I just got my z a little over a month ago, it's my first RWD car and I love it. It was great to meet some a few of you guys a couple weeks ago (cove beach day) and I'm looking forward to sun 4/5 too.

I am really looking to learn more about how to better handle and control my car and I don't have a thousand dollars to throw into skip barber's clinics or anything like that. I am looking for someone who lives nearby that has a lot of control knowledge that would be willing to meet up with me in the near future when the weather gets nicer.

I am just looking for someone willing to meet in a big parking lot or something and let me ride with you and show me some pointers, such as braking techniques for emergencies, how to take corners and powering through them, slide control, teach me about under/oversteer, and other advanced driving skills. I know you can read a lot of stuff online but that only does so much and it would be great to learn and be shown in person in the same car as mine. Nothing too crazy, I am not asking anyone to wear on their tires and brakes, just some small basics. This would help me not only feel more confident and prepared, but would also show me the basics so I can participate in some autocross events or mtn runs in the future.

I would really appreciate it and would certainly take you for some beers and lunch
I live in Windsor/Storrs, CT I would be willing to travel to you if you are further as well, thanks a ton -Mat

 

good luck with this one

 

Umm I'd be careful on who you choose to learn you some... I think your best bet is to keep attending the meets with lots of questions handy

 

Find your local autocross club and throw it around some cones.

 

There will be some AutoX going on this year in RI.
I know a few of the guys will be going down.

You should go to some.

Incase you do not know, AutoX is normally done in a wide open area with only cones to guide you. So if you mess up, there is no wall to smash. It is not bad for learning. They always have someone who can instruct you on things you may need help with too.

Other than that, I would suggest just learning it on your own, by feel. Words do not do justice to the beauty of driving a car. Feel how it reacts when you try something and take it from there. The Z is pretty good at handling so test it while you drive. Get on an on-ramp and see how it feels. After a few times around, try pushing it a little bit more. Small steps are a good thing. If you do not feel comfortable, then do not push it anymore.

Disclaimer:
Off-ramps are bad... Too many wimps stop at the end of them. You do not want a new hood ornament

Like someone said above, keep coming to meets and ask questions.

 

Yeah I planned on attending some events and getting a feel for things before I jumped in, just get a little nervous about any damage. I try to push it within my comfort zone but I know mistakes happen I can hit the too much level without meaning it and get into some trouble and the road isn't the best place for that especially for the inexperienced. You never know what is a mistake until it's too late, my best bet is those open areas with the cones, I've taken some corners on open roads and the back slides out and I always try to over-correct instead of steering into it and letting it come back. Practice in an open area seems to be my best bet, just wanted to give this a shot as well though if anyone was interested

 

traction control can be your friend sometimes....... not fool proof but for the lesser experienced is a good idea to leave on

 

You will only learn by practicing. Go to dicks, buy some cones, go to a parkin lot and let loose. Thats how i learned how to drift.

 

There are several options for autocrossing. I run with cart (ct autox and rally) often. There are instructors on hand to help and it cost around 30 bucks. I strongly suggest you learn at an organized event as it will keep you out of trouble and shorten the learning curve. I believe the next event is in about two weeks.

 

Join a local autocross club.

No need to spend $$$ thousands on HPDE. Search for regional HPDE. About $250/day.

 

Hey Im in the Windsor area, and I have attended Time Trials, and some evasive driving courses. Anyone on who has attended some of the Mtn Runs can attest to my car control (TRodis lol). Running in the front of the pack makes it a huge safety piece to have this skill set. HPDE and AutoX's will def help ya out.