| Each test session may have slightly different objectives.
This might sound like a lot of work, but after going through the
"drill" a few times it becomes second nature, and may even save
some time.
Generally we find sessions fit into 2 types, driver and
tuning. The first practical session where the driver has put
10-15 laps in and is beginning to feel comfortable with the
track is a good time to focus on a driver session. Driver
sessions may continue through the remaining test sessions, but
getting the driver on the right lines from the get-go is the
crucial part to getting a good start.
As the driver has some comfort in the track the focus of test
objectives turn to the kart.
If you have a system that generates track maps you are one
step ahead. If you don't, prior to going to the race try to
find a copy of a Mychron Track Map file for that track, and
download it to your PC.
The best way to start out is for driver and tuner to review a
picture of the track maybe the night before, and if possible
with someone who has run on that track before. Try to get some
baseline set up data on the track like gearing and typical
chassis reactions - does it induce understeer, oversteer, is it
a slick, medium of grippy track? Using an image of the track
identify the most important turns. Hold a 10 minute or so
briefing between driver and tuner so the driver understands
which turns are the most important.
Driver Session Objectives
The first session is mostly for the driver, and this is
where seat-of-the-pants is almost definitely more important
then the DA results. The track is probably green, and will
change. generally the objectives in order are;
- Apex and exit speeds - from lap to lap
there may be some variation - which lap looks like it
produced the best exit speeds on crucial turns? This can
help the driver tune their lines a bit.
- Basic handling - If the kart has major
push or is loose anywhere that could change the line after
changes. (Generally as long as it's not a severe condition
the line won't change much). It's important to pay more
attention to the driver input in the first session.
- Carb Tuning - EGT or CHT is a good
indicator but not always the best, it depends on your style,
but you get an idea after the first run.
- Gearing - Normally gearing advantages are
gain in either (or both) of two ways; tope end, or time in
peak range. It's always expected that the speeds will rise
so if the revs appear to be peaking out in the early
sessions, or if the revs are just plain not getting close to
peak, a gear change is in order. In the early sessions your
just trying to get into the ballpark. Gearing may be
related to state of tune.
Each session should be followed up with a driver debriefing
for the tuner. In the first session the emphasis is on the
driver so the driver needs to communicate what they felt about
handling beginning with the most important turns. Not every
turn is important, mostly the ones leading onto longer
straights. Understeer, oversteer or any other condition the
driver feels is noticeable.
After the debriefing download the data giving it a filename
that makes sense. We use a month-day-session# (MMDDSS) format
and file it under the track we are at.
Following the analysis is a pre-briefing on the next
objective. In the analysis you may find the driver is exiting a
turn fastest taking a specific line - after looking over the
laps and finding the best results let the driver know what you
found. Make whatever changes are appropriate.
Tuning Session Objectives
As the driver becomes more confident in the track chassis
and motor tuning becomes more the focus. Track should be
getting a bit less green building a little grip. As long as
it's dry, you can generally plan on grip continuing to build
as more rubber gets laid down and temperatures increase.
(Evening and/or night races can go the other way on grip it
temps are cooling or the sun is setting). The following is
more or less the order you may want to plan the analysis;
- Carb Tuning
- Basic handling
- Gearing
- Apex and exit speeds
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