Curbing ‘The Line’ Apex The Track
THE LINE
A track is the physical road circuit. Its features can be divided into straight-aways and corners. The line is the ideal path around the track—the strategic theoretical route that minimizes the amount of time it takes to complete one lap. If the track is presented as the problem, then the line represents the solution. It is often the route that provides the driver with the largest navigable arc around corners, enabling higher entering and exiting speeds, and subsequently higher speeds in straightaways.
THE APEX
The apex is the ideal point in a curve at which the car should be closest to the inside of the track. This spot is generally around the midpoint of the corner’s arc (for constant radius corners). It’s consistent with a line that limits the time spent turning (as opposed to going straight), an act that necessitates a reduction in speed—which is in complete opposition to the point of owning a Jaguar car.
THE HAIRPIN
This anachronistic term refers to a corner that turns back on itself, resembling the curved end of a hairpin. It is not known who coined the term, or why they were wearing a hairpin at the time (speculatively, this may have also been the generation of the phrase “hold on to your hat”). The most common strategy for taking the hairpin is a long, wide outside line with a single late apex. This allows the driver to maintain a higher speed throughout the turn, and enter the following straight-away poised for aggressive acceleration.
THE CHICANE
This feature characteristically links two or more modest curves, creating additional turns in the road. As a rule, those who drive Jaguar cars rarely compromise, but when navigating a chicane it is necessary. In order to position your car for maximum speed through the pass, you must compromise your line, or decrease your speed, through one of the curves. The compromised corner should be the one that does not lead into the longest period of acceleration (i.e. the longest straightaway).
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