Trying to Settle a Bet...

[CleverRiver6]

In a discussion with my brother and we have a difference of opinion that we were hoping some of your more experienced folks would be able to shed some light on.

So I am arguing that the race line changes when you reverse the direction of the track, clockwise vs counter clockwise. My brother believes the race line stays the same regardless of which direction your run the track.

What's does everyone else think?

 

[D-Zum]

It changes.

To find the entrance to any corner you must first find the exit. So in one direction, depending on the camber, increasing/decreasing radius, and other characteristics of any given turn, the apex will also change depending on clockwise vs counter-clockwise direction you're running.

An apex that works going clockwise, might lead you directly into a wall running in the other direction and trying to use the same apex.

 

[HondaGalToo]

Agreed, it changes. Once, I rode a track in reverse direction but the cones weren't changed. Made it interesting.

 

[adotjdot]

Darrin hit it right on the head. Your line through a turn is all dependant upon where you want to be on the exit. The best way to determine your line on a track is to draw it backwards. It's a bit easier to explain visually, but essentially you start with the last turn on the track, which is usually before a fast straight. You find the exit of that turn that gives you the most drive down the straight, then work your way backwards. Ok, I want to be 'here' out of turn 10, what is the best path through that turn that puts me there. That will determine your apex and entry point for that turn as well. Now that you have an entry point, you need to figure out the best path to get to that point from the previous turn. And so on, and so on...
Make sense? Like I said, a bit easier to explain visually.

 

[ninjamansc]

Like said above, it absolutely changes. And there's different lines for qualifying, racing, and track days. And different horsepower bikes. The superbike line is going to be different than the SV650 line as well.

 

[CleverRiver6]

Thank you all. Now please excuse me while I go collect my money from him

 

[adotjdot]

Nice!!

 

[Otto Man]

Thank you all. Now please excuse me while I go collect my money from him

Good news for you, we only charge 50% of any profits you receive....

 

[slowohioboy]

Better yet prove it to him and go do a two day track weekend at Grattan in Michigan, you will go one direction day one, and Opposite Day 2.......

Best way to prove it is to go and literally do it over a two day weekend.

 

[HondaGalToo]

Grattan! Love that place! I only did 1/2 day of CCW. Totally hated it, but probably due to the lack of time spent. Many, many laps CW!

 

[hurricanejohn]

Heck, my line changes every time I ride even if it's the same direction.....they always told me I was special though.....

HJ

 

[vinny337]

I hate to tell you this but your brother is correct, you hit same apexes. He must be older than you…