Apex the Turns and “Shorten” the Track

Now that you’re making crash-free laps because “slow is fast,” you can trim more tenths off your lap times with better line choices. The best lines maintain the car’s momentum, so you brake less and scrub less speed in the turns. The classic maneuver is called “apexing.” Note in the illustration how the seemingly sharp turn is made wider by entering and exiting “wide.” You’ll also find that apexing from turn to turn requires less severe steering inputs, which straightens the track; in some cases, you may be able to pass through linked turns and barely have to turn at all.

Nail the apex in every turn on the track and you will be rewarded with dramatically faster lap times.

Left: You aren’t likely to get this lucky on a real track, but the principle is the same: straight lines are shorter than curved ones. “Shortening” the track by using minimum steering reduces lap times.

Right: Unless traffic prevents it, “apex” the turns and use all of the track to maintain speed.