Twin Ring Motegi Super Speedway
The Motegi Super Speedway is a track that requires smooth driver inputs in order to minimize lap times. It is important to remember that a smooth line and acceleration is the ultimate goal when considering any oval track. A smooth line will result in steady acceleration thus increasing your overall top speed. The Motegi Super Speedway is similar to the Nissan Speedway in this respect, however when considering the shape of the track the strategies and car set-ups will be much different.
The Nissan Speedway is constructed with two identical turns, whereas the Motegi Super Speedway has two different turns that must be approached differently. Also the Nissan Speedway is geared towards a car that has a high top speed, something that is not entirely desired on the Motegi Super Speedway due to the shortness of the straightaway’s. Of course top speed is a main concern however due to the sharpness of the second turn; a car with good handling will be required to minimize the time spent on this section of the Motegi Super Speedway. There is a tradeoff between an extremely high top speed and increased handling characteristics, so a fine balance is needed to properly tackle this track.
The general concept for approaching an oval track is very similar to any other turn in racing, meaning you want to begin from the outside, move towards the inside for the apex, and accelerate from the exit to the outside again. On a speedway the time spent on the inside apex is much longer, and it is very important to utilize every inch of the track.
Turn 1: Sweeping Left Hander
Approach this turn from the far right hand side of the track, and make your entrance at full speed. Generally speaking this turn can be taken without any braking, however depending on your car you may need to slightly let off the throttle in order to hit the right line. You want to make a very slow and smooth approach towards the inside of the turn while maximizing and maintaining your momentum and speed. Once you reach the inside you want to continue along the same line until you approach the turns exit. At this point you want to begin fading slowly towards the outside wall while accelerating as much as possible. Make sure to judge how far you can push your line towards the outside without hitting the wall.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of Turn 1
Turn 2: Tight Left Hander
The second turn on the Motegi Super Speedway is another left hander that is much sharper than the first and as a result braking will be needed depending on your cars characteristics. The same general technique applies as you want to maintain a smooth and consistent line from the outside to the inside and back to the outside at the exit. Slow down to the proper speed and make your entrance aiming towards the inside of the turn. Once you see the exit make your way towards the outside with the smoothest line possible. The outside wall for this turn approaches much faster than you expect so judge your speed and grip accordingly; it is very easy to overshoot the exit on this turn.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of Turn 2
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