2011 Camry V6 on the racetrack

[halik]

No, what you maintain is incorrect here.

You can be faster through a corner and still slower through the track given equal vehicles.

Ideally, you want to maximize exit speed NOT cornering speed. The line that generally allows you to maximize exit speed this is not the fastest way around the corner.

Here's more info:

http://www.turnfast.com/tech_driving/driving_cornering

I'm still not seeing how you can be slower through a corner yet come out with a faster exit speed, presumably anyone overcooking it going in will be slower through, as s/he can't roll on the throttle as much.

I'm going off this, it's more ride focused however:
http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Basics-High-Performance-Motorcycle/dp/0965045021

 

[Apex]

I'm still not seeing how you can be slower through a corner yet come out with a faster exit speed, presumably anyone overcooking it going in will be slower through, as s/he can't roll on the throttle as much.

I'm going off this, it's more ride focused however:
http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Basics-High-Performance-Motorcycle/dp/0965045021

I think what you're missing is the distance difference.

The fastest way through a corner is using a neutral (geometric) apex. It's the shortest path through the corner, and so you'll have the fastest time through the turn.

The fastest way through the track is using a late apex. The distance is greater, so the total time you spend in the corner is longer. However, your exit speed is higher, allowing you to carry that through the straight. More time is spent on the straight, and the higher speed entry pays off greater dividends than the few ms you shave off by having a faster corner.

For what it's worth, there are differences in bike and car on the track. For instance, you can trail brake more safely in a car, whereas that has the tendancy to upset the suspension more on a bike. Typically, you brake much later in a car than a bike, and also get flat on the gas earlier. The actual line through the corner isn't that much different though.

 

[foghorn67]

I'm still not seeing how you can be slower through a corner yet come out with a faster exit speed, presumably anyone overcooking it going in will be slower through, as s/he can't roll on the throttle as much.

I'm going off this, it's more ride focused however:
http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Wrist-Basics-High-Performance-Motorcycle/dp/0965045021

When you brake earlier, you accelerate sooner. Look up the Formula Ford trick.
Doesn't apply to all types of corners.

 

[rh71]

the last time I late-apex'd a nice freeway-connecting bend around here I almost ended up in the back of an FX35. Man was he pissed... he brake-checked me. I guess I got the wrong idea when he zoomed past me minutes earlier?

 

[thomsbrain]

That's awesome. I'd take my Accord to the track for giggles, but I'm afraid I'd toast the transmission. I'll survive somehow just tracking that boring old S2000.