This week the topics covered are cornering speeds, new race cars and racing opportunities in another edition of the Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup.
Part of what is covered this week are helpful racecraft tips on cornering, an opportunity to benefit from PitFit Training at home and a great opportunity to test the waters of the MX-5 Cup.
All this and much more in this week’s edition of the Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup on Motorsport Prospects.
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
On-Track
Finding the slow point of the corner is one of the most important fundamentals for any racecar driver, motorcycle rider, or karting driver. In the video above, Blayze pro-coach, Ken Hill, breaks down exactly how to find the minimum speed location in any corner, on any race track.
The subscriber-only edition of On Racing Drivers by Terence Dove explains how to take power from criticism, and blow everyone into the weeds. “The weight of someone dripping lead into your ears is no different to some sneaky bastard bolting great lumps of lead to your kart – weight is a racing driver’s deadliest enemy.”
In his latest newsletter, Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets also discusses cornering speeds and provides a handy definition guide in Apexes, Clipping Points, Min Speeds & Bears… Oh My!
Ross also answers the question of how to find and select a driver coach. “The most important thing is whether the coach is the right fit for you. So, start by taking the time to really think about what you want to achieve from the coaching.”
Off-Track
PitFit Training have introduced their brand new PF4 racing specific online program, starting at $199/Month. This Remote Racing Specific Programs Includes:
- Choice of Various Racing-Specific Template Programs.
- Your entire program is loaded on the TeamBuildr App which includes detailed tracking and videos of all exercises and workouts.
- Communication with your PitFit Coach.
- Training Gear: PitFit Apparel.
- Commitment of 6 Months.
“Can’t train at our Indianapolis facility? We provide top-notch online coaching and training programs to people of all demographics across the world. Programs include evaluation, training program design, coaching on nutrition, recovery and stress management, along with support and accountability from our certified and experienced coaches. We offer a variety of programs to fit any individual needs or budget. Each program is run through the TeamBuildr training app, which contains your program, exercise video tutorials, training data and more.”
More information can be found here.
Race Car & Series Developments
IMSA and Ford Performance have announced the 10-race, five-weekend schedule for the inaugural season of Mustang Challenge, the IMSA-sanctioned single-make series featuring the new Mustang Dark Horse R factory-built race car.
The schedule includes two races with the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Watkins Glen and Road America; a round with Michelin Pilot Challenge at Mid-Ohio, an appearance with the World Endurance Championship at Circuit of the Americas; and a season-finale on the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. Each weekend will feature a pair of sprint races
Details of the Dubai 3-hour Sunset Revival have been revealed. The setting of the race is particularly unique, as it unfolds during sunset and night, introducing an additional layer of challenge and excitement for the drivers. Click for detailed criteria under the Le Mans 60s category, and don’t miss this chance to relive the golden era of Le Mans.
Super Formula looks to have taken a step closer to a support race on the bill of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in April next season upon the provisional release of its 2024 calendar.
Jamie Klein of Autosport looks at the tactical moves that have injected new life into Asia’s GT scene. “European drivers heading to Japan to further their careers is nothing new. But the prestige attached to the Asian sportscar scene is growing with established international drivers in SRO’s GT World Challenge Asia Series after two years of COVID inactivity. Here’s how the championship has reached new heights.”
SRO Motorsports Group has announced its largest-ever calendar for the Asian region in 2024, with seven events in three countries – fourteen races in total with Shanghai and Sugo returning to the SRO Motorsports Group Asia schedule.
The 2024 European Le Mans Series season is expected to feature a record number of LMP2 entries, Daily Sports Car has learned. “DSC’s sources in the paddock report a strong mix of returning, expanding and brand-new class entrants for next year, with the total number of entry requests expected to exceed 20 cars as teams look for their best opportunities to join the grid for the 2024 Le Mans 24 Hours.”
Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand’s motorsport manager Nicolas Caillol was recently doing the rounds in junior paddocks at Paul Ricard to generate interest in Formula Regional Oceania. “Basically, it’s just starting the European tour for Toyota, talking to drivers, and starting to promote the series for 2024 and the possibility to do some running for five weeks in New Zealand over the winter,” he told Formula Scout.
Track Days
Honda Racing Corporation has begun Civic Type R-GT track testing. The dedicated race car has been designed to deliver the high level of aerodynamic performance required for success in the competitive category, in addition to a styling package that showcases “the ultimate performance of the vehicle”.
“We are very pleased to be able to start the first track testing of the Civic Type R-GT, which is a race machine incorporating the aerodynamics, engine and other technologies, and the expertise that HRC has amassed by taking on challenges in a number of races inside and outside of Japan,” said Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation. “Starting with the 2024 season, we will be competing in the GT500 class of Super GT, one of the most prestigious auto racing series in Japan.”
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is commemorating its 35th anniversary by thanking its customers who have made TMP the market leader in the country. In line with the theme “Creating Happiness in Mobility,” TMP prepared special activities and promotions centered towards enabling customers to experience the thrill and joy of moving together.
“We dedicate this celebration to the generations of Filipino Toyota customers who have embraced the Toyota brand and become Toyota’s brand ambassadors,” TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto said. “To thank our customers for this milestone and to give them a glimpse of our exciting future together, we are treating them to exciting and unforgettable activities this month to kickstart our 35th year.”
For its 35th year celebration, TMP is leveling up the joy of driving with customer experiences centered around its electrification push for carbon neutrality, and its drive to continue creating ever-better cars and memorable fan experiences through motorsports.
Paddle Up looks at the the pure fun of owning an Ariel Nomad or Atom. “For adrenaline junkies and automotive enthusiasts, few experiences can rival the sheer exhilaration of owning an Ariel Nomad or Atom. These extraordinary vehicles, engineered by the renowned British manufacturer Ariel, are built to defy conventions and push the boundaries of driving pleasure. With their lightweight design, raw power, and off-road capabilities, these machines offer owners a unique and unforgettable adventure every time they hit the road or explore uncharted terrains. In this article, we delve into the world of Ariel Nomad and Atom owners, exploring the incredible joy and sheer fun they experience with their prized possessions.”
Racing Opportunities
JTR Motorsports Engineering, winner of the 2022 Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Series presented by BFGoodrich Tires championship with driver and team principal Jared Thomas, has teamed up with Dave Zuber of Zuber Gardner CPAs to make racing and testing opportunities available to aspiring drivers looking to compete in the IMSA-sanctioned MX-5 Cup series or gain experience in a professionally prepared race car.
“This is a great opportunity for just about every driver looking to test the waters of professional racing,” adds Thomas. “Not only do they to get to sit behind the wheel of a pro-level racing car, they will be doing it at several of the most-iconic racing circuits in North America, like Laguna Seca, Watkins Glen, and Road America, just to name three.”
For drivers interested in driving the Zuber Gardner CPAs Mazda MX-5 in selected MX-5 Cup Series events or test sessions this season, please contact Jared Thomas at jtr_96@comcast.net for more information.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a former lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.