SPD Tuning Service

Page down for detailed information. Suggestions, comments and questions are always welcome.

All sections Copyright 1998, use permitted by quoting the author and URL source.

This is what I know about people who become quick drivers: "Looks like you need some practice. Won't cure an impossible situation, just lets you know when you're not in one."  Reno Easterday, 1898-1972.

And a singular quality of those who do not: "A cat... having sat on a hot stove lid, will never again sit on a hot stove lid...won't sit on a cold one either!"     Samuel Langhorne Clemens, 1835-1910 (Mark Twain)

First you need the concepts and objectives, then you need experience. Then you must find the machine, know it, and learn to let it work though your timing, inputs and anticipation. The motion of the machine becomes an expression of your understanding of the machine. NOT an expression of your courage, strength, energy or desire. The machine can never know these emotions.

The comments in this section are for your reading pleasure. SPD Tuning Service encourages to you to drive safely on the public roads and to learn the very real difference between quick driving skills and ridiculous driving habits. You need track time opportunities to develop the skills in Comments On Road Driving section. Be sure to read the Comments on Off Road driving as well.

What is the first driving lesson? Every time you apply the brake, choose a time and pressure you judge will bring your car to a smooth stop at a predetermined point, such as the stop light or sign. See how early in the brake application you can find and hold a constant pedal pressure to stop where you think you will stop. Then, as safe opportunity presents, try the same maneuver at higher and higher deceleration rates, shorter and shorter braking distances. Learn to watch you back, by the way. This is the first critical skill to the turn-in process: arriving on time and under control at the turn-in point.

The second lesson is to get shifting and braking together down to a smooth art. The third lesson is to learn to wait for the machine. It tells you what is next just as often as you tell it. The forth lesson is the realization that smoothness is the most important asset you can have. It makes timing and anticipation possible. Enjoy. Comment and questions invited.

Send mail to mshields@spdusa.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: May 23, 2000