The Driver and Handling

SlicedBread22

SlicedBread22

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Interesting read..

"Often overlooked as a handling factor, the driver is actually one of the biggest factors affecting handling balance. The driver influences weight transfer by how and when the controls are utilized. When the driver uses the brakes, applies the throttle or turns the steering wheel, weight transfer begins to occur, and how quickly the driver uses those controls affects how quickly weight transfer happens. So the driver controls when weight transfer begins and affects how fast it takes place. And weight transfer affects traction and roll couple distribution or handling balance. So, how well the driver manipulates the controls determines how well the driver is managing tire traction."

Read more here
 
I always thought Dale Sr was best at this . He was also good at adjusting his line to fit the car . Then , before he came into the pits , he would accurately describe to the crew what changes were needed. Many a time , I heard him say , " leave it , I can drive it like this ", not wanting to overadjust and make it worse.
 
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The article points out that the car is more consistent than the driver. The driver is the loose nut behind the wheel.
 
:dual9mm:Lose nut lost his chance for an exfinity win because he can't remember the rules.
 
Great post bread. Kyle Busch wins all the time because he is one of the best drivers. He won in Hendrick too. The most years and more series a driver races in before sprint car, the higher his odds of doing well. All of the focus Michael Annett placed in hockey and Josh Wise in track and Field are part of the reason why they struggle.
 
4tires17gals said:
Kyle Busch wins all the time because he is one of the best drivers.
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Kyle wins all of the time because he is talented as hell, but also because his feedback is crazy Einstein-like stuff. It is no secret that JGR got hot last year when he came back. While Toyota/TRD has been frustrated with Kyle from time to time, they are absolutely on the edge of their chairs when he speaks about his car. Addington could not keep up with this. Rogers could, but wasn't great with what needed to be done with he information. Adam might be the perfect fit.
 
Revman said:
Kyle wins all of the time because he is talented as hell, but also because his feedback is crazy Einstein-like stuff. It is no secret that JGR got hot last year when he came back. While Toyota/TRD has been frustrated with Kyle from time to time, they are absolutely on the edge of their chairs when he speaks about his car. Addington could not keep up with this. Rogers could, but wasn't great with what needed to be done with he information. Adam might be the perfect fit.
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Busch and Stevens worked together for years VERY successfully in NNS before he came to cup, as I'm sure you know very well.. He was the CC on the box when Joey won 9 races in a season. Adam Stevens is one hell of a crew chief and the fact that he knew how to setup Kyle's car before he ever came to cup was and will be very beneficial to both of them as time goes by. I see them staying together for a long time.
 
SlicedBread22 said:
Busch and Stevens worked together for years VERY successfully in NNS before he came to cup, as I'm sure you know very well.. He was the CC on the box when Joey won 9 races in a season. Adam Stevens is one hell of a crew chief and the fact that he knew how to setup Kyle's car before he ever came to cup was and will be very beneficial to both of them as time goes by. I see them staying together for a long time.
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I was skeptical that this would transfer to Cup. Several things surprised/impressed me about Adam: 1) Has handled increased exposure like he has been there forever, 2) He isn't intimidated by Kyle at all, 3) He limits Kyle's technical input over the radio--tell me about the car...I'll change it...you will tell me if you like it--don't talk about shock valving, etc. 4) He will not **** talk Kyle over the radio--gives him some leash to get pissed, but doesn't try to man up him, and 5) Loyal as hell. I agree, you could see this working nicely for a very long time.
 
^ It used to be that crew chiefs (or car owners) could cure handling ills by making subtle body modifications with a rubber mallet. However, this doesn't work as well in this modern age of cool suits and full face helmets.
 
Every once in awhile a driver gets a CC and knows he can't do any better.

Right now KH has that CC.
 
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