Evaluating tracks you never raced | FerrariChat

Evaluating tracks you never raced

Discussion in 'Tracking & Driver Education' started by fatbillybob, Apr 23, 2009.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    28,997
    socal
    Friends,

    New hypothetical discussion we all face:
    So you have to race this weekend at a track you have never been on. You got a track map and a youtube video of some yahoo taking questionable lines so you sort of know what to expect. You do some homework determining what could be important corners possible throw away corners concrete walls etc...

    What on-track things help you speed learn a new track?

    I like to walk it if I can but often I cannot. others?
     
  2. fire_n_ice

    fire_n_ice Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2006
    1,087
    Understandably, these suggestions may not be effective if it is an actual "race weekend", but from a track day or HPDE perspective:

    1. If possible, get somebody that knows the track to take you out first.

    2. In your first session behind the wheel, try to follow somebody else who knows the track, from a safe distance and with the understanding that they will gradually lose you if they don't know that you are following.

    3. If all else fails, when approaching an unknown turn, plan to apex the turn late, as this provides the safest route in case you have badly misjudged.
     
  3. Schatten

    Schatten F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Apr 3, 2001
    11,238
    Austin, TX
    Full Name:
    Randy
    Videos, making sounds to yourself, visualizing that you are in the car. Play the track over and over and over - IN YOUR HEAD - even if you haven't been there until you know it. Look for landmarks, and other tells around the track. Envisioning where to go full out, how you can apex as late as possible, how you can reduce steering input - all at a track you have never been before by visualizing and practicing in your virtual car (or even your real car) with a youtube video playing next to you.

    That's what I'd do.

    http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Secrets-Perfect-Driver-No/dp/0760322759/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240503973&sr=1-7

    This book helps, but the techniques are obvious once you read them. =)
     
  4. MBFerrari

    MBFerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 2, 2008
    6,057
    NoVA
    Full Name:
    Matt B
    I used to go to corners even if I couldn't walk the track (from outside the fence) and often did it at midnight I would hop the fence and walk at least a corner or two, and note marks and other issues in the pavement.

    Prior to, videos as you mentioned, other in cars (which as you often said were by guys on the very wrong line, but it helped see the track and what was approaching.

    Guys I know who were really fast would say that it would only take them three or four laps to figure our a track. It took me a hell of a lot longer than that.
     
  5. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    28,997
    socal
    Yes! Yes! Some guys have natural talent. I fight for every tenth. Once I was in a car driven by a real pro on my home track. I asked him how hard he was driving. His reply..."not my car...about 80%" My reply...."I think I should think about another sport".
     
  6. MontinolaRacing

    MontinolaRacing Karting

    Jun 20, 2006
    89
    Bay Area,CA
    Full Name:
    Robbie Montinola
    Usually takes me a session to learn a track, not necessarily be very quick, but just to figure out the line, entry speed needed, brake points, apex, track out, etc...

    I look at data, video, and track maps to get acquainted with the track. Also, now with great simulators like iRacing, you can learn the track by driving the simulator. iRacing has most of the major race tracks, so its a great tool to learn new tracks.

    Robbie
     
  7. fire_n_ice

    fire_n_ice Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2006
    1,087
    ^^agreed- iracing tracks are beautifully accurate. Even a lesser sim is worthwhile if you can find a version of the track. Learning and remembering the sequence of corners is half the battle.
     
  8. dan360

    dan360 F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2003
    2,669
    Boston
    Lots of good stuff here - my order of events if possible is:

    1. "Van around" - drive rental before track goes green at 30-40 mph.
    2. learn the track, find reference markers that are really there (can't do this on a sim - but it does help some to learn the sequence of corners and gears, esp iracing which is the first vaguely real sim, but depends on a relevant car in the sim)
    3. ride with someone else for 1 or 2 laps only - watch very carefully.
    4. walk the track, make sure you touch and feel the track - I find that walking the track in the wet is very instructive also.
    5. data data data - the clock and the data doesn't lie. especially when a pro goes out in your car and can go 2 or 3 seconds faster :)
     
  9. b-mak

    b-mak F1 Veteran

    Here's my methodology, in order, where available:

    1. iRacing.com (track replication is oh so precise)
    2. rFactor (track/car replication is *ahem* less than precise)
    3. pro video (TV or web)
    4. club video (YouTube, et al.)

    At this point, I'm relatively prepared to feel my way around the track.

    Following the above list, this is essential: the track walk, fruit boot (aka inline skate) or bicycle. The slow pace provides tremendous insight into the track at every corner: markers, grip, camber, etc.

    After that, if I think I'm struggling, I have a short list of drivers to call to kick that learning curve in the a$$.
     
  10. MontinolaRacing

    MontinolaRacing Karting

    Jun 20, 2006
    89
    Bay Area,CA
    Full Name:
    Robbie Montinola
    ^^ yea, i always ask my friends who have raced there before for their track notes or "pointers" for the track.

    I can't walk them though, to lazy.... Golf Cart FTW :D
     

Share This Page