sugarwood

Let's say you braking too hard, and taking turns too slowly.
How would you really know this?
One hint is that the tires may not be scrubbing and audible.

But, in general, how does one know he could be going faster?
At some point, you try going faster. If you don't crash, you were right, you could have gone faster.
But, if you crash, you were wrong, you actually were going fast enough.

38D

NYoutftr

I just couldn't resist

LuigiVampa

Skidpads can help you understand grip and practicing late or threshold braking in an area where there is good runoff if another way.

mpruden

This was recommended to me by a great coach a while back. It's helped me tremendously.

Find a good safe corner with good visibility and plenty of track after the apex.

1) Start a slow pace - one where you can easily get to full power at apex.
2) Slowly increase entry speed by adjusting a single variable, brake pressure, prior to the turn. No need to change start of braking or end of braking points yet. I tell myself, "next lap brake at a pressure of 6 out of 10", then "5 out of 10", and so on.
3) Decrease brake pressure until you can no longer get to the apex, or no longer get to full power at apex. This should be your new "normal" entry speed.
4) Fine tune your braking points, steering input, after you've recalibrated your brain for this new corner entry speed. Try to make the new speed stick with smooth inputs.

This simple approach helped me build a lot of speed in high speed corners.

Thundermoose

OP can you post a video so that we can better gauge where you're at. It will help with response.

NYoutftr

I want to try this at the DE at Watkins Glen in May, on turn 2.

I see data display from many drivers that not only do they not brake at all, by only lift just a hair.

That sight turn has a lot of skid marks on the outside, I am guessing from too hot coming in.

morsini

That's a very fast corner with lots of positive camber - not the best place. Pick a corner that's flat and slower, with lots of space for spins. Work up to faster corners.

Jabs1542

NYoutftr

Thanks Jabs and Morsini

After your comments that makes more sense.

My initial thought was that the turn was less than 45 degrees and apex going up hill, it might be easier there. But, now I see it as, the speed that can be carried through that corner might be above my pay grade right now.

Maybe on second day I will ask my instructor to demonstrate the technique of that corner, but not at 10/10

gbuff

At the exit of T9 the guard rail is about 3 feet from the track--I wouldn't practice there. T10 is better if you go off as long as you don't try to horse the car back on track--just go off straight. It's all paved.

Re T2 (entry to Esses): Don't know what you drive or your experience level but in my low-hp fwd car the entry is taken flat out (as is T10). The mountain you're going up will sap some of your speed Of course, much of that depends on how well you get through T1 which is the most important turn on that track. Again, in my car it's flat from T1 exit until the entry to the Bus Stop. And, as stated, by all means go out with an instructor who can show you.

Gary

NYoutftr

Gary,
I was thinking the same thing about turn 9.
My car is a 996 modified 3.6L C2 Aero , dyno @ 300 rwhp, tires are Sumitomo HTR Z III, Suspension is complete Techart. I am in yellow group.
I am not busting you, (maybe a little), but your description of coming down into turn 2, first thing I thought of was the video, "I RUN FLAT OUT",
I am inconsistent and slow coming out of turn 9, due to skill level, but I can motor through 10 & 11 pretty well.
This thread is interesting to me because my last DE at WGI, a 996 turbo that I was following and getting ready to pass after turn 7 (toe of boot), came into turn 7 too hot, and was way out of the line on the top of turn, I thought for sure he was going to spin, but he saved it.
On to the laces, I come out of turn 6, slow, but can accelerate to about 100, before braking into turn 7. So the turbo was pulling away from me while I was braking for 7.
So I am thinking the driver found the max speed of either himself or the car, I am thinking driver.
David

gbuff

Hah! Don't apologize for FLAT OUT--I thought the exact same thing.....there was actually a thread about that awhile back.

Anyway, you have a fast, prepared car and modest experience--IMO spend no more on the car (unless it's safety-related). Get as much seat time and as many instructor rides as you can (OP--you too. You become comfortable at "the limit" with experience and quality coaching).

Gary
....still high from setting a new PB at Mid-O Friday

38D

ProCoach

You need to drive more cars, then...

While T2 is flat for MOST cars, there are variations in exit speed, speed of upshifts and a whole variety of variables leading up to the entry of T2 that affect this.

T3, that's another thread...