quickxotica

Since you acknowledge the problem is a mental one, try directly addressing the way your brain is programmed:

1. Instead of focusing on your initial braking-points, focus on where in each corner-entry you want to get OFF the brakes. From there, let your subconcious brain figure out the initial brake point (which is speed-dependent anyway). Be safe... baby-steps, etc.
2. Between sessions, reinforce this re-programming by visualizing world peace. No, wait... I mean visualize your end-of-braking point rather than your initial braking point.

swftiii

Nick,

When I started track driving the first thing I told every instructor that got in the car is "I know I brake very early and can wait, but I'm not comfortable with that yet".

I focused on corner entry speeds and driving the corners first then started working on lengthening the straights. The way I overcame this was to pick a corner (end of a long straight) and pick a comfortable brake point and started increasing my brake pressure each lap. Once I realized I was finishing my braking a good 50 yards or more before turn in I started pushing my brake point close to the turn in. I just kept doing this until I found that I actually brake later than most and can get slowed down well befor turnin.

That was just my approach, but use something like that for yourself. Remember to do this when there isn't anyone behind you becuase braking early could cause a real problem.

Also, as you progress you will find that you want to keep up with folks that are in your run group and you will continue to brake later and later...

Enjoy the journey of learning.

Skip

kush07

This is much more easily accomplished with your eyes up and looking at turn in and apex rather than your braking zone. My guess is you're staring at your braking zone (and more likely the wall at the end of it) which is freaking you out.

quickxotica

Yes, I should have mentioned that a benefit of this end-of-braking approach is that it keeps your visual focus farther away. I've never understood how anyone can drive into a corner correctly if they spend the entire straight staring at the initial brake point. Focusing on the end-of-brake point as you do the straight, then as soon as you're on the brakes lift your gaze to the apex, then exit, such that your eyes are at least one step farther through the corner than the car at all times. Peripheral vision takes care of the rest.

rlm328

Paint your car to resemble a John Deere tractor so you don't mind running off track occasionally.

Veloce Raptor

So THAT'S why mglobe painted his that way....

nshanny

Great suggestion on the visualization. I do agree that I do catch myself not looking at the apex and beyond at times. Sometimes a dope slap would be useful.

I was at the Glen this weekend and was talking with an instructor (Dave) who was saying the same thing for himself. When he got off the track as was frustrated with his times or whatnot, he would go back to fundamentals and find that most of the time he was not looking far enough ahead. He would start doing that and things would get significantly better.

Jimbo951

I agree with Swftiii.

One thing the original poster didn't mention was his total driving experience. Until you feel like you're 100% maximizing the cornering speed, then that's what you should be working on, not braking. IMHO, you need atleast 30-50 track days before braking becomes something you should be focusing on.

bobt993

Today I worked with a 460 Modena and an experienced driver/racer. His issue was braking too hard too late. So, do learn what your car can do under threshold braking, then learn to apply the proper amount of braking, but try and avoid the overbraking syndrome early in your learning curve. I would rather see a driver using earlier braking with higher corner entry than massive ABS or wheel lock efforts that upset the car on entry thus requiring the slower entry speeds. What most drivers begin to believe is that they are the absolute limit of grip on entry and higher entry is impossible. Based on how twisted the car balance is on entry they are correct. It takes a bit to reprogram this approach. I am sure VR can add to this conversation.

Veloce Raptor

Not much to add, you nailed it. This is IMO one of the biggest bang-for-buck things an ADVANCED driver can learn: braking earlier & softer...and slowing the car les, with a more stable poised chassis at corner entry.

bobt993

BTW VR what a sound that car made!!!!! one sexy lady.

Veloce Raptor

They sound orgasmic.

Rich Sandor

Nick, lets go back to basics.

How do you decide when to apply your brakes? (What visual reference do you use?)

DC5Chick06

Maybe I should do this! lol

Back OT, I have the same issue, I know the car has way more brake than I will ever need, but I can't seem to get it through my mind to "Go until you see God, then brake!"

Veloce Raptor

IMO you don't need to except when fighting for position.