Another Braking Thread

[Jared Siegel]

Just inquiring as to the origin of the decision to change from the 07-style brakes to the 08's. I had heard in the paddock that there was some new CIK homologation requiring the use of steel rotors and ceramic pads (post-2011?), but I'd like to verify with the experts.

Thanks,

Jared

[Steve Miller]

The CX brake system was actually used as well on some '07 karts. I have no idea if it is now a regulation as most of the systems I have noticed are not of that type.

[Jared Siegel]

Alright thanks for the info.

Another question for the board related to braking - deals with driving theory...I noticed that the 08 brakes don't lock up as easily as the 07's. Consider a tight corner after a long straight with a long brake zone. Over the years, I have taught myself to brake heavy then, at turn-in, apply an impulse of more pedal to lock the brakes and rotate the chassis into the corner.

To me, the 08 brakes seem much more steady throughout the pedal...in other words, it is more difficult to jab the final impulse to lock up and rotate - I run out of pedal. Is my technique unfavorable to the way a chassis is designed to corner?

Thanks for any insight.

[Marc Miller]

Hi Jared-

Personally, though I have used this technique you have referred to in the past, it is never optimal in my opinion. Here is why.... any time you have done your braking and are entering the corner you have reached a certain deceleration rate, the kart/car has taken a set and now you are rolling through the corner - HOPEFULLY - at optimal speed. This implies that if you accelerate ANY more at that point, the kart would push out and if you carried a little too much corner speed, you would have to wait a little longer before going back to throttle.

If you have to jab the brakes to get the kart to rotate, then likely we need to work on kart set-up. In simple terms, if you have to stop the axle, even for a moment, to get the kart to rotate properly, you are giving up mid-corner speed.

I can't tell you how many times I have driven a kart with bad brakes where I actually began to pick up mid-corner speed and run faster lap times BECAUSE I couldn't overslow the kart. In short, I had to roll mid corner speed to achieve fast lap times and since I couldn't slow down quick enough, it improved technique. Now - would I want to RACE that way? NO. It is imperative to have strong and responsive brakes like what the Freeline systems offer, but don't rely on brakes to help rotate your kart.

My suggestion is to drive down into a corner with less and less brake pressure until you begin to not be able to make it to apex anymore... at that point you are just carrying too much entry speed. If it is a corner that you have to trail the brake down to the apex... start your brake release (the point where you start coming off the brakes slowly) earlier and earlier until you can't make the apex. Also don't feel the need to jump back to throttle right away.... I have noticed that the better our karts get, the more they respond well to OT-OB (Off throttle - Off Brake) and rolling through the corner as long as you have achieved maximum corner speed.

Hope that helps.

[Garry Lobaugh]

Marc, outstanding post. Jared, great questions. I will research the original question about 2011. Thanks to all of you for using the forum, keep the questions coming. These are really great opportunities for all Birel customers to see the depth of knowledge and understanding that is available.

Marc Miller is our lead race school instructor. He has great credentials and if any reader is interested in a private or group advance lesson, please call me to schedule. Garry 269 756 9133

How about Arizona, is anyone looking for training in the South West?

[Jared Siegel]

Thanks for the awesome response - was exactly what I was looking for. Ugh, now you have me all worked up to get to the track and re-learn technique.