30 replies to this topic

[Danny Steyn]

Saw some really extreme cases of lack of situational awareness in the IT mixed class this weekend. Some of the really fast cars (in a straight line) just never look in their rear view mirrors and are often caught unawares by the cars braking deeper and carrying more speed in the turns.

On test day I was shocked by some of the driving in our run group. So much so that I asked myself, "what is it about racing that appeals to these drivers.". They obviously don't like speed, danger or thrills (dog slow in the braking zones and pedestrian speed through the turns) and have no regard for the sport of racing (missing every turn in point, every apex and every track out point). Just don't get what they get out of racing.

Maybe they like wrenching on cars?

[Ron Alan]

Saw some really extreme cases of lack of situational awareness in the IT mixed class this weekend. Some of the really fast cars (in a straight line) just never look in their rear view mirrors and are often caught unawares by the cars braking deeper and carrying more speed in the turns.

On test day I was shocked by some of the driving in our run group. So much so that I asked myself, "what is it about racing that appeals to these drivers.". They obviously don't like speed, danger or thrills (dog slow in the braking zones and pedestrian speed through the turns) and have no regard for the sport of racing (missing every turn in point, every apex and every track out point). Just don't get what they get out of racing.

Maybe they like wrenching on cars?

Just like any sport Danny, our little hobby has a large range of "ability". Unfortunately, as in human nature, it also has a wide range of common sense! You can be a marathon runner and finish at the 5 hour mark every time with huge "atta boys" and know one cares. In our sport that same person that far off the pace puts themselves and others in harms way...

 

Most who find themselves being passed/lapped by faster cars are aware and safe...but those who's ego or intellegence is getting in the way of making all feel safe can be very frustrating. But dont you know those same folks have hangers and followers on their facebook page(and other places) that are oh so impressed that they drive a "race car"

[Jim Drago]

Saw some really extreme cases of lack of situational awareness in the IT mixed class this weekend. Some of the really fast cars (in a straight line) just never look in their rear view mirrors and are often caught unawares by the cars braking deeper and carrying more speed in the turns.

On test day I was shocked by some of the driving in our run group. So much so that I asked myself, "what is it about racing that appeals to these drivers.". They obviously don't like speed, danger or thrills (dog slow in the braking zones and pedestrian speed through the turns) and have no regard for the sport of racing (missing every turn in point, every apex and every track out point). Just don't get what they get out of racing.

Maybe they like wrenching on cars?

wow that sounds like something I would say I have felt your pain and realize exactly what you are saying.. I think some of those people at that slow speed have far more adrenalin flowing than we do at the edge.  It is all relative...  Unfortunately for us, it is frustrating and can be dangerous!

[LarryKing]

I'd say ego is definitely a factor.

[RussMcB]

Maybe those who aren't driving near the limit aren't racing and/or testing 20-30 weekends every year, in multiple classes and races each weekend in top prepared cars with tires they bought earlier in the day. 

 

Just sayin'. 

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Maybe those who aren't driving near the limit aren't racing and/or testing 20-30 weekends every year, in multiple classes and races each weekend in top prepared cars with tires they bought earlier in the day. 

 

Just sayin'. 

 

Now lets not take facts and make them more important then danny's emotions please...

 

If you dont like mixed class racing dont continue to sign up for it!

 

If your worried on test day you will get run into a wall by some knuckle head just let off the gas and find your own space to practice.  Ego's cut both ways!

 

I dont understand why people drive the speed limit in the fast lane either, but what right do i have to bitch?   Find a way around them...

[Todd Lamb]

I'd venture to say they are driving to their personal limit - something we all attain to do for personal satisfaction. Some have a higher skill level than others, but everyone is trying hard just the same.

 

The satisfaction of putting in your best effort, regardless of the result, is something the slow guys have in common with the fast guys.

 

Everyone is motivated for different reasons....the satisfaction of driving around in a car that was built in the backyard, ego, personal bests, financial, getting away from troubles, etc.

[RussMcB]

Now lets not take facts and make them more important then danny's emotions please....

Kyle, just to clarify - I was purposely not trying to single out Danny.  My description was generic and did not say anything about globe trotting drivers surrounded by beautiful models, and bringing multiple models of cars to events to decide which one to race.  :-)

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Kyle, just to clarify - I was purposely not trying to single out Danny.  My description was generic and did not say anything about globe trotting drivers surrounded by beautiful models, and bringing multiple models of cars to events to decide which one to race.  :-)

Me either

[Jim Creighton]

The one thing I have learned about Danny is he is not afraid to say what he thinks. And in may instances, what he says is the exact thing many of you are thinking. Just consider how much information he has contributed to all of you.

 

Many of you in SM have never run with mixed groups of cars that make speed in different places, but end up with about the same lap times. At times, it makes you crazy to constantly catching someone just as you get to the braking point and watch him flog thru the turn like a 87 year grandmother shopping at the grocery store in her electric grocery cart.

 

Hopefully, the SM numbers will always stay high enough to have your own run group, but if they don't, watch out for grandma. She has a cane and can remove her teeth before a fight.

 

Only 36 days until Homestead and the end of silly season.

 

 

[FTodaro]

This is not only a mixed class issue, in regional racing where many of you all cut your teeth, there is a significant differential. some with a lack of situational awareness. I always make it a point to go talk to that driver who is making dangerous moves, and give them my observation. Most of the time they were in fact unaware and it is a good learning event.

 

Granted i run in to the occasional Pro driver who just has not been discovered yet, but most beginners are humble.