Track etiquette: Dos and Don'ts?

[smokystove]

After a few months on the forum it's proved very enlightening hearing the thoughts of drivers, particularly the very experienced. I'm sure I wouldn't be alone as a newcomer to the sport in being curious to hear what the "old hands" have to say regarding common mistakes made by novices. Like many disciplines, I'd imagine there are some "unspoken" rules not found in any handbook. Of course nothing can ever replace good old learning by doing, but I thought I'd open the topic up to get some feedback that might save myself and other newcomers from "getting in the way" on the track and jeopardizing the enjoyment and/or safety of the sharper end of the grid. Rants and raves are welcome!

[smokystove]

I should add to this "off track" paddock/pit area etiquette as well.

[Al Weyman]

All I would say is when on the track just hold the racing line and everyone will know where you will be, I have seen guys desperately trying to politely get out the way going off the racing line and making matters worse. Its safer to just momentarily back out the throttle a tad down the staight if you really feel you are in the way of a lapping car.

Off track I also think if you do have a coming together it is just plain politeness to go over to the offended driver and offer an apology even if the actual blame may be debatable.

[terence]

Totally agree with Al,I would also recommend using your door mirrors,as Al said,if/when you get into the situation of being challenged for a corner,if you have the corner,ie,arrive there first,just stick to your line,do not panic and make things worse,you can then just let the faster car past by waving him through after the corner but still not swerving out his way,he has the speed.Adding to Al's advice,if you feel that you may have chopped someone during the race,its always a nice thing to appologise.

[delta]

Got to agree with Al as well. But a novice also needs to get on with his racing learning the lines braking points ect ect. So get up to speed as soon as you can then you wont be a novice.!!!

[john ruston]

American in Berlin(don't do nicknames)Are you the same fellow who was asking about Tour regularities?

[smokystove]

Originally Posted by john ruston

American in Berlin(don't do nicknames)Are you the same fellow who was asking about Tour regularities?

Yes, that's correct... that's what initially made me join the forum.

[smokystove]

But don't worry John, I'll be sticking to regularities and sprints for a while yet before making the aforementioned gaffs and getting in your way anytime soon!

[john ruston]

Thought it was.Different set of rules on the circuits.You let the drivers who really want to be proper race drivers get on with it(they dont do competition because they wont buy the PJ's or are to lazy to get a licence)as they are usually more dangerous than proper race drivers.The ones who want to do a regularity take any line to stay out of the way of the racers and use lines to correct time.If you do this line and braking point thing go into competition.

[smokystove]

Originally Posted by john ruston

Different set of rules on the circuits.

Precisely why I'm posting these questions... I do plan to as soon as I am ready for it to get into competition, and these are the things I'd want to know before stepping out there.

[Eric Falce]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

All I would say is when on the track just hold the racing line and everyone will know where you will be, I have seen guys desperately trying to politely get out the way going off the racing line and making matters worse. Its safer to just momentarily back out the throttle a tad down the staight if you really feel you are in the way of a lapping car.

Off track I also think if you do have a coming together it is just plain politeness to go over to the offended driver and offer an apology even if the actual blame may be debatable.

I can only agree with Al,last year and my first time at Spa I had a lot more grunt than a MGB following,decided to pull over to let him pass as he was miles faster than me,pulled straight into his path and knocked him off,exactly what I was trying not to do and did I feel a right p##t.So now unless its on the straight I just hold my line,no problems.

[john ruston]

The B was probably going much faster than it should have been so don't feel to bad!

[rogerwills]

I hate the people in slower cars that decide to dart down the inside and have a go at overtaking under braking knowing you are going to pass them straight after the corner and disappear into the distance!

[delta]

Originally Posted by rogerwills

I hate the people in slower cars that decide to dart down the inside and have a go at overtaking under braking knowing you are going to pass them straight after the corner and disappear into the distance!

Oh dear.

[FISCracer]

Originally Posted by rogerwills

I hate the people in slower cars that decide to dart down the inside and have a go at overtaking under braking knowing you are going to pass them straight after the corner and disappear into the distance!

And I get sick of guys in 'faster' cars who can't go round corners or brake 50+ yards too early

However in a race it should not be an issue because you're either being lapped in which case you lift or if not, you have every right to hold your line and outbrake as you see fit. I am sure others in 'slow' cars have let 'fast' cars through only to be held up thereafter.

My main piece of advice for a novice racer is if you make a mistake don't then over-drive the car to make up for it, as you'll just make a bigger mistake with bigger consequences. Forget it and get back into a rythmn. More easily said than done sometimes.

Just because somebody has a fast/expensive car doesn't mean they are experienced. Equally just because they've been at it 20 years doesn't mean they fast or courteous. The former is particularly evident at Classic Le Mans.

[jerryk]

i cant believe nobody has mentioned how the "newer" drivers have to supply all the beer for the other drivers . After racing is finished of course.

[Tim Falce]

Jerry wash your mouth out, this is historic racing so it's finest wine or Champagne.

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by rogerwills

I hate the people in slower cars that decide to dart down the inside and have a go at overtaking under braking knowing you are going to pass them straight after the corner and disappear into the distance!

I suppose I'm one of them then Roger, except I wont just "have a go" but will keep my corner entry and exit speed up and normally beat loads of big HP cars overall !

[compte deGraves]

Originally Posted by rogerwills

I hate the people in slower cars that decide to dart down the inside and have a go at overtaking under braking knowing you are going to pass them straight after the corner and disappear into the distance!

You wil just have to learn how to corner a bit quicker! Think how the cars with less grunt down the straight feel when great lumps of metal get in their way around the corners during a class battle for points! Think on .........................

[Tim Falce]

I hate it when those slower cars decide to dart down the inside and have a go at overtaking under braking and then carry so much speed through the corner they **** off into the distance on the next straight.

[jerryk]

Originally Posted by falcemob

Jerry wash your mouth out, this is historic racing so it's finest wine or Champagne.

so no doughnuts either?

[Eric Falce]

Dont bloody help,the marshals still report you and you get points on your licence.

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by Eric Falce

Dont bloody help,the marshals still report you and you get points on your licence.

That's bad, especially when you didn't do it.

[rogerwills]

Originally Posted by compte deGraves

You wil just have to learn how to corner a bit quicker! Think how the cars with less grunt down the straight feel when great lumps of metal get in their way around the corners during a class battle for points! Think on .........................

From what I understand we will have the chance to battle for class points together next year Graves in small engine cars - bring it on!!

[rogerwills]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

I suppose I'm one of them then Roger, except I wont just "have a go" but will keep my corner entry and exit speed up and normally beat loads of big HP cars overall !

The exception rather than the rule!

Example - the 3.25 bloke at Spa last season having a go at an impossible overtaking move in the bus stop and running out of road (and skill), smacking into the back of me. My lap time - 3.03. Was he going to keep his entry and exit speed and beat me overall????