Evaluating tracks you never raced

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.

 

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. =)

 

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.

 

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

 

^^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.

 

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

 

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$$.

 

^^ 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