[jmg]

Good stuff on looking ahead in corner entry. That's one of the number 1 things they teach you in high performance driving. Also, keep that head on a swivel. Turn your head into the corner. A hairpin corner should have you looking out the side windows, for example.

As far as "keeping up with friends" every race car drivers know that in order to be fast, you need to be really good a braking. Most people think being faster in the corner will let them catch up without considering the grip limitations of their car. That's when they lose control. Instead, think about reducing the brake zones so that the car is at speed a bit longer. That means reducing coasting time where drivers let off the throttle, coast to the corner, then apply the brakes. In normal street driving, we normally apply the brakes gradually at first, then increase pressure as the car gets closer to the corner or stop light etc. In high performance driving, it's the exact opposite. You are on the throttle until your brake zone begins, then HARD initially on the brakes, then trail it off as you reach the apex. This leads to shorter braking distances, longer straights at speed, and increased corner stability. HOWEVER, this is generally dangerous on canyon road, as misjudgments on that braking zone are way too easy. It's more usable on the track, where you are familiar with the track and know exactly when to brake. Additionally, this method is very hard on the brakes, and factory pads have a high chance of fading in short order, which could cause the brakes to perform so poorly as to be dangerous.

Tire Pressure:
Pressure is proportional to temperature in our tires. Cold tire temps are generally fine since street driving doesn't reach extreme temperatures that you get on the track. However, for optimal tire performance, tire temps should be taken HOT, and adjusted not to be above the optimal temp/pressure for that tire. In general, high performance summer tires don't like to be above 40psi hot.

Good stuff on corner exit. Here's a easy metaphor to help visualize throttle application.

Picture a string attached to the bottom of the steering wheel and the gas pedal. With the steering wheel turned, the string will not allow the throttle to be fully engaged. Only as you straighten the wheel does the string allow you to apply more throttle.