Racing for the first time

[jcblola]

I will be driving and racing my T140 for the first time in 4 weeks.
Any advice offered would be appreciated.
I have never raced an open wheeler before just sedans.
Is there any thing other than the obvious I should know,I am both very nervous and excited.I will be racing my Touring car at the same meeting.
Look forward to any input.

[David Pozzi]

It would be best to drive the car for the first time at a very small event, or rent track time to get familliar with the car.

Open wheel cars have the extra danger of touching wheels which can launch the car up in the air and cause a bad wreck.

Be sure you have the car fairly straight on corner exit before reaching full throttle.


Many original spring setups were very very soft which makes the rear unweight when you lift quickly.

Do not use full throttle in first or second gear on corner exit and then lift quickly while still turning. The rear can rise very quickly lose traction, and cause fishtailing, What many call a "Tank Slapper". You can get out of it if you apply some throttle when it comes halfway straight again.

If you feel it has too much power you can restrict the exhaust or adjust the throttle linkage so full throttle isn't reached. Watch your brake balance, if there is too much rear bias, the car will begin to have a rear hopping feeling and have oversteer on corner entry which can turn into understeer when the brakes are released.
Good luck and be careful.
David

[jcblola]

Thanks David for your input.
I am somewhat nervous but excited as well.
The ship has been delayed and we will only get the car 1 or 2 days before the event.
Luckily it is a small meeting with probably less than 10 cars in the race.
I will be very cautious.
Cheers

[David Pozzi]

That sounds like an ideal event to get some track time.

Come back and post some photos!
David