Car Control-How is it taught?

[Darren]

Racingswh wrote:

In an oversteer slide you do not add power but you do not lift either. Either of those actions actually take away from rear grip.

I think the issue is these things at some level are very hard to explain and understand without the experience to just know and feel them. The above is certainly not how I deal with oversteer in my Integra, I mash the gas pedal in an oversteering slide. I mash it and hold on! Besides the grip changing as you accel/brake(in this case less rear lateral grip because of applying accellerating force to the tire) you also have fore/aft weight transfer (which is why lifting doesn't work). If you can shift weight aft then you'll have more rear grip.

It's complicated, dynamic, and generalizations don't adequately teach car control.

Autox is a great place to learn some of these things -- it also often teaches bad habits that don't really apply at a racetrack. Trust me, it's very different responding to an emergency situation in the climbing esses at the Glen vs in a slalom at autox!

I think the single biggest thing people who are concerned about their emergency response can do is to delay going to r-compound tires. We're not racing out there, lap times don't matter. Street tires have a much more progressive grip level and they give great audio feedback.

Besides street tires, more seat time, with instruction, is key. I don't think putting off the track until you learn these things is the answer because that's the only place you will learn them.

As Todd mentioned about the rain -- its a great learning opportunity and I'm usually out there with him anytime it rains -- but not too many other people are. If you really want to blow your mind ask Todd or Bob for a ride in the rain.