Originally Posted by jf+

Just throwing this out there, would love to get a good discussion going:

As a RC racing amateur, I'm just not sure I'm doing it right. I've gone through the growing pains of "upgrade-itis", I've broken just about everything once (some things twice), I've roached perfectly good tires in one day thanks to poor throttle control... but I've always let the quicker guys pass, try to help out the very few who are greener than I, and always hand out whatever parts I might have to those in need freely. Basically, I've got some etiquette but little talent.

The question is, talking about the beloved B4.1, how do you use your brakes?

For some reason, I have a terrible tendency to not brake unless absolutely necessary. I'm a decent real-world driver, I've played a million hours of Gran Turismo, and I understand racing lines. But with this little car, all of that seems to go out the window. I use drag brake to slow me down approaching a corner, because I want to avoid losing momentum, and I don't want to be an obstacle for the guy behind me (who's invariably about to pass). I feel like the acceleration throw on my gun is three inches, but the braking throw is six millimeters. There just doesn't feel like much room between a gentle deceleration and full-on stomping on the brakes. I don't want to get into an equipment debate, I'm asking about technique.

Are you tapping the brakes at certain intervals coming into a hairpin, for instance, are you somehow able to skillfully modulate your braking with a measured flick of the index finger, are you using drag brake at all, are you braking early or late (as a general rule), are you braking and turning to throw your tail out to cause a drift situation?

I've watched several races from the marshall's view, but I guess I've been too apprehensive to just stare at the other drivers' hands. It'd look a little weird. So, any insight I can get from the experienced folks in here is definitely appreciated.