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They’re good questions, even if they’re more different than they might seem at first. Any hobby you engage in–particularly one that requires the commitment and focus of motorsport–is going to have its own siren song of improvement. After all, motorsport is a metric-rich environment, and every split second, every g and every mph represents another yardstick.
But when we talk about “improving,” which of those metrics really matters? Which should we focus on, and what path should we take to hone our skills?
That’s a tall order, so let’s discuss.
Asking the Right Questions
At its heart, this discussion is as philosophical as it is mathematical. Ultimately, regardless of what path you take to improvement behind the wheel, you need to have a goal.
Does improvement to you mean lower lap times? Less broken equipment? More confidence? More control? All of these are worthy goals, but all may have different paths to achieving them.
Let’s start with things that we can measure–and it doesn’t have to be that complicated. One of the best indicators of increased performance is what Terry Earwood refers to as the “redneck MoTec.” This is, simply, data that your brain and eyes can gather, like checking speed or rpm at specific points on track.
For example, are you now turning 500 more rpm while passing that corner stand that sits about an eighth of a mile past Turn 5? Guess what? You got a better exit from 5. Now figure out what you did and do it again, but better.
Another common measure that doesn’t require formal data: Are you turning in from the edge of the track, hitting the apex curb with the shoulder of the tire, and tracking out to the limit of the pavement (or the limit of your comfort)?
If you’re not, but you feel like you’re driving at the limit, try opening up your lines and using more track. You’ll likely find that your limits are now higher than you previously thought.
Another common refrain–mostly pitched as a joke but closer to the truth than many realize–is the line about calling an event a success if the driver had fun and brought the car home in one piece.
Yes, not finishing a session with a splitter full of rocks and dirt is important, but what these jokesters are really…
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