Figure 31 - Friction Circle Comparison - Track Systems Traqmate User Manual

Traqmate User Manual V1.0 June 14, 2005
Friction Circle
Many times you can get a quick idea of driver skill by simply looking at their Friction Circle plot. A
beginning driver will generally have a plot that appears like an inverted T with dips on the sides.
This is because they brake straight, get off the brakes, then turn.
As a driver gains experience, his Friction Circle will be much more triangular and follow the
perimeter of a triangle. This happens because the driver is transitioning from braking to turn-in in
a coordinated fashion. A very experienced driver's Friction Circle will have a visible hole in the
center showing that the maximum grip of the car is being used at all times. When playing back in
real-time you can see the cursor go around the outside of the triangle.
To determine how much of the performance of the car is being utilized, do a skidpad test as
described in the vehicle performance section below.
Note "Hole"
Note "Dip"

Figure 31 - Friction Circle Comparison

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