Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO Watkins Glen Hot Lap Analysis

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Let’s take a look at this hot lap of Watkins Glen in the Mercedes AMG GT3 EVO driven by HYMO.

The Track

Watkins Glen International, located in Watkins Glen, New York, USA, is a historic and esteemed race circuit in North American motorsport. Opened in 1956, it was originally a street course before evolving into a dedicated racetrack. The circuit is renowned for its high-speed layout and scenic setting in the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes region.

The track is 5.43 kilometres (3.377 miles) long in its most common Grand Prix configuration, featuring 11 turns. Notable sections include the "Esses" (a high-speed, uphill series of bends) and the famous "Bus Stop" chicane, which demand precision and bravery. The track is characterised by its elevation changes and fast sweeping corners, providing a thrilling challenge for drivers.

Watkins Glen has hosted a wide range of motorsport events, including Formula 1, with the United States Grand Prix held there for many years. It is also a staple in American sports car and endurance racing, hosting events like the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Six Hours of Watkins Glen.

To help you out, the HYMO setup used in this hot lap video is available for you to try HERE.

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Analysis

The analysis below uses the Track Titan platform to compare a HYMO reference hotlap in blue to one of the Track Titan community drivers through Segment 9. The community driver was losing time on both the entry and the exit through this segment. They brake too early which slows their entry but then they try to make up for it by getting on the power early but they end up having to lift off because they were too keen. As Jackie Steward once said "never press the gas pedal until you know you never have to take it off". This ruins the momentum off the corner onto the straight and the overall loss through this section is 0.1s.

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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.

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Sim Racing Top Tips

Optimising your racing wheel setup for sim racing, like Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC), is essential for performance and comfort:

1. Wheel Position: Position the wheel so your arms are slightly bent for comfort and control.
2. Pedal Position: Adjust pedals to be easily reachable without stretching.
3. Force Feedback (FFB): Set FFB to a realistic level that provides car feedback without causing fatigue or clipping the motor torque.
4. Wheel Rotation: Match the wheel's rotation range with the real-world car you're driving, typically between 540 to 900 degrees for GT3 cars.
5. Sensitivity and Deadzones: Calibrate sensitivity for precise steering response and eliminate deadzones.
6. Calibration: Use ACC's calibration tool to ensure accurate wheel input recognition.
7. Software Updates: Keep wheel firmware and drivers updated.
8. Testing and Adjusting: Experiment with settings in practice sessions to find what works best for you.
9. Ergonomics: Ensure a comfortable setup to avoid strain during long sessions.

A well-adjusted wheel setup enhances control and the overall sim racing experience, making it crucial to invest time in getting these settings right.

Don't know where to improve? Use the HYMO hotlap to find out.

To see full lap analysis of your own driving, you can sign up to Track Titan for FREE today here.

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