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Dave's
Top 10 !!!
Things to ALWAYS do at a driver's school
(a.k.a. common courtesy and proper track etiquette)
contributed by Schwer
Hund
- Say
thank you when you borrow tools. Don't
make the owner come searching for them. If you need a tool
and someone is gracious enough to loan it, TAKE IT BACK! Don't
leave it out in the weather, put it in your toolbox or let
someone else borrow it without the owner's approval. It should
go without saying but here's a reminder anyway, be sure to
say "thank you" (and please wouldn't hurt either).
- Refrain
from playing loud music. (Or
any music for that matter)The track is a loud enough environment
and we don't come there to hear music from any other source
than the singing tires and pounding pistons. The variety of
folks there means that someone is not going to like the music,
regardless of style.
- Restrain
your pets. Probably
not a big issue since most tracks have banned them, but it's
worth a reminder. Also don't let your small children play
out of your sight, particularly on bikes, skateboards and
scooters. Kids will be kids so watch them carefully.
- Think
before you take a pit space.
It may be saved for someone else. It's pretty obvious when
folks are saving space for others. There is plenty to go around,
why not let them park together?
- Watch
your speed though the paddock, especially if you're bedding
in new brakes. If
you want to drive around slowly and cool off the car fine,
but 40 mph followed by hard stops is best done on one of the
service roads, not the paddock.
- Let
your instructor or student know what to expect.
If you're a student and you want to leave early (or vice versa,
an instructor) let the other know so they can not waste time
looking for you and either get another student (or instructor).
Also, it's probably a good idea to meet at the same location
all weekend long so people aren't kept waiting.
- Watch
your language and volume. You
never know who might be listening.
- Give
slower drivers some room. If
you're faster it will become apparent and you'll find a passing
zone pretty soon. If you don't know the other driver and their
habits you could "spook" them into driving their
mirrors, a sure way to throw them off line and maybe have
them spin right in front of you. If they give you a little
wave, they know you're there and will let you around at the
first opportunity, so give them some breathing room
- Remember
you are a guest. If
you BMW (bitch, moan and whine) about the track or local chapter's
rules, you ruin it for everyone. It's their event, they've
put out the effort to organize it and are liable if anything
goes wrong. Sure some of the rules may be a little arbitrary,
but as long as they are enforced equally and everyone plays
by them, just go along with the program and have a good time.
-
And the number one thing to remember at the track:
When you give a passing signal, don't drag race the other
car into the braking zone. Once
they have proven they are faster than you in the turns (they
caught you didn't they?) wait until you're in the passing
zone, look in your mirror, give the signal, wait until they
pull out, then "breathe" off the throttle. You probably
don't have to lift dramatically, unless they have a low horsepower
car with superior handling. In the faster groups, it's obvious
when someone gives you some help.
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