[adouglas]

Follow-up question about vision:

Did you see the gravel patch in the first place, or only after you changed your mind? Think carefully and try to recall in detail.

I'll put my money on not picking up that gravel patch until it was too late. Knowing it was there might have changed the outcome (you'd probably have made the corner if it hadn't been there, right?

Much has been written about "wide" vision by various track and safety gurus. It's a very useful skill on both road and track.

You'd be amazed at what you can actually see once you start paying attention to vision and seeing, not just looking.

Example: Every race track has its little quirks... bumps in the pavement that are notable. At Palmer, MA, there's a bump exactly on the line in Turn 5. It's just a heave in the pavement, and nearly invisible to the casual observer. But once you've hit it, you see it every time... even though you're cranked over, knee down and driving for the exit as hard as you dare.

Same deal at NYST Turn 3 second apex. Double-bump right at the apex cone.