Thunderbolt Videos

[betegh9]

Darren, I don't have a camera yet, I don't want to show my embarrasing mistakes ti everyone else and I am technically challenged. Actually, I am saving up to get the smartycam and hook it up to my ECU by via an ECU bridge, so I can get loads of information datalogged.
As to your HONEST question, I feel that holding a tight line all the way around, next to the candycane past the apex (turn 9) is the shortest distance to cover and also the shortest elapsed time. Once you crest the top, you literally have a near straight line thru the ESES where you can be flat out, lift shortly at the bridge and flat out again after turn in toward the front straight.

Have you tried to do a skidpad tight to the inside at X radius timing the lap? Then try to do the same, faster at X+7' radius (a car width+) also timing the lap? Just calculate the distance for both scenarios, then you can calculate the speed you must achieve to equal the time of the smaller radius. Using the same vehicle, and ALL other things considered equal, the longer line feels faster, but in reality it is slower thru the turn.

As for the other turns at Thunderbolt, T1 is where one should brake and downshift early enough to be able to be on the gas early and in the right gear toward T2. You better turn in at the right spot and reach the apex so you don't run out of RE at track out. T3 &T4 are similar, kinks at best, no need to slow down much. You be far from pulling 1G lateral in those turns. I really prefer the 2 additional turns that the chicane offers making it a bit more technical. T5 is the ONLY left hander besides the octupus (T9) that I discussedpreviously. If you carry LOTS of speed thru T4 and track out where you should, there is NO need to move all the way to the right to the turn in point of T5 because there is plenty of track out RE if you approach it at the middle of the track........and the best part is that you will cover lot less ground thru that turn. T6 is another kink, off camber, so turn in at the end of the candycane and apex not early, and the car will track out where it should. T7 is quite easy, one just has to allow the car to track out to the outside, and be a little bit patient staying out for another 20 to 30 feet and start turning into the first skidpad right decreasing radius accelerating to the end of the first set of candycane on the right. When the second strip of candycane begins, brake hard enough to slow the car, but also allow enough grip to turn in sharply (trailbraking). If you know the right feel, the front tires will grip and turn in, while the rear will rotate.(controlled rotation). Once the car is pointing toward the inside of T9, go pedal to the metal. This is probably the most difficult turn for most. One must have the right amount of steering and braking imput to accomplish this right, and fast, but when you get it right, you will smile and think of ME........... and if you don't get it right, keep practicing. I must say though that I teach green students differently since they do not have the skills to accomplish this without getting into trouble, Oh! except for those who have PSM, ABS, TC, PMS and what not!!
I invite any logical alternative to Thunderbolt because I'm still learning and trying new approaches.