Saturday 23 February 2013

In A Bit Of A Spin!

I have decided to look over the circuit plan for Shennington and discuss the corners that I found difficult in an effort to help anyone else in a similar position to me - the circuit plan is below...


The corner that I find most problematic is the one marked number 4 - the reason its so difficult is because it is a 180° turn. The best way to attack this corner, is to travel as far to the left of the track on the Stratford straight gaining speed, then when you reach the tyre barrier; stamp on the breaks, take your foot off the break and turn sharply in to the apex. Once you reach two thirds of the way past the red and white kerb start accelerating away from the corner to built up your speed for the Runway straight. Tip: Even if you are still travelling at speed after braking, do not turn whilst your foot is on the break otherwise you will spin! Please see the drawing below for more information on this particular corner...


The other corner/series of corners that I find extremely difficult is at point 7 (known as the Bruno Chicane) - the reason that it is so difficult is because of the fact that you are travelling very fast due to the straight just before. The best way that I have found is to take the corner very wide which means that you can still carry a reasonable speed into the apex and accelerate quickly out of it. I have personally found that no braking is required going into the corner, however you do need to lift off the accelerator pedal otherwise you will go straight through the tyre barrier and spin - for more help see the drawing below...

2 comments:

  1. How long have you been racing? I've done go-karting a few times when I've been on holiday, and it's actually harder than you'd expect!! Did you learn these things through your own experience, or do you have a sort of teacher?

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  2. I've done racing at indoor circuits in Aylesbury and in Devon whilst I was on holiday however these were the first few times I've done outdoor racing! And tell me about it, people just assume you turn up and drive and go really fast...you can only go fast if your racing lines are perfect. At Protrain race team, I get help and advice as to the racing lines that I should try to take, but ultimately it's my decision what I do.

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