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Post by Darren (Admin) on Feb 4, 2014 17:27:47 GMT
If you inspect a race track and analyse each of the turns attempting to find the fastest way around, eventually you can identify what racers call 'the line'. In simple terms the line is the best way to enter a turn, cross its apex and then exit at the highest possible speed. As you watch a race, you'll see drivers set themselves up for a turn at the outside edge of the track, sweep through to briefly touch the inside kerb of the turn, then accelerate out to the outer edge of tarmac and down the straight.
On most circuits the line is easy to spot, because it is the darker area of the tarmac where the constant stream of traffic has left a trail of rubber on the track. Follow the correct line through each turn and you will be guaranteed a quick, smooth lap. The trick, however, is understanding that the line varies for each type of turn. If every circuit consisted of nothing but constant radius bends finding the line would be simple. But many turns have different angles; sometimes there are two apexes in the same long sweeping corner. Then there are esses - quick left-right bends that throw the car from side to side. Then there are hairpins, turns so sharp that cars must slow to a crawl and hug the inside in order to get round safely.
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