bacolmm wrote:
There are definitely 2 different schools of thought on the topic (with fast guys on each side). Freddy Spencer and Nick I are huge on trail braking, Keith Code, not so much.
I"ve done levels 1 - 4 with CSS and trail braking is somewhat absent from the curriculum. CSS seems to focus more on the throttle. When cornering CSS theory is get back on the throttle ASAP and apply proper throttle control throughout.
Ithink they see trail braking is an advanced technique to be applied when you are looking to make up smaller amounts of time maybe 1/2 second or so.
I need to look in to it a little more but I think there is some disagreement on the subject of front suspension upon corner entry as well.
- Trail braking theory targets a loaded front suspension
- CSS teaches to unload the front suspension
bacolmm wrote:
I read a discussion on WERA that basically said trail braking is necessary in racing to defend your line, but running fast laps alone (like qualifying) it's not necessary. That argument makes sense to me.
That's interesting and I think I agree - this seems to align with CSS theory of maintaining cornering speed and to make time with the throttle on.
bacolmm wrote:
I don't trail brake very often...I also do it when I make a mistake and go in too hot, but it's not usually in my plan.
Me too for the most part - one turn for me that comes to mind is #1 @ NJMP Thunderbolt.
It's funny as I have been doing some thinking about this skill lately trying to better understand it and identify turns that would be good candidates to apply it.