[MattG]

Good writeup. The part about panicing in a corner is one that really needs to be emphasized. It's one that I've had a hard time with learning, even after owning my MR2 for over eight years, as it's counterintuitive.

Basically, once you're in a corner, you're committed. There's absolutely no way that braking or using the engine to slow you down will save you *if* you're cornering at the limit. If you're *not* already cornering at the limit, then there's no point in attempting a braking action as the car can handle what you're giving it.

Of course, if you're faced with a decreasing radius corner, this becomes more complicated, and it may, in that case, be best to attempt a braking action before the radius decreases (the same physics apply, but chances are the car is not as close to its limits as the driver thinks it is). There could also be random obstacles you encounter, like rocks or bicycles in the road, that require a braking move mid-corner. For this reason, it's always best to enter a corner well below your car's limits and accelerate out of it once you can view the exit.

Autocrosses are great, but track days can be very rewarding too. I've noticed my speeds increasing a lot after a couple 20 minute sessions on a track.

One last note about spinning - Randy's right about having no idea where the car is going to go. However, one technique I've heard of, but thankfully have never tried, is to step on the brakes as hard as you can to lock up all four wheels. At that point, the car will more or less continue in a straight line until it stops.