Let’s say you’ve gotten an information system and may deal with the fundamentals: lap occasions, max speeds, lap comparisons. However have you ever thought exterior the field about what that tools may also reveal? Listed here are some inventive methods to make use of your knowledge system.
Know the True Monitor Size
One in every of my favourite circuits, Lime Rock Park in northwest Connecticut, payments itself as a 1.53-mile bullring of a monitor. However whenever you drive the racing line and measure it with an information system, its size is nearer to 1.43 miles. One other fan favourite, Highway America, is listed as a 4.048-mile monitor, however the pushed line is available in at 3.99 miles.
These variations can have vital gasoline plan repercussions. Possibly you can run a bit much less gasoline in qualifying to avoid wasting weight. And also you would possibly be capable to stretch out time between pit stops and even take one fewer.
Predict the Future With Theoretical Greatest Laps
Whereas no knowledge system can reveal your best possible lap, it will probably assist by monitoring your rolling greatest lap and offering a theoretical greatest lap. What are these? Think about a rolling greatest lap as a timed lap measured from each level on the monitor–so not restricted to a lap timed from the beginning line.
One of the best theoretical lap combines all of your greatest phase occasions into one quick lap. The way you break up the monitor into segments can affect this, nevertheless. For instance, if maximizing your time in a single phase hurts one other, your theoretical greatest lap isn’t going to be of as a lot worth. To maximise the theoretical greatest lap function, chop up the monitor into three or 4 segments, with each beginning in the course of a straight.
An excellent rule of thumb for utilizing these two measurements: If you happen to’re driving actually constantly, it’s best to be capable to get inside 0.25 second of your greatest rolling lap and 0.50 of your theoretical. Look ahead to efficiency plateaus, although.
Put Numbers to Emotions
How about diving deeper when evaluating new components? What does extra camber do to cornering efficiency? Properly, now you possibly can measure not simply the alignment settings however the lateral g-loads the automobile can pull. The identical goes for suspension settings, brake pads and steering response. Additionally, keep in mind you could put numbers to the setting sweeps you run on variables like tire pressures, shock settings and anti-roll bar stiffnesses.
Consider Elements With Actual Information
All knowledge methods have accelerometers of some kind that measure the fundamentals: cornering, braking and acceleration. Add in pace, after which use that data to match tools.
Wish to know which 200tw tire makes probably the most grip? Verify the lateral acceleration knowledge. Questioning if that new 3D-printed consumption housing truly will increase energy, however can’t get to the dyno? Verify the longitudinal acceleration and the pace traces.
Within the June 2022 concern, for instance, we used pace traces to match two totally different Toyota MR2 brake setups. The size of deacceleration and the form of the slope–steeper signifies extra fast slowing–confirmed how effectively the big-brake package outperformed the inventory setup.
Use Notes to Report the Whole Image
Nearly all knowledge methods will let you file notes along with your knowledge, so take benefit. However you have already got a pocket book? Placing your session notes proper there with the info can prevent plenty of time later.
Did new tires make that a lot of a distinction? It’s within the notes. Have been you that gradual or was it raining? When the notes say “drizzling and overcast,” you’ll know the monitor situations had been accountable.
Additionally embrace variables like alignment settings, monitor congestion and the way you had been feeling. And don’t overlook, tire pressures can at all times be simply tuned and recorded.
Decide Slope
Questioning how steep Flip 1 at COTA actually is–which may have an effect on your braking level? When you’ve got a present knowledge system that makes use of GPS, then you’ve gotten this measurement.
Whereas GPS isn’t probably the most correct software for monitor place, it does present an awesome measure of elevation. With out entering into the main points about these satellites flying 10,900 nautical miles above our heads, whereas the elevation numbers may not be actual relative to sea stage, they’re correct relative to one another.
Meaning the climb up the entrance straight at COTA is 88 ft. We are able to additionally see that the slope measures 9.2 levels. For comparability, the usual for a mountainous freeway within the U.S. is 6 levels. That’s steep!
The info evaluation can let you know concerning the monitor, too. How hilly is Lime Rock Park? The info reveals that The Uphill–often known as Flip 5–measures 48 ft at a grade of practically 4 levels. The well-known Downhill nook checks in at 5.2 levels. Images Credit score: LAT Photos (BMW at Lime Rock)
Shortly Be taught New Tracks
How would you wish to study new corners by finding out ones you already know? Trying on the pushed radius may be a good way to match corners. Both take a look at your system’s included measurement or do some math: radius = abs (GPS_Speed * GPS_Speed / GPS_LatAcc) * 0.02. It will present your automobile’s true efficiency by means of a nook, not the radius of the center of the monitor.
Formulate Higher Questions
Information can do greater than present solutions; it will probably provide help to formulate the questions. Begin with one thing common and work your method all the way down to the main points. “What tires are higher on my automobile?” turns into, “What tires create larger g-loads in lateral acceleration?” all the best way to, “What tires carry out higher by means of Flip 3 on my automobile in the present day?”
Now you’ve gotten a query you possibly can reply, and you can also make a plan to check out each tire decisions on the identical day with considerably the identical monitor situations. The identical goes for working in your driving expertise: Does the automobile gradual sooner on the finish of the entrance straight if you happen to apply the brakes sooner? Are you able to differ the pace of your palms on the steering wheel to alter how the automobile turns in and follows the nook? So many questions, a lot knowledge, so little time.
Measure (Nearly) Something
In case your knowledge system permits for extra sensors, then you possibly can measure practically something you need. A bit of looking out can flip up instruments like pitot tubes from RC airplanes that may measure air pace all the best way to infrared tire temp sensors made at residence.
Folks have used sensors pulled from copy machines to measure pedal place whereas retrofitting GM journey top sensors onto Miatas. No extra guessing how a lot a automobile rolls, squats or dives when on monitor. Measure it.
Preserve Studying
Transcend the proprietor’s guide–suppose boards, YouTube movies and webinars hosted by those that make and promote the info methods. After you have an thought of the system’s potential, you possibly can dig in and see what works greatest for you. This allows you to transfer away from tribal information to precise knowledge. You’ll be a greater driver, have extra expertise, and be capable to again it up.
Matt Romanowski owns TrailBrake, an information acquisition provider and useful resource.
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