Where is the proper apex?

You may have heard or read discussion about taking the "proper" apex or "line" with respect to navigating turns on a track. Just what constitutes the proper line or apex anyway? The answer to this question is largely a matter of driver skill and ability as well as just how fast you wish to negotiate the turn. The following information provides some background into methods of turning and their potential consequences.

Early Apex (Red Line)

Danger Will Robinson! Taking an early apex is not the preferred method of negotiating a turn. This method has a fast entry into the turn but can have a difficult or "challenging" exit. Early apex turns are often accompanied by an early turn-in point where you start your turn away from the outside edge of the track and more towards the center. Other causes are entering the turn too fast or a car that has a tendency to understeer. The end result is the necessity of a very sharp turn that either the driver or the car may be unable to accomplish safely.

Late Apex (Yellow Line)

Late apex turning is a safe method but not the fastest way through a turn. This technique entails driving past the normal turn-in point then making a harder or sharper turn than normal and at a slower speed. This makes hitting the late apex very easy and requires that you "track-out" only 1/2 the width of the track. This is the conservative path to take.

Mid-Apex (Green Line)

The mid-apex is a balance between a fast entry and a fast exit. The turn is started from the outside edge of the track and aims to hit the midpoint of the turn on the inside edge. Finally, one tracks-out to the outside edge of the turn for a fast exit.