I Am Agonizing T3 at VIR...

[FTS]

Originally Posted by SH || NC

My first turn in is @ ~1.04.5 vs. that picture above which is ~1.05.4

That's a big difference, nearly 1 sec, and that's what I am just figuring out or being conscious about it.

We need to go back for like a week and review video and data after every session!

Yep, that how I felt and just had to find a way to get to the track, thankfully I have some friends who were very accommodating in the BMW club

My next VIR is not until the FSR one in September though , will you and/or Dell be there?

[FTS]

Originally Posted by bman

I agree the later turn in can get uncomfortable. I found, in my car, getting the chassis flatter or more balanced allows you to carry more speed without the drama.

Ironically, because this turn can feel uncomfortable, my tendency is to scrub too much speed, which means holding the brake too long, which means addind some steering with a light rear end.....which is why the corner feels "uncomfortable".

Very true; hence if you employ your T3 technique to T10, "brushing" the brakes as you put it previously, the car then feels significantly more settled and you just "trust the grip" as Patrick Long put it. Easier said than done of course

[SH || NC]

Originally Posted by FTS

That's a big difference, nearly 1 sec, and that's what I am just figuring out or being conscious about it.

My next VIR is not until the FSR one in September though , will you and/or Dell be there?

I likely won’t be back at VIR until the Carolinas PCA 3-day event in November; 3 days of Full Course = heaven.

Honestly, I might be able to swing an earlier additional event, but my repair (bumper and coolant fittings) is taking quite a bite out of my track budget this year.

I’m slated for August at Charlotte MS, September at CMP, and November at VIR. I might be swayed to swap my CMP for another VIR; I’ll have to give it some thought.

Originally Posted by FTS

Very true; hence if you employ your T3 technique to T10, "brushing" the brakes as you put it previously, the car then feels significantly more settled and you just "trust the grip" as Patrick Long put it. Easier said than done of course

+1

[FTS]

November would be great too, but I am worried about the weather in that month.

[SH || NC]

Its been perfect the last 3 years. It can be a little chilly in the morning, but no big deal at all.

[bman]

Originally Posted by FTS

My next VIR is not until the FSR one in September though , will you and/or Dell be there?

South Course? Why not the Potomac event? Too busy rubbing elbows at the IRL event?

[FTS]

Originally Posted by bman

South Course? Why not the Potomac event? Too busy rubbing elbows at the IRL event?

Ahh, I wasn't aware it is just the south course Yes, I have to meet with PMNA and PCNA crew during the labor day weekend.

[FTS]

So, here is the Turn 10 data, comparing May vs. June:

Stats (typical on majority of laps):

June lap turns in 85.8 ft earlier, or 0.57 secs
Braking G at turn-in are -0.38 for June lap @ 101.3 mph vs. -1.04 G for May lap @ 104.3 mph

Max Accel G: -086 for June vs. -1.10 for May,
Time to max braking force: 0.81 secs in June vs. 1.08 secs for May

Brake application duration: 1.83 secs for June vs. 0.97 secs for May

Speed at brake release: 81.86 mph for June vs. 80.7 mph for May

Slip time: 5.542 sec for June vs. 5.516 secs for May

Avg Speed thru turn: 87.65 for June vs. 85.17 for May

Duration of final release of brakes: 1.0 secs for June vs 0.23 secs for May

[SH || NC]

Nice

turned in earlier
used the brakes longer, but less (long brush, or short drag)
less G
faster through turn

Essentially, you were smoother!

[FTS]

Yep, that's the take away I guess. Also, not overslowing for the turn this is in a way quantifies what may be called "smooth"

I don't know what the heck I was doing in May; if someone told me that they braking at over 1G and turning in at the same time, I would have called them crazy. But that is why I was feeling uncomfortable going into the turn, pushing the car to do this that's not so nice, basically overdriving.

[bman]

Just got back from 3 days at VIR with Potomac and was thinking about this thread. T3 and T10 are really great corners at VIR. T3, which L Herman points out, is pretty flat and straight forward but is a tricky to run fast...consistently. You enter with a good amount of speed and a fair amount of steering angle which, IMO, throws a lot of people off. Many seem to "point and shoot" it; i.e. reduce the steering angle, carry speed deep, straight line brake and turn in. I've stayed committed to the wider arc approach with early and light brake pressure, nearly to the apex, which seems to allow you to carry more speed. I don't have the data logger to prove it but found myself gaining on the point and shoot drivers consistently.

T10 is tough but I've gotten a lot more comfortable by changing my approach. I've found that an early and light brake is MUCH better than a late brake. Settling the car and spotting your turn in are critical to consistency and speed through this corner. If you don't have a calm car or miss your turn in, the pucker factor can be big if you're carrying good speed.

VIR is just a great place to drive and learn!!!

[FTS]

One of my favorite topics as you know. I am looking forward to your more of your VIR outting

[SH || NC]

Brian, I like your approach; lightly brushing or holding the brakes, carrying in more speed in an arc.

Speaking of which; are either of you planning on attending the Carolinas event 11.18-11.20?

[FTS]

You're killing me, not being on track is killing me, I am going to forget how to drive and go back to blue group In short, no I am not planning

[bman]

Originally Posted by SH || NC

Speaking of which; are either of you planning on attending the Carolinas event 11.18-11.20?

I didn't know about this event, thanks for the heads up! I am going to try to work that into my schedule.

Originally Posted by FTS

In short, no I am not planning

I noticed the cell phone coverage has improved at VIR. You can work and play!