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From: pjgtech@cix.compulink.co.uk ("Peter Gagg")
Subject: Re: GPL : flat spotting
Message-ID: <FA50DL.DCy@cix.compulink.co.uk>
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References: <01be84e1$cc9557c0$LocalHost@cyberway.com.sg>
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 16:56:09 GMT
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In article <01be84e1$cc9557c0$LocalHost@cyberway.com.sg>, 
NOSPAMwy_leong@geocities.com (*  Leong) wrote:

> Hi
> 
> Flat spotting is when you brake hard and the tyres lock up
> creating a big black stretch of black marks on the road.
> This black mark is a result of the tyres wearing itself on
> the road.
> 
> In F1, flat spotting will create uneven wheel which inturn 
> will create other problems.
> 
> I wonder if GPL has this feature built in.
> Right now I am using a lot of heavy braking coming into
> corners and could see alot of marks on the tracks.

In 1967 they had much harder tyre compounds, and could actually use 
the same set for the *whole* weekend. flatspotting was a lot harder to 
achieve in those days due to the hardness of the tyres? and continual 
hard braking did not present so much of a problem, although most top 
drivers try not to lock the wheels anyway?

Nowadays, however, flat spotting is very easily achieved, as the tyres 
do not last as long and are very soft, (comparibly) and should be 
avoided as it can affect performance considerably? (manifesting itself 
as longer braking distances, lower laptimes, loss of control and a 
very uncomfortable ride for the driver!)
 
> Interestingly I see a few replays of other players which
> DON'T 
> have this heavy braking.
> I wonder if there is any drawback to this technique ( of
> heavy braking just before 
> the corner )

Heavy braking (eg: the tyres are locked up) is not the ideal technique 
to use. (Although I am unable to stop myself doing it, as any replays 
of my laps will testify. FX: mental note - I must get around to 
practising correct braking more one day!)

If you have locked the brakes, you have lost control of the car (to a 
degree?) and are not slowing as fast as is possible. (A rotating 
tyre gives more grip, don't ask me how, it just *DOES*) The ideal 
method is to brake enough so that you are braking as fast as possible, 
but without locking the wheels. That way you remain in control at all 
times and shorten the braking distance required.

Some drivers use cadence braking as a method of reducing tyre/wheel 
lock-ups. You brake as hard as possible, but quickly release the 
brakes and re-apply the brakes several times. This releasing and 
re-applying of the brakes stops the wheels from locking up, and is 
actually the basis of many modern anti-lock braking systems.

As always, practice makes perfect, and I certainly *haven't* perfected 
the technique yet......

8-)

*Peter*   #:-)
