[na-STi]

Should I brake hard enough before a turn that the ABS kicks in? My times get a lot better if I brake hard but sometimes the ABS would kick in and it would feel unsettled.

[mav1c]

If you're getting into the ABS, that's a good thing. What you need to learn now is Threshold Braking and Brake Modulation. Threshold Braking will be the point just before the ABS kicks in, but still hard on the brakes. Brake Modulation is going to be needed when you do get into ABS and you need to mdulatite the brakes to get out of it. If your'e getting into ABS, you're at the point where you need to concentrate on these two skills. It's why we go to the track right?

[na-STi]

Originally Posted by mav1c

If you're getting into the ABS, that's a good thing. What you need to learn now is Threshold Braking and Brake Modulation. Threshold Braking will be the point just before the ABS kicks in, but still hard on the brakes. Brake Modulation is going to be needed when you do get into ABS and you need to mdulatite the brakes to get out of it. If your'e getting into ABS, you're at the point where you need to concentrate on these two skills. It's why we go to the track right?

Thanks for the advice. So is it ideal to Threshold brake or should you always get into ABS?

[mav1c]

Essentially, yes. Threshold braking is the point you can apply the brakes the hardest, just before lock up, or ABS. It takes time and practice. Also depends on track conditions, tires, brake pads, etc.

Originally Posted by na-STi

Thanks for the advice. So is it ideal to Threshold brake or should you always get into ABS?

[mav1c]

Somne good info on braking here (About 1/2 way down it discusses threshold braking):

Braking

[CGMDan]

Getting on the brakes is as much about weight transfer as it is slowing down. So the fact that your in ABS isn't as much of an issue. But how are you gettting on the brakes? Just slamming them on (think panic stop) and getting into ABS isn't what you want to do. But a quick firm pedal action that transfers the weight first, and then gets into ABS for a bit will do more for you.
It's a fine line, but there is a difference.

[mav1c]

Threshold braking - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Mushashi]

As far as braking my experience has been learn to find where you need to be done braking. The course layout won't change but you're tires and the course conditions will. So if you're competitive its probably a good idea to get familar with your brakes characteristics. Having braking reference points are good, but what's more important is reference points on where you need to be done braking and or the starting point where you initiate your turn-in.

Here are some suggestions: Find a open lot dry, wet, snow and loose gravel, not in that order but you'll notice more from dry so start there. And try braking at various speeds, different brake pressures, different speeds in which you apply and lift off the paddle. Its important to pay attention to how you're transfering the weight as it will reduce or maximize your brakes traction. Key word is "sqeeze" not on/off (jabbing).

Only when you have mastered these techniques and develope a sensitivity for how your brakes opperate will you know how to maximize your brakes.

Here is another thing to consider, turning into the corner after braking. The higher the speed the slow you must turn, the slow the speed the faster you must turn. You can try to keep increasing your corning speed by turning in slower, it sometimes helps to count 1 1,000 2 1,000 ect. and turn a degree at a time, depending on how quick your steering ration is. You'll be surprised how much more traction you have by doing this.

You see braking is used for adjusting speed.

I dont know what forum of motorsports your doing, but there are many more idea's others can share. I like to keep it very basic because I'm a very basic kind of a guy. Give us some feedback from your experience after this.

-Enjoy

[Mushashi]

One of the things I do on my off season is catch up on reading. The following is from one of my favorite driving books. "Speed Secrets."

"Braking are merely for adjusting speed--not for gaining much. So if you are looking to improve more than 1/10th of a second, dont' just look at brakes. Don't think that by braking later you'll gain a great advantage. You're going to make up more time with the throttle on, not off.

Racer are always talking about brake reference points. But the important reference points is not where you start braking, but actually where you end maximum braking. Only use brake reference points as backup.

Instead, when you begin braking for a corner, focus on the turn-in point to visualize and judge how much braking is necessary to slow the car to the proper speed for entering the turn. Your speed at the start of braking may be different due to how well you enter the straight, so the reference points will constantly need slight adjustment. You need to analyze and sense the speed, and adapt your braking zone to be the correct speed at the turn-in reference point so you enter the corner at the ideal speed."

[chadd7881]

the answer to your questions is yes you should brake hard before the turn and accerate through the turn... braking hard before the turn causes and transfer of weight to the front tires causing them to flaten out providing more surface to tarmac allowing for better turning, then using the inerta of the car during acceration to advance threw the turn... like Mushashi said PRACTICE, PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE,
PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE,
PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE, and when you get finished praciticing PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE your never gonna get the experience from reading however you can get some great ideas and some really good pointers... GL getting those faster times