So, What Should I Study To Become Fast?

[MSX]

I know very little about cars. I operate them based off feel and go from there. When it comes to technicalites of a vehicle, I might as well be a mouth-breathing neanderthal.

Knowing how important it is to know your car...I attempt to learn anything I can about cars when presented with the opportunity but the issue is I have a very hard time retaining the information.

I think this is because cars are so vast and you can't just learn about one specific thing without explaining 10 other things -- which usually leads into explaining even more and more.

I didn't even care to drive until I was 21 (now 23), so I am still fairly new to the world of cars.


Getting to the point: what do I need to focus on to be a fast driver? What specific functions or parts of a car affects speed?

Excuse my ignorance if any of this is supposed to be self-explanatory. I'm only trying to expand my skillset as a driver.

I have attempted to research this myself but some how, it only leads to confusion. When it comes to learning about a subject as detailed as cars, I do better with a teacher instead of throwing myself out there and digging in; I just get lost and ultimately don't learn too much.

 

[GTPorsche]

Go find a regional racing school if you are interested.

 

[MSX]

Go find a regional racing school if you are interested.

I have my eyes on one but that is $$$ I won't have for a while.

I'd rather not sit here and let time waste when I could still be learning while I save, y'know?

 

[Dennisch]

Don't use the public roads to hone your go fast skills.
It's easy going fast, it's really difficult to correct a mistake while going fast. Guardrails, trees and lampposts will ruin your car, and there's no restart option.

 

[Danoff]

The first thing that a driving education program will focus on is understanding grip and weight transfer. That's where you should start, youtube probably has some resources for that.

Personally, I would prefer that you focus on being a safe driver, but understanding car control does have a positive effect on safety (though it's definitely not the whole story by a long shot).

 

[Heldenzeit]

Nothing beats experience of actually doing it. You can spend eternity reading up on theory, but it's useless until you can put that study to work. Take your car to an autocross or track day and ask for someone to ride along with. It's worth every penny.

My first track day was at Laguna Seca. The first three sessions had me riding along with an instructor until he determined I was safe enough to drive alone. I still drive with an instructor on occasion, as there is always something to learn.

I'm the 4th car in the pic, behind the red one.

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

Trackdays, Autocross, also, youtube has plenty of videos regarding techniques and technology.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Magazines, local track days and autocross, videos that talk about techniques. Play some sims that are very technical so you can practice without having to always pay expensive prices for track stuff.

 

[MSX]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

My current vehicle isn't even fun to drive, is an auto trans (so boring) and I frown upon street racing (unless it's VERY late on the highway and that is still stupid as there could be a cop -- or anything else). So, don't worry about me practicing any techniques or applying any knowledge I learn on the road. I couldn't even if I wanted to. Plus, that's why I bought GT6 and the g27, which has successfully ruined driving on the road for me (stop go stop go stop go 25 mph/35 mph...what a snoozefest)

Heldenzeit, great photo.

Time to live on Youtube for the time being.

 

[synchromesh]

If I have anything to say about track driving it's driving line. Of course, you can't always if there's traffic but drving line and staying cool are little tips from me.
It's also important to know how your car works. There's great videos, books, and just talking to people that can help you.
Before you do anything, I've met a few "car enthusiasts" in my time that are willing to learn but stop caring about cars after a while. @250 GTO is an example of someone that's 'on and off'.

 

[MSX]

If I have anything to say about track driving it's driving line. Of course, you can't always if there's traffic but drving line and staying cool are little tips from me.
It's also important to know how your car works. There's great videos, books, and just talking to people that can help you.
Before you do anything, I've met a few "car enthusiasts" in my time that are willing to learn but stop caring about cars after a while. @250 GTO is an example of someone that's 'on and off'.

While I definitely appreciate the advice and I certainly understand your frustration with newbies showing enthusiasm and asking for advice/tips just to lose interest (thus, wasting everyone's time), there's no need for the animosity.

It's not like if the guy you mentioned stopped racing/driving, you'd have to as well. I'm sure you have more integrity than what you're showing.

Thanks for the response.

Edit: Excuse me if that happened to be an inside joke. I've made that mistake before. Lol

 

[synchromesh]

While I definitely appreciate the advice and I certainly understand your frustration with newbies showing enthusiasm and asking for advice/tips just to lose interest (thus, wasting everyone's time), there's no need for the animosity.

It's not like if the guy you mentioned stopped racing/driving, you'd have to as well. I'm sure you have more integrity than what you're showing.

Thanks for the response.

Edit: Excuse me if that happened to be an inside joke. I've made that mistake before. Lol

In no way am I being hostile to you. I don't care, I give car advice in real life every day. Whether people take it or not is their choice.
I'm trying to save you time and money. Don't get strongly into it unless you know you're committed.

 

[MSX]

In no way am I being hostile to you. I don't care, I give car advice in real life every day. Whether people take it or not is their choice.
I'm trying to save you time and money. Don't get strongly into it unless you know you're committed.

My dude, I was referring to your comment towards GTO. I took no offense to anything you said at all.
I just felt the comment towards GTO was unnecessary, that's all.

 

[250 GTO]

 

[synchromesh]

My dude, I was referring to your comment towards GTO. I took no offense to anything you said at all.
I just felt the comment towards GTO was unnecessary, that's all.

He told me that himself. He said he's on and off about his interest in cars which is perfectly fine.

 

[250 GTO]

He told me that himself. He said he's on and off about his interest in cars which is perfectly fine.

Thou speaketh the truth. Just don't have the time for it anymore. I do still follow car related news, and I did watch Top Gear (not that that was really a car show towards the end) and fifth gear. And one of my favourite shows is Wheeler Dealers. But I don't read car magazines anymore.

However, with that said, I just clicked on your signature and had a look at your DeLorean. My interest has returned!! I may have to take a trip to your part of the world, and hold you up on the promise you gave me, that if I was ever around I could take it for a spin

 

[synchromesh]

Thou speaketh the truth. Just don't have the time for it anymore. I do still follow car related news, and I did watch Top Gear (not that that was really a car show towards the end) and fifth gear. And one of my favourite shows is Wheeler Dealers. But I don't read car magazines anymore.

However, with that said, I just clicked on your signature and had a look at you DeLorean. My interest has returned!! I may have to take a trip to your part of the world, and hold you up on the promise you gave me, that if I was ever around I could take it for a spin

If you can drive a stick of course you can.

 

[250 GTO]

If you can drive a stick of course you can.

Please, only old ladies and disabled people drive automatics over here
(no that was not a shot at, disabled people, nor people who drive automatics, let's not get carried away...)

Had my license for 12 years, never even been in a car with an automatic gearbox (not counting taxis)

 

[synchromesh]

Please, only old ladies and disabled people drive automatics over here
(no that was not a shot at, disabled people, nor people who drive automatics, let's not get carried away...)

Had my license for 12 years, never even been in a car with an automatic gearbox (not counting taxis)

It's usually the opposite here. Only car enthusiast and maybe the rare mom that doesn't want to spend $1500 on an auto.

 

[Crash]

Take your car out to a car control class or to an autocross to safely learn and explore the limits of your car. Both of those are low cost options, especially if you do the car control classes with a local chapter of various car clubs. Both will teach you to look ahead and be anticipatory. You can read plenty of theory on the internet, and autocrosses is a decent place to experience some of the theory.

Focus on being good at driving smooth first. Speed will come later.

 

[TexRex]

If you're intent on studying, you might check your local library for this bad boy.

 

[MSX]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

To the poster above, until I get the car I want (328i coupe 2007-9), I kind of have to settle on studying.

After I get the car, I need to find a way to drive fast safely. I'm in Columbus, OH and I don't know of any tracks atm.

 

[TenEightyOne]

Please, only old ladies and disabled people drive automatics over here

I feel the same but you have to be careful with that view at GTP - there are a lot of North American members and they don't "drive stick"

I know very little about cars. I operate them based off feel and go from there. When it comes to technicalites of a vehicle, I might as well be a mouth-breathing neanderthal.

You can get by like that as long as you know roughly how to tell if a vehicle's tyres/brakes are safe and leave the rest to a mechanic.

For the driving skills; racing schools (or even some track day packages) are a good way to start. @Danoff's advice is good, learn when to be safe too.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

When you do get your car, don't go out at night on back roads driving faster than conditions allow for. Unless you really wish you had bought a convertible...

 

[synchromesh]

You can study and know all the terms and play Gran Turismo but nothing beats actually getting experience doing it in real life.