audipwr1

How do pros learn tracks so quickly? I always read in panorama that it takes a pro like 5 laps to "learn a new track"

This being my first season racing I've found I need at least two days with a few run sessions each to get somewhat close, and realistically it's not till the second time I've been to the track that I start to get it. Sleep on it think about it look at some data / listen to what others are doing is what helps but it takes time to soak in

Tips / tricks / just need more talent? What?

jlanka

1 thing I'm starting to notice is the technique of likening turns in new tracks to turns from tracks I already know. I imagine this plays into it to an extent.

winders

I learn new tracks quickly. I think all the autocrossing I did taught me how to learn the turn sequence. Once you know where the turns are and go, getting up on the tires is straight forward. If you know your car, it is talking to you the whole time and you should get on the limit pretty quickly.

It's the "local knowledge" that is harder to get. That's why I tried to identify a local KFG to talk with and follow around if I can. That when I learn things you can't figure out in a few sessions.

Veloce Raptor

Yes this is a huge thing. The more tracks you drive, the easier it becomes to learn new ones in a few laps. This first becomes apparent watching videos of new tracks.

In addition, we walk new tracks whenever humanly possible.

audipwr1

Right I'm talking about the latter. Getting to 97-98% of track record one can do in 2-3 sessions especially if you watch some track video before, I'm talking into the 99%+ Sacrificing a given corner, knowing that just off the berm is the juicy grip?

I imagine pros have some methodology of figuring this stuff out as I'm sure the local competitor isn't handing out free time saving samples I'm asking what are the techniques for getting the final .5 - 1 second of time quickly

ExMB

IIRC I was driven in a golf cart around MSR 3.1 because I was way too lazy to walk that far.
Another time I remember 4 of us piling into an F250 who then putt putted us around the track.

audipwr1

I've seen folks biking / walking - I think I'll add this in thanks

Veloce Raptor

It's vastly important to find those tenths IMO

Manifold

Delete

JustinL

If the track is in iracing, you can hammer out hundreds of laps before ever showing up. I can't imagine a pro would show up to a track totally green to it. They'll have watched video or run it in a sim to get a feel for the braking points and shapes of the corners. Also real time feedback about sector times makes a huge difference in refining lines and visual cues. With those two tools, you could show up at a track with a game plan and then refine your driving over a few hot laps.

Paseb

Well, i watch tons of videos on youtube and I try to upload a lot of my own footage with data so people could learn from them too.

I started racing last year and this year is a 2nd time to all us tracks.

I must say that after a few laps, i know the track well and just need to push harder and harder to save time. Im young, so it might be easier for me to assimilate than other.

Which track are you going racing?

winders

I find track walks to be most beneficial AFTER I have driven the track AND if someone is along that knows the track well and is able to articulate what he knows.

Burkey

Iracing helps me a lot, it works really well for orientation obviously, you can come pretty close to figuring out the right turn in point and apex. The only real missing piece is where is the grip, would not want to go to a new track without it.

Veloce Raptor

There are strong visual clues as to where the grip is that are evident on a careful track walk as well. Things like heavy rubber smudges in curbs, etc

Der ABT

Holiday Inn express.........with wifi and videos