To put it simply...You've got to have goals!
Especially when you are trying to learn something like road racing.

--Doug

 

Which is what the instructors are for.

 

^^^^ exactly ^^^^

 

The instructors are there to teach you the fundamentals. There is a point where you need to be able to figure out a track on your own.

--Doug

 

Agreed, but instructors can teach a lot more than just fundamentals if you want 'em to.

Jon

 

That may be true, but If you are JUST being signed off for group 2 you are far from that point. No offense to you, but learning from instructors is much more valuable then just making laps by yourself. Thats just facts of getting on track. Those that have experience to teach you are there for a reason. Even ask instructors that have been on track for years and years, they'll have a rider sometimes and learn something new.

But...to each his own, not gona be in my way.

 

That is quite true. I have a friend who drove formula cars and sports racers for 25 years. I just got him to the point where he is going to be coming out to NASA events and coming out of retirement. Anyway back on topic he was watching some of his Sports Renault videos and realized something about a turn that would have made him a bit quicker in the Renault. The key point is that he hasn't been behind the wheel of one of those since '88. So it is true that you are always learning. In reality I want to get to group 3 by Savanna simply so I can play with this guy.

--Doug

 

You are correct Jon. I shouldn't have made that generalization.

--Doug

 

LOL it's all good Doug. I totally understand your point above, but instruction is what you make of it IMHO. It is an excellent privilege but some people think of it as a burden and can't wait to go solo (not necessarily you) and I believe they are missing a very important learning opportunity as a result. Things like the fast line through T16-T17 at VIR are generally not taught in HPDE1-2, but can be taught in HPDE3 upon request, and might never be found on your own. Even as an instructor the best seat time I ever get is when I can convince (bribe? lol) a racer or another instructor to sit with me... because there's always something to improve upon.

FWIW I can recommend some NASA instructors who are happy to be more aggressive from the shotgun seat so you can progress as quickly as you wish. And at any rate I applaud your goals and wish you the best of luck as you climb the ladder of speed

Jon

 

I believe you are talking about Hog-Pen(or big oak, can't remember what my friend called the turn). From what my friend has told me it is down 1 gear(3rd) for 16 and then down again when you turn in for 17. I haven't driven VIR yet but have been watching videos and talking with a friend of mine about it.

--Doug