LINE (RACING)

(Redirected from Apex (racing))

In racing sports, the 'ideal line' is the inside part of a curve where the vehicle is nearest to the inside curb in order to maintain the maximum velocity around the track. The 'apex' or 'clipping point' is often used in motorsport, though other racing sports such as skiing and bicycling have similar concepts of an ideal line.
When analyzing a single corner, the optimum line is one that minimizes the time spent in the corner and maximizes the overall speed (of the vehicle) through the corner.
The 'apex' is often but not always, the geometric center of the turn. Hitting the apex allows the vehicle to take the straightest line and maintain the highest speed through that specific corner. It is also the tightest part of a corner.
Also, in drifting one should aim the front of the car towards the apex to initiate a high-angle drift. High-angle drifting keeps the front of the car facing the apex, blocking the opponent from overtaking.
The racing-line is taken to minimize the amount of side-wards roll the car experiences. Less wheel turn will translate into less roll (compared to turning more) and less tire wear against the ground, especially in the wheel of the drive train.