01-11-2007, 05:15 PM
I have driven on the track mostly in cars with out electronic aids. And I have driven a few Z06s on the track.
It was late on a hot, humid day in Florida, I was in a Z06, I was seeing the red mist and braked too late going into a corner. The electronic aids saved my butt. Is that a good thing? For the wallet, yes. If I didn't realize my series of mistakes leading to that point, then NO. Fortunately, I had the experience to realize what happened, and take appropriate action (parked the car, it was hard because it was open track).
It is easier to drive a newer car (boxster and 996/7) faster and smoother than most older cars. The newer cars do handle better. The problem that I have with electronic aids on the track is with it applying the brakes to stabilize the car. Some students don't feel when this is happening. They interpret that the car is stable and can be driven harder, and faster on the next lap. By reducing the cars natural tendencies to under/over-steer (depending on the driver inputs and situation), and by increasing this threshold until the car is out of control, in my opinion reduces the education the student is receiving and increases the possibility for more serious incident.
The electronic aids we are discussing were designed for use on the street, and are well suited to saving one's behind. Generally, when one of these aids are activated on the street, it is usually due to; gross driver error (incorrect inputs), or a surprise (animal, slick road, etc). In these situations the car is usually not being pushed to the limits and the electronic aid help by taking appropriate action to keep the car going in the direction it was intended. Conversely on the track, the car is generally being pushed to its limits (or at least someone is trying to). This is the difference.
Drive au natural
It was late on a hot, humid day in Florida, I was in a Z06, I was seeing the red mist and braked too late going into a corner. The electronic aids saved my butt. Is that a good thing? For the wallet, yes. If I didn't realize my series of mistakes leading to that point, then NO. Fortunately, I had the experience to realize what happened, and take appropriate action (parked the car, it was hard because it was open track).
It is easier to drive a newer car (boxster and 996/7) faster and smoother than most older cars. The newer cars do handle better. The problem that I have with electronic aids on the track is with it applying the brakes to stabilize the car. Some students don't feel when this is happening. They interpret that the car is stable and can be driven harder, and faster on the next lap. By reducing the cars natural tendencies to under/over-steer (depending on the driver inputs and situation), and by increasing this threshold until the car is out of control, in my opinion reduces the education the student is receiving and increases the possibility for more serious incident.
The electronic aids we are discussing were designed for use on the street, and are well suited to saving one's behind. Generally, when one of these aids are activated on the street, it is usually due to; gross driver error (incorrect inputs), or a surprise (animal, slick road, etc). In these situations the car is usually not being pushed to the limits and the electronic aid help by taking appropriate action to keep the car going in the direction it was intended. Conversely on the track, the car is generally being pushed to its limits (or at least someone is trying to). This is the difference.
Drive au natural
friend /frɛnd/
–noun
1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter: friends of the Boston Symphony.
3. a person who is on good terms with another; a perso
–noun
1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter: friends of the Boston Symphony.
3. a person who is on good terms with another; a perso