After a discussion with drivers all over the world, Scott from TrackPedia asks, "could it really be that one line fits all?"
If you are a professional driver comparing a GT3 Cup car (a very competent car, btw) on a North American closed circuit to a ALMS M3 GTR, you're going to desire to take the same line, period. What is the determinant to sketch that line?
V=gR(squared). Velocity equals grip times radius squared. Can't do anything about the grip level, it's fixed by the tire choice and the mods on the car. Can't do anything about the squared multiplier, so it boils down to V=R, velocity equals radius. Since we are all looking for the highest minimum speed through a corner, it stands to reason that you try and enlarge the radius as much as possible.
Sure, there are corners where you "give up" a little to get the car turned to apply power slightly earlier to maximize exit speed and carry that resultant velocity down the long(est) straight, a la Turn 7 at Road Atlanta or Oak Tree at VIR, but that is true for all cars taking that particular corner.
We don't need the perfect race car to achieve the perfect line. The physics don't recognize what make or model of the car they're acting on. By altering the timing and control inputs, we can "set the car" (any car) on the proper trajectory through a corner on the widest possible arc. I'm working with people and can generate myself strings of three to five laps within hundredths of a second, and that on a track over three miles long. Adherence to this formula is what allows this repeatability.
In order to be consistent, you must follow a particular path and master control input timing each and every lap to achieve that. Yes, I drive the same line in a Fiat 850, Fiat 124, E30 M3, E36 M3, E46 M3, GT3, Cobra R, F355 Challenge, F430, 599 GTB, C-6 Z06 as well as ALL the purpose-built race cars I have been fortunate enough to have driven. I believe in science over art, but rolling art sure is pretty! :)
1 comment:
Ah, but would you agree that in a race, when one has to position the car in a certain way to accomplish a certain goal, that some cars require different lines? eg. some cars can block better, some have to hew to the "standard" line earlier for reasons of available exit traction, and so on?
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