TDG - 27 Just Go 1mph Faster!
Track Day Guy
Sometimes figuring out how to drop your lap times or how to go a bit faster down that straight can be complicated. But sometimes you can focus on things that are simple. (Simple doesn't mean easy!) This is one of those topics!
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TDG - 26 Advanced Braking 4 - Car-Specific Techniques
Track Day Guy
To wrap up our four-part series on braking, let's discuss how to approach braking based on the type of car you're driving. Whether you're driving a low- medium- or high-horsepower car, there are specific techniques you can use to approach and move through the corners faster. One last time, let's go! Wait, I did it again...let's STOP!
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TDG - 25 Advanced Braking 3 - Build Up To Late Braking
Track Day Guy
I'm sure you've heard the phrase, (usually delivered in a complimentary way), "they were the last of late brakers into that corner!" Is that always the best method for going faster? I think there's a better way. Pick conservative braking points, then work on releasing the brake deeper into the corner. Then, slowly work your way into braking later. Let's dive in!
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TDG - 24 Advanced Braking 2 - Trail Braking
Track Day Guy
The term "trail braking" can be confusing and should probably be renamed "directional braking". And while I'm on my soapbox, why do we delay teaching this valuable skill in HPDE classes. Although it's considered an Intermediate to Advanced technique, gradually releasing pressure on the brakes as you enter a corner is fundamental to getting the car to do what you want it to do. Let go! I did it again...I mean, let's STOP!
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TDG - 23 Advanced Braking 1 - Different Types of Braking
Track Day Guy
Mario Andretti once said, "It's amazing how many drivers, even at the Formula 1 level, think that the brakes are for slowing the car." What did he mean, exactly? In this first of four episodes, we take a deep dive into braking. From shapes of corners to types and amounts of brake pressure traces, let's go!. Wait...no...let's S-T-O-P!
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TDG - 22 Perfecting Your Car Setup
Track Day Guy
When looking at car setup, remember to get first things first. The driver has to be consistent. Then, work on a single variable at a time. Start with simple things like tire pressures. And work it from there.
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TDG - 21 Will I Consistently Improve With Practice?
Track Day Guy
When working hard to improve at something, it's tempting to think that we improve a little every day. But the research shows that improvement comes in fits and starts. Massive improvement, followed by hitting a plateau. Then a breakthrough. Then gradual improvement. And on and on!
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TDG - 20 Nailing Corner Entry Speed
Track Day Guy
What's the quickest way through the corner? A great place to start is corner entry speed. The more speed you can carry, the better off you'll be. Right? Well...
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TDG - 19 Help! My Car Oversteers!
Track Day Guy
If you're car is oversteering, (the rear end steps out), it's natural to think the car needs to be upgraded with new equipment. Coil-Over Suspensions! Beefier Anti-Rollbars! Race Suspension Setups! Except...probably not. Here is a detailed look at other things it could be, including the most likely...you!
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TDG - 18 Is the line the line?
Track Day Guy
The line is the line until it's not. What is the line? There can be the safe "school line" which teaches someone who is new to the track the basic way to get around. But as you begin to explore more speed and car control concepts, alternate lines appear, as if from nowhere. Would it be faster to go in later? How about an earlier apex here? Higher minimum speed? Ooh, let's experiement!
info_outlineI'm sure you've heard the phrase, (usually delivered in a complimentary way), "they were the last of late brakers into that corner!" Is that always the best method for going faster? I think there's a better way. Pick conservative braking points, then work on releasing the brake deeper into the corner. Then, slowly work your way into braking later. Let's dive in!