[winders]

I am constantly looking for ways to improve my lap times. It's an obsession. But, I also know what is not going to help. Your analysis of the last corner is a prime example. Just because I have to breathe the throttle a little to stay on the track does not mean I could go faster by going slower mid corner with a later apex. If I take the later apex my actual speed entering the straight with the application of full throttle is slower than with the line I do take and ends up being a tad slower at the end of the straight. I have tried it both ways and looked at the data. Again, turn 15 is not a normal 90 degree turn before a long straight.

The Cup Car that Marc is driving has more power, is a lot heavier, has significantly better gearbox and suspension, and has less tire than I have. I can carry more speed through the corners. This is why he apexes later than I do in some of the corners. My best time around TH is a 1:49.7 going over the top of turn 5. Marc's 1:45.96 lap uses the bypass which is about 3 seconds faster. I am surprised I am as close to his time as I am. I suspect there is a lot more time to be had in his car than there is in mine.

There are places where I can carry more speed through the corner I am sure. Turn 8 is a great example. I have carried 116 MPH through the apex in the past. But damn, that is scary and requires absolute ideal track conditions, qualifying weight, and fresh tires just up to ideal temps. It also requires perfect execution. Turn 1 is another. As is turn 2.

On a qualifying lap with a light fuel load on fresh tires I am much closer to the limits than I am on the second lap of a race full of fuel and tires not so fresh or at ideal temps.

One thing I have found out is that without knowing about my car and without access to the car's data, it is very difficult to for people that have not driven a car very much like mine to find time.