Being a relative novice to the winding way I have a ? for the more experienced driver

 

Here is a cool write up I found for you

http://www.esbconsult.com.au/ogden/locost/...ors/phors23.htm


Basicly Trail Braking the the practice of braking a bit later for the corner to get a better entrance speed. It also helps get the front end loaded for better turn-in.

This can lead to faster lap times, but it isn't something for you until you are very comfortable with the car. With more weight forward going into a corner the backend can get light. If you aren't paying attention/expecting you can spin.

And remember we are only talking about saving a few seconds. Unless you are racing a couple secs a lap isn't that important.

Best for most people to just brake in a straight line, then start the turn at neutral throttle.

 

What Krazic said.

I've trail braked the S2000 at 100mph + into corners that should be perfect for the technique. In my case, a straight that bends towards the apex the corner.

It got kind of loose while trail braking through the bend, and at that kind of speed you don't want to loose the rear end. I didn't have any problem holding on to it, but it's not a confidence inspiring condition.

I'd suggest saving the trail braking for when you have more experience. If you're at a DE event, ask an instructor about where it would be appropriate.

 

Mikey/Krazik thanks for the reply. In fact I will be at a DE event in Sept. at the TWS in College Station. There will be over 60 S2K's at the event that weekend. I'll have a perfect opportunity to ask and receive from instructor where they believe trail braking would be a benefit.
Thanks
Good Racing

 

I've had four different instructors at TWS and none of them would even have you try trail braking.

JEH is expecting 60 s2000s?!.. the most I have seen out there yet is ~25.

 

Trail braking (TB) is very useful of front drive vehicles to help rotate the rear faster. On the S2K, in a race, I use it depending on the curve and if I need to cut my times.

As everyone said the S2K already has a tendency to rotate the rear faster, which requires you to be very SMOOTH. On trail braking you have to be even SMOOTHER. The technique requires long hours of practice on a safe area. I don't recomend practicing on the street.

The idea of TB is to help you carry a little more speed into the curve while being able to take the corner in control thus allowing you to carry more speed on exit. More speed on exit means that at the end of the next straight you will have a faster terminal speed. But there's a catch: You need to be able to control the car otherwise you will scrub off speed and end up loosing exit speed which is more important than entry speed.

Keep braking on a straight line while doing you heal-and-toe downshifting. Once you have master braking on a straight line and feel confortable with the back end loose (you can bring the car back from oversteer) you could dial in a little trail braking. Just don't expect to learn it in a day and be prepare to spin a few times.

 

I think the question "Do we need it" depends more on track condition.

On some AutoX course, where you're going ~30mph average speed, with tight curves, it might be helpful.

On a racetrack, if you're trying to shave off time it might be helpful.. but if you're just learning to drive on a track, maybe not that helpful.