KnifeEdge_2K1
09-01-2004, 10:16 PM
http://www.miata.net/sport/Physics/index.html
this site has alot of cool stuff about weight transitions and racing lines trail braking centrifugal force, camber changes due to body roll ect.
ive only read the article on the racing line (kinda boring since i knew all of it) but it really gives a good explanation to WHY a classic racing line is better than taking the inside track as many people think
what i should add though is that the racing line is really only advantageous when you're alone (not fighting for a position)
let me explain
i expect you all to know the classic racing line in a 90 degree corner, the out in out method
this is the fastest possible way to take the corner because it optimises tire grip
now imagine a situation
you and another car are headed for a 90 degree right hander and you're on the outside (for the classic line) and he squeezes up right beside you, he brakes late and turns into the inside blocking your path, now at this point he's much slower than if he were to pull up behind you and take the proper line but since he's now infront of you you cant speed up and take the racing line without ramming up his ass, both your exit speeds are significantly lowered now but he has the better position and can manage to take the proper line on the next corners (assuming both your cars are equal power and you're not drafting him)
now in this type of situation (again depending on how it was set up) you may have decided to take a more centered line or played a game of chicken with him
in a chicane this is a different story since if he were to pull the same maneuver you could have lifted off early, turned tight on the first curve and turned wide on the other, he may have passed you in the first corner but you better line in the second will more than make up for it
a basic rule of thumb is the outside radius of the corner is NEVER advantageous in any situation (excluding the chicane example but there are many types of chicanes with different turnign radiuses which open or tighten and of different lengths)
the inside is really only useful if you want to risk braking late and popping in front of a guy, and the racing line is the best to take if you're in a time attack or alone either in front of the pack or behind (at which point you'll prolly be screwed either way)
this site has alot of cool stuff about weight transitions and racing lines trail braking centrifugal force, camber changes due to body roll ect.
ive only read the article on the racing line (kinda boring since i knew all of it) but it really gives a good explanation to WHY a classic racing line is better than taking the inside track as many people think
what i should add though is that the racing line is really only advantageous when you're alone (not fighting for a position)
let me explain
i expect you all to know the classic racing line in a 90 degree corner, the out in out method
this is the fastest possible way to take the corner because it optimises tire grip
now imagine a situation
you and another car are headed for a 90 degree right hander and you're on the outside (for the classic line) and he squeezes up right beside you, he brakes late and turns into the inside blocking your path, now at this point he's much slower than if he were to pull up behind you and take the proper line but since he's now infront of you you cant speed up and take the racing line without ramming up his ass, both your exit speeds are significantly lowered now but he has the better position and can manage to take the proper line on the next corners (assuming both your cars are equal power and you're not drafting him)
now in this type of situation (again depending on how it was set up) you may have decided to take a more centered line or played a game of chicken with him
in a chicane this is a different story since if he were to pull the same maneuver you could have lifted off early, turned tight on the first curve and turned wide on the other, he may have passed you in the first corner but you better line in the second will more than make up for it
a basic rule of thumb is the outside radius of the corner is NEVER advantageous in any situation (excluding the chicane example but there are many types of chicanes with different turnign radiuses which open or tighten and of different lengths)
the inside is really only useful if you want to risk braking late and popping in front of a guy, and the racing line is the best to take if you're in a time attack or alone either in front of the pack or behind (at which point you'll prolly be screwed either way)