How to Test Drive on an Unlimited Racing Circuit

In professional racing, unlimited racing circuits such as Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona differ from other racing circuits. Typical unlimited circuits include one or more long straights, a banked oval and fewer tight corners than other circuits, to accommodate the high speeds of unlimited race cars. Vintage race cars include muscle cars like the AC Cobra, Ford Shelby GT500 and the V12 Aston Martin DBS. Contemporary race cars feature Ferrari, Corvette, Jaguar and Porsche prototypes. All are capable of speeds in excess of 180 mph. Test-driving on an unlimited racing circuit is a means of determining your car's braking, accelerating and handling capabilities.

Instructions

  1. Straights

    • 1

      Maintain an even rate of speed and consistent rpms in top gear. Select a racing line and stay on that line.

    • 2

      Evaluate the aerodynamic setup by noting any minute steering corrections needed to maintain the straight racing line.

    • 3

      Begin braking and downshifting to slow the race car as you approach the first braking marker at the end of the straight. Select a racing line that sets the car up for the corner at the end of the straight. Note the handling of the car while braking and downshifting from high speeds.

    Banked Oval

    • 4

      Transition onto the banked oval by selecting the gear that provides the most torque. Note the rpms as the car transitions onto the bank. The tachometer needle or LED reading should be at mid-range, which is in the power-band of the engine.

    • 5

      Accelerate to maximum rpms in each gear and shift up to top gear. Allow the power generated by accelerating to guide the car onto a line on the banked surface. Note the rpms as you hold the line on the banked oval. The tachometer reading should be just below the red line, or the maximum rpm of the engine.

    • 6

      Hold maximum speed and allow the car to ease down the oval as it flattens, approaching the chicane or corner at the end of the banked oval. Anticipate the best gear for that corner and combine braking with downshifting as you set the car up for the turn.

    Corners

    • 7

      Anticipate the gear changes and amount of braking that allow you to enter a corner under control at the fastest speed possible. Note the rpms as you enter the corner.

    • 8

      Trail off the brakes evenly to avoid unfavorable weight transfer to the rear of the car. The inertia resulting from sudden front-end lift can result in a loss of steering control and missing the fastest line through a corner.

    • 9

      Maintain even acceleration through the mid-section of the corner. Evaluate the car's handling in right and left turns. Consider any suspension or tire pressure changes that might be needed to maintain fastest cornering line.

    • 10

      Shift up to the next gear as you exit the corner. Note the drop in rpms at the next gear. This indicates the capability of the gearing setup to maintain the fastest speed through corners.