RedlineMan

Indeed, Joe;

Your idea has definite merit. I sort of knew where you were going with that thought, but, but, comfort zones are so... well... comfortable!

RedlineMan

Adendum from your respectful instructor and student.

Want to learn to trail brake?

Drive Calabogie!

If you want to even approach being quick, there are a ton of places that you HAVE to TB. Exceptionally instructional weekend from that standpoint alone!!!

I can also now clearly see the wisdom of tuning for slight understeer. This will keep the rear of the car from jumping out on you, which will allow you to carry a TON of speed very deep into the corners without soiling yourself, and will also force you to trail brake to get the car to rotate and/or slow to the point where it will rotate under trailing throttle on VERY late apex corners.

M758

Cool

Nader Fotouhi

What I struggle with is what is the ideal time to down shift when TB. Is it before turn in, but with bigger throttle blip not to buzz the engine or just before transitioning to gas at/near apex?

trumperZ06

Sounds like you are learning to... "Trail Brake" !!!

Most people do a limited amount of trail braking.. on the street, and aren't even aware if it !!!

38D

downshifting like braking can happen anywhere...it all depends on the turn and the number of shifts.

M758

Same time as normal. When ground speed is correct for the gear you are selecting. On key to being able to drive fast is being able to brake, downshift and turn all the key points be them independantly, but simulatiniously.

IE... the guy that can brake, downshift and turn all at the same time if that is right for the corner will be faster than the guy that must give-up a little bit to brake, downshift, or turn a bit early or late because he cannot do all at the same time.

RedlineMan

As the guys have said...

The proper time is the same; when doing so does not stand to wing the engine and/or upset the chassis. The PLACE will be far deeper into the turn because the TB allows you to go deeper with more speed.

sjanes

yep. At the decreasing radius corner (which begs for trailbraking) at Calabogie, my 4->3 downshift is mid-corner. Most times, it's as late as I can in the braking zone without upsetting the car.

John: glad to hear to into the trailbraking groove. It's a definite asset at tracks like Calabogie.

Larry Herman

Guys, I posted this video a while ago about downshifting, but the first turn is a good example of downshifting AND trailbraking, IMHO. I do 2 downshifts underbraking (5-3 & 3-2) and carry it very deep into turn 1. When I go to the gas, it is right to the floor.

mdrums

Larry, the link says page can not be found.

Larry Herman

The hosting site is having a few problems tonight. If it doesn't work tomorrow, I'll try to host it elsewhere.

333pg333

Hi Guys,
I've read through this reasonably thoroughly and have not noticed much said about Left foot braking. Apologies if there have been many references, I have skimmed a little, however to me it seems much easier to TB with lfb than rfb. I have an auto sedan that I use as a daily driver and I LFB about 80% of the time and it is the best practice short of dedicated track time. Very easy to get used to and something that you can really take to the track as your modulation improves out of sight very quickly. You wind up LFTB every 2nd corner or something like that. It makes the boring drive to and from work a bit more fun.

RedlineMan

Indeed;

I LFB right from the start in every situation where a downshift is not required. When a shift is required, I switch my feet after the shift is completed. In other words, I LFB in almost every corner, TB or not.

M758

I don't left foot brake. It is very useful skill, but less important that heel and toe and trail braking.