Just when I thought I knew the limits of the ITR, I got a rude awakening; I really knew squat about the ITR's true potential

At the local autocross today, I had the chance to glimpse and experience what the R can really do with a good driver behind the wheel. My belief, or maybe its my arrogance, has led me to believe that with just a few adjustments to my driving technique I should be able to approach the upper tier of the car's limits. I cannot have been more WRONG!

Throughout the day, I pushed the car to what i perceived was a fast and excellent pace. When the fun runs came around, Allen (alu95) hopped in the driver seat and showed me how to really DRIVE an ITR - he was able to knock off ~3secs against my my time! The kicker is, this is the first time he drove my car. With more practice, he should be able to shave off some more time.

The R's real potential truly shocked and amazed me. As i got out of the car, the only thought i had in my mind was how truly far I am to utilizing the car's full potential. I am humbled - I am humbled.

Le

 

not nearly as many years, but I too am still amazed with the ITR. i get a unique joy everytime i drive the car.. how well it pulls, how well it handles.. etc etc. i'm gonna keep this car til.. i die.. or stolen, whichever comes first.

 

if you sit behind a ITR, and do not fear the fear of crashing at the limits, you probably arent at the limit

 

My car slides around like mad, but I'm pretty sure it's because I'm running shittier tires than what comes stock on the civic si

 

running michellins xgt's will get you killed of course.

 

Today in the early morning I had been on track and thought I was going really fast. I enjoyed my new suspension and tires... great.
Suddenly a black Audi A3 that looked really stock appeared in my mirror and drove me crazy.. Finally I went off the line and let him overtake... I saw a grey haired man and a 12 years or so old boy.. WTF...???

I stayed behind him the next 12km and noticed I had to go a lot faster than I drove before to keep up with him..

As we finished the lap the old man came to me and asked me some questions about my ITR... I noticed his jacket and the writings on it and then I knew what was going on... He told me: "Son, I let you follow me to show you how to drive this track..." He had been an instructor and drives the ring for 40 years (!)....

So the end of the story: I came with a high-tech equipped ITR just to meet an old man who showed me how to drive faster in a stock Audi A3 TDI (okay, he got suspension and brake upgrades but an ITR should destroy this car on track)

Best mod: Driver.

 

What the Type-R brings is not victory, but potential.

 

I agree... the best mod is the driver!

I don't have an ITR, but an Si. My first time at the track was on Friday. After going out blind for my first 2 sessions, I wised up and asked an instructor to help me. When I sat passenger with him driving my car, I was amazed at how well it handled. You can put every cent into your car, but if you don't know how to drive, you'll be slower than a good driver in a slow car.

I witnessed a D16 Ferio (same instructor) stay ahead of an S2000 for an entire 30 minute session. Both drivers were good, but the fact that the 4-door civic could keep its own against a car with RWD and over a 100hp advantage says a lot!

 

I can't wait to try solo 2 this year..........finally gonna do some road racing with the R!

Jason