Hit 105mph on the back straight at Buttonwillow yesterday

Went into turn 1 way too hot and almost ate the dirt, got my braking point dialed in after 3 laps and shaved 2 seconds off my previous best. Anyone else struggle with trail braking into that first corner?

3 comments

3 Comments

patricia26217d ago

Wait, are we calling almost lawn darting into the dirt "great driving" now? I had the exact same problem my first time there, though my moment of glory was a full 360 spin into the gravel because I forgot the entry is way later than you think. Once you find that braking marker though, doesn't it feel like cheating when you can actually make the turn? Just don't tell the track officials you nearly redecorated the sand trap with your car, they might not appreciate the effort.

wendy82014d ago

The entry point at that track is definitely later than it seems from the cockpit. On my first few laps I kept turning in at the big oak tree like a dummy and ended up way too tight to the inside curb. It wasn't until a veteran in a Miata waved me over and pointed out a crack in the pavement that I finally got it right. The funny thing is once you trust that later marker, the car settles in so much better and you don't have to fight the wheel through the middle of the turn. Just make sure you're not mistaking the exit cones for the braking point, that's an easy mix up that'll send you straight into the tire wall.

cole_flores4416d ago

You ever have that moment where you realize you're way too early on the brakes and just commit to the turn anyway out of pure stubbornness? First time I hit that track I was braking at the cone like a moron and ended up sliding sideways into the grass, which honestly felt like I was drifting except not at all intentional. I actually got stuck in the mud for a solid five minutes and had to get push-started by some guys who were laughing their asses off. The worst part is I did it again on the next lap because my brain just refused to learn. Once you finally nail that late brake though it's like the car just magically rotates and you feel like a hero, even if you're still 3 seconds off pace.