Understanding Traction Control vs Advanced Track and Yaw Correction

[ThatSilverCar]

I know there a quiet a few threads about this, but most seem to be more on discussing how to disable the "nannies". Now that I have some HDPE track time under my belt I feel I need to start getting a better grasp here. The manual seems sorta vague to me and it seems there is some discrepancy in how others think it works. I spent most of my track time in Sport mode as I wanted the nannies on (I'm aware of the extra rear brake wear), wanted some training wheels, but I HATE the throttle map. I wanted the stiffer suspension of Track mode but was never able to feel comfortable switching over to it due to my lack of knowledge.

So, I think (from experience and research); traction control is simply wheel spin, disable TC and now I should be able to have all the wheel spin I want but if the rear end get's loose and goes full cars and coffee the yaw correction of Advanced Track should catch me (or attempt to). I think I also understand that Advanced Track stays enabled in every driving mode unless explicitly disabled <insert full disable method here>.

I guess the root of my question is if I run in track mode on the track or on the street, does Advance Track still operate to control car rotation to help prevent me from walling myself at the track? Obviously nothing is 100% and driver intervention and skill comes into play etc. etc. I just want to know what to expect as I push the boundaries more and more. And I'm just nerdy and like to know how things work.

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[K4fxd]

Go to a larger parking lot and leave TC and Advance track on and try to do a doughnut. Then turn off TC and try again. Then turn off advance track and ride the merry-go-round.

Yes advance track will try to keep you from spinning out. It works pretty well but is overly intrusive, (my opinion) same with the TC. As you said nothing is perfect and you can spin out even with it all on but it does help especially if you give proper driver inputs when things go sideways. (pun intended)

 

[TonyT930]

Great question. I would like to know the answers to your questions as well.

 

[GTP]

I use Track Mode on track most of the time. Exceptions are wet track (Normal Mode), damp track (Sport mode).

It's really pretty simple. Just use Track mode next time. If you have been smooth on throttle to track-out so far, then you will be fine next time.

You may catch the beginning of a tank slapper if you misjudge the throttle amount or your tires' traction, but your normal reaction is to lift and the car straightens up immediately.

The real problem (that your post may be concerning you) is when you are driving the course pretty fast and you get two wheels off. Traction level obviously decreases a lot, and what happens next is not fully predictable. I've done that a few times, but since I have mellow reaction times , I've been able to not overreact, and then slow and control the car to get back on track. In that situation it really doesn't matter what mode you are in!

As for throttle mapping, I can't tell the difference between Sport and Track, and I'm pretty happy with them both.

 

[GTP]

The real problem (that your post may be concerning you) is when you are driving the course pretty fast and you get two wheels off. Traction level obviously decreases a lot, and what happens next is not fully predictable. I've done that a few times, but since I have mellow reaction times , I've been able to not overreact, and then slow and control the car to get back on track. In that situation it really doesn't matter what mode you are in!

One more thing about my point above. I have yet to try full traction control off and I can't imagine what the car might do in this 2 wheels off situation. It could be that the car remains fairly stable and allows me to slow and get back on.

I've read reports on 6g that a pro driver prefers traction fully off when pushing but I doubt I will ever reach that level of experience to notice, or to care.

 

[WItoTX]

OP, I think others have explained pretty well how TC/Advance Trak works. Now here is my two cents on to approach its use.

Turn it all off, slow down, and work on your mechanics, rather than keeping nanny's on. Smooth should 100% be your focus. Get an instructor in the car. Work on application of throttle, brake, and steering inputs. All with zero nanny's. Tell your instructor what you are doing, and ask him if he can feel when you actually apply throttle, start applying brakes, and how your steering inputs feel (Are they too abrupt, too slow, etc...). If he says he can't feel those initial inputs, you are doing it right.

That's what I would do personally. If you can, spend time on a wet track too. The wet really exacerbates abrupt changes in velocity, whether acceleration, braking, or linear grip. A good track day in the wet is worth it, especially since it sounds like you are not chasing PB's just yet.

We now know teaching kids how to ride bikes with training wheels only holds them back from riding on two wheels. Instead, we put them on a two wheel push bike, where they learn balance and steering. Then, all they have to learn is how to pedal. The same applies to the electric nannies.

Good luck, looking forward to hearing how it goes!

 

[WildHorse]

I think I also understand that Advanced Track stays enabled in every driving mode unless explicitly disabled <insert full disable method here>.

There's limits as to what AT will try to correct. I can easily make it throw up it's hands and say "phuk it, I'm out" . Ha-ha.

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