I'm confused

[D_Man]

I have been getting back into GPL lately and even visiting VROC each evening (not racing yet though).

I find that I can now handle setups that were previously beyond me. For example, I have been lapping Watkins Glen with GH2 setups and setups by people like Rick Prydden and Jonathon Davis.

My confusion arises from the fact that I am significantly slower despite what I consider my improved car control. Previously I could lap Watkins Glen consistently in 1.06s, but now I struggle to do 1.07s.

Also, I am now using brake balance of 51 to 52 where I previously used 53 to 54 and I can brake later without locking up too much.

This is driving me nuts as I feel that I am driving fast and controlled.

I think I should be improving not getting worse.

Frustrated Dave :(

[Ashwin91]

I have no idea,Dave...:( .Maybe its just the way you feel,when you race?


Ashwin

[Spiderman]

Try putting your foot down a bit Dave ;) Oh and cut corners.

[Myshkin]

I've had that happen before too Dave... one step forward, two steps back :) I don't know how to explain it, but think of it like this: you had learned to drive quickly but incorrectly... your improvement means you may be driving more correctly now, but more correctly does not mean faster. You need to re-learn to drive 1:06's but the correct way.

Does that make sense?

Something that I heard many times, and I thought I understood but it keeps becoming apparent that I didn't: Going slower into turns is often faster... you just need to know which turns. On a track like Monaco I am finding that I gained 1-2 seconds by braking earlier. I thought I was doing it right before, by getting on the gas as soon as possible, but somehow I wasn't doing it right before.

I find that accelerating earlier is much more important than braking later for turns. Instead of trying to brake late for turns, try braking earlier, turning in perfectly and hitting the gas full by the apex and see if that helps.

[D_Man]

Thanks guys :)

I am so frustrated at present, it's hard to describe :(

Anyway, I'll persevere and see if there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Mysh, I think I might actually be breaking too soon on some corners as I am still a bit over-cautious, but I will keep what you said in mind and try to make sure I get the power down as early as possible. I know I struggle getting the loop right at Watkins Glen for a nice exit into the straight.

Thanks again

Dave

[WCvXd]

A couple of months ago, I started using modified alien setups with 60/60 and sometimes 45/60 diffs on pretty much all of the cars. Just as you have slowed down a little Dave, so did I. The trick with these setups is carrying speed through the middle of the corner, and inorder to do that, you have to have a good entry and a good exit. Like Mike said, you have to get back on the gas early and just power it out of the corner. With the alien diffs you will have to counter-steer some, but thats just what makes it so damn fun...when you hit that perfect corner exit with full throttle and the wheels turned in the opposite direction, it really feels good.

I think a good place to practice this is Silverstone. Most of the right turn corners are rather sharp and require hard braking and good turn in speed. They will also keep you on your toes coming out of the corner. Good throttle control has to be used to get a good run out of these sharper corners. There are also the sweeping quick left handers that require very little braking...if any. In these corners, you will see that you can carry a whole lot more speed than you normally would. All you gotta do is hit that corner entry correctly. Just by easing off the throttle a little, the front end will bite, and it will just carry you through the corner.

Watch alien replays and see how they get into the corner and what they do to carry speed in the corner. Dont try to brake where they do, if youre anything like me you will just end up in the fence. ;) Just be mindful of their corner entry and exit. Also compare your replays with theirs in ReplayAnalyzer. Compare them in the speed chart and see where you are losing time. When I compare mine, they are always losing time in the middle of the corners. the lines will basically mirror each other until there is that little downward spike in the middle of the corner...my speed just drops off much more than theirs do. This is what Ive been working on lately and I think that its starting to pay off a little with my times.

[WCSting]

yeah Dave... what John said, but lots of seat time is what will do it.

[jtace]

I experienced the same thing Dave, just keep chugging at it and you'll get it down.

[D_Man]

Thanks again all. What John said makes a lot of sense - especially the counter-steering (lots of fun hehe :)).

I might try Silverstone and see how I go there.

I'm not sure how to use all the features of the Replay Analyser, but I'll see if I can work it out.

BTW, John it looks like you'll be the first past -50 the way you are going - congrats :beer:

Dave

[WCvXd]

Dont let that fool you Dave. If Paul gets one decent lap at the Ring, then hes -51...same with me though. Both him and I are in the same boat at the moment. We just need that shot at the ring.

[Myshkin]

Actually John what you mention about counter-steering is where I am... I can't do it very well yet but I'm trying and I occasionally have some success. Not full opposite lock... right now I'm just slowing enough to make sure I get through the turn on the right line with a somewhat gradual increase in gas at or just after the apex going to full by exit... when I do it right.

Anyway, the alien calvary has arrived, my work here is done :) Do what they say, not me Dave. :")

[D_Man]

Hehe "alien calvary" - I like that ^_^

Anyway Mysh, to me you are an alien too ;)

Dave