread to meet the event rules?
* Is everything in proper working order?
Now go to second thread PREP FOR RALLY 13 TRACK EVENT
first round is on Dr. Frank if you do all three !
