Discussion
Hi everyone.
New member here. I'm looking for some advice regarding brake gear overlap. I just can't seem to get comfortable with it as I need much more space to brake so I can get off the brakes in time to avoid overlapping. It seems to be much slower than changing down while braking because of the extra distance required.
Does anyone have any tips? Also is it really a necessity with synchro-mesh gearboxes? I'm interested in improving my driving using advanced driving techniques but don't intend to pursue any formal qualifications.
Many thanks
Alex
New member here. I'm looking for some advice regarding brake gear overlap. I just can't seem to get comfortable with it as I need much more space to brake so I can get off the brakes in time to avoid overlapping. It seems to be much slower than changing down while braking because of the extra distance required.
Does anyone have any tips? Also is it really a necessity with synchro-mesh gearboxes? I'm interested in improving my driving using advanced driving techniques but don't intend to pursue any formal qualifications.
Many thanks
Alex
akirk said:
Common issue with corners etc. is that visually we see the point at which we absolutely have to slow down and we resent having to slow down more than necessary to avoid death 
or before that point... However, see it another way, if you brake earlier so that you are coming back onto the power by that same point - the car is more stable, you are at the same amount of power at the same point of the corner and you are now accelerating (or holding power while the limit point stays equi-distant, ready to add power)...
The amount of extra time taken by slowing down earlier is balanced by getting the power on earlier and adding in more acceleration through the corner. The weight of the car has been balanced and it is an overall smoother drive around the corner, which actually should take less time due to earlier power, and leave you exiting the corner at a higher speed meaning that your speed across the next straight is higher...
It is a psychological challenge as it seems counter-productive, but I was playing with this last week and it is amazing how, contrary to what you expect, earlier braking and earlier power gives a much faster & smoother corner... so do try it...
A lot of people are fighting the car into the corner, while braking - they don't come back onto the power until the apex / after the corner - bringing power in earlier is so much better...
if you really want to speed it up - have a look at trail braking...
Trail braking is what I'm used to along with heel and toe. Just can't break the habit or before that point... However, see it another way, if you brake earlier so that you are coming back onto the power by that same point - the car is more stable, you are at the same amount of power at the same point of the corner and you are now accelerating (or holding power while the limit point stays equi-distant, ready to add power)...The amount of extra time taken by slowing down earlier is balanced by getting the power on earlier and adding in more acceleration through the corner. The weight of the car has been balanced and it is an overall smoother drive around the corner, which actually should take less time due to earlier power, and leave you exiting the corner at a higher speed meaning that your speed across the next straight is higher...
It is a psychological challenge as it seems counter-productive, but I was playing with this last week and it is amazing how, contrary to what you expect, earlier braking and earlier power gives a much faster & smoother corner... so do try it...
A lot of people are fighting the car into the corner, while braking - they don't come back onto the power until the apex / after the corner - bringing power in earlier is so much better...
if you really want to speed it up - have a look at trail braking...
Edited by AlexH89 on Thursday 16th March 19:43
Reg Local said:
I made a video about BGOL last year which should answer some of your questions:
https://youtu.be/92zNVC_qKBE
Seen this Video Reg. I just seem to be rubbish at it. I'll have to go ahead and book that session with you when time allowshttps://youtu.be/92zNVC_qKBE
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