Its my first year of racing... I have some questions!
Discussion
Hi All
Its my first year of racing - with the first race of the season in just over a fortnight! (Production BMW Championship)...
My team have pretty much handled everything for me - I'm just doing the driving but there are a few things I've been given to sort out, the cars livery which is currently being done and a few other things here and there.
A few things I was wondering about - firstly, does the series organizer provide cars with transponders or is this something we have to supply ourselves? (or does it vary from series to series)...
Also, where can I get my car weighed? Obviously it has min. weight requirements in my series.
Is there any general advice you can give me for my first year of racing? Specifically on the racing part as all mechanical things are dealt with by my team members?
Cheers
Its my first year of racing - with the first race of the season in just over a fortnight! (Production BMW Championship)...
My team have pretty much handled everything for me - I'm just doing the driving but there are a few things I've been given to sort out, the cars livery which is currently being done and a few other things here and there.
A few things I was wondering about - firstly, does the series organizer provide cars with transponders or is this something we have to supply ourselves? (or does it vary from series to series)...
Also, where can I get my car weighed? Obviously it has min. weight requirements in my series.
Is there any general advice you can give me for my first year of racing? Specifically on the racing part as all mechanical things are dealt with by my team members?
Cheers
TREMAiNE said:
Hi All
Its my first year of racing - with the first race of the season in just over a fortnight! (Production BMW Championship)...
My team have pretty much handled everything for me - I'm just doing the driving but there are a few things I've been given to sort out, the cars livery which is currently being done and a few other things here and there.
A few things I was wondering about - firstly, does the series organizer provide cars with transponders or is this something we have to supply ourselves? (or does it vary from series to series)...
Also, where can I get my car weighed? Obviously it has min. weight requirements in my series.
Is there any general advice you can give me for my first year of racing? Specifically on the racing part as all mechanical things are dealt with by my team members?
Cheers
Well good luck first of all. Its my first year of racing - with the first race of the season in just over a fortnight! (Production BMW Championship)...
My team have pretty much handled everything for me - I'm just doing the driving but there are a few things I've been given to sort out, the cars livery which is currently being done and a few other things here and there.
A few things I was wondering about - firstly, does the series organizer provide cars with transponders or is this something we have to supply ourselves? (or does it vary from series to series)...
Also, where can I get my car weighed? Obviously it has min. weight requirements in my series.
Is there any general advice you can give me for my first year of racing? Specifically on the racing part as all mechanical things are dealt with by my team members?
Cheers
Most important thing to remember is don't get carried away. You cannot win the race in the first corner and to win, first you have to finish. Get some half a dozen race finishes without incident under your belt. Experience and time behind the wheel is more important than going fast to begin with. And hitting the wall will hurt !
Transponders - speak to TSL timing - they sell them. Others may do as well.
Getting your car weighed. Here's a really good piece of advice. Always weigh your car at the circuit you're racing at before qualifying. Believe me different circuit scales can give different readings. Even if you've weighed your car on your own scales that are spot on, it will be the scrutineers scales that count, not yours.
Main advice is stay out of trouble. Take it easy. Build up slowly. In a race remember you have to get to the flag. When you're being lapped, stay on your line. Don't move over thinking you're making it easier. The car that's overtaking you will make the move on you. Hold you're line.
Oh and whatever you think it will cost you - it will actually cost a lot more.
Keep track of what your team is charging you. Get them to confirm all costs in advance.
And enjoy !
Edited by woof on Wednesday 8th April 15:43
As above you need to supply the transponder, although tsl will often have them available to hire at the circuit, from memory it's about £40
With regards to weight, I'd expect the scales to be open early so head down before qualifying, I think most PBMW's can get up to weight just using fuel unless your very light, I struggle but am using an older shell which is quite a bit lighter.
If your a few kilos off I think there's some steel plate in my truck which you can borrow to bolt to the floor, I'll be in the paddock from Thursday (car 62) or I've heard of people running with the spare wheel in place just make sure it's secure.
With regards to weight, I'd expect the scales to be open early so head down before qualifying, I think most PBMW's can get up to weight just using fuel unless your very light, I struggle but am using an older shell which is quite a bit lighter.
If your a few kilos off I think there's some steel plate in my truck which you can borrow to bolt to the floor, I'll be in the paddock from Thursday (car 62) or I've heard of people running with the spare wheel in place just make sure it's secure.
Are you at Croft in your series?
If so what date?
Top advice of the other posts
Try and get as many track days under your belt - although you cannot actually race or even time yourself it gives you time behind your wheel without feeling under any pressure.
Would like to catch up as l am in the same position ( but not BMW)
If so what date?
Top advice of the other posts
Try and get as many track days under your belt - although you cannot actually race or even time yourself it gives you time behind your wheel without feeling under any pressure.
Would like to catch up as l am in the same position ( but not BMW)
Thanks for all the advice guys!
As much as PH isn't what it used to be, its nice to still have friendly people willing to help out!
Looks like I'll be ordering a Transponder at some point this week!
I've done a hell of a lot of track days over the last 12 months (probably averaged about one a month). I'd say that I have the driving part quite well covered... Its the actual racing part that's got my nerves going... That's where I struggle having obviously never raced!
In fact, you can see my inability to overtake here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkknt4TN80A
My lap times were considerably longer behind this MX5 but I just didn't know when to overtake... Hopefully I'll learn a lot this season and be more competitive next year!
My only other worry that I was last on track in early March and then next time I'm on track is the first race in a fortnight... So that's 8 weeks without track driving and on a track day it normally takes me a good hour to actually get into the swing of it - obviously I don't have the luxury of all that practice time!
As much as PH isn't what it used to be, its nice to still have friendly people willing to help out!
Looks like I'll be ordering a Transponder at some point this week!
I've done a hell of a lot of track days over the last 12 months (probably averaged about one a month). I'd say that I have the driving part quite well covered... Its the actual racing part that's got my nerves going... That's where I struggle having obviously never raced!
In fact, you can see my inability to overtake here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkknt4TN80A
My lap times were considerably longer behind this MX5 but I just didn't know when to overtake... Hopefully I'll learn a lot this season and be more competitive next year!
My only other worry that I was last on track in early March and then next time I'm on track is the first race in a fortnight... So that's 8 weeks without track driving and on a track day it normally takes me a good hour to actually get into the swing of it - obviously I don't have the luxury of all that practice time!
andye30m3 said:
If your a few kilos off I think there's some steel plate in my truck which you can borrow to bolt to the floor, I'll be in the paddock from Thursday (car 62) or I've heard of people running with the spare wheel in place just make sure it's secure.
Thank you! I look forward to being on track with you! I'll be the tiny blue dot in your rear view mirror! TREMAiNE said:
My only other worry that I was last on track in early March and then next time I'm on track is the first race in a fortnight... So that's 8 weeks without track driving and on a track day it normally takes me a good hour to actually get into the swing of it - obviously I don't have the luxury of all that practice time!
you'll be fine, my cars not been out of the truck since the last race of 2014 due to work and moving house, will be getting to silverstone early, servicing the car, changing brakes and hopefully remembering where the track goesWhen we test / race I always make sure that:
1) set cold tyre pressures and record
2) check hot tyre pressures every time car comes into the pit lane (adjust if needed) and record
3) adjust cold tyres pressures based upon above
4) torque wheel nuts before every session
5) make sure there is enough fuel in the car
6) try and allocate tasks to team members, this way each person knows what they need to do and not 2 people doing the same task with some tasks not done
1) set cold tyre pressures and record
2) check hot tyre pressures every time car comes into the pit lane (adjust if needed) and record
3) adjust cold tyres pressures based upon above
4) torque wheel nuts before every session
5) make sure there is enough fuel in the car
6) try and allocate tasks to team members, this way each person knows what they need to do and not 2 people doing the same task with some tasks not done
> My advice would be to try enjoy every second, make the most of the experience and always try keep a positive frame of mind. Getting pissed off about something you have no control over is only going to harm you performance.
> Learn as much as you can from your team mechanics, the more you understand the better your ability to manage the car!
> Race clean.
> If you're anything like me you'll be pretty nervous before the race until the lights go out, try keep yourself hydrated even if you don't feel like drinking.
> I personally found karting was a pretty good way of learning to overtake in a racing situation, and if you bump no big deal!..maybe get down the local kart track for some open sessions? I know it sounds a bit silly but it really helped me to learn to be a bit more aggressive without being stupid.
> You can't check your fuel/wheelnuts/hoodpins enough times (ask me how i know!)
Before every race session we walk around the car and double & triple check everything!
> Learn as much as you can from your team mechanics, the more you understand the better your ability to manage the car!
> Race clean.
> If you're anything like me you'll be pretty nervous before the race until the lights go out, try keep yourself hydrated even if you don't feel like drinking.
> I personally found karting was a pretty good way of learning to overtake in a racing situation, and if you bump no big deal!..maybe get down the local kart track for some open sessions? I know it sounds a bit silly but it really helped me to learn to be a bit more aggressive without being stupid.
> You can't check your fuel/wheelnuts/hoodpins enough times (ask me how i know!)
Before every race session we walk around the car and double & triple check everything!
OP,
Good luck!
IMO just keep a level head - no Maldonado moments because all it does is ruin the weekend for all concerned - you'll only be at the back / midfield of a club race at first anyway, it's not BTCC. For overtaking, try to watch last season's recap of any tintop / GT series from last year - but really pay attention to what the overtaking driver is doing.
If you can get alongside on the inside, odds are you'll overtake. The driver in front knows this, so might cover the inside line to stop you. This will compromise his exit, so you can have a bash at the next corner etc. In a lot of series, the overtake you see actually started 3 corners ago - and the actual pass is the result of 3 corners of the lead driver being more and more out of position, or increasingly slow due to these compromises. I completely agree with the bloke up there ^^ that said Karting is great for learning this.
Of course, in some cases a simple late breaking / dive up the inside might work - but it's far less successful than in a computer game. Often a late lunge means the person you're overtaking will stay wide and get you back on the exit - and that's without factoring in the pagga risk that you want to avoid for the first 1/2 a season.
Practice some starts so you don't get swamped off the grid - you'll need all of your spatial awareness to stay out of trouble into the first corner.
Above all, enjoy it - track days are great, but noting compares to proper competition!
Good luck!
IMO just keep a level head - no Maldonado moments because all it does is ruin the weekend for all concerned - you'll only be at the back / midfield of a club race at first anyway, it's not BTCC. For overtaking, try to watch last season's recap of any tintop / GT series from last year - but really pay attention to what the overtaking driver is doing.
If you can get alongside on the inside, odds are you'll overtake. The driver in front knows this, so might cover the inside line to stop you. This will compromise his exit, so you can have a bash at the next corner etc. In a lot of series, the overtake you see actually started 3 corners ago - and the actual pass is the result of 3 corners of the lead driver being more and more out of position, or increasingly slow due to these compromises. I completely agree with the bloke up there ^^ that said Karting is great for learning this.
Of course, in some cases a simple late breaking / dive up the inside might work - but it's far less successful than in a computer game. Often a late lunge means the person you're overtaking will stay wide and get you back on the exit - and that's without factoring in the pagga risk that you want to avoid for the first 1/2 a season.
Practice some starts so you don't get swamped off the grid - you'll need all of your spatial awareness to stay out of trouble into the first corner.
Above all, enjoy it - track days are great, but noting compares to proper competition!
To some extent, it depends on your setup. If you have a competent team running you, then I would expect them to take care of the machinations such as 1 to 6 below. If they are capable and competent, then you won't need to second guess them or check up on he/she/them. If in doubt go through the responsibilities with them beforehand. It's very easy to get into micro-managing and faffing about when there's no need.
[If you are in charge of proceedings then it's a different kettle of fish.]
Assuming the team are competent and taking care of everything, then you can focus on the driving and your needs.
When I started racing, I was super-nervous, so it was very important to get the timing right. Working back from the race start to when you were going to be called and where the assembly area was. I had to fit in my pre-race toilet visits (don't laugh) as I was scared witless
Also find the right time to stop thinking about the outside world and think about what you have to do. Make sure you know about the start procedure. All much of a muchness, but the detail varies.
Work out whether you want to get to the assembly area un-helmetted and un-strapped and do that there or whether you prefer to get kitted and strapped in before you drive to the assembly area.
I prefer to get all strapped and gloved and drive to the assembly area. Then I close my eyes and visualise the circuit, what I've learned from testing, how I'm going to do a warm up and how I'm going to start. I also visualise the start and the first corner thinking about how to spot stallers-on-the-grid, and spotting and avoiding any mid pack start fracas.
Then I come too and get "active". Shout, sing, clap my hands, hit my chest to get in the mood!
My objective when I started was to finish the first race by keeping out of trouble and avoiding red mist. Maybe aiming low, but I wasn't worried about overtaking or any such. Races are really different from track days. I'd actually suggest you stop doing track days and only do test days, the mentality is completely different. If you are going to get competetive, you need to unlearn trackday driving.
So it's all a bit intense in the first few races. When the sensory overload comes on, peoples' vision drops and they focus on the bonnet, the road just ahead and the car in front. Remember to look up, look in the direction you want to go and check ahead!
And finally, one pre-race exercise is to do the visualisation thing often. Close your eyes and visualise each corner, play the circuit through. Do it every day in the run up.
HTH
Bert
[If you are in charge of proceedings then it's a different kettle of fish.]
Assuming the team are competent and taking care of everything, then you can focus on the driving and your needs.
When I started racing, I was super-nervous, so it was very important to get the timing right. Working back from the race start to when you were going to be called and where the assembly area was. I had to fit in my pre-race toilet visits (don't laugh) as I was scared witless
Also find the right time to stop thinking about the outside world and think about what you have to do. Make sure you know about the start procedure. All much of a muchness, but the detail varies.
Work out whether you want to get to the assembly area un-helmetted and un-strapped and do that there or whether you prefer to get kitted and strapped in before you drive to the assembly area.
I prefer to get all strapped and gloved and drive to the assembly area. Then I close my eyes and visualise the circuit, what I've learned from testing, how I'm going to do a warm up and how I'm going to start. I also visualise the start and the first corner thinking about how to spot stallers-on-the-grid, and spotting and avoiding any mid pack start fracas.
Then I come too and get "active". Shout, sing, clap my hands, hit my chest to get in the mood!
My objective when I started was to finish the first race by keeping out of trouble and avoiding red mist. Maybe aiming low, but I wasn't worried about overtaking or any such. Races are really different from track days. I'd actually suggest you stop doing track days and only do test days, the mentality is completely different. If you are going to get competetive, you need to unlearn trackday driving.
So it's all a bit intense in the first few races. When the sensory overload comes on, peoples' vision drops and they focus on the bonnet, the road just ahead and the car in front. Remember to look up, look in the direction you want to go and check ahead!
And finally, one pre-race exercise is to do the visualisation thing often. Close your eyes and visualise each corner, play the circuit through. Do it every day in the run up.
HTH
Bert
IanUAE said:
When we test / race I always make sure that:
1) set cold tyre pressures and record
2) check hot tyre pressures every time car comes into the pit lane (adjust if needed) and record
3) adjust cold tyres pressures based upon above
4) torque wheel nuts before every session
5) make sure there is enough fuel in the car
6) try and allocate tasks to team members, this way each person knows what they need to do and not 2 people doing the same task with some tasks not done
1) set cold tyre pressures and record
2) check hot tyre pressures every time car comes into the pit lane (adjust if needed) and record
3) adjust cold tyres pressures based upon above
4) torque wheel nuts before every session
5) make sure there is enough fuel in the car
6) try and allocate tasks to team members, this way each person knows what they need to do and not 2 people doing the same task with some tasks not done
Once again, thanks all for the advice and Bert thanks for letting me know your pre-race procedure. As it happens, I already visualize myself going around the track 3-4 times per day so I'll just keep doing that!
I do have a competent team sorting it all out for me - they've all raced so I trust them with all the mechanical things and car setup - my job is just to steer the car in the right direction!
As I said I have done a lot of track days and so far just the one test day which was the first time I drove the race car. The last track day I did was with RMA - they allow overtaking on both sides and also in braking zones - it was more like a test day than a track day, in fact only a small percentage of the cars there were road legal despite it being a Road Car only track day!!
Despite the nerves, the way I'm looking at this first season is that I can't lose - I can only learn! That's partially why I chose the PBMWC - good clean racing in cars that aren't really that quick... No need for me to run before I can walk! Once I get into the swing of things I'll look at different series and cars I imagine, providing the budget allows it!
Does it take long to adjust to 'bumper to bumper' driving? On track days I'm very courteous, always letting the faster cars overtake and always giving people plenty of room - I think I'll be ok at holding my ground when a faster driver is behind me but following someone closely is something I reckon I'll have trouble with for the first few races!
I have done a bit of Karting at Buckmore Park (I had the entire track reserved for me and my team at no cost!!) to try to learn overtaking and stuff, unfortunately I'd just come off of a 16 hour night shift so didn't really learn much from it!
Only 2 weeks to go now, half tempted to book a last minute track day just o get used to track driving again!
I do have a competent team sorting it all out for me - they've all raced so I trust them with all the mechanical things and car setup - my job is just to steer the car in the right direction!
As I said I have done a lot of track days and so far just the one test day which was the first time I drove the race car. The last track day I did was with RMA - they allow overtaking on both sides and also in braking zones - it was more like a test day than a track day, in fact only a small percentage of the cars there were road legal despite it being a Road Car only track day!!
Despite the nerves, the way I'm looking at this first season is that I can't lose - I can only learn! That's partially why I chose the PBMWC - good clean racing in cars that aren't really that quick... No need for me to run before I can walk! Once I get into the swing of things I'll look at different series and cars I imagine, providing the budget allows it!
Does it take long to adjust to 'bumper to bumper' driving? On track days I'm very courteous, always letting the faster cars overtake and always giving people plenty of room - I think I'll be ok at holding my ground when a faster driver is behind me but following someone closely is something I reckon I'll have trouble with for the first few races!
I have done a bit of Karting at Buckmore Park (I had the entire track reserved for me and my team at no cost!!) to try to learn overtaking and stuff, unfortunately I'd just come off of a 16 hour night shift so didn't really learn much from it!
Only 2 weeks to go now, half tempted to book a last minute track day just o get used to track driving again!
If you want track time, get a test day in your race car if you can. Really, stop doing track days!
It's not too challenging being close to others, but has its pitfalls. You often end up doing what the car in front does, so be aware of that. However, you do want to be close to other cars. Follow in their footsteps as it were to reduce the drag on your car. If you do go by, don't fall into the track day etiquette of giving them plenty of room. If they sideswipe you, they will have the space to get plenty of momentum. If you are close side by side and they move, then it's only a gentle push, not a swipe.
I assume you have video in the car? If so use it with more experienced people for them to talk through how to improve. Everyone goes better with help and for me it adds to the enjoyment hugely.
Bert
It's not too challenging being close to others, but has its pitfalls. You often end up doing what the car in front does, so be aware of that. However, you do want to be close to other cars. Follow in their footsteps as it were to reduce the drag on your car. If you do go by, don't fall into the track day etiquette of giving them plenty of room. If they sideswipe you, they will have the space to get plenty of momentum. If you are close side by side and they move, then it's only a gentle push, not a swipe.
I assume you have video in the car? If so use it with more experienced people for them to talk through how to improve. Everyone goes better with help and for me it adds to the enjoyment hugely.
Bert
BertBert said:
Really, stop doing track days!
Can I enquire why you say that so strongly? I'm interested (not arguing!), as I'm fairly new to racing and you often see race cars/teams at track days. I've used (use) track days for track time in the car and to learn circuits before racing there. I understand that it doesn't help with close proximity driving, overtakes, defending etc but your posts suggest that it's detrimental? Maybe thats why I haven't finished higher than mid-pack(ish)
Not sure i agree re. The "stop doing track days". They're often more convenient time wise, much cheaper, and open pit lane.
You can achieve so much more in an OPL setup than sessions, esp early in the car's development. Certainly doing TD's never stopped us winning - but we karted first so racecraft was already there.
You can achieve so much more in an OPL setup than sessions, esp early in the car's development. Certainly doing TD's never stopped us winning - but we karted first so racecraft was already there.
Altrezia said:
Imho trackdays are fine, but you never get a clear lap.
I do feel strongly about it and this is part of the reason. The main reason is that a track day teaches 80% driving. You just practice with the wrong ethos. Its like testing on crap tyres. It just teaches drivig on crap tyres.Bert
Test days > Track days. The difference is night and day. Overtake where you want, gauge your competitors, watch their braking points / lines / gears, observe their paddock / garage activities, time your own laps and compare to previously published results etc etc. Track days are useful but limiting and it's easy to find yourself circulating mindlessly rather than gaining that competitive mojo which causes you to see another PBMWC car go past and immediately want to throw a hook around it's back bumper and somehow be as fast.
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