traction circle demonstration

[michael lang]

Since our last track event I have been doing alot of studying about performance/track driving. I am very intrigued about the theory and the mental approach one has to take in doing these activities. It's very fascinating. Anyway, I'm in the middle of "Speed Secrets 1" and currently Ross Bentley is discussing the whole "traction circle" and how a driver must maintain balance in accelerating, braking, & turning. So I got to thinking about how you do all those things at once and still be smooth at the same time. I'm a visual learner, so I like to see things demonstrated. I found this video on the Trackvision website that does an excellent job of showing very good balance and smoothness. At approx. 30 seconds there is a series of downshifts and HARD braking, it appears through the camera and watching the G-meter the driver couldn't have done a better job. I hope you enjoy the video.