Racecraft tips and sportsmanship in motorsport are just some of the topics covered in this week’s Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup. I also have a review of the Radical SR10 XXR, someone who wants to democratize access to race cars and how to turn your Nürburgring fantasies into Nürburgring realities. It’s all in the Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup on Motorsport Prospects.
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
On-Track
In the video above, elite coach and Motorsport Prospects contributor Tommy Schröter explains how you can carry more speed into the corner without using the throttle, but instead by lifting the brake in the right way, which is also known as Trail Braking.
Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets answers the question, “What does ‘squaring a corner off’ mean, and when should I use it?”
Martin at LowerLaptime Training explains the 7 technical corner types in racing. “It’s extremely important that as a racing driver, you know the different corner types and are able to recognise them when you come across them.”
Randy Pobst in Grassroots Motorsports explains how to pass when you have the slower car. “When you’re catching a car, analyze where and why you are faster. Sometimes you know just by looking at it: cough Mustang cough. You may even think to yourself, “I should not be catching this car.” Congrats, you’re a driving hero. But now you have to figure out how to get by.”
Here are 3 Simple & Accurate Definitions of Understeer vs Oversteer courtesy of Your Data Driven. “Understeer vs oversteer, or, if you prefer, oversteer vs understeer! These two terms are used with abandon in motorsport but everyone seems to have their own definition of what they actually mean. These definitions are either overly technical or cringe-worthy – “Understeer is when you see the tree. Oversteer is when you don’t see the tree…””
Formula Woman is hosting a free webinar with race driver Alana Carter on the topic of Sportsmanship in Motorsport. It will take place on April 18th at 6:00 PM (GMT+0). You can register to attend here.
Off-Track
Blayze Coaching explains how to do something called Mental Endurance Drill – 1 which will help with building your consistency across long runs, and strengthening your focus.
Race Car & Series Developments
The Robb Report reviews the Radical SR10 XXR. “Weighing just 1,598 pounds, the SR10 XXR can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph—all while delivering lap times that might embarrass most track-focused supercars. Just as importantly, the engine can run for 80 hours at race pace between rebuilds, which is plenty enough for a season of track days or the six-round Radical Cup.”
LMP2 cars in the European Le Mans Series will benefit from a power increase of 40 horsepower this season, as well as less weight and a larger fuel tank.
“For all events on the six-round calendar, which kicks off with the 4 Hours of Barcelona on April 14, the Gibson GK428 V8 that powers each LMP2 car will see the power output increased from 540 to 580 hp. Additionally, the cars will be lighter by 20 kg, now weighing in at 930 kg. The size of the fuel tank will also increase from 69 to 75 liters.”
The Skip Barber Racing School has announced that it has acquired Superstar Racing Experience (SRX). “This is an exciting time for the entire SBRS team,” Dan DeMonte, Chief Marketing Officer said. “We take great pride in providing valuable and exciting events to the motorsports community and now have the opportunity to continue that with the SRX series.”
Plans for the 2024 season are currently being formed and more information will be revealed in the coming weeks. Those interested in partnerships or sponsorships are encouraged to contact Skip Barber Racing School Chief Marketing Officer Dan DeMonte: Dan.DeMonte@SkipBarber.com.
Ford Performance has released the first batch teams and drivers that will take part in the inaugural Mustang Challenge season. Sixteen teams will campaign the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R in the single-make series, with the first 11 of those named on Thursday.
The GT4 category will take on a global dimension this year with the launch of a new international contest to be disputed by eight leading manufacturers. Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ford, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche and Toyota will compete in the GT4 Manufacturer Ranking, scoring points via their customer racing teams in GT4 championships and series around the globe. The concept is similar to Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS, which launched in 2019 to cater for GT3 manufacturers.
Feeder Series has learned at least one team would be missing on the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine grid, with British squad Arden leaving the series while Monolite is reportedly in trouble as well. Despite this, the future of the series appears bright.
The United States Formula 4 championship has cancelled its opening round of the season at NOLA Motorsports Park on April 11-14. A representative of the championship’s promoter told Formula Scout that “as in 2016, Ligier has been delayed in delivering cars” so the season will have a later start date.
Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) president Chris Ward has issued his 2024 State of the Sport. “The next era is well underway, and it begins with a renewed commitment to ensure HSR remains the authentic home for vintage and historic sports car racing in North America,” Ward said. “The competitors, cars, on-track action and off-track camaraderie at Sebring clearly indicated to me in my first race with HSR that our competitors and members as well fully embrace these core values that will remain at the foundation of everything we do at HSR.”
PRI has a profile on Funduro Racing, an organization with a mission to democratize access to race cars.
“Nestled in the paddock at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California, De Keijser’s Funduro Racing seems like a good start toward his stated goal. Keeping the business model simple, Funduro rents seat time in the company’s own Roadster Cup race cars for high-performance driving events (HPDE), private track days, and, for qualified drivers, real competitive racing in a range of West Coast enduros, including the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, where in 2021 the Funduro team finished first in Class E1. “It’s all 100% arrive and drive,” De Keijser added. “I own the cars, and I rent the seats. I make it simple, so everyone has a good time.””
Track Days
Grassroots Motorsports looks at how to turn your Nürburgring fantasies into Nürburgring realities. “In reality, the area around the ’Ring is more akin to a ski village or a surf town. Every local business, whether it sells brake pads, serves dinner or just wants to give you a haircut, has a motorsport theme. Hotels have available garages. Every third car you see at a gas station or restaurant is an E46 with a roll bar, a race seat, and miles and miles of track rash. The track has a pull, a mystique that comes from being a century-old ribbon of some of the most challenging asphalt anywhere in the world. And it’s well earned.”
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.