Racing simulators and driver education

[michael lang]

Glen, getting back to your subject. I participate in iRacing. I started using the simulator because one of the tracks was Summit Point & Jefferson. I figured I get alot out of it because of that one reason.

This season I have primarily focused on Shenandoah but I did one event at Summit Main this November. It also was the first time I have done Summit Point since I started using the simulator. At the start of the first session of the weekend even on the beginning laps it felt right. It felt as though I had already done a weekend's worth of sessions and I was calm, comfortable, & relaxed in the car. My focus was magnified to the point where I was able to see things on the track that I had not noticed before. By having the simulator it allowed me really push my comfort zone and start learning a few new techniques that I have wanted to try but didn't have the confidence or skill. I experienced the exact same thing when Mercedes Benz sent me to Laguna Seca a couple of weeks ago during the SLS launch (that car is really going to give alot of cars a run for its money). Just imagine going to a track that you have never even been to spectate at and driving it as if you have been going there for years. What a valuable tool to have!! (not trying to steal an analogy from another thread)

And Bob you are right, it's not seat of your pants, and you don't feel the g-forces that you feel in the car but you do get the rythm of how the track flows, the graphics are incredibly accurate, and you'd be surprised how many times you find yourself turning your head to look deeper into a turn or feeling a bump on the track surface that you hit in the simulator that you have actually hit in real life. I understand that it is really just a video game but I honestly that if I continue to go on my simulator that I will be more alert and focused, I will be a smoother driver, which will make me a faster driver. I believe this is preparing me for the next level in my driving.

Simulators are such a valuable piece of equipment regardless of whether or not you're practicing for a race or to fly an airplane or anything else that requires alot practice. If it's available to you and you can get it, than what's stopping you.