wtknght1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVES715qL0w

I've been asked by several folks for examples of my videos that I sell on TrackTapes.com. I've downloaded a fairly low res video (about 9Mbs) of my qualifying lap at VIR this past August.

Unfortunately for me, my first lap was balked by traffic, so this one was my best of the session. It was hot - in the 90s, so I'm sure that a 2:03 (at least) is possible there during cool weather and with sticker tires. Enjoy!!

And, as always, you know where you can get the full DVD.

ace996

Very nice...looks like a great track and great job drivin'!!!

freefall

NICE driving! Out of curiosity, do you know what speed you carry through 9?

sleeper02Z06

Now why the heck couldn't I get those 4 heat cycle GSCS's to do that????

Joe

AU N EGL

frick'n flying Chris.

Sully C5

Very Cool! I can't remember the last time I was at the track and ran without any traffic in the way. Must be fun!

wtknght1

If by 9 you are talking about the fast left hander (aka Stevie Wonder...aka South Bend)...actually turn 10, ...I'm in 4th gear, but I don't have a data acq device in my car, but I'm sure it's well over 100. It's a scream!!!!!

wtknght1

Qualifying is all about getting a clean lap...and a clear course. On occasion, I'll wait 10-15 minutes into the qual session before I go out for my run. The positive side is that most of the guys have already done their qual lap and there's not much traffic. The down side is that occasionally, there will be a wreck (like my first lap) or oil on track, etc and it may not work out for you. Both Butch (crew chief) and I were beginning to sweat a little on this run due to the vehicles off track during the 10 minute mark. Luckily I was able to get a good lap in and put it on pole.

vms4evr

I love the Esses there! Starting back at T5 all the way up through T10. It is a scream for sure!

One other question on your turn selection. I have a biatch of a time with T1. I just don't seem to hit it and ever feel really good about it. I noticed in your video, for lack of a better term, you pinch the inside of T1 quite a bit and don't track all the way left. Or it appears that way in the video. Is that correct? I just can't figure out the best line through that darned turn.

freefall

nope - not 10, 9 - last right in the esses...I always get nervous there - not enought throttle and the rear gets light, too much and there's a wall or your line gets messed up for 10. you take paypal for the dvd's?

Mikelly

FreeFall, Until you mentioned that wall, I hadn't even thought about it. I had to go back and look at some of my footage... I Know I used to carry over 125mph through 7/8/9 and would be at over 100mph going into 10. I wouldn't give T9 a second thought... Keep on the gas to keep the rear planted and stay off the curbing.

Mike

wtknght1

Yeah, I found that going way out wide is not any faster and screws up the faster turns 2 and 3. I just take a fairly late apex and apply as much throttle as possible without buring up the rear tires. If you go way out there, you'll get into the marbles/crud and just slip and slide. It's a slow corner so treat it that way. If nothing else, just get on the gas as soon as possible and get back to the right to get a good entry into 2 and subsequently 3.

Check out http://www.na-motorsports.com/Tracks/VA/VIR.html#HotLap
for my "hot lap" write up. That should also help you out. Good luck!!

wtknght1

I do take Paypal...to my email address: wtknght1@aol.com

Turn 9 is also a 4th gear corner...nearly flat out. The key to the esses is to have a nice smooth throttle thru them...and not get the car out of shape. I've found it's easier to have a car that's neutral or pushes slightly thru there as opposed to one that's loose. Loose thru the esses will get you in big trouble.

A big 'secret' to doing the esses right is keeping your head and eyes up and LOOK WHERE YOU WANT THE CAR TO GO. If you look at that wall, guess where you'll be going. Aim for the apex of 9 and take it as fast as possible...then get the car straight for maximum braking into 10. Turn 9 is faster than 10, so you can sacrifice a little entry position in 10 to get a faster run thru and out of 9 if you have to. The idea with 10 is to ensure the car is stable and straight on entry. If your entry position is a foot or two off from perfect, but you screamed thru 9, then the lap will still be a good one! Don't beat yourself up too much...it takes lots and lots of practice to get those combinations right...keep at it!!!!!

vms4evr

I'll give that a try on T1 next Monday since I'll be on full course for the day.

I'll also try your idea on T9 to T10. I found the faster I went into T9 then when you get to the short flat section at the top of the hill. I come onto almost mid track. Then do a brake tap and setup for T10. But it makes T10 slow because I'm in the middle instead of over on the right gator. I figured T10 was that faster turn... It sure is a fun though.

Graham

wtknght1

Try also to take a bit later apex in 9. That should allow you to get closer to the right side of the track for 10. As you get faster thru the esses, it's really easy to either anticipate the corner or speed up your movements inside the car - i.e. early apexing. You can be early at 9, but at the sacrifice of 10.

Get thru 8 in good shape (on the left side of the track) and if you do that, then the late apex at 9 and a good entry at 10 should be right in line. If you can't hit your marks thru this section for 5 straight laps, then you're probably a bit over your head. Back off your speed just a little and get your consistency back. Once you can nail those turns, increase your speed thru there...gradually!!!!!

The key to all those and the entire set of esses is being on a nice smooth throttle thru them. If you coast or hit your brakes, you will be all out of shape and headed toward the trees. The throttle keeps the suspension planted and the car stable. I love VIR!!!!!!!!!! Can you tell?? he he

AU N EGL

Really good point Chris

Jim 47

Tom, I still have the vidio that you made following me around VIR. I think you said that you used that vidio to help convince the Museum folks to put on their first HPDE. We were running the same lines as Chris is running in this vidio, but he's about 10 sec faster per lap.

Chris, that was a super lap. Extremely smooth in all the right ways. Hope to see you at the Car Guys event Oct 14, 15.

Jim Helm

yellow01

Sweet!

Now was that with AH/TC on or off?

Thanks for posting!

wtknght1

HA! I'll give you one guess jester. he he

vms4evr

Cool. 2 things to work on. I'm now at my learning limit for the moment

I'll practice T1 and the uphill esses all day Monday. If I can get anyone of them right 5 laps in a row I'll be thrilled!!

Thanks Chris.