This weekend I'll be participating in my first AutoX event (a training class in Baltimore). For you guys that AutoX or track your cars - should I turn the traction control system off? I'm thinking yes but I read an article recently about the new Lotus S240 and its advanced TCS, the testers left the system on(on a track)and really liked it.

 

I turn mine off when I do open track events.

However, this is what I love about tracking my car (as opposed to listening to a bunch of guys on the internet who may or may not have ever been on an actual track); you can try things out. I tried running with and without it when I first took the car out, and I didn't like the way it takes over for you when you don't want it to do so. Kind of like, "whoa, hey who's driving my car?!" If it were up to me I would have made it drive by cable too.

But you should try it out, gradually--slowly--safely, but get to know your girl. I'd say "have fun," but I know you're going to have an absolute blast. Enjoy!

Best,
-j

 

try both.

 

For autocross - turn it off. Especially when you're first starting out.

You'll never develop a "feel" for how much throttle you can really add with the TCS nanny imposing a lower limit to the fun, nor will you learn to be as 'smooth' transitioning from pure cornering (mid-corner) to accelerating on corner exit.


Norm

 

OK - thanks guys. I will leave it off until I get some time under my belt, then perhaps I'll see what happens with it on.

 

The first time I ever tracked my Mustang, the instructor told me to turn it off and to learn how to drive the car. She was right too, I think. Both my father and I have tracked the car, he actually prefers the traction control on, I don't. I like to be able to wag the tail out when I want to and it also seems to fade my brakes faster when it's on but I do open tracking.

 

Anyone who tells you to leave it on doesn't know what they hell they are talking about, and if you are wanting to learn how to drive, that includes throttle control.....

 

Leave it off. Lear your car's true limits.

 

Leave it off. Lear your car's true limits.

 

Sometimes you have to steer the car with your right foot, TCS isn't going to allow that.

Prepare to get addicted!