Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 Watkins Glen Hot Lap Analysis

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Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Watkins Glen in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 driven by HYMO.

The Track

Watkins Glen International, affectionately known as "The Glen," is steeped in motorsport legend, offering a thrilling mix of history and high-speed competition in the picturesque hills of upstate New York. Since its opening in 1956, The Glen has evolved from its humble beginnings on public roads to a world-class racing venue, hosting a diverse array of events from the Formula One United States Grand Prix to NASCAR, sports cars, and vintage racing festivals.

The circuit is renowned for its challenging layout, which includes the famous "Esses," a series of high-speed, uphill bends that test the nerve and skill of drivers, and the "Boot" section, added to lengthen the track and introduce more technical turns. With elevation changes, fast corners, and long straights, Watkins Glen demands a perfect blend of bravery and precision, making it a favourite among racers and fans alike.

Beyond its racing pedigree, Watkins Glen International is celebrated for its scenic beauty, nestled in a region known for its wineries and stunning landscapes. This combination of exhilarating racing and natural beauty ensures that a visit to The Glen is a memorable experience, whether for the roar of engines or the tranquil vistas beyond the circuit's boundaries.

Good news for you, the HYMO setup used in this hot lap video is available for you to try HERE.

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Analysis

The analysis below uses the Track Titan platform to compare a HYMO reference hotlap in blue to one of the Track Titan community drivers through Segment 8. In this example, the community driver make an early apex by turning in too early. If we ignore the fact they brake too early this would give them a faster entry, however, the early entry is only going to tighten up after the apex. This is evident by the amount of time the community diver has to delay getting back on the throttle as they are waiting for the car to rotate so they can get on the power. This and the wider line on exit adds up to almost 0.3s of time lost in this corner.

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You can analyse every other turn in the Track Titan platform; see reference lap here.
You can also take it to the next level and compare it against your own driving, just sign up to Track Titan for FREE today here.

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Track Titan Top Tips

Fine-tuning brake bias in sim racing is an art that can significantly affect your performance on the track. Brake bias refers to the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels. Adjusting this balance can help manage the car's stability during braking and corner entry. A forward brake bias increases the braking force on the front wheels, enhancing stability under heavy braking but potentially leading to understeer. Conversely, shifting the brake bias towards the rear can increase the risk of oversteer, especially in tight corners, but may allow for quicker turn-in.

The ideal brake bias setting depends on several factors, including the track layout, driving style, and the specific car being used. Tracks with heavy braking zones and sharp turns might benefit from a more forward brake bias, ensuring stability when decelerating. In contrast, circuits with fast, flowing corners might allow for a rearward bias, enabling more aggressive turning.

Sim racers should also consider the dynamic nature of brake bias. As fuel burns off and tyres wear, the car's handling characteristics change, potentially necessitating mid-race adjustments to the brake bias for optimal performance. This mirrors the strategies employed by professional racing teams, who continuously adapt their vehicles to changing conditions. Mastering brake bias adjustment not only improves lap times but also enhances the driver's ability to control the car at the limit, offering a more immersive and challenging racing experience.

Don't know what you can do to go faster? Use the HYMO hotlap to find out.

To see full lap analysis of your own driving, you can sign up to Track Titan for FREE today here.

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