How does one get skidpad time? Do certain HPDEs offer this? I really need to learn how to find, control, and recover from my car's lateral limits (or lack thereof).

 

One of the other groups I instruct for is the Riesentoter PCA. When they are at Jeff Circuit, they almost always have a skid pad exercise running concurrently with the DE run groups.

It is a great experience; I always encourage my students to participate in the skid pad exercise.

I wonder; does FATT or seat time allow the use of the skid pad?

later,
Todd

 

FATT does use the skidpad.
Also, start autocrossing as there are usually skidpad elements in the course design.

 

Dave, is this a hint for speedtrial or nasa, I wouldnt mind a couple controlled spins.

 

Not really, but the track isn't where I want to be practicing spin recovery!

Thanks for the info folks.

 

didnt you see the skid pad on the way in at VIR? before the parking on the right

 

Yeah I saw it, but I wasn't about to go use it...

 

pete and i went an used it....grant it there was no water down but we were able to get to 42 mph's before we pushed off of the circle!

 

Yes, yes. Fun, Fun

Hmmm... Do you think the people from Nasa will be able to get some of the students around the skidpad to try out?? I would certainly love to get some advice & my chance at doing it right. HINT HINT NASA & SPEEDTRIAL people putting together VIR schtuff!

Pete

 

I'll look into it, but IIRC, VIR charges extra for 'official' use of the flat pad, so we might have to require a few bucks from anyone who wants to use it on Feb 23-24.

Jon

 

skidpad for charity,
good idea right.

 

wouldn't there also need to be extra workers to look over the pad use?

 

Yes there is a need for extra workers.

FATTS at Summit Point usually have skid pad training available, but you use their cars - which also can be a very useful experience. BSR puts on a 1 day class on defensive driving that is outstanding. You learn techniques not taught anywhere else because their focus is completely different. It was about $400/day 4-5 years ago.

NASA thought about this when we had the JC last year, but the logistics of getting people there in their own cars and back in time for classroom and track time was a nightmare.

Not saying it won't be considered for this year. Since you get there by using the main course, it would cut into your actual track time sessions. But that may be a compromise enought people are willing to make for the skid pad training.

Elyse

 

I'd really like to get out on the wet skid pad at Summit Point. I've done it before with the BSR instructors in their Chevy sedans, and learned more about skid control than I'd have ever thought. Maybe a run-through for everyone would cut down on the agricultural driving that we've seen recently.

I know that both NASA and Speedtrials have events at Summit this year, and am wondering which one will be the first to earn the undying loyalty of the HPDE faithful by arranging this with BSR.

I'd be willing to cut loose a few extra bucks for this option, and I bet others would too.

 

It has more to do with TIME, not necessarily bucks.

 

But everybody knows Time is Money.

I know it would be difficult, but maybe easier on the Jefferson...and if we could use BSRs cars and instructors. Or is that getting stratospherically expensive?

 

That is money. It certainly needs to to be investigated since there is interest.

Remeber, BSR likes to put on their own events with their own equipment. They're liable to say, "sign up for our defensive driving school and you can use our cars".

But it needs to be investigated.

 

See if there are any defensive driving (skid control) classes nearby and see if you can be an instructor. I was able to instruct at Xtreme Measures and got a lot of skid pad time in -- in my Legend since my car wasn't ready.

They get out the big 'ol water truck and wet a parking lot outside of AMS. We got into a discussion about opening one, it turns out AMS charges $5k for half a parking lot for a weekend!! This led to a 'how about we build one, how much could it cost' discussion... serious $$$ yikes.

I'm not a big government kinda guy, but I wish the government would build skidpads and rent out time on them for a reasonable cost... many teenagers could learn a lot out there before they learn the hardway on the street -- in fact, there should be a minimum time requirement on a skidpad before you can get your license...

but I digress...



[Modified by SpiceyRice, 12:41 PM 1/8/2002]

 

I'm surprised no one has mentioned suspension tuning in this thread yet. Or is a skidpad too specific a situation to really be too worried about? Seems like skidpad access would be invaluable for figuring out things like spring rates and alignment settings and such.

-Mike