Traqmate User Manual V1.0
June 14, 2005
Copyright © 2005 Track Systems Technologies, LLC
Page 35
Friction Circle
Many times you can get a quick idea of driver skill by simply looking at their Friction Circle plot. A
beginning driver will generally have a plot that appears like an inverted T with dips on the sides.
This is because they brake straight, get off the brakes, then turn.
As a driver gains experience, his Friction Circle will be much more triangular and follow the
perimeter of a triangle. This happens because the driver is transitioning from braking to turn-in in
a coordinated fashion. A very experienced driver’s Friction Circle will have a visible hole in the
center showing that the maximum grip of the car is being used at all times. When playing back in
real-time you can see the cursor go around the outside of the triangle.
To determine how much of the performance of the car is being utilized, do a skidpad test as
described in the vehicle performance section below.
Note "Hole"
Note "Dip"
Figure 31 - Friction Circle Comparison
