Chasing the Summit: Hard Lessons from Three Seasons in GLTC
Most people don’t see the real cost of competing. Carlos Mendez shares the toll of the climb.
Driving Fast26
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How to Closely Chase Another Car On Track
When chasing another car on a race track, certain adjustments must be made to safely maintain proximity (and pass the car ahead when the time is right). The most important but not the most apparent change is during the braking zones, specifically the initial brake application. Adjusting your brake application...
Those Who Can't Race, Coach
I haven't written much here on RISING EDGE since my time-crunch engine swap and the start of my racing season earlier this year. While I'd like to say that my hiatus has been because I've been busy, the truth runs deeper than that. Thanks...
Striving to Be an Average Racer
There’s a funny thing about averages. Statistically speaking, half of us are below average. Yet, I think if you ask drivers in any track group and with any level of experience, most of them would tell you that they’re above-average drivers. We know this cannot always be the...
Project Cars and The Human Condition
My very long-time friend, Mike Burroughs of StanceWorks fame, recently posted a video declaring that he hates the nearly-perfect S54 E36 he has owned for 17+ years. This is an E36 that, by all measures, is one of the nicest out there – and it has been for the better part of two decades.
The Right Timing: When to Fine-Tune Your Track Car Setup
I was recently asked: at what point should I start making setup changes to my car? There is no clear-cut answer to this, but in my opinion, the earlier, the better! As a novice driver, you will experience exponential progression in your lap times simply from improving your car control...
NASA Comp School: I Did It!
I finally accomplished a years-old goal of mine: completing NASA Competition School! The weekend was jam-packed. With so much to unpack, Comp School was enough to make several weeks' worth of articles. I will cover different aspects of the process in upcoming articles. As I am busy with my...
Racing & Egos
Racing and large egos go hand in hand. Over the years, I've seen drivers make questionable, sometimes flat-out dangerous moves to gain a position in a low-stakes club race [prototype and GT car tangling 2-wide at 130mph through Bishops Bend; one of them got air-lifted]. I've...
Quality Instruction: A Game of Chance
I recently read a great article by the inimitable Ross Bentley, which highlighted some of the shortcomings of HPDE instruction. As a seasoned instructor and driving coach, Ross included many excellent ideas for better ways to coach and train new drivers. Train the Trainer: Monkeys, Late Apexes & Classroom SessionsWhy...
The Road To Gridlife Touring Cup
Today marks the one-year anniversary of RE, and we're thrilled to share some exciting news about the upcoming race season. Carlos Mendez and TJ Lathrop are taking a couple of BMWs racing in GridLife Touring Cup.
On Recognizing Progress
Several nights a week, I feel guilty when I choose to sit on the couch and watch TV, or hop in the sim rig and do some racing, rather than going out in the garage and working on one of my track cars. If you know me you or have...
Sim Racing: 4 Critical Tips
I've been sim racing for 6 months now, and have found it invaluable at honing my skills. Since I don't get to drive on the track as much as I'd like, staying sharp (and even improving) in between events is important. I consider myself...