Page 1 of 2

Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:05 pm
by teK--
I'm entering my first motorkhana event in a few weeks and just wanted some tips from anyone who has tried it in their Subie.

Well firstly I imagine I would be driving using outright grip in my car. Most of the RWD and indeed the FWDs will be relying on handbrakes for the tighter turns.

I have been advised that it is not a very good idea to attempt handbrake turns in our cars as it will seriously mess up the drivetrain? I presume that means even if disengaging the clutch at the same time as handbraking, it would still be an issue then as all four wheels are still connected together.

Driving fast on mountainous roads is pretty much all I have experienced up to now, so I'm pretty much starting afresh and would like some tips on basic manouvres such as tight 180 turns, and also front throws and rear throws.

Thanks :D

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:38 pm
by Ric
You can use the handbrake, and it's the only way you can get the back to flick round in a hurry.
Yes you need to clutch in to avoid stalling.
What sort of surface is it on? Asphalt, concrete, dirt?

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:41 pm
by teK--
It's on asphalt :cry: I'll prob end up being one of the few who end up taking detours on the tight 180s :P

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:42 pm
by senator
Ric wrote:You can use the handbrake, and it's the only way you can get the back to flick round in a hurry.

What sort of surface is it on? Asphalt, concrete, dirt?


+1

a you running oem tyres?????

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:43 pm
by Ric
If it's asphalt, you're going to make a mess of your tyres! I did the first time I tried it, which is why I bought a second set of wheels and tyres just for doing competition events! ;)

Image

Hint number two is, doing a couple of lock to lock turns in rapid succession with low revs will use up all the pressure in the power steering. Don't be surprised when the steering suddenly gets a lot harder. It will recover quickly.

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:44 pm
by teK--
If by OEM you mean road tyres, then yes. If you mean specifically, then I am no longer running the stock RE050A, and am running RE001 Adrenalins now.

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:48 pm
by teK--
Am damnit I have just put on a brand new set about 2,000Kms ago! Oh well, gotta pay if wanna play. I'll just take it relatively easy until next time when my tyres are closer to the wear indicators :twisted:

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:48 pm
by Ric
Where is it, and who's organising it? :)

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:49 pm
by senator
teK-- wrote:If by OEM you mean road tyres, then yes. If you mean specifically, then I am no longer running the stock RE050A, and am running RE001 Adrenalins now.


keep an eye on tyre pressures...... btw these tyres will not last long, be sure to keep an eye on the inside shoulder

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:01 pm
by Digital
Ric wrote:Where is it, and who's organising it? :)


+1

i wouldn't mind coming down for a bit of a look, sounds interesting!

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:02 pm
by Sentinel
Digital wrote:
Ric wrote:Where is it, and who's organising it? :)


+1

i wouldn't mind coming down for a bit of a look, sounds interesting!


+2

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:17 pm
by Ric
You also need a good memory. Once you've started driving, you need to know where to go, there's no time to check the pattern on the printout.

They might be fairly straightforward, like these:
Image Image Image

or a bit hairier, like these:
Image Image Image

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:21 pm
by teK--
http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums ... ae530a3434

It's at the DECA facility in Shepparton. I have a couple of mates who are in the Skylines AU club who referred me to it. Since I cannot join WRX.com due to them only allowing turbo cars, I had to join Skylines AU in order to get my CAMS L2S (and in turn attend this event).

Thanks for the tips re the tyres. Any suggestions re pressures? I already run 42/40 front/rear (measured cold), for everyday driving.

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:24 pm
by Ric
If it's at DECA in Shepperton, it will be on their huge skidpan, which is a smooth concrete surface. Much more tyre friendly. :)

Those tyre pressures should be fine.

Re: Motorkhana skills

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:30 pm
by teK--
I said asphalt based on videos I saw of prior meets there, and it looks pretty dark to be concrete! Once they confirm the schedule for the day I'll know more about what is set up where at the facility.