Threshold braking is a driving technique in which a driver applies brakes to the maximum extent possible without inducing wheel lockup or getting into the ABS. The “threshold” here refers to that fine line between optimal braking and the tires sliding all over the surface of the race track. It’s about keeping the brakes on the very edge of locking up, allowing the driver to decelerate the vehicle at the maximum possible rate.
In a recent coaching session. Blayze pro racer Dion von Moltke walks one of his athletes through the process of testing threshold braking. Take a look at the quick video below to see how Dion explains threshold braking in a coaching session.
The Importance of Threshold Braking
Threshold braking is vital for race car drivers because it allows for optimal braking into hairpin style corners where a driver needs to reduce a significant amount of speed.
When learning threshold braking it’s vital you only use this in the right corners, not every corner is a threshold braking corner. To learn more about the different braking techniques used in different corner types, take a look at our braking masterclass article here! Threshold braking is typically used when you are arriving into a tighter hairpin style corner with a lot of speed that you need to reduce. You’ll often find threshold braking corners have a straightaway that precedes them and lead into a tighter radius corner with lower apex speeds.
How to Master Threshold Braking
Pick the Corner
Find one or two corners where you will be at threshold braking to focus on.
Pick a Conservative Brake Marker
We are going to make mistakes so we want to lower our risk by braking a little early. That is why you will want to pick a conservative brake marker.
Build Up Pressure
Little by little, work on braking harder and harder early in the brake zone. Your goal is to work your way up to getting into the ABS or locking tires early on in the brake zone. Once you get that tire lock up or ABS you are now slightly over the limit.
Fine Tune
Now you have a feel for where the limit is in terms of pressure. Work on hitting the brakes as hard as you can without the ABS/lockups, and slowly move your brake zone deeper into the corner.
Use Data
Many modern race cars have data acquisition systems that can provide information about your braking habits. Analyzing your braking pressure, timing, and modulation can give you valuable insights to improve.
A helpful data point to look at if you don’t know your threshold braking is your G-Lat and G-Long channels. G-Lat is how many g’s you’re pulling in the corners and G-Long is how many g’s you’re pulling in braking and acceleration zones.
At a high-level, your car will pull the same g’s laterally as it will longitudinally. Look at your consistent peak lateral G’s and see if that equals your peak Long-G’s. This isn’t perfect but can be a decent starting place to look at.
Wrap-Up
Understanding threshold braking and how to maximize its potential can mean the difference between being on the podium or in the paddock. As with any driving skill, there are no shortcuts – it takes time, patience, and lots of practice.
If you find yourself growing frustrated with this skill, reach out to your Blayze coach for assistance. As the example video shows, a private coach can brake down your driving style and tailor all coaching specifically to your strengths and weaknesses.
Stop spinning your wheels with trial and error. Learn from Blayze professionals about what you need to be doing correctly so that you are cutting down your lap times and winning more races!
Learn More With Blayze!
Want to take your racing skills and mental toughness to the next level? Have you ever thought about using a private coach to help you reach your goals?
Learn one-on-one with the best racing coaches on the planet with Blayze! Become a Blayze member today and start working with your selected coach for just $29 for your first 30 days. Check it out here.
