For those who are looking towards an improvement in their sim racing performance, then it is time to start incorporating trail braking from now on.
The interest in sim racing is increasing at an alarming rate as is the competition.
Both iRacing and ACC drivers should keep an eye on any technique which could help them get an advantage over their competitors.
Thus, the tip that I would like to bring to your attention is Trian Brake technique.
What is Trail Braking in sim racing?
The answer to your question in simple words is; in this article i will explain the basics of triangle brake and how you can make use of it forthe platforms iRacing and Assetto corsa competizione.
Sim racing driving is skill that has a variety of components that allow for different styles and techniques. As such every technique will have performance impact, in particular trail braking.
Trail braking is the action of slowing down during the approach of a turn and using the brakes until you’ve already apexed the turn.
With this technique, it is possible to assist in speeding up the corner as you will be able to exit at an even faster speed than the previous alternative.
Also most importantly, this will allow you to utilize the center of gravity of the x and y axes, ensuring that you are maximizing both aspects of grip.
This method is rather distinct from the old school straight line braking and that is why only the ones who are are prepared to change the way they braking will succeed in the years to come.
Table of Contents
- What is the basic trail braking technique?
- What are its benefits?
- What are its negative points?
- How do you practice trail braking iRacing?
- Why is trail braking called trail braking?
- Is trail braking bad for tires?
- How do I know when to use trail braking?
- Can I use trail braking in wet conditions?
- Do F1 cars trail brake?
- Bottom line:
- A quick tip:
- Sim Racing Related Articles
What is the basic trail braking technique?
The very rudimentary notion of the trail braking technique is that one applies the breaks while sloping into a corner.
This means that you’ll have to begin lifting your foot off the brakes as you enter the corner and gradually release it through the length of the curve until as you reach the perfect angle. When done so, it will ensure that efficient acceleration is maintained and that you remain on the appropriate optimal racing line at the same time.
What are its benefits?
There are a few benefits of trail braking which include:
1) You’ll be able to enter the turn at a higher speed.
2) You’ll be able to use all the tyres grip.
3) It will help you to achieve a faster lap time.
4) You’ll be able to avoid or at least reduce understeering.
What are its negative points?
The only reason why this technique is considered as an advanced cornering technique is because it requires patience,technical skill and precision.
If you don’t have these 3 skills then I suggest that you stay away from trail braking.
How do you practice trail braking iRacing?
The only reason why this technique is considered as an advanced cornering technique is because naggingly waiting and repeated formation techniques are in practice.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to the basics, but if for some absurd and incomprehensible reason you can’t stand to learn them, then it’s probably best that you avoid trying to perfect the art of trail braking.
The best form of practice there is, is the simulation. Using iRacing alone would let you practice just about anything and everything, so never be too afraid to try things out!
Pay special attention, because when trail braking, patience is key and overconfidence and arrogance will ruin the chance of achieving perfection. You will first start the practice by performing the following steps.
Launch iRacing or ACC using the Monza racetrack
Make sure you’ve properly adjusted your vehicle controls:
a) You can enable ABS c) Disable traction control 3) If you triggered a chicane, shift down 3 gears all the while still braking. This would require a firm throttle to help against any unwanted throttle application. This ensures that you don’t release the throttle at any point before the chicane complete apex point.
Endure driving like this for a few laps, as it would take some time to get a hang of the new technique, but given enough time and practice, it isn’t too difficult at the end of the day.
To answer your question simply, it’s rather straightforward. The definition stems from the fact that while turning, you still have the brakes applied which is the exact action you wish to perform in a trail brake maneuver.
In fact, the old school style you would see suggested these days is rather the opposite, which saw drivers brake while driving in a straight line, then releasing the brakes while turning. Which, as you can see, makes for rather poor racing instruction.
Why is trail braking called trail braking?
The phrase “Trail braking” originates from the fact that you are actually still exerting the brakes when you steer into a turn.
This is in stark contrast to the former method of doing this which consisted of accelerating in a straight line, applying the brakes, decelerating, and then steering into the corner.
Are there different ways of trail braking?
There are a few different types of trail braking techniques which include:
- power trail braking.
- late trail braking.
- blended trail braking.
- sharp/hard trail braking
They lead to different purposes but all in all, they are pretty much the same, so don’t bother about what you must be selecting for your trail braking technique.
Is trail braking bad for tires?
It should be noted that it will probably reduce slightly the life of your tires but it will more than compensate with the gain in laptime you will get.
In fact, if done correctly, this technique could give you the most use of the tire’s grip and even help you get a much quicker lap time.
How do I know when to use trail braking?
If you are having issues with understeer, I would recommend employing this technique quite a lot in order to assist get the car centered during the mid-corner and enhance your speed both on the line as well as during entry.
Also, make sure that you’re well acquainted with the technique before attempting it in a race.
Can I use trail braking in wet conditions?
To be frank, yes you can still do it a little bit, and you probably should, but refrain from over doing it.
It’s advisable for drivers to avoid using trail braking too much on the wet conditions as it causes drastic unloading and that might not be good for the car if there’s wet conditions on the track.
Do F1 cars trail brake?
Of course they do! I would say mechanics of trail braking is quite crucial when it comes to not only F1 but also F2 & F3.
In fact every single F1 drivers are utilizing the trail braking techniques of hill and butt in every possibility.
For an average driver, it is how much and when they relax the pedal that does the difference between him/her and a high speed driver.
Bottom line:
Last but not least, it is always good to keep in your mind that trail braking is an extremely advanced technique and should not be performed unless you are comfortable.
Don’t practice this technique if you are still struggling with where and how to brake or where to turn the car.
In time, under the right supervision, you will achieve it. All it takes is patience!
It’s simple, just practice more and more so that your quickest lap time will astonish you.
A quick tip:
Try trail braking if you are having issues with turn-ins and are finding it difficult to control or turn the car.
Doing so can help you turn into the corner with more speed and a higher level of confidence as it engages the front tires more in the turn.
And as always, enjoy your time racing in the sim!
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