AC Driving Basics for Beginners

The racing line is the optimal path through a corner that allows the highest speed. It's based on physics and geometry, not just preference.

Three Key Points of Every Corner:

1. Turn-in Point: Where you start turning the wheel
2. Apex (Clipping Point): The innermost point of the corner
3. Exit Point: Where you straighten the wheel and accelerate

Corner Phases:

1. Approach → Outside of track (maximum space)
2. Brake → Heavy braking in straight line
3. Turn-in → Begin turning from outside
4. Trail brake → Gradually release brakes while turning
5. Apex → Get close to inside of corner
6. Accelerate → Smoothly add power
7. Exit → Use full track width to outside

Proper Braking Sequence:

1. Brake in a Straight Line: Start braking before the corner, not while turning
2. Maximum Pressure First: Hit brakes hard initially (with ABS, you can mash them)
3. Progressive Release: Gradually ease off as you approach turn-in
4. Trail Brake: Continue light braking into the corner (advanced)

Use visual markers to help with consistent braking:

• Brake boards (100m, 50m signs)
• Track-side objects (trees, marshal posts, painted marks)
• Track surface changes (patches, cracks, paint)
• Ideal line app in AC (while learning)

Pick a clear, consistent marker and use it every lap. Gradually move your braking point later as you improve.

Car weight shifts based on what you do with controls:

• Braking: Weight moves forward (front tires grip better, rear can lock)
• Accelerating: Weight moves rearward (rear tires grip better, can oversteer)
• Turning: Weight moves to outside wheels
• Coasting: Weight is balanced (neutral)

Trail braking is continuing to brake lightly as you turn into the corner. Benefits:

• Keeps weight on front tires for better turn-in
• Helps rotate the car
• Allows later braking points
• Better control through entry

How to practice: Brake fully in straight, then ease off 10-20% as you turn. Don't release completely until past the apex.

Throttle control is crucial for maintaining grip, especially in powerful cars:

• Progressive Application: Squeeze throttle smoothly, don't stab it
• Wait for Apex: Don't accelerate hard until you can see the exit
• Unwind the Wheel: As you straighten steering, add more throttle
• Full Power: Only when wheel is mostly straight

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD):

• Tends to understeer (push wide) under power
• Can use throttle to help rotate mid-corner
• Be patient with throttle in tight corners

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD):

• Can oversteer (spin) if too much throttle
• More rewarding and balanced
• Requires smooth throttle application
• Use TC when learning (reduces power if sliding)

All-Wheel Drive (AWD):

• Most forgiving, best traction
• Can understeer if accelerating too early
• Generally easier for beginners

Slow Corners (Hairpins, Tight 90°):

• Late apex (turn in later than you think)
• Prioritize exit speed over entry
• Use full track width on exit

Fast Corners (Sweepers):

• Early apex (straighter line through)
• Maintain momentum (less braking)
• Smooth inputs are critical

Chicanes (S-bends):

• Treat as one corner, not two
• Sacrifice first part for better exit from second
• Straight-line braking before entry only

Look where you want to go, not where you are:

• Approaching corner: Look at turn-in point
• At turn-in: Look at apex
• At apex: Look at exit point
• On exit: Look down the straight

1. Pick one corner on a track
2. Do 10 laps focusing only on that corner
3. Try different lines, brake points, throttle application
4. Compare lap times for that sector
5. Find what works best

1. Do 10 laps at 90% pace (not full attack)
2. Try to match your lap time within 0.5 seconds each lap
3. Focus on smooth, repeatable inputs
4. Consistency is faster than occasional hero laps

1. Set AI to 85-90%
2. Follow an AI car for full lap
3. Watch their brake points, turn-in, and racing line
4. Mimic their techniques
5. Gradually improve until you can overtake