Hitting the Apex: It's all about the lines!
Look at all those turns ... A riders dream!! Photo Credit: Horia Varlan
When it comes to motorcycle road racing, or any type of racing for that matter, there is only goal. That goal? To get around the track faster than anyone else. Sounds pretty simple and straight forward right? The truth is, it is more complex than you have ever imagined. If you want to go fast, it's all about the lines, it's all about hitting the apex!
In racing, the best line refers to the fastest and most efficient racing line around a track. In other words, it is the literal line that can be traced around a race circuit indicating the fastest way around or the fastest time possible. This line can vary depending on the bike you are riding. According to DrivingFast.net, "By using all of the available space on the track, vehicles can travel in a straighter line and travel faster before reaching the limits of grip. Determining the best line is an essential skill to master for both track days and racing events."
The best line depends on the following factors:
The position and direction of the next corner
Watch below for a simulated demonstration of racing lines:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxMSdvnm0Ms?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
The Apex:
Out of the four factors that contribute to determining the best racing line (braking point, turn in point, apex, and the position and direction of the next corner), the apex is undoubtedly the most crucial and most important factor.
According to MotorcycleDirectory.co.uk, "The apex is often, but not always, the geometric center of the corner. Within the context of motorcycling, the apex is referred to the point where the motorcycle is closest to the inside of the corner and not necessarily the center of the corner ... Passing over the apex allows the motorcycle to take the straightest line and maintain the highest speed throughout the whole turn. The apex is also the tightest section of the corner."
This quote goes a long way in describing why the apex is so important and absolutely crucial to going fast. Simply put, when you think about the apex, imagine the center point of the turn as a reference point. This reference point is used by riders to take the straightest and fastest line through a corner. Additionally, the apex provides a reference for the braking and turn in points mentioned earlier as important factors for determining the best racing line. The bottom line? If you want to go fast, you have to hit the apex! Still with me here? I told you it was complex!
The Masters:
Now that you know all about racing lines and the apex, you can go practice and practice until you become a master and world champion at it like this guy! Well, probably not. Still, enjoy the eye candy below.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl4wfPF-d-Q?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
If you're drooling like me right now, it's totally not weird! Until next time, this is Two Wheel Tuesdays signing out. Be free and drag some knee!!
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