When the lap times just aren’t coming in, how do you know whether you need to change the car set-up or something in your driving? This week you will find out what to do from several pro drivers, all part of this week’s racecraft tips.
You will also learn of an exercise great at helping with your physical neck training, details of the new Aston Martin Vantage GT4 and South Africa’s new MSA4 class for young race drivers.
It’s all in this week’s Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup on Motorsport Prospects.
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Racecraft Tips & Techniques
On-Track
In the video above, Safe is Fast look at when the lap times aren’t coming, who’s to blame, you or the car? “When the lap times just aren’t coming in, how do you know whether you need to change the car set-up or something in your driving? Jack Aitken, Connor De Phillippi, Katherine Legge, Ben Barnicoat, Matt Bell and Mikkel Jensen give their insight.”
Race driver coach Tommy Schröter looks at the power of visualization in his latest Motorsport Prospects column.
In the process of preparing for the Self-Coaching Masterclass that he recently put on, Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets included a copy of an article he wrote a few years ago about how to use data to coach yourself.
Let me share a coaching story with you, one that took place at Watkins Glen. It will demonstrate how I used one lap’s data to come up with just two strategies for improving a driver’s lap times. The car being driven was a slightly modified production car, and it was during a track day, not a race. The driver had been high-performance driving for a long time, and was considered an advanced, fast driver; he’d been turning consistent laps at the Glen for years, but had plateaued.
I use this example to show you how you can use data to come up with a simple plan for your next track session which can lead to significant improvements. The data I used was simple: a Speed trace, although I did also have Lateral and Longitudinal g traces (they reinforced what I noticed in the Speed trace).
Speed Secrets: Coaching With Data
Appearing on the first episode of the 2024 On the Kerbs Season is Specialist Coach for Formula Drivers, Martin Villari from Lower Laptime. You can watch his appearance in the video above.
“Martin has been coaching drivers from all across the globe for a number of years now by looking at how to race through a number of different lenses. From recategorizing corners on a racetrack to analysing different driving styles, demonstrating the value of the now infamous pedal cam and much more, Martin has been able to introduce a unique approach to improving race craft. We talked about all of this when we caught up earlier in the year as well as how mental health has factored into his work in recent times, what is was like to do a track walk with Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa, how the end of the 2021 Formula 1 Season could be viewed through a different and perhaps even slightly less controversial lens – and much more. I hope you enjoy our conversation.”
Expect more from Martin on Motorsport Prospects in the very near future….
Samir Abid of Your Data Driven explains how to choose the best lap timer. “Choosing the best lap timer is tricky. They all seem to do the same thing – that is until you dig a bit deeper and discover they don’t! Deciding which lap timer is best then becomes (another!) tech research project. Working out the best value features and functions for you today – and the potential you tomorrow – is hard.”
Wes McDougall from The Complete Race Driver busts some myths and explains why you should use a driver coach. “Unlike a lot of other sports, motorsport is a complex mix of driver and machine, and unlike traditional ball sports – equipment has a massive impact of performance and results. Hence, a lot of focus is naturally and understandably directed at the racecar, whether that is making it lighter, improving suspension parameters, adding downforce or any other type of seemingly limitless ‘upgrades’. But if you cannot ‘maximise’ the racecar, all of these ‘upgrades’ become effectively useless.”
Off-Track
Dion von Moltke of Blayze Coaching explains how to do the Free Hang off Bench Neck Flexion to Neutral Hold exercise which will help with your physical neck training.
Race Car & Series Developments
Following the recent successful introduction of the new Vantage road car and Vantage GT3 race car, Aston Martin has introduced the new Vantage GT4. Aimed at partner racing teams and serious circuit driving enthusiasts, Vantage GT4 completes Aston Martin’s formidable GT line-up and underlines the brand’s commitment to motorsport, from track days through to Formula One.
Building upon the outgoing Vantage GT4’s exceptional record of achievement, the new Vantage GT4 will be an immediate force in GT racing’s junior categories. Benefiting from the performance and technology improvements seen in the newly unveiled Vantage road car, this latest version of the Vantage GT4 brings a host of chassis, aerodynamic, drivetrain and efficiency improvements to make Aston Martin’s newest challenger more competitive than ever.
Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS has revealed its full-capacity entry lists for the 2024 season. Nine manufacturers will compete in both the Sprint Cup and the Endurance Cup, with 38 cars confirmed for the short-format series and 55 committed to the long-distance events. Yet more entries are anticipated on a race-by-race basis, particularly at the centenary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa (26–30 June).
South African single seater racing is set for a revolution, when a Investchem MSA4 takes over from Formula 1600 as the country’s premier wings and slicks class from 2025. Formula 1600 will continue for as is 2024, before being replaced by the unique new South African developed MSA4 cars next year.
“Already two years in the making, WCT Engineering has quietly been designing and developing our new car, which we are excited to now see coming together. As per the artist’s impression, the new MSA4 car not only looks far more contemporary, but it is safer, stronger, and considerably more advanced too. It also has a new downsized turbocharged Volkswagen engine and will be ready to deliver the next batch of South African racing stars.”
Details of the sixth annual Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series, including the $250,000 Championship Scholarship have been announced.
“We run two championships concurrently at each race event. Our Championship Series is intended for drivers under-30 with aspirations of pursuing a career in motorsport, where the season champion will receive a partial scholarship to move forward in your racing career. Our Masters Series is for drivers 30-and-over, where they are able to accrue points for a separate driver’s championship. The Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series is open to all drivers that have successfully completed our Basic and Advanced Racing Schools. Drivers with alternative experience are welcome to reach out to us with their relevant experience for a waiver.“
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.
