Tips for racing in the rain?
#1
Tips for racing in the rain?
Hey guys, I am heading to Road Atlanta this weekend to run in NASA HPDE 1 in the evo. This will be my first event in inclement weather, they are calling for possible rain both days. Just wanted to know what tips you guys have, for both my driving as well as car/driver prep. Tires are hankook rs-3, 255-40-17 that have about 40 percent tread depth remaining. I will also be bringing my stock wheels with mostly new advan a046.
I am sure my instructor will be helping out, but just wanted some tips.
Thanks.
I am sure my instructor will be helping out, but just wanted some tips.
Thanks.
#3
Evolved Member
iTrader: (41)
Tread depth in the rain will play a large part. Brake earlier but not as hard such that you dont kick on ABS every time you get on the brakes. The great thing about racing in the rain is that it will teach (force) you to be very smooth with your controls. Smooth is fast and will help from upsetting the balance of the car so keep it tame.
#4
Evolved Member
iTrader: (21)
Well, a couple things I learned after a couple laps at Portland in the rain...
You can get on it a lot earlier and harder than the RWD guys but that is not saying a whole lot. Power needs to be applied very carefully.
I don't know what it was about Portland in the rain, but I feel I have more grip on the street than I do at that track when it is wet.
- DO NOT DRIVE OVER ANY PAINTED SURFACE OR RUMBLE STRIPS
- no trail braking. You can play with this but every time I trail braked even a little, the rear tried to come out on me.
- apexing early will almost certainly result in an "off." There is not much margin in the rain
You can get on it a lot earlier and harder than the RWD guys but that is not saying a whole lot. Power needs to be applied very carefully.
I don't know what it was about Portland in the rain, but I feel I have more grip on the street than I do at that track when it is wet.
#5
Evolved Member
iTrader: (132)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The good thing is that you will not be "racing" as it's a HPDE
The biggest challenge is finding grip on the track....it's not where you think it would be (i.e. on the normal line).
If your instructor knows the track well and has run there in the rain, you will be just fine....if not, late apex into the turns, smooth inputs (throttle and brakes) stay away from track "sheen", rumble strips, and puddles and have fun
Also, get a really good set of wipers...
The biggest challenge is finding grip on the track....it's not where you think it would be (i.e. on the normal line).
If your instructor knows the track well and has run there in the rain, you will be just fine....if not, late apex into the turns, smooth inputs (throttle and brakes) stay away from track "sheen", rumble strips, and puddles and have fun
Also, get a really good set of wipers...
#14
Evolved Member
iTrader: (16)
Rain tires (like Toyo R1R ) - softer suspension set up - rainX on the windshield and good wipers. good lights. Balanced brakes side to side. Preferably stronger brake force on the rear then usual.
And going in cool then come out hot
And going in cool then come out hot
Last edited by Robevo RS; Dec 5, 2013 at 10:05 AM.
#15
Evolved Member
iTrader: (10)
The good thing is that you will not be "racing" as it's a HPDE
The biggest challenge is finding grip on the track....it's not where you think it would be (i.e. on the normal line).
If your instructor knows the track well and has run there in the rain, you will be just fine....if not, late apex into the turns, smooth inputs (throttle and brakes) stay away from track "sheen", rumble strips, and puddles and have fun
Also, get a really good set of wipers...
The biggest challenge is finding grip on the track....it's not where you think it would be (i.e. on the normal line).
If your instructor knows the track well and has run there in the rain, you will be just fine....if not, late apex into the turns, smooth inputs (throttle and brakes) stay away from track "sheen", rumble strips, and puddles and have fun
Also, get a really good set of wipers...