Q: As an aspiring driver, when should I contact the teams I want to drive for?
Q: “I’m an aspiring rally driver who just finished reading your book Speed Secrets 5: The Complete Driver. In Chapter 5, “Career Steps,” you discussed getting started in racing as well as choosing a series. As a driver, I have done a season of competitive karting, a season of rallycross, and been to two racing schools. I plan to attend one more school and do some rally sprints before eventually getting my full competition license, but the question I have is: When is the right time (if there is one) to contact a team to show your interest in joining them for the next season? Should I wait until I have more experience later in the year and a race license, or is it best to let them know as soon as possible?”
Q: At 18 years old, where does one start to learn performance & race driving?
Q: “Love your stuff. Huge fan, and I have a question for you. My son wants to learn to drive. He is about to turn 18 and has some karting experience (not racing). Where do we start? What car? Manual transmission? How much autocross? How much HPDE (high performance driver education events? How do you know when to progress to the next level? Thanks for your insight!”
Q: Can and should I use the amount of wear on the upper sidewall of my tires to determine the best pressures?
Q: “My tires have a small, raised triangle on the sidewall, near the top of the tire where the tread starts. Local legend suggests optimum/maximum tire patch is gained when the sidewall deflection/rollover/rub line (chalking tires) just touches the tip of this triangle. Is this true/false, a quick-and-dirty gauge, or totally wrong? I’m not suggesting this method, if viable, is a replacement for temperature readings across the tire. However, I’m curious because as an HPDE-only type, I don’t have the equipment, crew, and track time to properly use the temperature gauge method. I noticed that my street tires – Michelin Pilot Super Sport 4S have a tiny Michelin Man in a similar spot as the triangle on the R888R’s. So, it’s gotta be there for a reason, right? The question is: For what purpose?”
Q: Can I use the g-load ratings from my data system to tell me I’m driving the limit?
Q: “I always read your content, love racing, and have a quick question on g-force. Are all “g’s” created equal? Meaning, I’m making 1.6g on a high-speed turn but only 0.8g when braking. If I’m more aggressive with braking, should I be able to make 1.6g on braking as well?”