As the title says I need help developing ref points. I have become reasonably quick but I notice the cones have become my ref points. Im thinking of racing next year and would like some advice on developing my one markers.
you need to pick objects that don't move. cones can be repositioned between sessions. I have heard a story of someone using a corner marshal as a marker, was okay until he moved Pick tire marks/dark spots on the track, a spot on curbing. Some tracks have permanent markers, and some groups put out markers as reference points.
Do a track walk. You will see lots of stuff at walking speed that you can later find while riding. I just close my eyes.:wow:
RP's don't have to be physically on-track. They can be off in the distance, visual points of reference, such as trees, a corner working station, etc. Try to find reference points for every corner - a turn-in point, and exit point specifically. Replay a full lap of a track in your head and if you feel lost and don't know where you are in a certain section, that's an indication that you need to find additional reference points in that spot.
Good topic, thnx for starting it! FWIW- I have heard some racers say in the past that they'll make their own RP's if they have to by leaving several skid marks side by side during their practice sessions.......I dont think I'll ever be at that level tho. ;(
Like Eddie said, you should be able to sit down somewhere, close your eyes and visualize an entire lap. Not only that, but if you know the track and are comfortable everywhere, your imaginary lap times should be similar to your IRL lap times. If you get to a certain spot in your imaginary lap and draw a blank (or "fast forward" to another spot), then that is a section of the track you aren't comfortable with.
Thanks Guy's (and girls if any) I know Summit point and Shenny Pretty good. Ill do the visualization and then the track walk. With some notes and practice im sure this will help.
well said mate. At the Isle of Man, I used to go out at night with a paint spray can, and paint trees and things for myself, worked a treat, as I new them well, and trusted my memory of them
I usually pick out places that i've landed and use them as reference points. Places like "That one hurt" or "That really sucked" or "The marshalls got to me really quick" really help me out.
Take some chalk like the kids use on sidewalks. Mark your ref. points, chalk washes away, paint don't
...and hope others don't have the same idea (or at least use the same color chalk). Imagine going to Jennings right after Pegram ran his 13.8 and trying to use some of his same markers. :wow:
