Apex apex apex!!!
The following is more from the article by Eric Wood. My words are in blue text.
Set the apex first:
Once a rider has conquered the areas of highest stress, the next priority is to establish apexes, turn points and brake points for the remainder of the track. When you are at your apex you should generally be able to both see your exit point and be aimed towards it (the correct trajectory). The strategy in each corner is centered around the apex and this should be the first reference point you seek to obtain in each corner. In a future segment we will discuss the process of analyzing a corner to decide if the priority for your efforts will be to maximize entrance speed, roll speed or exit speed.
For me hitting the "APEX" is non-negotiable when trying to run consistently fast laptimes. You ever wonder how the pros run lap after lap within 10ths of a second from each other. They set the "APEX" for every corner and then manage the race/track to ensure they can consistently hit each apex at their maximum speed. If they run wide and miss the "APEX" it will show on the lap chart or even worse the chasing rider overtakes them:doh:. To me missing the "APEX" means I left valuable currency (i.e. time) on the table. Unfortunately, I've left some currency on the table, but that will cease in 2011.
Turn point:
With the apex set, riders should next establish a turn point that brings the motorcycle to the apex at the proper trajectory. A turn point that is too early will run you wide of your exit point and one that is too late will often cause you to miss the apex. As you gain speed, this turn point is the reference that will most often be subject to change. Apex points and trajectories tend to stay relatively constant once a corner strategy is determined. However, as braking gets deeper and entrance speed improves, the turning of the motorcycle tends to need to happen earlier, more quickly, or a combination of both.
Exit Point:
Your cue for when to open the throttle is triggered by your exit point. As your turn point brings you towards the apex you should be scanning up the track for your exit point. Ideally, as soon the a major part of your turning is done you will be able to see your exit point and start rolling on the throttle again. The earlier you are able to look up and draw the line from the apex to the exit, the slower you will feel you are going and the sooner you will crack the throttle.
opcorn:
