Rennlist iRacing thread
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,164
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From: Chicagoland
Ben, that is what I do for the first time I'm on a new track, but after maybe 5~8 laps I get a hang of knowing where the track goes I removed it as I would find myself too focused on the line and not finding the visual references for braking, turn in, etc. Also I'm not sure what car they use for the reference line but in a number of tracks it sometimes different for our cars or maybe it's just my driving style.
Short answer yes just for the first few laps to know where the track goes.
Oh, like Justin I do this in a private session.
Short answer yes just for the first few laps to know where the track goes.
Oh, like Justin I do this in a private session.
Last edited by pmason; Apr 28, 2014 at 05:40 PM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 843
Likes: 29
From: Round Rock, TX
I'll probably host a practice tonight around 9 central... Will post up if I do.
It was funny to see how my bad habits on iRacing translated to real life. Was able to correct my early turn in and not letting the car track out issues after a couple sessions. Hopefully it makes me quicker in the sim too.
It was funny to see how my bad habits on iRacing translated to real life. Was able to correct my early turn in and not letting the car track out issues after a couple sessions. Hopefully it makes me quicker in the sim too.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 181
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From: NYC
At first, I'd start in a test session alone so you aren't worrying about messing up other people and just hammer out laps. Fill the tank up to race fuel and just drive. I never use the driving line, I feel like I learn better when my brain has to use visual cues and landmarks to learn the track. Once you can turn 10-15 laps in a row without dropping a wheel, turn on the "session optimal sector" split timer and start focusing on improving individual sectors. I'll hit a point when I very rarely set anymore purple sectors and then I try stringing good sectors together into a good flying lap. That's where it's fun to pop into an open session to see how you compare to other drivers.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 181
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From: NYC
Ben, that is what I do for the first time I'm on a new track, but after maybe 5~8 laps I get a hang of knowing where the track goes I removed it as I would find myself too focused on the line and not finding the visual references for braking, turn in, etc. Also I'm not sure what car they use for the reference line but in a number of tracks it sometimes different for our cars or maybe it's just my driving style.
Short answer yes just for the first few laps to know where the track goes.
Short answer yes just for the first few laps to know where the track goes.
No fear: I'm terrified of causing a major pileup. I've been "shadowing" even on tracks I know.
Last edited by BH987S; Apr 28, 2014 at 05:44 PM. Reason: added response to reply edit
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 136
For contrast Ben, I don't use it at all... I don't even bother learning on a private test. I jump into a session with others, and treat as if it were my first time at a real track. I look for visual cues, etc. and if I can, try to tuck in behind someone and follow them for a bit.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 181
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From: NYC
For contrast Ben, I don't use it at all... I don't even bother learning on a private test. I jump into a session with others, and treat as if it were my first time at a real track. I look for visual cues, etc. and if I can, try to tuck in behind someone and follow them for a bit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 756
Likes: 67
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I'm an autocrosser so I just try to do the looking ahead thing as much as possible on a new track. No practice sessions privately, just hop in ours on Sunday and see how fast I can get up to speed. Then I experiment a lot as I find the black marks on the track, especially at COTA are deceiving.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 136
I'm an autocrosser so I just try to do the looking ahead thing as much as possible on a new track. No practice sessions privately, just hop in ours on Sunday and see how fast I can get up to speed. Then I experiment a lot as I find the black marks on the track, especially at COTA are deceiving.
My first lap ever at Autobahn North (real life) was when I started my stint ~120 minutes into a 24 Hours of Lemons race and I survived... so I guess I generally don't need private test time first to get comfortable. I just follow the other guys until I get my own rhythm.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,164
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From: Chicagoland
Jim, that had to be kind of painful as the north track is pretty short. I've done it a couple of times with the Audi club when they do the north/south/full track configurations.
I see using the line not any different from having someone taking you out for a lap or two to just show you the line.
I see using the line not any different from having someone taking you out for a lap or two to just show you the line.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 247
From: Edmonton AB
If I don't understand why the line is where it is, I can't get zen with a corner. I think the process of learning, trial and error, and seeing the results on the split time is my best process. I've never been able to use the driving line or even watching videos effective compared to finding it for myself.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 181
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From: NYC
Thanks for all the responses. They're very helpful.
