Originally posted by rage2
I agree. Also, if you're looking for track time, AutoX isn't really worth it. It'll take you forever to get enough experience to be competitive. I learned how to drive from real street racing in my early teens, and tons of laps in different cars at lapping days later on. You have 4 runs to nail a perfect lap on a course you have never driven on, that's what makes AutoX fun. 4 mins of track time per event doesn't teach you much.
Hmm, I have to disagree (slightly) with you. The reason I love autox and rallyx is that it is one of the few sport variations where I can really, truly drive my car at "ten tenths" every single second. When the speeds get up higher or other cars get beside you, I find that almost everyone backs off a bit -- for darn good reasons. Not many people are really willing to take the risks of living at the edge with their own vehicle (and body). I love the feeling of having my car slither around a corner at some nice yaw angle, but not many people like that feeling at turn 1 when you are doing 150 kph and have cars on either side of you
You get less seat time per event in autox, but every second is about driving your car at the outer limit of control and usually a bit beyond. The OP asked about improving his driving skills -- I would argue that autox/rallyx are the best for this.
I haven't tried karting yet, but it sounds like the really fun way to get into wheel to wheel racing while still "living at the edge". Not nearly as huge a penalty for taking that corner just a bit too fast
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