Mark, Jad, and Bruce all have great points here. Alain is not wrong in his assertion that it's about having fun and getting the most out of what you've brought to the track. However, I think Jad really hits the important key ...safety at high speeds.
Experienced drivers will tell you that safe is fast, and not the other way around. The way to be truly safe on the track is to be a really good driver, not necessarily have a really good set of nanny's ready at your disposal. Nanny's can fail and let you down (can you say relay/fuse failure?). Good driving is a constant that never lets you down.
The other observation I have is of a growing discussion about the difference between being a
faster driver, and being a
better driver. Here are some (very biased) opinions:
Over the years I have had the priviledge of instructing many, many students and "coaching" experienced drivers in a effort to improve their driving. Some of my charges have said "I want to find more speed! I want to sort this car out so I can be
faster." Others have said "I know I'm doing something wrong. I seemed to have plateau'ed and can't seem to improve my times. Can you help me?" The answer to both of these requests is "Let's see how you're driving and work on making you a better driver. I want to evaluate your fundementals."
Now, some would argue that working on being a
better driver takes too long, the results aren't gratifying enough at that very moment or at that particular event, and "I just want to go
faster!!" To them my answer is, better drivers are faster drivers in the end. Along with being a
safer driver,
better drivers reduce the risk of an on-track incident, reduce the risk of an off-track excursion, and tend to break their cars less from hurried mistakes like miss-shifts, flat-spotted tires, over-revving the engine, and abrupt inputs that lead to spins, off-track damage, and on-track contact with other drivers.
It has been my experience at Time Trials that the beginner / novice/ intermediate "
fast-trained" drivers ultimately reach a point where they are no longer fast ... or at least as fast as their competition. They plateau. Sometimes these drivers resort to a "wallet" fix ... change the car, buy another car, bigger engine, stickier tires, more aero, CARBON FIBER EVERYTHING!!! While that may provide a temporary improvement in their times, I don't think it addresses the real "fix" ... their driving skills.
So, while the retailers and the speed shops love your temporary fixes, I think the cheaper, and more reliable... and
safest "fix" is to find an experienced instructor who understands the importance of the fundementals of good driving, and work with that instructor to hone your skills to the point where you are driving at the very limit of the car's potential safely, quickly, and consistantly... regardless of the presence of nanny's. I think you should spend your money at good Performance Driving Schools, spend time with top drivers in the club who are also Instructors, concentrate on nailing every fundemental skillset perfectly.I think you'll be faster. I think you'll be better. I know you'll be safer.
Just my opinion...
See you in March!!