Now some engineer might be able to argue or show that the added vertical force on the front suspension and tires when braking gives a momentary boost in grip to the front tires once the brake pedal is released and the nose of the car is still weighted.
Tom/Dave,
Given my recent finishing positions, I'm extremely hesitant to present myself as any type of expert on corner entry technique. However I AM a geek engineer and I love physics.
Nothing about either of your descriptions addresses vertical load and its relationship to slip angle or lateral traction. This has been well established in the literature and testing. See Paul Haneys book, or Millikens. Or here is a decent article on the subject:
http://racingcardyna...-lateral-force/
Daves indication of no turning before the brake is released contradicts what I see on video from our fastest drivers. It also is in conflict with the data I have seen, the multiple books out there on the subject, and with the coaching I have received by three different SM/MX5 national champions. Finally it conflicts with pretty much every form of racing that I watch, from F1 (which is in its own world...) to European series, to pro sports car racing. Who knows, maybe there is something I am totally missing or SM is a unique physics driving issue due to its slightly whacky suspension.....
Everything I have seen or heard is about increasing minimum speed in the corner, not about getting off the brakes before turning. In fact many of the very fastest pro drivers say that they let the car roll (coast) at some point with super gentle throttle application.
Now what is apparently different about our cars (to make them fast) is what some seem to call the "pitch and catch" approach which builds very rapid lateral load, and then allows pretty fast/early throttle application. But this still does not have drivers braking in a straight line. Personally I suck at this approach cause I can't seem to get my hands and feet to cooperate in the right timing, but its not a brake, get off brakes and then turn technique.
I suspect that we are all talking about very minor differences in brake/turning timing, but I did not want to let the conversation go on as if there was no other published viewpoints.
Of course (back to my recent finishing positions), maybe I'm all wet!
CNJ