I know that max corner speed in mph, is directly related to lateral grip and corner radius. So, my question is... Do you check your speedo at all before turn-in? or do you just go into the corner according to what "feels" right.

I'm used to motorbikes where I've always just went with what "seemed" right for each corner.

thanks

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by oxycotton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Do you check your speedo at all before turn-in? or do you just go into the corner according to what "feels" right.
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Nope. It's feel.
I remember looking at my speedo in Spokane only because the main straight is so long and the speed limiter was kicking in. Other than that, I hardly ever look.

$.02

 

for me it's what feels right. I pretty much never look down at my speed. Most tracks have little yard markers painted on the side of the track at braking zones. You can also use them to help find the best corner entry speed. For example if you start braking at the 150 yard marker after a long strait and notice that the corner entry speed could of been faster, then you move your braking point slightly after the 150 marker, ect... However after you get real use to a track you don't even look at the markers anymore and it's all just feel.

 

corner entry and mid corner i am always looking ahead.. usually at the track out point, simple reason being, look where you want to go.

I check my speed at the track out point. (usually the least busy place, car is set, and i have a couple seconds (course depending) to check things (guages, mirrors, speed) I also feel its the most important spot to check. Its the speed you will start to carry down the straight, and easily evaluated each time through the corner.

On the same note I am told all the time by people "I take such and such a corner at xx mph" In the case of novices i am sure that they are talking about corner entry speed right before they brake, because they will usually run slower lap times than people i know, and quote some speed faster than any exit speed i have seen..

As far as markers, i am not a big fan of using those for anything other than reference, if your focusing on a # board to see where to brake, your eyes are not where they should be (corner exit) As they said above, once you get used to that, they just become part of the basic scenery.

Jon K
http://www.seat-time.com

 

I'll agree with Jon, if you are looking at your dashboard anytime near turn-in then you are not looking far enough ahead or focussed enough on what you are doing. Lack of looking far enough ahead is one of the biggest problems with drivers on track.

Track out or soon thereafter is the best chance to look at a speedo and then only for a quick reference.

 

I've only once looked at my dash while autocrossing, and that was the first time I hit the rev limiter in second; I was curious at what speed I'm topping out in second (50 mph), so on courses where I know I'll be in third gear I make sure I can see where the tach or the speedo needles are at in the corner of my eye.

 

thanks for the info

 

not sure how much a difference it is but I typically look at the tach for these sorts of corner exit references (only cause the only folks I am ever talking w/ about this are referencing the tach not the speedo) - the camera however is much better than me as far as accuracy goes.

edit: for clarification, I don't think I actually check the tach often, just that if there is some reference I am going to check, its tach not speedo.


Modified by phat-S at 9:39 PM 8/17/2004

 

I never take my eyes off the gauges. Ever.
Wait, that may be backwards...

Seriously, like Adam, unless I am right up someones *** or passing/being passed I try to take a quick glance at the tach exiting corners (if for no other reason than to keep a check on my own consistency (or lack of)). Its not that hard as the tach is pretty big and mounted up high on the dash.

Temp and pressure gauges are lower and get checked on straights.

 

I installed one of those HUDs in my car so I don't have to look down. It just projects the speed on my windshield. It's pretty functional and gets girls excited since it's bling to the n power.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by oxycotton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I know that max corner speed in mph, is directly related to lateral grip and corner radius. So, my question is... Do you check your speedo at all before turn-in? or do you just go into the corner according to what "feels" right.

I'm used to motorbikes where I've always just went with what "seemed" right for each corner.

thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, I don't look at speed at entry, but rather I look at the speedo at the first possible safe spot to see my exit speed. This is especially important when you are trying new racing lines and want to see if there is any improvement.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by racerjon1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> simple reason being, look where you want to go.
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Good advice to tell fellow race newcomers

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 577HondaPrelude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">for me it's what feels right. I pretty much never look down at my speed. Most tracks have little yard markers painted on the side of the track at braking zones. You can also use them to help find the best corner entry speed. For example if you start braking at the 150 yard marker after a long strait and notice that the corner entry speed could of been faster, then you move your braking point slightly after the 150 marker, ect... However after you get real use to a track you don't even look at the markers anymore and it's all just feel.

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9 time out of 10 you'll just brake harder and take the corner at the same speed. it's very rare that you find any speed by just braking later. if your mental program says "55mph!" you'll go 55mph, or at least as close to that as your speed sensing and traction sensing abilities will get you to 55mph. improve your traction sensing and speed sensing then program your mind to take that corner faster and suddenly your corner speeds will automatically jump.

oh, and there's a speedometer??? where?

nate