LIVE RESULTSby Pronto

Advanced Autocross Curriculum: Trail Braking and Corner Management

Course Overview

This advanced autocross session delves into sophisticated braking techniques, optimal corner entry, maintaining speed through turns, and adapting to varying conditions. Designed for experienced drivers familiar with basic autocross principles, this course aims to enhance competitive performance through precise vehicle control.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Execute proper trail braking techniques.
  • Optimize corner entry speeds based on corner characteristics.
  • Maintain consistent speed through the corner apex.
  • Adapt driving techniques to different weather and track conditions.
  • Understand the relationship between weight transfer and grip.

Curriculum Structure

Theory and Physics (30 minutes)

Weight Transfer Dynamics

  • Forward weight transfer under braking increases front tire grip.
  • Progressive brake release maintains balanced weight distribution.
  • Relationship between vehicle pitch and available grip.
  • Effect of suspension geometry on weight transfer.

Trail Braking Theory

  • Overlapping braking and turning inputs.
  • Maximizing entry speed while maintaining control.
  • Using brake pressure to rotate the vehicle.
  • Managing understeer and oversteer during trail braking.

Common Scenarios and Consequences

Over-Slowing Scenarios

  • Early brake application wastes time on straights.
  • Excessive brake pressure unnecessarily reduces entry speed.
  • Too much weight transfer to the front can cause snap oversteer upon release.
  • Loss of momentum affects the entry into the following corner.

Carrying Too Much Speed

  • Late braking leads to missed apex points.
  • Lifting off the throttle to correct understeer reduces speed, compromising both corner exit and entry into the next section.
  • Wide exit paths negatively impact the following turns.
  • Increased understeer requires excessive steering input.
  • Risk of emergency corrections affecting vehicle balance.

Optimal Execution

  • Initial brake application at maximum straight-line grip.
  • Progressive brake release matching the corner radius.
  • Balanced weight transfer throughout corner entry.
  • Smooth transition to maintenance throttle.

Part 1: Trail Braking Fundamentals

Practical Exercises

  • Progressive Brake Release Demonstration: Understanding the effect of gradual brake release.
  • Brake Pressure Sensing Exercises: Developing sensitivity to braking force application.
  • In-Car Instructor Analysis: Personalized feedback on technique execution.

Part 2: Corner Entry and Speed Management

Corner Analysis

  • Identifying optimal entry points.
  • Understanding speed versus position trade-offs.
  • Using visual references for effective corner reading.
  • Adjusting entry speed based on corner type.

Applied Techniques

  • Entry speed calibration drills.
  • Late apex versus early apex exercises.
  • Speed bleeding techniques.
  • Strategies for linking multiple corners smoothly.

Part 3: Environmental Adaptation (60 minutes)

Track Surface Variables

  • Differences between concrete and asphalt characteristics.
  • Temperature effects on tire grip.
  • Recognizing and adapting to surface changes.
  • Adjusting line choice based on track surface conditions.

Weather Condition Adjustments

  • Techniques for driving on wet surfaces.
  • Managing cold tire performance.
  • Understanding hot tire behavior.
  • Compensating for crosswinds.

Part 4: Integration and Practice

Full Course Application

  • Practice runs incorporating all techniques.
  • Individual coaching sessions for personalized improvement.
  • Data logging analysis for performance insights.
  • Video review and feedback for refinement.

Equipment Requirements

  • Vehicles with ABS recommended but not required.
  • Tire temperature monitoring equipment.
  • Video recording capability.
  • Optional data logging systems.

Assessment Methods

  • Full-course timed runs to measure improvement.
  • Video analysis of technique execution.
  • Instructor evaluation of specific driving skills.
  • Peer review sessions for shared learning.

Reference Materials

  • Course handouts with grip circle diagrams.
  • Trail braking progression charts.
  • Quick reference guide for surface conditions.
  • Weather adaptation checklist.

Schedule Flexibility Notes

This curriculum is designed to be adaptable based on:

  • Group size and skill level.
  • Weather conditions.
  • Available course space.