RE: Smooth Driving

["Rob J" <rjme@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robb asks:
>What comprises "smooth driving"?  is this the same as
>    developing the driving ability for smoothness, for say, passenger
>   comfort & enjoyment?

Robb, you will get many differing opinions on driving smoothly. Firstly,
though, you need to differentiate between street & track. Driving smoothly
on the street, assuming you are loosely adhering to speed limits, etc.
simply equates to accelerating and braking in a linear fashion, keeping the
balance of the car neutral through turns, and applying some degree of
dexterity to shifting gears (hands and feet included). Utimately, not making
you passenger nauseus.
Smooth driving on a track is a completely different animal which many
authors and drivers have written entire books on. In short, and I'll be
vague, its the ability to transition a car through corners (meaning braking,
turn-in, apex, track-out, etc.) while carrying the highest rate of speed
within the limits of adhesion. The art is the ability to make corrections
via throttle, brakes, and steering throughout the corner.

Rob
'97 ///M3

PS I'm sure many of you have further to add as I'm sure there is quite a bit
I have overlooked.

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