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Quote:

Originally Posted by GregWeld (Post 549826)

I have difficulty with late apex's --- it just seems wrong to me. I will have to work on those! It seems to me that LATE apex's require a bigger turn-in..... and that always puckers me -- because I think I should be smooth and turn LESS.... yet - as you point out -- turning in later smoothes out the exit. I get it... but I don't get it....

Wider/Deeper entry when possible?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sieg (Post 549834)

Wider/Deeper entry when possible?

I'm going to really miss you at Sonoma.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregWeld (Post 549845)

I'm going to really miss you at Sonoma.....

Not if I'm behind you. :underchair:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sieg (Post 549834)

Wider/Deeper entry when possible?

I'm not sure if this question is an attempt at humor between you & "Drive-Thru" or if it's a real question.

Just in case ... I'll answer it seriously.

Typically ... as in 8-9 times out of 10 ...
The tighter the corner is, the faster strategy is keep the car out wide longer, go deep, brake later, turn later, turn more (quicker) and get more (60-70%) of the turning done before mid corner, apex later ... and do less turning (30-40%) on exit ... which straightens out the exit to a degree, adding traction for quicker throttle roll on & acceleration.

The larger radius, faster speed, more sweeping design the corner is, the less this strategy applies. What typically works better in big radius, fast corners is to be wide on entry, split the turning 50/50 between the first half & second half, run a low, middle apex & wide exit out to the edge of the track.

The key is to understand these concepts ... apply them both to different degrees ... and see what's faster.

There are exceptions for many reasons ... but the most common reason an optimum line on paper doesn't work on track ... is the track surface itself. In the real world ... bumps, surface transitions, irregular surfaces, banking/camber and even where tire rubber gets laid down ... all play a role.

Another exception is the set-up of the car. I don't think I can count as high as the many different suspension combinations that can be run ... that affect what the car "likes" and therefore what lines work best. Set-ups with higher roll angles are more edgy ... and therefore more sensitive to specific lines & driver smoothness. Flatter set-ups are more forgiving and versatile, typically able to run more different lines on the track.

I have a great racing buddy ... that was a terror on track and could win from the back ... say one time, "You know it's funny. We spend all practice day running the "perfect line" ... then come race day ... when they throw the green linen ... we drive everywhere on the track but the perfect line ... to pass cars. Only the leader can run the perfect line the whole race ... and then only if they're not under attack."

This is one of many reasons I prefer flatter running suspension set-ups. Because in racing, if you're passing cars, you gotta go where they're not.

It was somewhat a suggestion, the question mark meant I was hoping you'd answer.......and you did in typical A+ fashion. :thumbsup:

Ron, Sieg, Glassman, Greg...thank you all for sharing the weekend adventures! The pictures and videos are cool but the description on lines and braking, what needs improvement and professional feedback is awesome!

:thumbsup:
Dan

P.s. I got dibs on the old worn out insufficient brakes coming off the Mustang....just sayin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damn True (Post 549812)

This could get awesome/ugly.

Yes, yes it could.

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-q...q3mSDZz-XL.jpg

I'm thinking about having a pair bronzed for him to hang from the mirror of BMF v2.2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBasher (Post 549867)

Anything I take off of it is yours.... Seriously. Just don't hold your breath 'cause we won't be making major changes until AFTER the August Sonoma event.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBasher (Post 549867)

You're welcome Dan. It was a great time and learning experience, the more it's shared the more gain desire and skills and that helps everyone. The jousting, smack-talk, nicknames, pranks, etc make it too much fun! It was a pleasure being with such a great group of people.........I simply love being in the track environment.

:thumbsup:

Sieg I hear ya on the good times at the track, Bonneville has been my "track time" for quite awhile. I'm new at this turning and braking thing (obviously) and have had a blast at the local auto-x, SEMA and the USCA Laguna event a few months ago, all good people!

Greg I appreciate the offer and will take you up on it! Nows the time to start thinking about that LS motor you've always wanted!! :whistling: :cheering: :brix:

Dan