How Does The Racing Line Work?

Updated: 16 Nov 2015

This video describes the ideal geometric racing line, but that doesn’t necessary mean it’s the fastest line. This gets more complicated and depends on the vehicle, if it has more power it may be beneficial to hit a late apex to straighten out and take advantage of the fact that the vehicle can make up lost time with faster acceleration. Basics first though! :)

Comments

I have a question… we have a gokart track in my town thats about 1km Kong but the shorts way around it logged was somewhere around 850m. When do chose between speed and distance? Is there a golden rule for this or anything of the sort?
Oh, and my swedish autocorrect hates me…

So cool, it all makes sense when described like this! great visuals

Here is a little correction.The speed carried through a corner is independant from the mass of the vehicle. Therefore, here is a simpler equation:V = sqrt(G x r) V = sqrt(9.81 x 80) Source: I study physics.

Engineering Explained never fails to impress. Great video!

So say it wasn’t a perfect 90 degree corner, like the infamous deals gap, or any real world corner, where would the apex be and how would you determine the line? I’ve been driving for 2 years and I want to get into the technical racing aspect, but my brain wants to overthink it, is it something that is felt on the track or something I just have to learn through experience?

You REALLY don’t need the math to know all this. And if you DO need the math then you shouldn’t be driving around corners at speed.

This is why I love racing so much, it (can) take 2 of my favorite things, physics (real life math) and cars (Brapbrapbrap) and combine them in one harmonious symphony filled with geometry AND noises of beautifully aggressive engine screams.