Bob, I don't know anyone doing 60 mph vMin at VIR Turn 1.

From the more than 10,000 data files I have here, a random cross sample shows a 997.2 Cup on Michelins, under 1:55, 51.9 mph vMin. Mk XX Daytona Prototype, under 1:44, 53.5 mph vMin. Porsche RS Spyder, under 1:35, 55.6 mph vMin.

Most red and black group 997.2 GT3's? ~43-47 mph vMin, and for a hell of a lot LONGER!

Summit's Turn 1 is quicker...

Jim, don't despair! You're doing fine!

 

Peter,

Your right I looked back at my files. Summit is close to 60, (57mph). I still would try 3rd before settling on 2nd. Jim is way fast there already. T1 at tbolt is a consistent 72mph. Most cars can hit 70 with a good R tire. BTW what are you seeing as good min speed in T1 at the Glen?

 

2nd was the proper gear, Bob.

Exactly!

 

Get a sequential and it will end the idea of skip-shifting....

 

In the 997 tt forum I asked a question on how to best "launch" my 997 TT with over boost. It is Triptronic and I have read that the best way is to rev the engine to 4-k rpm with my foot on the brake in sport mode...is this correct?..I can't get the rpm's to that level because I am afraid I will break something ....rrm

 

I use second gear at T1 in my 993 and find it's the right gear (stock gearing for me and open diff)

 

That's the perfect gear, and the right line!

 

Yup!

 

Thanks fellas.

 

Agree and I think this little clip from the flag tower at NJMP Thunderbolt shows it well (easy to hear shifting doesnt start till the 3 marker.) (Forgive being slightly early off the throttle and on to the brakes)

 

Yup! Your car sounds great, by the way...

 

Thanks, the thing is DEFINITELY healthy and quite quick.

 

I'll second that!

 

I have a topic of conversation.

Everyone in the PCA ranks seem to think that late is safe. I disagree. It might be safe for someone with a few days on the track, but I can't even count how many students I've had recently that think they're ready to go solo and are using such a late line that it has set them back.

As they get faster, they're still using a really late apex line and now they're hitting the brakes late and hard and turning in with way to much steering angle and too abruptly and the car is totally out of balance. I start moving their braking and more importantly their apex back and they start to get the car back in balance.

Often, they look at me like I'm an idiot because every instructor has drilled the late mantra into their heads.

Now, I don't do this with everyone, but certainly with those who have the awareness that if they're a little too early not to mash the gas.

I see this as a real problem with the PCA instruction approach.

 

The way I see it the PCA approach is not bad, it is targeted to the novice after all. The problem is that rarely do we get the chance to teach drivers after they have passed the novice stage. Another thing about late apexes, as drivers get better, corner entry speeds increase - which means greater slip angles for the tires. An experienced driver compensates by "turning in earlier" - the quotes are intentional. Given the chance PCA instructors are happy to help drivers who have more experience but rarely do we have time to consistently teach people in the middle to higher run groups. We should all remember that PCA DE is not a racing school - which some forget too easily

Best,