Braking and Turning

[Superman]

I'm intrigued by a rumor I've heard. I've heard it enough times now to suspect it is true. "They" say that the proper technique for negotiating a corner in a 911 begins with braking into the corner, fairly deep to 'set' the front end. They say that this is most important in the 911 because you need the weight transferred to the front for turning grip.

And here comes the part that is difficult to believe but plausible. If the transition from braking to power is too slow, the front end raises and you lose the front turning grip (believable). But if you can make the transition more seamlessly, then the nose stays down (huh?). The funny part is, I think this actually works. I don't know how braking keeps a nose down AFTER you're done braking.

Any fiction writers out there with track experience enough to comment?


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'83 SC

[Jack Olsen]

If only you were asking about how to structure a heist film, I could go into such great depth.

Many guys on this board will be able to answer this with a lot more authority than me. Mostly, in turns, I simply try to avoid doing this.

But there's no benefit to coasting at any point in the turning process, I'm sure, just as it doesn't help you to brake too long or accelerate too abruptly. A smooth, efficient transition from braking to accelerating and turning is what brings out the virtues in the 911's quirky design. You're certainly going from most of the car's weight thrown forward to most of it sitting on the back wheels. The most important aspect of the transfer, I imagine, is how smooth you can make it -- making sure your contact with the track is kept consistent as it transfers from one pair of wheels to the other.

But that's where I run out of ideas. Instructors, racers out there? Please explain for us all what this fiction writer only barely understands.

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T (3.6) sunroof coupe
jackolsen@mediaone.net

[This message has been edited by JackOlsen (edited 06-01-2001).]

[Superman]

Well sure, in threshold cornering any lack of smoothness is severely punished. And maybe that's my answer. But I've heard about this "setting the front end" business many times and it has seemed to me that it works. If you can get on the gas before the front comes up, it may stay down.

Bob Bondurant, are you out there?

Jack: I roomed with an english major and movie fan in college. I bought him pie and coffee and he prepared my papers for the prof. He dragged me to a micro movie house to see "Bullit" by saying it was the greatest chase scene on film. He was right and I think it still is.

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'83 SC

[Eric Coffey]

I think it all boils down to weight transfer fundamentals, and the good old traction circle.

-Eric

[RarlyL8]

Heal and toe.
There should be many past threads on that subject.