ASK THE COACH
03-06-2012, 01:31 PM
#781
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I think many folks mistake rotation as a transient, to-be-initiated-and-then-stopped-right-away state. This is NOT true. Rotation is the KEY to getting the car POINTED in the right direction ASAP. Through longer corners, it should be sustained and even, optimally.
In fact, the definition of a perfectly set up car (and I'll get to the reason why set up parameters differ between drivers momentarily) is one that requires the least steering input throughout the entire cornering phase, but especially early on and at exit.
For example, a proper handling (or properly set and timed entry speed) car requires the minimum steering lock to begin turning (or rotating on a central axis, looking from above) by itself, then that rotation is maintained, moderated, increased or decreased by the small throttle inputs that Dave alludes to below. When that's not sufficient, you can alter the slip angle (thus grip level) of the front with small steering corrections, in addition to the throttle modulation.
The reason why this is SO difficult is that the proper timing, juxtaposition and "blending" of all the vector forces on the car must be matched by the drivers inputs on the pedals and at the steering wheel. If it were a static environment (a car that never left the setup pad or scale platen), we'd be just fine!
A driver that is more aggressive and comfortable with an increased initial yaw rate inherent in initiating rotation at higher speeds (or in a shorter distance or space of time) requires a different, often more benign "platform" (springs for balance, shocks for rate of weight transfer related to the spring energy absorption and release and bars to govern the rate and resistance to roll moments, of course all balanced front to rear) than someone who might be more tentative and gentle in their approach.
That's why I have trouble with folks that have pros "set up" their cars because their timing, aggression and level of commitment to throttle, brakes, steering and yaw generation (rotation) is often completely different than the client's...
Where pros are great is to validate good setups and diagnose evil ones...
I'll noodle on that bolded section you cite and please, come back with more specific queries.
you are not doing enough rotation early enough in the corner, thus instead of unwinding steering as you apply power on the way to WOT, you are holding (or even adding) steering. This will never end well IMO. You need to focus on starting the rotation sooner and getting more of it done before you even get to the apex. This will enable you to begin unwinding steering at or even slightly before) apex, which will give you a MUCH more stable race car, enable WOT sooner, nearly eliminate any Code Brown moments of lurid power oversteer and make you overall faster and more relaxed in the car.
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-Peter Krause
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"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
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-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
03-06-2012, 01:33 PM
#782
This tells me that you are not doing enough rotation early enough in the corner, and thus instead of unwinding steering as you apply power on th eway to WOT, you are holding (or even adding) steering.
This will never end well IMO. You need to focus on starting the rotation sooner and getting more of it done before you even get to the apex. This will enable you to begin unwinding steering at 9or even slightly before) apex, which will give you a MUCH more stable race car, enable WOT sooner, nearly eliminate any Code Brown moments of lurid power oversteer, and make you overall faster and more relaxed in the car.
03-06-2012, 02:36 PM
#783
Nordschleife Master
Great, great posts guys. Thanks.
03-06-2012, 02:56 PM
#784
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03-06-2012, 05:51 PM
#787
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Thread Starter
Thank you. Glad it is of value!
03-06-2012, 07:27 PM
#789
Nordschleife Master
03-06-2012, 07:43 PM
#790
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I tell all my clients, ALL drivers bleed red! The best put their pants on the same way you do in the morning...
03-06-2012, 11:44 PM
#791
The Penguin King
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That's why I have trouble with folks that have pros "set up" their cars because their timing, aggression and level of commitment to throttle, brakes, steering and yaw generation (rotation) is often completely different than the client's...
Where pros are great is to validate good setups and diagnose evil ones...
Where pros are great is to validate good setups and diagnose evil ones...
Great comments here.
I've had Dave and Viking help me with setup on my SP996. The exercise has been to have us all drive the car, and compare notes on how it is handling. Then we go about making adjustments to get the car the way I like it. Hearing their comments on how the car is acting has helped me validate my observations, enabled me to become more aware of what the car is up to as I'm driving it. This has improved my ability to provide feedback to Viking for setup, and it's improved my driving.
03-07-2012, 09:10 AM
#793
The Penguin King
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03-07-2012, 12:01 PM
#794
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Thread Starter
03-07-2012, 12:09 PM
#795
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