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Rear wheel locking

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 12:13 pm
by stevengriffin
Whilst watching an old episode of 'Race car driver', the programme that followed Paul Tracy in one of the Indy car series I was intrigued to see an episode dealing with his inability to get the best from left foot braking.
Tracy's engineer was pointing out to him that using a right foot braking technique Tracy often locked up the rear wheels on down shifts. Thus causing the car to be unsettled as the rear wheels locked momentarily.
And I thought I was the only one who did this!
I don't do it very often and it happens more frequently when I am racing rather than qualifying.
I heel and toe and make the usual attempts to get the revs right on down shifts but the odd rear wheel lock can lead to some scary moments. I always feel a bit of a prat when the problem occurs, so apart from driving better, any tips?

Re: Rear wheel locking

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:55 pm
by Pigpen
Be careful to analyse what is going on acurately.

Are the rear wheels locking on releasing the clutch/engaging the gear or as a result of the braking unloading the rear wheels as the weight transfers?

You may wish to move the brake balance bar further to the front.

Re: Rear wheel locking

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 4:04 pm
by stevengriffin
Probably locking when the clutch is engaged but of course made worse because I'm on the brakes hard at the time. General incompetence.....