My name is Zico, and this is my Chaste White NA8 build

[HarryB]

What this gentleman said ^

Nevertheless, your time seems really impressive for a "novice" and the improvement in lap times compared to your previous one is massive.

[MaRcOp01o]

Awesome improvement! Proud of you!

My First track day was 4 years ago at Sebring in my NB. That was the most fun I ever had and the feeling of doing better and seeing the results really gives you a great confidence boost to push harder.

Also #RespectTheBumps

[— Agent☣Orange —]

Bumpy for sure!

[zco]

Great update! I always take lessons at track when it’s offered since we there’s always so much to learn. My favourite was at Laguna Seca with a larger Australian gentleman that couldn’t quite fit IN my seats so sat ON them and said “no biggie”. I’ll never forget him shouting “keep your foot down! The brakes will sort you out when you need em”.

Thanks for taking the time to keep posting updates! These make for a fantastic read.

Thanks Pete! Documenting everything here helps me keep track of my progress of the build, and improvements to my driving. It always helps to get encouragement and pointers from others as well. Seeing Marco's social media posts at the track reignited my drive to get back out on the race track!

Nice work!

Rotating and directional changes using the brakes takes a little practice and technique. Driving is about energy and motion management (to me), pushing the limits of adhesion. It all comes with a bit of time, then things start to slow down where you start anticipating and reacting more naturally. That’s when the fun starts. ;)

What this gentleman said ^

Nevertheless, your time seems really impressive for a "novice" and the improvement in lap times compared to your previous one is massive.

Thanks fellas. I've got 1 more trackday booked for next Wednesday, I'll be keen to practice my braking then. Will try to utilise the instructors tips, and hopefully smoothen out my driving. I'll try get some in-car video footage this time.

Awesome improvement! Proud of you!

My First track day was 4 years ago at Sebring in my NB. That was the most fun I ever had and the feeling of doing better and seeing the results really gives you a great confidence boost to push harder.

Also #RespectTheBumps

Thanks Marco! Wish I one day get the chance to do a few laps around Sebring / Laguna Seca

[zco]

Doesnt look like there were many pics of my car this time from the on-track photographer. Here they are anyway..









and my favourite one.. haha

[— kung fu jesus —]

I like your rallycross style in the last one.

[LagBlu]

Nice progress here. Really like the track action and pictures.

[zco]

I like your rallycross style in the last one.

Old habits die hard.. #Honda #LawnMower

[zco]

Rotating and directional changes using the brakes takes a little practice and technique. Driving is about energy and motion management (to me), pushing the limits of adhesion. It all comes with a bit of time, then things start to slow down where you start anticipating and reacting more naturally. That’s when the fun starts. ;)

When I first read this, I couldnt really understand / comprehend how this would work, and what to expect/feel from a car that rotates under brakes. My first few trackdays, I did nothing but brake hard and fast in a straight line, followed by partial/full throttle through a corner.

I recently attended another trackday on the 4th November, and used the day to just focus on lines and learning to modulate braking. I still found myself braking at the same spot
(need bigger balls), however, held onto the brakes a little longer than usual, eased off the brakes during turn in and felt the car turn / tip into the corners. At first it was a little scary, but soon became very familiar and quite fun haha Repeated this many times, and found myself being aware of weight transfer during corner entry. I have yet to brake deep enough and later into an apex, but I think that will come with practice/time..

After clocking another +50 laps, some corners now feel a little slower, or my brain seems to be processing those corners quicker. I've found myself to be more calm during those corners, and I assume the entire track will eventually feel slow!

I'm guessing left foot braking would be the next step up from trail braking? Using the brake pedal to rotate mid corner whilst accelerating, aiding with weight transfer / turning? If so, that is bloody genius! I can't wait to learn that haha

My driving has become much more consistent, breakdown below:

19th October: all laps completed before 14:00.
1:12 - 1 lap
1:13 - 6 laps
1:14 - 6 laps
1:15 - 1 lap
1:16 - 1 lap


4th November:
1:13 - 13 laps
1:14 - 11 laps (7 of which were all in the one session, after 15:00 where track temps were much higher).
1:15 - 1 lap
1:16 - 1 lap

I have no doubt those 7x 1:14 laps in the afternoon would have been 1:13's earlier in the day.

Will upload photos soon. I have another day booked for 7th December, it'll definitely be hotter as we go deeper into our summer. Last one for the year!

[— kung fu jesus —]

Yes, when you start to feel more comfortable (with seat time and experience) the act of driving the car at limit feels more natural and less of a bombastic assault on your senses.

Things don’t actually slow down, you just process the information better.

Weight transfer is how braking techniques for directional adjustment comes into play.

If threshold braking is still something you aren’t comfortable with, consider dedicating some time to that. Threshold braking, smooth release and finding the tip-in points are crucial.

After that, I think learning how to ‘read’ the chassis through the steering wheel and the seat are key. That is around the point when you should begin to start experiment with LFB and more aggressive trail-braking.

[zco]

Thanks for the advice Steven, will take it on board and work on those things Appreciate it!

A few photos from the last track day

[Slampen]

Nice. Thank you for sharing. Thumbs up.

Impressive number of laps by Craig Benson.

[HarryB]

What on earth, just noticed that! Impressive number of laps by his NC as well if I may add.

[zco]

Haha yeh, those include outlaps, cool down laps etc. There’s also 3x30min sessions where there are passengers and they don’t get timed / added to the lap count. The record for one day is 223 laps, held by an ND MX5 lol

[zco]

I forgot mention that the last trackday that I was running with an upgraded front sway bar, more specifically, the Racing Beat 1.125" Tubular front bar, combined with the brace blocks as well.

Steering turn in felt easier, and more crisp but it did seem to understeer a little more than I would have liked on one particular turn. Either that, or I have been getting faster at that turn (which is most likely the case). I have yet to install a 14mm rear sway bar, but I'll leave that until later, seems to be OK so far