Sebring is one of the bumpiest tracks on the 2022 Pro Invitational Calendar and provides a unique challenge for the drivers particularly when it comes to car setup. But what else factors into being successful around one of the most famous racing circuits in America? We got the run down and inside scoop from Evolution Racing Team driver Brad Ryan.
1 - Braking
Sebring is a very challenging track with a mixture of braking zones. You have heavy Straightline braking into turns 3, 7 and 10 that require a Stable and quick stopping car to maximise lap time and be able to make passes during the race. However, for turns 1, 13 and 17 you need a lot of rear bias and good trail braking ability to avoid front locking and ending up of the road. It is a challenging track that requires a very well-balanced braking car in order maximise lap time and importantly achieve lap time consistency in race running.
2 - Bumps and Setup
Sebring is a very bumpy track and of course some of the biggest bumps are in the middle of already tricky braking zones. Spending time tuning your suspension will be key to finding lap time. The supercar is a tricky car to setup and were you find time in one area you will most likely have to compromise in another so finding a happy balance will be critical.
3 - Qualifying
The Logitech G Pro Invitational has 40 of the best drivers making up the grid so qualifying is so important if you want leave Sebring with a good result. Whilst 20 minutes sounds like a fair bit of time to set a fast lap, you don't want to be leaving it to the last minute to get that lap in. Sebring is long lap but managing traffic and staying in sync with the field will be very important.
4 - Strategy
If you don't have the greatest qualifying session strategy will be important to getting you back into the race, With the weather predicted to be pretty warm we can expect to see high track temperatures for the race and therefore, more tyre degradation over a stint. Do you come in early and attempt the undercut? or stay out and hope the overcut will work. Being a fast driver is important but in Sim racing a lot of drivers need to also make these decisions on the fly and in the heat of the race so those with a clear head and good pre-race planning will come out on top.
5 - Controlling the Nerves
The Logitech G pro invitational is going to be super competitive and all 40 drivers want to walk away with the title at the end of the year. It starts with round 1 and drivers who can handle the nerves and be smart during the race will set the foundations for a good championship tilt.
