Speed Secrets: Where Speed Comes From – Part 1

Features, Racing I By Ross Bentley I June 20, 2018

If you had the opportunity to analyze in great detail some very sophisticated computer data acquisition information from a variety of drivers of different levels and cars at numerous race tracks around North America, you would learn a lot about driving yourself. Fortunately, over the past few years, I’ve had that opportunity.

Here are some conclusions I’ve come to:

  • The difference between a back-marker amateur and a winning amateur: the LINE – whether the driver has chosen the most appropriate line for the particular car and track conditions, and whether they can drive it consistently.
  • The difference between an amateur and a low level pro: the ACCELERATION PHASE – how early and hard the driver begins accelerating out of the corners.
  • The difference between a mid-pack pro and a winning pro: corner ENTRY SPEED – how quickly and consistently the driver can make the car turn in to the corner, while maintaining the acceleration phase.
  • The difference between a winning pro and the greats/champions: MID-CORNER SPEED – how fast the driver consistently gets through the mid-corner phase, which is primarily dictated by the corner entry speed, how the driver makes the car “take a set”, and the acceleration phase.

Time after time, the data acquisition shows the fastest straightaway speed comes on laps with the fastest mid-corner speeds (unless it delays when the driver gets to full throttle). To have a fast mid-corner speed, you need to enter the corner as fast as possible, balance the car so it takes a set early in the turn, and begin accelerating early, smoothly, and hard.

Now, before you get any ideas that all you need to do to become the next F1, Indy or Le Mans champion is just maximize your mid-corner speed, realize that every champion had to perfect the line, then the acceleration phase, and then corner entry speed first. And so will you.

But, this may be a pretty good clue as to how to approach learning a new track. It’s a good priority list.

Start with figuring out what the ideal line is for your car and your driving style. Then, concentrate on accelerating earlier in the corner and harder.

Next, corner entry speed. Using data acquisition and a lap time simulation program, I’ve calculated that if you can enter every turn on an average road racing circuit just one MPH faster, you will save about ½ a second per lap. That’s not a lot faster corner entry speed to improve a whole lot lap time. Of course, that means doing it without it negatively affecting the line you’ve determined to be the best, or when and how hard you begin accelerating.

This is one of those compromises you need to make in your driving – deciding whether you’re better off entering a corner slightly slower and getting on the throttle earlier, or carrying more speed into the corner. Usually, if your increase in corner entry speed delays where you’re able to get back to full throttle (and not just beginning to squeeze it on), you’re better off slowing down slightly to get back on the throttle early.

If you perfect the line, acceleration phase, and corner entry speed on a consistent basis, you will automatically be working on your mid-corner speed. But, if you get that far, I doubt whether you’ll need my advice anymore.
 

Ross Bentley

For more information about Ross’s tips, coaching, eCourses, newsletter, Virtual Track Walk videos, and other resources to help you drive at your best, go to www.SpeedSecrets.com

 

The Guide to Road Racing: Winding Road Magazine's ultimate guide to getting your start in racing.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

More Than Equal Launches Driver Development Programme With First Female Cohort

Talented young female drivers from Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Slovakia and the United Kingdom will join the inaugural cohort LONDON, MAY 14, 2024: More…

May 14, 2024
Inspired By a Fifties Automotive Legend: Introducing Automobili Pininfarina Battista Cinquantacinque

Battista Cinquantacinque bears the iconic Blu Savoia Gloss bodywork and contrasting Bianco Sestriere Gloss roof which is inspired by the original 1955 Lancia Florida show car Cinquantacinque…

May 08, 2024
Kodiak proudly sponsors Meyer Shank Racing and Helio Castroneves in pursuit of historic Indianapolis 500 win

CINCINNATI, May 7, 2024 – Kodiak, a leading provider of cutting-edge chemical solutions, proudly announces its sponsorship of Meyer Shank Racing and legendary driver Helio Castroneves in…

May 07, 2024
McLaren F1 With 254 Miles Expected to Fetch Over $20 Million At Auction

The sale will take place exclusively online through Sotheby’s Sealed, featuring the ultra-rare 1995 McLaren F1, distinguished by its one-off Creighton Brown color. Bidding opens…

April 25, 2024
Lamborghini Urus SE: The first Plug-in Hybrid Super SUV

New design, 800 CV of power, over 60km range in electric mode, with best-in-class performance and top speed in its category Sant’Agata Bolognese/Beijing, 24 April…

April 24, 2024

EMAIL SIGN UP

Get the latest driving and racing news straight to your inbox.

no thanks

Begin typing your search above and press return to search.