What car to practice heel toe and improve my driving?

[HustleRussell]

Chainsaw Rebuild said:

HustleRussell said:

Yep, said so six weeks ago

Yep, sorry, I should have phrased it differently . I was just wondering if a sim setup is properly useful in preparing for races, do you "train" on the sim a lot before a race etc.

You were spot on with 'learn the tracks'. not everything transfers directly from sim to track, but they are certainly a good way to learn where the track goes, where the lines might be, and to generally build familiarity. It does immediately translate into speed because you can skip a whole practice session worth of tentatively feeling your way around whilst trying to stay out of the way of other drivers.

Probably an under-utilised tool by most amateur racers, including me. But then I have done quite a lot of races now and 95%+ of the time I only race in England so I already know all the circuits.

My Dad did an international championship last season (retirement tour year 1) and bought a sim to learn all the tracks. It definitely helped him get up to speed.

P.S. I don't want to give off the impression I'm any kind of authority, after Caterhams I have about one season's worth of Formula Fords under my belt where I'm generally scraping top 10 finishes.

Edited by HustleRussell on Thursday 19th January 17:21

[LuckyThirteen]

Op,

Get with somebody that can drive. Either a coach on track or on the road.

Heel&Toe....
If your technique and understanding of the how and the why is correct you can H&T in anything. I've done it in HGV's!

It's the driver, not the car.

Try to find race footage of somebody that can properly drive. Footage where there's a camera on their feet.

Then, read what you can on the how and the why too.

If you're willing then spending some time on track or road with an individual who cares about bringing your abilities up is where to start.

HPC gatekeeper, dedicated race coach, but not a 'do this - do that' type who'll treat you like a Billy.

There's tons of books out there that are relevant. With your budget you'll be fine. You just need a three pedal car that stops, handles and steers well. And doesn't have any faults.

ETA
Just re-read your post.
Get on Amazon. Spend at least a hundred quid on books written about how to drive/race.
Read 'em, twice.

Then come back.
You'll thank me.

(30% of my race finishes have been wins, other 30% podiums and the remainder either DNF or top six, and I'm a HPC member)

Edited by LuckyThirteen on Thursday 19th January 18:19

[Redline88]

HustleRussell said:

Redline88 said:

Why would you try to deprogram yourself from doing it whilst racing?

I do it habitually in any corner where I’m braking and downshifting. However in the dry I feel like it’s not always the fastest way for all corners. I don’t really understand how non- heel & toe’rs are doing it. I feel like in some scenarios my insistence on h & t causes my braking duration to be too long and my effort too low as my foot is fixed on the brake pedal until the downshift(s) are done. I feel like some corners and some situations I’d be better off dedicating my right foot entirely to braking and somehow crashing down the gears without the blip. Not a tool I have in my toolbox.

Edited by HustleRussell on Wednesday 18th January 21:17

Fair enough. As another option, could you block change in those scenarios and still H&T in order to get the shifts completed more quickly?

[Anawilliam850]

An RX-8 is a good choice for a car to practice in as it is a relatively affordable sports car with a reputation for good handling and responsive steering. However, it's important to note that the RX-8 has a reputation for high fuel consumption and maintenance costs. It also has a limited range and two-seater, which might not be suitable for daily use or if you need to carry more than two passengers.

Another option to consider would be a Mazda MX-5, which is also known for its good handling and responsive steering, and it's more affordable than the RX-8, with a lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs. It also has a roof and can seat 4.

Another option would be a used Porsche Boxster or a BMW Z4, which are also known for their handling and responsive steering, and they have a roof and can seat 4.

It's important to keep in mind that you'll want to find a car that is reliable and easy to work on if you plan to do some of your own maintenance and repairs.

Regardless of the car you choose, it is also a good idea to take a few driving classes or lessons to get up to speed on proper driving techniques and track driving skills before participating in the Caterham Academy.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a car that you enjoy driving and that will give you the opportunity to improve your skills and gain experience.

[waremark]

Anawilliam850 said:

Another option to consider would be a Mazda MX-5, which is also known for its good handling and responsive steering, and it's more affordable than the RX-8, with a lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs. It also has a roof and can seat 4.

Another option would be a used Porsche Boxster or a BMW Z4, which are also known for their handling and responsive steering, and they have a roof and can seat 4.

The 4 people would have to be rather small. Whereas the two in the RX8 could be rather larger.