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Left foot and trail braking- this is a subject near and dear to my heart. Having had previous instruction from 3 of AUS’s professional touring car drivers, and numerous other instructors, I had noticed that the really good guys do not left foot and rarely trail brake (in my 911 at least), using the throttle to balance the car instead.
Recently, the SO (god bless her) gave me a days one on one instruction with a one of AUS’s touring car pro’s, and I was keen to quiz him on weight transfer and trail braking to load up the outside front on turn in. His view (he’s owned many Porkers and currently a Boxster S) - a 911 is not a trail brake car. (think about that) The key is get the car balanced and where you want it, then get on the power harder and earlier, and get the weight over the back. Once the arse is hunkered down and under power, there’s little you can do to upset a 911, obviously depending on the power and traction available. (Most 911 drivers would agree that its weight transfer associated with entering a corner too fast that gets you into strife.)
Another observation- having been taught and a being big believer in left foot braking when not gear changing, and there usually points on any track where this is the case, its interesting that NONE of these pros (so far anyway) left foot brake. This most recent instructor, who also drives a two pedal Modena in our production series, told me he does not left foot that car or his V8 touring car. In fact, with all these guys, it’s the absence of fancy stuff that stands out. Like watching Tiger Woods swing, it looks so easy and balanced, he’s not doing any thing fancy, just doing everything right….
Lesson for me, stick to basics, brake harder, concentrate on balance and line, more power earlier, use more revs.…
Just my 3.87 cents….
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