Let’s say you could have a knowledge system and may deal with the fundamentals: lap instances, max speeds, lap comparisons. However have you ever thought exterior the field about what that gear also can reveal? Listed below are some artistic methods to make use of your information system.
Know the True Monitor Size
Certainly one of my favourite circuits, Lime Rock Park in northwest Connecticut, payments itself as a 1.53-mile bullring of a observe. However if you drive the racing line and measure it with a knowledge system, its size is nearer to 1.43 miles. One other fan favourite, Highway America, is listed as a 4.048-mile observe, however the pushed line is available in at 3.99 miles.
These variations can have vital gasoline plan repercussions. Possibly you possibly can run a bit much less gasoline in qualifying to avoid wasting weight. And also you would possibly be capable of stretch out time between pit stops and even take one fewer.
Predict the Future With Theoretical Finest Laps
Whereas no information 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 observe–so not restricted to a lap timed from the beginning line.
The perfect theoretical lap combines all of your greatest phase instances into one quick lap. The way you break up the observe into segments can impression 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 characteristic, chop up the observe into three or 4 segments, with each beginning in the course of a straight.
A very good rule of thumb for utilizing these two measurements: For those who’re driving actually constantly, it is best to be capable of 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? Nicely, now you possibly can measure not simply the alignment settings however the lateral g-loads the automotive can pull. The identical goes for suspension settings, brake pads and steering response. Additionally, bear in mind which you can 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 information methods have accelerometers of some type that measure the fundamentals: cornering, braking and acceleration. Add in velocity, after which use that information to match gear.
Need to know which 200tw tire makes essentially the most grip? Verify the lateral acceleration information. 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 velocity traces.
Within the June 2022 concern, for instance, we used velocity traces to match two completely different Toyota MR2 brake setups. The size of deacceleration and the form of the slope–steeper signifies extra fast slowing–confirmed how properly the big-brake equipment outperformed the inventory setup.
Use Notes to Document the Whole Image
Virtually all information methods permit you to document notes along with your information, so take benefit. However you have already got a pocket book? Placing your session notes proper there with the info can prevent lots 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 observe situations have been accountable.
Additionally embrace variables like alignment settings, observe congestion and the way you have 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 might have an effect on your braking level? When you have a present information system that makes use of GPS, then you could have this measurement.
Whereas GPS isn’t essentially the most correct software for observe place, it does present an excellent measure of elevation. With out entering into the small print 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 toes. 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 inform you in regards to the observe, too. How hilly is Lime Rock Park? The info reveals that The Uphill–also called Flip 5–measures 48 toes at a grade of almost 4 levels. The well-known Downhill nook checks in at 5.2 levels. Images Credit score: LAT Pictures (BMW at Lime Rock)
Shortly Study New Tracks
How would you wish to be taught new corners by finding out ones you already know? Wanting on the pushed radius may be a good way to match corners. Both have 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 automotive’s true efficiency by way of a nook, not the radius of the center of the observe.
Formulate Higher Questions
Information can do greater than present solutions; it will probably enable you formulate the questions. Begin with one thing common and work your method right down to the small print. “What tires are higher on my automotive?” turns into, “What tires create greater g-loads in lateral acceleration?” all the way in which to, “What tires carry out higher by way of Flip 3 on my automotive immediately?”
Now you could have a query you possibly can reply, and you may make a plan to check out each tire decisions on the identical day with considerably the identical observe situations. The identical goes for working in your driving expertise: Does the automotive gradual quicker on the finish of the entrance straight in case you apply the brakes quicker? Are you able to fluctuate the velocity of your palms on the steering wheel to vary how the automotive turns in and follows the nook? So many questions, a lot information, so little time.
Measure (Virtually) Something
In case your information system permits for extra sensors, then you possibly can measure almost something you need. Just a little looking can flip up instruments like pitot tubes from RC airplanes that may measure air velocity all the way in which to infrared tire temp sensors made at residence.
Folks have used sensors pulled from copy machines to measure pedal place whereas retrofitting GM trip top sensors onto Miatas. No extra guessing how a lot a automotive rolls, squats or dives when on observe. Measure it.
Preserve Studying
Transcend the proprietor’s handbook–assume boards, YouTube movies and webinars hosted by those that make and promote the info methods. Upon getting 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 data to precise information. You’ll be a greater driver, have extra expertise, and be capable of again it up.
Matt Romanowski owns TrailBrake, a knowledge acquisition provider and useful resource.
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