GT3 videos - this driver scares me
#46
02-11-2005 | 12:43 PM
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Originally posted by nberry
I cannot believe the fidgety habit of "sawing" on a steering wheel is considered a driving technique. How much does one saw and how often? When do you saw? Sawing is nothing more than driving style and in high performance driving the slower style.
Here are a couple of elementary rules for speed;
The more time spent with the front wheels straight and the throttle to the floor the faster you will be. Any unnecessary steering input will scrub speed.
The less abruptly you apply brakes, turn the steering wheel, or use the gas pedal, the smoother you will drive, and the more overall traction the car will have.
Simple advice from a driving hack.
I cannot believe the fidgety habit of "sawing" on a steering wheel is considered a driving technique. How much does one saw and how often? When do you saw? Sawing is nothing more than driving style and in high performance driving the slower style.
Here are a couple of elementary rules for speed;
The more time spent with the front wheels straight and the throttle to the floor the faster you will be. Any unnecessary steering input will scrub speed.
The less abruptly you apply brakes, turn the steering wheel, or use the gas pedal, the smoother you will drive, and the more overall traction the car will have.
Simple advice from a driving hack.
#47
02-11-2005 | 07:05 PM
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Originally posted by nberry
I cannot believe the fidgety habit of "sawing" on a steering wheel is considered a driving technique. How much does one saw and how often? When do you saw? Sawing is nothing more than driving style and in high performance driving the slower style.
Here are a couple of elementary rules for speed;
The more time spent with the front wheels straight and the throttle to the floor the faster you will be. Any unnecessary steering input will scrub speed.
The less abruptly you apply brakes, turn the steering wheel, or use the gas pedal, the smoother you will drive, and the more overall traction the car will have.
Simple advice from a driving hack.
I cannot believe the fidgety habit of "sawing" on a steering wheel is considered a driving technique. How much does one saw and how often? When do you saw? Sawing is nothing more than driving style and in high performance driving the slower style.
Here are a couple of elementary rules for speed;
The more time spent with the front wheels straight and the throttle to the floor the faster you will be. Any unnecessary steering input will scrub speed.
The less abruptly you apply brakes, turn the steering wheel, or use the gas pedal, the smoother you will drive, and the more overall traction the car will have.
Simple advice from a driving hack.
SPR: Sorry for the trite remark. I agree about smooth and my post was easy to miscontrue that sawing is a valid/advantageous and frequently used driving technique. Maybe it works for some very skilled drivers, but for a regular driving schlepp like me, any sawing would be a result of the cars atitude changing in a direction I didn't want it too... cheers!!!
#50
02-14-2005 | 03:28 PM
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One of the best examples of a smooth driver is Michael Shumacher. Out of all the guys on the circut he rarely saws and is the fastest dude on the track. Mainly attributed to the fact he is better at modulating the throttle in and out of the corners.
#51
02-14-2005 | 05:00 PM
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Originally posted by PMac
This has been getting a lot of discussion lately. Sawing versus smoothness. Here's the short version. Ordinarily, when we're driving at speed, we're trying to be as smooth as possible. In the ideal corner, you move the steering wheel to the angle you need to make the turn, hold it all the way round, then release gently to 12 o'clock as you apply power equally gently.
Nice theory.
As you get to the raggedy edge of the friction circle, minute changes in slip angle as the car moves slightly on its suspension (changing the instantaneous max. force that tire is capable of), the track surface not being 100% uniform, and a bunch ov other small factors occur, necessitating small corrections. For most of us, we notice the slide later, and have to correct more aggressively, losing time. The best of the best catch the car several times per corner, and are faster.
This is the explanation I've heard, but it seems to me that something else is going on. We've probably all seen the trace of Schumacher's steering inputs vs Johnny Herberts, and how S saws, and H is much smoother. What I notice though, is that S appeared to be sawing somewhat rhythmically, seemingly intentionally. It seemed proactive, rather than reactive.
Anyone more knowledgable have a definitive answer?
This has been getting a lot of discussion lately. Sawing versus smoothness. Here's the short version. Ordinarily, when we're driving at speed, we're trying to be as smooth as possible. In the ideal corner, you move the steering wheel to the angle you need to make the turn, hold it all the way round, then release gently to 12 o'clock as you apply power equally gently.
Nice theory.
As you get to the raggedy edge of the friction circle, minute changes in slip angle as the car moves slightly on its suspension (changing the instantaneous max. force that tire is capable of), the track surface not being 100% uniform, and a bunch ov other small factors occur, necessitating small corrections. For most of us, we notice the slide later, and have to correct more aggressively, losing time. The best of the best catch the car several times per corner, and are faster.
This is the explanation I've heard, but it seems to me that something else is going on. We've probably all seen the trace of Schumacher's steering inputs vs Johnny Herberts, and how S saws, and H is much smoother. What I notice though, is that S appeared to be sawing somewhat rhythmically, seemingly intentionally. It seemed proactive, rather than reactive.
Anyone more knowledgable have a definitive answer?
I personally think that if all things were equal (identical cars, set-up, speeds, gear selected, racing line, braking/turn-in/throttle points), one's throttle input and braking under transition would affect corresponding steering, so perhaps this is a case where drivers who apply/release throttle and brake more seamlessly have less noticeable hand/steering movement. If there is actually intentional sawing being used to increase contact patch, I'd sure like to hear how it works "from the horse's mouth". My friend is going to see if there is input he can find from current pro racers he runs with who might know about this steering technique being discussed. I'll post whatever comes back.
Ben and Evan, see if you can get some descriptive input from your sources, this has become somewhat of a hot topic--at least for those who don't prefer going fast only in a straight line.
#53
02-20-2005 | 09:56 AM
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The intentional sawing will never be suggested from a professional mid engine driver, school or anyone, unless it is concerning an emergency situtation or screwing around.
The result as aforementioned is not positive it's negative, by upsetting weight transfer and balance.
As a go kart has no suspension maybe that works and or you can get away with it, but it is poor technique in a car.
The result as aforementioned is not positive it's negative, by upsetting weight transfer and balance.
As a go kart has no suspension maybe that works and or you can get away with it, but it is poor technique in a car.
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