FORZA NATION - Digital All Stars

#1: Decelerate Straight
Do as much of your braking as possible in a
straight line. Any straight line. The split-second of
neutrality in the middle of a left/right transition
is the perfect spot to lose 10~20 mph before
diving into the next corner. For light bends,
adjust your speed while traveling in a straight
line. Get back on the gas before any steering
input, but use just enough throttle to maintain
speed through the bend and balance the
car. Sudden braking or sloppy steering midbend
is not recommended. If you do have to
decelerate mid-corner, do so by slowly backing
off the throttle, not by cutting power abruptly
or braking. Any sudden weight shift towards
the front while cornering will cause the muchheavier
rear end to develop a mind of its own.
#2: Slow In, Fast Out.
FOOT TO THE FLOOR AND
EVER-SO-SLIGHTLY SIDEWAYS,
GIVES ME AN EAR TO EAR
GRIN EVERYTIME
Conclusion
People use this cornering technique in cars
other than Porsches. The difference is, in a
Porsche, you must use it. Having done all your
slowing-down in a straight line, as noted before,
enter the corner slower than you usually would,
and exit faster. Use this in conjunction with the
next phrase on tight corners, especially before a
long straightaway.
SEPTEMBER 2012 FORZA NATION 19
#3: Late Apex
As you employ the slow in, fast out technique,
enter the corner wide, and stay wide most of
the way through. Apply light to medium throttle
before turning the wheel, to keep the weight
shifted to the rear and keep the car stable. Dive
towards the inside quite late, and aim to make
your apex in the final 1/3rd of the corner. Slowly
roll onto the throttle while doing this, then “drop
the hammer” as you straighten out and exit
the corner. The exit speeds this can generate
will result in tremendous straightaway speeds. I
can personally attest that in an A-class ‘95 911,
this technique can put an NSX or even a 360
Modena to shame.
Stay smooth and balanced. Keep the weight shifted to the back of the car. Never let off the throttle suddenly or brake while cornering. Brake in straight
lines. Stay focused! If you lose your edge and start getting sloppy, these cars will kick your teeth in. On the other hand, they reward those who show
consistency and precision with a thrilling drive and very decent lap times. As with any driving style, practice makes perfect. Sedona raceway park is
an excellent track to practice taking light to medium bends in your 911, and to become accustomed to the car’s bizarre left/right transitions. Road
America is good for 90-degree turns, and of course the Nurburgring is the ultimate test track for virtually all aspects of driving.
To be perfectly honest with you, I’m not in love with Porsches to the degree that so many others are. I do like them, don’t get me wrong. They are quick
little sportscars, after all! There are just so many cars I like more. Having said that: Flying out of a late-apex corner in a 911, foot to the floor and ever-soslightly
sideways, gives me an ear-to-ear grin every time.