[kchan]

^

while in theory - yes it does slow your car down

but if your wheel catches deep enough into the gravel/sand/grass/mud your car will flip due to the speed etc.

all tracks in the world aren't going to be 100% safe - but most of the time its better to just run off rather than try to correct (which may end up over-correcting) as its definitely a safe thing to do (in most cases)

for example - i ran off once at the ridge just as i was coming down the corkscrew (got in the heat of the moment chasing a gt3 cup car for the whole session) - my familiarity with the track and the car already told me i wouldn't stop enough to make the turn - so rather than try to force it - i just ran off the track than to try to force it

had i had less experience - i most likely would've tried to force the turn and very well might've ended up flipping the whole car or even doing more damage

more seat time - will definitely make you a better and safer driver!