Originally Posted by
rcnewb2004
Hmm... wondering if i got this right...
basically the Error is equal (average lap time) - (time of fastest lap)?
Coming from a highschool stats background... basing this on a crap assumption that lap times are approximately normally distributed, (i guess if we have many lap times, and keeping all else consistent (not really possible) it "should" approach a normal distribution. If someone has a real stats background... do correct me...), then the Error is basically half the "width" of the standard distribution curve?
The goal then is to decrease the error (making the "width" of the peak smaller)?
Could I re-understand this as measuring the standard deviation in lap times as a better indication of "better driver"?
Sorry for the questions... I get lost very easily...
The goal is to decrease your error. But the goal is to do it with the fastest possible package. The best use is to compare yourself with drivers around you in any main or qualifier. I find the fastest qualifier is a good spot to look. Mains can get rough.
A lot of this stemmed from people griping about motors... "If I had this guys motor, I'd whip all you guys"...
You could conceivably, and for sake of debate, put your error on his fast lap and see how the car would have been with you at the wheel.
Lot of assumptions, but it works out most of the time. Also, a driver that is a serious wheel would very likely pull a lower error number, driving your car. I hate when that happens to me, but I've seen it happen. What that means is that there is a piece of the puzzle that can still be improved, the driver.
It's a package. It's about maximizing your package and it's potential, and you won't know if it's good enough until you can compare it either to a different setup of your own, or a different driver.
What's faster, a package you can drive to a 10.4 with an error of .560 or a package you can drive to a 10.5 with a .430?
The 10.5 with the .430 is the car you want to take into the main. Easier to drive, and faster (overall).
Setup a car that is loose, and one that is pushy. Run some good laps, watch the error.