Audi R8 LMS EVO II Indianapolis HYMO Hot Lap Analysis
Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Indianapolis in the Audi R8 LMS EVO II driven by HYMO.
The Track
This expansive, technical circuit can be challenging to configure your car for. Between the iconic start/finish straight, the twisty and technical first sector, and the double apex turn 6, achieving the right balance can be tough. But don’t worry, HYMO has got you covered, and you can get the exact setup used in this hot lap video HERE.
Established in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the most iconic race tracks globally. The Formula One World Championship raced at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 2000-2007 in the United States Grand Prix. The circuit, which includes a 13-turn, 2.605-mile road course that runs clockwise, incorporates a variety of corner types, such as twisty chicanes, long winding corners, and banked turns. The track has also been a staple of the IndyCar Series and has held the Indianapolis 500 since 1911.
Analysis
Let’s use the Track Titan software to compare a community driver to the HYMO driver through Turn 8. The corner in question comes before a tight technical section, so getting a good exit is very important. In this case, the community driver loses 0.211 seconds to the HYMO driver, most of which is lost to taking the incorrect line through the corner.
From looking at the data, we can see that both the community driver (in dark blue) and the HYMO driver brake at the same time, however they don’t utilise trail braking. This means that to continue rotating through the corner, they have to keep steering which loses them speed. In this situation, the community driver actually turns in too much, not making the most of the track on the exit. The HYMO driver however, gets their rotation from the slip angle caused by trail braking meaning their steering stays neutral through the corner. This allows them to take a wider line through the corner while carrying more speed, giving them a better exit. From looking at the racing line, it looks like the community driver tried to sacrifice the exit of Turn 8 in favour of a better line into Turn 9. The lack of speed they carried through the corner means that they lose any time they would have gained before they even reach Turn 9.
You can analyse every other turn in the Track Titan platform; see reference lap here.
You can also take it to the next level and compare it against your own driving, just sign up to Track Titan for FREE today here.
Hot Lap Top Tips
In the world of sim racing, every decision on the track matters. One such critical decision is whether to sacrifice the exit of a corner in favour of a better line through the next one. While this strategy can sometimes be beneficial, it’s not always the fastest route. It’s essential to consider the overall flow of the track and the potential time gained or lost in subsequent corners.
A better approach might be to maintain a balanced line that allows for both a strong exit and a favourable entry into the next corner. This can lead to more consistent lap times and less variability in your driving, ultimately leading to better race results. Remember, in racing, consistency is key, and every tenth of a second counts.
To unlock your full sim racing potential, sign up for a FREE account on Track Titan today.
