We need to talk about braking. Specifically, I’d like to clear some things up on that pedal in the middle (we still drive manuals around here).
Be Prepared
If you’re going to the track the first thing you need to know is that your stock brakes are going to get destroyed. Change out pads for a track specific item like a Hawk and make sure you bleed your brakes. Fresh fluid and a firm pad are about way more than just safety, but more on that in a minute.
Stop Jabbing The Thing
Way too many people press too hard on the brake pedal. You do not need to kick through the firewall to unleash 100% of your brakes potential. You are not Jean Claude Van Damme and this is not Blood Sport. Be firm with your initial application into heavy braking zones, but learn to finesse the pedal and not be a brute. Locking brakes is a great way to end up in a ditch. Not to mention wasting money on flat spotting tires.
>>Join the conversation about how to brake better right here in the S2ki Forum!
Every Braking Zone is Not Threshold
Threshold braking gets everyone all hot and bothered. The idea of taking everything to the limit is one that makes many enthusiasts voice get lower and hair suddenly sprout from their chests. Talk about going into the braking zone deeper than everyone else makes them feel uber-skilled, but it’s actually slower than heck. Overusing your brakes is the #1 thing I see people doing wrong at the track. Stop using your brakes to their limit in corners where a lift or a brief tap will do.
>>Join the conversation about how to brake better right here in the S2ki Forum!
Having Said That…
If you read any of my other posts on an instructional subject matter you know that everything should be done in baby steps. Brake earlier and lighter instead of later and deeper and see where you pick up time. Be as smooth as physically possible.
>>Join the conversation about how to brake better right here in the S2ki Forum!
Be Consistent
Fresh fluid is about way more than safety, remember? It’s about producing and replicating consistency. If you can’t brake at the same place every time with a solid pedal and good feedback from the car you aren’t going to have the confidence to move your braking point back in increments. Trusting your car is the only way to get faster.
>>Join the conversation about how to brake better right here in the S2ki Forum!
Summary
Have fresh fluid and use good pads. Don’t over brake and try to keep the car stable without upsetting it. Smooth application of the pedal in the middle will net you more time than almost any other input you can give to a car. Practice hard and above all else have fun.
>>Join the conversation about how to brake better right here in the S2ki Forum!
