In a message dated 3/5/99 7:49:02 AM Central Standard Time, washburn@dwave.net
writes:
> Jamie Sculerati wrote:
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: washburn <washburn@dwave.net>
> >
> > >Anyway, autocrosses most certainly are a navigation and memory exercise,
> > IMHO.
> >
> > Unfortunately, I don't have a rule book handy right now, but I seem to
> > recall a paragraph in there which says this isn't so. Either way, IMO,
> this
> > is the fastest way to discourage new drivers -- it's hard to convince
> > someone to return when their results read "Off Course, Off Course, Off
> > Course."
>
> Agreed. I'm looking at the question from a "being competitive" mode.
> The course does need to be clearly defined so that it is obvious where
> to go to stay on course. Especially at the beginning of the season. :)
> I will note however, that when a lot of people are going off, I find
> that when asked, they admit they didn't walk the course at all, or maybe
> once. I try to make sure to tell all the novices as many times as I can
> that it is *thier* responsibility to know exactly where the course goes,
> from a competition and safety standpoint.
> >
> > >There is no way you are going to negotiate a course quickly if you do
not
> > know where you are going before >you get there.
> >
> > Quite true -- but there's a world of difference between negotiating a
> course
> > quickly and negotiating it at all! The fast line doesn't have to be (and
> > probably shouldn't be) obvious, but the general path of the course better
> > be -- otherwise, the course workers are afraid to get too far away from
> the
> > light poles....
> >
> Light poles can be island of safety in a sea of chaos! I guess my point
> is don't blame your (not YOU, but a hypothethical you :) ) slow time on
> the fact that a course might be complex. I will re-phrase the comment:
> While it is not necessary, it would be very beneficial to completly
> memorize the course. I personally like complexity, and you CAN have
> complexity and drivers challenge in a course while also having it be
> clearly defined. They are not mutually exclusive.
>
> Patrick Washburn <washburn@dwave.net>
>
Interesting subject, course design and memory. One of the thinks I learned
from the McKamey school was looking ahead - I mean LOOKING AHEAD!! They
emphasized looking ahead as far as you can see; not just at the gate you're
going into, but a turn ahead - maybe two; turning your head all the way over
your shoulder to pick up the next gate; etc. The second day, we ran courses
we didn't get a chance to walk, memorize, nor pick the "right" line. I heard
one person say that as practice in looking ahead, they'd run the local events
without walking the course. It seems like maybe memorizing the course doesn't
play much of a part in being competitive. Just a thought...
Rick McClure
36 FM
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