Ever wondered how the fastest drivers nail those blistering “flyer” laps in qualifying or Time Trial? It is not just raw talent — it’s a systematic approach they use to shave precious tenths off their lap times. This article explores a fresh approach to attacking that crucial flyer lap and achieving a new personal best.
Prelap Prep: It All Starts in the Pits
- Prepare for a short session of an “out” lap and one or two flyer laps. If you are aiming for a personal best, it should ideally occur on lap one or two, when your tires are optimal.
- Study the grid sheet and try to predict the relative speeds and tendencies of those immediately around you. A presession powwow with those drivers can help coordinate how to create ample space and cooperation.
- Sometimes, you will want to swap positions with a driver on the out lap, particularly if you know you’ll be considerably faster than the driver directly in front of you. It is worth an attempt to coordinate your intentions and work out an agreement. After all, you are all searching for clean laps.
- Ditch any unnecessary weight you’d normally have on board for a longer stint. Gas weighs approximately 6 pounds per gallon, so plan on having just enough fuel to safely complete your session and still make weight. Also, remove your cool suit system if you can tolerate the heat.
- Set starting tire pressures to reach your target pressure after just one or two flyer laps. Your tires won’t have a chance to get as hot as in a long session, so you might need to start a couple psi higher than you would for a long stint.
- Once buckled in, try this simple technique to get focused and calm. It’s called “belly breathing” or “square breathing.” Take a long, deep inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, then exhale fully for four seconds. Repeat five times. Try to feel your heart rate declining.
The Out Lap Ritual
Warming your tires cannnot be overemphasized. Do not stick to the bumper of the driver in front of you. Space out and drive safely in a different lane than the car in front of you. Generate heat via rapid accelerations and decelerations, usually in second gear. You want to heat up the brakes and wheels to heat the tires evenly from the inside out, rather than just overheating the surface by weaving.
- Space yourself out so you can begin accelerating with three or four corners to go. You don’t want to be dawdling and lull yourself to sleep. Pick up the pace with intention. Feel for the grip limit.
Your First Timed Lap
- Forget the “perfect” line through the last turn. You’re chasing pure speed on the exit of the final corner because the stopwatch doesn’t start until you reach the start/finish line. You’re aiming for maximum speed to start your lap. To get there, you need maximum exit speed on the final corner. To achieve that, you need to start as far to the outside as possible, get more of your turning done in the first phase of the turn-in, and emphasize getting to full throttle earlier than normal, with your car oriented down the straightaway sooner. Use every inch of track width on the exit.
- If you can get a tow from the car ahead, then great. However, it’s better to have space for a clean lap than to catch the car ahead.
- Attack the first corner. If you’re on “stickers,” the extra grip may surprise you. Even if you slightly overshoot the first apex, you’ll know exactly what you’ve got underneath you, and your brain will quickly adapt to the available traction.
- Do not admire your handiwork if you nail a corner, and don’t beat yourself up if you blow it. It’s behind you. Stay intense, focus forward, and predict what’s coming next.
With these tips in your arsenal, get out there and achieve a new personal best!
