3 Quick Ways to Perfect Your Sim Racing Line

Your racing line is critical to being fast in sim racing, get it wrong and you'll be seconds off the pace.
Scott Mansell, racing coach from Driver61 and the new Driver61 Sim Racing channel explains how to quickly improve your racing line and lower your laptime.
The Driver61 Sim Racing channel is here to help you learn driving techniques, win races and ultimately fulfill your sim racing potential.
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[@nicholasmills6489]

Bloody amazing. I followed your braking techniques and after initial rubbish. I sudden beat my lap record on monza by 2.5sec. Down from 157.6 to 155.1. Boy was I so thrilled. Big improvements in such a short practice.

[@CookRacingUK]

'Don't look where you're going, look where you're going after that' wise words :D

[@TheTektronik]

This is what I'm struggling with as of now and sometimes, I find myself oversteering and getting thrown off the track. Thank you for this gem of an information.

[@heaveneightyseven5634]

hey ! as the video was playing, i immediatly noticed my laptimes were improving just by looking further, as a consequence, it made me use throttle/brake more smoothly (because you give yourself time to react and adapt). the point is hearing these simple tips underlined my most frequent mistakes. thank you for your tips man !

[@ordnajela7002]

Your explanations are simple and concise yet full of wisdom and extremely helpful! Keep up!

[@BIG_WAVE_RACING]

I have been a professional driving instructor for about 14 years and the aspects on the videos you touch on and how you teach people here are excellent. I use some tools similar to this on customer dash cam footage in our classes at road courses here in the USA. I like coming to your videos to brush up on things sometimes and its also good to see a different perspective because I have gained a few tips from you myself. As racers we should all share and learn to increase the quality of competition!

[@tan143danh]

At last someone who explains clearly. knowledge that can be applied

[@PM_DraKKar]

the last thing mentioned about the limit being reached during a short period of time during a corner really got me thinking now. I dont necessarily do circuit racing i do narrow/canyon/hillclimb whatever you may call it for sim racing. I think this is one of the reasons why my times are always stuck in the same spot and behind some of the best out on whatever road am racing.

[@starwarsfan767]

Please make a video about when to shift in different cars when looking at the hp/torque curve and shift lights etc. I always see people shifting at different points on the 2019 Formula Hybrid car.

[@renielfanini9879]

Faster shifts (early shifts) are at low gears to avoid wheel spin. Long shifts (full rpm) are for later gears since the car won't get as much torque at high rpms. Example: I play a lot of f1 2019 and exiting low speed corners I shift up to 4th gear before each gear reaches the 8k to 9k rpm mark and then 4-7th gears are at higher rpms (11k to 12k).

[@shaggy69001]

I love your videos, even on topics I already think i know plenty, i learn a little something. Thanks man

[@dimitris.4484]

I love your explanations they are simple, detailed and they apply on sim racing and on the real motorsport.

[@lehmanp]

Thank you for these detailed videos! As a car enthusiast and casual sim racer these videos really help with what to actually focus on when I’m sim racing. I’ve wasted hours just mucking about not really learning anything new. Keep up the good work! 😊

[@4matigta]

Best playlist ever! You are really good explaining. Thanks!

[@benchurchill9735]

These are fantastic videos, thank you.

[@user-zc1dd2zb5u]

Thank you Scott! You're only the one who can explain how to be faster and get wright moving for faster laptimes! Even English is not my language and i know it not on 100%, I'm understanding completely all by your hands moves and videos/pictures! Great job for others, just great job! 👍👏

[@caan-zu5gm]

Tank you Scott.

[@MostlyBlindMitch]

Nice video. As someone who is legally blind with a 10 degree field of vision leaving me with zero peripheral vision, I can attest to just how difficult it is when you don't have/use all your vision.

[@mikemarchetta3145]

hands down the most beneficial thing you can do in real life and a sim... eyes. up!!

[@BigJKtm]

Scott, would it be possible to do a video explaining alternate lines and when squaring off a corner is good? Thanks for all the great content it has helped me a ton.

[@staj]

Brilliant Brilliant Video as ever! Please do the drivers in pro racing have access to the track map while racing?

[@Kungfujoe1110]

That bit about T1 Monza, about looking to the next apex on the left and, as a consequence, inadvertently straight-lining the corner... Yeah, the Wall of Champions doesn't like it when you do that - I've been struggling with that issue in Montreal this week

[@215dagby]

Your videos are very great. They’ve helped me a lot. I just got my Nordshleife time down to 5:22.164. Down 30 seconds from my best lap 3 weeks ago. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@driver61simracing10]

Fantastic!

[@danielsantslv4565]

Very good advices! Could you make a video about pace and constance?

[@cdrseabee]

Is there going to be a video(s) on setup? Thanks for the videos

[@thedude4795]

started recently with assetto corsa (2014) and an old oculus headset. i played AC earlier about 60 hours but now it was clearer to me than ever that my lines where terrible. Turning in way too early and unable to carry speed through multiple corners. Gonna try to keep corner as wide as possible (or, more so) and really focus on widening the arch so, really forward to gaming!

[@belislemathieu2061]

To me, the problem seems to be braking. I just cant brake as late as the fast guys

[@Fergy00000]

Don't get caught up trying to brake to late. It's not the fastest way through a corner. Slow in, fast out. Braking to late costs you a lot of time per lap. Racing is different, some times you're late braking in defence and fighting for position.

[@belislemathieu2061]

@@Fergy00000 Thanks! I will work on it :)

[@kratoz_858]

Maybe your sim isnt configured? Brake gamma 1.0 will do the trick.

[@lengerer]

I find with inverted pedals (and load cell) you can get a more constant, reliable pressure on the pedal. Otherwise it’s sometimes good but then you slightly change your foot position, especially in a long race or if you been racing a lot and fatigue sets in and you change the pressure. I haven’t tried, but I think wearing racing shoes probably helps with fatigue as well

[@OmegaF77]

I have this problem and a myriad of other problems because I use a controller. I use Assetto Corsa (original) and in the Vallelunga Club circuit I can only do 1:03.59+ with the Abarth 500 Esse Esse (default setup).

[@ArgueWithTheMajority]

This channel is just perfect so far

[@cavemanindustries5102]

This is something i struggle with in game and in life. Anyone whos ridden a dirt bike through deep ruts knows the importance of keeping your eyes up!

[@ThisKory]

Most of this I already knew, but what you said last was actually quite useful, thank you for that. I think the simplest way to put it is that the smoother your line, the faster you are. Would this be correct? It made perfect sense to me when you said if you're snapping the wheel to get a tighter turn-in when coming out of a corner, then this means you are exiting the corner too fast, which means you need to readjust your line, or exit the corner slower? Sorry, I'm just writing this out to better understand it all. I'm a new owner of a T300 wheel and I'm absolutely loving it so far. I love improving my lap times. There's something about it that feels so damn good when you manage to shave off a second when you finally get the right braking or take better lines through each corner. Keep these videos coming! I'd love to see some advice for VR users.

[@nicholasmills6489]

Now down to 153.5sec. Amazing. Brilliant.

[@renielfanini9879]

this always works for practice or qualifying. racing line varies during races.

[@39KHall]

Good advice (look further). Only caveat is for "blind" corners like that lefthander over the rise at Mid-Ohio or the (redacting redacted) Corkscrew at Laguna Seca (my technique: barrel up the rise in third, hit the crest, scream, stand on the brakes, tiptoe through in first gear assuming I haven't piled up on the hay bales), where it seems you just have to drive it enough to make it muscle memory or something.

[@morphykg1503]

Thanks for your great videos. Any tips on "blind" turns and chicanes where you can't see. I'm referring to corners you can find in places like Nurburgring and Fuji where there is a lot of elevation changes so you can't see ahead in some places

[@superalminko]

Unfortunately, you have to play these tracks a lot in order to memorize the points of the corner. You have to be able to imagine the corner ahead and then just do what the video says: always focus on the next point (brake, apex, exit)

[@databox4279]

Огромная Вам благодарность за вашу деятельность. Я получаю много ценной информации от Вас. Я из России и на моем родном языке нет таких важных уроков. Смотрю Вас при помощи перевода субтитров =)

[@roddy6924]

That's dedication. You'll get pro for sure. Greetings from Canada.

[@simracingfromzero4177]

Thanks!!! I hope this Will help me be faster!

[@smatchimo645]

3:17 and at this point I subbed. nice little bonus tidbit there that went against what I'd imagined (thought they were slippery AF lol)

[@Aaron_Designs_NL]

i need more help at blind corners, can you for example do an bumby track or nordschleife for example?

[@BravoAlfaZulu]

Is the steering angle generally constant throughout the corner? Or do you continue to turn the wheel throughout i.e. continuously tightening up to the apex and then relaxed as heading out for a tradition "school" geometric ideal racing line?

[@nicholasmills6489]

Going over the most difficult corner at monza. Well it is for me. I still drive too slow through this corner.

[@bartsimpson94]

Not Recommended! Dosnt work with dirt 2.0! jk ;) , great video!

[@cypylix82]

How can i send you an email with an message? And a video link. Great job on all this videos from the real life and sim racing. Thank you.

[@LeighWinspear]

If you are the head coach, wondering, as one does, how many coaches are there?

[@olavafargamer757]

My main problems with the line are in corners that have a 'hidden' apex. For instance a corner starting with a medium turn (so some fairly heavy breaking is needed) and then goes into a more narrow curve (so speed must be down or breaking harder here will cause a spin) at the end. I find it extremely hard to find a good line in these so that I can carry any speed into the following straight. Frankly I do not even know where I want to look. Typically I'd say one would already want to be on the accelerator through the narrow part but it is hard to find the point where to start accelerating. Mostly I seem to get stuck into a slow (but safe) exit.

[@TheSnaveeelPlaysGames]

In situations like that it is always best to look as far down the track as you can see. If the corner or apex is blind keep your vision as far ahead as possible.

[@bbogdanmircea]

How do you perceive speed in sim racing? I have no idea if I am fast or slow if not looking at the speedometer.

[@galaxian_hitchhiker]

I couldn't get why sandy tarmac have a little bit more grip than the tarmac at 03:25 ?

[@SicKem]

You said you are a racing coach? What must I do to be quicker at the track. I'm usually with the faster drivers and im just right out of the 10 ten times, but my laptimes are below par.

[@EpicGT]

I think this is my problem as well. Looking too close at the cars hood, everything becomes so fast and flashing that my head Heats up pretty quick and i get frustrated fast. I am trying to implement this technic but it takes time as its not natural in a way. I get confused a lot and super uncomfortable 😣🥵 when i have to look so far ahead , then i feel insecure around my front . But i know most of the tracks from my head so its slowly becoming more natural, and i can spread the vision much further step by step as i go, and feel more comfortable with knowing my surroundings.

[@BallerDennisND]

LOL gets super uncomfortable. That's a real sim racer right there hahahaha

[@Cheeseonpie]

for me its i just dont when and where to brake

[@AVERYhornyMrDinosaur]

so your saying that when im leaving a corner.. i should be looking at were i want to go on the track? good advice, i suppose.. however, closing my eyes and screaming has been working well for me..

[@roddy6924]

I once saw Nico Rosberg talking about whenever he was about to crash hard in F1, and knew he couldn't avoid it. He said he lets go of the wheel, puts his arms up around his head and screams, like a girl. I think it was in his video on 'How to Master Spa'. He then later actually accidentally crashed the car in the sim, and did just what he had said. Didn't seem planned at all either, a legit eff-up and reaction. He also said some drivers will never let go of the wheel no matter what.

[@danielevertsson7978]

im usually thinking about the next corner and imagining im already in it.

[@29skatekid]

Brake bias makes a great deal of difference.

[@mslice55]

I think fitness is very important, i have back pain because of breaking. Do you give exercise Tipps ?

[@roddy6924]

walk a km or 2 each day, first thing in the morning, and after dinner. It'll help allot.

[@nyeleskettes]

To me the biggest problem is the corner or actually its curvature. Requires braking and steering and that is abnormal compared to the straight line where I can just send it.

[@tosspot1305]

My problem is braking.. I'm trying to take too much speed into the corner so I'm exiting slow. If I brake sooner and get through what I think is quick it's actually slow. I look at others replay and they're braking sooo much later. If I do that the car is too quick and way too unstable through the corner

[@cantutv91]

Do you have a personal coach?

[@heatxtm]

he is the personal coach

[@OmegaF77]

@@heatxtm Dun dun dun!

[@jiroweiler5883]

Is there a video about how to trace line when you're right behind someone? becuase when you are close their car is most likely to cover these point of view, almost forcing you to concentrate your vision right in front of you, which turns to a not ideal racing line into a mistake.

[@asnoobadoug]

Jiro Weiler sometimes you cant, so in that case looking at the ground as far ahead as possible (normally under or beside the person infront of you) and just focus on hugging the apex until they pull out and open vision again. A more advanced tip would be to visualize as if they werent there or "look through" them if you will

[@jiroweiler5883]

@@asnoobadoug Gotta try that, forgive me people for i am about to ram (Accidentally)

[@schore69]

second chicane monza... isnt there a bridge or an overpass??

[@roddy6924]

no, the bridge or overpass you are referring to is actually going under the old oval, its 2 corners after the second chicane.

[@schore69]

@@roddy6924 ... oh they removed it with the last little changes on the track like a year ago. i really dunno why they did it, but it bugs me out every f*cking lap, cause im so used to it being my reference point.

[@cyrusmalvecino5956]

How to exit a corner faster?

[@vadimyakus]

How to memorize all the tracks? At least all the famous ones? I do straggle with remembering my breaking points on all these tracks :(

[@NATM462]

Just learn it one corner at a time or break it down into sections. Also watching laps from other people really help.

[@feroxdott]

First of , the tutorials are great im learning alot. But im high as fuck and at 5:40 those bricks on the wall are doing something strange and its confusing me

[@grantlauzon5237]

0:34 that’s a huge problem in Forza because the cars refuse to rotate. The cars also have really wide slip angles so they need to thrown into corners extra hard. Both of those factors sorta force you to take early apexes. I feel like my driving gets worse the more I play it which is something that doesn’t happen in any other racing game (Sim or arcade).

[@mr_smilegaming8842]

Trail braking is your friend.

[@grantlauzon5237]

@@mr_smilegaming8842 I should’ve been more specific. Rotation isn’t the problem it’s turn in that’s the problem. More so with MotorSport.

[@mr_smilegaming8842]

@@grantlauzon5237 I see. I also want to clarify that with minor amount of braking while turning during turn in assuming still under the car limit, that will rotate the car. Essentially, trail braking is the technique that create some slip angle.

[@facealexitohdnp]

in ascari on iracing if you follow his line you get an off track

[@Radu25]

Can somebody tell me what is the name of the game in the video?

[@Vincent-xy5eg]

AC competizione

[@Radu25]

@@Vincent-xy5eg Ok bro, thanks!

[@dundeedolphin]

You seem to have three corps on this subject with exactly the same p pin butters 😄

[@MrMelodynelson]

the 1972 Nigel James M?

[@Jellybeantiger]

I’m 6 ft 3 and no space to put a proper seat and steering wheel at the right height so my driving is compromised.

[@BallerDennisND]

Go out and play some basketball instead

[@derekparker6320]

Why not just have the race line switched on?

[@roddy6924]

the race line isn't always completely correct.

[@tarekz9992]

Why is the dash so high in every sim I've seen. The windshield view is completely obstructed by the dash, a pillars, roll cage, and roof line. It's not a realistic representation visibility

[@elopobaconforpigsqc1061]

it is realistic. the dash itself is not that high, its just that the driver sits very low. Especially in GT3 cars

[@joecizin9357]

This "looks" appealing

[@McRay2001]

Best videoo I'ver seen. 30 fps and want to tell you about to take curves right. It's llike telling someone to shoot at the right time in a shooter with 30 fps against another with 144 fps. Big fail, sorry. What you are talking about is right, but isn't it better to show the difference playing with 60 Hz and playing with 144 Hz

[@grandgalloph1n1]

In other words all ur saying is look in the FUTURE !!! dont look where ur going look where you want to go.

[@MidEx216]

Whoa, that green-screened wall behind you (or whatever it is) totally messed with my eyes

[@thomasneit880]

Hello. No offence but you're talking about the same things in every video.

[@Neunzehnsechs]

To complicated. To much talking. To long. Bad video

[@dma968]

Idiot

[@jamesWilliams-pg4ye]

You're obviously not at the point where this makes sense to you, you need more practise. Or you might just be a little dumb.

[@radyon955]

Honestly stupid

[@Rekles]

Almost every video you make talks about vision for Gods sake where else would people be looking move on or I will