First track day this weekend! Any tips for a HPDE novice?

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by lelandr

These are good pointers. I will expand on the "not follow the car ahead" part. I always tell students to try and "look through " the car ahead of you, which is not instinctive. People tend to focus on the car in front as a matter of learning, competition and prep for something to go wrong. In fact, you peripheral vision has a faster response, so if you're focused on "looking through" to your track markers, you're more likely to catch the guy in front of you doing something wrong fast.

Always look ahead. You should not be looking at the apex or track out point where you are--it's already too late. If you missed it, you should already have your eyes focused on the next marker to hit it.

To many new track / autox guys, smooth feels slower, but is actually much faster.

Agreed, learn the course, establish markers, look 2-3 corners ahead and be sure to spot the flaggers, check your mirrors throughout. Situational awareness is key. In the beginning it’s a lot so your instructor should help with the flaggers and mirrors.