DwD 346:  Track Selection:  The Impact on Learning

On this episode of Dominating with Dawson, we wanted to discuss an aspect of racing education that can often be overlooked – track selection.  The typical decision path to getting a racing license or going to an HPDE event or a track day is to find the closest track to you. Ideally, there will be an event that fits within your schedule.  This is likely to be what you do as well.  However, one factor that is neglected in this methodology is the impact that the track design and layout can have on your learning and progression.  There are many tracks that have very little run off room or walls, trees, rocks, etc. Especially if they are very close to the track. This can make a small off track event a potentially very large cost event.  It can also affect the comfortability of the driver towards pushing the car. This will then change their personal driving limits during the event. 

Track Selection

We talk about a few examples of tracks that are very forgiving. Then we review a few that we have been to that have layouts that are not quite as friendly.  This is not to say that it is the tracks “fault” because in the end the responsibility always remains within the driver’s seat. It is their responsibility to maintain control of the car and determine when/if they are going to push towards the limit.  We love every single track but wanted to point out something that should be taken into account. This is especially as you are in your middle stages of learning and progressing as a driver.  As a bonus, for the exact same price, we include a great story of an early HPDE event in Ben Dawson’s HPDE history.

If you have any favorite tracks to work on your skills or push your limits, please let us know.  Also, if we missed a few of the higher consequence tracks or turns, please let us know. This can be in a podcast review or on our social media. You can also send us an email at [email protected] and we can share it in an upcoming Dominating With Dawson.

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We hope you enjoy this episode!

PS  If you are looking to stream or save your integrated telemetry/racing data with you video, Candelaria Racing Products Sentinel System may be the perfect solution for you.  We are during installing the system in two of our cars.  If this sounds like something that may help you and your team, please use our discount code. By entering “GHIT” at checkout, you will get a 10% discount code during the checkout process.

PS2  Please do not forget that if you are looking to add an Apex Pro to your driving telemetry system, do not forget to use our discount code for all Apex Pro systems you will receive a free Windshield Suction Cup Mount for the system, a savings of $40.  Just enter the code “ghitlikesapex!” when you order.  They are a great system and invaluable to safely increasing your speed on track and/or autocross, etc.  The recently released second generation systems and app increases the capability of the system.

Best regards,

Vicki, Jennifer, Ben, Alan, Jeremy, and Bill

Hosts and Drivers for the Garage Heroes In Training team

DwD 346:  Track Selection:  The Impact on Learning