I was at Texas Motorsports Ranch last week and received some instruction that was in conflict with prior instruction. The instructor at TMR said I should turn into the curve WHILE braking. My previous instructor at Texas World Speedway (John Eagle Days) said that I should brake in a straight line and THEN turn.

I have to admit I was much more successful with the brake straight then turn theory. I may not have been faster, but I didn't spin. I can't say that for my performance at TMR.

Do any of you turn while braking hard?

Regards,

Al

 

I'm a novice performance driver too, so take this with however many grains of salt you wish.

You should never be turning while braking hard. What your instructor at TMR was probably suggesting is called "trail braking". With trail braking you are reducing braking force as you initiate the turn and then "trail off" the brakes as you turn the steering wheel more. This technique can be used to effectively lengthen the straight and improve turn-in. However, as you discovered it can also lead to lightening the rear tires too much, resulting in a spin. I also find it easier to brake in a straight line and then turn-in, but trail braking can be faster and more fun in the right situation. One way to ease into trail braking is to move your braking point at the end of the straight closer to the turn bit by bit. At some point you will need to carry the end of your braking zone into the turn. It's fun to get it right because you can really load up the tires for incredible lateral Gs. Just don't try to learn this if there isn't a lot of run-off ... on BOTH sides of the track.

 

I agree. Generally, you want to do all your braking before you enter the turn; your brakes will be more effective at slowing you down in a straight line, rather than in a turn. If you brake in a turn, your tires pull double duty providing both straight line grip (for braking) and lateral grip (for cornering). I have always been taught that you should be off the brakes when you enter the turn, and back on the throttle by the time you hit the apex of the turn. Trail braking can be fun, but it's no fun having the tail step out unless you are expecting it.

 

Yep. Once brake-then-turn is mastered, you'll be in a better position to experiment.

 

Now, there are many factors in determining whether you should trail brake in a turn. For example, i would trail brake if there is certain type of turn. Also, a car that induces understeer would require me to trail brake upon entrance to lighten up the rear. Personally, i trail brake on every turn, its just my driving style, i just feel i have better control of the car and i pretty much lessen any chance for a 'plowing' effect which most street cars do.

But, yes, as a general practice, you should brake in a straight line and turn in so that your car is 'balanced' going into the turn.