Trail braking is a challenging technique to master, but with some practice and guidance, you can improve your skills and become a better racer. Many iRacing enthusiasts wonder if there’s a definitive way to practice trail braking effectively.
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Let’s explore some tips to help you get started on the right track!
1. Develop the Feel
Trail braking is mostly based on feel. You know you’re doing it right when it helps you smoothly turn the car. Avoid over-slowing before the apex or braking too hard, which can exceed available grip for turn-in. Trust your instincts and focus on how the car responds to your inputs.
2. Choose the Right Car
For beginners, the Porsche Cup car is highly recommended. While it may be a challenge, it provides an excellent training ground. Without ABS and TC, you’ll learn to handle smooth inputs on the brake, throttle, and steering. This car will teach you the art of trail braking and improve your overall control in other vehicles.
3. Experiment and Compare
Head to private test sessions and experiment with different techniques. Practice corner after corner, and use the active reset feature to repeat the same section until you find the right feel. Compare telemetry data to understand the impact of your inputs on the car’s performance.
4. Embrace Rollercoaster Sensation
When you’ve got trail braking down, the corner should feel like a rollercoaster ride. The car will feel stable, and you won’t need excessive steering. You’ll experience a sense of smoothness, speed, and control that indicates you’re doing it right.
“Mastering trail braking takes practice, but once you find that sweet spot, you’ll experience the thrill of precision driving in iRacing.”
5. Seek External Resources
Take advantage of valuable resources like Driver61, Trophi.ai, and YouTube channels like Suellio Almeida. These platforms offer tutorials and guides from experienced drivers, helping you refine your technique and elevate your performance.
6. Be Patient and Persistent
Improving trail braking skills takes time, and it’s normal to encounter challenges along the way. Stay patient, keep practicing, and gradually develop a sense of feel and control for each corner.
7. Focus on Weight Transfer
Understanding weight transfer is crucial for successful trail braking. Focus on how weight shifts during braking and turning, and use this knowledge to optimize your trail braking technique.
8. Remember, It’s Not About Optimizing Braking Points
Trail braking is more about keeping the front end loaded when turning rather than obsessing over braking points. Develop your sense of feel for the car and its response to your inputs.
Trail braking is an art that requires dedication and practice. While there’s no definitive way to practice, combining experimentation, external resources, and a patient approach will help you refine your technique and become a trail braker master.
Happy racing!
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Hello, Im racer bretware and have been sim racing since the 90’s on a three machine lan system, K62, 3d fx3500, Thrustmaster Sprint 2 wheels. I’ve raced at Presto and RIP where I won two F3000 championships. Currently mostly racing the F2004 UK server in Assetto Corsa. In my opion the best way to practice trail braking is to lift early but roll in deep using the brake to set the car, as you roll off the brake you should be starting to pick up the RPMs. In fact you should probably practice picking up the RPM’s early before you practice trail braking. Come see us, good luck.