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11-28-2007, 03:06 AM
Mike,
Assuming Summit Point as your example: T5-T6 includes a short straight to a hard right turn. Car rotation in a tight radius turns is key. Trailbraking is the best way to accomplish this. As turns "open up" car balance requires less rotation and more stability such as T10 at the Glen. T1 at Summit has the same approach as T6. It is possible to get to the apex more quickly with early turn-in and trailbraking to the apex (this is what pro drivers do). The car will be very much on the edge and want to unwind as soon as possible. Key to avoiding spinning is anticipating the limit and staying ahead of the car rotation with power. If you watch alot of pro wheel to wheel racing, you may notice most of the spins and cars issues are before or at the apex. Alot of the times they recover and only lose track position. Contrary, look at DE accidents, most are past the apex to the inside of the turn or off at trackout. Trailbraking is all about car balance and placing weight where grip is needed. A car will understeer when not enough weight is placed on the front tires, but will also plow when you exceed the weight/slip angle that the tire can handle. Start to feel the balance and individually analyze the difference steering, throttle, and brakes make in a turn. More cowbell too....... er more skidpad will help.
Assuming Summit Point as your example: T5-T6 includes a short straight to a hard right turn. Car rotation in a tight radius turns is key. Trailbraking is the best way to accomplish this. As turns "open up" car balance requires less rotation and more stability such as T10 at the Glen. T1 at Summit has the same approach as T6. It is possible to get to the apex more quickly with early turn-in and trailbraking to the apex (this is what pro drivers do). The car will be very much on the edge and want to unwind as soon as possible. Key to avoiding spinning is anticipating the limit and staying ahead of the car rotation with power. If you watch alot of pro wheel to wheel racing, you may notice most of the spins and cars issues are before or at the apex. Alot of the times they recover and only lose track position. Contrary, look at DE accidents, most are past the apex to the inside of the turn or off at trackout. Trailbraking is all about car balance and placing weight where grip is needed. A car will understeer when not enough weight is placed on the front tires, but will also plow when you exceed the weight/slip angle that the tire can handle. Start to feel the balance and individually analyze the difference steering, throttle, and brakes make in a turn. More cowbell too....... er more skidpad will help.