How fast is a pro racing driver at Winton Raceway? Josh Buchan vs me!

[@TheEarthwinders]

Not as big of a difference as I was expecting. Well done sir!

[@L2SFBC]

Thanks!

[@andrewahern3730]

I’m happy if I’m one second off the leaders at an autocross. That’s very impressive. I liked seeing the analysis and commentary.

[@L2SFBC]

Thanks! Yes 1 second on a 40 second track is different to 1 second at a 1.40 track!

[@chrishales9895]

Nice work Robert ---- very informative

[@LastTenth]

Awesome video! What an opportunity access a pro's telemetry, let alone ask him questions about it!

[@L2SFBC]

Thanks! And for anyone reading check out LastTenth for some seriously good analysis of speed techniques and how things work 👍

[@DarrenCoull]

Great video! A fascinating insight into the differences between drivers - I did notice in the first in-car footage that you seemed to be a little smoother on your steering inputs, which of course helps in some instances, but really great to see how you learned from his experience and got so close to his time! The confidence thing I am sure is also an age-related self-preservation situation :-)

[@L2SFBC]

Thanks Darren - I'm sure Josh could have shaved a bit more off yet, and then so could I...always another half-tenth to be found :-) As I spent more time in the car I became more confident with it too.

[@jonathansciacca7033]

Wow good work! Very technical and so interesting. Just bought an i30N and planning to enjoy some track days.

[@L2SFBC]

Have fun! Please share the video :-)

[@MiniLuv-1984]

I think age and weight makes a difference. Age especially because our reaction times only deteriorate with age so one is less likely to take as much risk knowing they can't react as fast and therefore may not recover. I find I go into corners with too much speed resulting in slower exit speeds. Its bloody hard to fight that compulsion when the adrenalin is flowing. These lessons are absolutely invaluable - even as a viewer, so thank you both.

[@L2SFBC]

Thanks, please share :-) Yes, you're right, as a 50 year old I have a disadvantage compared to Josh who is in his 20s. There's not many pro racers still competitive after 50, and those that are would have decades of experience on which to draw. However, with age can come a measure of calm and openness to learning which can more than offset decreased reaction times. Weight of driver doesn't make a significant difference when we're talking a car weight of 1450kg or more. I'd say the wind blowing one way or the other would be more significant.

[@carcontrolcommitment]

I’d also add that as an amateur you never fully reach your maximum potential, so whilst age may dim a few things, experience will balance it out, and as such as you get older you may get closer to an old pros pace as age does impact their speed.

[@L2SFBC]

I guess that's true - and the law of diminishing returns. There were drivers out there in Sedan Ns who were running 1.55s. I'm sure they could take 5 seconds off their times with a little coaching and practice, but there's no way Josh or I is taking 5 seconds off on that car!

[@PROofHAPPYWHEELS]

Great improvement

[@gaza2322]

I wish you were based in the UK. I would love to get some lessons from you in my Elise. Excellent video by the way.

[@L2SFBC]

The UK is home to many superb race driver trainers, no need for me! Thanks, please share :-)

[@carcontrolcommitment]

Good video, watching this from the other side of the world! Also a club racer and i20N owner. The 1s is a good effort, I always thinks that pros can just get in a car a max it out in 3 laps where as the rest of us take all day to reach the max. One thing I have noticed in my track driving is, being consistent on corner entry speeds. It’s so hard during a 10 lap session to turn in at the maximum speed possible every lap. Even taking account of tyre degradation. Would be interesting to see Josh’s opinion on that.

[@L2SFBC]

Hi - love your channel name! Yes you're right; the mere number don't tell the full story. I go into more detail at the support post l2sfbc.com/proamrace and for sure a pro will get their maximum quicker...and then stay there. The amateur will take longer, and be less consistent. So as you say the mere gap is not necessarily representative, and then there's racecraft and car management... As for turning in at the maximum speed; not sure if you mean maximum speed of the car, which will vary across the day esp on road tyres as they overheat, or consitency of the driver to get the most of the car? In the case of the Sedan I had to do a cool lap then a hot lap alternating as the brakes/tyres wouldn't take multiple hotlaps.

[@carcontrolcommitment]

@@L2SFBC I meant maximum speed for the corner. I.e if corner 3 at Winton has a turn in speed in that car of 100kph , can you do that every lap! I’m guessing there be a range of about 5-6ks over a 10’lap stint.

[@L2SFBC]

Well hopefully not that much but I see your point 👍

[@rcoltlyf]

Just been back over this - best FWD driving guide to Winton out there. Any chance you can share the track data on Serious-Racing?

[@L2SFBC]

I'm happy to email them to you contact me via the website

[@rcoltlyf]

Thanks for this - my guess was not too far off (1 sec). Great breakdown of Winton though I think calling yourself an 'average amateur track driver' is underselling yourself! 😂

[@L2SFBC]

Thank you!

[@PROofHAPPYWHEELS]

13:35 LOLL