The difference between a trackday and a race session or even testing are huge. The only people I've ever seen going that hard, or being anything like that aggressive have been black flagged.
When i'm behind someone I almost drive it like a yellow flag, slow down, and bring the car under full control, so if they spin, go off, the car is in perfect balance and set-up to respond in the most appropriate manner.
At the same time, the track is the best place to explore the limits of car and driver, as Shug says, although how close you want to come to either is at the individual discretion.
I still try and read the body language of the car infront (at all times really), and often the pack of cars in front of them if its a que, and have backed off (or f*** off on the next straight
) when I'm not comfortable with the car in fronts driving, some times for good reason, sometimes just because it looks worse than it is and the chap in front really can hold those angles
(as John says " a hit or miss gamble") I've done similar because of people behind (although thats not such an issue for the Atom unless its wet). Maintaining this practice has saved me a lot of times, when people have lost it.
I think another thing Jon might be getting more uncomfortable with is in the 7 like the Atom the thought of being hit is a bit more personally concerning
Point being, as Campbell has said before, if your not comfortable, come in and have a breather. If someones been a bit rude/discourteous or dangerous then have a quiet word with them or the marshall. Let the red mist, or annoyance pass, and get back on having fun.
We had one at the AMP3 tracknight, where my Uncle was enjoying chasing Lotus's so much he wasn't co-operating as much as he usually does, some one was annoyed at him not lifting on the straights, and told me. I had a quiet word, issue was closed, and he was embarrassed ( he was having the time of his life and totally oblivious to the annoyance he was causing!)
I have had great laughs by taking it in turns to follow the other driver and see where they are quicker through corners, lines and breaking points. McKean and i drove each other around Dijon to see where we were going right/wrong (although I think i learnt more i from him
) although he declined getting in to my car for a pax round Charade
I still maintain that overall and given the traffic last Friday i thought it went pretty well all told, although I'm sure there were one or 2 issues.
There's a huge ambition in SE as a group to get more and more people out enjoying their talents in their Loti.
Worst thing that can happen is a prang at a trackday for all concerned
)
