Ludachris
Founder & Zookeeper
- 8,831
- 4,646
- Nov 12, 2001
-
Newcastle,
California
So I've come to the conclusion that I probably won't do any wheel-to-wheel racing with this car. I just couldn't trade paint with it. But I will work towards competing in Time Trials with it. The difference between Time Trials and racing in a series is basically this: in TT, you're racing for the fastest lap, in a series you're racing for position. Less agressive passing and fewer chances of damaging the car. Since your'e not fighting for position in TT, you're less likely to take on body damage. That's important for me. I've already put way too much money into this car. If I want to do some wheel-to-wheel racing, I'll just buy a second car for it and keep it mostly stock in the beginning.
Most people think the first steps to competition is getting the car ready. The truth is, the driver usually requires more work than the car. I've been participating in the NASA HPDE (High Performance Driver Education) program - it's the most affordable driver program and the quickest path to racing your car on the track around. The way it works is this - you start out in HPDE1 (there are 4 levels before you get to racing wheel to wheel). In HPDE1, you're required to have an instructor with you everytime you're on the track. Your instructor will work with you and give you the tools you need to move up to HPDE2. Once you've moved out of the first two groups you've pretty much learned how to drive the "line" and how to handle your car correctly. You've also learned the basics of track situations and are comfortable in most situations. Passing is very limited in these groups.
Once you reach HPDE3 (the group I'm currently in), you start focusing on driving smooth and are allowed to pass in more places on the track. At this point you want to work on consistency and awareness of your surroundings. Chances are you'll be passed more often. I never got passed in the first two groups, but that was because my car was fast and I was comfortable driving it. When you move up to HPDE3, you're surrounded by faster drivers and everyone on the track is more confident. You'll learn to use your mirrors more often. It's a little intimidating, but it's also a lot more fun. Once the lead instructor feels you're ready, you can move up to HPDE4, where you can pass without "point-by's" and you start competing for lap time. That's where I hope to be next season.
The car is almost ready but I still need to do some work to improve the cooling system, install my TCE brake kit, and pick up some wider wheels and tires. The car is fast and it handles well. But I will likely want some stiffer spring rates at some point. More and more the car is becoming less comfortable for street driving, but it's so worth it when the track events come around. I'm hoping to be in HPDE4 so I can start participating in Time Trials next season. The problem is that since NASA is in its first season out here there are a limited number of events to participate in, not to mention the limited number of tracks here at the moment. If the plans go through for the new track out here, we'll have plenty of reason for celebration.
Anyway, I thought I'd let you guys know what I'm doing with this beast.
Most people think the first steps to competition is getting the car ready. The truth is, the driver usually requires more work than the car. I've been participating in the NASA HPDE (High Performance Driver Education) program - it's the most affordable driver program and the quickest path to racing your car on the track around. The way it works is this - you start out in HPDE1 (there are 4 levels before you get to racing wheel to wheel). In HPDE1, you're required to have an instructor with you everytime you're on the track. Your instructor will work with you and give you the tools you need to move up to HPDE2. Once you've moved out of the first two groups you've pretty much learned how to drive the "line" and how to handle your car correctly. You've also learned the basics of track situations and are comfortable in most situations. Passing is very limited in these groups.
Once you reach HPDE3 (the group I'm currently in), you start focusing on driving smooth and are allowed to pass in more places on the track. At this point you want to work on consistency and awareness of your surroundings. Chances are you'll be passed more often. I never got passed in the first two groups, but that was because my car was fast and I was comfortable driving it. When you move up to HPDE3, you're surrounded by faster drivers and everyone on the track is more confident. You'll learn to use your mirrors more often. It's a little intimidating, but it's also a lot more fun. Once the lead instructor feels you're ready, you can move up to HPDE4, where you can pass without "point-by's" and you start competing for lap time. That's where I hope to be next season.
The car is almost ready but I still need to do some work to improve the cooling system, install my TCE brake kit, and pick up some wider wheels and tires. The car is fast and it handles well. But I will likely want some stiffer spring rates at some point. More and more the car is becoming less comfortable for street driving, but it's so worth it when the track events come around. I'm hoping to be in HPDE4 so I can start participating in Time Trials next season. The problem is that since NASA is in its first season out here there are a limited number of events to participate in, not to mention the limited number of tracks here at the moment. If the plans go through for the new track out here, we'll have plenty of reason for celebration.
Anyway, I thought I'd let you guys know what I'm doing with this beast.
