Trail Braking explanation

[mmarshall]

Here is an explanation on trail braking. This describes what I was having trouble explaining Tuesday night. While I used this all the time in my RX-7 I have yet to be able to get my Daytona to rotate under braking...even with a rear brake bias.

Here is a quote that answers the question about ending up in the corner without enough speed: " If you find that you've finished braking before the throttle application point in these corners, then you didn't brake late enough."

http://www.driftingstreet.com/braking-technique-trail.html
http://virtualracersedge.com/trail_braking.htm
http://www.tsracing.com/Techtips/Physics23.html

Also left foot braking:

http://www.driftingstreet.com/braking-technique-left-foot.html

 

[Tim M]

That 2nd link explained it best to me, and surprisingly, is what I do on tight corners. At Putnam, the 1st turn is kind of a 60 degree high speed turn, and I try to get my braking done before turn in, then accelerate through to the apex to the exit. Several other turns require trail braking for me to get my car to turn in right. I just had trail braking explained to me wrong and didn't really understand what I was doing. I also use Left foot braking, but my foot get's in the way sometimes and makes me uneasy as it is an exciting transition to the clutch. Which, should now be made easier with the rear gear swap. Great info Mike, Thanks!