Standing near the top of the list of causes for track day incidents is undoubtedly brain fade. Heat, G-forces, and the worry of balling up one’s prized possession have their effect on focus. Perhaps that’s the culprit in the above footage, where a man, just having been passed by a lesser Honda, fails to recognize the green stuff he’s driving towards.

S2000s are known for their snappy tail and their tendency to punish the novices who fail to give them much respect. The short wheelbase might contribute to its renowned agility, but it also means the car is happy to swap ends when the grip changes rapidly —such as when someone drops their wheels in the grass.

Perhaps in an attempt to retain his pride when challenged by an EG Civic, he takes what seems to be a defensive line into Tsukuba’s Turn 10/11 hairpin. Running very wide at the apex, he provides the Civic plenty of room to pass effortlessly. Not interested in relinquishing another position, he glances at his rear view (0:34) to see whether his compromised exit gave another driver an opportunity to pass. This distracts him from the direction he’s traveling in, and soon he’s off on an agricultural excursion.

Had he been going for a drift entry, his steering would’ve been perfect.

As soon as he recognizes his mistake, he exacerbates the problem by flicking the wheel in the direction of the track. With the rear outside tire sitting on the slippery green stuff, he induces a big slide, as if he’s trying to initiate a drift. Unfortunately, that was not the intention. Had he kept the wheel straighter, eased off the throttle, and returned to the track with a cautious steering input, he might have avoided this blunder, which has filled the video’s comment section with a wave of criticism.

Was this crash caused by fatigue, nerves, or by sheer clumsiness? Let us know what you think in the comments below.