S550 Feedback about my driving

[RedStallion27]

HPDE yesterday at Gingerman Raceway was a blast. Really fun track.

Here’s footage of my fastest lap and I would appreciate any feedback you might have. This was only my third track day and I’m sure there are bad habits to address. Thanks.

 

[GAR944]

First of all, i'd be happy to sit in the passenger seat. You hit all the marker cone points for apex and exit. Your inputs are smooth and you aren't overly aggressive.
The only thing you appear to be fighting is the seat. Stock ones suck with a standard belt to match. Check your seating position, i think you are a fraction to far from the wheel. Very straight top arm when mid turn. My rule of thumb is sit shoulders back into the seat and can you rest your wrist on top of the steering wheel. This gives you enough extension reach when turning without kissing the airbag.
The one "issue" i did notice was right at the end of the video. One of my friends was doing the same until i highlighted it to him.
At the end of the straight before the 90 left corner you get on the brakes and immediately down change. You didn't give the car time to slow and drop revs and you actually over revved.

At the point of downshift you were still doing 96mph and 5820rpm. By the time the clutch was engage you were still at 90 and we see 7084rpm. There is a frame at 7108rpm. You can do the maths for your tyres and see what rpm you really did. Caught in 4k so to speak.

As and example i pulled some data for a 4th to 3rd from mine. 110mph down to 80mph for downshift. I'm about 200ft from the apex of a 90degree corner as well.


Interesting part is at the start of the video you were shifting at 91mph and engaged at about 80mph and saw a nice 6300.
Obviously a lot on your mind at once but use the brakes first then the gearbox so you don't damage anything else.
Good effort in my books. Watch your video at 1/3 speed, kinda cool and you get to see everything.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

Having run Gingerman numerous times I would say you are doing pretty well for someone with limited track experience. One little item common with new drivers is not using the revs available. You have a tendency to short shift around the course so next time you go wind out that little pony a bit more before shifting. Seat time is the magic answer, keep tracking and feel free to always ask away on TMO ---- folks are genuinely helpful here!

 

[RedStallion27]

First of all, i'd be happy to sit in the passenger seat. You hit all the marker cone points for apex and exit. Your inputs are smooth and you aren't overly aggressive.
The only thing you appear to be fighting is the seat. Stock ones suck with a standard belt to match. Check your seating position, i think you are a fraction to far from the wheel. Very straight top arm when mid turn. My rule of thumb is sit shoulders back into the seat and can you rest your wrist on top of the steering wheel. This gives you enough extension reach when turning without kissing the airbag.
The one "issue" i did notice was right at the end of the video. One of my friends was doing the same until i highlighted it to him.
At the end of the straight before the 90 left corner you get on the brakes and immediately down change. You didn't give the car time to slow and drop revs and you actually over revved.

At the point of downshift you were still doing 96mph and 5820rpm. By the time the clutch was engage you were still at 90 and we see 7084rpm. There is a frame at 7108rpm. You can do the maths for your tyres and see what rpm you really did. Caught in 4k so to speak.
View attachment 111549View attachment 111548
As and example i pulled some data for a 4th to 3rd from mine. 110mph down to 80mph for downshift. I'm about 200ft from the apex of a 90degree corner as well.
View attachment 111550View attachment 111551

Interesting part is at the start of the video you were shifting at 91mph and engaged at about 80mph and saw a nice 6300.
Obviously a lot on your mind at once but use the brakes first then the gearbox so you don't damage anything else.
Good effort in my books. Watch your video at 1/3 speed, kinda cool and you get to see everything.

That is some great advice. Thank you.

You’re right about the seats - I’m sliding all over the place and constantly pushing my butt back where it belongs. I wonder if this is causing me to slouch and therefore making the steering wheel a longer reach. Do you think a harness would help? Any opinion on the Schroth Quickfit Pro?

Like your friend, I did not realize I was downshifting early enough to rev that high. Easy fix now that I’ll be thinking about it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

 

[RedStallion27]

Having run Gingerman numerous times I would say you are doing pretty well for someone with limited track experience. One little item common with new drivers is not using the revs available. You have a tendency to short shift around the course so next time you go wind out that little pony a bit more before shifting. Seat time is the magic answer, keep tracking and feel free to always ask away on TMO ---- folks are genuinely helpful here!

Great observation. I just looked back at the video and I was consistently shifting about 400 RPM too early, leaving power on the table. I appreciate it.

 

[GAR944]

You’re right about the seats - I’m sliding all over the place and constantly pushing my butt back where it belongs. I wonder if this is causing me to slouch and therefore making the steering wheel a longer reach. Do you think a harness would help? Any opinion on the Schroth Quickfit Pro?

This recent thread is appropriate. See my comments near the bottom of the page.

S550 - Seat Comparison: Comfort v Recaro v Racing Bucket

I'm finding less and less time to go to the track and now with a baby 4 months out, I'm not sure how often I'll get out there so I'm playing with ideas of making my car less track focused and more street friendly.My car came with the base, comfort seats and they were really bad on track...

trackmustangsonline.com