Grassroots Motorsports
Issue link: http://grassrootsmotorsports.epubxp.com/i/501675
FEATURE: YOUR FIRST TRACK DAY The track isn't a ribbon of perfectly smooth, per- fectly consistent asphalt. Bumps, ridges, rises, crests, pavement changes and oil spots can all limit traction. Learn how to read the pavement. Marbles –bits of balled-up rubber mixed with gravel–often collect out- side of the racing line. Get off-line, and you may be in for a ride. Fluids and dirt on track can, obviously, limit traction, too. Painted curbs and markings may be slippery, especially when wet. Concrete usually offers more grip than asphalt, but of course the opposite can be true. As the sun sets, the quickly cool- ing track can become slip- pery with dew. The patches found at the turn-in and apex points may offer more or less traction than the rest of the track. The locals will know. Bumps can bounce tires from the pavement; in a braking zone, for example, this can extend braking distances. Ridges, crests, humps and road crown can cause a car to become light on its feet, again limiting traction. Curbs can up- set the chassis. Off-camber turns will offer less grip than banked ones. photosbyjuha.com Grassroots Motorsports 59