NTMD8R

I've been autocrossing for over 30 years.
Only recently have I come across this term "backside the cones".
I "sort of" get the idea, based on various verbal descriptions.
But could anyone draw it out so it is more clear?
(A picture is worth a 1000 words).

Like a quick drawing of a few cones in a line, and then showing the car,
and where to do the turns in relation to the cones.

Thanks for any help.

jtmck

Try touching the cones with the rear tire.

Xian

"Backside" is just a new way of saying to stay ahead in elements so that you can late apex pretty much everything.

froggy47

Turn early & less, not turn late & more.

Bill Dearborn

Looks like two opposing definitions based on the comments above.

Bill

Xian

Froggy and I are saying basically the same thing. You want to turn early (stay ahead) so that you can backside/late apex elements. By getting your turning done early, you don't have to "drive around" cones as much which also helps open up the exit of many elements.

The first reply about hitting the cone with your back tire is kind of the same thing... you want the car already turned and working to set up the next element early which puts you in a position of hitting stuff with the rear of the car vs. running it over with the front.

jking32

This is kind of crude and imperfect, but the top example is what they are referring to as backsiding a cone.

froggy47

I think that's really good actually.

froggy47

Not at all, just not coming across right on thread.

Xian

Yep and yep. I think of it as shifting the sine wave "earlier" in elements but don't think that explains it nearly as well as the diagram above.

NTMD8R

JKing (and Froggy),

Thanks... perfect

KBoltz

You trying to keep up with Miss Peaches?

I was finally able to get my Corvette out of the garage last week. Time for new tires, going to go with the Pilot Super Sports so I can at least drive the car when temps go below 50 degrees.

NTMD8R

Ken,
We have had 9 autox sessions so far this year, with about 20 or more to go. We haven't had this many for years.
I've been instructing at 2 sessions so far this year.
She hasn't beaten me yet.... but she sure gets close at times.

Yeah, I do understand you would need something to be able to drive it
below 50 deg F.

klodkrawler05

I tried my hand at creating an image as well.

Back siding the cones is a proactive approach to the slalom in which you are trying to hit each cone with the backside of your tire or turning in as early as possible to move to the next side as fast as you can.

Generally if you watch someone with experience go through a slalom you rarely see brake lights, the car just squiggles side to side as it works through. If you watch a novice you will typically see brake lights or see the car visibly changing angle/direction as it works its way through the cones in a more "S" shape.

The image isn't great but you can somewhat visualize how turning just in time to avoid the next cone (shown on the bottom) requires more angle and less speed vs backsiding the cones as shown in the top image:



another good visual I've found is video taping people going through a slalom, I'm not one of the best at this but compare the 1st white BMW going through the slalom and note how much his car changes direction compared to my z06 (its a public video so you should be able to see it without a fb account)
https://www.facebook.com/bradley.yon...6?notif_t=like

Lastly a fantastic video I've watched a few times where the experts show data and how to properly navigate a slalom:

AngryJ

jking nailed it

I've alway just called it taking cones late, which is beneficial 90% of the time depending on setup

NTMD8R

klodkrawler05,
awesome... thanks

KBoltz

Gary,

I will only be able to attend 1 event this year, it is the only one that coincides with my weekends off. We missed the first event because we attended John's wedding. It was lovely.

Miss you both a bunch. Hope you come to visit sometime.