Speed Secrets: Corner Entry Speed

Features, Racing I By Ross Bentley I September 13, 2017

Corner exit speed is critical, right? It’s all about who can begin accelerating out of the turns first – that’s who’s going to win, right? But, wait a minute. Corner entry speed is almost as important. In fact, I'd argue that it's the area in which most drivers can make the biggest improvement in their lap times. If you can increase your corner entry speed, yet not hurt your exit speed, that would be a good thing. So, let's look at how to gain time early in the corners.

There are at least four ways to improve your corner entry speed:

  1. Brake later, compressing the brake zone (starting later, but ending your braking where you always have).
  2. Brake lighter (start braking where you usually do, but just use a little lighter pedal pressure).
  3. Move the entire brake zone further into the turn – start braking later, and finish later.
  4. Release the brakes sooner (finish sooner).

Which is the right approach? I don't know. It depends on the corner, your car, the conditions, and even your driving style.

Most drivers only use the first option, when the other three are often a better approach. Think about it, and try a different method next time on track. Ultimately, your brake release (timing and rate of release) will have the biggest impact on the speed you're able to carry into a turn.

You may find that you’re able to increase your corner entry speed without it hurting your exit speed. In fact, sometimes just a little bit more entry speed actually allows you to begin accelerating even earlier, as it reduces the “change in speed.” But that’s a topic for another day…

Ross Bentley

For more information about Ross’s tips, coaching, eCourses, newsletter, Virtual Track Walk videos, and other resources to help you drive at your best, go to www.SpeedSecrets.com

 

The Guide to Road Racing: Winding Road Magazine's ultimate guide to getting your start in racing.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

Bowers & Wilkins introduces the Pi8 McLaren Edition

Designed to take its award-winning earbuds to new heights of prestige and exclusivity The award-winning Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds receive new McLaren-inspired styling…

April 03, 2025
Valhalla: The Ultimate Drivers Supercar in Final Validation Testing Phase

Aston Martin Valhalla pictured on-road and on-track during final validation sign-off at both IDIADA, Spain and in the UK Driven on track by Aston Martin…

March 31, 2025
Hyundai Motor Group Launches ‘Pleos’ Software Brand, Unveiling New SDV Technologies and Collaborations

Hyundai Motor Group introduced its software brand Pleos and outlined plans for its software-centric ‘Cloud Mobility’ ecosystem at Pleos 25 developer conference Proprietary vehicle OS unveiled to boost SDV performance…

March 28, 2025
Planes, Yachts, the World’s Greatest Cars, and a Nearly $100 Million Auction: All Things Luxury Flock to ModaMiami’s Highly Anticipated Second Year

ModaMiami returns on March 1-2, 2025, set to display nearly 400 of the world’s greatest cars, premium luxury brands from every facet of collecting, and…

January 29, 2025
Lamborghini SC63 To Make Daytona 24 Hours Debut As Factory Entry

Quartet of Bortolotti, Grosjean, Kvyat and Mortara to tackle first GTP entry as an official factory team Sant’Agata Bolognese/Daytona Beach, 21 January 2025 – Lamborghini Squadra…

January 21, 2025

EMAIL SIGN UP

Get the latest driving and racing news straight to your inbox.

no thanks

Begin typing your search above and press return to search.