[Electrc109]

I will be autocrossing on Sunday, and can't figure if I should use SD mode or the steptronic mode. Which have you found to (or would think) work better?

[Sejanus]

Why do you have to choose? Shouldn't it depend on what you're trying to do with the car at any specific moment?

[nonsequitur]

I think Steptronic gives the most throttle-steering control which is important to rotate the car at corners, but SD allows hands-on-the-wheel concentration that may be a bigger time gain.

I've had trouble in the slalom segments where it is too-tempting to jump on/off the throttle (my poor technique!) at each cone. In SD, the computer tried to follow my demands, getting all messed up. A single Steptronic selection calms this down.

But last time out I used SD and careful right-foot to set and hold rpm, with left-foot braking to control speed and balance. It worked, with respectable times and interest from those gathered around.

I am very interested in what you try, what you like, and what seems to work best!

Simple, with the right line, is almost always better.

[punkeyfunky]

Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur

I think Steptronic gives the most throttle-steering control which is important to rotate the car at corners, but SD allows hands-on-the-wheel concentration that may be a bigger time gain.

Not if you've got paddles on the steering wheel like me... better control and hands on the wheel at all times...



Lee

[nonsequitur]

Oops! You're right!

Now that introduces a whole new thread ... driving technique with the paddle shifters. Actually, the paddles may change how one should approach these situations; your hands are on the wheel all the time but there may be positions (like hard over in a tight turn) where it's difficult to execute, etc.

[Electrc109]

I think I might be doing a combination of both modes.

In SD mode, I presume there could be a problem with getting the revs back up after a hairpin turn. Using engine braking with Steptronic, I guess I could remain in steptronic when I begin to accelerate, then shift back into SD mode.

This could get complicated. If I have enough runs, I'll try a little bit of everything.

My plan as of right now:
1st run: SD mode the entire time at 70% aggressiveness
2nd run: Steptronic mode the entire time at 90% aggressiveness
3rd run: SD and Steptronic at 90% aggressiveness
4th run: SD and/or Steptronic mode (whichever was most effective) with fully aggressive driving (note this inlcudes left foot braking and using the e-brake)
5th run: fully aggressive with SD and/or Steptronic

I wish I had a video camera.....

[nonsequitur]

Can't argue with your plan except to note that the biggest improvements typically occur with the driver's experience and skill, not the car. I've seen good drivers take an embarrassing car through at times quicker than a tricked-out whatever.

Keeping the run plan simple will allow you to see what happens, for you, and for the car.

A big variable is the course. My last one (with the MINI) was "open" corners, call it a slow road course -- everything flowed easily. The MINI "worked" so well. The event before that was "tight" with two slow sections of coned slalom that didn't flow smoothly, taxed my patience, and thus hurt my times (shame on me because this is a controllable attitude).

Have fun, and good luck!

[Electrc109]

this track is a tight course (autocross set up on an airport runway). max speed will be maybe 40 mph. I will draw out the track beforehand to study it, and will probably only take one run to fully memorize the course.

[nonsequitur]

Advice to me from a guy who was wickedly fast in a Volkswagen Golf, and his buddy who drove a Z-06 to fastest time in that class, was "Walk The Course Early" with someone who knows or set it up, then walk the line (positioned where your eyes will be in the car) again, and then maybe do again! I'll be interested in your report. The MINI turns so well, and it looks good on-course.

[Electrc109]

Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur

Oops! You're right!

Now that introduces a whole new thread ... driving technique with the paddle shifters. Actually, the paddles may change how one should approach these situations; your hands are on the wheel all the time but there may be positions (like hard over in a tight turn) where it's difficult to execute, etc.

With your hands exacly at 9 and 3, there is enough steering available for most turns in asphalt racing without letting go of the wheel.

[punkeyfunky]

Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur

Oops! You're right!

Now that introduces a whole new thread ... driving technique with the paddle shifters. Actually, the paddles may change how one should approach these situations; your hands are on the wheel all the time but there may be positions (like hard over in a tight turn) where it's difficult to execute, etc.

Well, with one hand (other arm is paralysed) I can manage in almost all road situations and regularly use the paddles/manual mode for playing; so those with two hands should be able to manage everything, right?

Lee