You've probably heard of racing lines likely on race weekends watching Motoggp and if you probably think they are quite important, you are absolutely right! But what are they, and why are they so important? Racing lines are the paths that riders take on a track or a road to optimize their speed, safety, and efficiency. They involve choosing the right entry, apex, and exit points for each corner, as well as the best angle, lean, and throttle control and they are the reason why it is possible to overtake other riders on track riding the same or even better motorcycles! In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about racing lines, from the basic concepts to the advanced techniques. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned racer, you'll find some useful tips and tricks to improve your skills, enjoy your ride more, and ensure that you can overtake others in a race!
What you will learn:
Let's go!đ
1. Basic principles
Racing lines are the optimal paths that a motorcycle rider takes around a race course. They are designed to maximize speed, safety, and efficiency by using the entire width of the track and choosing the best angle and timing for each turn. Racing lines can vary depending on the type of corner, the layout of the track, the characteristics of the motorcycle, and the preferences of the rider.
There are three main components of a racing line: the entry, the apex, and the exit. The entry is where the rider begins to turn into the corner, usually at the outside edge of the track.
The apex is the point where the rider is closest to the inside edge of the track, usually in the middle or later part of the corner.
The exit is where the rider finishes the turn and accelerates out of the corner, usually returning to the outside edge of the track.
The most common type of racing line is called the traditional racing line or progressive line. This line follows a smooth and continuous curve that gradually tightens from the entry to the apex and then gradually widens from the apex to the exit. This line allows the rider to maintain a high and consistent speed throughout the corner, as well as a smooth transition from braking to accelerating.
Another type of racing line is called the squared-off line or late apex line. This line involves a deeper and sharper turn-in at the entry, followed by a straighter and faster exit. This line allows the rider to brake later, lean less, and get on the gas harder and earlier than the traditional line. However, this line also requires more skill and precision to execute, as well as more space on the track to avoid collisions with other riders.
The choice of racing line depends on several factors, such as:
- The shape and length of the corner: Tighter and shorter corners tend to favor squared-off lines, while wider and longer corners tend to favor traditional lines.
- The direction and sequence of corners: If a corner leads into another corner in the same direction, it is better to use a late apex line to set up for the next turn. If a corner leads into another corner in the opposite direction, it is better to use an early apex line to switch sides quickly.
- The performance and handling of the bike: Different motorcycles have different strengths and weaknesses in terms of acceleration, braking, stability, and agility. The rider should choose a line that suits the bike's capabilities and limitations. That's why you must know your motorcycle like the back of your hand by using it regularly!
- The strategy and style of the rider: Different riders have different goals and preferences in terms of speed, safety, and overtaking. The rider should choose a line that matches their personal objectives and comfort level. Whatever your goal for that corner or lap be ALWAYS try to take the safer line.
Racing lines are not fixed or absolute; they are dynamic and adaptable. A good rider should be able to adjust their line according to changing conditions, such as weather, traffic, tire wear, and errors which shouldn't stress you out because the good news is that you naturally develop intuition over time for these variables so don't get frustrated if it feels too hard! ( Especially important to those like me, who are naturally impatient and want fast results).
A good rider should also be able to experiment with different lines to find out what works best for them in different situations.
Racing lines are one of the most important aspects of motorcycle racing. They can make a significant difference in lap times, race results, and overall enjoyment. Learning how to master racing lines is a rewarding and challenging process that requires practice, observation, and feedback which I know you can do because all of us can achieve anything if we put our minds to it.
2. Types of racing lines
In this section, we will discuss some of the common types of racing lines that are used in motorcycle racing.
The traditional racing line is the most basic and widely used line. It follows a smooth arc that uses the entire width of the track. The rider enters the corner from the outside edge, touches the apex (the point on the inside edge where the bike is closest to the curve), and exits the corner by returning to the outside edge. The traditional racing line allows the rider to maintain a high and consistent speed throughout the corner, as well as a moderate lean angle. It also gives the rider a good view of the corner and the exit. This is the first line I suggest mastering since it forms a foundation for the rest and is also the easiest. Remember: Take small steps to make progress!
The squared-off or late apex line is another type of racing line that can be faster and safer than the traditional line in some cases. It involves running deeper into the corner and turning quicker to get onto a straighter line. The rider enters the corner from a more central position, picks a later apex (further around the corner), and exits the corner by accelerating hard on a straighter line. The squared-off line requires a lower entry speed and a higher exit speed than the traditional line, as well as a smaller lean angle and less time at lean hence more speed is carried into the corner. It also reduces the risk of running wide on the exit or being overtaken on the brakes. However, it also requires more skill and precision to execute, as well as more braking and acceleration. This line serves well if speed is a goal.
The defensive or early apex line is a type of racing line that is used to prevent or block an overtaking maneuver from another rider. It involves entering the corner from a more inside position, picking an early apex (closer to the entry), and exiting the corner by staying on the inside edge. The defensive line sacrifices speed and smoothness for position and protection. It requires a lower entry speed and a lower exit speed than the traditional line, as well as a larger lean angle and more time at lean. It also exposes the rider to more hazards on the inside of the track, such as bumps, debris, or curbs so do be careful to perform this crucial line when you are under threat by another rider!
The progressive or increasing radius line is a type of racing line that is used to maximize speed and safety on corners that have a changing radius or direction. It involves entering the corner from a more outside position, picking an apex that is somewhere between early and late, and exiting the corner by gradually widening the arc. The progressive line allows the rider to adjust their speed and direction according to the shape of the corner, as well as to use less lean angle and less braking. It also gives the rider more options and flexibility to deal with changing conditions or situations. Before trying to master this corner please learn the traditional line first.
These are some of the main types of racing lines that are used in motorcycle racing. However, there is no one perfect line for every corner or every rider for the sole purpose of lines is to get you at P1 and keep you there or get the fastest lap all of which require combinations of different lines. Racing lines depend on many factors, such as track layout, bike setup, riding style, weather, traffic, etc. Therefore, riders need to practice and experiment with different lines by learning the easiest to hardest to find out what works best for them and their goals which will be as easy as A, B, and C with time even if it seems too hard to handle at first(like how I first felt!).
3. Factors affecting racing lines
Type of corner: Corners can be classified into different categories based on their shape, such as hairpins, chicanes, esses, sweepers, etc. Each type of corner requires a different racing line to maximize speed and minimize risk.
Speed of the bike: The faster the bike is going, the wider the racing line needs to be to accommodate the higher forces and inertia. This means that faster bikes need to brake later, turn in later, and exit later than slower bikes.
Grip of the track: The grip of the track depends on many variables, such as the surface material, the temperature, the humidity, the rubber deposits, and the debris. The grip of the track determines how much speed and lean angle a bike can carry through a corner without losing traction and sliding out. The grip of the track can also change throughout a race due to weather changes or tire wear. This means that riders need to adapt their racing lines to suit the changing grip levels and avoid pushing beyond their limits.
Weather conditions: The weather conditions can affect both the grip of the track and the visibility of the riders. Wet or cold weather can reduce the grip of the track and make it more slippery and unpredictable. This means that riders need to use more conservative racing lines with less speed and lean angle than in dry or warm weather. Wet or foggy weather can also reduce the visibility of the riders and make it harder to see their reference points for braking, turning, and apex. This means that riders need to use more familiar racing lines with more margin for error than in clear weather.
Riderâs skill and preference: Different riders have different levels of skill, experience, confidence, and style when it comes to riding a motorcycle on a race track. Some riders may prefer faster or slower racing lines, tighter or wider racing lines, or smoother or sharper racing lines, depending on their personal strengths and weaknesses. Some riders may also prefer different racing lines for different corners or sections of a track, depending on their strategy or tactics for overtaking or defending their position. Ultimately, there is no single perfect racing line for every corner or every rider. Racing lines depend on many factors, such as track layout, bike setup, riding style, weather, traffic, etc. Therefore, riders need to practice as much as possible if they want to be number 1 and understand the track, unlike their opponents.
4. Tips and tricks
- The traditional racing line is the one that follows the widest arc around a corner, using the entire width of the track. This line has a smooth and gradual turn-in, a mid-corner apex, and a progressive exit. The advantage of this line is that it allows you to maintain a high corner speed and a smooth flow. The disadvantage is that it leaves you vulnerable to overtaking on the inside, especially on tight corners.
- The squared-off or late apex line is the one that runs deeper into the corner and turns sharper to get onto the desired exit line. This line has a late and quick turn-in, a late apex, and an early and hard exit. The advantage of this line is that it allows you to brake later, accelerate earlier, and create distance from your rivals. The disadvantage is that it requires more lean angle, more traction, and more skill to execute.
- The defensive or early apex line is the one that turns in earlier than usual and hugs the inside edge of the corner. This line has an early and slow turn-in, an early apex, and a delayed and slow exit. The advantage of this line is that it protects your position from overtaking on the inside, especially on the last lap or in a close battle. The disadvantage is that it sacrifices corner speed, exit speed, and lap time.
To choose the best racing line for each corner, you need to consider several factors, such as:
- The shape and length of the corner: Is it a long or short corner? Is it a constant or variable radius? Is it a single or multiple apex?
- The direction of the next corner: Is it in the same direction or opposite direction? Is it close or far away?
- The characteristics of your bike: Is it more powerful or agile? Is it more stable or nimble? Is it more suited for high or low-speed corners?
- The conditions of the track: Is it dry or wet? Is it smooth or bumpy? Is it grippy or slippery?
- The position of your rivals: Are they ahead or behind you? Are they faster or slower than you? Are they aggressive or passive?
As a general rule, you should aim for a traditional racing line on fast and flowing corners, a squared-off line on slow and tight corners, and a defensive line on critical and strategic corners. However, you should also be flexible and adaptable to changing situations and opportunities.
To execute the best racing line for each corner, you need to master several skills, such as:
- Braking: You need to brake hard enough to slow down for the corner, but not too hard to lock up your wheels or lose control. You need to brake at the right time and place to set up your turn-in point. You need to brake smoothly and progressively to avoid upsetting your bike's balance.
- Turning: You need to turn in at the right angle and speed to hit your apex point. You need to turn smoothly and precisely to maintain your line. You need to turn quickly and efficiently to minimize your lean time.
- Accelerating: You need to accelerate hard enough to gain speed for the exit, but not too hard to spin up your wheels or lose traction. You need to accelerate at the right time and place to optimize your exit point. You need to accelerate smoothly and progressively to avoid upsetting your bike's balance.
To improve your racing lines, you need to practice regularly and consistently on different tracks and conditions. You need to analyze your performance using data logging devices, video recordings, or feedback from fellow riders and pit members. You need to compare your lines with those of faster riders or professional racers or those beating you consistently.
FAQ Section
Q: What is a racing line?
A: A racing line is the optimal path around a race course that allows you to maintain the highest possible speed through a corner.
Q: What are the different types of racing lines?
A: There are two main types of racing lines: the traditional racing line and the squared-off or late apex line. The traditional racing line follows a smooth curve that uses the entire width of the track, while the squared-off line involves turning later and sharper to get on the gas earlier.
Q: Which racing line is better for motorcycle racing?
A: It depends on the situation, but generally speaking, the squared-off line is faster and safer for motorcycle racing because it allows you to lean less, accelerate sooner, and create more distance from your opponents. However, it also leaves you vulnerable to being overtaken on the brakes, so you may want to use the traditional line to defend your position or to set up a pass.
Q: What is an apex?
A: An apex is a point on the inside edge of a corner where you are closest to the curb or the track boundary. It is also where you start to straighten up the bike and apply more throttle. The location of the apex determines whether you are taking a traditional or a sqsquared-offuared off line.
Q: How do I find the best racing line for a given corner?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different corners may require different approaches depending on factors such as speed, angle, camber, elevation, and track conditions. However, some general tips are to look ahead and plan your line before entering the corner, use reference points such as brake markers, turn-in points, and exit points to guide your line, and practice and experiment with different lines until you find the one that suits your riding style and bike performance. You can also use tools such as Race Optimal to generate computer simulations of optimal lines for various circuits and vehicles.
mastering racing lines is a rewarding and challenging process that requires practice, observation, and feedback.
Summary
In this article, you learned about racing lines, the invisible paths that guide you through the corners of a racetrack. You discovered the basic principles of racing lines and the factors that affect racing lines, such as the track layout, the weather conditions, and your riding style. And you got some tips and tricks on how to improve your racing lines, Racing lines are essential for any motorcycle racer who wants to better their track days or take up motorcycle racing professionally.
I know this may seem hard to digest at first maybe even harder than eating raw potatoes but I promise that this will come effortlessly over time and that is why I suggest taking one step at a time going from easy to hard and not getting overloaded with information that it actually paralyzes you like how I felt initially. You build a skyscraper from the ground first. Start with the traditional line and once you master it you can always return and learn the other types of line hence please do not hesitate to ask any further doubts or queries in the comments. This will take time and is what racers are made of, every racer no matter how good they are once was like you so remain positive and enjoy the journey.
Anything you would like to see covered or know about? Tell us in the comments!â¤ď¸
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