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Old May 24, 2009 | 09:45 AM
  #13 (permalink)  
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velociabstract
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,525
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From: Puerto Rico
Default Re: Off to the races!

No instructor lectures for me. I hope to entice one to ride with me on the 31st.
My way and observations only. I hit the brakes HARD and ease off nearing the turn in. I learned real quick that the front tires can't do 2 things at once. They are stopping or turning. It's better to brake early and too much and be under power in the turn because under power more weight is shifted to the back and off the front which also helps the Crossfire turn. Also because the Crossfire has no limited slip the more weight on one rear wheel the better. (it seems anyway) I ride up on the inside berm which really plants the back tire and I can get out of the turns much safer and with more throttle. What I do wrong is brake too hard engaging the traction control which is slower than just reaching the braking limit. I sometimes brake too late missing the best entry into the corner which really messes up the exit. What I mean about messing up the exit is if the exit line is off it's impossible to get on the throttle as early or completely.
I imagine the different opinions of the instructors has more to do with the different tracks and communication styles than how to brake correctly.

Distilled version. Hit the brakes fast and hard WITHOUT engaging the traction control. (super important) The unsettled feeling is the traction control modulating the brakes and making the car squirm under braking. When you and I learn to do that, well can you say PRO?

Disclaimer: All the opinions expressed are those of a rank amateur and could be wrong. Use at your own risk and only after 4 cups of Cuban coffee. Black naturally. Be sure to warm up your non braking leg before trying these techniques. The author is not responsible for cramping under braking.

Les
 
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