take you autox guys to get semi-comfortable with the evo at speed on the course. I have been autoxing for a few years now, but with cars that have about 1/2 the hp of the evo. This car is so damn fast that it seems that I am reaction driving instead of really looking ahead and planning my next move. It got better toward the last run, and I was able to get within about one sec. of the fastest time of the day, but I know the car has another 2 secs. in it. I am just hoping my vision can (and will)catch up with the car. I take it gets better and you get used to the speed, but damn, this thing is a beast. But with that said, I love this thing.

 

Welcome to EvoM.

First, it would help to know how modified your Evo is.

Second, coming within about 1 second of the fast time of the day is pretty impressive for somebody who is not even "semi-comfortable" in the car. (Unless the event lacks good drivers in fast cars.)

Everybody progresses at a different rate, but the only thing that really helps is seat time. Be smooth and start by driving at 9/10 rather than 10/10. An Evo driven at 9/10 is still a beast -- but a beast that is a lot easier to tame than an Evo driven at 10/10. The fast drivers are the ones who can place the car within inches of where they want it. Work on that skill above all else.

 

i think you will get used to it quick. the EVO is a very forgiving motor. take a look at the MR400 on Top Gear (if you can get it). Clarkson was doing 4 wheel driffts with 1 finger, and was quicker around their track than a Lambo!

but speed is not everything. just enjoy yourself. thats what its all about.

thanks Chris.

 

^^^ i am pretty sure that it was one second slower but it is still sick.

 

Thanks for the replies and welcome guys,

Jbrennen, my car is stock besides a catback. But I agree with you on the smoothness part. I drive way too aggressively(sp) and that could be part of the problem. When I can put it together I can throw a lap up there with the best of them, but my consistency is lacking. With my old car I could push it very hard and still place it generally where I wanted it to go. But with the evo, it seems that I am at my turn in or braking point so much quicker than my old car, that I cant get my self to look far enough ahead on the track and prepare myself for the next turn.

I think that once I really get used to the car, this will not be a problem. But Jbrennen, about how far do you look ahead. I mean when you are coming up to a turn, what part of the track is your vision focused on. That will give me some help, so that I can try to impliment myself next time out. Thanks

 

Yes, you will get used to it...

How far I look ahead depends on the course elements. In a slalom, I'm never really looking past the next two gates. But in a long sweeper, I may look a good 80 - 100 yards ahead. I remember one course this year where we had a long right hand sweeper, probably about a 30 yard turning radius, and about 210 degrees of total arc -- I would visually pick up the final inside cone as I entered the sweeper and visualize to myself what attitude I needed the car to be in as I passed that cone. Then I'd keep my eyes on that cone, seeing the other cones of the sweeper using peripheral vision only. By visualizing the desired end point of the sweeper, you give yourself the best chance to actually hit your mark -- and in fact, you'll be lined up so well for it that you can look ahead for the next element at least a couple of car lengths before passing the exit cone.

Most importantly, I guess, during your walkthrough, think very hard about recognizing cones which will require early setup. Every course has elements which are visually intuitive and elements which are not. Don't waste much time thinking about the visually intuitive elements -- concentrate on those where the correct line is not visually obvious.

 

I have autocrossed nothing but turbo-AWD cars, so getting used to the EVO was not that difficult for me.

The key is to be as smooth as possible and don't get behind the car. To answer your question, I am looking at least 2 corners ahead if possible, while thinking about where I need to be for the third corner. Like your old car, you need to be mindful of keeping up your momentum to minimize turbo lag when launching out of a corner. But at the same token, you have to re-adjust your braking zones to accomidate the awesome brakes on the EVO. The first thing experianced autocrosser tell me when they first ride along, is how late you can brake in the EVO and keep a good line.

After driving an STI for a winter season, ( got 1st in AS) The biggest hurdle with the EVO is learning the limits of the brakes. After letting a co-driver in my car, I realized that I was not braking nearly as hard as I needed to. Unlike the STI you can really stand on these brakes and haul the EVO down to cornering speeds. It does not matter if your in a sweeper, slalom, or on a very bumpy track, the brakes are not affected.

The second biggest hurdle for me was learning how much I can unwind the steering wheel when coming out of a corner. The EVO can corner like nothing else I have driven (outside of a go-kart). Unwinding the wheel is key to keeping up your momentum. I have literally gained several tenths of seconds by unwinding the steering wheel earlier than I normal would have done in other cars I have driven (DSM, WRX and STI). Pay attention to what the tires are telling you ( how much are they squealling past the apex? ) When you unwind the wheel, you will find traction.

 

Evo's are amazingly easy to drive at 9/10s. The first time I hopped in an Evo I had minimal AWD experience. Within 3 runs I was going pretty quick, but my mental game was a good half second behind. The difference between 9/10s and 10/10s is certainly significant. The Evo I was driving (jbrennen's) was also nowhere near stock so that's something to keep in mind as well. I've seen other competent drivers do similar things.

Now, I've logged quite a few runs in various Evos and STis. Those runs have cemented my view that it's possible to get almost fully up to speed in these cars really really quickly, but the last step to 10/10s is tough. It's even tougher for novices because the car tend to make up for things the drivers might not be doing right.

 

I think you just hit the nail on the head, of what my problem is Mhyrr. I am in no way a novice, I have been doing this for years now, but my "mental game" as you put it was for lower hp cars. Now that I am driving the evo, I seem to still have the same lower hp mind set, so it seems that I am chasing the car, instead of really driving it. I am not super slow mind you, hell, I was only 1. 2 sec. behind a 400hp plus zo6 with a good driver and hoosier's on. I know once I get my mental game together and really learn the car I will be good for that 1.2 sec. and set some quick times. I am just ready to accelerate the process!

 

man I got the same problem as you, I just can't look ahead very well yet. This is a skill I need to learn too, as I want to start circuit racing as well. If anyone has anymore tips, please chime in!