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If you wish to negotiate a curve while traveling at high speed, the largest radius should be followed through the curve in order to minimize the lateral forces acting on the car. However, in practice it doesn't really work this way. I have long noted that the car can actually be more stable while following a tighter line [smaller radius] than when following the maximum radius as mentioned above.
My thinking is that since the suspension is stiffer when under greater load, the car is, or at least can more stable even though greater lateral forces are experienced. At slower speeds it can feel like the car is floating- I assume that this is a comfort feature. Depending on the speed of the car and the radius of the curve, a sudden weight shift can occur can when the suspension compresses that could cause the car to lose traction, or even to roll. But if the curve is taken at a higher speed, or, if the radius of the curve is reduced, the suspension "sets" almost immediately and remains stable throughout the curve.
This would also explain in part why I was taught by an ex-pro to "set" for a turn in one move. Ideally, you only move the steering wheel twice for any turn - once on the approach, and once to exit. At high speeds, you never want to steer through the curve.
My thinking is that since the suspension is stiffer when under greater load, the car is, or at least can more stable even though greater lateral forces are experienced. At slower speeds it can feel like the car is floating- I assume that this is a comfort feature. Depending on the speed of the car and the radius of the curve, a sudden weight shift can occur can when the suspension compresses that could cause the car to lose traction, or even to roll. But if the curve is taken at a higher speed, or, if the radius of the curve is reduced, the suspension "sets" almost immediately and remains stable throughout the curve.
This would also explain in part why I was taught by an ex-pro to "set" for a turn in one move. Ideally, you only move the steering wheel twice for any turn - once on the approach, and once to exit. At high speeds, you never want to steer through the curve.
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